Sustainable Development Research

Fate of Urban Groundwater in Shallow Confined Aquifers. Case Study of Baldia Town, Karachi, Pakistan

Adnan Khan — 2019-10-07

A study was carried out to assess the groundwater quality for drinking purpose in Baldia Town, Karachi. For this purpose, groundwater samples (n = 18) were randomly collected from various depths (> 100 feet) through boring wells after monsoon season. Data revealed that except two (BT-5, 8) which were turbid and smoky, rest of the samples were colorless, non-turbid and sweet in taste. Groundwater temperature fluctuates between 19-26 ˚C. The pH varies between slightly acidic to slightly basic (range: 6.8-7.3) where two third of total samples have pH < 7. All the samples have very high TDS content (range: 1240-16910 mg/L; mean: 6832 mg/L) which exceeded the national drinking water quality standard (1000 mg/L) set by PCRWR. Hardness values varied in the extreme range (1000-9500 mg/L; mean: 2366 mg/L). Relative abundance of major cations follows the order of Mg > Ca > Na> K while anions varied in the order of HCO₃> SO₄> NO₃> Cl. Dissolved Fe⁺³ (mean: 0.01 mg/L) varies within WHO permissible limit (0.3 mg/L) while Mn showed concentration < 0.01 mg/L. Concentration of trace elements declined in the order of Ni > Zn > Cr > Co. It is concluded that groundwater of study area not fit for drinking purpose. It is strongly influenced by semi-arid climate and water rock interaction which is manifested by geochemical signatures of limestone (Ca, Zn) and clays (Ni, Co, Cr). Due to confined aquifer system the anthropogenic contamination is not significant.

The Power to Change: A Brief Survey of The Wind Power’s Technological and Societal Potential, Barriers to Use, and Ways Forward

Helen Kopnina — 2019-11-29

With the effects of climate change linked to the use of fossil fuels, as well as the prospect of their eventual depletion, becoming more noticeable, political establishment and society appear ready to switch towards using renewable energy. Solar power and wind power are considered to be the most significant source of global low-carbon energy supply. Wind energy continues to expand as it becomes cheaper and more technologically advanced. Yet, despite these expectations and developments, fossil fuels still comprise nine-tenths of the global commercial energy supply. In this article, the history, technology, and politics involved in the production and barriers to acceptance of wind energy will be explored. The central question is why, despite the problems associated with the use of fossil fuels, carbon dependency has not yet given way to the more ecologically benign forms of energy. Having briefly surveyed some literature on the role of political and corporate stakeholders, as well as theories relating to sociological and psychological factors responsible for the grassroots’ resistance (“not in my backyard” or NIMBYs) to renewable energy, the findings indicate that motivation for opposition to wind power varies. While the grassroots resistance is often fueled by the mistrust of the government, the governments’ reason for resisting renewable energy can be explained by their history of a close relationship with the industrial partners. This article develops an argument that understanding of various motivations for resistance at different stakeholder levels opens up space for better strategies for a successful energy transition.

Occupational Hazards and Safety of Sawmill Operators in Ogbese Ondo State, Nigeria

T. Akinbode — 2019-12-23

This study examined the hazards and safety procedures adopted by sawmill operators in Ogbese, Ondo State, Nigeria. Data were collected through the administration of a set of structured questionnaire to examine the hazards associated with sawmill operators and safety practices adopted. Thirty (30) operators were purposively selected and administered with the questionnaire. Analysis was done using descriptive and correlation statistics. Findings, among others, revealed that sawmill operators do not have the required health safety gadgets needed to secure them from various hazards associated with their operations. Environmental pollutions, such as, smoke from burning sawdust, noise from heavy machinery in the industries, heavy trucks that carried sliced wood, solid and liquid wastes which caused nuisance to the environment posed serious health challenges to the operators and residents in the environment. The study proffered policy statements that could enhance the health and safety of sawmill operators and improve the environment.

Conceptualizing Blockchain Technology in Utilization of Social Welfare Service for the Disabled

Namjin Kim — 2019-12-23

This study analyzed factors influencing acceptance intention for blockchain technology in social welfare services for the disabled. Security and economics were the leading variables related to blockchain technology acceptance. Willingness to pay, fairness, and regulation were the leading variables reflecting characteristics of public services. UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology) was used as a research model, and performance expectations, effort expectations, and social impact were considered. Based on the blockchain-based virtual disabled voucher process, this study utilized prior knowledge based on the use of rehabilitation center. The STATA / SE 12.0 statistical program was used to analyze demographic frequency, factor analysis, reliability, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Pay-out and fairness have the greatest influence on acceptance intention, and economic and regulatory factors are the next influential factors. Only economic performance has been identified as a leading variable influencing the expectations of effort, and security has been shown to affect only social impact. Economic performance influenced performance expectation, effort expectation, and social influence. Expectation of effort did not affect acceptance intention. This study provides useful information for establishing a practical strategy when introducing blockchain technology to the public service called disabled welfare.