bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water‐Availability Assessment and Corresponding Public‐Health Implications for a Rural Area in Nigeria
Authors: Uzomah V. C. , Scholz M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a case study which describes water‐availability problems and corresponding public‐health implications for a rural area in Nigeria. A water‐availability assessment was carried out in eight villages which are controlled by the Jalingo Local Government of Taraba State. Questionnaires were used to obtain data from sixty households (approximately 650 participants) concerning issues of water‐supply sources, water quantity, water quality and community participation in water‐resources projects. It was found that (i) community well water is the major source of water, (ii) 35% of the inhabitants depend on well water during the wet season, and (iii) 69% depend on it during the dry season. About 80% of the households have access to less than 30 litres of water per person per day and, because of low water availability, there is a prevalence of water‐related diseases.
DECAY OF ESCHERICHIA COLI IN SOIL FOLLOWING THE APPLICATION OF BIOSOLIDS TO AGRICULTURAL LAND
Authors: Lang N. L. , Smith S. R. , Bellett‐Travers D. M. , Pike E. B. , Rowlands C. L. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe decay of Escherichia coli in a sandy loam soil, amended with enhanced and conventionally treated biosolids, was investigated in a field experiment following spring and autumn applications of sewage sludge. Control soils, without the application of biosolids, were also examined to determine the background indigenous populations of E. coli which are present in the environment. The survival of indigenous E coli and populations of E coli applied to soil in biosolids, is assessed in relation to environmental factors influencing pathogen‐decay processes in soil.
FACTORS AFFECTING MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY AT SIXTEEN BEACHES IN SOUTH‐WEST WALES
Authors: Edwards P. J. , Headley A. S. , Machin F. H. , Scarr A. M. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTRoutine monitoring data from 1993 to 1999 were analysed to elucidate relationships between microbiological water quality and enviranmental conditions at sixteen EC identified bathing waters in South‐West Wales. The objective was (a) to gain an understanding of the factors affecting non‐compliance with the guideline standard of the EC Bathing Waters Directive, (b) to aid the development of action plans for improved bathing‐water quality, and (c) to enable effective targeting of future investigations. The analyses demonstrated relationships between water quality and rainfall, sunshine, tidal range, tidal state, time of sampling, time of year, wind speed, wind direction, state of sea, transparency, river flows, river quality, salinity and temperature. The temporal and spatial variability in water quality shown by this study also highlights the need to ensure that monitoring programmes represent conditions at the times and locations of greatest bathing‐water use.
ADAPTING LOW‐FLOW FREQUENCY ANALYSIS FOR USE WITH SHORT‐PERIOD RECORDS
Authors: Zaidman M. D. , Keller V. , Young A. R. , Wall A. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTLow‐flow frequency analysis techniques are robust only where the flow record is relatively long and the flow regime is known to be stationary over time. If applied to short‐period flow records. low‐flow frequency analysis can give poor or misleading results. This paper examines the effectiveness of data‐transfer methods for improving the characterisation of low‐flow frequency relationships for gauged sites with flow records of less than fifteen years.Two transfer methods were considered. In each case the sequence of annual minimum flows from an analogue catchment was used to provide extra information about the sequence of flows at the site of interest. Transposing the standardised probability distribution function of annual minima between analogue sites worked where their flow records were highly correlated. However, better results were obtained where recurrence intervals for observations at the subject site were estimated from recurrence intervals for the same years in the analogue record.
COMPARISON OF THE LONG‐TERM SECURITY OF SEWAGE‐SLUDGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OPTIONS
Authors: Rudd T. , Simpson A. , Lowe P. , Dearsley T. , Bane T. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTA comparative ‘best practicable environmental option’ assessment of fourteen potential sewage‐sludge treatment processes and disposal options was undertaken to support the development of Thames Water's sewage‐sludge strategy. The assessment was generic in nature and designed to provide comparative performance data on a range of potential process options forming the basis for subsequent site‐specific assessments. The study assessed: the relative technical practicability of each process option; the discounted costs of each option (including necessary environmental‐mitigation measures); environmental sustainability; and environmental nuisance. The assessment was quantitative wherever possible.The paper (a) describes the evaluation process. (b) highlights some weaknesses and strengths of the technique, and (c) demonstrates that the technique should form an essential first step in the development of any sludge treatment and disposal strategy.
THE UK COAL AUTHORITY MINEWATER‐TREATMENT SCHEME PROGRAMME: PERFORMANCE OF OPERATIONAL SYSTEMS
Authors: Banks S. B. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper summarises the performance of minewater‐treatment schemes which are operated under the Coal Authority's National Minewater Treatment Programme. Commonly‐used design criteria and performance indicators are briefly discussed, and the performance of wetland systems which are operated by the Coal Authority is reviewed. Most schemes for which data are available remove more than 90% iron, and average area‐adjusted iron‐removal rates range from 1.5 to 5.5 g Fe/m2. d. These values, which are based on performance calculations, can be distorted by several factors, including the practice of maximising wetland areas to make best use of available land. Removal rates are limited by influent iron loadings, and area‐adjusted iron‐removal rates should be used with caution when assessing wetland performance. Sizing criteria for all types of treatment system might be refined if more detailed data become available.
