Jobelle S. Teves, MAN, RN (jobelle.teves@spus.edu.ph)

Marcu Augustu E. Mantilla (mantillamarcu@gmail.com)

Jichell Grace A. Basol (jichellbasol@gmail.com)

Lucy L. Teves, PhD, RN (ORCID No. 0000-0003-0939-2824)

 

              The novel COVID-19 disease rapidly spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020). The study aimed to evaluate the compliance of the college students, faculty, and non-teaching staff with COVID-19 health protocols at St. Paul University Surigao. The study used a quantitative descriptive survey that made use of adherence to health protocol, where the calculated sample size for the participants’ occupation at the St. Paul University Surigao – Main campus was 379. The statistical method applied to the collected data was Mean and Standard Deviation, Frequency of Percentage Distribution, and Analysis of Variance. Findings drawn from the study and interpretations of the data gathered, the majority of participants are students 86.54%, according to their occupation. Moreover, there is no significant degree of variance in the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in the occupation of the participants in terms of No Facemask, No Entry and Screening Prior to Entry. However, there is a significant degree of variance in the indicators of Physical Distancing, Practice Respiratory Etiquette, Hand washing and Hand disinfection, and Information dissemination. Therefore, it is recommended in this study that the administrators of St. Paul University Surigao continue to apply no facemask, no entry, practice respiratory etiquette, hand washing and hand disinfection and screening prior to entry while improving and developing different approaches on physical distancing, practice respiratory etiquette, hand washing and hand disinfection, and information dissemination to better cater the groups to further improve compliance to the health protocols. Future researchers are encouraged to further examine the differences and group them according to their profiles, address the same research problem in a different setting, context or location. The researchers also recommend conducting research that focuses on utilizing a convergent parallel design and incorporating natural observation. This research approach will provide valuable insights into the implementation and effectiveness of health protocols in promoting a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and the wider school community.

 

Keywords: COVID-19, Compliance, Health Protocols

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

A coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) in 2019 put everyone’s health in danger. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes this Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is highly contagious and has killed more than 6 million people worldwide, has had a devastating impact on the world’s demographics and is now the most significant global health crisis since the influenza pandemic of 1918. (Cascella et al., 2022). In addition, this virus mainly spreads through contact with an infected person’s cough or sneeze. The virus can also spread when a person touches something that has the virus on it before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Virus COVID-19 can survive for up to 72 hours (Bakar & Rosbi, 2020).

 

            Allegrante et al. (2020) assert that in order to effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19, health education and information must be targeted at various subpopulations and accurate, understandable, convincing, and relevant information must be provided. World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have stated that one of the main prevention measures for the entire population is the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as the adoption of effective hygiene systems (Cirrincione et al., 2022).

 

            Moreover, necessary precautions have been put in place to stop the spread of the virus and lower mortality rates, such as the requirement that everyone wears masks, consistent hand washing and hand sanitizing, social isolation, avoiding crowded places, remote working, and postponing public events. So, following COVID-19 prevention guidelines could assist to lower the prevalence of other infectious diseases like influenza, pneumonia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Dadras, et al., 2021).

 

            Compliance with COVID-19 health protocols is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting public health. The specific protocols may vary based on recommendations from health authorities and the prevailing situation. The Department of Health’s report from 2021 states that physical separation and hygiene standards will be needed in all venues, so when neighborhood businesses restart operations, they must adhere to hygiene standards to stop the spread of the virus. To ensure the security of staff, customers, and patients, health facilities and DOH divisions have modified their standards and procedures. Alternative work arrangements, utilizing virtual platforms to their fullest potential, and ensuring that infection control protocols are carefully followed are some strategies. As a result, following government directives and public health advice is essential in lowering transmission rates during the COVID -19 pandemic, which is a worldwide health emergency. Nevertheless, a small percentage of people reportedly disregard laws and regulations (Banai et al., 2021). Compliance with COVID-19 health protocols is crucial in preventing the spread of the virus and protecting public health. The specific protocols may vary based on recommendations from health authorities and the prevailing situation. 

 

            In this study, the researchers were eager to compile and assess the safety and health practices currently used at St. Paul University Surigao as required by the government to stop the spread of the virus and also to protect its staff and students. The researchers primarily focused on the compliance by the teachers, students, and non-teaching staff to health protocols implemented at St. Paul University Surigao. Additionally, since the start of face-to-face sessions in the academic year 2022–2023, St. Paul University Surigao has strictly adhered to the government’s necessary health procedures.

 

 

Conceptual Framework of the Study

This study focused on the examination of COVID-19 health protocols, building upon the research conducted by Daniel et al. (2022). The research highlighted the importance of complying with health protocols during the pandemic. The study recommended various practical measures, including hand washing in public spaces, maintaining physical distance, wearing masks, avoiding crowded areas, practicing respiratory etiquette, engaging in physical exercise, taking vitamins or supplements, and adopting a balanced diet. The implementation of these health protocols is crucial in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 within the community. It is essential for society to adhere to these protocols in order to effectively control the spread of the pandemic. Additionally, the health protocols support society’s efforts to remain productive while staying safe. To raise public awareness, all institutions must work together (Saputra et al, 2020; Christiarini et al, 2020; as cited in Christian, 2021). 

 

            The focus of this study, on the other hand, is based on the concept of Daniel et al., (2022) which supports health protocols such as hand washing in public spaces, physical distancing, frequency of using the mask, and avoiding crowded places which were highly correlated. Hence, in this study, the researchers focused on the health protocols practiced at St. Paul University Surigao which were similar to the concept of Daniel et al., (2022) such as no facemask means no entry, physical distancing, practicing respiratory etiquette, hand washing and disinfection, information dissemination, and screening prior to entry. 

		Figure 1:  Schematic Diagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

METHOD

This study used descriptive-survey research design. This design investigates the compliance of the participants without any of them being managed or controlled by the researcher. This method is suitable since the purpose of the research is to evaluate participants’ compliance. Moreover, information on compliance with health practices was gathered using a standardized survey questionnaire.

 

Participants 

The researchers selected the faculty, non–teaching staff, and students at St. Paul University, Surigao. The participants were randomly selected using the multistage Cluster Sampling method to form a sample. The researchers procured the lists of the faculty, non-teaching staff, and students to get the sample size of targeted participants. Sample participants were taken using Slovin’s formula, used to calculate the sample size (326) given the population size (1,759) and a margin of error (e) which is computed as n=N/(1+Ne2). 

