International Journal of Environmental Engineering (7 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Co-Creation: Unleashing Rural Communities’ Self-Reliant Clean Energy Potentials to Enhance Livelihoods in Indonesia  
  by Rommi Adany Putra Afauly, Amira Aminatuzzahra, Afiya Nadhifah Syarif 
  Abstract: Under the Paris Agreement, Indonesia had implemented a 23% renewable energy target by 2025. However, fossil fuels still dominated Indonesias energy consumption at 66.09% in 2014. Indonesias electrification rate (ER) is reported to be 98.83% in 2019, which was refuted for failing to supply the energy needed for essential activities required in rural communities with scarce access to power, which are the targets for various programs initiated by the Indonesian Government to increase electricity production. This paper discusses that rural energy projects should harness the areas local natural resources and citizen ability to solve problems through the concept of co-creation, which drives citizens to take the initiative in addressing a problem, after which they collaborate with official authorities to do so. Thus, co-creative renewable energy projects provide a sustainable source of energy to ensure the locals day-to-day activities and open the door to the communitys intellectual, economic, and social sustenance.
  Keywords: co-creation; renewable; electrification; local; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2021.10044596
   
  
• Modelling of Runoff Rates for a Suburban Area in Ibadan, Nigeria  
  by Blessing F. Sasanya, Sunday.O Adesogan 
  Abstract: Accurate estimation and prediction of runoff rates is germane to the performance of water resources development. The importance of simplified and location-based runoff models cannot be overemphasised in water resources planning. Several existing runoff models are generic and not location-based. This study therefore aims to establish high performing models for runoff estimation in a suburban area of Ibadan. Three runoff estimation methods [Kothyari, rational and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)] were compared. Monthly runoff rates were also simulated from monthly rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature using artificial neural network (ANN). The results showed NRCS model was best for runoff estimation. Linear and logarithmic relationships were established between rainfall and runoff, but the relationship was less accurate on a semi logarithmic scale with r = 0.83. Two hidden layer/eight hidden nodes ANN model performed best (RMSE 9.23 mm/month). This study is applicable to design of hydraulic structures and water supply development.
  Keywords: runoff estimation; artificial neural network; ANN; water resources; runoff simulation; Nigeria.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2023.10047078
   
  
• Evaluation of Groundwater Quality to Its Characteristics and Health Concerns  
  by Shalini Verma, Vimal Kumar 
  Abstract: This study is primarily focused to monitor groundwater quality in Saraipali-Basna Block of Mahasamund District, Chhattisgarh, India. Samples were collected from different locations using GIS mapping. Various physicochemical water quality parameters and fluorine as the primary ion is considered and analysed by ICMR and BIS standards. Statistical analysis and the Water quality index method are applied to characterise the overall quality of groundwater in the selected study area. The analysis shows that water quality in the block is very poor in some locations. A relatively high concentration of fluoride (present in a range of 0.20 mg/L to 2.13 mg/L) is also seen in some particular sites that indicate water is unfit for drinking purposes. Health issues linked with water quality in the region have been reported in the past. The present investigation revealed that some groundwater samples are unsuitable for drinking purposes and need treatment before consumption.
  Keywords: groundwater; water quality index; fluoride; drinking water; statistical analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2023.10048095
   
  
• Assessment of the Management System for Lubricant Oils and Used Lubricant Oils: The case of Mozambique  
  by Malaquias Zildo Antonio Tsambe, Pita Raul Sitoe, Herieta Massango 
  Abstract: This study aims to analyse the Mozambican used lubricant oil (ULO) management system and review the probable environmental impacts of its inappropriate disposal. The assessment was based on the identification of the different sources of ULO generation in the ingrowth automotive and industrial park in Mozambique. The quantification included an estimate of the level of consumption of lubricant oil with a view to determining the level of the ULO generation. From 2010 to 2019, Mozambique registered consumption of around 1,290.61 tons of lubricant oil, with a generation of around 1,051.84 tons of ULO. In terms of distribution, the automotive sector is the most consumers with around 56%, followed by the industrial sector with 30% and the rest 14% in diverse automotive equipment. The generations of ULO constitute an environmental problem since it was noted an absence of specific legislation to be applied for lubricant and ULO system.
  Keywords: lubricant oil; used lubricant oil; ULO; oil management assessment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2023.10048447
   
