Water Quality Of Perlis River Environmental Sciences Essay

Water Quality Of Perlis River Environmental Sciences Essay Malaysia is enriched by abundance of natural resources and one of them is the rivers or also known as surface water. River or surface water is precious and vital natural resource for all life on Earth especially human being as it provides water supply for human domestic use, irrigation for agriculture, as a means of transportation, industries use and so on. Even though there always has been plenty of fresh water in Malaysia, clean water supply has not always been available due to the rising water pollution problem. Nowadays, Malaysia has become an industrialized country and no longer left behind the other developed countries but at the cost of the environment. Effluent from the industrial area which is then discharged directly into the rivers without prior treatment is the main sources of water pollution. Besides, human activities such as the uses of agricultural chemicals, soil erosion due to improper development project, land use and so on are also contributed significantly to water pollution (Niemi et al., 1990). Pollution of river with high concentration of toxic chemicals and excess nutrients, which are resulting from surface water runoff, leaching from landfill site and ground water discharges has been aroused the public concern towards the water pollution issue. Thus, there is a need to assess river or surface water quality due to the increased understanding of the importance of water quality towards public health and aquatic life (Ying, 2005). Peninsular Malaysia consists of 11 states and two federal territories whereas Perlis is the smallest state among them. Perlis state is situated at the northwest of peninsular Malaysia. There are more than ten major rivers within the Perlis area while Perlis River is one of the most important rivers in Perlis. The length of the Perlis River is approximately 11 km through Kangar city to Kuala Perlis while the size of the river basin is approximately 310 kmÂÂ ². Perlis River has become the center stage for the public to socialize and for recreational activities particularly at Denai Larian Sungai Perlis. The number of visitors who are visiting to the river and surrounding area for rest and recreation purpose is estimated to be achieved 10,000 peoples per month. However, the quality of Perlis River does not reach the desired level and it is much difference if compared to the major rivers at developed countries. There are some problems which occurred at Perlis River at present. According to the Interim National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia, the status of water quality at Sungai Perlis is classified as Class III. There is heavy erosion occurred at Perlis River and leading to the river banks become very shallow. Residents which located surrounding the river have thrown rubbish or solid waste into the river therefore causing to unaesthetic scene and it is not accessible to boats. Besides, there is a landfill located in Kuala Perlis and this directly affects the water quality of the river when the leachate is leaching out. Squatters located near the river reserve area are also causing pollution problems and there is a need to regular patrols or hut-to-hut checks. Other point source pollution such as shrimp livestock ponds, Kangar wet market, esplanade at Perlis River, food stalls and the Kuala Perlis fisherman jetty are contributed significantly to the water pollution at Perlis River. (w ww.1s1rcommunity.net) On the other hand, the sources of water pollution can be categorized into point and non-point sources. Point sources of pollution refer to those easily identifiable pollutants which enter the water resource though a direct route, for example, effluent from wastewater treatment plants. Whereas for non-point source pollution, it refer to those pollutants which enter from diffuse sources and they are difficult to control, such as stormwater runoff (P.Jamwal et al., 2008). In this study, Mann-Kendall trend test and principal component analysis (PCA) have been applied to detect the trends of water quality data and to obtain the most significant parameters in order to trace the sources of pollutants. Mann-Kendall trend test is one of the most widely used non-parametric tests to detect significant trends in time series. It has the advantage that their power and significance are not affected by the actual distribution of the data (Hamed, 2009). Therefore it is more suitable for detecting trends in hydrological time series, which are usually skewed and contained the outliers. Mann-Kendall trend test has been widely used in assessing the variability on hydrological time series (Hamed, 2008). The examples of earlier studies which applied Mann-Kendall technique are trend study and assessment of surface water quality in the Ebro River (Bouza-Deano et al., 2008), hydrological trend analysis due to landuse changes at Langat River basin (Juahir et al., 2010), identification of hydrological trends at Canadian Rivers (Khaliq, 2009) and so on. Principal component analysis (PCA), one of the multivariate statistical techniques, is helps in reducing redundant parameters with minimum loss of original information (Helena et al., 2000). A better understanding of water quality can be achieved through the interpretation of complex water quality data matrices. Besides, it allows the identification of possible factors or sources that affect water systems and therefore a reliable management of water resources as well as swift solution to pollution problems can be found out (Vega et al., 1998; Wunderlin et al., 2001; Reghunath et al., 2002; Simeonova et al., 2003; Simeonov et al., 2004). In recent years, principal component analysis (PCA) has been applied in various aspect of field including environmental issues. It has been used to characterize and assess water quality data, and it is efficacious in verifying temporal and spatial variations caused by natural and anthropogenic factors (Helena et al., 2000; Singh et al., 2004, 2005). The examples of application of PCA in environmental issues are interpretation of ground water hydrographs (Winter et al., 2000), examination of spatial and temporal patterns of heavy metal contamination (Shine et al., 1995) identification of herbicide species related to hydrological conditions (Tauler et al., 2000) and so on. The aims of this study are to detect the trends of water quality data at Perlis River and determine the significant parameters that contributed to water pollution by using Mann-Kendall and principal component analysis techniques. A deeper understanding of the evolution in water quality from the year 2003 until year 2007 can be achieved via the Mann-Kendall trend test. Besides, by using the principal component analysis (PCA), the sources of pollutants can be traced and thus some mitigation measures can be carried out.