 

Instrument

In this study, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Health Services COVID-19 Implementing Guidelines of St. Paul University, Surigao (2020) was used as a survey questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. Consequently, the researchers have selected the following indicators: 1.) No facemask, no entry; 2.) Physical distancing; 3.) Practice respiratory etiquette; 4.) Hand washing and disinfection; 5.) information dissemination; and 6.) entry screening to evaluate compliance with minimum health standards implemented at St. Paul University, Surigao. Faculty, non-teaching staff, and college students were asked to describe themselves in reference to verbal interpretation: always, often, sometimes, and never in the qualitative description; excellent compliance, good compliance, average compliance, and poor compliance.

 

 

Data Analysis

 

The following statistical tools were used to answer the specific problems:

 

Frequency Count and Percentage Distribution. This tool was used to determine the occupation of the participants.

 

Mean and Standard Deviation. This tool was utilized to determine the effectiveness of the participant’s compliance.

The following are the basis for the interpretation of data:

 

ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). This tool was employed to measure the degree of variance in the extent of compliance among the three group which are: college students, faculty, and non-teaching staff.

 

 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

 

This chapter presents, analyzes, and interprets the data gathered. The presentation follows the sequence of problems posed in Chapter 1.

Occupation of the Participants

            Table 1 shows the profile of the participants on whether they are faculty, students, or non-teaching staff.

 Table 1.

             Occupation of the Participants.

 

            
            The table provided information that in terms of their occupation, it can be noticed that most of the participants are students. Specifically, 328 (86%) are students, Participants from the faculty and non–teaching staff were 21 (5.54%) and 30 (7.92%).

 

 

Mean and Standard Deviation on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 2 presents the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in terms of No Facemask, No Entry.

 

Table 2.

The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols in terms of No Facemask, No Entry

Legend: A-Always; EC-Excellent Compliance

            As shown in table 2, the indicator, “I wear facemask upon entering the school premises,” got the highest mean (M=3.70, SD=68), and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. This means that it was prominent that the people entering the school premises would wear facemasks. While the indicator, “I wear a facemask even in classroom/offices,” got the lowest mean (M=3.51, SD=0.77), it is still verbally interpreted as Alwayswith a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. Despite being the lowest indicator, it still yielded a highly valued description. 

 

A study from Liang et al. (2020), found that masks shield other populations against respiratory virus infections and demonstrated the general effectiveness of masks in reducing the spread of respiratory virus infections. While wearing a mask may not keep people from getting COVID-19, it can help lower the odds. If they are sick, a mask can help keep germs from infecting others. If they are healthy, a mask can help keep respiratory droplets from someone who is sick from landing in their noses and mouth.

 

            On average, the compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols in terms of “No facemask, No Entry” got the mean of M=3.64, SD=0.71 with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance.

Mean and Standard Deviation on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 3 presents the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in terms of Physical Distancing.

 

Table 3.

The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols in terms of Physical Distancing

Legend: A-Always; O-Often; EC-Excellent Compliance; GC-Good Compliance

            As shown in Table 3, the indicator, “I follow the designated entrance and exit routes to minimize congestion,” got the highest mean (M=3.49, SD=0.76), and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. In addition, the indicator, “I follow the floor markings and other signages that are visible in the school premises,” got a high mean as well (M=3.27, SD=0.75), verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. This points that the respondents were compliant in following signages and routes to reduce possible contractions of the COVID-19. However, the indicator, “I observe physical distancing of at least (1) meter or six feet at all times,” got the lowest mean (M=2.57, SD=1.02) and verbally interpreted as Often with a qualitative description of Good Compliance. Despite having acceptable results, results reveal that the respondents were slightly challenged in distancing themselves apart by one meter.

 

            As COVID – 19 vaccinations roll out, people may be less compliant in socially distancing themselves. According to a study from Teslya, A. (2022), people may perceive themselves protected from COVID – 19, relying on a reduction in transmission brought on by increased vaccine coverage, therefore complying less. This is corroborated by a study from Andersson et al., (2021), where an increased focused on vaccines may result in low compliance to public health recommendations and hasten the spread of COVID – 19. 

 

            On average, the compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols in terms of “Physical distancing” got the mean of M=3.11, SD=0.84 with a qualitative description of Good Compliance.

Mean and Standard Deviation on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 4 presents the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in terms of Practice Respiratory Etiquette.

 

Table 4.

The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols in terms of Practice Respiratory Etiquette

Legend: A-Always; O-Often; EC-Excellent Compliance; GC-Good Compliance

            As shown in Table 4, the indicator, “I cover my mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing using a tissue, handkerchief, or with my inner elbow,” got the highest mean (M=3.57, SD=0.74), and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. Additionally, the indicator, “I wash my hands with soap and water after coughing and sneezing,” gained a high mean (M=3.27, SD=0.77), and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. Conversely, the indicator, “I avoid touching my eyes, nose, and mouth,” got the lowest mean (M=3.18, SD=0.79), verbally interpreted as Often with a qualitative description of Good Compliance. The data presented above points that most of the respondents would cover themselves when they cough and sneeze and would wash their hands after thoroughly. However, they found it hard to avoid touching their eyes, noses and mouth. According to Patel, et al., (2020), A possible decline of respiratory hygiene was observed after the lockdown was lifted because people were less afraid in contracting the COVID – 19. 

 

            On average, the compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols in terms of “Practice Respiratory Etiquette” got the mean of M=3.34, SD=0.76 with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance.

 

Mean and Standard Deviation on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 5 presents the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in terms of Hand Washing and Hand Disinfection.

 

Table 5.

The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols in terms of Hand Washing and Hand Disinfection

Legend: A-Always; O-Often; EC-Excellent Compliance; GC-Good Compliance

            As presented in Table 5, the indicator, “I use alcohol with 70% isopropyl or ethyl which are available in every classroom/office,” got the highest mean (M=3.63, SD=0.73) and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. However, the indicator, “I wash my hands for at least 20 seconds while inside the campus,” got the lowest mean (M=2.71, SD=1.08), and verbally interpreted as Often with a qualitative description of Good Compliance. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds while inside the campus was less likely observed and the people preferred using alcohol instead.

 

            According to a study by Roy et al. (2020), disinfection using the right and recommended physical or chemical disinfectants will not only reduce the spread of the illness but will also greatly help to flatten the curve. It is equally important to wash your hands with soap and water or with products containing alcohol.

