Md. Lokman Hossain | University Of Bayreuth, Germany (original) (raw)

Books by Md. Lokman Hossain

Bangladesh is likely to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to natural and anthr... more Bangladesh is likely to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to natural and anthropogenic disasters. This book discusses four major disasters (namely; climate change, sea level rise, flood and cyclone) that severely affect Bangladesh. Necessary information has been collected from books, journals, magazines, papers, internet surfing, and government and non-government organizations. Initially an overview of coastal zones of Bangladesh has been provided because 710 km long coastline is the prime affected areas due to occurrences of such disasters. A brief discussion on environment, environmental change, causes of environmental change, global and national climate change and sea level rise scenarios has been summarized.

It is seen from different studies that temperature of Bangladesh is increasing gradually and if this scenario is going on annual mean maximum temperature will be increased upto 0.73°C by the year 2100. Using the 1961-1990 baseline data for Bangladesh it has been seen that annual mean maximum temperature will increase by 0.400C and 0.730C by the year 2050 and 2100 respectively. In a study, scientists predict that annual total rainfall over Bangladesh is likely to increase by 295.94 mm and 542.55 mm by 2050 and 2100 respectively.

A study predicts that for 1 meter sea level rise 15 million people in coastal areas of Bangladesh will be affected and 17,000 square kilometer land in the coastal areas will be submerged under water. Moreover, for 1.5 meter sea level rise 18 million people of Bangladesh will be affected and 22,000 square kilometer land will be submerged under water. Climate change and sea level rise exerts tremendous impacts on agriculture, fishery, forestry, biodiversity, landmass and settlement, salt industry, tourism, health and security sectors in Bangladesh. The coastal areas of Bangladesh have already been facing salinity problem which is expected to be exacerbated by climate change and sea level rise, as sea level rise is causing unusual height of tidal water. In dry season, when the flows of upstream water reduce drastically, the saline water goes up to 240 kilometers inside the country.

Floods and cyclones are two natural disasters that hit Bangladesh frequently. Because Bangladesh’s geographical vulnerability lies in the fact that it is an exceedingly flat, low lying and alluvial plain covered by over 230 rivers and rivulets with approximately 710 kilometers of exposed coastline along the Bay of Bengal. As a result of its geography, Bangladesh is frequently suffers from devastating floods, cyclones and disasters. Bangladesh is being considered to be the sixth most vulnerable country to floods. Flood damage our physical infrastructure, create scarcity of drinking water supplies, enhance outbreak of diseases, destroy crops and food, and kill human and livestock. Structural and non-structural measures are vital for proper management of flood.

Bangladesh is the most vulnerable country in the world to tropical cyclones. There are five deadliest tropical cyclones hit the coastal areas of Bangladesh. It has been seen from previous data that cyclone in year 1970 and 2007 occurred in post-monsoon season while cyclone in year 1985, 1991 and 1994 hit in pre-monsoon season. So, it can be said that pre-monsoon and post-monsoon are the favorable time for the occurrence of cyclone. Impacts of cyclone are irreparable but proper adaptation and mitigation measures (coastal forestry planning, coastal embankment construction, cyclone forecasting and warning system and communication) can reduce the damages.

Adaptation and mitigation are two options for Bangladesh. Of which, the first one is country specific, or even local specific, but mitigation demands collective efforts of global communities. Development of adaptation policies for different sectors will help Bangladesh to face the crucial natural and anthropogenic hazards. Proper mitigation plan and formulating adaptation policies are emerging need to minimize the impacts of climate change, sea level rise, floods and cyclones on the country.

Papers by Md. Lokman Hossain

Journal of Agronomy, 2015

Bangladesh is likely to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to salinity problem.... more Bangladesh is likely to be one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to salinity problem. This paper discusses seasonal variation of soil salinity in coastal areas (Cox's Bazar, Bhola and Khulna) of Bangladesh. Three coastal districts from three coastal regions (eastern, central and western) were selected purposively for the collection of soil samples during four different seasons (winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). Soil samples from nine coastal areas (3 in each district) were collected (during December, 2009 to November, 2010) to determine seasonal variation of soil salinity of coastal districts. Maximum soil salinity was observed in pre-monsoon, whereas, minimum was in monsoon in all coastal districts. It was observed that soil salinity starts increasing from post-monsoon and continued to increase in pre-monsoon when it reaches the highest level. Highest (1.14 dS/cm) soil salinity was measured in pre-monsoon at Shahporir Dwip of Cox's Bazar district w...