Discriminatory Practice Essay

Infringement of rights: not respecting an individual’s rights and not letting them practice their culture. This can lead to individuals feeling devalued and very sad, which will affect their health. An example of this say for instance in a care home it was Eid and they was not allowed to celebrate it however all the other occasions were allowed, this would make an individual feel devalued and as if their needs or wants aren’t important, like their culture isn’t important this could lead to health problems as what they enjoy in their culture has been excluded and taken away from them. Covert use of power: hidden use of power to discriminate. This can lead health and social care professionals to treat someone differently from someone else. This means that a person may not get that same level of treatment, which may jeopardise their health and well-being. One example would be when people apply for job. Although one person may have the same experience and qualificati on as the other applicants they may not be shortlisted because of their skin colour, or sexuality etc. it’s harder to prove that covert discrimination is occurring but cases are regularly reported and is still happens. In a health and social care professional setting a health care worker may not give somebody the right medication at the right time, maybe due to the colour of their skin colour or their sexuality which they strongly feel opposed to. Overt use of power: openly using power to discriminate. This will have similar outcomes to covert abuse of power. However, if a person being treated notices that they are being discriminated against, it will have a negative impact on their recovery, their mental health issue to depression and it could make a negative impact on their recovery as they may worry about what they have even done in the first place to be getting this treatment. An example of over abuse of power could be if a health care worker tells a person they are too fat to live their 50s. Another example when a colleague is paid more than you, because of their gender, even though you are doing the same job with the same qualifications. It can also be found in the different treatment one person receives compared with another when there should be no difference at all. Prejudice: is prejudgment, or forming an opinion before becoming aware of the relevant facts of a case. The word is often used to refer to preconceived, cynical ideas about another individual, arising from a per son’s negative ideas about that person, usually unfavourable, judgments toward people or a person  because of gender, political opinion, social class, age, disability, religion, sexuality, race/ethnicity, language, nationality or other personal characteristics. For example, more than 700 people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 27 different countries were interviewed as part of International Study of Discrimination and Stigma Outcomes, 72 per cent of those interviewed said they felt the need to conceal their diagnosis. 64 per cent said the anticipation of discrimination stopped them applying for work, training or education programs and 55 per cent said it stopped them looking for a close relationship. In the health and social care sector could be care worker telling another care worker that he or she does not want to work with someone or get them over and done with as they don’t like them due to whatever reason may be. Stereotyping: assumptions made about an individual judged on their group, environment and it may not always be true and sometimes it is based on another persons or groups qualities and life, this is dangerous as it could make the service user feel depressed and mess them up mentally due to the ‘name callingâ⠂¬â„¢. For example, it may be a stereotype that Asian people love to eat rice. So according to this stereotype, if you are Asian, that automatically means that you will unconditionally love to eat rice. This can already show that generalizations made from stereotypes are not the most reliable to base your judgement on. Typically racial and ethnic group stereotypes come from some degree of prejudice thought. In a health and social care area this may occur when a health care worker sees a dark skinned black man and instantly think he is a thug so they chose not to assist them and move them on to someone else. Labelling: Labelling people refers to a form of prejudice and discrimination where a person allocates names to people on the basis of nationality, religion, ethnicity, gender, or some other group. Labelling of people represents a way of differentiating and identifying people. This practice is normally conducted on minority groups. For example, if you label someone who is wearing black as a Goth, you will assume them to be a depressing and dark-minded person, when in fact they might not be at all. This can lead to prejudice and discrimination. Labelling is basically a combination of all the other three things you have listed in your question, and is the ultimate form of ignorance and assumption. In the health and social care profession you need to be aware of this tendency to label people. Labelling thoughts may come into your head  and everyone has these types of thoughts but it’s what you do with them that are important. By becoming aware of your labelling thoughts, you can control them and stop them interfering with your work. Another example in the health and social setting is if a care worker was having a conversation with another care worker and referring a service user as the ‘bimbo’ just because of the colour of their hair such as blond this would be labelling and it would distress the user. Bullying: Bullying is a persistent attempt to hurt or humiliate someone, it is a repeated action and deliberately hurtful. The person bullying is more powerful than the person bullied, making it hard for those being bullied to defend them. Bullying can occur in many different forms. It can be physical (hitting, pushing, and damaging others’ property); it can be verbal (name-calling, threats) or social (excluding someone, spreading rumours). Bullying is not only between children and not only in schools; can it happen at home, in organisations, at work or on the Internet. Bullying is often based on perceived differences, such as ethnicity, sex or disability, so young LGBT people evidently have a higher risk of being bullied. In a health care sector a health care worker may tell a service user that they needs to stop eating as they are already too fat. Abuse: Abuse is the improper usage or treatment of an entity, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices; crimes, or other types of aggression. Abuse of authority, in the form of political corruption, is the use of legislated or otherwise authorized powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by private persons or corporations not directly involved with the government. An illegal act by an officeholder constitutes political corruption only if the act is directly related to their official duties. Abuse of authority is separated from abu se of power in that the act is originally condoned, but is extended beyond that initially conceived and is in not all cases.

