Sampling and analysis are the main constituents of the environmental condition assessment. The processes help the chemists and environmentalist to obtain the necessary indicators of the ecological response to the multiple disturbing factors and establish the relationships between them.
Although it may seem doesnt play an important role and doesnt largely influence the results, the findings in the multiple research provide a sufficient number of facts saying against this opinion. First of all, sampling is responsible for the validity and relevance of data as much as analysis. Every environmental project is concerned with the quality of the results. And since each project intends to find answers to the specific and distinct questions, the use of appropriate sample and sampling methods is critical.
Sampling helps to collect data that make it possible to find whether the hazardous conditions take place at s site and whether they jeopardize the human and environmental well-being (Aarnio, Mattila, Tornroos & Bondsdorff 2011). Environmental sample collection can be regarded a core of any environmental project collection, and there is a set of requirements that are needed for the correct sampling implementation. The sampling course in the environmental curriculum is thus shouldnt be neglected. During the course, the students obtain the opportunity to find out about the multiple factors affecting the sampling collection and consequently the projects final results.
Like a living organism, an environmental sample has a finite life span and is as sensitive as living matter (Popek 2003). The chemicals that are comprised in the sample are exposed to changes and transformation in different conditions and variations of temperatures or pressure. All the members of the environmental project team must be aware of this and many other factors that may result in the invalidity and irrelevance of the collected data. Therefore, sampling methods, techniques, and tools should be investigated and comprehended to avoid sample errors.
Laboratory analysis plays an important role in the data collection process as well. The main purpose of the analysis is the conversion of sample into the chemical data. The analysis is a complex process that involves many proceeding methods and requires the specialized knowledge. Although the majority of the environmental projects team members will not likely participate in the laboratory analysis by themselves, the understanding of the process supports the high level of the professionals competence.
The specialists in the analytical laboratories perform various operations and resolve a vast number of qualitative and quantitative problems on the everyday basis. For the verification of the collected and converted data, it is important to adhere to all the analytical techniques with the requirements of the Quality Assurance and Quality Control protocols (Quality Control protocol 2005).
When the participants are aware of the set of requirements, standards, and operations conducted in the laboratory, he or she may assess the quality of the analytical work and data. By understanding of the organizational structure of the laboratory work and the main steps of the working process (sample receiving, sample storage, analytical sequence, internal standards, etc.), the project team can eliminate and resolve the potential errors related to the sample management, preparation, or analysis.
The efficiency of the environmental project conduction largely depends on all the aspects of the data collection process implementation sampling and analysis. The environmental project participants thus need to know how to conduct the procedures correctly. When the work is being made, observed, and controlled by the competent specialists, the chances for errors occurrence drastically decrease.
Moreover, sampling and analysis are only a part of the project. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the data collection process includes three crucial stages: planning, implementation, and assessment (US Environmental Protection Agency 2000). Therefore, by knowing how to implement every aspect of sampling and analysis, the project participants can plan and assess the work organization and achievements more efficiently.
Sampling Program
The environmental assessment will take place in the coastal, industrial, and residential areas of Dubai. The objective of the study is the evaluation of the environmental stress caused by the anthropogenic factor.
Dubai is a well-developed urban area where a large number of citizens reside on the permanent and temporary basis. According to the recent research findings, urbanization jeopardizes the sustainability of ecosystems at both local and global scales (Li, Li, Zhou, Shi & Zhu 2012). Moreover, the environmental instability and pollution caused by urban area expansion threats the psychological and mental health of the urban inhabitants. Therefore, the environmental assessment of the urban sites is of great significance for the modern research.
Team Organization
Environment data collection projects require systematic planning, which is built on broad knowledge of environmental regulations and the technical expertise of engineers, geologists, chemists, statisticians, and other scientists (Popek 2003). Since the scope of the assessment is large, the group needs to include several qualified participants. Along with the project manager, there will be two members of technical staff, a representative of Dubai regulatory agency the Environment Department of the Dubai Municipality, a chemist, and a few volunteers from the from the environmental studies departments of the UAE colleges.
Type of Samples
The sampling process is concerned with the collection of samples from the various ecosystems of the site: 1) water quality and diatoms, 2) vegetation, 3) soil and environmental contaminants. The collected samples will be analyzed for the detection of the interrelations between the environmental stress and response. First of all, it is necessary to establish the amount of the stressful factors in the ecosystems, and then detect which stress has the most impact on the environmental conditions in the sites. The samples will be thus collected in each of the three categories of ecosystems separately, and then they will be assessed integrally as well. By integrating sampling indicators, it is possible to obtain a thorough view of Dubais environmental condition (US Environmental Protection Agency 2002).
Sampling Techniques
Marine waters and the coastal areas are exposed to great stressing caused by human factor, industrial pollutant contamination, siltation, etc. The findings in the previous research demonstrate that the species are responsive to the environmental disturbances, and the assessment of invertebrate and plankton samples allows identification of the causal factors leading to the environmental deterioration (Almeida et al. 2014).
Diatoms are abundant and ubiquitous in terms of ecosystems and water chemistry and are sensitive to nutrient variation, as revealed by two studies conducted in mesotrophic and oligotrophic areas (Desrosiers, Leflaive, Eulin & Ten-Hage 2013). Therefore, the diatoms will play the taxonomic and bio-indication role in the assessment of the coastal area environment.
The methods will include the qualitative sampling of sediments in the coastal area, and the samples of the cobbles and small boulders in the others site areas. The boulders are usually widely available in the small urban water basins as well. The given substratum analysis will allow a better understanding of the local community ecology (Taylor, Harding & Archibald 2007).
For the outdoor vegetation sampling, the simple rake technique will be used. The rake sampling method allows calculating the species biomass and predicting the total distribution and abundance in the site area. The predictions made on the basis of the data collected through the analysis helps to assess the trends and dynamics in the ecosystems, and those that are caused by the anthropologic influences as well (Kenow, Lyon, Hines & Elfessi 2007).
LA-ICP-MS is the analytical technology that allows making a precise and sensitive chemical analysis. The analysis can be conducted on the solid samples to identify the level of the pollution and contamination. The samples of soil, water, and vegetation from Al Quoz, Al Barsha, and Umm Suqeim sites in Dubai will be collected.
Sampling Tools
The required sampling collection tools are: water safety equipment, sample bottles, 5 mm glass tube for the qualitative sampling of sediments, Perspex tubes for the quantitative sampling, plastic trays for soil and vegetation sampling, toothbrush for removing diatoms from stones, knife, turkey baster, and camera (Taylor, Harding & Archibald 2007).
There is a great variety of brands that offer the equipment for the environmental assessment and field sampling. Each tool may be purchased separately or in a set. For example, Poly-Corr Industries produce the basic sampling tools like tubes and cores, and the thickness of the products vary from 0.45 inch to 1 inch (Environmental XPRT n.d.).
However, it would be better to acquire the soil and water sampling equipment kits such as Akkerman Core Sampler Standard Set or Type Beeker Sediment Core Sampler kit produced by Eijkelkamp Soil & Water (Environmental XPRT n.d.). The instruments included in these kits are reusable and washable. They are made of the sturdy and resistant materials, and this aspect supports the long term of usage and high quality of items. In this way, one can save money and time, avoid the sample missing, leakage, and damage.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance Measures
The sample errors that may negatively affect the validity and relevance of collected data include both qualitative and quantitative factors. The errors may take place in the sample variability, population variability, sampling design, and field sampling procedures (Popek 2003). In the field sampling, the errors are mainly caused by human factor and include the misidentification or missing sampling elements; lack of comprehension of the procedures consequence, consistency, and purpose; usage of the incorrect sampling tools, etc.
For performing the high-quality procedures in the field sampling, first of all, it is necessary to make a plan and assign each team member a task. The accomplishment of duties must be reported and noted. The team manager needs to pay a greater attention to the field documentation completion, and there must be no gaps in the documents and reports.
For the avoidance of the sample errors, it is important to duplicate field samples it will allow getting credible data in the lab analysis. The careful planning and organization of sampling process will help to eliminate the errors related to the sample and population variables. Therefore, the appropriate and thorough plan design is the critical aspect of the quality control.
Aarnio, K, Mattila, J, Tornroos, A & Bonsdorff, E 2011, Zoobenthos as an environmental quality element: the ecological significance of sampling design and functional traits, Marine Ecology, vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 58-71.
Almeida, S, Elias, C, Ferreira, J, Tornes, E, Puccinelly, C, Delmas, F, Dorflinger, G, Urbanic, G, Marcheggiani, S, Rosebery, J, Mancini, L & Sabater, S 2014, Water quality assessment of rivers using diatom metrics across Mediterranean Europe: a methods intercalibration exercise, Science of the Total Environment, vol. 476, pp. 768-776.
Desrosiers, C, Leflaive, J, Eulin, L & Ten-Hage, N 2013, Bioindicators in marine waters: benthic diatoms as a tool to assess water quality from eutrophic to oligotrophic coastal ecosystems, Ecological Indicators, vol. 32, pp. 25-34.
Kenow, K P, Lyon, J E, Hines, R K & Elfessi, A 2007, Estimating biomass of submersed vegetation using a simple rake sampling technique, Hydrobiologia, vol. 575, no. 1, pp. 447-454.
Li, Y, Li, Y, Zhou, Y, Shi, Y & Zhu, X 2012, Investigation of a coupling model of coordination between urbanization and the environment, Journal of Environmental Management, vol. 98, pp. 127-133.
Popek E 2003, Sampling and analysis of environmental chemical pollutants: a complete guide, Academic Press, New York.
Quality Control protocol 1 2005/06 field season data verification QA site visits for stand-level biodiversity and riparian/fish resource stewardship monitoring 2005, Web.
Overfishing occurs when marine species are harvestable at a faster rate than they can reproduce. It is the harvesting of fish below an acceptable level. This occurs in all water bodies such as ponds, lakes, and seas. Overfishing leads to depletion of resources, reduced biological growth rates, and low biomass levels. Sharks are the common type of fish that are over-harvested. Overfishing of sharks results in a disturbance of the marine ecosystem. Overfishing in oceanic waters is now recognized as extremely widespread and the causative factors, especially the economic factors, are well known. For a useful analysis of overfishing, data on the productivity and identity of fish stocks is essential. For, most countries, neither is generally available, and there is an urgent need to gather these basic data. The conditions of the ecosystem determine the ability of fisheries to recuperate after overfishing takes place. Freshwater ecosystems include lakes and ponds (standing-water ecosystems), rivers and streams (flowing-water ecosystems), and marshes and swamps (freshwater wetlands).
However, freshwater ecosystems occupy only about 2 percent of Earths surface, and all the marine species fight for their survival in these ecosystems (Clover, 2008). Overfishing is a common practice that has been taking place in many parts of the world for a long period. This paper will look at the fish demand and consumption trend, types of fishing, and acceptable levels. It will also look into the ways that can be employed to conserve and alleviate the problem of overfishing.
Fish Consumption and Demand
More than 200 million people depend on fishing for their livelihood in most developing countries. One out of every five people depends on fish as the primary source of protein. According to the UN, fish farming has been growing rapidly than all the other animal food-producing sectors. However, statistics show that fish are being over-harvested and are also affected by environmental degradation. This will soon lead to the depletion of fisheries causing threats to the food supply of millions of people who depend on fishing (Clover, 2008). The UN agencies led by secretary-general Johannesburg launched a plan in 2002 to help in the protection of the fisheries. The plan was aimed at the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs hold the answer to the conservation and boosting of fish stocks. For a long time, the problem of overfishing has been ignored and focused directed to other biodiversity dilemmas such as deforestation, energy resource exploitation, and desertification (Clover, 2008). Fish demand has been increasing at a high rate than its supply leading to increased prices and overfishing. The prices of fish have gone higher than the prices of other animal products such as beef. Fish farming has become one of the attractive investments to both the government and entrepreneurs to the disadvantage of fishing communities and small-scale fishers. As a result, most of the fish species have been depleted or are yet to be depleted.