 

            On average, the compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols in terms of “Hand washing and Hand disinfection” got the mean of M=3.26, SD=0.86 with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance.

Mean and Standard Deviation on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 6 presents the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in terms of Information Dissemination.

 

Table 6.

The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols in terms of Information Dissemination

Legend: A-Always; O-Often; EC-Excellent Compliance; GC-Good Compliance

            As shown in Table 6, the indicator, “I follow the posters that are placed inside the campus to remind me of the following: Hand washing, Cough and sneeze etiquette, Proper disposal of waste, Physical distancing,” got the highest mean among the two (M=3.36, SD=0.75), and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. Indicating that the posters placed around the campus was effective. 

 

            Contrastingly, the indicator, “I use the official Facebook Page of the Health Services to update myself on health concerns and reminders, especially about COVID-19,” acquired a low mean (M=2.64, SD=1.09), and verbally interpreted as Often with a qualitative description of Good Compliance. Pointing that most of the respondents would update themselves on Facebook with regards to health updates. However, though the indicator acquired an acceptable result, it also shows that the posters placed inside the campus was effectively followed more than by checking into the Facebook page itself.

 

            On average, the compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols in terms of “Information dissemination” got the mean of M=3.00, SD=0.92 with a qualitative description of Good Compliance.

Mean and Standard Deviation on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 7 presents the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in terms of Screening Prior to Entry.

 

 

 

 

 

Table 7.

The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols in terms of Screening Prior to Entry

Legend: A-Always; EC-Excellent Compliance

            

As shown in Table 7, indicator one, “I check myself prior to going to school to ensure that I can enter the school premises,” got the highest mean (M=3.57, SD=0.75), and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. The indicator, “Using the non-contact thermometer, I check if my temperature is below 37.5 °C,”also got a high mean (M=3.54, SD=0.77), with a verbal interpretation of Always and a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. While the indicator, “I use the treated foot bath that is placed on the entrance gate to disinfect my footwear,”although having the lowest mean (M=3.34, SD=0.99), is still verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance. All three indicators acquired high results. This means that the respondents would thoroughly check themselves prior to entry and followed proper screening. Measures of prevention, protection, screening, isolation and distribution have been shown to be efficient in similar settings (Basile et al., 2021).

 

            On average, the compliance with the COVID-19 health protocols in terms of “Screening Prior to Entry” got the mean of M=3.31, SD=0.82 with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance.

Mean and Standard Deviation on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 8 presents the summary on the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

 

Table 8.

Summary on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao

Legend:

 

            Based on Table 8, the respondents gave the highest overall rating on No Facemask, No Entry (M=3.64, SD=0.71), which is verbally interpreted as Always and qualitatively described as Excellent Compliance.

 

            Consecutively, the second-highest variable as evaluated by the respondents is Screening Prior to Entry with the mean of M=3.48, SD=0.84, and is verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance.

 

            Lastly, Information Dissemination got the lowest average (M=3.00, SD=0.92), verbally interpreted as Often and qualitatively described as Good Compliance.

 

            In general, The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao got the overall mean of M=3.31, SD=0.82 and verbally interpreted as Always with a qualitative description of Excellent Compliance.

 

Significant Difference between The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao and the Occupation of the Participants

 

            The table below present the significant difference between The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao and the Occupation of the Participants.

 

Table 9.

Significant Difference on The Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao and the Occupation of the Participants with respect to their Occupation

 

Dependent	Sum of Squares	df	Mean Square	F	p-value	Decision
No Facemask, No Entry	0.28	2	0.14	0.37	0.694	Do not reject Ho
Physical Distancing	4.47	2	2.23	5.71	0.004	Reject Ho
Practice Respiratory Etiquette	2.31	2	1.15	3.14	0.045	Reject Ho
Hand washing and Hand disinfection	5.30	2	2.65	7.18	0.001	Reject Ho
Information dissemination	9.13	2	4.57	8.63	0.000	Reject Ho
Screening Prior to Entry	2.63	2	1.31	2.69	0.069	Do not reject Ho

 

As to the significant difference between the occupation of the participants and the variables No Facemask, No Entry and Screening Prior to Entry, findings revealed that there is no significant difference between both variables (p-values=0.694 and 0.069, respectively). 

 

            However, as to the significant difference between the occupation of the participants and the variables Physical Distancing, Practice Respiratory Etiquette, Hand washing and Hand disinfection, Information dissemination, findings revealed that there is significant difference between these variables (p-values=0.004, 0.045, 0.001, 0.000, respectively).

 

 

Findings

 

           Based on the analysis and interpretations done on the data gathered, the different findings in this study, based on each statement of the problems articulated, summarized as follows:

 

1.     As to the occupation of the participants, majority of the participants are students (328 or 86.54%).

 

          2. As to Compliance with COVID-19 Health Protocols at St. Paul University Surigao: 

                      2.1 No Facemask, No Entry is excellently complied with an average mean of 3.64, and I wear facemask upon entering the school premises is qualitatively described as Excellent Compliance (M=3.70, SD=0.68).

                      2.2 Physical Distancing had good compliance with an average mean of 3.11, and I follow the designated entrance and exit routes to minimize congestion is qualitatively described as Excellent Compliance (M=3.49, SD=0.76). 

 

                      2.3 Practice Respiratory Etiquette is excellently complied with an average mean of 3.34, and I cover my mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing using a tissue, handkerchief, or with my inner elbow is qualitatively described as Excellent Compliance (M=3.57, SD=0.74). 

 

                      2.4 Hand Washing and Hand Disinfection is excellently complied with an average mean of 3.26, and I use alcohol with 70% isopropyl or ethyl which are available in every classroom/office is qualitatively described as Excellent Compliance (M=3.63, SD=0.73).  

 

                      2.5 Information Dissemination had good compliance with an average mean of 3.00, and I follow the posters that are placed inside the campus to remind me of the following: Hand washing, Cough and sneeze etiquette, Proper disposal of waste, Physical distancing is qualitatively described as Excellent Compliance (M=3.36, SD=0.75). 

 

                      2.6 Screening Prior to Entry is excellently complied with an average mean of 3.48, and I check myself prior to going to school to ensure that I can enter the school premises is qualitatively described as Excellent Compliance (M=3.57, SD=0.75).