Journal of Forestry Research, 2009

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germ... more A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University (IFESCU), Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings (shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass) were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters (pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and heavy metals (chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc) of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage (90%) was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 2:1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings as well as the maximum percentage of organic carbon and nutrients (N, P and K) were also recorded in the same combination. Soil added with industrial sludge had a higher concentration of heavy metal than that of residential sludge. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in soil added with industrial sludge of 1:1. It is recommended that soil added with residential sludge of 2:1 provide good condition for better seed germination and growth of A. auriculiformis seedlings in degraded forest soil.

Abstract Bangladesh faces multiple manifestations of climatic change and is one of the most vulne... more Abstract
Bangladesh faces multiple manifestations of climatic change and is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. The study was carried out based on secondary information to assess the temperature trend in Dhaka city. The study revealed that average annual and seasonal temperature in Dhaka city is in an increasing trend during last couple of decades. From 1950s to 1960s average annual temperature was remained stable (25.10C) which is 0.60C lower than baseline temperature (25.70C). Then, temperature increased gradually (25.40C in 1970s and 25.80C in 1980s). During 1990s annual temperature remained stable but it was 0.10C higher than the baseline temperature. However, during 2000s annual temperature increased 0.20C which is 0.30C higher than the baseline temperature. Proper mitigation plans and adaptation policies are inevitable to minimize the impacts of climate change.

Being a riverine country, Bangladesh maintains a large volume of water by its different channels ... more Being a riverine country, Bangladesh maintains a large volume of water by its different channels like river, canal, beel, haor, baor, lake and so on. Beel is one of the ancient types of water body in the context of Bangladesh. Among all the types of water bodies existing in Bangladesh, beel is obviously a fascinating one due to its biodiversity and ecological importance in local and national perspective as it contains and passes significant amount of water connecting with river channel which ultimately goes to the sea. The Beel Bakar is a small beel in the southern part of Jessore District of Bangladesh. This study initiated to reveal the existing situation of the aquatic biodiversity of the Beel Bakar along with identifying the past and present water management system, the socio economic aspect of the beel dependent fishermen and possible future steps. The study was carried out through mix group discussion, focus group discussion, key informants interview, direct observation and household survey. The study revealed that once this beel was rich in biodiversity and important for local fisheries. Though a considerable part of the beel and its floodplain is under gher culture, still there is scope to ensure protection and to enhance livelihoods of fisher community. In spite of the degradation of natural habitats of fishes, still 19 species of fishes were observed in the beel as well as some non fish organisms like snail, crab, mussel, frog, migratory and native birds. The study also found that excessive gher culture practice and possession of non fishermen over the water body are the main constrains of the beel. Most of the fishermen live in semi concrete house and vast majority of them have debt to bank or cooperatives. Experts and local fishermen both suggested ensuring the access of real fishermen in Beel Bakar and the Mukteswari River to improve their circumstances.

The study was carried out during March to April 2010 to identify the impacts of climate change on... more The study was carried out during March to April 2010 to identify the impacts of climate change on food security in context of southwest coastal region of Bangladesh and to 1917 address appropriate strategies to overcome it. Multistage sampling technique was adopted to select the households. Four villages of 3 unions of Dacope upazila were selected purposively from 9 upazilas of Khulna district. Twenty households were taken from each selected village. The heads of households were taken as the respondents to carry out the survey. Collected data were analyzed to identify percentage, mean, standard deviation, standard error of mean using statistical software SPSS 16. The study demonstrated the sources of income in two time periods: 2010periods: and 2003periods: . In 2003.5% of the respondents were engaged in agriculture, followed by 22.5% in fisheries, and 5% in small business. There happened a drastic change in income sources due to compulsion by climate change.

Physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses of leachates, surface and ground water samples of... more Physical, chemical and bacteriological analyses of leachates, surface and ground water samples of Rowfabad landfill at Chittagong, Bangladesh were carried out to ascertain the magnitude of dumpsite pollution of surface and ground water during rainy and winter season. Surface water samples were collected from distances of 100m, 200m, 300m, 400m and 500m respectively away from the landfill. Groundwater samples were collected from 3 points within 0.30 km radius of the landfill. All the samples were analyzed for relevant physico-chemical and biological parameters according to internationally accepted procedures and standard methods. Concentration of DO was found very low (0.8 mg/l in winter and 0.2 mg/l in rainy season), while, BOD (550 mg/l in winter and 216 mg/l in rainy season) and COD (745 mg/l in winter and 430 mg/l in rainy season) were high in the leachate sample. The presence of faecal coliform in ground water (15/100 ml in winter and 71/100ml in rainy season) was upsetting. The higher concentration of iron (3.26 mg/l in winter and 2.61 mg/l in rainy season) and arsenic (1.7mg/l in winter and 0.9 mg/l in rainy season) in ground water were found alarming. Necessary steps should be taken by the authority to prevent further contamination from leachate.

The study was conducted to learn about water quality status at potential recreational spots in Ch... more The study was conducted to learn about water quality status at potential recreational spots in Chittagong City. Water samples were collected from six recreational spots. Derived parameters namely; Conductivity, Turbidity, Color, Odor, pH, Dissolve Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Sulfate and Nitrate of the collected water samples were compared with the standard value of the respective parameters. The study revealed that water conductivity of Karnafully Shishu Park (1400 µs/cm) and Jatisongho Park (1430 µs/cm) could satisfy the standard level (1500µs/cm) and the other spots exceeded the limit. Water collected from Foy’s lake was a bit turbid (5.07 ntu) but it did not significantly exceed the expected limit (5 ntu). The study also revealed that water of Foy’s Lake was darker (55 Hazen) compared to the standard (20 Hazen). In case of odor, all the spots’ water was unobjectionable except Chittagong Shishu Park and Jatisongho Park. BOD and DO content were satisfactory for all the spots. But COD was higher at Chittagong Shishu Park, Karnafully Shishu Park and Zia Smriti Complex. Nitrate concentration was also found satisfactory in water of all spots except Chittagong Shishu Park (19.33 ppm). All the parameters were under the desired levels for recreation with few exceptions. Although very small, to extend the recreational facilities for the urban people, these unwanted level of different physical and chemical parameters should be mended on an urgent basis.

Mangroves are unique ecosystems of land-sea interface in the tropical and sub-tropical regions o... more Mangroves are unique ecosystems of land-sea interface in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. The study was conducted in experimental mangrove nurseries established at two different sites in Chakaria Sundarban of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh to assess survival percentage and growth performance of four mangrove species (Sonneratia apetala, Avicennia alba, Avicennia marina and Excoecaria agallocha). Height and collar diameter were measured in one month intervals. The study showed that after three months, the highest (53.33%) and the lowest (6.67%) survival percentage was found in Keora and Gewa seedlings in Chaurfari site. In Chuarfari, the maximum (44.12 cm) height was found in Moricha Baen followed by Sada Baen (36.85 cm) and Keora (29.58 cm). After three month, Keora in both sites showed better collar diameter (1.08 cm in Chaurfari and 1.04 cm in Badarkhali) compared to other species. The study recommends the plantation of Keora, Moricha Baen and Sada Baen mangrove species in both sites.

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques , Jun 2014

The study was conducted at healthcare establishments of Abhaynagar Upazila of Jessore District in... more The study was conducted at healthcare establishments of Abhaynagar Upazila of Jessore District in Bangladesh to quantify amount of medical waste (MW) generated from the medical services; determine physical composition of MW; find out the correlation of waste quantity with relevant factors; identify problems and develop future guideline regarding management. The average waste generation rate was 37.11 kg/hospital, 1.56 kg/bed/day, and 1.90 kg/patient/day. The hazardous waste was recorded 9.71%, whereas, non-hazardous waste 90.29%. MW consisted eight categories of waste materials with vegetable/food being the largest component (74%), and varied significantly (p≤0.05) among other hospitals surveyed. The quantity of MW was positively correlated with the number of occupied beds (R2=0.898, P≤0.05) and with the number of patients (R2=0.785, P≤0.05). Separate legislation must be formulated to address the issue of medical waste management as a separate environmental mandate and regular supervision of them are very much necessary.

