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Gamma Spectroscopy Analysis of Produced Water from Selected Flow Stations in Delta State, Nigeria
Avwiri Gregory O.,
Esi Emmanuel,
Agbalagba Ezekiel O.
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
167-174
Received:
25 July 2013
Published:
10 September 2013
Abstract: This paper present the findings of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 228Ra and 40K) carried out on produced water collected from seven oil and gas fields onshore of Delta State, using gamma spectroscopy. Twenty- one produced water samples from seven flow stations waste pit were collected within the oil fields using standard methods. The average specific activity concentrations for the radionuclides 40K, 226Ra and 228Ra are 48.7813.67Bql-1, 6.042.48Bql-1 and 5.182.14Bql-1 respectively. These obtained values are higher than the WHO, 2008 recommended standard limit of 10Bql-1, 1.0Bql-1 and 0.1Bql-1 for 40K, 226Ra and 228Ra respectively. Radium equivalent have average activity concentration of 14.365.55Bql-1 while the average absorbed dose rate of 6.68mSvy-1 was found to be higher than the UNSCEAR 2000 acceptable standard of 1.5mSvy-1. Although the hazard indices (Hex, Hin) calculated are still within their tolerable levels, the estimated committed effective dose due to intake of the sampled water for all the produced water considered are far above the ICRP 0.1 mSvyr-1 maximum permissible limit. The result indicates some level of water pollution in the studied water samples. This work will add to the world data base of natural radionuclide in produced water from crude oil.
Abstract: This paper present the findings of naturally occurring radionuclides (226Ra, 228Ra and 40K) carried out on produced water collected from seven oil and gas fields onshore of Delta State, using gamma spectroscopy. Twenty- one produced water samples from seven flow stations waste pit were collected within the oil fields using standard methods. The ave...
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Estimating Regional Trends of Temperature in Bangladesh
Mst. Noorunnahar,
Md. Arafat Rahman
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
175-181
Received:
22 July 2013
Published:
10 September 2013
Abstract: This study aims to determine trends in the long-term monthly total data series using non-parametric methods like Mann-Kendall and Sen's T test. The change per unit time in a time series having a linear trend is estimated by applying a simple non-parametric procedure, namely Sen's estimator of slope. Serial correlation structure in the data is accounted for determining the significance level of the results of the Mann-Kendall test. The data used in this study, consists of seven divisional meteorological stations across Bangladesh. Station basis trend analysis has been performed for temperature data. For temperature data most of the stations show significant trend. There are rising rates of temperature in some months and decreasing trend in some other months obtained by these statistical tests suggesting overall significant changes in the area.
Abstract: This study aims to determine trends in the long-term monthly total data series using non-parametric methods like Mann-Kendall and Sen's T test. The change per unit time in a time series having a linear trend is estimated by applying a simple non-parametric procedure, namely Sen's estimator of slope. Serial correlation structure in the data is accou...
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Assessment of Ground Water Contamination by Various Pollutants from Sewage Water in Chakera Village, Faisalabad
Faisal Iqbal,
Shafaqat Ali,
Hafiz Muhammad Tauqeer,
Muhammad Bilal Shakoor,
Mujahid Farid,
Usman Iftikhar,
Muhammad Mudassir Nazir
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
182-187
Received:
22 August 2013
Published:
30 September 2013
Abstract: The wastewater used for irrigation purposes affects the groundwater quality and hence the local community of Pakistan. Field study was conducted in Chakera Village, Faisalabad and the analytical work was performed in Biochemistry Laboratory, Soil and water sample were collected in two surveys in a month on fifteen days basis with three replica of each sample. Samples were analyzed for quality parameters like pH, EC, TDS, TSS, Carbonate, Bicarbonates, Chloride and Nitrates. Results of the study revealed that untreated wastewater application raised the values of EC,TDS, Chloride and Nitrates when compared with world Health Organization (WHO). This not only degrades soil structure but also contaminates the groundwater causing severe health hazard to the local community. Carbonates and Bicarbonates were found within the permissible range.
Abstract: The wastewater used for irrigation purposes affects the groundwater quality and hence the local community of Pakistan. Field study was conducted in Chakera Village, Faisalabad and the analytical work was performed in Biochemistry Laboratory, Soil and water sample were collected in two surveys in a month on fifteen days basis with three replica of e...