Types of Over Fishing
Three types of overfishing have been recognized, these are, recruit overfishing, growth overfishing, and ecosystem overfishing. Recruit overfishing is the depletion of the mature adult population to an extent of denying it the reproductive capacity. The number of mature adults left is not enough to produce offspring. This type of overfishing can be prevented by increasing the spawning stock biomass to a target level. This can be achieved by the introduction of suspensions, quotas, and minimum limits on the fish population (Ebbin, Hoel, & Sydnes, 2005).
Growth overfishing is a situation where fish that are smaller than the average size are harvested. This kind of harvesting does not yield much as would have been expected if the fish were allowed to grow to a certain size. Growth overfishing can be controlled by reducing fishing transience to significantly low levels and increasing the size of harvested fish to gain the maximum yield per recruit. Ecosystem overfishing is a situation where the ecosystem balance is changed as a result of overfishing.
Acceptable Levels
Some biological terms have been used to define what is meant by acceptable levels of fishing. Biological overfishing occurs when fish are harvested from the water at a very high rate than the time allowed for stock replenishment. The reproduction process declines and the total population decreases. Another biological term used to define acceptable levels is bioeconomic overfishing. This is a situation whereby the cost of fishing is determined by the acceptable catches. Fisheries are considered to have been overfished when the maximum economic yield is lower than the catches using the maximum resource rent. In simple terms, it means that fish are being harvested quickly than they are profitable (Ebbin, Hoel, & Sydnes, 2005).
Management and Conservation
Many fish stocks are at or near a state of decline throughout the world due to overfishing. It is, therefore, necessary for regional fisheries management organizations to take conservation and management measures, including non-discriminatory trade-restrictive measures. Conservation and management measures should be aimed at preventing overfishing while achieving, continuingly, the optimum yield from each fishery. They should be based upon the best scientific information to ensure efficiency. Individual fish farms should be managed as a different unit from other fish farmers such as the government and entrepreneurs. These measures should not be discriminative in any way and every fish farmer should be allowed to maintain stocks about his farming abilities (Munro, et al., 2004).
Management and conservation measures are aimed at establishing ways of preventing the current fisheries as well as investing in others. The community should be provided with an awareness of the need to conserve and prevent their fish farms from exploitation. If the present fisheries are exploited, tomorrows species will be engendered which may even become extinct. It is up to the government to employ measures aimed at controlling fish harvesting in freshwater bodies. If fish farming is well managed, it can be a profitable business especially now that demand for fish is high.
Mitigation Against Over Fishing
With the growing world population and the dependency on fish farming, it is almost impossible to solve the problem of overfishing. However, some mitigation measures have been put in place to save some of the depleted fisheries and prevent the collapse of others. These mitigation measures include the Harvest Control Rule (HCR) which has been introduced in the major fisheries all over the world. This rule has some management principles that have to be adhered to when harvesting fish. It puts restrictions on the size of fish that should be harvested and the acceptable levels in each fishery.
Another mitigation measure is the use of fishing quotas. Fishermen are allowed to take only a specified amount of fish from each fishery. Some areas are declared as no-go zones making fishing illegal to give the fish ample time to recover and reproduce. Control of consumer demand and consumption behavior can work as a mitigation measure this is because fish has become a major source of food to many people. To control fish consumption, consumers have to be enlightened on the availability of other sources of animal food and on the importance of conserving fisheries (Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea, 1994).
Overfishing is often related to a change in lifestyle. Some groups of people have developed regulatory strategies which seem to avoid over-fishing, but communities with excess resources or which have not experienced resource scarcity may not have developed management measures. Where resources are limited, problems may occur where different communities exploiting the same resource come into contact. Mitigation is theoretically possible against most negative impacts of development projects which influence freshwater biodiversity.
Conclusion
Overfishing is a problem that is affecting many parts of the world. It is the depletion of marine species to an extent of denying them their capacity to reproduce. For many years people have been depending on fish farming for their livelihood and food security. More than 200 million people consume fish as the main source of food. This increased demand and consumption patterns have led to the over-harvesting of fish. There are three types of overfishing: recruit overfishing, growth overfishing, and ecosystem overfishing. To recover the depleted fisheries and prevent others from being depleted, the government has to establish conservation and management measures.
Reference List
Clover, C. (2008). The End of the Line: How Overfishing Is Changing the World and What We Eat. California: University of California Press
Ebbin, S. A., Hoel, A. H., & Sydnes, A. K. (2005). A sea change: the exclusive economic zone and governance institutions for living marine resources. New York: Springer
Munro, G. R, et al (2004). The conservation and management of shared fish stocks: legal and economic aspects Volume 465 of FAO fisheries technical paper. Food & Agriculture Org.
Netherlands Institute for the Law of the Sea (1994). International organizations and the law of the sea: documentary yearbook, Volume 10 Graham & Trotman/Martinus Nijhoff
In the contemporary world where new harmful environmental impacts keep occurring almost every day such issues as the endangerment of species are treated very seriously by the international community and the environmental activists. Whales are one of the species that today faces rapid reduction of population. This is why a number of conservation and preservation plans concerning this subject have been worked out and implemented all around the world.
Whales are fascinating creatures. They live throughout the world in the oceans surrounding every continent. Their sizes, features, and physical capacities are impressive. They are underwater animals, yet they breathe air, they are livebearers. Whales are warm-blooded mammals that inhabit the oceans. Today, whales face a number of threats reducing their population. Some of them are the global warming, water pollution, oil spills, noise that disrupts mating behaviors, and danger of fishing bycatch. Several international policies have been developed in order to preserve the numbers of whales. For example, whale products are banned from international trade; besides, commercial whaling is under a moratorium (Threats, 2015).
Nowadays, there is an International Whaling Commission (IWC) that includes a variety of countries all around the world. IWC was founded to protect whales dwelling in all of the oceans. Every year, millions of dollars are spent to conduct a non-lethal whale research and to work out conservation programs. Among the conservation initiatives there are research directed at the identification and minimization of anthropogenic factors harming whales, monitoring of the number of whales inhabiting various areas, and legal protection of whales.
Ever since the international trade of whale products was forbidden and commercial whaling faced a moratorium, some of the species of endangered whales slowly started to go into recovery and re-gain the numbers. At the same time, some of the whales still face extinction due to such factors as scientific whaling, cultural and traditional habits of certain populations of humans, loss of natural habitat, and acoustic disturbance. A Standing Working Group has been created within the IWC to design and implement Conservation Management Plans. Currently, three of such plans are being worked on for the implementation. They are designed to protect the population of the gray whales in the west of the Northern Pacific, and the populations of the southern right whales around the South Americas western and eastern coasts (Conservation Management Plans, 2015). The plans are designed based on pre-approved templates and the description of funding principles and practices required for the successful implementations of the plans.
The conservation and preservation of the endangered species of whales living in the oceans all around the world is complicated by a number of challenges. The main challenge is based on different opinions and approaches practiced by the representatives of various cultures in reference to whaling. First of all, even though the majority of the countries agree that whaling should be prohibited, there is a minority that supports the opposite point of view. It turns out that culturally some of the nations cannot give up whaling as it has been a part of their historical development and traditions. Among the countries that have been the focus of the worlds attention concerning the approval of whaling are Japan and Iceland.
These countries support whaling and frequently practice it. Even though international trade of whaling products is not allowed, the countries that still hunt whales sell the products on the domestic markets where they are rather popular. For example, in Japan there are websites that sell whale jerky (Keating, 2014). One more issue for the IWC is the so-called scientific whaling . Officially, whaling for the purposes of scientific research is allowed, yet this allowance was grated fifty years ago, when there were no better ways of research than the ones requiring killing of the animals (Threats, 2015). Today, the technologies allow more humane methods of data collection; this is why masking commercial whaling as scientific research should no longer be permitted.
The worlds society of nowadays is divided according to the attitude towards whaling. The majority of countries support the preservation of whales as endangered species, while there are still several individual states that would not stop the practice of whaling for various reasons. Mainly, their perspective relies on cultural customs and traditions that run in the histories of the countries. This especially concerns island countries such as Japan and Iceland. Today, membership in IWC is available for any country of the world, and the majority of IWC members have absolutely no interest in whaling for commercial purposes. Yet, the votes of members are often divided, for example landlocked countries such as Mongolia and Malawi support whaling. Often such decisions do not reflect true opinions of the members, but the fact that their votes were bought by other states for certain profits (Keating, 2014).
A number of activists today protect cetacean species such as whales or dolphins because there is a belief that these mammals possess exceptional intellect. This is why many individuals demand that whales should be provided with a number of benefits granted to humans and some other animals of high intelligence.
Ranching is one of the main economic activities in nearly all the eight countries in the Amazon region. Brazil accounts for nearly 85% of the cattle herd in the Amazon (WWF, 2014). Other countries with large herds of cattle include Peru and Bolivia. Ranching in the Amazon is promoted by the rising demand for high quality beef in foreign markets such as the US, Europe, and China. Brazil is the leading exporter of beef in the Amazon region due to the low value of its currency (WWF, 2014). In particular, Brazil devalued its currency, thereby making its beef to be very cheap in foreign markets. The resulting increase in demand for beef promotes cattle ranching in Brazil.
Extensive ranching is detrimental to the environment since it promotes rapid deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. Large parts of the forest have been cleared in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia to facilitate cattle ranching. Deforestation has led to increased emission of carbon. Currently, the Amazon countries account for 3.4% of the total world carbon emission due to the deforestation caused by ranchers (WWF, 2014). Moreover, Brazil and Bolivia have constructed highways through the Amazon forest to facilitate transportation of beef and logs at a low cost. This has led to destruction of the habitats of thousands of animal species in the forest.
Cattle pasture is one of the major causes of fire that often destroy wildlife and vegetation in the Amazon during dry seasons. In addition, uncontrolled grazing in Peru and Bolivia has led to degradation of riparian and aquatic ecosystems in the region. Soil erosion has also increased in the region due to uncontrolled grazing.
Mechanized Agriculture
Mechanized agriculture in the Amazon region is practiced by large-scale farmers in Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, as well as, small-scale farmers in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Soybean is the most important export crop in the Amazon region. The largest producers of the crop are Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Increased production of soybean is promoted by the high demand in countries such as the US and China. For instance, the demand for the crop is expected to increase by 60% in the international market by 2020 (WWF, 2014). This means that Amazon countries will continue to produce and export large quantities of soybean to increase their foreign exchange earnings.
Despite being profitable, international soybean trade has the following negative effects on the environment. First, soybean cultivation has become the second major cause of deforestation in the Amazon region. Large-scale farmers have cleared part of the Amazon forest to increase soybean acreage (Diaz & Nepstad, 2009). In Brazil, destruction of the forest by farmers is encouraged by the law, which allows individuals to cut up to 20% of the trees in private property. In Bolivia and Peru, much of the forest has been lost to farmers due to corruption and poor land tenure systems.
Apart from deforestation, production of soybean has led to increased soil erosion and siltation of rivers. In addition, the use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers in soybean production has led to pollution of rivers (Diaz & Nepstad, 2009). Water pollution has caused a significant loss of aquatic life in the Amazon. In particular, the population of several species of fish in various rivers has reduced due to the diseases caused by water pollution.
Oil Exploration
Production of oil for the export market is a major economic activity in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia. In Ecuador, oil export earnings fund nearly fifty percent of the national budget. Thus, the government has to promote oil production to avoid huge national budget deficits. Venezuela is one of the largest producers of oil in the world. Oil exports account for over 80% of the countrys foreign exchange earnings (Murphy, 2009). Venezuela produces heavy oil, which has to be sold at a reduced price to increase sales. The low price has resulted into high demand for the countrys oil in foreign markets. Colombia also depends on oil export earnings to finance its national budget.
