The treatment of sugar factory wastewater was studied using a pilot upflow anaerobic sludge blank... more The treatment of sugar factory wastewater was studied using a pilot upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor. The influent was a molasses-based substrate with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of about 1000 mg l-1. After a successful start-up of the reactor, results showed that with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) at or above four hours and with an average organic
... The total annual evaporation is 577,000 3 3 3 km : 505,000 km on sea surfaces, 72,000 km ... ... more ... The total annual evaporation is 577,000 3 3 3 km : 505,000 km on sea surfaces, 72,000 km ... 50% of the groundwater is below the level of 1000 meters under the earth's surface (Tab ... Of basic importance in this context is the recycling rate, which indicates the duration of the natural ...
This paper focuses on the application of a multi-criteria analysis methodology - the analytical h... more This paper focuses on the application of a multi-criteria analysis methodology - the analytical hierarchy process - for the locating of a sanitary landfill on the small island of Mauritius. Four candidate sites were assessed using three main criteria (environmental, technical and socio-economic) and twenty-one sub-criteria. Scores were assigned to each criterion and sub-criterion by stakeholders in the solid waste sector, based on the impact assessment of each site so as to obtain their relative importance. The analytical hierarchy process was then applied, which involved the combination of the weights obtained at the different stages of pair-wise comparisons. The candidate sites were finally ranked to obtain the optimum site. Because of political factors, the second best ranked site was chosen by the authorities for the location of a new landfill on the island. This technique provides a realistic approach for use by small island developing states such as Mauritius for choosing and justifying to all stakeholders the best location for a sanitary landfill site or any other waste management site.
The setting of environmental standards should be based on sound, logical, scientific grounds. One... more The setting of environmental standards should be based on sound, logical, scientific grounds. One consequence of setting high standards in the developed world is that they are frequently copied by developing nations. The sugar industry in Mauritius has traditionally been a major consumer of water and an important point source of organic pollution in surface water bodies. Strong public pressure
A growing awareness of the impacts of pollution on the environment, coupled with the introduction... more A growing awareness of the impacts of pollution on the environment, coupled with the introduction of sectoral effluent standards by the Mauritian environment authorities, have led to the current situation whereby the sugar factories need to introduce appropriate water and wastewater management systems. The cane-sugar industry has been given 3 years to comply with the legislation on effluent standards. During that 3 year period the industry will have to investigate cleaner production opportunities, select appropriate waste treatment technologies, gain operational experience and confidence with the technology and introduce environmental management systems. The case-study taken from the cane-sugar industry in Mauritius illustrate the extent to which environmental improvements are possible through cleaner production.
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2005
... uom.ac.mu), Harro von Blottnitz (hvb@chemeng.ac.za), Evans Kituyi (ekituyi@uonbi.ac.ke) andDe... more ... uom.ac.mu), Harro von Blottnitz (hvb@chemeng.ac.za), Evans Kituyi (ekituyi@uonbi.ac.ke) andDesta Mebratu (desta.mebratu@unep.org) ... This training meeting was preceded by a day-long Sympo-sium on 29th August 2005 organized, inter alia, to encourage the exchange of ...
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2004
... CO 2 emissions The production of sugar from sugar cane is related to green-house gases emissi... more ... CO 2 emissions The production of sugar from sugar cane is related to green-house gases emissions in ... 3: Subdivision of the environmental index by lifecycle stages ... Trends Food Sci & Techn J, 134--138 Andersson K, Ohlsson T (1999): Life Cycle Assessment of Bread Products ...
International Journal of Water Resources Development, 1994
... Sugar-cane irrigation 330 Domestic 56 Industry and commerce 10 Hotel industry 2 ... trend in ... more ... Sugar-cane irrigation 330 Domestic 56 Industry and commerce 10 Hotel industry 2 ... trend in water resources development, coupled with the necessary pace of development island-wise ... through economic incentives; (3) to satisfy the needs of population, tourism, agriculture and ...