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Scheduling Pumped Hydro Power Storage Systems under Price and Flow Uncertainty
Ahmet Yucekaya,
Seda S. Metin
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
188-193
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: Hydroelectric power plants are important energy resources as they are environmentally friendly, have low level of potential risks and they are relatively cheap. If properly utilized, it can replace some thermal power plants and hence decrease the harmful effects to the environment. A Pumped Hydro Storage System which is a special type of hydroelectric power plant can be used to store energy and to use the water more efficiently. When the energy demand and the energy price are high (peak hours), the water at upper reservoir is used to generate electricity and the water is stored in the lower reservoir. Revenue is gained from the power sale to the market. When the demand and the energy price are low (off peak hours), the water at lower reservoir is pumped back to the upper reservoir. Cheap electricity is used to pump the water. The hourly market price and water inflow are uncertain. The main objective of a company is to find an operation schedule that will maximize its revenue. In this paper we develop a model that includes hourly inflow and power price data and delivers an operation schedule. Historical water inflow and power price data are used to generate scenarios. A real case study is developed to validate the model based on the historical river data and electricity prices.
Abstract: Hydroelectric power plants are important energy resources as they are environmentally friendly, have low level of potential risks and they are relatively cheap. If properly utilized, it can replace some thermal power plants and hence decrease the harmful effects to the environment. A Pumped Hydro Storage System which is a special type of hydroelect...
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A Modeling Approach towards Improving Compliance of Treated Water Quality to Reduce Manpower and Chemicals
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
194-202
Published:
20 October 2013
Abstract: In water treatment processes, the individual unit operations are complex, non-linear and poorly understood. Whilst many models have been developed to improve process understanding, these are rarely in a form easily exploited by the control engineer. Attempts to improve the performance of water treatment works through the application of improved control and measurement have had variable success. This paper discusses investigations into the application of feed forward control on the clarification process of a small-scale pilot plant. The application aimed towards maximizing the efficiency of the chemical coagulation process. To achieve this, a simple computer program written in Visual Basic version 6 models to a chief the process operating conditions. Mathematical models based on historical plant data covering 18 months analyzed by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The following parameters were important determinants of coagulant dose and pH control reagents: river turbidity, pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, and plant flowrate. A predictive equation developed from the data, of the form: Al2(SO4)3 (mg/L) = a*Q + b*Turb + c*TDS + d*pH + e*Temp + f. The aim of this model is to provide water treatment operators with a tool that enables prediction of chemical reagents and treatment conditions for selected removal of turbidity, based on raw water quality data. While for adjusting pH, whether lime or soda ash are added, the pretreatment of water supplies involves the use to decrease the acidity, to soften, and to clear drinking water, calcium oxide (CaO), commonly known as quicklime or burnt lime. The addition of lime is with the form: CaO (mg/L) = j + k *pH. And for soda ash sodium percarbonateNa2CO3 the addition form is: Na2CO3 (mg/L) = m + n*pH. The advantages of software program are significant in the operation of water treatment plant. The program designed as an aid, so the user can still customize and optimize the computer suggested design. Users are able to move forward in adjusting or optimizing the design in minutes, which is difficult for manual system. This system was an initial system, many new features and functions have to be added to the program to enhance the functions and make it commercially robust. It concluded that this system is very powerful tool in improving compliance of treated water quality to reduce labor and chemicals and to facilitate the organizations and individuals with better understanding on how their actions can have a direct impact on the treatment.
Abstract: In water treatment processes, the individual unit operations are complex, non-linear and poorly understood. Whilst many models have been developed to improve process understanding, these are rarely in a form easily exploited by the control engineer. Attempts to improve the performance of water treatment works through the application of improved con...