ASSESSMENT OF THE RESTORATION POTENTIAL OF THE LOGONE FLOOD‐PLAIN (CAMEROON)
Authors: Evans S. Y. , Bradbrook K. , Braund R. , Bergkamp G. 
Published: July 2007

Over the last thirty years, floodplain ecosystems in West Africa have been extensively damaged or destroyed by the construction of major agricultural and hydro‐electric infrastructure. In many cases this has induced a serious loss of biodiversity and reduced the potential to produce economic benefits for the local population from fishing, flood‐recession agriculture, dry‐season grazing and groundwater recharge. In 1993, in order to address the degradation of the Logone floodplain, the World Conservation Union initiated a floodplain‐restoration project.In order to study the feasibility and effectiveness of a larger‐scale restoration, a sophisticated one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model was developed. This paper describes the results of modelling various options for this restoration under three climatic scenarios (good, average, poor). Results indicate that, for ‘good’ years, up to 93% of the degraded floodplain can be re‐inundated through a major adjustment of the existing infrastructure, without compromising other floodplain uses such as the irrigated agriculture and reservoir fisheries. The extension of model use for restoration assessment in other floodplains is also examined.
THE WATER EFFICIENCY OF RETROFIT DUAL‐FLUSH TOILETS: EXPERIENCE FROM SOUTHERN ENGLAND
Authors: Keating T. , Howarth D. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTIn Water Resources Plan submissions to the Environment Agency in 1999, water companies predicted increases in demand over the next twenty‐five years. With significant environmental and economic constraints on new resource developments, attention has focused upon the potential savings that water‐efficiency measures can achieve.The use of water for toilet flushing accounts for about 30% of household consumption, thereby offering considerable potential for water saving. The conversion of existing single‐flush siphonic cisterns to dual‐flush operation could be one method of achieving a desired reduction in water use, in accordance with the ‘twin‐track’ approach to balancing supply and demand.This small study, which was jointly funded by Southern Water and the Environment Agency, sought to measure the effectiveness of dual‐flush toilets in reducing water consumption through an eight‐month study of five retrofit devices which were installed in thirty‐three unmetered domestic properties in West Sussex.
A METHOD TO IDENTIFY CHALK RIVERS AND ASSESS THEIR NATURE‐CONSERVATION VALUE
Authors: Smith P. A. , Dosser J. , Tero C. , Kite N. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTChalk rivers have been identified as providing an important habitat for a number of species; however, there are no formal defining criteria, and designation is problematical. This paper defines a chalk river and describes a methodology for identification, using information which is routinely collected by the Environment Agency. The general approach is suitable for a variety of areas within the UK and, for illustrative purposes, has been applied to LincoInshire. To demonstrate an application of this method, the nature‐conservation value of Lincolnshire chalk rivers was assessed. Compared with other chalk‐river systems in the UK, the Lincolnshire rivers were found to contain fewer species of macrophytes, invertebrates and mammals but a comparable diversity of fish.
EXPLORATION OF AQUIFER MANAGEMENT OPTIONS USING A GROUNDWATER MODEL
Authors: Shepley M. G. , Taylor A. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTA methodology is described for harnessing the predictive capacity of a groundwater model to underpin aquifer management decisions for changing abstraction within a licensing regulatory framework. The use of a ‘baseline predictive simulation’ is advocated from both aquifer management and scientific perspectives, and an example of groundwater modelling predictive work on the Nottingham‐Doncaster Sherwood Sandstone aquifer system is used to illustrate the methodology. Differences between the baseline predictive simulation and a predictive simulation are processed to extract quantitative information (spatially and temporally) on the response to changes in aquifer stresses. An explanation is given on the use of this information to aid aquifer management decisions for achieving environmental targets. The importance of the aquifer diffusivity with respect to a predictive simulation exercise is highlighted.
PHYSICAL HABITAT ASSESSMENT IN URBAN RIVERS UNDER FUTURE FLOW SCENARIOS
Authors: Booker D. J. , Dunbar M. J. , Shamseldin A. , Durr C. , Acreman M. C. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTRiver corridors in urban environments provide areas of biodiversity which are important for both aesthetic and economic reasons. A physical habitat model, which was used to assess urban rivers in Birmingham, UK, was applied to pairs of selected reaches to represent differing levels of habitat diversity on three rivers. The results for different life‐stages of dace, roach and chub suggest that the worst physical habitat occurs in highly modified channels and at the highest flows. Four scenarios, which were designed to represent alterations in flow regime caused by changes in management practices, were calculated using the hydrological model. Changes in physical habitat created by changes to the flow regime were assessed using a consistent, replicable method. It was shown that an increase in runoff would have detrimental effects in all cases, and that less engineered sites would benefit more from flow reductions. The lack of a suitable habitat for fry is shown to be a limiting factor for fish at all sites.