 

         3. There is no significant degree of variance in the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in the occupation of the participants in terms of No Facemask, No Entry and Screening Prior to Entry (p-values=0.694 and 0.069, respectively). However, there is a significant degree of variance in the indicators Physical Distancing, Practice Respiratory Etiquette, Hand washing and Hand disinfection, Information dissemination (p-values=0.004, 0.045, 0.001, 0.000, respectively).

 

 

Conclusion

 

 

The conclusions that may be drawn from the study’s findings are as follows: 

 

            The study and interpretations of the data gathered, the majority of participants are students (86.54%), according to their occupation. Moreover, there is no significant degree of variance in the compliance with COVID-19 health protocols in the occupation of the participants in terms of No Facemask, No Entry and Screening Prior to Entry. However, there is a significant degree of variance in the indicators Physical Distancing, Practice Respiratory Etiquette, Hand washing and Hand disinfection, and Information dissemination. This suggests that health protocols are effective in maintaining clean facilities on campus, the administrator of St. Paul University Surigao may continue to use them as a health guideline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recommendations

 

 

1.     The school administration can continue to apply no facemask, no entry, practice respiratory etiquette, hand washing and hand disinfection and screening prior to entry as safety health protocols inside the facilities to be complied by the teachers, students and non – teaching staff. 

 

2.     However, the school administration may need to improve physical distancing and information dissemination as safety health protocols to be complied by the teachers, students and non – teaching staff.

 

3.     In terms of physical distancing, practice respiratory etiquette, hand washing and hand disinfection, and information dissemination, the school administration may develop different approaches to better cater the groups to further improve compliance to the health protocols.

 

4.     Future researchers could further examine the differences and group them according to their profiles, address the same research problem in a different setting, context or location. Future researchers of St. Paul University Surigao are encouraged to address the problem in this event and furthermore, look into finding ways to help mitigate the effects of COVID – 19 and improving the lives of everyone affected. The researchers also recommend conducting research that focuses on utilizing a convergent parallel design and incorporating natural observation. This research approach will provide valuable insights into the implementation and effectiveness of health protocols in promoting a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and the wider school community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Abstract — 

Concerning the safety of data stored in the cloud is the focus of this article.   The most recent advancements in computing have caused a sea shift in how people see the architecture and development of IT systems.   As the dangers and threats to sensitive information continue to grow, this article will discuss the many methods now in use throughout the world to keep it safe. In addition, the concept of an encryption/decryption algorithm-based, simple, safe, and privacy-preserving system for inter-cloud data exchange against unauthorised access is presented. Since we are storing the data on the Third Party CloudService, and the CloudComputing Providers/Data owner pose the greatest security risk, encryption of the data in the cloud is essential. As a result, it is in everyone’s best interest for the consumer to encrypt the data before sending it to a third-party service provider like a host. The RSA algorithm, built on the Prime Factorization approach and the Extended Euclidean Theorem, is the focus of this study.With RSA encryption, we’ve reduced the risk of a phishing attempt or other intrusion.

 

Keywords — Artificial Intelligence, Automotive Industry, Technology, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity.

                                                                                                                                                           I.        Introduction

The concept of cloud computing is relatively new, and many companies are hesitant to adopt it because they are concerned about the safety of their data when it is stored on the cloud and managed by a third party.  One of the most straightforward definitions of cloud computing is “the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.” This is one of the various definitions of cloud computing that are currently accessible.[1] Cloud computing is utilized increasingly as a service since it hosts the data of individuals on their own resources, therefore minimizing the cost of infrastructure and offering protection for the data of end users. Cloud computing has a number of benefits and advantages, but one of the most significant concerns is about the data security, data integrity, and data maintenance. It is of the utmost importance for cloud service providers to use multiple mechanisms and algorithms that encrypt the data, depending to the kind of data, in order to guarantee the data’s safety.[2]

                                                                                                                                                               II.       Objective

The research aimed to fulfill the following objectives:

·      To study concerns regarding the security of cloud computing

·      How secure are the providers of cloud services?

·      Discussions and result

 

                                                                                                                                                        III.      Methodology

One   of   the   most   common   and

important question often be in the mind of

the organization that to store the data on a

third   party cloud   service   provider or   to

make   and   internal   organization   cloud.

Many a times the data is at most sensitive

like Army   Nuclear   Codes   or   the   Future

Plan   of the   Government etc.   So, storing

these types of data on Third party cloud are

risky business, so it is recommended that to

make an internal cloud storage. 

The   paper   is   about   the   data

security techniques   used for   securing the

data on cloud, through   Encryption   of the

data with the help of powerful Algorithm

and   also, it   discusses   the   potential   threat

and the solution for the same

One   of   the   most   common   and

important question often be in the mind of

the organization that to store the data on a

third   party cloud   service   provider or   to

make   and   internal   organization   cloud.

Many a times the data is at most sensitive

like Army   Nuclear   Codes   or   the   Future

Plan   of the   Government etc.   So, storing

these types of data on Third party cloud are

risky business, so it is recommended that to

make an internal cloud storage. 

The   paper   is   about   the   data

security techniques   used for   securing the

data on cloud, through   Encryption   of the

data with the help of powerful Algorithm

and   also, it   discusses   the   potential   threat

and the solution for the same

The topic of whether an organisation should build their own internal cloud infrastructure or store their data with a third-party cloud service provider is one of the most typical and essential questions that arises inside an organisation. There are several instances in which the data is at its most sensitive, such as Army Nuclear Codes or the Future Plan of the Government, etc.   Therefore, keeping this kind of data on a cloud service provided by a third party is a dangerous business move; therefore, it is recommended that an internal cloud storage be created. The article examines the data security approaches that are utilised for safeguarding the data on cloud by encryption of the data with the assistance of sophisticated algorithms. Additionally, the paper addresses the possible danger as well as the remedy for the same.

                                                                                                      IV.      How secure are the providers of cloud services?

There is a rising need for cloud computing that is able to guard against security attacks that are becoming more complex. To meet this problem, vendors of cloud services will need to change their practices. When it comes to convincing consumers that their data is secure, having the most recent security certifications, in particular ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus, is very necessary. [3] Governments and other regulatory organizations impose a myriad of legal obligations on firms that keep data, including the necessity that these organizations have data protection officers and submit to compliance audits conducted by a third party.