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An Evaluation of Samarra City Drinking Water Treatment Plants
Faris Hammoodi Al-Ani,
Eng. Ali Awaid
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
203-212
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: Global population increases specially in developing countries such Iraq requires more effort and investment in water and sanitation facilities to enhance the welfare of people in meeting the MDG objectives. The competition for water resources coupled with the generation of wastewater is creates additional pressure on the available supplies and increasing pollution level. To address such challenges it has become necessary to build new or enhance existing treatment systems. In different part of Iraq including in Samarra City effort is being made to enhance the water quality in regard to its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics as well as the minerals and organic substances which may produce adverse physiological effects. In order to evaluate different aspect of water quality this study focused on evaluating the drinking water quality and also the performance of the two treatment plants in Samarra City located on the left bank of Tigris River to the north of Baghdad City. The investigation covered the period of December, 2004 to May, 2005. The first is the main conventional water treatment plant with a capacity of 2400m3/hr. and the second is a compact unit with a capacity of 200m3/hr. The collected water data cover some of the important physical and chemical parameters of water quality; covering temperature, TDS, turbidity, pH and residual chlorine. While the bacteriological parameters covered total plate count (TPC) and E-coli for stages of treatment plants. The results show that turbidity of raw water is not high (3.84-425) NTU compared with Al-Karkh water project in Baghdad City (6-1400) NTU, because the intakes of WTPs are located in the downstream of Samarra barrage which serves as a pre-sedimentation tank. Low clarifiers turbidity removal efficiencies of (48.323 %) and (32.09 %) were obtained for treatment plant and compact unit respectively, while for filters removal efficiencies were (63.2 %) and (39.05 %) respectively. The monthly average turbidity of supplied water for conventional water treatment plant and compact unit were (4.3 and 18.2) NTU, the percent of violation to Iraqi Specifications were (29.4 % and 64.7%) respectively. Not always, increasing in raw water turbidity result in an increase in turbidity removal efficiency. pH values and TDS concentrations of supplied water are within Iraqi, EPA and WHO Specifications. Low amount and interrupted chlorination in WTP and CU, so, irregular chlorination results in frequent outbreak of waterborne diseases. It can be recommend to improve the water quality monitoring program through the application of; coagulant aids to overcome the high turbidity of raw water during the rainy season, the hexagonal tube settler in the sedimentation tank of the compact unit to get the designed SOR and anthracite with sand as a dual porous media to increase the filtration rate to overcome the shortage in hot seasons. Also periodic systematic maintenance for different units of treatment plants is required.
Abstract: Global population increases specially in developing countries such Iraq requires more effort and investment in water and sanitation facilities to enhance the welfare of people in meeting the MDG objectives. The competition for water resources coupled with the generation of wastewater is creates additional pressure on the available supplies and incr...
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Community-Based Water Management: The Oasis of Figuig, Morocco Recent Extensions and Transformations
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
213-229
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: Water is a prerequisite to mankind’s life on earth; water management and governance constitute a primacy for policy makers. Discourses and theories of the Integrated Water Resources Management approach (IWRM) and Common-Pool Resources (CPR) have been embraced in water management models. However, these discourses reveal shortcomings as they foster equilibrium models for water management. Past policies of water management have failed to offer effective water management. New vision for water management upholds an Integrated Management Approach embracing economic, environmental, societal, and participatory aspects. Groundwater has been a vital element in arid and semi-arid areas. Today, more and more overexploitation of groundwater resource is witnessed in North Africa and the Middle East (MENA), where increased population, climate hazards, and increased land users render the depletion of the resource a serious issue. Today the allocation of groundwater is torn between collective, i.e. community management, and private initiatives through the adoption of private wells. Suchsituations results in increased overexploitation of the resource and a race over pumping technology. The research is based on fieldwork conducted in 2011, in the Oasis of Figuig, Southeast of Morocco. Diverse methodological techniques were used including: direct observations, semi-structure interviews with 30 farmers, focus group with the participation of 13 farmers, and an oral history. The Oasis of Figuig, an intrinsic case for water management, is shaped by two water management models: community management inside the oasis and private initiatives established outside opting for new technologies. One of the research objectives is to examine community management and to illustrate the conditions under which people collectively manage the commons and the reasons behind peoples’ free-riding. The study reveals that both community and private models of water management are relevant, complementary, and possibly reinforce each other. The case for “the death of the oasis” is not vindicated by current facts. The present research concludes to the enduring validity and viability of oases as they undergo renewal. Securing their long evolution, however, requires efficient and effective water management. These should focus on correcting the inequalities within community management and effectively monitoring free-riding.
Abstract: Water is a prerequisite to mankind’s life on earth; water management and governance constitute a primacy for policy makers. Discourses and theories of the Integrated Water Resources Management approach (IWRM) and Common-Pool Resources (CPR) have been embraced in water management models. However, these discourses reveal shortcomings as they foster e...