Most of the oil wells in Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia are located in the Amazon forest (Finer & Ross, 2008). Consequently, oil exploration in these countries has negatively affected the environment in the following ways. To begin with, oil companies have destroyed thousands of trees in the Amazon to facilitate drilling of oil. In addition, oil exploration activities involve the use of machines that emit a lot of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere.
In Ecuador, wastes from oil fields have always been disposed in holes within the Amazon forest. This has resulted into contamination of the soil in the forest. Consequently, various plants have died due to the toxic substances that are found in oil wastes. In Venezuela, oil and gas pipes have been constructed through the Amazon forest to reduce the cost of transporting oil to the export market (Murphy, 2009). Similarly, roads have been constructed in Colombia to promote oil exploration in the Amazon. Moreover, Venezuela and Colombia have experienced oil spills in the Amazon due to poor environmental regulations. The oil spills have polluted the soil and rivers in the forest, thereby destroying plants and animals.
Extraction of Minerals
In the last three decades, the demand for minerals such as gold, copper, and diamond increased significantly in the international market. The increase is attributed to depletion of mineral deposits in Africa and Asia, as well as, improved economic growth. Guyana and Suriname are among the major countries in the Amazon region that depend on gold and diamond export earnings to boost economic growth. Gold and diamond from the two countries have a ready market in Europe and the US where they fetch high prices (Williams & Hentschel, 2013). Thus, high demand and prices in the international market are the main factors that promote mining of gold and diamond in Suriname and Guyana.
Despite being lucrative, international gold and diamond trade activities have the following negative environmental effects in Suriname and Guyana. To begin with, mining companies are destroying vegetation in the Amazon to access new mining fields (Williams & Hentschel, 2013). In addition, mining has led to destruction of animal habitats and pollution of water.
In Guyana, the wastes from mining fields are often disposed in unsafe landfills. The resulting pollution of the soil threatens the survival of plants in the Amazon forest (Williams & Hentschel, 2013). In Suriname, mining companies and individuals have taken advantage of the countrys weak law enforcement system to engage in illegal mining activities. This has led to extensive destruction of vegetation and contamination of rivers in the Amazon.
References
Diaz, M., & Nepstad, D. (2009). The environmental impacts of soybean expansion and infrastructure development in Brazils Amazon Basin. Web.
Finer, M., & Ross, C. (2008). Oil and gas projects in the western Amazon: Threats to wilderness, biodiversity, and indigenous people. Web.
Murphy, L. (2009). Economic development and environmental threats: Tipping the balance in Venezuela. Web.
Williams, P., & Hentschel, T. (2013). Guyanas extractive industry sector. Web.
The issue of environmental protection is a sticking point of today. The question is that a man is a real danger to nature. A man did not learn, unfortunately, how to reach harmony with the environment out. This hereby provoked the extinction of definite species of animals and plants. In fact, people are going on into the pitfall of self-destruction. They will get into much trouble unless taking the right decisions at the moment.
In this respect, the United States is one of the leading countries where natural resources are used irrationally in most of the points. Two environment-directed movements are contradicting in their views on nature in America at present. These are conservation and preservation movements. The paper is aimed at analyzing the peculiarities of each movement in particular. Thus, the contemporary global environmental situation gives grounds to suggest the preservation way of attitudes to nature as the most rational.
Main Body
To begin with, it is better to take a look at the conservation movement. This movement as opposed to the preservation faction leads toward using natural resources in order to cover the needs of humanity. Headed historically by Gifford Pinchot, the movement laid more emphasis on the wise use of nature and human management as well (Colorado 1). The term of this movement appeared in 1907 to encompass the benefits of nature for huge numbers of people in the long run. Such interpretation of the conservation trend can be narrowed down through managing natural resources to satisfy the needs of people.
The conservation movement was highly popular within the United States at the beginning of the twentieth century. The thing is that Americans were trying to use the enormous deposits of fossil fuels and other natural resources to make them of great use for the national economy. In fact, the outcomes of such resource management went into a decrease of some kinds of plants and animals. It is possible to note: How men can hurt things of non-man-made character? These rhetoric questions could be answered through the conservation philosophy by means of logic. It means that such eminent persons as Gifford Pinchot, David Brawer and others explained that, historically, a man was suggested to use everything around. Such assumption is stated on the fact that there is no other power on earth higher than a man.
The main claims of conservationists are that they are for sound biosphere management not to ruin or misbalance the ecosystems in it (Colorado 1). Such an idea was shared by David Brawer in his intentions and plans to provide effective water management in the Western states. The issue with the Colorado River was the point to think over nature quite rationally. Brawer, as a conservationist, would rather make the dam to satisfy the needs of people community, but not to take into consideration the consequences on nature. In fact, conservation trends and Pinchot, particularly, stated that even forestry is the result of tree farming in the past (Clorado 1). The interests of Americans in utilizing trees in the major forest areas were supported by the claims of conservationists as well.
All in all, conservationists saw the ideal development in using natural resources by providing regulations in this aspect of the issue. They stated usually on the extreme necessity to provide a rational and well-planned approach toward the environment. However, this conservation theoretical background was highly criticized by the preservation movement.
The preservation trend according to the environment sought to keep nature far from the scientific and technological progress that is directly implied in human use and development (Colorado 1). This statement is fair, for the urge for money motivates people more than a reason to keep everything that was given to a man in safety. One of the founders of this counter-trend in terms of conservation one was the American writer Aldo Leopold who wrote The Land Ethic in 1930 (Colorado 1). It is logically grounded that the preservationists appeared as a result of conservation theory on the use of natural resources. It is fair to suppose that the worries were quite apparent. The nature of the United States was getting through constant change of its shape.
The idea is that preservationists tried to get people away from the natural resources for natures sake (Colorado 1). The main stimulus for that lied in the idea that, finally, humanity will have no place to live. Such point can gain more emphasis when taking a glance at what preservationists sought for:
A wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain (Colorado 1)&
This idea can lead toward the discussion on whether preservationists were right or not in their counterarguments. The followers of this movement were insisting actively on the significance of wilderness as a cradle for every living being on the planet despite a man. This treatment was marked by Leopold as the healthy, ecologically balanced land for normal processes within different ecosystems (Colorado 1). This position should be valued from different sides.
First of all, an independent position of one according to both movements can be solely achieved through highlighting a rational approach. In this respect, human beings should manifest their civilized and rational peculiarity, as it may sound weird, in using natural resources without danger to nature. It is a great deal, in fact. The situation during the twentieth century was likely of bad, aggravated character toward the environment.
Several examples are proposed to weigh all pros and cons of the struggle between two movements. Documentary on Seton and Lobo is applicable in this case. The thing is that it is a representation of how a man struggles with nature and which lessons are taken afterward. In other words, a bounty hunter Seton was highly motivated to punish an outlaw, Lobo (a wolf, to be precise). The story amazes by the fact that Lobo was not attacking the livestock of people living in Currumpaw, New Mexico in the 19th century (PBS 1). Ernest Thompson Seton was hired to catch the animal. He did his best, but the journey was longer than he could have expected initially.
Seton was trying to catch Lobo by means of different baits. However, it was in vain. Seton reached the point when eventually he had found traces of Lobo who was at that moment with Blanca (female wolf). Seton did harm to Lobo by catching Blanca and then killing her. Finally, Lobo was caught and kept afterward within the ranch. However, he died soon.
The morale is in the fact that Lobo and his pack were deprived primordially by ranchers. It was their natural areal which delineated measures of wolf authority. On the other hand, Setons approach was no good for a wild animal. The death of Lobo showcased that a man by personal reasoning over the natural processes can provide the only harmful effect.
Another way to analyze both movements is on the example of Bower and Domini. These two were trying to make changes in the area of Colorado by rationally using the water resources. Brawer and Domini were trying to make sense of building a dam in the Colorado River, as it was mentioned before. The idea is that searching for a way to provide people with water as well as their pastures or soils people rarely take a deep look at the hazards of such initiatives to nature. It is well-described in the book by John McPhee. The thing where Brawer talks with Domini on the issue of condors living in the area where the dam was built distinctly illuminates the intentions of both. On Brawers statement No one likes to see something get extinct Domini replies: The condor was alive in the days of the mastodons (McPhe 218). These outrages, for how could people be so indifferent toward nature that was designed to please a man and which was changed negatively? That is the question.
Conservationist philosophy by outlining the sound use of the biosphere cannot guarantee that it will be so in the future. The wild world is on the edge of constant extinction due to the growing human interest in forests, lakes, rivers, fields, etc. Such changes that were done due to the progress across the United States have a peculiarity. It concerns the fact that an extinct species will never be restored.
The arguments by Nash imply several ideas that get people into a broader discussion on the use of nature and a man in it. The first remark is that a man is a visitor in the open air. A man should get wiser about what has been done and what he/she is about to do toward nature. Having highlighted the views on biological diversity, it is vital now to glance at the wilderness as a Guardian of mental health (Colorado 1). Everything is balanced in the world. Changing something globally will reflect global consequences in response. In this respect wilderness is a guarantee for peoples psyches to be healthy. The question is that it is true that leaning to wild areas people are trying to find an alternative to their urbanized or civilized life. It is an inner intention living in every human being. Thus, whatever position one takes (conservationist or preservationist), think what if there will be no opportunity to get closer to nature. What will you do?
Conclusion
To conclude, in the course of the past few decades the environment is at the edge of total extinction globally. In this respect, the preservationists conception should be determined in the natural issue across the United States as the only righteous way to stop degradation. Hence, humanity should consolidate aggregate opinion on keeping the environment in safety. Otherwise, the next generations will be left with nothing..
Works cited
Colorado. Understanding the Ecology of Nature. Class notes, 2010. Web.
McPhee, John. Encounters with the Archdruid. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1971.
This study evaluates the use of Glyphosate, Altrazine and Chlorpyrifos to control weeds and pests in a wetland area. The report identifies that the three compounds should not be allowed for agricultural, domestic or any other use in a wetland area. However, if the chemicals have to be used, their concentration should be monitored to ensure they do not have serious effects on the environment. Conclusions are based on the toxicity of the three elements with a specific emphasis on amphibians and aquatic life.
Glyphosate, though approved by some authorities as safe, has a chemical called roundup that has adverse effects on the environment, aquatic life and humans respectively. Reproductive deformities, neurological disorders in wildlife and death of aquatic life are some of the greatest effects to the use of glyphosate. The use of Altrazine has been controversially debated over the last decade with speculative conclusions that it can change the genetic composition of amphibians. This is as a result of research studies done on frogs. More studies have identified that it causes death to aquatic animals but its impact on wildlife and terrestrial animals are not yet conclusive. This herbicide is probably the most controversial in this study but with conclusive effects on fish and other aquatic forms of life, its use should be prohibited in a wetland area.
The effects of Chlorpyrifos are also evaluated with specific conclusions based on its lethal effects on aquatic life. The insecticide has been observed to cause endocrine and ChE inhibitions in humans. Other studies also point out that it leads to reproductive deformities in humans and animals respectively. Conclusions have been based on the fact that it leads to the birth of underweight children who later develop neurological disorders. More studies found in this report affirm that the three compounds should not be used in a wetland.
Introduction
Glyphosate and Altrazine are common herbicides used to eliminate perennial weeds, especially in large-scale farming. Altrazine is organic and consists of an s-triazine ring which is very effective for weed management (Wackett, 2002, pp. 39-42). Altrazine is therefore widely used in prevention of pre and post emergence broad leaf and growth of grass weeds because of its effectiveness and relative inexpensive nature (Bichat, 1999, p. 100-102). Production systems with dismal profit margins such as conservation systems to prevent soil erosion and other tillage systems are therefore better placed in production and use of the herbicide. These systems have been majorly observed in maize plantations (Shipitalo, 2008, pp. 401-402). Because of these factors, Altrazine has been widely used in America with its utilization approximated at about seventy there million pounds annually (Crawford, 1998, p. 618).
