https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/70425 2026-04-11T14:17:19Z 2026-04-11T14:17:19Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/103364 2022-11-03T14:05:59Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Sulfur dioxide trends in Malta : a statistical computing approach Abstract: A statistical investigation of data related to emissions and measurement of SO2 in the Maltese islands encompassing the period 2004 to 2012 was conducted. The purpose was to investigate whether SO2 levels were driven by the Marsa power station (MPS), which was considered to be the main source of SO2 on the island. In addition, the study sought to establish spatial and temporal trends in the SO2 concentrations measured throughout the islands. Data was obtained from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (4 fixed monitoring stations and a diffusion tube network) and also from the Enemalte Corporation (emisions of MPS). This was analysed using the Inter Operability and Automated Mapping Project (IntaMap) and GIS for mapping purposes, as well as R and SPSS packages for statistical processing. The results have shown that average yearly emissions from the MPS decreased from approximately 858 g/hr to 780 g/hr between 2009 and 2012. Diffusion tube and monitoring station data have indicated overall decreases in SO2 with certain localised areas showing increases. It was also determined that there were only two occasions when the 350 μg/m3 hour limit of Directive 2008/50/EC was exceeded. All the stations in the monitoring station network registered higher readings when the winds were Northerly or North-Westerly. The Kordin station was found to have the overall highest SO2 readings while Gharb had the lowest. Results suggested that emissions from the MPS had a more localised effect on SO2 levels compared to previous research. However, a 3-predictor statistical ANCOVA analysis determined that while emissions from the MPS were statistically significant in determining the amount of SO2 being measured in the monitoring stations, the results indicated that there were other contributors. These contributors could have included emissions from the Delimara power station emissions and marine vessels. On the other hand, a 2-predictor model using only readings registered with wind originating from the MPS direction showed that MPS emissions were only statistically relevant for Kordin. Hence, it can be concluded Kordin was the most likely area to be affected by MPS emissions while the effect on Msida, Zejtun and Gharb was negligible. The overall findings of the study indicated that, although the MPS was still found to be a contributor of SO2, other sources should now start to be monitored as well. It is recommended that the identification of new sources of SO2 be a focus of future research, including examination of effects of the Delimara power station and marine vessels. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101809 2022-09-15T06:23:46Z 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A heuristic for local land planning : linking ecological function and policy : in context to Charlotte, North Carolina Abstract: Ecological systems and services are foundational to human well-being, and in recent years have received increasing scholastic attention. The functional ability of these systems is influenced however, by human-induced land transformation related to conventional patterns of growth and development. Such land transformations, which commonly occur as single family residential development, are criticized as being wasteful and inefficient, leading to issues like as air and water pollution, diminished forests and wetlands, and habitat loss and fragmentation. In the United States a patchwork of policy exists aimed at addressing such ecological concerns. Despite best efforts, most local governments and planning offices still miss the mark, creating policy that only peripherally addresses ecological function. The research presented herein aims to deal with this; by way of a new heuristic, designed to link ecological function and land-use policy, this research offers direction to local land-use planners and policymakers who wish to integrate the preservation of ecological systems in local policy creation. Description: Dual Masters; M.Sc. (SERM); M.Sc. (ISAT)

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101806 2022-09-15T06:14:33Z 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Residential solar energy in the Valley : a feasibility assessment and carbon mitigation Abstract: This project explores whether the Shenandoah Valley can achieve its 25x'25 goals in the residential sector using the two most feasible solar energy technologies, solar photovoltaic electric power production and solar thermal hot water generation. After a review of the barriers to the adoption of solar energy in households, the potential rates of adoption and energy output are estimated using U.S. Census data and Department of Energy data. Multiple scenarios are explored, including the "maximum theoretical" contribution of solar energy to the residential sector as well as scenarios of household behavior under different constraints. With respect to solar photovoltaic, it is argued that the "most likely" theoretical scenario is one in which about 15% of all occupied Valley households adopt a 1 kilowatt system. If that was so, then solar photovoltaic electricity would contribute about 1 % of the residential sector's total energy needs in the Shenandoah Valley. Solar thermal would meet 2. 7% of the entire Valley's energy needs. The associated carbon mitigation for solar PV is equivalent to about 5,222 passenger vehicles and 9,801 passenger vehicles for solar thermal mitigation potential. Description: Dual Masters; M.Sc. (SERM); M.Sc. (ISAT)

2011-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101783 2022-09-15T06:07:47Z 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Ecological restoration of abandoned agricultural land : an evaluation of socio-economic feasibility Abstract: The study explores the socio-economic feasibility of ecological restoration of abandoned agricultural land, focusing on the area of the South Gozo Fault (localities of Għajnsielem and Qala). Ecological restoration is relevant for this area as considerably large tracts of abandoned agricultural land lie adjacent to ecologically important biotopes. fa the last decades, agricultural land in Gozo has been abandoned due to both socio-economic and environmental factors, leading to land degradation. The option of restoring such land for ecological purposes was explored in this study. Surveys and interviews were conducted to assess the perceptions of landowners and representatives from government, private and non-governmental organisations. Land-cover characteristics of the area of the South Gozo Fault were also mapped and GIS was used to calculate the total area of each landcover class. Results indicate that feasibility may be very context-specific; notwithstanding, general insights obtained indicated a reluctance amongst landowners to make agricultural land, even if abandoned, available for ecological restoration, with an evident preference that this land be restored to agricultural use. Financial incentives may, however, alter the options that landowners would be willing to consider. The study also indicated that the disparate and inaccurate nature of land ownership data may be a major constraint to implementing restoration projects on abandoned land. Whilst further research is needed on the feasibility of having ecological restoration on abandoned agricultural land, it would also be of interest for future studies to consider the option of using areas other than abandoned land (e.g. degraded land) for restoration purposes. Description: M.Sc. (SERM)

2012-01-01T00:00:00Z