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A Framework for Coupling Land Use and Hydrological Modelling for Management of Ecosystem Services
J. van der Kwast,
S. Yalew,
C. Dickens,
L. Quayle,
J. Reinhardt,
S. Liersch,
M. Mul,
M. Hamdard,
W. Douven
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
230-236
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: It is well known that land-use changes influence the hydrological cycle and that those changes in the hydrological cycle influence land use. The sophisticated spatial dynamic planning tools that have been developed in the last decades to support policy makers in the decision making process do not take into account the mutual feedbacks between land use and hydrology. In this study a framework for an integrated spatial decision support system is presented where the feedbacks between land use and hydrology are taken into account by coupling the SITE (Simulation of Terrestrial Environments) land-use model to the SWIM hydrological model. This framework enables policy makers to assess the impact of their planning scenarios on ecosystem services using a web-based tool that interactively presents trends in space and time of spatial indicators derived from both models. This approach is tested for the uThukela area, which is located along the northern areas of the Drakensberg Mountains which form the border between Lesotho and South Africa. The region is extremely important for its catchment-services as water derived from it is pumped into the Vaal River supplying water to the city of Johannesburg. Because of poor management of ecosystem services, less water is produced by the catchment more erratically, siltation levels are increasing and less carbon is retained in the soil. Biodiversity is threatened by grazing livestock, alien plants and other poor land management practices. In addition, overstocking, frequent burning and lack of soil protection measures have caused rill and gully erosion in areas of communal ownership where an overall management policy is lacking. The presented framework for a spatial integrated decision support system is currently being implemented and will be used by policy makers to assess policies developed for an Environmental Management Framework (EMF). Scenarios will be defined during stakeholder workshops. A prototype of the decision support system has been developed, but not all data necessary for modelling and calibration is yet available. From the analysis of land-use maps of 2005 and 2008 it was observed that forest and bush decreased, while settlements, subsistence farming, commercial farming and grassland increased.
Abstract: It is well known that land-use changes influence the hydrological cycle and that those changes in the hydrological cycle influence land use. The sophisticated spatial dynamic planning tools that have been developed in the last decades to support policy makers in the decision making process do not take into account the mutual feedbacks between land ...
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The Use of SCADA System in Water Resources Management, Management of Shatt Al-Hilla in Iraq as a Case Study
Najm O. S. Alghazali,
Rafid M. Alkhaddar,
Humam A. Hadi
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
237-247
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: The operation of hydraulic structures needs the presence of a number of specialists to make decisions to instantaneous takes actions at an appropriate time through controlling, monitoring, and giving a suitable warning for any undesirable cases like increasing water level higher than the normal level, stopping of any device. One of the monitoring tool is SCADA system which can allow the water manager to continuously compare the actual hydraulic state of the system with its optimal hydraulic state, and to take appropriate corrective steps as required .The proper application of the system in irrigation districts, can lead to improved water delivery service to farm, more effective operations, and in some cases a reduction in costs (less labor, less energy). In order to demonstrate the suitability of monitoring system such as the SCADA system, it was applied at Shatt Al-Hilla situates in Hilla city, 100 Km south of Baghdad city in Iraq. It is the main channel that is branched from the left side of Euphrates River, just upstream the Hindiya Barrage. The system was applied at a33 Km reach from station (0+000) to station (33+000) and simulating the controlling of the head regulator at station (0+000). SCADA system components consisted of a computer server as a master station, interface field data devices usually RTUs, or PLCs to allow interface between field sensing devices and local control switchboxes and gate actuators, communication system to transfer collected data and appropriate standards and or custom software. The hardware architecture of SCADA system was established for this reach and the controlling of the head regulator of Shatt Al-Hilla at sta. (0+000) is simulated. The head regulator of Shatt Al-Hillawas run for three cases with six scenarios. The first case is for the daily discharges supplied to the head regulator for the year 2011, the second case is for the monthly water demanded to the head regulator (2011), and the third case is for the daily discharges that can be supplied to the head regulator for 2012 summer season .All cases and scenarios simulation produced good results except scenario (6) for the three cases because there are deficits in supplying the discharges in many days through the year, Also for case (2) there are deficits of 1.57%, 16.67%, 18.46%, and 14.04% of the total demanded discharges for Mar., Apr., June, and July respectively.
Abstract: The operation of hydraulic structures needs the presence of a number of specialists to make decisions to instantaneous takes actions at an appropriate time through controlling, monitoring, and giving a suitable warning for any undesirable cases like increasing water level higher than the normal level, stopping of any device. One of the monitoring t...
