Global NEST Journal

ISSN:

Print ISSN: 1790-7632

Electronic ISSN: 2241-777X

Volume 17 - 2015

Articles

Assessment of the climate change impacts on the water resources of the Luni region, India

Pechlivanidis I.G., Olsson J., Sharma D., Bosshard T. and Sharma K.C., Pages:29-40

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001370

Paper Topic:

Climate Change Impacts and Societal Adaptation in the Indian Subcontinent

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Climate change is expected to have a strong impact on water resources at the local, regional and global scales. In this study, the impact of climate change on the hydro-climatology of the Luni region, India, is investigated by comparing statistics of current and projected future fluxes resulting from three representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5). The use of different scenarios allows for the estimation of uncertainty of future impacts. The projections are based on the CORDEX-South Asia framework and are bias-corrected using the DBS method before being entered into the HYPE (HYdrological Predictions for the Environment) hydrological model to generate predictions of runoff, evapotranspiration, soil moisture deficit, and applied irrigation water to soil. Overall, the high uncertainty in the climate projections is propagated in the impact model, and as a result the spatiotemporal distribution of change is subject to the climate change scenario. In general, for all scenarios, results show a -20 to +20% change in the long-term average precipitation and evapotranspiration, whereas more pronounced impacts are expected for runoff (-40 to +40% change). Climate change can also affect other hydro-climatic components, however, at a lower impact. Finally, the flow dynamics in the Luni River are substantially affected in terms of shape and magnitude.

Climate Change Adaptation in Urban India An Approach for Inclusive Formulation of Local Adaptation Strategies

Jonsson A.C., Rydhagen B., Wilk J., Feroz A.R., Rani A. and Kumar A., Pages:61-71

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001369

Paper Topic:

Climate Change Impacts and Societal Adaptation in the Indian Subcontinent

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Issue 1

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Abstract

In Kota, the third largest city of Rajasthan, poverty levels are high in many areas and there is a great need to assess the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of different societal groups and sectors to the impacts of climatic variability and change, and to formulate sustainable planning strategies. The city is a large rapidly growing centre (but not a megacity), facing a varied and challenging water situation and anticipated harmful effects of climate change. The methodological approach involves participatory workshops with key stakeholders in urban administration to identify vulnerabilities, and discuss concrete strategies for increasing the adaptive capacity of the most vulnerable areas and sectors. The paper focuses on water resource planning (storm, potable, and wastewater), since it is already a challenging societal issue and one which will become even more critical in the future with climate change. We aim to contribute to improved urban water management for sustainable climate change adaptation in developing countries through an improved methodology of vulnerability assessments, capacity building and social learning, and a deeper empirical understanding of an urban context in Central India.

Assessing the Effects of Participation in IPCC: Implications for Capacity Building of Scientists of Developing Nations in Adaptation and Mitigation Research

Singh A. Patwardhan A., Pages:22-28

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001322

Paper Topic:

Climate Change Impacts and Societal Adaptation in the Indian Subcontinent

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Issue 1

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Abstract

One of major limitations in getting unbiased and balanced approach towards current climate change problem is inadequate participation of scientists from developing countries in IPCC assessment process. Current shortcomings in involving an adequate number of scientists from developing countries and to propose approaches to address this issue have been addressed in this paper. Implications of the involvement to climate change adaptation and mitigation research have been discussed at length. Scientific output of scientists is an important indicator of their career growth and also significant motivator for enhancing participation in IPCC assessment process. Impact of involvement of scientists in IPCC in terms of their scientific output has been assessed. We have made a statistical analysis of the origin of experts in the past assessment reports to reflect the participation. Scientific output in the form of number of peer reviewed papers published has been obtained and statistical t-test carried out for the significant change. The paper describes the results from these analyses and proposes appropriate recommendations for participation and capacity building.