The mean concentration of Cr (105 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)), Zn (167 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)) and Pb (14 +/- 7 m... more The mean concentration of Cr (105 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)), Zn (167 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)) and Pb (14 +/- 7 mg kg(-1)) in the sediments along St. Louis River situated in an urbanized and industrialized area in Mauritius were well below the limits of 600, 2500 and 700 mg kg(-1) quoted for contaminated sediments adopted from the draft standards (24% clay and 10% organic matter by weight) from the Netherlands [Van Veen RJ, Stortelder PBM. Research on contaminated sediments in the Netherlands. In: Wolf K, Van de Brink WJ, Colon FJ, editors. Contaminated soil. Academic Publisher, 1998. p. 1263-1275.]. Industrial contamination appeared to undergo rapid dilution in the estuary as Cr had high levels near point sources from industries, but decreased rapidly in amount in the estuary possibly because of dilution by other sediments. The significant levels of Zn in sediments from upstream to the estuary suggest that the potential sources could be from the adjacent motorway and road runoff causing significant quantities to be trapped within the St. Louis River. Pb was two folds higher in the sediments in the estuary of St. Louis River compared to upstream and downstream indicating accumulation of Pb in estuarine sediments, which could be released continuously into the lagoon. The potential sources of Pb in sediments from upstream to the estuary were from the adjacent motorway and road runoff causing significant quantities to be trapped within the St. Louis River. Pb and Zn were significantly positively correlated in the sediments along St. Louis River indicating a common source for Pb and Zn. Significant negative correlations were also found for both Pb and Zn with dissolved oxygen in summer along St. Louis River which indicated that the presence of anoxic waters influenced the trapping of Zn and Pb in the sediment phase. This study has also highlighted that a phasedown of Pb in petrol is necessary and with the introduction of unleaded petrol and vehicles equipped with catalytic converters, studies on levels of Pd and Pt to provide baseline data need to be done in the near future and integrated in environmental development schemes and effective coastal zone management of small island states.
The relationship of some dissolved trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Pb) with one another and to ... more The relationship of some dissolved trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Pb) with one another and to dissolved phosphate and nitrate in a freshwater aquatic system at Flic en Flac and Grand River North West (GRNW) in Mauritius (1850 km2, 20 degrees S and 57 degrees E, Western Indian ocean) is reported following trace metal determination using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dissolved Al (<200 ng ml(-1)), Cr (<50 ng ml(-1)), Mn (<50 ng ml(-1)), Zn (< 100 ng ml(-1)), and Pb (<50 ng ml(-1)) upstream, downstream GRNW and in the marshes and rivulet at Flic en Flac were found to be below the recommended EEC maximum admissible concentrations and within the ambient drinking water quality standards in Mauritius. Dissolved Pb was significantly positively correlated to both dissolved Cr and Zn suggesting that the cycling for dissolved Pb is linked to the cycling of both dissolved Cr and Zn along GRNW. The common influential cycling of Pb and Zn was further reinforced as both dissolved Pb and Zn were significantly positively correlated to dissolved phosphate, which suggested a biological role in the cycling of Zn and Pb. The role of biological activity or adsorption to biological systems in Pb cycling along GRNW is further suggested as dissolved Pb was significantly correlated to dissolved nitrate. The apparent absence of the dissolved Al, Cr, and Mn with dissolved nitrate and phosphate could be attributed to factors such as the lower sensitivity of the GRNW to metal uptake during biological activity during the time frame considered. The cycling of dissolved Al and Mn was also not linked to the cycling of Cr, Zn, and Pb as no significant correlation was found along GRNW.
... 4. Research findings. Much has been achieved in the last 15 years in terms of establishing a ... more ... 4. Research findings. Much has been achieved in the last 15 years in terms of establishing a legal and institutional framework for environmental management in Mauritius. ... The lagoon is one of the basic reasons for the tourism industry and yet ... The sector for hotel and coastal ...