The effect Altrazine has on total crop yield is estimated at 1% and 6%, but scientific research has settled on an average of 3%-4% (Arnold, 2002). In other studies, the effectiveness of the herbicide has received outstanding rankings because it is deemed the most effective of all herbicides of its category. These conclusions were derived from a comprehensive study done in more than 200 universities on corn fields that showed the herbicide yielded more than 5.7 bushels in each acre examined (Ackerman, 2007, p. 17). These studies were undertaken between the periods of 1985 to 2005. Altrazine has therefore been identified to be quite useful in many aspects but it is sometimes quite toxic to untargeted species (Caviness, 1971, pp. 83-84). Such species may include amphibians and fish but its toxicity is much widespread than previously thought.
Glyphosate is no different because it has also been evidenced to have some detrimental effects on the environment. The use of glyphosate can be traced back to the 70s when it was widely used on lawns and yards as well as a herbicide for most agricultural practices (Muller, 2000, p. 541). In the USA alone, approximately five to eight million kilotonnes of glyphosate are used on lawns and gardens while approximately eighty to ninety million pounds of the substance are used for agricultural activities (Watts, 2010). Glyphosate normally works by inhibiting enzyme function in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids (Walsh, 2000, p. 769). Components of glyphosate settle at the growth points of unwanted plants after being absorbed through foliage points which makes it quite effective for prevention of weed growth. It can however not be used to prevent pre-growth of weeds.
Glyphosate has been used in the US to control growth of illegal crops or drug plants, as evidenced in Columbian coca fields. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of the herbicide to control legal crops and more especially the fight against drugs has been a huge ground for debate (Heck, 2005, p. 329). The use of the herbicide has been criticized because it leads to the development of herbicide resistant crops such as the Boliviana Negra for the Columbian Coca plants. Its effects are also extended to the general environmental make up (Giesy, 2000, p. 35).
Chlorpyrifos is also a chemical byproduct majorly used as an insecticide. It however has adverse effects on the environment. Its functions are majorly focused on the prevention of acetylcholinesterase as an organophosphate insecticide for many crops such as cotton, corns and many fruit plant species (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Its use has been generally assumed to have moderate toxicity but its advantages have also been outstanding.
This report provides a categorically detailed recommendation of the above discussed insecticide (Chlorpyrifos) and the two previously discussed herbicides (Glyphosate and Altrazine) for approval as acceptable chemicals to prevent insect pests and weeds respectively. Focus will be made on the effects of the ingredient chemicals in all the three products with regards to the environment and more so, the surrounding wetlands they are to be used. The wetland is considered home to several animal species including amphibians, crustaceans and fish and because of this reason; their use on any wetland, ecosystem and native fauna should be extensively discouraged.
Glyphosate
Biochemistry
Essentially, the functioning of glyphosate is through interference with amino acids (Watts, 2010). It succeeds in doing so by inhibiting many enzyme functions in plants; effectively making it a reliable weed killer (Watts, 2010). However, the same function has the same impact on animals as well. Considering the herbicide is to be used in a wetland that is home to amphibians, fish and other animal species, the infiltration of the chemical into the wetland endangers the general environment of the animals when they eat the plants (because animals obtain their amino acids from plants). This will lead to enzyme dysfunction in their bodies and probably cause death.
Humans
Considering the glyphosate is going to be largely used in a wetland, the chances of ecological support of human activity are probably high. The wetland may therefore support many human functions like providing water for domestic consumption, agricultural purposes and such like activities. The wetland is also likely to be home to many rivers and tributaries which if left to flow downstream, may be used for many activities other than domestic use. In this respect, it is essential that the wetland be free from any deadly chemical to minimize the risk of human reliance on the environment.
The toxicity of glyphosate has been empirically evidenced to be the lowest among its organochlorine family group (Watts, 2010). In fact, the United States Protection Agency has categorized the herbicide at level three of toxicity where toxicity levels are categorized from level one to four and the fourth level is the least toxic (David, 1998, 12- 14). In addition, the herbicide is organic and breaks quite rapidly. However, the reduced toxicity only applies when inhalation occurs.
There is enough scientific evidence to point out that if an individual consumes a lifetime supply of food obtained from glyphosate sprayed fields, it may have future detrimental effects. These developments have further prompted the United States Environmental Protection Agency to carry out further studies on the endocrinal disruptor effects of glyphosate (Chensheng, 2008, p. 537). These events have led to further reestablishment that the chemicals used to make glyphosate are probably more harmful than the herbicide itself. For instance, studies carried out to determine the toxicity of roundup, (a component in glyphosate) established that the chemical had a greater level of toxicity on aromatase when compared to glyphosate in isolation (Duke, 2007, p. 36). Further studies have established that roundup has a devastating effect on human embryonic, placental and umbilical effect; also a stronger effect than glyphosate has in isolation (regardless of the concentration level associated with it) (Richard, 2005, p. 716). Despite the fact that the effects of roundup are disproportional to that of glyphosate, it should be noted that the level of toxicity depends on the concentration of adjuvant used to develop the formula (Hassan, 1991. p. 55).
Glyphosate has been observed to be the number one cause of human complications as compared to other herbicides (Bradberry, 2004, p. 159). However, these statistics dont show other facts related to the number of people whove been exposed to the chemicals and who exhibit symptoms not fully blown into a serious complication. For instance, if hospitalizations were used as a method to determine the effects of glyphosate, the herbicide would be assumed to have a relatively safe degree of usage because out of the over 500 cases of hospitalization noted, none can be directly attributed to the herbicide (Benachour, & Gilles-Eric, 2008, p. 97).
Collectively, there have been a number of studies (more than 58) which establish the diverse effects glyphosate has on many organisms. These studies established that when the herbicide is used for terrestrial organisms, the effects were minimally acute. Additionally, chronic risks attributed to organisms which were not targeted in the initial project increased (Watts, 2010). Additionally, it was confirmed that there was a high degree of dangerous exposure for aquatic animals that live under shallow water. Interestingly, the same research concluded that roundup had adverse effects on the functional development of rats at a fetus stage (with respect to the development of limbs). The same also goes for pregnant rats (Watts, 2010). In close relation, the chemical has been established to have a negative effect on the stabilization of testosterone level in mice. Further mammalian studies have established that with regard to human effects, the chemical has a detrimental effect on the estrogen biosynthesis of enzymes for placental cells in human beings.
Systematic sequelae and reported fatalities of human beings have been directly traced to the ingestion of the roundup chemical over long periods of time. In fact, the proportionality has been established that with the ingestion of more than 85 milliliters of the chemical, serious toxic implication for adult human beings will be noted (Watts, 2010).
Glyphosate is also preserved with a chemical called proxel which can cause serious effects of photo contact dermatitis and serious skin burns (though rarely observed) if strong concentrations of proxel are ingested (Watts, 2010). Instances of dermal exposure (which is often known to cause irritation of the skin) have been increased due to the use of glyphosate if it comes in contact with water sources over extensive periods of time. When a person inhales the chemicals found in the herbicide, nasal irritation may be experienced. In addition, there are often tingling and irritation sensations on the throat as well as a sour taste in the mouth. Extensive exposure of the eyes to the chemical components of glyphosate may also cause conjunctivitis (though mild) (Watts, 2010).
Effects on other Animal Species
Glyphosate does not necessarily affect mammals and bird species in an adverse manner. The acute effect of the herbicide that results in complications arises from dosages in excess of 5,000 mg/kg (Daruich, 2001, pp. 226-228). The reason for its low level of toxicity to mammals is based on research that shows if glyphosate is administered to mammals for two years or less, there were no serious effects (except for the reproductive system). This study was done on rodents and dogs. Apart from the chemical components of the herbicide showing low absorption rate in the digestive tract of the animals, there is little evidence to show that the herbicide increases cancer. In the same regard, glyphosate has a very small likelihood of accumulating in animal tissues (Watts, 2010).
Despite these findings, recent research studies published in 2010 have established that the formula can cause neural and craniofacial malformations on frogs which are very common in wetland areas. Among the most likely possible effects on the animals would be the diminution of the body size and a change in the size of the brain (the cephalic area) (Watts, 2010). Converse to other result studies that showed a high level of toxicity on the chemicals that constitute glyphosate, the 2010 studies have identified that the herbicide has the same level of effects as its components.
The level of toxicity of the herbicide has also been observed on earthworms and other insects that may be of benefit to the general environment (Springett, 1992, p. 1739). However, the effects of the herbicide on earthworms are still in contention. Previous studies cited that the herbicide has no effect on nematodes, motes and springtails after they were administered with about two kilograms of roundup (Watts, 2010). The conclusion to these findings are therefore still in contention but other studies have affirmed that glyphosate undoubtedly has a negative effect on the nitrogen fixing bacteria found in soil (Santos, 1995, pp. 349-352). This has consequently led to increased susceptibility of plants to various types of diseases.
Studies done in 2005 have also shown that constant use of glyphosate may have a profound effect on amphibians and specific surfactants may also have a negative effect on fish and some animals of the invertebrate family. This is the leading reason why the substance has been abolished in an aquatic environment. Such types of banned products include Bianctive and Aqua master (Watts, 2010). Interestingly, some conservation groups have adopted the use of glyphosate in the eradication and prevention of the growth of weeds when the intention of use is in an aquatic environment. This is due to its relative low toxicity levels in wildlife (Watts, 2010).
Normally, glyphosate is used with five types of salts but samples of the substance can be found with traces of surfactants which have varying degrees of toxicity (brought about by varying concentrations). This exposes the fact that human and animal poisoning should never be blanketly attributed to glyphosate in totality. Their concentrations and formulas for mixture are therefore the leading cause of poisoning (Watts, 2010).
When analyzed with regard to toxicity of the herbicide in the productivity of soil; findings have been inconclusive because certain components of the herbicide usually attach themselves to soil particles which later make them inactive (Alibhai & Stallings, 2001, p. 2944). Additionally, an element of the herbicide that doesnt bind itself to the soil particles is usually degraded by bacteria. This shows that the herbicide has a low effect on soil nutrients. As a result, most environmental bodies like the United States Environmental protection agency and the United Nations Environmental program (UNEP) have concluded that pure glyphosate is in no way carcinogenic (Goldstein, 2002, p. 885). However, strong critics of the herbicide have identified the strong effects of roundup in its chemical composition as disastrous.
Effects on Aquatic Life
Glyphosate has been generally confirmed to be detrimental to amphibians. Fish and general invertebrates have especially been identified to be very sensitive to chemical components from the herbicide (and most especially the roundup component) (Richard, 2005, p. 716). Conversely, terrestrial animals arent that sensitive. The European Union (EU) has affirmed these concerns and established that the herbicide is highly lethal to aquatic life. Roundup in isolation has been discouraged for aquatic use and studies done on the chemical with regard to amphibians have established that the chemical should not be used on amphibians. However, other components found in glyphosate have been established to have a minimal effect on amphibians (even on the sensitive ones) (Alejandra, 2010, p. 2). Though studies have shown that elements of glyphosate attach themselves to soil and become inactive, there is enough scientific research to show that the herbicide has negative effects on the environment (Funke, 2006, p. 13010).
Atrazine
Altrazine has been noted to have serious detrimental effects on rats, hamsters and rabbits. The lethal dose however varies, but doses as little as 750mg/kg if ingested for a long time may cause the death of some animals (Hayes, 2003). Altrazine has also been observed to contaminate ground water which is not only used by plants but by animals and humans as well (Cai, 2003, pp. 272- 275). This has eventually led to its banning in Europe. However, in the US, Altrazine is widely used as a reliable herbicide with large quantities of consumption recorded each year in spite of existent regulations on its applicability. Nonetheless, its extensive use is not only limited to America alone because Altrazine has been termed the most widely used herbicide globally with a record use in more than eighty countries (Ralebitso, 2002, p. 11).