Effect of operational conditions on removal of 4-chlorophenol in water using UV/NiO process

Assadi A., Alimoradzadeh R., Nasseri S. and Mehrasbi M.R., Pages:118-129

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001479

Paper Topic:

Water and Wastewater Treatment

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Abstract

This study present the removal of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP) from water by nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. Photodegradation was compared using different processes in a batch reactor with medium-pressure mercury lamp irradiation. The effects of operating conditions such as feed concentration of reactants, catalyst load, pH, and half-life time on photodegradation system were evaluated. The results showed that photodegradation using UV/NiO system in the presence of H₂O₂ were much more effective than using either UV/H₂O₂ or UV/NiO processes. The optimum conditions for the complete degradation of 4-CP were achieved at a neutral pH, with 0.2 mol l^-1 H₂O₂, and 0.05 g l^-1 of NiO. However, no significant pH effects were observed in the range of 4-10. Also, the best TOC removal and Cl^- ions formation results were achieved by combined system with 48 and 80%, respectively. The illuminated NiO nanoparticles had lower influence on the degradation of 4-CP but dramatically promoted the mineralization of 4-CP. For all these reactions, the degradation rates are evaluated by determining their first-order rate constants and half-life times. The reaction rate constants ranged from 0.0003 min⁻¹ by direct photolysis to 0.029 min⁻¹ and 0.083 min⁻¹ using UV/NiO in absent and presence of H₂O₂, respectively.

Analysing Pressures and Threats on the Southern Wetlands of Iran with the Application of RAPPAM Methodology (Case study: Khuzestan Province)

Sabzghabaei G.R., Monavari S.M., Riazi B., Khorasani N. and Karami M. , Pages:344-356

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001468

Paper Topic:

Ecosystems and Natural Resources Management

Issue:

Issue 2

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Abstract

Wetlands are sensitive ecosystems. They provide various services to man, but have been degraded to a large extent. Wetlands are of great importance, therefore they should be evaluated and monitored periodically in a planned way. Undoubtedly, identifying threatening factors for wetlands properly and accurately, based on their importance and the extent to which they affect the wetlands, can provide the right context for preventing and fighting against these factors, and also preparing and implementing plans related to the protection of wetlands, as well as their environmental management. Khuzestan province is located in the south west of Iran and has huge wetland ecosystems in it. In this study, first the most important factors of pressure and threat for four wetlands in Khuzestan province were identified based on the Delphi method. Then, the key factors identified were scored based on RAPPAM methodology. The results showed that there are 22 major pressure and threat factors in the Shadegan wetland, 15 factors in the Hoor_Al_Azim wetland, 10 factors in the Miangaran wetland and nine factors in the Bamdezh wetland. Factors such as road construction, dam construction, hunting, fishing, the discharge of urban and industrial sewage into wetlands, and drought have placed the highest level of pressure and threat imaginable upon the wetlands of the province. Analysing and comparing the cumulative rate (CR) of pressure and threat factors, which is the sum of the means of the scores obtained from pressure or threat factors for each area of wetlands, showed that among the wetlands of Khuzestan province, Hoor_Al_Azim wetland with a pressure factor of 458.5 CR and threat of 484.5 CR, and Miangaran wetland with a pressure factor of 204.5 CR and a threat of 209.5 CR have the highest and lowest scores of threats and pressure of among the other wetlands, respectively.

Therefore, Hoor_Al_Azim wetland should receive a higher degree of attention with respect to management, or reducing or eliminating stressful factors.

Reservoir operation using hybrid optimization algorithms

Ho V.H. Kougias I. Kim J.H., Pages:103-117

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001461

Paper Topic:

Water Resources Management

Issue:

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Abstract

In the present paper, the authors present a new hybrid optimization technique toward optimum reservoir planning and operation. The basis of the developed hybrid algorithms is the combination of harmony search (HS) and incremental dynamic programming (IDP). This resulted in the development of a new algorithm and two variants, all of which are described in detail. The algorithms were used for optimally operating the Huong Dien hydroelectric dam, located in the Hue Basin in central Vietnam.

Initially, the authors designed the model that describes the water balance equation and the operation of the hydroelectric station. The developed algorithms were then used for defining the optimum reservoir operation (ORO), using observed records of the years 1997-2005. The aims of ORO include maximum hydropower energy production, flood prevention and ensuring drinking/irrigation water availability.

In addition to that, the present study investigated probable future alterations in the reservoir’s operation. The hybrid algorithm that showed the best performance in the first phase was selected for processing meteorological data of different future climate scenarios (2020-2039). Following the calibration of the climate model on observed data, the created hybrid method optimized the operation of Huong Dien reservoir, indicatively for the target-year 2020. Finally, the ranges of the decision variables that result in the best management have been defined, offering a framework for efficient scheduling under environmental change.

