Abstract: Discharges of zinc, arsenic, cadmium and lead from farmland were examined based on field measurements conducted between May 18 and October 14, 2012. The study fields are located on 15 % slope gradient area where water body in the river was contaminated with water drained from upstream farmlands. The area of the farmland is 10.7 ha, of which 0.5 ha had been used for cassava cultivation under vetiver hedge management. Heavy metal loads accompanying the runoff water were considered to become higher with the increase in rainfall in control plots.

Abstract: Chenopodium album is a common, widespread and troublesome weed in agricultural areas throughout the north temperate regions of the world. A primary reason for this flexible adaptation relies on the complex regulation of seed germination and recruitment. The control of seed germination bythe interaction of light, temperature, after-ripening time, nitrate, and water level was investigated in a factorial experiment under controlled environmental conditions. Stimulation of germination was evaluated in two populations of C. albumseeds collected in 2007 and 2008 at a common Iowa, USA location.Germination of both populations was generally stimulated by light, warm (15-25°C) and hot (25-35°C) temperatures, 0.01 M nitrate, 3 to 5 weeks of after-ripening (4°C, dark, moist), and with the 2008 population, 1.0 and 1.25 ml of water. The interaction of these factors, particularly light, warm temperatures and nitrate, stimulated higher germination than when applied individually. Germination was very lowin cold (5-15°C) temperatures or darkness, regardless of other treatments applied. The goal of this experiment was to lay a foundation with two local Iowa populations to guide further studies developing a seed germination assay to determine variability of dormancy among individual seeds of and between populations. Insights about dormancy variability in C. album gained from the current research included positive responses by both populations to light, warm and hot temperatures, nitrate, and intermediate after-ripening times. However, the populations differed in their response to water quantity and, for most conditions, the 2008 population achieved greater overall germination. The overarching goal of this project is to build a condensed C. album seed germination assay to characterize individual populations to predict seedling emergence patterns in agricultural soils in an effort to decrease interference with crop productivity.

Abstract: We utilized spatio-temporal data to investigate the applicability of a hybrid (CA- Markov) model in predicting land-use change in Saddle Creek drainage basin in Florida. Agreement statistics (Kappa) between the actual land-use and that predicted by our model showed an acceptable level of prediction accuracy. This demonstrated the validity of the model in land-use change prediction in our study. Our model predicted a notable increase in the urban areas (47.3 % to 49.4%) and transportation facilities (3.7% to 5 %) from 2006 to 2015. On the contrary, agricultural areas are predicted to decline from 14.4 % to 12.3 % between these periods.

Abstract: The problem of flooding has come to stay and as a result, urban dwellers are devising ways in which they can cope with it. This study assesses the coping measures adopted by dwellers living in flood prone areas of Makurdi town. Data for this study were obtained from residents of the town living in flood prone areas. With the help of a well designed questionnaire, photographs and personal observation, information were gathered on socio-demographic status, causes and effect of flooding, and measures adopted by residents. A total of 338 respondents were sampled across the area. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study reveals that, the major cause of flooding in the area was heavy rainfall (33.7%), silting up of available drainage channels (20.3%), blocking of drainage with solid waste (16.7%) and building structures on water channels. The study also shows that, the major effect of flooding was loss of personal property (41.6%). Coping measures adopted include: frequent sand removal of blocked drainages (36.3%), creation of water channels (32.7%) and the use of sand banks (18.7%). Although, 56% of the respondents indicated that coping strategies adopted were not very effective. The study recommends a close working relationship between local people and agencies saddled with the responsibility of tackling the problem of flooding in the area.

Abstract: The objective of this project was to turn an impacted area at The University City Lot in Passo Fundo, Brazil, into an urban park through the local community effort, since urban green areas play an important role in environmental quality and sustainability. Qualitative research methods were applied and a plan of action to present to the municipal authorities was elaborated in a participatory manner, which included several environmental perception surveys, soil profile and water quality parameters identification, remediation and preventive actions to increase soil and water quality. Overall, research results in 2005 and 2010 have shown greater native plant diversity with evidence of improved soil and water quality, contributing to the environmental recovery and the community quality of life.

Abstract: The tree density for Chir Pine forests on the southern aspect was 1676.66 indi. /ha and on northern aspect 1026.66 indi. /ha. The tree biomass on southern aspect was 252.65 t ha^-1 and on northern aspect it was 453.58 t ha^-1. The tree biomass accumulation rate on the southern aspect was lower than the northern aspect. The forest carbon stock on the southern aspect was 120.0 t ha^-1 compared to 215.45 t ha^-1 on the northern aspect. The carbon sequestration rate on the northern aspect was also lower than southern aspect.

Abstract: The present study is an attempt to have a comparative assessment of the efficiency of aquatic weeds like Typha latifolia, Eichhornia crassipes, Pistia stratiotes to treat the effluents from latex factory, in constructed wetlands. Ammonification of field latex, acid coagulation of skim latex and various chemical treatments during the production process of various products were found to be responsible for the high concentration of pollutants in this factory effluent. Phytoremediation for fifteen days by constructed wetland technology reduced the chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, pH, total solids of the effluent considerably.