The treatment of sugar factory wastewater was studied using a pilot upflow anaerobic sludge blank... more The treatment of sugar factory wastewater was studied using a pilot upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor. The influent was a molasses-based substrate with a chemical oxygen demand (COD) of about 1000 mg l-1. After a successful start-up of the reactor, results showed that with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) at or above four hours and with an average organic
... The total annual evaporation is 577,000 3 3 3 km : 505,000 km on sea surfaces, 72,000 km ... ... more ... The total annual evaporation is 577,000 3 3 3 km : 505,000 km on sea surfaces, 72,000 km ... 50% of the groundwater is below the level of 1000 meters under the earth's surface (Tab ... Of basic importance in this context is the recycling rate, which indicates the duration of the natural ...
This paper focuses on the application of a multi-criteria analysis methodology - the analytical h... more This paper focuses on the application of a multi-criteria analysis methodology - the analytical hierarchy process - for the locating of a sanitary landfill on the small island of Mauritius. Four candidate sites were assessed using three main criteria (environmental, technical and socio-economic) and twenty-one sub-criteria. Scores were assigned to each criterion and sub-criterion by stakeholders in the solid waste sector, based on the impact assessment of each site so as to obtain their relative importance. The analytical hierarchy process was then applied, which involved the combination of the weights obtained at the different stages of pair-wise comparisons. The candidate sites were finally ranked to obtain the optimum site. Because of political factors, the second best ranked site was chosen by the authorities for the location of a new landfill on the island. This technique provides a realistic approach for use by small island developing states such as Mauritius for choosing and justifying to all stakeholders the best location for a sanitary landfill site or any other waste management site.
The setting of environmental standards should be based on sound, logical, scientific grounds. One... more The setting of environmental standards should be based on sound, logical, scientific grounds. One consequence of setting high standards in the developed world is that they are frequently copied by developing nations. The sugar industry in Mauritius has traditionally been a major consumer of water and an important point source of organic pollution in surface water bodies. Strong public pressure
A growing awareness of the impacts of pollution on the environment, coupled with the introduction... more A growing awareness of the impacts of pollution on the environment, coupled with the introduction of sectoral effluent standards by the Mauritian environment authorities, have led to the current situation whereby the sugar factories need to introduce appropriate water and wastewater management systems. The cane-sugar industry has been given 3 years to comply with the legislation on effluent standards. During that 3 year period the industry will have to investigate cleaner production opportunities, select appropriate waste treatment technologies, gain operational experience and confidence with the technology and introduce environmental management systems. The case-study taken from the cane-sugar industry in Mauritius illustrate the extent to which environmental improvements are possible through cleaner production.
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2005
... uom.ac.mu), Harro von Blottnitz (hvb@chemeng.ac.za), Evans Kituyi (ekituyi@uonbi.ac.ke) andDe... more ... uom.ac.mu), Harro von Blottnitz (hvb@chemeng.ac.za), Evans Kituyi (ekituyi@uonbi.ac.ke) andDesta Mebratu (desta.mebratu@unep.org) ... This training meeting was preceded by a day-long Sympo-sium on 29th August 2005 organized, inter alia, to encourage the exchange of ...
The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2004
... CO 2 emissions The production of sugar from sugar cane is related to green-house gases emissi... more ... CO 2 emissions The production of sugar from sugar cane is related to green-house gases emissions in ... 3: Subdivision of the environmental index by lifecycle stages ... Trends Food Sci & Techn J, 134--138 Andersson K, Ohlsson T (1999): Life Cycle Assessment of Bread Products ...
International Journal of Water Resources Development, 1994
... Sugar-cane irrigation 330 Domestic 56 Industry and commerce 10 Hotel industry 2 ... trend in ... more ... Sugar-cane irrigation 330 Domestic 56 Industry and commerce 10 Hotel industry 2 ... trend in water resources development, coupled with the necessary pace of development island-wise ... through economic incentives; (3) to satisfy the needs of population, tourism, agriculture and ...
