Evaluation of seepage problems of the Armağan Dam, Kırklareli, northwestern Turkey

The Armağan Dam, Turkey, is constructed on the metalimestones and chalk schists of the Dolapdere Formation. The metalimestones have been karstified, with clay infilling many of the solution features. When the river was impounded, the increase in water head resulted in some of the clay infill leaching out such that there was hydraulic connection between the reservoir and the area downstream. Dye tracing tests, pinhole and XRD analyses suggested the clays in the waters egressing downstream were from the solution infill rather than from the dam itself. Unless it is possible to wash out the clays from the metalimestones and replace them with grout, a continual programme of monitoring and grouting will be required to ensure the stability and water tightness of the dam.      

Retailers’ resilience strategies and their impacts on urban spaces in Turkey

Recent developments in the retail sector in Turkey have created a dynamic environment, with different resilience strategies of actors forming the sector providing a new context in which to discuss urban transformation. The developments have contributed to the public’s awareness regarding multifaceted problems in the retail sector, many of which have a negative impact on urban space. Retailers, citizens and governing bodies variously contribute to this issue with different perceptions of and strategies on how to adapt to the changes. How these dynamics work and influence urban space in the Turkish context is the main focus of this research. A field survey in Ankara revealed that the resilience strategies of traditional retailers are reactive rather than proactive. This situation provides them with the flexibility to adapt themselves more quickly to the changes in the sector. However, as there is no holistic retail policy in Turkey, reactive strategies also result in unplanned use of urban space.     

Quality assessment of surface and groundwater in Solaklı Basin (Trabzon, Turkey)

The paper reports a study of the surface and ground water in Solakl? Basin, Trabzon, from an assessment of 33 sampling points. Many of the parameters analysed are only marginally acceptable as potable water, even though the samples were collected during the wet season. The highest concentrations of contaminants were found downstream of the centres of population. The results indicate regular monitoring is required and some measures should be taken to protect the limited resources.     

Modelling nitrogen in the Yeşilirmak River catchment in Northern Turkey: impacts of future climate and environmental change and implications for nutrient management

Recent research in catchments of rapidly developing countries such as Brazil and China suggests that many catchments of the developing world are already showing signs of nitrogen pollution reminiscent of past experiences in developed countries. This paper looks at both the individual and combined effects of future climate change and other likely environmental changes on in-stream nitrate concentrations in a catchment in Northern Turkey. A model chain comprised of simulated future temperature and precipitation from a Regional Circulation Model (RCM), a conceptual hydrological model (HBV) and a widely tested integrated catchment nitrogen model (INCA-N) is used to model future changes in nitrate concentrations. Two future periods (2021-2050 and 2069-2098) are compared to the 1961-1990 baseline period in order to assess the effectiveness of several possible interventions available to catchment authorities. The simulations show that in the urbanised part of the catchment, the effects of climate change and other environmental changes act in the same direction, leading to peak nitrate concentrations of 7.5 mg N/l for the 2069-2098 period, which corresponds to a doubling of the baseline values. Testing different available policy options reveals that the installation of wastewater treatment works (WWTWs) in all major settlements of the catchment could ensure nitrate levels are kept at near their baseline values for the 2021-2050 period. Nevertheless, a combination of measures including WWTWs, meadow creation, international agreements to reduce atmospheric N concentrations and controls on agricultural practises will be required for 2069-2098. The approach presented in this article could be employed in order to anticipate future pollution problems and to test appropriate solutions, some of which will necessitate international co-operation, in other catchments around the world.     

Evaluation of indoor environmental quality conditions in elementary schools׳ classrooms in the United Arab Emirates

This study presents findings of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) investigations conducted in elementary schools׳ classrooms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Average TVOC, CO₂, O₃, CO, and particle concentrations measured in the classrooms were 815 µg/m³, 1605 ppm, 0.05 ppm, 1.16 ppm, and 1730 µg/m³, respectively. Whereas, local authority known as Dubai Municipality recommended 300 µg/m³, 800 ppm, 0.06 ppm, 9 ppm, and 150–300 µg/m³ for TVOC, CO₂, O₃, CO, and particle, respectively. Dubai Municipality recommended temperature and relative humidity (RH) levels of 22.5 °C to 25.5 °C and 30%–60%, respectively. Average temperature and RH levels measured in the classrooms were 24.5 °C and 40.4%, respectively. Average sound level in the classrooms was 24 dB greater than recommended sound level limit of 35 dB. Six (6) classrooms had average lux levels in the range of 400–800 lux. Two (2) classrooms had average lux levels in the range of 100–200 lux. The remaining classrooms had lux levels around the recommended 300 lux. High occupancy density was observed in majority of the studied classrooms. Observations during walkthrough investigations could be used to explain measured IEQ data. Poor IEQ conditions in the studied classrooms highlight the need for further research investigation to understand how poor classrooms׳ IEQ condition could influence students׳ health, comfort, attendance rate, and academic performance.     