 

If a firm does to perform these requirements, the company may be subject to hefty penalties or perhaps experience a loss of business. Vendors, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, subject their data security to regular assessments and updates in order to pinpoint any vulnerable places in their infrastructure and guarantee that their service is adequately secured.[4]

 

Methods for Reducing Dangers to Data in the Cloud

 

Backup of Data

It is essential that businesses back up their data in case their cloud service goes down. The strongest security against technical problems and ransomware assaults is regular data backups. Without this safeguard, it is risky to transfer data from physical to cloud storage. If you want to protect your data from being lost in the case of a natural disaster, hacker attack, or physical disaster, you should back it up in more than one place.

 

Analyze Existing Cloud Settings

Businesses may optimize their use of cloud services by conducting periodic configuration reviews. Businesses that rely on a single service are at danger of vendor lock-in since it is difficult to migrate their data to a new provider. Spreading data storage out over several locations or suppliers may assist protect against this, ensuring that no data or services are lost in the case of an assault on a single location. Misconfigured cloud services, however, pose a threat to data security and must be checked often.

 

Testing for Infiltration

One of the biggest concerns about cloud storage is the possibility of cyber assaults. When vulnerabilities in online applications are discovered by penetration testing, they may be patched up before they are exploited. Companies can prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited by simulating cyber-attacks.

 

Authentication using Multiple Factors

One of the most important aspects of cloud computing security is limiting access to just authorized users. Unauthorized users are unable to access cloud services thanks to two-factor authentication’s access limitations. The security of data is maintained without affecting the user experience when a password is combined with another factor, such as a one-time code.

 

Staff Development

Businesses should have procedures in place to avoid the deletion of data by mistake. Employees should get enough training on how to use the cloud to prevent inadvertent harm. Regular reviews of user rights and network-based monitoring of employee access to information may assist reduce the risk of insider attacks.[5]

 

FIGURE 1. CLOUD SECURITY

                                                                                                                                             V.       Discussions and result

In the encrypting the data using the RSA algorithm in order to offer data security on the cloud and ensure that only those who are concerned will have access to the data. The RSA algorithm is a block cypher that encrypts every message and maps each encrypted message to an integer.   It includes both the public key and the private key, both of which are used in the encryption and decryption processes of the data, respectively. In this particular technique, the public key is accessible to anybody, but the Private key is only known to the individual who owns the material. The client or the Cloud service provider is responsible for carrying out the decryption process once the encryption procedure has been completed. The encryption procedure may be carried out by either party.   After the data have been encrypted using the public key, we will be able to decrypt them using the corresponding Private key as soon as the encryption process has been completed. The protection of one’s privacy and the secrecy of one’s data are at the forefront of every customer who stores their information in the cloud. After the data has been uploaded, there should be a guarantee that no one else, not even the Service Provider, can access or know anything about the data.  Therefore, the client themselves may upload the data once it has been encrypted, which decreases the risk of data loss since only the customer knows the private key for the specific public key.[6]

                                                                                     VI.      CONCERNS REGARDING THE SECURITY OF CLOUD COMPUTING

The research will explore the primary challenge that necessitates the implementation of data security, despite the fact that there are several security risks associated with the act of storing data on the cloud.

 

A. The term “Data Integrity” refers to the fact that any time one user accesses, deletes, or reformats the contents of a file, that change should be reflected across all of the users who have permission to view that specific file. This concept is known as “Multitenancy,” and it applies to businesses that use cloud computing to store their information and therefore have a large number of employees and departments.   When numerous users try to access shared data at the same time, the system may sometimes crash. If a hacker knows certain Alteration Codes, they may be able to access the data while the system is down. Multitenancy may be an unusually unsafe practice because of this. Verifying the user before to making use of the data is one way to prevent an issue of this kind from occurring. In order to circumvent problems associated with multitenancy, cloud computing makes use of a number of different approaches.

 

B.  In virtualization, a copy of a fully operational operating system is created inside another operating system so that it may share the resources of the original operating system.   When installing a guest operating system on a host system as a virtual machine, the component known as a hypervisor is required. The shared operating system computer is at its most susceptible when it is being used with the Hypervisor; if the hypervisor is hacked, then the data will also be jeopardized. 

 

C.  The data may be in the form of a file that is stored on the cloud and may be requested for use at some other site while it is in transit. This occurs while the data is being uploaded or downloaded onto or out of the cloud, respectively. Since those who eavesdrop on the data and have the capacity to edit or alter it while it is being sent are a greater threat to the data while it is in transit than to the data while it is at rest, the only way to ensure the safety of the data is to encrypt it.[7]

 

FIGURE 2: – CLOUD SECURITY 

 

CONCLUSION

Cloud computing offers several advantages, including the ability to help businesses simplify their processes and reduce the expense of maintaining physical safe data storage. Due to the ever-present risk of data breaches, it is vital to take into account the potential security risks that are connected with keeping data in the cloud. A corporation may face far-reaching repercussions as a result of the theft or loss of sensitive information. However, the dangers to data security posed by cloud computing may be reduced by implementing the appropriate preventative measures. Protecting sensitive data with numerous backups and verifying that cloud service providers are in conformity with relevant regulations are two procedures that absolutely cannot be skipped. It is possible to cut down on the likelihood of a data leak by doing regular penetration tests on the cloud and providing employees with adequate training. Companies are able to securely store their data in the cloud and take advantage of the numerous advantages offered by this game-changing technology if they first have an awareness of the security concerns associated with cloud computing and then adopt the right security procedures. 

          

    References

[1]Patil Madhubala R., “Survey on security concerns in cloud computing,” 2015 International Conference on Green Computing and Internet of Things (ICGCIoT), 2015. doi:10.1109/icgciot.2015.7380697 

[2]Patil Madhubala R., “Survey on security concerns in cloud computing,” 2015 International Conference on Green Computing and Internet of Things (ICGCIoT), 2015. doi:10.1109/icgciot.2015.7380697 

[3] “An overview of cloud computing security concerns,” International Research Journal of Modernization in Engineering Technology and Science, 2023. doi:10.56726/irjmets33230 

[4] Figure 6.3 security and privacy concerns kept individuals from using cloud computing, 2014. doi:10.1787/888933586369 

[5] G. K. Shyam and M. A. Ansari, “Security concerns in cloud computing,” International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development, vol. Volume-2, no. Issue-5, pp. 2296–2301, 2018. doi:10.31142/ijtsrd18306 

[6] S. Pal, “Cloud computing,” Cloud Computing Service and Deployment Models, pp. 191–207. doi:10.4018/978-1-4666-2187-9.ch010 