THE IMPACT OF MECHANICAL RELIABILITY ON THE FINANCIAL RETURN OF A WATER‐RECYCLING PLANT
Authors: Lodge B. , Judd S. J. , Smith A. J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper presents results from the assessment of the financial viability of a water‐recycling plant based on an estimate of ‘net present value’, including the impact of mechanical reliability. The ‘net present value’of the former 0.6 Ml/d greywater recovery and re‐use plant at the Millennium Dome, London was calculated over an expected lifetime of 20 years and a capital cost of £2.2 million. A detailed analysis of the mechanical faults and shutdowns at the plant showed an improvement in reliability from 73.8% to 91.2%, attainable by investing in a dedicated critical‐spares facility. Defining the break‐even price of water as the price for which ‘net present value’is zero, the model showed the break‐even price to decrease from £1.61/m3 to £1.40/m3 by increasing reliability over the above range of values. The paper discusses the implications of this research for water‐recycling applications in general.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS FOR MINEWATER TREATMENT: PERFORMANCE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Authors: Wiseman I. M. , Edwards P. J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWetlands were constructed between 1995 and 1999 to treat discharges from abandoned coalmines in the Pelenna Valley, South Wales. This was one of the first and most comprehensive demonstrations of passive minewater treatment technology in Europe, incorporating aerobic and anaerobic cells, including ‘reducing and alkalinity‐producing systems. The wetlands were monitored to assess their performance and longevity and were found to remove 82‐96% of the incoming iron, with no decline in treatment performance over the monitoring period to 2002. Oxidation was found to be the dominant iron‐removal process, even in vertical‐flow cells which were designed to utilise anaerobic processes. Factors limiting the longevity of iron‐removal processes were identified. maintenance requirements were highlighted and life‐span predictions were calculated for the systems. The wetlands were shown to be an effective and low maintenance (but not maintenance‐free) method of treating net‐acidic and net‐alkaline minewater.
ECOLOGICAL RISK‐ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY: A UK CASE STUDY FOR LANDFILLS
Authors: Redfearn A. , Roberts D. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe paper presents an ecological risk‐assessment methodology which (a) addresses surface‐water exposures to aquatic mammals and birds, and (b) accounts for long‐term accumulation and biomagnification of pollutants. The methodology has been adapted from those developed in the USA for compliance with US Environmental Protection Agency requirements, and combines predicted or measured surface‐water concentration data with information on the natural history of wildlife species and chemical‐specific bioaccumulation factors, to determine whether estimated exposures would exceed toxicological criteria. Whilst the methodology is applied to metals in leachate discharges from landfill sites, the general approach is applicable to other industrial sites. The approach could provide the basis for a shift towards more numerical risk‐based ecological assessments in a wide variety of contexts.
EARTH‐BANKED TANKS FOR THE WINTER STORAGE OF ANIMAL SLURRY
Authors: Scully H. A. , Purcell P. J. , Gleeson T. N. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTInadequate animal slurry storage has become an important issue in the agricultural sector in Ireland, and the lack of adequate conventional storage capacity has resulted in the spreading of slurry on land at inappropriate times of the year. This can lead to inefficient nutrient recycling and possible enrichment of adjacent surface and groundwaters. However, the largest contributor from agriculture to this enrichment is considered to be from farmyard leakage, rather than overland flow. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of using earth‐banked tanks as an alternative and economical means of winter storage for animal and other farmyard wastes. The paper describes an investigation into the use of such a tank at one location. Slurry infiltration rates, groundwater‐level changes and groundwater‐quality measurements at the tank site are reported. The study demonstrates that, if properly constructed using adequately compacted and suitable soil, earth‐banked tanks can be successfully used to temporarily, store highly‐polluting liquids such as animal slurries.
SEWAGE RE‐USE IN MAURITIUS
Authors: Amblin G. J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTWhen completed, the sewage‐treatment works at St. Martin will serve nearly a third of Mauritius’1.1 million population. In addition to protecting the marine environment, it will provide a valuable source of water to supplement irrigation supplies to west‐coast sugar‐cane plantations.This paper explains (i) the treatment‐process selection which favoured conventional activated sludge over extended aeration, (ii) the need for nutrient removal, (iii) the choice of UV treatment for disinfection, and (iv) the problem of dye discharges from the textile industry. It also describes the complexity of the control system which is designed to (a) supply tertiary effluent to the irrigation canals blended with surface‐water supplies to avoid sodium accumulation in the soils. (b) avoid flooding of the canals, and (c) provide an emergency stormoverflow discharge via the same common outfall pipe to the sea.