Its however noteworthy to realize that its use in the US has not been free from controversies. Scientists have attributed low sperm counts in men, endocrine disruptor, carcinogenic and epidemiological effects to the use of the herbicide (these reasons are the cause for its banning in Europe) (Mizota, 2006, p. 362). Its use is also deeply contested because some quarters have noted that even within the legal concentrations of the herbicide; it can potentially cause birth defects, menstrual problems and consequently lead to the birth of underweight children (Hayes, 2004, p. 1138). Moreover, recent findings released in 2010 have affirmed that even legal concentrations of the herbicides may have potential, far reaching effects on the health of human beings. This has consequently prompted further studies on the effects of the herbicide with regards to its safety standards. These developments are still witnessed despite assurances from researchers that the herbicide does not have any health implications for American infants, children or any other age group. The assurances were made in 2006.In addition, in 2007; researchers affirmed that amphibians are not affected through genodal development (allegedly worsened by the use of the herbicide). However, there have been studies which have further investigated the effects of the herbicide on amphibians.
Effects on Amphibians
Studies have affirmed that even small doses of Altrazine have a teratogen effect on amphibians because they make them less masculine with a 75% proof that it has the potential of making male amphibians sterile (University of California, 2010). These studies have been done on frogs. In the same regard, the herbicide has been known to be an estrogen disruptor with interesting findings of its ability to turn male frogs into females. The probability of its occurrence is 1 out of 10 (University of California, 2010).
In close relation, research studies done in 2002 identified that the herbicide can potentially change the gender of frogs or make them posses both male and female sexual characteristics. Interestingly subsequent studies done by Syngeta failed to verify these conclusions. Controversy has therefore surfaced with claims that Syngeta produces the chemical (Altrazine) and therefore the counter studies done were bound to be doctored by the company; or there was a possibility the experiments were not done in ideal conditions (University of California, 2010). However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency have undertaken impartial research and arrived at the conclusion that there is no sufficient evidence to support either of the claims.
Other independent studies affirmed that the herbicide had potential capability of turning male frogs into females when exposed to the herbicide for a long time. However, when frog larvae were exposed to concentration levels of 0.01 to 100 microg/l of the herbicide, no effect was observed (University of California, 2010). Larval development and sexual differentiation was also noted to be dismally affected by the herbicide. However, these conclusions have further spurred a flurry of other experiments to determine the role the herbicide plays on the decline associated with larval development. Consequently, some Japan researchers in 2008 undertook the same studies and identified that there were no hermaphrodite frogs, no increase in aromatase and consequently no evidence of frog feminization after exposure to the herbicide (University of California, 2010).
These studies were further followed by research done by the US Environmental protection agency which established that the herbicide does not affect the gonadal development of amphibians after careful field and laboratory studies done with the consideration of research material published in many scientific journals in the past (which suggested otherwise). The institutions website further went ahead to note that there was no need for any additional experiments on the matter.
Predictably, more studies were done which advanced the opinion that tadpoles developed acute cardiovascular problems and impaired kidneys in their first years of existence, after being exposed to the herbicide (University of California, 2010). The studies further established that most of these effects further led to tissue malformation which was directly linked to cell death through ectopic means. However, the mechanism to which these observations were based wasnt established. Complimentary research studies have identified that if Altrazine is combined with other herbicides such as mesotrione, the potential effects were surprisingly positive because it was noted to increase plant yields and more especially that of the corn. The study especially identified that the herbicide mixture improved the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway of the plant to produce a higher nutritional content. With regard to the quality of human life, the herbicide was observed to exhibit high quantities of lutein and zeaxanthin which is beneficial in the suppression of symptoms related to ageing eye complications which affect more than a million citizens in America alone.
The positive effects of the herbicide and more especially its safety have been affirmed by the Australian Pesticide and Veterinary authority. The institution further established that the herbicide has a very limited possibility of having any adverse effects on frogs. The same findings have been resonated by the American equivalent of the institution, American Environmental Protection Authority. The Australian authorities have also rubbished previous reports claiming that the herbicide has a potential effect of changing the gender of frogs by identifying that their findings were not based on a broad data set which is required for the affirmation of such like claims. Contention therefore exists on the use of the chemicals especially in light of new reports advancing the fact that Altrazine has a potential bad effect on fish.
Chlorpyrifos
Though Chlorpyrifos is widely used in many households and agricultural farms, its safety has been a huge matter of concern. At one time (since its inception in 1965), the insecticide was widely used in most US households for home and garden use (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). United States environmental agency however raised some safety concerns in relation to increased adoption, forcing its ban in household use and other places where children were exposed to it. In the same way, its use on crops was highly regulated. These effects took place as recent as 2001.
However, Chlorpyrifos is still widely used for agricultural purposes and is still being marketed as a home product out of America (in third world countries) (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). In Iran for example, Chlorpyrifos has been given a clean bill of health for domestic and agricultural use. Authorities have also not detected any safety concerns with regard to human life and pest control.
However, generally speaking, Chlorpyrifos has severe detrimental effects (though the extent is still widely in dispute). In 1995 for example, the company that manufactures the insecticide failed to produce reports detailing cases of poisoning (caused by the insecticide). In 2003, the company also agreed to pay damages of up to two million shillings to the state of New York for advertising the product as safe for domestic and agricultural use (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Evidently, this assumption was untrue. Its use has also been widely discouraged in some other countries like India where the company manufacturing the product had to bribe Indian officials to allow its sale in the country (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). This incident was noted in 2007. In the same regard, the National Maritime Fisheries authority has imposed a ban in the use of the insecticide at least within a 1000 feet buffer zone around water that supports aquatic life to protect the Salmon and Steal head species (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Aerial application of the insecticides around the prohibited zones is also banned.
Implications on Health
Scientists have observed that the mode of action in which Chlorpyrifos acts for target organisms and non target organisms is the same. More especially, the human red blood cells have been noted to be highly affected by the components of the chemical (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). ChE levels have therefore been affected at different levels throughout the human mammalian system. Not only is the insecticide bound to cause ChE inhibition in the red blood cells, recent research studies have shown that the brain and plasma is equally affected by the insecticide (Jack, 2002, p. 181). However, it takes higher levels of the insecticide concentration to affect the brain (Gupta, 2006, p. 296).
Humans have therefore been observed over the years to be more susceptible to the effects of Chlorpyrifos more than other animals with specific studies done on dogs and rats. These conclusions were based on dermal exposure, poor eyesight and plasma red blood cell inhibition (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). There was however significant differences of its effects on dogs, rats and humans which was attributed to the fact that rats contain higher levels of acetylcholinesterase while humans and dogs contained higher levels of Butyrylcholinesterase which increased the sensitivity of the red blood cells to the chemicals and ChE inhibitors found in the insecticide (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009).
Research has also affirmed that neonates and children are more susceptible to the effects of Chlorpyrifos with regard to ChE inhibitions because they have been noted to be adversely affected, even below levels thought to be out of ChE inhibition. In rats, neuronal cell development has been inhibited as well as neurobehavioral effects in young rats. The sensitivity level in young rats is noted to be at least nine times more than older rats (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Female rats have also been known to exhibit the same level of sensitivity but with regard to bulls and cows; bulls are more sensitive (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009).
Chlorpyrifos has been observed over the years to disrupt the endocrine system from its neurotoxin nature; eventually causing its victims to develop asthma complications (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Acute levels of toxicity also lead to reproductive deformities as well as developmental complications which often occur during pregnancy. According to the American Environmental Protection Agency, Chlorpyrifos is ranked number 2 on a scale of 1-4 of increasing toxicity National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). The insecticide is therefore moderately toxic.
Pregnant women also have their children exposed to mental disorders during their early months of pregnancy when exposed to the insecticide because research affirms that children in the womb develop mental impairment when they grow up to be about the age of three, in addition to developing other conditions like pervasive developmental disorders (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Moreover, prenatal exposure to the insecticide for children in the womb increases the risk of children being born with lower than normal weights and having a lower head circumference.
Long term exposure to the chemical when airborne has also been noted to have negative effects of chronic illness development from long term exposure to the autoimmune antibodies (commonly associated with the chemical) (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). A Study Done in California USA exposes the degree of risk most people live in because significant amounts of the insecticide were observed to be present in the air. Consequently, this increased the level of metabolite accumulation in the human body with the American Environmental Protection Agency conforming that people predisposed to these conditions had over 90% of Chlorpyrifos traces in their urine content. The same study also identified those children who have switched to organic diets record lower levels of Chlorpyrifos metabolites in their urine.
Environmental Effects
According to the American Environmental Protection agency, data relating to the effects of Chlorpyrifos is insufficient. However, Chlorpyrifos is not recommended for use in areas where there are amphibians because the insecticide has been noted to contain Chlorpyrifos Oxon which is a compound known to be more toxic to aquatic life than the insecticide itself. Bees have also been noted to have negative symptoms from pre-exposure of the insecticide (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Isolated studies dine in Sydney, from a sample of tern eggs and liver, plus a pelican egg identified that when Chlorpyrifos was applied in pond water, cladocerans and copepods died. There was also a 42% mortality rate identified from ducklings (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009).
With regards to soil, the insecticide is not expected to leach at significant levels because it is the nature of the soil to directly bind with the component. However, if there is a volatile effect on the soil, nutrient loss is bound to happen but depending on the type of soil, the microbial metabolic rate may have an approximate life of roughly 279 days (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). When the soil is acidic in nature, temperatures are high and the organic content is low, it is much easier for bacteria to disintegrate the Chlorpyrifos. In this regard, nitrogen fixation will be improved and nitrification enhanced because Chlorpyrifos has been noted to inhibit the process (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). The framework behind this observation is that many bacteria find it hard to disintegrate Chlorpyrifos but others may solely depend on it for carbon and nitrogen.
Chlorpyrifos has also been noted to result in loss of soil nutrients especially from research studies done on sandy and highly organic soils which determined that nutrient loss in sandy soil was observed to be 50% within two weeks and 50% within 8 weeks of the highly organic soil (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). In close relation, when the insecticide was used for subterranean termite control, its effectiveness could last from five to seventeen years.
Chlorpyrifos also does not dissolve in water because it is observed to sediment and hydrolyze after approximately 35 to 78 days (National Pesticide Information Centre, 2009). Desorption of the chemical can possibly cause a residual concentration as noted from research studies done in Dundurrabin and Dorrigo areas. When the insecticide is sprayed in air, it may consequently react with photo chemically produced hydrolysis which eventually leads to high concentrations of the insecticide in the air, beyond acceptable levels of human habitation.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Though Glyphosate and Altrazine have been noted to have a high success rate in weed control, they are not advisable to use in a wetland. Chlorpyrifos is no different because it has been observed to have a bad effect on humans, the environment and wildlife respectively. However, it should be noted that the toxicity of the chemicals depend on the concentration used.
Considering the application of the three components is to be done in a wetland, their implications may be very severe and extensive. An underestimation of their effects may quite possibly cause a devastating impact on wildlife, aquatic life and human life simultaneously. Wetlands stand at a very strategic and significant environmental point because they support most of the ecological system.
If Glyphosate is applied in such an environment, there may be serious genetic deformities on animal life found in the habitat. With regard to amphibians and aquatic life, the chemical can potentially lead to the death of fish and frogs with speculative opinion that it may lead to long-term reproductive deformities of affected animals. However, its effects on terrestrial animals are bound to be milder. The roundup chemical used to make the herbicide has therefore been identified to have serious detrimental effects on animals than the herbicide itself. Though some research quarters identify that the herbicide is safe to use, its safety cannot be guaranteed in a wetland area.
