No abstract

Aichi Prefecture, which has a dense industrial area, is one of the sites in Japan where the levels of zinc are elevated. However, currently, there is no clear evidence of the source of zinc in this prefecture. This study aims to assess zinc concentration and load in a river and identify the main sources of zinc pollution. We conducted a 20‐month survey to identify the temporal and spatial variation of zinc in river water, particularly in the Aizumame River. Using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry, the total fraction of zinc concentrations was determined for nine sampling stations (five points in the mainstream and four points in the tributaries). The results show that the average of zinc concentration was lower during the irrigation period than in the non‐irrigation period. However, the load during the irrigation period was higher. During irrigation, the river discharges were higher resulting in a lower concentration. The highest zinc concentration was 0.139 mg/L in June 2017. Based on this study, the main zinc source was identified from industrial areas which on average contributed about 3,400 g/day into the mainstream. These results became more evident during the non‐irrigation period when only industrial discharges contributed zinc load into the mainstream.

No abstract

Thekelan Village, Kopeng District has a special potency of ecotourism. Thekelan Village is located at an altitude of + 2000 masl with magnificent scenery and surrounded by protected forest areas. The social characteristics of the community are homogeneous, distinctive, and strong highland culture. Thekelan Village has annually received visits from universities and schools for both comparative study and live-in programs. However, the sustainability of the tourism needed to be evaluated since the community has not participated much in the tourism activity (just lodging and communication). Indicators were established to evaluate the sustainability of existing tourism in Thekelan Village. Moreover, a survey, in-depth interview, and focus group discussion have been conducted to the community to assess the readiness to develop sustainable ecotourism. The results showed that the existing tourism has failed to be sustainable. Nevertheless, the community are ready to implement a new program to improve the management of community participation in the rural tourism setting. Therefore, a sustainable ecotourism can be developed and bring more economic benefits to the local people.