07. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

FISH ASSEMBLAGES AS INDICATORS OF PEAT SWAMP HEALTH: EVALUATING FISH DIVERSITY IN THE SUNGAI KARANG FOREST RESERVE, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

FISH ASSEMBLAGES AS INDICATORS OF PEAT SWAMP HEALTH: EVALUATING FISH DIVERSITY IN THE SUNGAI KARANG FOREST RESERVE, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA Hashim, Rohasliney; Norshahidi Alias, Muhammad Peat swamp forests are among the most distinctive and threatened freshwater ecosystems in Southeast Asia, providing critical habitats for endemic and endangered aquatic species. This study evaluated fish assemblages as indicators of peat swamp health in the Sungai Karang Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia. Sampling was conducted over a month, from August 23, 2020, to September 24, 2020, across five habitat-diverse sites, utilizing two complementary capture methods, such as fish traps and scoop nets, to maximize species detection. A total of 423 individual fish representing 13 species, six families, and five orders were recorded. The Osphronemidae family was the most diverse, comprising over half of the total assemblage, with notable presence of Betta livida and Betta hipposideros, both classified as endangered by the IUCN. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) assessments revealed that Betta livida was the most captured species using fish traps and scoop nets combined, indicating its abundance. Pristolepis fasciata and Betta bellica also showed high capture rates, along with notable catches of Helostoma temminckii, Trichopodus trichopterus. Biodiversity was assessed using three ecological indices. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index yielded a value of 2.36, indicating moderate to high species diversity, while the Berger-Parker dominance index of 0.14 reflected low dominance by any single species. Notably, scoop nets proved more effective than fish traps in terms of capture volume and species range, accounting for 75.7% of the total individuals collected. Significant differences in catch composition between the two gear types were statistically supported (F = 56.573, p < 0.05), highlighting the influence of sampling methods on biodiversity assessments. The Sungai Karang Forest Reserve has a diverse freshwater fish community, highlighting its ecological importance. The presence of endangered species emphasizes the need to protect peat swamp habitats from threats like habitat alteration, runoff, and ecotourism. Ongoing biodiversity monitoring, habitat conservation, and community efforts are crucial to preserve Malaysia’s peat swamp ecosystems.

IMPACT OF IMPROPER SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE URBAN FRINGE OF JAFFNA

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

IMPACT OF IMPROPER SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN THE URBAN FRINGE OF JAFFNA Dishani, C. C.; Kayathri, S. Solid waste disposal poses a major threat to the environment and public health in developing countries, as most waste is directly dumped in open areas. In the urban fringe of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, rapid population growth and changing lifestyles have led to a sharp increase in domestic waste generation. This study investigates the impacts of improper solid waste disposal practices in the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha area, located on Jaffna’s urban–rural boundary. A descriptive statistical method was applied, with primary data collected through 50 household surveys using simple random sampling, field observations, photography, and interviews with local officials and public health inspectors. Improper disposal locations were identified using GPS technology and mapped with Google Earth Pro. Secondary data, including health records from the Medical Officer of Health (MOH), were also analyzed. Data analysis in MS Excel (2021) generated descriptive statistics, percentages, charts, and graphs, while qualitative findings were systematically coded and integrated with quantitative results. Results, presented through descriptive statistics, graphical illustrations, and GPS-based maps, indicate that common disposal practices dumping in public places, backyard burning, and discarding waste on streets or into inland water bodies persist despite regulations. Twenty-nine major improper disposal sites were identified, and most households generate considerable unmanaged waste. These practices have caused serious environmental consequences, including soil contamination, air pollution from burning plastics, and water pollution from blocked drains and seasonal pond dumping. Health impacts include increased cases of dengue, respiratory illnesses, and waterborne diseases. Institutional challenges, such as an overburdened composting facility, insufficient manpower, and transportation constraints, further hinder effective waste management. The study recommends improving collection services, promoting household-level segregation and composting, upgrading existing facilities, enhancing community awareness, enforcing stricter regulations, and strengthening inter-governmental coordination. By providing evidence-based insights, this research contributes to sustainable, community-driven waste management strategies for Jaffna’s urban fringe and offers a model for other developing urban regions facing similar challenges.