The Altrazine herbicide though very controversial should also never be used in a wetland. In fact the European Union and America have strict regulations on its use with a total ban in some European countries. Recent lawsuits and instances of bribery by company officials who market the product is evidence enough that most authorities dont allow its use. Though its effects on wildlife are very minimal, the impact it may have on aquatic life is very severe and this has even led to a ban on its aerial application in zones close to aquatic environments.
Finally, Chlorpyrifos should never be used in a wetland environment either because of its eminent effects on animals and humans. Just like the herbicides discussed above, this insecticide has been noted to have serious effects on the reproductive health of animals including humans, with babies noted to have lower than normal weights with a decrease head circumference. The effects on the aquatic life are no less sever with possible chances of the death of aquatic life. The insecticide is also observed to affect the nitrification of soil as well as the nutritional content. Other factors withstanding, the use of all the three chemicals discussed in this study should be discouraged in a wetland environment but if at all their purposes have to be accomplished, birational insecticides should be used instead of Chlorpyrifos and mechanical or flame weed control should be used instead of Glyphosate and Altrazine.
References
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Arnold, P. (2002). Ullmanns Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry: Weed Control. Toronto: Wiley-VCH.
Benachour, N., & Gilles-Eric, S. (2008). Glyphosate Formulations Induce Apoptosis and Necrosis in Human Umbilical, Embryonic, and Placental Cells. Chemical Research in Toxicology, 22(1), 97.
Bichat, F. (1999). Microbial Utilization Of Heterocyclic Nitrogen From Atrazine. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J, 63, 100-110.
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Cai, B. (2003). Isolation and Characterization of an Atrazine-Degrading Bacterium From Industrial Wastewater in China. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 36, 272276.
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The document is based on a topic that will attract a broad general interest particularly from individuals interested in the field of ecotoxicology. The introduction opens the topic decently aside from the fact that the author kicks off the discussion starting with the definite article the oblivious to the fact that the particular issue had not been mentioned before this point. The author does well to include in the introduction specific examples of globally present persistent organic pollutants (POPs) notably the Polychlorinated 36 biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F). This helps give the author enough credibility regarding his knowledge of the topic at hand.
The discussion on the chemical characteristics of the POPs that render them harmful to the environment is also commendable especially since the author clearly contrasts the negative effects of the pollutants with the benefits that are obtained from the products whose waste is the POPs. The discussion basically revolves around the chemical tests and experiments that were carried out to evaluate the impact of the POPs on the environment and therefore it is impressive to see a section specifically dealing with materials and methodology. The breakdown of this section into subsections such as sampling and analytical methods gives the report a lot of credibilities and it gives the entire document a professional outlook.
The method of sampling and the variety of the regions chosen makes the experiment and study balanced such that when the researcher is to give an analysis and discussion of the findings, arguments of disproportionate sampling are omitted. The statistical analysis subsection of the materials and methodology section should however have been slightly expanded given the fact that this is basically the foundation on which the entire research was grounded. The extraction and cleanup section is well discussed except for the author of the document omitting various key explanations pertaining to some of the steps taken.
For example, it is not evident why the researcher categorically used a 120 degrees Celsius temperature for quantifying the extraction. It is recommended that proper citation be provided to publications or scholarly articles that provide evidence that such is the required heat level for the particular amount of test sample used.
Given the scope of the research, it is definitely clear that the hierarchical cluster analysis had to follow a number of basic steps and it would have been advisable for the author to at least give some of the primary steps that were followed in the general analytical process. The results and discussion section was perfectly done and this can be clearly noted from the way the author/researcher ensured that his discussion points were mainly based on the findings of the experiment while at the same time giving reference to explanations from scholarly documents regarding several aspects of the notable revelations.
The depth of the discussion guides the reader and basically draws him/her into the primary conclusion that persistent organic pollutants are as detrimental to the environment as had earlier been pointed in the introduction. The explanations provided for the differing levels of the PCBs based on the different points of the collection are however not convincing and the researcher using non-specific words such as probably clearly illustrates the fact that he did not delve deeply into analyzing documented explanations for the observation.
It is acceptable that one researcher cannot be charged with the responsibility of studying all phenomena in his line of specialization. However, in this instance, the author should have taken time to review the works of peers so as to avoid embarrassing omissions such as the one pointed earlier.
This document is original but cannot be classified as new. This is because most of the elements of discussion depend on previous research findings and even though the author spatially made reference to them, they formed the bulk of the pre-research discussions. These secondary sources also served to inform most of the methods and methodology area as well as the post-experiment discussion. The report is however recommended for publishing in a scholarly journal especially because the amount of data provided is enough to guide several research processes in this field of study. The report is well written and it follows a step-by-step format with each section flowing and interlocking well with preceding and succeeding sections making the whole document read seamlessly.
The tables and graphs section at the end of the document is necessary for consolidating the figures and statistical elements mentioned earlier in the document. The number of secondary sources utilized is sufficient for the particular discussion and the diversity of the sources is commendable. However, some of the sources used may not be up to date and it would have been better if the researcher limited the selection only to documents published after the year 2000. The grammatical objectivity of the report wording is very thought out and the document has very few errors as far as language is concerned.
Global warming is a factor that is posing a very big challenge to the world today. Electrical pollution is one of the biggest challenges and the leading cause of global warming. This is due to the burning of fossil fuels, which are mainly used in the production of power. Petroleum and its products are being used in many fields today despite the high rate of pollution that it causes to the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases are being sent into the atmosphere each day at very fast rates (Coon, 215). This is causing life on earth to remain at risk. Steps need to be taken to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This paper addresses the question of making the process of fire protection green. The paper will address fire protection, the greenhouse effect, the connection of fire protection and the emission of greenhouse gases and extensively discuss ways in which fire protection can be made green. In this last bit, it will tackle the process of fire protection and how it can be done with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. When greenhouse gases are minimized by any chance, the chances of degradation of the atmosphere will have been made slimmer and so the process of fire protection will have become green fire protection (Coon, 215).
Fire protection
The process of fire protection is inclusive of two areas; theoretical and practical. Theoretically, it is a study and practice, it is in real life. Fire protection is mainly concerned with the mitigation of the harmful effects that are caused by fire. The field of fire protection is very broad; fire behavior, suppression issues and factors, research on fire-related issues, legislation, local fire codes, and so many other fire-related factors. Fire protection thus covers all areas from design issues to mechanisms that are applied to avert and mitigate the harmful effects of fire (Lataille, 321).
In the body of this paper, green fire protection will be taken to be the steps in fire protection that aim at preventing the emission of greenhouse gases to the environment in a bid to reduce global warming. The paper will also take into consideration all the dimensions which are found in the realm of fire protection which includes the design of buildings in compliance with the required codes and at the same time respect the green environment. Buildings are required to be constructed using the most recent version of the building code. Maintenance must go along with the current fire code. Once a fire occurs, the mitigating personnel do not just do that but should also learn from the mistakes so as to have better codes in the upcoming versions. The following parts will explain some of the green techniques that can be applied (Lataille, 321).
Fast response
The best way of mitigating the harmful effects that come along with fire is to put off the fire as fast as possible. Once this is done, there is less damage and fewer consequences. However, in some cases, this might not be as simple as it sounds because the fire might have been caused by highly flammable substances (Kibert, 98).
In a bid to hasten the process of putting the fire off, there are necessary measures that should be taken prior to such a tragedy. One of the ways is fitting loud and fast response alarm systems such that the necessary authority is notified of the tragedy on time. Before getting into more details on the ways in which to circumvent the harsh attacks, it is wise to check on the possible atrocities that are caused by fire to the environment that will make the fast response a green response.
When a building is burning, there are a lot of gaseous emissions which take place. Some of the gases which are emitted are the most important constituents of greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. When the gases accumulate into the atmosphere, they concentrate to the levels which are causative agents of global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions.
When the fire is put off at a very fast pace, most materials that have a high carbon content like plastics would not have bunt and so the levels of emissions will below. At the same time, no sophistication will be required to put off a more fierce fire which would consume more energy. The more the energy is used, the more the environment gets depleted and so a fast response to a fire is a way of making the process of fire protection a greener process (Coon, 87).
Use of automatic fire sprinklers
In a bid to go green, some recent research has been done in order to establish green power. When automatic fire sprinklers are fitted into a building, the emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere is cut too much higher levels unlike it would have been the case if water alone was used to circumvent the damage that would have been caused by fire. According to some research, the use of the sprinklers which are fitted into the building during construction, the emissions are cut down by approximately over 98%. If a current building was to catch fire at the moment without having a sprinkler, then the benefits that would otherwise have been gained due to safe carbon gases are lost.
The sprinklers have been designed in such a way that they are able to mitigate the effects of heat, smoke and also the flames that are released by a fierce fire. When the mentioned fire products are reduced and controlled as stated, the harmful effects of combustion are controlled and thus consequently reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Another advantage that is brought along by employing water sprinklers in buildings is water usage. The main advantage of using sprinklers in the process of fire fighting is saving water as they release less water as compared to jets. This entails that the sprinklers are very effective in the process of saving the water that is used. On the green arena, when fighting off the fire, the water comes into contact with the flames, the smoke and also the burnt-up deficit in more than one area. After the water has touched the debris, it automatically drops down and spills away according to the forces of gravity. The implication of this process is that the more water that is released to the scene of the fire, the more the water that will spill away. This implies that more water, which is contaminated with greenhouse substances, will be released into the environment thus making the whole process riskier. It is thus clear that the use of the sprinkler will ensure that less water is used and so less water will be released and by the end of the day less contamination to the environment (Burke, 221).
Looking at the presented cases in the use of the sprinklers, it is well versed that the sprinklers are not just requisite in a building which is to be deemed sustainable in this era but are a method that will be used and advanced in the future as a form of an essential risk management practice. They have proven to be a practical method that is making buildings greener than ever before. They are helping to reduce emissions to such high levels that the end result is the improvement of sustainability to the environment and the community.
Experiments have proven that the sprinklers operate in much the same way in almost all the buildings and should always be recommended as a sustainable fire depressant in fire protection and also a tool that is being used to mitigate environmental degradation. If built-in more energy-efficient mechanism, then they would be the best invention in the recent past.
Pump usage
When there is a fire outbreak, there is a general tendency to carry water among other power suppressants. As it has been in most cases, water is eventually used to pit off the fire. The type of pump that is being used hence can be used to measure how green the protection mechanism is (Lataille, 321).
There are basically two types of pumps that can be used in any situation. An electric pump and a diesel pump. In reality, both the pumps involve the release of some substance into the atmosphere though at different levels. When the diesel engine pump is used, there is direct burning of diesel which is heavy oil. When the substance is burned, just like other similar substances, there is eventual and direct release of carbon oxides, sulfur and nitrogen into the atmosphere, amongst other substances. These are the critical components of greenhouse gaseous emissions and result in atmospheric pollution and acid rain.
The resultant truth is a direct abuse of the environment and so the greenest way in the usage of the water pumps is using the electric pumps. Electric pumps have no direct emissions to the atmosphere and through fossil fuels were burnt for the production of the electricity which is used to push them, it is clear that they are not as harmful as the diesel counterparts. At the same time, there is a probability that the electricity is from greener sources like nuclear or solar hence making the whole process carbon-free.
Usage of CPVC pipes
Cpvc is an acronym for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. They are thermoplastic piping mechanisms that are made using the cpvc compound. They have quite a lot of functions in the market today like; used in fire suppression mechanisms, used in the portable distribution of water, and are also used to handling corrosive fluids in industries.
From the stated usage of the pipes, it is clear that they are very strong in their applications and can be used in tough situations. The pipes have various characteristics that make them a tool of choice in green fire protection systems; they are very environmental friendly, they can serve their purpose for a very long time, they are installed and handled very easily, they easily resist corrosion, they are not very expensive, and they can serve under very many codes which are accepted under dissimilar circumstances .