EXPERIENCE OF ACTIVATED‐SLUDGE BULKING IN THE UK
Authors: Horan N. , Lavender P. , Cowley E. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe predominant filamentous bacteria which are found in bulking activated sludge in the UK have been assessed from a microscopic analysis of samples taken over a three‐year period. There were major differences in the floc biology of samples received from plants treating predominantly domestic wastewaters and those of industrial origin. Most samples (84%) of domestic origin were dominated by two filament types: Microthrix parvicella was the dominant filament in 63% of the samples and Type 021N dominated in 21% of the samples. Nostocoida limicola and Sphaerotilus natans dominated in the remaining 16% of samples. The samples of industrial origin showed much greater filament diversity, with eight filament types routinely observed in high numbers. Type 021N was the most prevalent and M. parvicella was not observed in the industrial samples. Many domestic samples from sequencing batch reactors were dominated by M. parvicella. Based upon knowledge of the predominant filament type from microscopic examination. it was possible to identify the likely causes for their proliferation and suggest long‐term solutions to achieve their eradication.
BYBROOK BARN GARDEN CENTRE v KENT COUNTY COUNCIL: CULVERTS AND LIABILITY FOR FLOODING
Authors: Allitt R. , Moody N. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTOn 12 August 1996, a storm occurred which resulted in the flooding of Bybrook Barn Garden Centre at Ashford (Kent), a doctor's surgery, and part of the M20 motorway. This was the latest in a long history of flooding incidents and prompted a case being brought against the highway authority (Kent County Council). The flood was caused by the inadequate capacity of a culvert under a highway. The culvert had been adequate when constructed in the 1930s, but had become inadequate over a period of time as a result of increased upstream development. The claim succeeded before the Court of Appeal in 2000. It was stated that Kent County Council had failed in its duty, in that it had failed to take reasonable steps to enlarge the culvert once it was aware of the flood risk. The decision represents an extension of the law of nuisance. Liability had not been imposed in these circumstances before.
PILOT DOOR‐TO‐DOOR ESTATE RECYCLING SERVICES IN INNER‐CITY LONDON
Authors: Alexiou Loannis E. , Moore Les 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe implementation of the EU Landfill Directive in the UK demands high rates of recycling by local councils and regional waste authorities. Currently recycling is either carried out at cost intensive materials recycling facilities (MRF) or through separate collection services. Collection of separate materials is undertaken in inner‐city boroughs of London mainly through bring‐banks, which are often severely contaminated, and by kerbside collections from street properties. However, the provision of door‐to‐door collections in inner‐city estates has not been widely used yet, because of the lack of data to assess the potential and costs of such recycling services. In this paper a detailed assessment of a pilot door‐to‐door recycling service is presented. This pilot was carried out for a year by a local not‐for‐profit company in two inner‐city estates in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets (LBTH).
IMPACT OF OPTIMISED CONTROL OF THE PRE‐COAGULATION REGIME DURING ULTRA‐FILTRATION TREATMENT OF RAW UPLAND WATERS
Authors: Price Robert , Hankins Nick 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe effect of controlling the pre‐coagulation regime on downstream ultrafiltration of raw upland waters has been investigated. It has been shown that zeta potential can be used to detect changes in the coagulation process and hence to determine appropriate dosage levels. This is important, as incomplete coagulation has a detrimental effect on ultrafiltration membrane performance, particularly in terms of fouling caused by excess iron. Submerged hollow‐fibre membrane units yield superior performance with pre‐coagulation and sufficient slow mixing of coagulant guarantees high permeate flow recovery after backwashing. Fouling by natural organic matter can be remedied by conventional cleaning techniques. However, fouling due to excess iron can only be removed by heating the cleaning solution. The associated costs are thus two‐fold; that of excess coagulant and that of cleaning.
Inactivation of Influenza Virus by Solar Radiation
Authors: Sagripanti Jose‐Luis , Lytle C. David 
Published: July 2007

AbstractInfluenza virus is readily transmitted by aerosols and its inactivation in the environment could play a role in limiting the spread of influenza epidemics. Ultraviolet radiation in sunlight is the primary virucidal agent in the environment but the time that influenza virus remains infectious outside its infected host remains to be established. In this study, we calculated the expected inactivation of influenza A virus by solar ultraviolet radiation in several cities of the world during different times of the year. The inactivation rates reported here indicate that influenza A virions should remain infectious after release from the host for several days during the winter “flu season” in many temperate‐zone cities, with continued risk for reaerosolization and human infection. The correlation between low and high solar virucidal radiation and high and low disease prevalence, respectively, suggest that inactivation of viruses in the environment by solar UV radiation plays a role in the seasonal occurrence of influenza pandemics.