Willingness-to-Pay and Preference Heterogeneity for Service Attributes of Solid Waste Management: An Experience in Kolkata, India

Hazra T. Goel S. Maitra B., Pages:82-92

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001459

Paper Topic:

Solid Waste Management

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

The effects of various socioeconomic characteristics on Willingness-to-Pay (WTP) values for service attributes of Solid Waste Management (SWM) were evaluated in this study. The Stated Choice (SC) data collected from respondents in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) area, India were analyzed using Random Parameter Logit (RPL) models. Education and household income were found to have statistically significant decomposition effects on mean estimates of several SWM attributes. High income and/or high education were well-correlated to higher WTP values for most of the service attributes. The results show that due consideration to socioeconomic characteristics is necessary while formulating measures for improvement of SWM service in an urban area. This work also demonstrates potential application of RPL models for investigating the effect of socioeconomic characteristics on WTP values, and successful application of constrained triangular distribution in RPL models.

Optimization study of dye removal by cement kiln dust using the central composite design of experiments

Semra Çoruh and Sermin Elevli, Pages:93-102

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001423

Paper Topic:

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Designed experiments are used to systematically examine the relationship between response variable and a set of experimental factors. In this study, 2³ factorial design with center points was used to verify the selected experimental factors influence the removal efficiency and linearity assumption is not valid. Optimization experiments were then done to determine the best settings of the experimental factors and define the nature of curvature. Central Composite Design was used to fit a second-degree model since it was possible to build the previous 2³ factorial design up into a central composite design by adding axial points. According to optimization results, the removal efficiency is maximized when concentration:110 mg l^-1, dosage: 22 g l^-1 and reaction time: 123 min. The predicted yield at these settings is 99.4623%.

Analysis of rainfall and drought in Rajasthan state, India

Mundetia N. and Sharma D., Pages:12-21

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001379

Paper Topic:

Climate Change Impacts and Societal Adaptation in the Indian Subcontinent

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Issue 1

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Abstract

Rainfall indices and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) were obtained for Rajasthan State characterized as the most sensitive and vulnerable state in India. Daily rainfall data of 35 years (1971-2005) for 31 well-spread stations were used to generate critical area maps. From the analysis of rainfall indices, it is observed that few stations situated in east and south-eastern side in the state have shown high negative change for annual and monthly rainfall but not such negative change is observed in the case of average number of wet days for the same stations. Similarly from SPI drought analysis both short term and long term, higher tendency of mild droughts is observed than moderate and severe droughts with a noticeable increase in occurrence of severe droughts on longer time scales. The study describes importance of SPI and rainfall indices in understanding the climate change impacts and droughts to provide better assessment and management aspects for the society.

Searching evidence for the existence of evaporation paradox in arid environments of northwest India

Jhajharia D., Singh V.P., Kumar R. and Choudhary R.R., Pages:3-11

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.001356

Paper Topic:

Climate Change Impacts and Societal Adaptation in the Indian Subcontinent

Issue:

Issue 1

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Abstract

Trends in pan evaporation (E_pan) and temperature were identified through the Mann-Kendall test over Jaisalmer to probe the existence of evaporation paradox in arid environments of Thar Desert, northwest India. We also analyzed trends in rainfall, relative humidity, wind speed, and sunshine duration in the context of climate change. Decreasing trends in E_panwere witnessed over Jaisalmer in the months of January, June, October and November in the range of -2.04 to -4.1 mm/year. Significant rainfall decreases were witnessed in the three crucial months of monsoon season, i.e., July, August and September, in range of -0.23 to -1.25 mm/year. Increasing trends in mean temperature were witnessed corresponding to annual and monthly (January, April, September, October and November) time scales in the range of 0.03 to 0.07 °C/year. The simultaneous E_pandecrease and temperature rise at Jaisalmer confirmed the existence of evaporation paradox in the months of winter and post-monsoon seasons, which may be due to decreases in wind speed and bright sunshine hours. The increase in temperature along with decreases in E_pan, rainfall, sunshine duration, and wind speed over Jaisalmer may have far reaching consequences for the fragile ecosystem of the Thar Desert.

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Volume 17 - 2015

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