[7] “A review on security concerns in cloud computing,” International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 871–874, 2016. doi:10.21275/v5i3.nov161993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1          INTRODUCTION

Every catchment area and the amount of runoff generated as stormwater after a given rainfall. It depends on two parameters which is the pervious and impervious nature of the catchment. In a given storm, initial abstraction or infiltration takes place for a given duration before runoff generation begins after saturation of the soil. This usually occurs on pervious areas where water can penetrate into the soil. On impervious surfaces such as parking lots, concrete areas, pavements etc, runoff generation begins instantly since there is no initial abstraction or infiltration. Runoff generation is dependent on time of concentration within the catchment area. The maximum time taken for a raindrop that falls farthest away in a catchment area to drain to the outlet point is called the time of concentration. The time of concentration depends on the distance and the water velocity. Runoff volume and depth is high for impervious areas than pervious areas within the same catchment area. Runoffs generated within a given catchment area ends up in drainage systems, conduits, networked pipe system and finally in streams and oceans downstream of the catchment. This is the case in undeveloped countries like Ghana. In the well developed countries like the USA, Scotland, UK, Germany, Dubai and others, they end up in sewerage systems in addition to streams, rivers and oceans for treatment before final disposal into other systems for recycling or into streams and oceans. Runoffs do not build up instantly upon rainfall but takes time within a catchment or forested area as abstraction is very high in such areas. High amount of runoff generation within an impervious area which is not collected and channeled into drains and conduits may result in flooding within the catchment. This usually happens in urbanized areas where most areas are impervious with areas such as parking lots, pavements, concrete areas etc. it therefore becomes important to model such stormwater within an urbanized catchment area for a given return period. There is the likelihood that within a given a return period, a rainfall of high intensity will happen. This will result in flooding because drainage systems of inadequate capacity will not be able to channel such stormwater downstream effectively. Hence for good drainage system design and construction, it’s important to model stormwater within catchments to avoid future contingencies. Stormwater tools such as StormTac, Infoworks Collection Systems (Infoworks CS), Sustainable drainage systems such as for example permeable pavings, ponds and green roofs (SuDS) Studio, Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualizatio (MUSIC), SWMM, XPSWMM, StormCad, Civilstorm, Civil 3D – Storm and Sanitary analysis etc to model stormwater within a catchment area for prediction, forecasting and management of stormwater within the catchment for the benefit of mankind. Such tools are able to predict, forecast to a higher degree of which engineers, planners and urban developers are able to design and construct drainage systems and sewerage systems and hence flood controls within urbanized areas. 

Stormwater generated within a catchment comes with a higher degree of contaminants and pollutants since runoffs generated collects a lot of debris and waste materials. Pollutants can be nutrients, heavy metals, bacteria, organic compounds and oils. These contaminants may originate from for example traffic pollutions, sewage systems, atmospheric deposition and oil leakage from vehicles. If such untreated stormwater do not end up in storm treatment facility and treated before discharge, they end up polluting water bodies and inhabitants. Storm treatment facilities therefore becomes a needed facicility in every country for stormwater treatment but that cannot be seen in Ghana. Such pollutants even end up in homes during storm because of bad housing systems, drainage designs and construction especially those living in flood prone areas within a catchment. Very high intensity rainfall for long duration generates runoff of high depth and volume which requires fast and correct runoff collection into drainage systems. If this is not rightly done within the catchment, flooding occurs posing threats to people living in flood prone areas. Wrong catchment delineation and time of concentration determination will result in wrong runoff determination hence inadequacy in drainage designs and resultant construction. This is why engineers and planners in developed countries are in constant stormwater modelling using different models and tools since there is constant increase and decrease in impervious and pervious areas respectively. 

This research work therefore sorts to model stormwater generation within three catchment using MIDUSS version 2.25 to predict and forecast what is going on and can be done in a community within Ghana during a given rainfall duration. Ghana as a country has two rainfall seasons in the southern part. The June – July peak rainfall results in a given high rainfall duration over the region and resultant stormwater generation. This storm generates runoffs of given depths which ends up in drains and conduits of varied capacity. Some of these drains are able to channel the stormwater downstream safely into streams, rivers and ocean. Drians of inadequate capacity and full of debris and contaminants ends up channeling stormwater on roads and homes. Modelling such stormwater will help to forecast, predict and obtain real time knowledge on how to manage stormwater in Ghana and other developing countries where there are no proper sewerage systems and storm treatment facilities to treat such storm waters before channeling downstream and into streams, rivers and oceans.

2. RELATED WORKS ON STORMWATER MODELLING

2.1       Stormwater modelling and management within catchments

During precipitation within a catchments for a given duration, storms of varied depths and volumes are generated. These are channeled into drains of varied sizes to be moved downstream as proper management practices. Precipitated water that does not infiltrate into the ground or is intercepted by vegetation may become surface runoff (Ven Te Chow, 1988). Precipitation includes both liquid and solid water particles, such as rain, snow or hail.  When stormwater is formed as a result of rainfall or snowmelt it runs off to a recipient. The land area whose water drains into a particular watercourse is called the catchment of the watercourse (Hendriks, 2010). Principally all rainwater that rains into a catchment, which does not evaporate or is absorbed by plants, will eventually drain into the same watercourse (SMHI, 2009).The size of the catchment affects how much water will be present in the watercourse. Emissions of pollutants in the catchment area will likely have an impact on the recipient. Three catchments are separated by a water divide and a catchment can be divided into sub-catchments (SMHI, 2013) as in this research work which considers three catchments or sub basins (Danquah, 2013). Stormwater modelling is very important as it results in proper management of stormwater to avoid contingencies and havocs within a catchment area. Modelling stormwater within catchments helps forecast and predict the nature and what will happen when runoffs are generated after a severe runoff within the catchment. Such modellings allows storms to be channeled into watercourses or to stormwater treatment facilities for safe storage and treatment before use again. Good stormwater treatment facilities from well designed and constructed hydraulic structures by engineers in developed countries have served the purpose of safe stormwater channeling into safe systems.