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LIFE CYCLE COSTING FOR SUSTAINABLE POULTRY PRODUCTION IN MALAYSIA

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL USE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LIFE CYCLE COSTING FOR SUSTAINABLE POULTRY PRODUCTION IN MALAYSIA Abdul Rahman, M. H.; Sharaai, A. H. The agriculture sector is essential for sustainable food production and maintaining socio-economic stability. Throughout the world, this sector continually faces the challenge of remaining profitable while addressing various environmental concerns. Currently, Malaysia is one of the countries that aspire to fulfil the global efforts towards sustainable agriculture. However, the challenge remains to assess the economic cost of environmental emissions generated from these activities. Given this, a study was carried out to evaluate the environmental cost associated with the agricultural sub-sector of poultry production. The study applied the method of life cycle assessment (LCA) to assess the overall environmental impacts. Following this, the approach of life cycle costing (LCC) and environmental life cycle costing (ELCC) was adopted, whereby the results for potential cost increase were assessed. The overall results indicated a potential cost increase of 25.12% if the environmental costs are included in future production costs. To avoid refusal among the producers, the best option is to encourage them to mitigate and reduce emissions before policymakers can implement new policies to impose the cost on the market. It is hoped that the findings in this study will serve as a reference for various methods to assess the environmental cost related to the agricultural sector in Malaysia.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF A BACTERIAL CONSORTIUM IN DEGRADING POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AND WITHOUT COPPER METAL STRESS

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICIENCY OF A BACTERIAL CONSORTIUM IN DEGRADING POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF AND WITHOUT COPPER METAL STRESS Abdul, H. M.; Jayasena, C.; Kodikara, L.; Vaihsnavi, U.; Kavindya, D.; Madanayaka, K.; Dharmasiri, N. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants found extensively in petroleum-contaminated environments. They pose a severe risk due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and bio-accumulative properties. This study investigates the ability of a certain selected bacterial consortium to degrade PAHs, specifically naphthalene and phenanthrene, under nutrient-limited conditions and copper stress as the heavy metal. Primary bacterial isolates obtained from environmental samples were screened on Bacto Bushnell-Haas agar infused with PAHs as the sole carbon source for primary screening. Effective colonies were then subjected to secondary screening using methylene blue as a redox indicator, and the absorbance was quantified through a spectrophotometric analysis at the absorbance level of 609nm. These methods include culturing bacterial colonies in Bushnell-Haas broth, with varying concentrations of PAHs and copper sulphate (20 ppm, 40 ppm, 60 ppm, 80 ppm, and 100 ppm). Absorbance reading indicated effective PAH degradation, particularly at 20 ppm, 40 ppm, and 80 ppm for phenanthrene and 20 ppm and 60 ppm for naphthalene. Triplicate experiments ensured statistical reliability. Initial confirmation of bacterial strains M11, C1, G13, M20, and J6 was carried out using Gram staining. The confirmed isolates were then subjected to antagonistic assays, which verified their mutual compatibility and diversity for effective consortium-based PAH degradation. Bacterial strains survived nutrient starvation and utilized naphthalene and phenanthrene as sole carbon sources. Primary screening identified efficient colonies, which were further evaluated through secondary screening using absorbance-based measurements. After 7 days, a phenanthrene-treated sample without copper showed a decrease in absorbance from 0.295 to 0.122, indicating 69.13% degradation. Under copper-induced stress, the consortium remained metabolically active, though with slightly reduced degradation.The isolates retained metabolic activity even under copper-induced stress, specifically at a concentration of 81.32 mg/kg of Cu, confirming their tolerance and resilience in heavy metal-contaminated environments, making them strong strains for an eco-friendly environment, contributing to advancing microbial bioremediation technologies and providing insights into PAH biodegradation under dual-stress conditions. This research highlights the potential applications of bacterial consortia in bioremediation targeting PAH contamination in metal-stressed environments.