A case study on trace metals in surface sediments and dissolved inorganic nutrients in surface water of Olüdeniz Lagoon-Mediterranean, Turkey

Hydro-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, silicate and phosphate) in seawater and major trace metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, V, Zn, Pb, Cu) in sediments were evaluated for the assessment of quality of seawater and sediments in very small lagoon in Mediterranean, Olüdeniz. Enrichment factors for metals in sediment were in the range of 1.62-8.09, comparable to crustal rock composition. For metals, comparison with literature data revealed relatively low metal concentrations for Olüdeniz sediments. Correlation analyses on the sediment metal data showed strong correlation in between Cr, Fe and Zn. Surface water salinity slightly decreases within the lagoon, indicating that limited fresh waters inflow to the lagoon. In October, the lagoon waters contained very low phosphate concentrations but measurable values of nitrate and silicate, yielding high NO(3)(-)/PO(4)(3-) ratios (90). Very low Chlorophyll-a (biomass indicator) concentrations measured in the lagoon suggest the phosphorus limitation of primary productivity.     

Impact of household plumbing fixtures on drinking water quality — a review

This paper reviews the pertinent literature published since 1970 on the impact of household plumbing systems on drinking water quality through the leaching of metals such as cadmium, copper, iron, lead, tin and zinc into potable water. Copper is found to be more easily and extensively leached than lead. Copper is leached almost exclusively from copper tubing. Lead can be leached from lead pipes, lead‐tin solders and faucets in residences. Zinc and tin require to be monitored as well.     

Modeling groundwater flow in the agricultural area of Gümüşhacıköy (Amasya, Turkey)

The Gümü?hac?köy Plain is the most productive agricultural area in the central/northern part of Turkey. Although the Quaternary/Pliocene granular deposits beneath the Plain have formed an important aquifer/water resource, excessive pumping in the last two decades, mainly for irrigation, has resulted in a significant depletion of the reservoir with some 30% of the total resource being lost in the last 40 years. The paper reports a groundwater flow model developed to allow the sustainability of the groundwater resource to be monitored such that appropriate measures can be undertaken.     

A study on the formation of a measurement scale for the environmental quality of Taiwan’s long-term care institutions by the Delphi method

This study used a two-round modified Delphi technique with a questionnaire survey in order to reach a consensus for the questionnaire; the survey was conducted from September to December 2009. The six indicators for the environmental quality of long-term care institutions in Taiwan are (1) indoor environmental quality, (2) safety equipment for the prevention and management of disasters occurring in residents?? daily lives, (3) provision for assistive devices for residents?? daily use, (4) provision for privacy and individualized space, (5) provision for comfortable and decorated indoor environments, and (6) provision for social interaction space. The scale included 34 items with an acceptable number of panel members and acceptable construct validity. Panel members all highly approved of Indicators 1, 2, and 6. Although they approved of Indicator 3, they suggested that caregivers at institutions should replace the functions of living assistive devices. They approved of Indicator 5; however, they questioned the method for providing comfortable and decorated environments. They approved of Indicator 4; however, they suggested that private space need not be provided in the living room of the institution. In terms of long-term care institution environments in Taiwan, Indicators 1, 2, and 6 were important for protecting residents?? physical and psychological well-being and improving their social interactions. Indicator 3, although important, could be directly replaced by caregivers. Indicator 5 required more implementation methods, while Indicator 4, the living room of the institution, was considered unnecessary.     

A study of the local site effects on the ground response for the city of Eskişehir,Turkey

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - Local soil characteristics play a key role in determining soil-structure interaction and reliability of the superstructure behavior under...     

Empirical investigation of owner-occupiers’ reinvestments in housing: the case of Ankara,Turkey

In Turkey, reinvestments in the existing housing stock are entirely dependent on households’ decisions in the free market. There are no policies to consider reinvestment processes, and the body of knowledge on households’ reinvestment decisions is scant. Understanding how individual reinvestment decisions are determined is vital to devise policy measures to improve the condition of the existing housing stock and neighbourhoods. In this study, an attempt is made to identify the basic motivations and factors underpinning the owner-occupants’ performed and planned reinvestments in the apartment flats of Ankara. The results display that consumption considerations, particularly circumstances of necessity and urgency, are the basic motivation for undertaking reinvestment works among the surveyed owner-occupants. Higher household head age, shorter duration of occupancy, higher house value and maintained installations and infrastructure in common parts of the apartment blocks are displayed to increase the probability of having undertaken reinvestment works. Also, perception of the dwelling to be in disrepair and landscaped common outdoor space of the apartment are identified to increase the probability of having reinvestment plans for the future. The analysis suggests that policy measures are required both to trigger reinvestment capacities of households and to monitor the tendencies of reinvestments.     