2.2       Stormwater management and importance

Stormwater management within catchments especially in well urbanized areas is very important in avoidance of future contingencies. Stormwater management and channeling by drains and conduits into watercourses and stormwater treatment facilities is very important to avoid flooding and making the environment dirty and full of debris after rainstorms (Danquah, 2013). Development of natural areas and densification of cities increases the percentage of impervious surfaces and at the same time vegetation and permeable surfaces decrease which affect the natural water balance (Svenskt Vatten AB, 2004). In forested areas, often only a few percent of the precipitation becomes surface runoff, while in an urban area with a high proportion of impervious surfaces the surface runoff can be up to 80-90% of the precipitation (Adielsson, 2012). When rain falls over an urban area large amounts of stormwater are formed and the runoff occurs faster than for example in a forested area (Svenskt vatten AB, 2011a) since the area is well urbanized. When developing or redeveloping an area it is therefore important for land use planners to investigate how the change might affect the stormwater flows and the stormwater quantity (Lind, 2015). An assessment can then be made regarding the capacity of the existing stormwater system and if the system is in need of an expansion or modification.  The amount of pollutants on the surfaces that the stormwater possesses during the runoff will determine how much pollution the water will contain, and different surfaces can contain different amounts and types of pollutants (Lind, 2015). For example, a small country road with a small amount of traffic will contribute with less pollution than a highway with heavy traffic (Persson, et al., 2009). It is therefore also important to study how changes in land use in an area may affect the amount of pollutants in the stormwater (Lind, 2015).

2.3       Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)

Increases in urbanization and conversion of land for urban use has resulted in increased areas of impervious surfaces and, as a consequence, increases in runoff volumes and peak flow rates (Chunlin et. al., 2014). Studies have shown that urban stormwater runoff contains a variety of pollutants such as sediment, organic material, microorganisms, nutrients, and heavy metals (Selvakumar et. al., 2006; Krometis et. al., 2009; Yang et. al., 2015) which can all seriously impact public health and threaten environmental quality (Rauch et. al., 2012). In urban areas, pollutants accumulate on urban surfaces and are then washed off by stormwater during wet weather (Zhang et. al., 2014). Urban runoff pollution problems are more difficult to control than steady-state point discharges because of intermittent and unpredictable rainfall and runoff, the large variety of pollutants involved, and the complex environmental setting (Characklis et. al., 1997; German et. al., 2002; Vaze et. al., 2004; Walsh et. al., 2012). Regular monitoring studies cannot provide sufficient data to support urban non-point pollution research. Because of the increased need to control non-point pollution and to reuse stormwater, hydrological models that can provide a thorough understanding of the basic hydrological and hydraulic processes are increasingly applied in urban settings (Peterson et. al., 2006). Field observation data have played an important role in developing urban hydrological models (Ouyang et. al., 2012). Since it was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) has become one of the most widely used rainfall runoff models for simulating hydrological processes and water quality in urban areas (Barco et. al., 2008; Shorshani et. al., 2014; Walsh et. al., 2014). SWMM has been applied to all types of stormwater management – from urban drainage (Alias, 2014) to flood routing (Hsu, 2000).

 

2.3.1    Storm Water Management Model description

SWMM is a comprehensive hydrological and water quality simulation model used for single or continuous events of runoff in urban areas (Rossman, 2005). SWMM comprises four computational blocks, namely RUNOFF, STORAGE/ TREATMENT, TRANSPORT and EXTRAN. Hydrograph and pollutograph are generated by the RUNOFF block (Chow et. al, 2012). The basic input parameters required to simulate hydrograph are rainfall hyetograph and the sub catchments physical characteristics. In this analysis, the kinematic wave routing method with 5-min time steps was used for calculating runoff transport (Chow et. al., 2012). The infiltration loss on pervious area was estimated by Horton equation because of the availability of soil data. Pollutograph is generated by RUNOFF block based on the volume of storm runoff and catchment antecedent conditions (i.e. dry weather days, street sweeping data and land use). The stormwater pollutant loading is predicted based on the mechanism of build-up and wash-off processes (Chow et. al., 2012) For a given constituent, build-up can be computed either as a fraction of dust and dirt accumulation, or areal accumulation. The areal accumulation described by mass loading/curb length/dry day (kg/km/day) is used in most studies. The exponential build-up equation is used to simulate surface accumulation of constituent and the exponential wash-off equation for simulating the wash-off process (Chow et. al., 2012).

 

2.4 MIDUSS version 2.25

MIDUSS is the software obtained for the modelling of storm water within three catchments in this research work. MIDUSS is windows-based software that helps one to engineer complex drainage networks to convey flow hydrographs from single event storms. MIDUSS allows one to;

·      Generate hydrographs using a variety of built-in hydrological models

·      Design a network of pipes, channels, culverts, ponds, infiltration trenches, cascading pipes, diversions – all with preliminary sizing done automatically and flood routing where appropriate

·      Use interactive design and immediate feedback to quickly optimize each element as you progress downstream

·      Use automatic mode to analyze and adjust your complete design under more severe storms

·      Concentrate on engineering; robust error detection and step-by-step prompts are provided throughout

·      Import/export hyetographs or hydrographs at virtually any stage

MIDUSS is a toolkit that brings together many accepted hydrologic models and hydraulic design methodologies into one software package. MIDUSS is a balance between hydrologic simulation and drainage design engineering. It includes a lot of hydrologic models (Storm, runoff and infiltration) and it excels at helping one to design the best drainage network to convey your hydrographs (www.miduss.com). 

2.5       Stormwater development from Rainfall 

When designing stormwater systems the return period, the duration and the rain intensity are of importance in order to design a better stormwater system. The return period is how often a given rainfall, with a certain intensity and duration, recur (Lind, 2015).  The return period of a rainfall is usually referred to as 1, 10, 50 or 100-year rainfall. A 10-year rainfall returns on average 1 time in 10 years and a 100 – year rainfall returns 1 time/100 year (Lind, 2015). This rainfall happens to be the highest rainfall likely to be experienced once a life time within the stipulated period. To select a suitable return period when designing a conduit, consideration need to be taken regarding to if the area in question is enclosed or not and if it is located inside city settlements. An enclosed area is an area where the water cannot be diverted by gravity (Lind, 2015). The duration of the rain is how long the rain lasts, and is usually expressed in number of minutes. Rainfall intensity shows how much it rains per unit time and area, and is expressed in l / s ∙ ha (Svenskt Vatten AB, 2004). The following types of rainfall data can be used for design and modelling of stormwater systems as can be seen in this modelling research.

• Historical rainfalls and rainfall series from precipitation measurements. Rainfall measurements can be made with a weighty rain gauge or a tipping bucket rain gauge. Historical rainfalls can be data for a single-event rainfall or it can be long-term continuous rainfall series (Lind, 2015).