The cpvc pipes can be used in buildings to supply both hot water and cold water at very high pressures and temperatures. In case of any fire, the cpvc pipes do not support combustion. They only do so if they have an internal source of fuel hence falling in place as a tool in green fire protection systems.
In this green battle, the pipes can mainly be used in two diverse areas. The first application is in the ordinary pipes for water distribution in the building or in the manufacture of the fire suppression equipment. When the cpvc pipes ail to support combustion, they mitigate most of the risks that are associated with combustion. From this argument, during design, it is recommended that cpvc pipes are used instead of copper in the manufacture of sprinklers and if possible, they are used in water distribution channels throughout the building. This will have reduced combustion in case of a fire outbreak (Zalosh, 234).
Fuel Detection
For any fire to start at any one place, there are some requirements, which have to be met. There has to be fuel, a source of ignition and an oxidizing agent. To be green in fire protection, avoidance of fire in the first place is the best way out as there will be no opportunity for the greenhouse gases to emit into the atmosphere. To avert the risks of the fire then, there has to be identification and possible detection of possible sources of fuel.
Fuels are classified generally as substances, which are flammable, and others are substances, which are combustible. Gaseous and high vapor pressure condensed fuels are flammable and low vapor pressure condensed fuels are combustible. Other risky substances in the building are combustible substances, which are not flammable. The substances have a low probability of being accidentally sparked and so a lot of care should be taken against their tendency to spill as compared to their tendency to get instant pressure and sparks. A good example of this is a comparison of petrol and kerosene.
The flammable substances require to be properly labeled and treated as substances, which can cost first-degree fires. In buildings that might be holding such substances within them, it is important to have detectors for fuel leakage. A basic detector is based on a platinum wire which varies in resistance due to the very fast oxidation of fuel and air at a normal room temperature. Once the spillage has been detected, alarms should be set off immediately such that the necessary steps are taken to avert the changes (Zalosh, 276).
Inert atmospheres
In a bid to avert the risks of the fire occurring and try to avoid the risks in the greenest way possible, it is important to take more precautionary measures. In case direct flames like during welding have to be in the sight of near combustible materials, inert atmospheres can be procured which will mitigate the risk of the fire without having an impact on the environment. An inert atmosphere is achieved when the level of oxygen in the atmosphere is less than 5%. When inert atmospheres are used using whichever method will be the cheapest to apply, risks of fires happening are thwarted and so emissions are kept at bay and the environment remains greener.
Halogenated agents
Halogenated agents for extinguishing fire are at times referred to as the most effective fire suppression mechanism available today. In essence, this is very true as it has a very low degree of flammability and it has the power to suppress the chain that is required for combustion to take place. This is because of the fact that they have been designed in a way that they occupy the base of the fire leaving no space for oxygen which is requisite for combustion (Industrial Association of Fire Chiefs, 196).
In terms of green fire protection, the substance fails due to the many hazards that it poses to the atmosphere as it will be seen hereafter. Some Halon products are known to carry up to 30% toxicity which can be life-threatening. Most of the most serious hazards that come along with the use of Halon are asphyxiation which is the deficiency of oxygen in the atmosphere. Considering the carbon content that comes along with a burning fire, a decrease in oxygen would be more troublesome as the concentration of the risky emissions will be greater than the normal and so an increase in the likelihood of global warming.
The products that are produced when Halon decomposes are very toxic. If released into the atmosphere, there is a risk to both flora and fauna and a very high increase of gases in the atmosphere. Looking at these probable harmful effects of this substance, it is better avoided for the environment to remain safer and for the process of fire protection to look greener.
Use of solar power
Solar power is natural and can be categorized as the greenest source of power. In the design of buildings, it is recently being suggested that the designers should consider solar power as backup power in case of system failures. In making the process of fire protection green, the authorities involved should adopt solar power as the choice power in powering their equipment.
As much as this might not look like a direct way to make the whole process green, by doing so the fire protection agency will have helped in reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases. When electricity is used, fossil fuels are burnt in order for the electricity to be produced and so the more the electricity is used the more fuels are burnt. The burning of fossil fuels comes along with the emission of many carbon substances into the atmosphere thus making the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere shoot to higher levels (Lataille, 321).
Once the fire protection companies retract to solar use, fewer gases are released and so there is a greener system. Solar energy can be utilized in fire protection in such areas as alarm systems, smoke detectors and other gadgets which are fixed into buildings during the design process. This also helps by being an example of responsibility to the other stakeholders who might eventually change some of their systems to solar thus saving the environment more (Burke, 67).
Recycling
Fire protection can also be made green by recycling. The process of fire protection is very dynamic and involving. A lot of material is used and most of it is worn out very fast due to the frequency of use. When the material required to do a certain job is worn out, it is essential to make an immediate replacement to avoid stalling work (Kibert, 190).
There is a lot of energy which is used in the manufacture of new products today. There is much more energy that is used when worn-out debris is disposed of in a trashy manner. Recycling where possible helps in minimizing the energy that would otherwise have been used to come up with new materials and gadgets. For the fire protection department to keep green, then they should adopt a way of recycling their material so that they protect the environment from consuming extra energy (Coon, 215).
In protecting the environment, recycling eliminates landfills which are very toxic at times. The plastic debris found in landfills depletes the environment due to its biodegradable nature. Thus the process of recycling should be encouraged to all people alike due to the protection that is offered to the environment (Burke, 67).
Conclusion
The concept of going green in the world today is rooted in the avoidance of excessive carbon emission to the atmosphere due to the adverse effects that are posing a great risk to mankind if left uncontrolled. The use of natural resources is a way that we can conserve the environment. It is, therefore, necessary that all industries focus on ways and means to elucidate the ways in which they are making environmental degradation a thing of the past through greener methods of conserving the environment.
Green fire protection has been visualized as a mode of fire protection that has been oriented towards an environmentally friendly manner. This paper has tackled different ways in which fire protection engineers can employ in their field of practice as they seek to make the environment safe for every one of us as well as avert the risk of fire.
Different methods of a greener environment have been discussed and appraised though they have not been exhausted. With more research going on currently in this field, all people should aim at reducing the number of toxic carbon emissions as much as it is possible to avoid greater problems in the future (Zalosh, 123).
References
Burke, Robert. Fire Protection: systems and response. New York CRC Press, 2008.
Coon, Walter. Fire protection: design criteria, options, selection. New York: R.S. Means Co., 1991
Industrial Association of Fire Chiefs. Fundamentals of Fire Fighter Skills. Kansas: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2008
Kibert, Charles. Sustainable construction: green building design and delivery. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, 2008
Lataille, Jane. Fire protection engineering in building design, Oxford: Butterworth- Heinemann, 2003.
Zalosh, Robert. Industrial fire protection engineering, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, 2003.
Loy Yang Power Station power station depends on the combustion of brown coal to produce electricity, since substitute fuels are unavailable. This implies that the power plant had to come up with technological advances that could minimize the greenhouse gas emissions and work on longer term developments. To ensure high standards of environmental performance, the owners of the power station implemented fully integrated environmental management practises.
The power station satisfactorily met the dust emissions requirements set by the Environment Protection Authority. The common gases emitted from the combustion of brown coal are sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The power station also satisfactorily met the limits set by EPA, regarding the emission of these gases (Elkington 2010, p 1).
Construction: Quality Assurance/Quality Control
The main strategies implemented to ensure minimal emissions from the combustion of brown coal are the reduction of emissions and storage of emissions. Loy Yong Power puts a lot of emphasis on improving the efficiency of the power plant. In doing so, the plant is able to improve the environment as well. The improvements have shown improvements as they have resulted in a decrease of greenhouse gases by over 7%, in the period between the year 2002 and 2006. CCS demands a variety of new technologies. It also requires a different legislative framework, other than the one used to regulate extraction.
The implications of extensive use of CCS technologies includes: jurisdictional issues, leakage issues due to CO2 containment demanding regular monitoring, extensive planning, transport and storage access as well as the risk on the environment on the long term (Wu, Li, Hayashi, Chiba, & Li 2005, p 1224).
The main focus of the Loy Yang Power station is in capture and storage of the emissions. The main challenges to this strategy include: problems related to long-term concealing of carbon dioxide in underground voids, operating costs of the carbon Capture and Sequestration technologies, reduced conversion of energy and the increased expenses due to transportation and technology requirements.
The plant ensures controlled usage of water through monitoring programs. These programs also assist in reducing the effect of the water discharged to the environment from the power station. The positive results are attained by setting targets for all operations including the rate of discharge to the Traralgon Creek and the loadings for salt discharge (Wu, Li, Hayashi, Chiba, & Li 2005, p 1225).
Performance and Operation
These have been made possible through the integration of environmental and quality management systems. The initiatives include: the position held by IPM Loy Yang B as the EPA accredited licensee for the power station, integration of the environment, quality and safety management systems as per the requirement of !SO with regard to environmental management system, sponsorship through financing of the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve, support of the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan (NEIP) in Traralgon Creek and the funding of rehabilitation projects in regions adjacent to the power station (Li 2004, p 43).
Occupational Health and Safety
Water is a key resource in the Loy Yang B Power Station, and therefore its use and discharge to the environment is important to the organization. The power plant has two water categories, low quality water, from the Latrobe River, and high quality water from Moondarra Reservoir. The former is used while untreated, for cooling and washing purposes, while the latter is treated before usage as feed water to the demineralisation plant.
Evaporative cooling in the plant is made possible using the low quality water, in order to maintain the total dissolved solids levels. The high quality water is in turn used in the boilers for electricity generation. The maintenance operations in relation to water usage involve sealing leakages to reduce steam loss (Li 2004, p 57).
The quality of water discharged is monitored by sampling and analyzing it, to make sure that the waste water discharged is in compliance with the licence requirements of EPA. The volume of water discharged is also monitored. The waste water discharged initially had high concentration of total dissolved substances due to evaporation process in the cooling towers. High salt discharges to the Traralgon Creek had to be controlled in order to meet the EPA limits. This was made possible by reducing the number of cooling cycles to a maximum of six (Li 2004, p 61).
Maintenance
The unforeseen consequences of CCS should be undertaken by the state, and considered in the legislation, instead of being imposed into commercial development expenses. The venture could also be undertaken privately, if commercial insurance was available at an affordable cost. Due to the extensive implementation of CSS, there has been a decrease in carbon dioxide levels of emission, higher capital expenditure, decreased energy supply, decreased business proceeds and higher costs to the clients.
These effects are observed to be against the foreseen increase in demand for electricity. As a result, the Loy Yang Power Plant needs to consider the economic implications for its customers by encouraging new developments and handling the energy loss using its assets (Elkington 2010, p 2).
References
Elkington, R., 2010. Strategic Policy Framework for Near Zero Emissions from Latrobe Valley Brown Coal. Web.
Li, C. 2004. Advances in the Science of Victorian Brown Coal. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science.
Wu, H., Li, X., Hayashi, J., Chiba, T., & Li, C., 2005. Effects of volatilechar interactions on the reactivity of chars from NaCl-loaded Loy Yang brown coal. 81(10), pp. 1221-1228.
Sustainable development can be defined as the right approach to meet the needs of todays resources without compromising the needs and resources of tomorrow. An example of such an approach would be the Saudi Arabian initiative of sustainable development for all types of energy. This initiative has been on the go from the Saudi government for the past few years on both an international level as well as a domestic level. Since the late 90s The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been working hard with the amount of international summits and conferences.
International, which has sought to build a common sustainable development vision to respond to existing needs and challenges of the world and for countries inner befit. These countries will have sustainable developed in the framework of a partnership with the domestic and international levels.In order to achieve the objectives set goals of these programs. Which has been approved by many Member States such as Saudi Arabia. The Kingdoms sustainable development is a very broad topic on both an international and domestic platform.