The effect of indoor environmental quality on occupants’ perception of performance: A case study of refurbished historic buildings in Malaysia

This paper presents an assessment of occupants’ opinion of the internal environment of buildings, based upon their responses to questions relating to a range of discrete factors. The survey considers many aspects of the internal environment and seeks to gain occupants responses to each of these in terms of “User Satisfaction” and “Degree of Importance”. The questionnaire utilised a seven-point bi-polar scale to score these responses against each of the factors. In addition, the questionnaire elicits a ‘fingerprint’ that combines up to 22 factors relating to satisfaction with the building. The study documents and considers aspects of the building environment for which the users noted that they were least satisfied as well as those that are considered by the occupants as being of most importance. It is critical that sustainable development results not just in resource conservation, but also in increasing productivity and occupant well-being within buildings. This study hopes to provide insight for the design community on the perceptions of occupants in relation to building performance based on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) criteria. It also seeks to add to the growing body of research on sustainable design and occupants’ perception of IEQ.     

Applicability of European landscape typology in Turkey (Çakırlar Watershed case/Antalya)

The aim of this study is to put forward Turkey as a case study of the applicability of the European approach to landscape characterisation studies at the local scale within the context of the European Landscape Convention. For this purpose, a classification of landscape types with the help of LANMAP typology is suggested at the European scale in a basin in Turkey where there are obvious differences in terms of landscape characteristics. In particular, this study examines the usability of a countrywide thematic database when making this classification. It is understood that a mapping system as well as a common nomenclature of types of land covered at the country scale is insufficient for the suggested methodology for Europe. Later, results of the continuation of a classification system at the local scale for landscape characterisation are discussed, and some deficiencies of LANMAP when characterising the landscapes at this scale are mentioned.     

Aquifer characteristics and water quality of Miocene–Pleistocene sediments, Kuwait

Al-Atraf is one of the water well fields of Kuwait supplying Kuwait City with the brackish groundwater obtained from the Kuwait Group aquifer of Miocene–Pleistocene age. The study determined the hydrogeological and hydrochemical characteristics of the groundwater in order to identify the major chemical processes that influence the groundwater quality of the study area. The results of the aquifer test analyses indicate that the Kuwait Group is a confined to semi-confined aquifer, with a transmissivity ranging between 62 and 321 m²/day. The flow net analysis implied that the groundwater moves from southwest to northeast. The estimated transmissivity values agree well with those calculated from the aquifer test. The results of the chemical analyses data of the Al-Atraf field show that the groundwater is mainly brackish, of NaCl and Na₂SO₄ water types. The groundwater is undersaturated with respect to halite, gypsum and anhydrite and supersaturated with respect to quartz, dolomite and calcite in the direction of groundwater flow. The average Pco₂ of the groundwater is higher than the Pco₂ of the earths atmosphere indicating that the groundwater is supplied with CO₂ during the infiltration processes and dissolves the carbonate minerals under closed-system conditions.     

Changes in the environmental pollution in the Calcutta‐Hooghlyside industrial strip of India

Changes in the environmental perception of people of the Calcutta‐Hooghlyside industrial belt are discussed. Residents of the area are becoming increasingly aware of air and water pollution. A positive correlation exists between the frequency of their perception of air and water pollution problems and the actual level of pollution in the area.     

Assessing the influence of exogenous and quality of service variables on water companies´ performance using a true-fixed stochastic frontier approach

ABSTRACT

Improving the cost efficiency and quality of service across time corresponds to two important targets for regulated water companies. Following a pioneering approach, we have evaluated the influence of a set of exogenous and quality of service variables on the English and Welsh water companies’ costs over the period of 1996–2009. A true-fixed effects stochastic cost frontier model was applied since it also allowed computing of the productivity change of the water companies and their drivers. Results have shown that quality of service has an influence on water companies´ costs. This issue is very relevant for bursts in water mains since investments in reducing them will lead to a reduction in the water supply interruptions and water losses. Results of this study illustrate the importance of developing long-term planning investment programmes in the water industry.     

Environmental challenges and developmental angst: Mimarlık and the early environmental discourse in Turkish architecture

This paper seeks to examine and contextualise the emergence of environmental thought in Mimarl?k, a Turkish architecture magazine, within the period starting with its inception in 1963 until the military coup in 1980. In Mimarl?k this brief phase marks the introduction of the basic terms and concepts of environmental discourse. More interestingly, though, it demonstrates the influence of a developmental discourse on the uptake of environmentalism and environmental problems by Turkish writers. In line with the anti-imperialist tendencies of the Turkish left movement in the 1960s and 1970s, environmentalism was dismissed mostly as a ‘Western’ construct or a tool of ‘imperial domination’. As a result, the architectural discourse of the 1970s in Mimarl?k paid relatively little attention to the political opportunities the environmental emphasis could bring or to the imagining of a radically different architecture.     

The “neighborhood unit” on trial: a case study in the impacts of urban morphology

The organization of modern city planning into “neighborhood units” – most commonly associated with the Clarence Perry proposal of 1929 – has been enormously influential in the evolution of modern city form, and at the same time has also been the subject of intense controversy and debate that continues to the present day. New issues under debate include social and economic diversity, maintenance of viable pedestrian and public transit modes, viability of internalized community service hubs, and efficient use of energy and natural resources, including greenhouse gas emissions. We trace the history of this controversy up to the present day, and we discuss new developments that may point the way to needed reforms of best practice.