Medical Marijuana Should Be Legal - 742 Words

Medical marijuana has been legalized in twenty-five of the fifty states. Marijuana can be used to treat up to twenty different diseases including mental and physical illnesses. (Procon.org. N.p.). Marijuana should be legalized for medical use in all fifty states. Marijuana is a natural help that can treat symptoms of cancer and radiation, aids in pain relief, and helps control seizure disorders. Marijuana could have been a natural help to relieve the pain and nausea my grandfather went through during the time he was struggling with cancer. Marijuana helps treat symptoms of cancer and radiation. In the United States, there have been two pills made from the THC in marijuana that is approved by the FDA, â€Å"Dronabinol† or â€Å"Marinol† and â€Å"Nabilone† or â€Å"Cesamet†. (Marijuana and Cancer. N.p.). Dronabinol and Nabilone both help treat pain caused by damaged nerves, improve weight gain and appetite, and reduces the need for pain medication. When marijuana is inhaled or smoked, it has been known to help treat nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. Patients who consumed oral medical marijuana (THC pill) said they felt a relief of 76 to 88 percent from nausea and vomiting; patients who smoked marijuana said that they had a relief of 70 to 100 percent relief. (Procon.org. N.p.). Although marijuana cannot cure the disease, it helps treat the symptoms. Marijuana is a natural help that when used can reduce the use of addicting pain medications. Marijuana has been proven that it is not anSho w MoreRelatedMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal904 Words   |  4 PagesMedical Marijuana Although marijuana is illegal and lacks FDA approval it should be used to treat cancer. Opponents of medical marijuana argue that it is too dangerous to use, lacks FDA approval, and that various legal drugs make marijuana use unnecessary. They believe marijuana is addictive, leads to harder drug use, and injures the lungs, immune system, and brain. They also believe that medical marijuana is a front for drug legalization and recreational use. Benefit that it is isn’t a great treatmentRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1249 Words   |  5 PagesMarch 1, 2017 Medical Marijuana Informative Unless you ve been living under a rock, you have probably at some point in the last few years had a conversation with a friend or family member regarding medical marijuana. Although it is considered a controversial topic, in recent months it has been gaining approval by the public. But it does not come without opposition and arguments. Medical marijuana is a complex subject and still requires more education for the public, the medical community, and theRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1477 Words   |  6 Pagesacross the nation believe that medical marijuana can provide a variety of benefits ranging from pain relief to increasing appetite. Others won’t provide the drug to patients until more significant evidence is presented. The drug has been a topic of debate for many years, but one thing that researchers can always count on is a growing library of testimonials from patients who have legally experimented with the drug to manage their conditions. As it stands, mari juana has had a different impact in eachRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1651 Words   |  7 Pagesmost commonly referred to as marijuana. Medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis and its cannabinoids to treat disease or improve symptoms (Wikipedia.com). Cannabis contains two active ingredients inside called cannabinoids (CBD) along with the delta-g-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The medicinal and psychoactive effects that personally associate with marijuana are caused by unique structures of cannabinoids. In addition, the major psychoactive ingredient in marijuana is THC, which additionallyRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1778 Words   |  8 Pagesusing medical marijuana for chronic pain outweigh the risks? Medical Marijuana is a topic we have all heard a couple of times in the past years. It has been a debatable topic since there seems to be a lot of opinions on what should be and shouldn’t be legal. Some say its benefits outweigh anything else, and some others state that there is a hazard involved with this drug. There are studies on both sides of the question that demonstrate what appear to be clear benefits for medical marijuana, asRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1545 Words   |  7 Pagesmedicinal utility of marijuana. However, the federal government opposes passing legislation that would legalize medical marijuana because of its potential to be abused or unregulated. The