This is evident in the integrated umbrella of the kingdoms sustainable growth that comprises of state and systemic levels. The levels are composed of populations, social growth, gender equity and equality, and individual settlements. In addition, the children, elderly, education, rights, technical know-how, and information technology are incorporated. The countrys efforts have managed to make generate some improvements. To achieve compatibility and integration of the industries to focus and intensify efforts at all levels to achieve those Goals.
On a full International level
The Saudi Arabian government implemented an initiative called NEEP . What is the National Energy Efficiency program (NEEP)? This program is aimed at assisting the energy sector in the kingdom to meet the increasing power and energy needs. This would be through effective and efficient use of energy. Moreover, protection of local environment would be vital and provision of alternative sources of energy. What does The National Energy Efficiency program ( NEEP ) involve?
The NEEP program is expected to support energy assessment in the manufacturing and profitable sectors in the kingdom. It would assist in value load management, adoption of rules and regulations for energy consumption in the residential areas. In addition, the program would focus on utilization of the right technologies for effective use of energy. As a result, outreach and awareness construction initiatives would be enhanced through provision of education and capacity building with regard to energy preservation. Outcome results of the program? If the country achieves its long-term goals of sustainable growth, then, it would have realized success in improving energy preservation in the production industries and in its consumption and use of other crucial resources.
This results result in increase in demand, which emanates from fast economic growth and growth of towns. As a result, Saudi Arabia welcomes many investors to meet the rapid increase in demand of energy. After the kingdom completes its project in relation to energy conservation, then, it would be correct to say that it would have achieved the goal of the program. It would be characterized by continuous, effective, and efficient methods of power conservation, which would be vital for future generations. What can we expect of the project? There is a policy of a long-term growth that focuses on regulating and implementing projects that are in progress.
This policy aims at improving efficiency in line with international growth objectives. A set of relations between Saudi and international organizations will be established through the assistance of the United Nations and Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA) and United Nation Development Program (UNDP). These associations aim at enhancing and spreading effective policies that would negotiate and take action after the completion of the project. That will give significant outcomes towards global and local challenges of the environment and climate change and energy security such as exporting gigawatts of energy via solar power.
On a full domestic level
The sustainable development challenges are the most important challenges facing the domestic development process in the Kingdom, including the following: the risein the standard of living and improvement of the quality of life, Jobs, education and poverty. To make this work the Kingdom needs to start diversifying their economic base. The economy of the country should be diversified to maintain economic growth.
For domestic economic and social development since the beginning of the planning process for domestic development, and in recognition of the importance of reducing the dependence on petroleum resources being depleted resources in the long term. This would lead to strengthening of the roles of other sectors that do not rely on oil for domestic use. It is important to note that for sustainable development to take root in the country, concentration on human resources and employment would be vital.
However, The requirements of the development process exceeded the supply of appropriate Saudi national employment in a number of private and governmental professions which forces the kingdom to bring in imported labor to meet demand. Which made the issue of jobs and immigration as well as securityavery domestic hot-topic with their sustainable development.The country is typified by many challenges that have continued to hinder development projects. On the other hand, has emerged in recent years, the phenomenon of poor alignment between the outputs of the Saudi system.
Education and training on the one hand, and the requirements of the development of skills and disciplines on the other hand,Which led to the emergence of structural unemployment among citizens. The issue of poor alignment with its various aspects and dimensions of various key issues and major challenges. Like the sustainability of natural resources such as water. Water is a problem in the kingdom. This is for the reason that most of it that is used in all sectors is from non-renewable sources. Regardless of the remaining water reserves, the requirements of sustainable development call for total reliance on traditional sources of renewable water and otherwise.
In terms of agricultural land, the preservation to prevent it from deteriorating, and stop the desertification is one of the major challenges for sustainable development, and the same concept applies to wealth. To achieve a balanced development between regions in spite of careful provision of equipment and basic public services in all regions of the Kingdom, where the percentage of coverage of most of these service rates is very high, but that economic activity was mixed among them. This has contributed to the variation in stimulating internal migration from rural areas to cities and consequently led to inflation.Demographic and geographic expansion in these large cities, resulting in significant pressures on services And equipment.
So the re-balancing between the regions of the Kingdom represents one of the major challenges of sustainable development, which requires initiatives to stimulate economic activity.Another domestic initiative is enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy. The Kingdom is managing during the relatively brief period of adopting a distinguished economist based site to an economic advantage in solar energy and petrochemical sectors. And some other activities. However, this feature mainly results from an abundance of energy resources and resources in the government finances that made it easy to afford all these changes.
Thats why the gaining of new competitive advantages for the development and diversification of exports, increase the degrees of integration with the global economy in light of growing globalization, and domestic development issues.
The international level of analysis
Sustainable development can be best explained using the international level analysis. This is because it discusses development outcomes systematically, and incorporates all countries in economic assessments. This level of analysis considers the position held by states, and how they interact with other nations across the world. It is important to note that sustainable development is crucial for economic growth in any country. Thus, it is crucial for it to be studied systematically to investigate the best methods that would promote it. However, it is vital to indicate that sustainable development can be analyzed at three levels, i.e., individual, state, and international levels.
Individual level deals with causes of events among people who are involved in decision-making processes in a specific country. At this level, concentration is on human actors who are involved in planning. For example, the causes of low levels of development could be attributed to certain leaders of specific countries who are key in decision-making.
Individual level of study is both advantageous and disadvantageous with regard to analyzing sustainable development in Saudi Arabia. Its strengths are found in many aspects. It helps a country to understand how leaders decision influence development. In addition, this level of study is crucial in appreciating the role of individual motivation and creativity of workers, and how they influence the environment in which they are working. It also helps researchers to understand the effects of individual perception, ethics, and employee turnover on sustainable development. However, this level of study is typified by many weaknesses that render it unsuitable for analyzing sustainable growth.
This is for the reason that it only examines leaders within an organization, and not among organizations. Hence, it is difficult to compare and improve specific developments in many firms, which play important roles in maintaining developments. Nonetheless, investigating sustainable development using leaders characters in a business establishment does not benefit many companies, which are critical in sustaining growth. Thus, it would be advisable to utilize other levels of analyses to identify the locality, range, and scale of a research target. This would culminate in positive long-term outcomes.
Domestic or state level of analysis focuses on the characters of an individual state. For instance, failure to achieve sustainable development could be attributed to mismanagement of institutions, which are involved in implementing decisions with regard to long-term development. For example, nations have different views about sustainable development. This is evident in socialist and capitalist ideologies that have different feelings and perceptions toward economic growth. State level of analysis is better than the individual approach.
The study involves examining the character of a country to identify the level of expansion in relation to sustainable growth. This level of analysis is advantageous because group changes and leadership among different firms are examined to improve growth. The administration of power, communication, and the roles of different participants in a company are studied. Comparing many strategic approaches in different firms improves performance outcomes in a country, fostering sustainable development. Despite the fact that this level is better than the individual analysis, it has some disadvantages.
First, a country could have less control over its all organizations, making it difficult to compare and contrast to obtain a solution to a problem. A countrys politics are influenced by various factors, such as the personalities of politicians, ethnic composition, economic status of a country, and geographic locations of states. This implies that those factors could be different among nations. Arguably, the analysis is not conducted in a scientific manner, making the data that are collected be inaccurate. Thus, the analysis is not appropriate to study sustainable development in Saudi Arabia, which implies that other levels of analyses should be considered.
The third level of analysis is referred to as the systemic or international level of analysis. As discussed earlier, it is vital because there would be central power, which would maintain peace and stability. This level is advantageous because it enables countries to adhere to the set rules for achieving economic goals. It is argued by economists that the working of a state is essential for its own survival, and not for a common goal. This renders the analysis less important in studying sustainable development.
Despite the weaknesses of the international level of analysis, I have decided to utilize it for various reasons. Arguably, this level employs scientific methods of gathering information about how countries across the world are working toward achieving economic goals. The collected data are relatively accurate, making it easier to analyze sustainable growth. In addition, when countries belong to a particular block, they would be compelled to maintain specific standards in order to improve economic growth. It is crucial to point out that analysts who use this level hold that it allows predicting economic strategies that should be adopted. This implies that the way a country would behave toward a certain goal would influence other countries. Each state is partly affected by the development trends of other countries.
Conclusion
I believe that Saudi Arabia should have more supportive environment programs to achieve development goals that is available in the Kingdom of a mixed combination of factors that are integrated information to support the livelihood of development is the availability of economic and social base that is fairly solid. And good human capacities, and features many natural resources. And can limit the most important of these factors like having a successful development experience despite the recent march of economic and social development. The Kingdom was able to have achievements reflected in all development indicators that are sustainable.
This has contributed to the strengthening of these achievements, good preparation for the priorities of economic growth over successive development plans. As well as having a guarantee to continue to work continuity, in development, with a focus on human development sectors. Such as education, Jobs, health, in addition to family care, and city infrastructure. Equipment basic and advanced services covering all deferred Kingdom urbanegearof transport and services, electricity, water, sanitation, and product distribution networks of petroleum, in addition to all kinds of health services, and education and training services to be developed in a more modernized method. One of the major achievements in the long-term development is the establishment of two industries in Jubail and Yanbul. This has been the greatest achievement in the kingdom at the domestic level.
For a dynamic Saudi sector is characterized by a high degree of capacity of this sector in terms of financial and administrative moved from the stage of approval by a large margin on government contracts and public spending to the stage of self-propulsion, can become possible. The Kingdom makeup is majorly petroleum resources and reserves large enough to meet the development needs for the foreseeable future. In addition, there are factors in the economy that attract foreign investors who help in maintaining sustainable development. Saudi Arabia is one of the developing countries in the Gulf region and the implementation of sustainable development is easier because the country is still under development and the construction rate is higher than ever.
The use of local materials and knowledge of how the historical traditions are changing this must be considered together. It is recommended that the use of natural resources, for example solar power is crucial for the success of the application of the concept of self-reliance. Local engineering bodies and the government must work together to legislate the concept of sustainability. Understanding and knowledge of the community is also crucial to the successful implementation of any concept. It is recommended that further research of public awareness needs to be conducted to apply sustainability in context where the majority of residents are still developing their freedom and rights under a total monarchical regime.
The Saudi Monarchy realizes that they must keep their people content or the inevitable of a regime change is very verypossible within the kingdom. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia implanted programs and other projects to support the poor and middle- income earners. It was also to increase wages and salaries and for solving the problem of unemployment. The wealthy Saudi administration promised to donate a total of $400billion dollars before 2016 to provide education, create employment, promote quality healthcare, and improve communication and transport systems.
That being said the Saudi monarch realizes the disadvantages of their regime. So they must keep their people happy or they will face dissemination of power and a system of classes among their selfs. Non inclusivity among many other aspects given the topography of the region and its rule. It was anticipated that Saudi Arabia would remain a monarchy. Wishful thinking of a democratic monarchy within the Kingdom is out of the question for the time being. Is it possible? Yes! Given the fact that more Saudi nationals are actually very educated. Yet we see a massive majority of Saudi youth are being educated overseas and realizing their rights via numerous reforms passed and set in motion by the Saudi king himself. You see Saudi Arabia is like a tank!
It doesnt take a turn as if it was a car. It takes its turns on a slow wide pace which equals improvement and adjustment on its own terms. Changes to allow individuals to move forward given their deep cultural and traditionalbackdrop so it wont be seen as westernizing.Consequently we would have a smooth transition for even the semi-extreme faction of the Kingdom the religious faction that is the backbone of the Saudi monarchy regime. Many reforms have been taking place under this comprehensive umbrella that the Kingdom calls their sustainable development that is very integrated on all platforms alike.
References
Allen, T. (2000). Poverty and development into the 21st century. United kingdom : OXFORD.Retrievedfrom The United Nation Development Program Via Saudi Arabia. Web.
King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. Web.
Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Web.
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Web.
Saudi Ministry of Economy and Planning. Web.
Gulf Environment Sustainable Development Forum. Web.