The mean concentration of Cr (105 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)), Zn (167 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)) and Pb (14 +/- 7 m... more The mean concentration of Cr (105 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)), Zn (167 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)) and Pb (14 +/- 7 mg kg(-1)) in the sediments along St. Louis River situated in an urbanized and industrialized area in Mauritius were well below the limits of 600, 2500 and 700 mg kg(-1) quoted for contaminated sediments adopted from the draft standards (24% clay and 10% organic matter by weight) from the Netherlands [Van Veen RJ, Stortelder PBM. Research on contaminated sediments in the Netherlands. In: Wolf K, Van de Brink WJ, Colon FJ, editors. Contaminated soil. Academic Publisher, 1998. p. 1263-1275.]. Industrial contamination appeared to undergo rapid dilution in the estuary as Cr had high levels near point sources from industries, but decreased rapidly in amount in the estuary possibly because of dilution by other sediments. The significant levels of Zn in sediments from upstream to the estuary suggest that the potential sources could be from the adjacent motorway and road runoff causing significant quantities to be trapped within the St. Louis River. Pb was two folds higher in the sediments in the estuary of St. Louis River compared to upstream and downstream indicating accumulation of Pb in estuarine sediments, which could be released continuously into the lagoon. The potential sources of Pb in sediments from upstream to the estuary were from the adjacent motorway and road runoff causing significant quantities to be trapped within the St. Louis River. Pb and Zn were significantly positively correlated in the sediments along St. Louis River indicating a common source for Pb and Zn. Significant negative correlations were also found for both Pb and Zn with dissolved oxygen in summer along St. Louis River which indicated that the presence of anoxic waters influenced the trapping of Zn and Pb in the sediment phase. This study has also highlighted that a phasedown of Pb in petrol is necessary and with the introduction of unleaded petrol and vehicles equipped with catalytic converters, studies on levels of Pd and Pt to provide baseline data need to be done in the near future and integrated in environmental development schemes and effective coastal zone management of small island states.
The relationship of some dissolved trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Pb) with one another and to ... more The relationship of some dissolved trace metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Zn, and Pb) with one another and to dissolved phosphate and nitrate in a freshwater aquatic system at Flic en Flac and Grand River North West (GRNW) in Mauritius (1850 km2, 20 degrees S and 57 degrees E, Western Indian ocean) is reported following trace metal determination using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Dissolved Al (<200 ng ml(-1)), Cr (<50 ng ml(-1)), Mn (<50 ng ml(-1)), Zn (< 100 ng ml(-1)), and Pb (<50 ng ml(-1)) upstream, downstream GRNW and in the marshes and rivulet at Flic en Flac were found to be below the recommended EEC maximum admissible concentrations and within the ambient drinking water quality standards in Mauritius. Dissolved Pb was significantly positively correlated to both dissolved Cr and Zn suggesting that the cycling for dissolved Pb is linked to the cycling of both dissolved Cr and Zn along GRNW. The common influential cycling of Pb and Zn was further reinforced as both dissolved Pb and Zn were significantly positively correlated to dissolved phosphate, which suggested a biological role in the cycling of Zn and Pb. The role of biological activity or adsorption to biological systems in Pb cycling along GRNW is further suggested as dissolved Pb was significantly correlated to dissolved nitrate. The apparent absence of the dissolved Al, Cr, and Mn with dissolved nitrate and phosphate could be attributed to factors such as the lower sensitivity of the GRNW to metal uptake during biological activity during the time frame considered. The cycling of dissolved Al and Mn was also not linked to the cycling of Cr, Zn, and Pb as no significant correlation was found along GRNW.
... 4. Research findings. Much has been achieved in the last 15 years in terms of establishing a ... more ... 4. Research findings. Much has been achieved in the last 15 years in terms of establishing a legal and institutional framework for environmental management in Mauritius. ... The lagoon is one of the basic reasons for the tourism industry and yet ... The sector for hotel and coastal ...
Uploads