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Seepage Phenomenon for Wadi Megenin Dam
Salaheddin Shmela,
Eng. Najy Shakshem
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
248-257
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: Most of the recorded dam failures in different parts of the world were related to seepage problems. Avoiding earth dam's failure due to seepage usually requires evaluating settlement, and piping, through field monitoring. The problem of dam seepage was experienced in The 38 m high rock fill Megenin dam is a at located at Souk AL khamis area 75 Km south of Tripoli. The dam was constructed in 1972, for two main purposes; to provide flood controls of the downstream areas, the cultivated fields and Tripoli city, and also provides water for irrigation purpose . The rock-fill dam was supported with an upstream reinforced concrete membrane on the upstreamface consisted of a number of concrete panels, linked together with central rubber water stops, and surface-sealed with a bituminous sealant. A concrete cut-off wall and grout curtain were constructed below the dam body to prevent reservoir seepage through the foundation. It was observed during the 3rd filling of the reservoir at the reservoir storage water level at +271.86 m on 15thMay 2003, seepage occurred at the wadi bed downstream of the main dam. The seepage occurred at a piezometric water level higher than the previously measurements during the period of 1973 to 1974. Seepage problem was also encountered in previous reservoir operation. To assess the seepage phenomena and it's impact on the dam safety, a study was carreied out through appliaction of t ground penetrating radar survey (GPR), piezometric analysis, and temperature field evaluation techniques as well as the construction of a flow net model for the dam. The results of the study showed that: the GPR profiles have delineated the critical zones in the dam body ,identify the water seepage paths from the reservoir to the down stream side of the dam, estimated the seepage rate through the dam foundation as 0.08 Ɩliter / ssecond and suggested measures to avoid problem that may occur in the future in Megenin dam due to seepage problems The study revealed the needs to design and implement effective monitoring program ,establish surface water gauging for any sudden increase in the seepage discharge in bed wadi at downstream , groundwater water levels fluctuation in the observation and seepage water beyond the dam. Maintain the upstream concrete facing joints and in case of alert condition occurred undertake additional raw of grouting curtain along the full length of the dam to protect dam foundation from flow.
Abstract: Most of the recorded dam failures in different parts of the world were related to seepage problems. Avoiding earth dam's failure due to seepage usually requires evaluating settlement, and piping, through field monitoring. The problem of dam seepage was experienced in The 38 m high rock fill Megenin dam is a at located at Souk AL khamis area 75 Km s...
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Groundwater Simulation System Study on Physical and Climatic properties on Kuwait Group Aquifer
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 5, October 2013
Pages:
258-272
Published:
30 October 2013
Abstract: In Kuwait natural resources of fresh water are very limited. Kuwait is situated in an arid coastal region characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, sparse precipitation rates, and high evaporation and evapotranspiration rates with no rivers or lakes. Therefore, Kuwait has always relied on other sources to secure freshwater to meet its growing demands. The aim of this study was to design a conceptual system to provide a sustainable water source at a feasible cost. The conceptual design system was developed to address the problem of water scarcity and sustainability in general, and specifically to represent the Kuwaiti water quality and quantity limitation problem.The conceptual design system consists primarily of utilizing brackish groundwater in conjunction with treated wastewater augmentation and a reverse osmosis unit for plant production, the simulation was chosen to represent the quasi-Kuwaiti environment data.The study considered two types of simulation models for the conceptual design system approach. These models are the lump model approach and the areal distribution model approach. The lump model approach was carried out through the construction of a simplified model approach utilizing the Visual Basic model. On the other hand, the areal distribution model approach was carried out through the utilization of the Visual MODFLOW and MT3D simulation model approach. This paper present a part of the study that directed to test the physical and climatic performance, and the durability of the conceptual design system, Visual basic, lump, model simulation approach was simulated for different ranges of hydrologic, hydrogeologic, and climatic parameters to determine the total power and treated wastewater consumption. From the performance test results, the increase in evapotranspiration had the highest increase effect on the system total power consumption per unit area and the highest increase effect on the treated wastewater consumption per unit area. On the other hand, the increase in the aquifer porosity had the least increase effect on both the total power consumption and the treated wastewater consumption by the system. In contrast, the hydraulic conductivity increase had no direct effect on either the total power consumption or on the treated wastewater consumption per unit area.
Abstract: In Kuwait natural resources of fresh water are very limited. Kuwait is situated in an arid coastal region characterized by high temperatures, low humidity, sparse precipitation rates, and high evaporation and evapotranspiration rates with no rivers or lakes. Therefore, Kuwait has always relied on other sources to secure freshwater to meet its growi...
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