  
• Adsorption investigation of physico-chemical characteristics of different water samples by coalesce Coconut shell  
  by Mehvish Bilal, Simarjot Kaur, Jasir Mushtaq 
  Abstract: Adsorption of physico-chemical characteristics from solid surfaces is an important technique for removing them from wastewater (WW) and dyeing water (DyW). Adsorbent from coconut shells was synthesised and used for the analysis of various physico-chemical characteristics of different water samples. The study aims to turn the physico-chemical parameters of WW and DyW to neutral by using an adsorbent within a contact period of 2 hours (h). The findings depicted that the pH value of WW and DyW attained a neutral value of 7.01 and 7.4 after using an adsorbent. Further, the potential of prepared adsorbent for the removal of excess chlorine was evaluated for WW and DyW, which have depicted concentration values of 0.78 and 0.51 mg/L. The outcomes suggested that industrial waste can be utilised as a low-cost alternative to commercial adsorbents for removing pollutants from a variety of water samples.
  Keywords: adsorption; coconut shell; wastewater; dyeing water; DyW.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2023.10049957
   
  
• PV based Greenhouse System: Modeling and Analysis of Aquaponics in Pakistan  
  by Waqas Waheed, Abdul Wahab, Sheharyar Khan, Rehmat Islam, Kashif Hussain 
  Abstract: An aquaponics system is an emerging technology and an effective practice for competent land-use efficiency, reducing electricity consumption, and providing food security. The study provides a practical framework of PV-based greenhouse energy four-layer set up that synergises fish farming plants productivity and provides a rigid structure embedded in wooden support with the electric system. The smart aquaponics system was designed using MATLAB software and ENERGY-3D for optimum energy steadiness. The physical data for our designated location has been received from NASA's website. Solar radiation variability influx was calculated using different sun angle equations and the optical properties of the greenhouse wall and vegetation. Using mathematical equations, the proposed system can continuously monitor water temperature, air temperature, and heat fluctuation. These energy balance equations were applied to various sites across the Greenhouse where the sum of all conceivable flows is zero. The unknown temperatures were also determined using these equations in any closed-loop.
  Keywords: aquaponics; P.V. system; calculation of fluxes; temperature balance; Pakistan.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2022.10051887
   
  

Special Issue on: Sustainability of Environmental Engineering in the 21st Century

• Sustainability Development in Geotechnical Conceptual Design  
  by N.U.R. IRFAH MOHD PAUZI, Zakaria Che Muda, Mohd Shahril Mat Radhi 
  Abstract: The sustainability development in geotechnical conceptual design is to be developed for future generation. A tool box which consist of materials selection for construction, cost factor, life cycle cost analysis, construction method, technical, time, safety and public health, societal, culture, legal, environmental control are developed for sustainability in geotechnical area. This concept is critical when planning for the sustainability in the geotechnical conceptual design. The geotechnical work is the first stage in construction that will determine the success of the project in preserving the environment. Geotechnical for the earthwork design will decide the appropriate platform levels and profiles for the construction site which to reduce the environmental impact. In conclusion, the sustainability of the geotechnical engineering must take into account the eco-centric, techno-centric and socio-centric aspect of its development. The development in construction usually consider the technology but impacting the environmental and societal requirement. For the future generation benefit, the present resources should be preserved from depleting to maintain the sustainability needs of the later generations.
  Keywords: Sustainability development; environmental control; societal impact; geotechnical conceptual design.