Environmental nuisances from industrial activities in residential areas of Arab municipalities in Israel

Michael Sofer, Oded Potchter, Noaman Gnaim, Jallal M. Gnaim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

The random development of small-scale industrial and workshop activities in residential areas of Arab municipalities in Israel is causing environmental nuisances such as noise, air, water and soil pollution, and heat emissions. These nuisances are both harmful to the environment and local populations. The aim of this research is to investigate this issue by environmental monitoring and a residential survey in one such municipality, Baqa el Garbiah. Data collection was carried out based on mapping of industrial activities and workshops in residential and industrial areas of Baqa el Garbiah. Air and noise pollution were monitored using settled dust and noise samples collected from various sites in the municipality during periods of plant and workshop operation. The experience of residents in relation to these activities was explored using questionnaires and interviews with workshop owners and residents living within the vicinity of these workshops. We found significant levels of environmental nuisances in residential areas and the residential survey indicated that the activities negatively affect the quality of life of the local population. In light of our findings, solutions and ways to reduce the environmental nuisances arising from industrial activities located in residential areas should be sought after.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)353-362
Number of pages10
JournalApplied Geography
Volume35
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
We would like to thank the following people for their assistance with the research and the editorial of the paper: Miss Elisabeth Wilkinson, Mr Yaron Yaakov. The authors wish to thank The Israel Ministry of Science and Technology for financing this research (Grant no. 3-4561 ).

Funding

We would like to thank the following people for their assistance with the research and the editorial of the paper: Miss Elisabeth Wilkinson, Mr Yaron Yaakov. The authors wish to thank The Israel Ministry of Science and Technology for financing this research (Grant no. 3-4561 ).

FundersFunder number
Israel Ministry of Science and Technology3-4561

    Keywords

    • Arab municipalities
    • Environmental nuisances
    • Industrial activities
    • Israel
    • Residential areas

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