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques , Jul 2014

The study was conducted during January to December 2009 to determine the generation of municipal ... more The study was conducted during January to December 2009 to determine the generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Chittagong City Corporation of Bangladesh. A structured questionnaire was processed and waste collected from different waste generating sources were segregated and weighed. Residential waste generation rate varied in different socio economic groups and was found minimum (0.5 Kg/day) in Low Socio-economic Group and maximum (3.54 Kg/day) in High Socio- economic Group and an average residential unit generated 1.72 kg of waste per day. Commercial waste generation rate by a person was found 0.38 Kg/day. Waste generation rate by an average institution was recorded minimum (5.4 Kg/day) by the religious institution and maximum (17.05 Kg/day) by the government institute and an average institution generated 10.2 kg of waste per day. The average waste generation rate by a large-scale industry was found 435 kg/day and small-scale industry 77 kg/day and average industrial waste generation was 256 kg/day. The average medical waste generation was found 33 kg/day. Medical waste generation rate per patient was 0.595 kg/day. The most important principles underlying effective programs for the management of MSW include the awareness, assignment of legal responsibility, developing the rules and regulations and also need of a national waste management policy and national waste disposal and management guideline.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

An exploratory study was carried out to identify the homestead tree resources, their utilization ... more An exploratory study was carried out to identify the homestead tree resources, their utilization pattern,
economic return of major fruit and timber tree species, their management activities for sustainable production as well as
constraints of homestead plantation in Fatickchari Upazila of Chittagong district, Bangladesh over the period of six months
by using multistage random sampling design of 96 households categorized into marginal (>0.02-0.08 ha), small (0.08-0.14
ha), medium (>0.14-0.20 ha) and large (>0.20 ha) based on homestead areas. Sample households were selected randomly
taking three from each category in each ward. Total number of tree species was increased with the increase in homestead
areas. In case of socio-economic aspects of the respondents, it was found that tree variety (%) has a gradual increasing
trend with increase of education level. However, relative tree density (%) was found to have increasing trend with
education up to higher secondary level and after that there was a slight decreasing trend. People involve in agriculture have
got higher tree density (31%) compared to other occupations such as; service (28%), business (24%) and daily labour
(17%). The investment analysis revealed that longer time investment on fruit and timber tree species is profitable. Lack of
technical knowledge of growing trees, unavailability of space and good quality seed/seedlings were the major constraints of
homestead forestry production. This study may be useful baseline information to forest policy makers in Bangladesh.

The study was conducted in the nursery of the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, U... more The study was conducted in the nursery of the Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, Bangladesh to evaluate the performance of Toona ciliata seedlings grown under three different categories of soil viz. polluted, moderately polluted soil of ship breaking yard and nursery soil. The study showed that polluted soil and moderately polluted soil contain more organic carbon and organic matter compare to that of nursery soil. pH value and conductivity in polluted soil (8.5 and 7343 μs/cm respectively) and moderately polluted soil (7.6 and 6096 μs/cm respectively) also varied than that of nursery soil. Total dry weight of seedlings was found maximum (14.87±0.47g) grown under nursery soil followed by moderately polluted soil (11.69±0.39g) and polluted soil (10.58±0.33g) over the period of 35 days. The leaf elongation, stem elongation and root growth of seedlings were negatively affected under polluted and moderately polluted soil. It has suggested that nitrogen fixing and pollution resistant species can be used for landscaping polluted areas. Adequate study should be carried out to find out indigenous species that are suitable to plant in the ship breaking yard.