states are continuously challenging the federal government causing complications in legislation in regards to medical marijuana. Because of its history of medicinal properties and accumulating amounts of state and local legislation, the federal government should decriminalize medical marijuana an d legalize its useRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1053 Words   |  5 PagesMedical marijuana, also called cannabis, is used in some places as a medication to treat diseases and symptoms. Many people consider it helpful and harmless making it the most used illicit drug in North America. With legalizing medical marijuana people can alleviate some health problems and help ease physical pain, but it also can bring many concerns, questions, and responsibility. Legalizing cannabis can help many people with their health conditions. There are some advantages to taking medicalRead MoreShould Medical Marijuana Be Legal?1591 Words   |  7 Pagesdebated topic on marijuana legalization is widely argued. Whether it’s for medical or recreational usages, this topic is reaching boiling point. The complicity on the legalities of marijuana has reached a point in society where legal usage has been popping up across the country. In the medical sector, studies have shown benefits, and harmful effects in patients. Some physicians support, however some physicians do see health concerns that influence their stance on whether medical marijuana laws are toRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal897 Words   |  4 PagesMedical Cannabis Weed Cannabis, also known as Marijuana has many effects to it. In recent years officials have decided that it should be used for medical usage. They have found out that it helps many medical conditions. Medical cannabis has many things that could cure. Studies has shown that it slows the response time in the synapses in the brain it helps the brain heal. For example if someone was in a bad wreck it allows the brain to eventually heal. Because it is unlike other prescribed drugs weedRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal860 Words   |  4 Pagesthat medical marijuana might be useful in reducing this pressure. Marijuana has also became a common sight in the medicine cabinets of patients suffering from HIV/AIDS and many different forms of cancer. Cannabis consumptions has been known for its ability to stimulate appetite commonly referred to as â€Å"getting the munchies.† Medical marijuana can successfully benefit its patients with HIV or cancer by helping generate an appetite through the use of plant. Researchers have shown that medical cannabis

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ( Fas ) - 1404 Words

Children are born every second of every day on all different parts of the globe. However, before they are introduced into the world they must develop in a special incubator known as the mother’s womb. Throughout the nine months of growth, it is crucial for the mother to consume certain nutrients and avoid harmful substances. In many countries, one of the cognitive disorders is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). According to Feldman (2009), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a disorder that is induced by pregnant women who have consumed alcohol during the duration of their pregnancy, possibly resulting in mental deformity and delayed the growth of the child. Some characteristics of FAS include growth deficiency and central nervous system dysfunction†¦show more content†¦Impairment of the central nervous system results in an array of behavioral problems including hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) and impaired language, as well as difficulties learning and understandi ng social skills (Thomas, 2008). In addition, prenatal exposure to alcohol disrupts the development of major regions in the central nervous system such as the hippocampus, which contributes to memory (Thomas, 2008). The exposure to alcohol during development in the womb, consequently damaging the central nervous system and the hippocampus, makes the child’s learning experience more difficult due to the fact that their learning and their ability to memorize has been impaired. A research study that was done by Sarah N. Mattson, Katherine E. Calarco and Aimee R. Lang has proven that children that have been exposed to alcohol have a slower reaction time and a lower accuracy to respond correctly to a set of stimuli that was presented. The children were evaluated using a paradigm consisting of three conditions: visual focus, auditory focus, and auditory-visual shift of attention (Mattson, 2006). The result concluded that children with FAS have a deficiency in visually focused att ention and a deformity in maintaining auditory