Chittagong University (CU) is a public university, known as the cleanest university of Bangladesh... more Chittagong University (CU) is a public university, known as the cleanest university of Bangladesh due to its neatness and overwhelming presence of green trees and hilly landscape. But now due to indiscriminate solid waste disposal and improper waste management, the cleanliness of the university has been facing serious problem. The study was conducted at Chittagong University campus to determine the generation rate, physical composition and characterization of solid waste and find out current situation of solid waste disposal and management in the campus. Total solid waste generation in CU campus was 1509 kg per day and the generation rate 0.17 kg per person per day. Waste generation from 12 colonies, 6 staff quarters, 3 residential areas, 9 halls & 2 hostels (including Pagoda), 6 faculties (including 1 college and 3 schools), commercial areas (125 shops and restaurants) and 7 offices were 500, 144, 162.22, 363.97, 78.71, 197.50, and 31.52 kg and waste generation rate by individual category 0.16, 0.21, 0.29, 0.08, 0.004, 1.58, and 0.05 kg per day respectively. Total amount of recyclable and non-recyclable waste generation was 416.20 kg (28%) and 1092.79 kg (72%) per day respectively. There are 64 dumping sites found in the campus, most of these are unhygienic and becomes very risky for sound environment of the campus. Therefore, it is inevitable to take immediate steps by University authority to improve environmental condition of University campus through effective solid waste management.

The study was conducted at Jamalkhan Ward, Chittagong, Bangladesh to determine the generation rat... more The study was conducted at Jamalkhan Ward, Chittagong, Bangladesh to determine the generation rates, physical composition and characterization of institutional solid waste (ISW) and identify the current situation of institutional solid waste management (ISWM). A structured questionnaire was processed and waste collected from different waste generating sources were segregated and weighed. Waste generation rate was found 0.1412kg/person/day and an average institution generated 10.42 kg of waste per day. The institutional waste generation rate by each institutional category in the study area was maximum (32%) by the educational institution followed by 21.5% by government institution and minimum (14.5%) in private institution. It also reveals that almost 604.43 kg of solid waste was generated per day in the study area. Institutional solid waste was comprised of nine categories of wastes with paper waste being the largest component (27%) followed by 25% of vegetables/food waste and broken glass/ceramic was minimum (1%). Hazardous medical waste was found 5% of total ISW, but it should be considered as the most injurious and infectious part of institutional solid waste traits. By weight, 50% of the waste was recyclable in nature. It is necessary to take initiatives by both public and private sectors for effective management of waste. For systematic collection and disposal of the institutional waste, it is essential to develop ward-based participatory solid waste management programs.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germ... more A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University (IFESCU), Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings (shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass) were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters (pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and heavy metals chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc) of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage (90%) was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 2:1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings
as well as the maximum percentage of organic carbon and nutrients (N, P and K) were also recorded in the same combination. Soil added with industrial sludge had a higher concentration of heavy metal than that of residential sludge. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in soil added with industrial sludge of 1:1. It is recommended that soil added with residential sludge of 2:1 provide good condition for better seed germination and growth of A. auriculiformis seedlings in degraded forest soil.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed ge... more The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germination and growth performance of Swietenia mahagoni seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University (IFESCU), Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings (shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass) were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters (pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and heavy metals (chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc) of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage (92%) was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 3:1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings were recorded in the soil with industrial sludge of 3:1. So, from the present findings it may be recommended that soil and industrial sludge (3:1) can be used as fertilizer in nursery for the growth of S. mahagoni seedlings.

Generation of solid waste (SW) is a major problem in urban areas and its management is obligatory... more Generation of solid waste (SW) is a major problem in urban areas and its management is obligatory functions for both urban local authority and the urban people. Present paper presents a study of household solid waste generation (HSWG) rate, composition, characterization, potentials of its recyclable components and
households’ attitudes towards waste management in commercial capital city of Bangladesh named as Chittagong City (hereafter called Chittagong City). This study was conducted at Midtown Housing Society, Rahamatgong and Sarif colony of Jamalkhan Ward under Chittagong City Corporation (CCC). The study
involved a structured questionnaire and encompassed 55 households from five different socioeconomic groups (SGs): low (LSG), lower middle (LMSG), middle (MSG), upper middle (UMSG) and high (HSG). It was found that the residential waste generation rate was 0.28 Kg/person/day and an average household generation of 1.48 kg of waste per day. The household solid waste (HSW) comprised of nine categories of wastes with
vegetable/ food waste being the largest component (72%). Vegetable/ food waste generation increased from 53% (observed for HSG) to 89% (for LSG). By weight, 77% of the waste was compostable in nature. The generation of residential solid waste (RSW) was found positively correlated with family size (rxy = 0.8483) at 1% significant level. For systematic collection and disposal of the municipal solid waste (MSW), it is essential
to develop ward-based participatory solid waste management programs. Finally, the research suggests some appropriate recommendations on how a participatory-sustainable residential solid waste management system could be developed in the area of CCC to achieve its goals.

The study was conducted in Jamalkhan Ward, Chittagong, Bangladesh to determine the generation rat... more The study was conducted in Jamalkhan Ward, Chittagong, Bangladesh to determine the generation rates, physical composition and characterization of commercial solid waste (CSW) and to identify the current situation of commercial solid waste management. A structured questionnaire was processed and waste collected from different waste generating sources were segregated and weighed. Commercial solid waste generation rate was found 0.44kg/person/day and an average commercial unit generated 3.61 kg of waste per day. In the generation of CSW, vegetable/food waste was highest (35%) followed by 14% of packaging material and 13% of plastic/polythene/rubber and lowest (2%) found as can/metal/tin. By weight, 57% of the waste was compostable in nature. The generation of CSW was found positively correlated with staff size (rxy = 0.8245) at 1% significant level, which means commercial unit with more staff generate larger quantity of solid waste per day. It was also found a positive correlation between the establishment cost (rxy= 0.9945) and the generation of solid waste at 1% significant level which reveals commercial unit that required large establishment cost have the tendency to generate larger quantity of solid waste each day. Municipal authorities are usually the responsible agencies for solid waste collection and disposal, but the magnitude of the problem is well beyond the ability of any municipal government to tackle. It is necessary to take initiatives by both public and private sectors for effective management of waste. For systematic collection and disposal of the commercial waste, it is essential to develop ward-based participatory solid waste management programs.

Journal of Agronomy, 2015

Journal of Forestry Research, 2009

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques , Jun 2014

Journal of Environmental Treatment Techniques , Jul 2014

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germ... more A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sludge (industrial and residential) on seed germination and growth performance of Acacia auriculiformis seedlings at the nursery of Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, Chittagong University (IFESCU), Bangladesh. Before sowing of the seeds, different combinations of sludge were incorporated with the nutrient-deficient natural forest soils. Seed germination and growth parameters of the seedlings (shoot and root length, collar diameter, fresh and dry weight of shoot, and root and total dry biomass) were recorded after one, two and three months of seed sowing. Physio-chemical parameters (pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and heavy metals chromium, nickel, manganese, cadmium and zinc) of each treatment were also analyzed before sowing of seeds and after harvesting of seedlings. Results show that the seed germination percentage and the seedling growth parameters varied significantly in the soil added with sludge in comparison to control. The highest germination percentage (90%) was observed in the treatment of soil with residential sludge of 2:1 compared to control. The highest growth and biomass of the seedlings
as well as the maximum percentage of organic carbon and nutrients (N, P and K) were also recorded in the same combination. Soil added with industrial sludge had a higher concentration of heavy metal than that of residential sludge. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found in soil added with industrial sludge of 1:1. It is recommended that soil added with residential sludge of 2:1 provide good condition for better seed germination and growth of A. auriculiformis seedlings in degraded forest soil.

The availability of energy is an important determinant of the quality of life in human settlement... more The availability of energy is an important determinant of the quality of life in human settlements. An exploratory study was carried out on household level to find out the energy consumption pattern and consumer’s preference with its environmental impacts interrelating socio-demographic and geographic factors in the disregarded villages of Kabirhat Upazila under Noakhali District, Bangladesh. The study revealed that 95% of the households use biomass, 72% kerosene, 53% electricity, 23% LPG and 60% candle as fuel types. The study also revealed that rural households use fire wood, cow-dung, leaves & twigs, branches, straw and rice husk as biomass energy mainly for the purpose of cooking (98.3%). It was found that rural households collect 42.6% of biomass from their own homestead and agricultural lands. Households mean expenditure for total energy was US$ 6.17 per month with total income US$ 148.11. The ratio of the total monthly energy expenditure to the total monthly income was 4.34%. It was also found that the per capita energy expenditure of households is US$ 1.29 with explicit and implicit costs. Seven fuel wood species were identified as the most preferred species used by households. The information from this study is helpful to formulate policies support tools to take into account the future challenges for demand of biomass fuel resources, their sustainable utilization, promotion, and development.