• Uniform time distribution rainfall. Such rainfalls are the maximum average intensity for a single rainfall during a given duration (Lind, 2015).

• Design Storms. Design storms are special rainfalls used in the analysis and design of sewer systems. The flow that are linked to a certain design storm is assumed to have the same return period as the storm (Lind, 2015). 

3          STORMWATER MODELLING USING MIDUSS V2.25

3.1       Catchment Analysis

Catchment is the land area whose water drains into a particular watercourse. With three catchment consideration, it implies the draining of all runoffs after stormwater within the catchment into another and final discharge into watercourses. Runoffs are always generated after a given rainfall duration where there is initial abstraction or infiltration on pervious surfaces and final runoff build up after saturation. 

Fig. 1: Rainfall intensity over the catchment

A 100min time duration rainfall intensity was considered over the three catchment areas to access runoff generation, runoff volume and depth. In analyzing catchment three as shown in Fig 2 below, the total catchment area for the impervious areas is 0.7ha and pervious surface area is 2.89ha. The time of concentration for impervious and pervious areas is 26.857min and 3.823min respectively. Time of concentration is the maximum time taken for a raindrop that falls farthest away in a catchment area to drain to the outlet point. The time of concentration depends on the distance and the water velocity. Time of concentration analysis would have given a nice results if consideration is for the same catchment area for both impervious and pervious surfaces. The real time catchment areas considered for this modelling is very large as compared to impervious areas in communities in Ghana. Most of the pervious areas are compacted surfaces with stones coverage where there will be initial abstraction after precipitation before runoff generation into drains, conduits and water courses. The other pervious areas within catchment 3 and the other two catchment areas are vegetation’s comprising of plants and different species of crops. In such areas, there is high rate of infiltration after precipitation and runoff generation is around 5% which even end up being infiltrated into the soil. Therefore as can be seen in Fig. 2, the catchment area for the pervious surfaces is 2.8ha. The impervious area is 0.7ha during this modelling and simulation which is a real time scenario for most areas and communities in Ghana. These areas are usually made of concrete pavement, compacted clay areas where infiltration is 0% and 3% respectively after stormwater over the catchment. The total surface area over catchment 3 is 3.5ha as seen in Fig. 2 for this modelling. Total runoff generation after stormwater is dependent on catchment area characteristics. The maximum intensity over a 100min rainfall duration is 113.686mm/hr as depicted in Fig 1. Runoff generation in catchment areas for pervious areas in most communities in Ghana is very slow or not at all as compared to impervious areas. The southern part of Ghana as a country is forested and full of vegetation as compared to countries like Dubai. Hence one do not see much runoff over catchment areas during precipitations as compared to the western world countries like Germany, UK, Canada and USA. There are no stormwater treatment facilities to treat storm waters. Even the drains to take such storm waters downstream are not in good shapes and of inadequate capacities. And if of adequate capacities, full of debris and sand hence resulting in settling of stormwater in drains. 

Fig. 2: Catchment three analysis

3.2       Runoff generation on pervious and impervious surfaces

The three catchment considered for this modelling comprises of pervious and impervious areas. In considering catchment 3 alone, the pervious and impervious areas are 2.8ha and 0.7ha respectively as depicted in Fig 2. This is comparable to real life catchment areas situation in most communities in Ghana. The pervious areas are very large and impervious areas very small comprising of concretes, cemented areas, roads with drains and compacted clay areas. The pervious areas comprises of vegetated areas, bare soil grounds which experiences initial abstraction before runoff generation. Runoff generation occurs on both pervious and impervious areas within the catchment areas under consideration. Fig 3 gives a clear indication of the runoff generation over the impervious and pervious areas within the catchment areas during the modelling. In sampling a runoff of 0.1714 over catchment 3 as in Fig 3, 0.1496 and 0.02174 runoff was generated over the impervious and pervious areas respectively. Runoff generated during a storm over a catchment on impervious areas end up collected and channeled into drains and conduits. Most drains on roads in communities in Ghana have been there for ages and hence in bad shapes. Newly constructed roads have drains filled with sand, debris, standing water breeding mosquitoes after bad engineering works and construction. Runoffs ending in such drains end up on roads. On a daily stormwater over a catchment analysis, one can see waste materials, debris, sand on roads and in the environment after runoff generation hence making the environment and roads unattractive after precipitations. In communities in Ghana, almost all runoffs generated ends up in watercourse or in water bodies. Observation on a daily stormwater and runoff generation into a water body or river will give you an interesting results in most communities in Ghana. One can see, plastic waste, sand, debris, food waste all swimming through the water downstream. This makes the water unattractive and unhealthy for human consumption and usage. Runoff generated by pervious areas end up been infiltrated into the soil and little runoffs generated after saturation. Vegetated areas do not experience runoffs but high rate of infiltration and evapotranspiration after a given storm. 

Fig 3: Runoff generation over the pervious and impervious areas

3.3       Runoff volume and depth

Runoff volume and depth depends on stormwater and runoff generation for a given duration over a catchment area. For a given runoff volume and depth, catchment area characteristics such as imperviousness or perviousness and hydraulic structures will contribute to runoff generation hence volume and depth. Fig 2 above gives a clear indication of the runoff volume and depth over the pervious and impervious areas after 100min rainfall duration of which the maximum rainfall intensity is 113.868mm/hr. After the modeling, the runoff volume for pervious and impervious surface is 268.92m³ and 239.17m³ respectively. Values of 9.606mm and 34.168mm are the runoff depths for pervious and impervious surfaces over areas of 2.8ha and 0.7ha. 

Fig 4: Rainfall nature on pervious and impervious surfaces

Runoff generation in most communities and cities in Ghana are comparable to what is happening in other developed countries but channeling downstream through drains and conduits is what is different. Drain construction in Ghana by Ghanaian engineers isn’t perfectly done as most drains end up with inadequate capacity and full of debris, sand and waste materials. So such drains are unable to carry runoffs from drains to downstream and into watercourses. Most areas in communities in Ghana are vegetated and pervious with little impervious areas. This results in more infiltration and evapotranspiration as compared to runoff generation within a catchment as considered in the three catchments in this modelling. Runoff generation on impervious areas after stormwater needs to be carried downstream by drains of adequate capacity if not flooding can occur. Rainfall intensity and duration over most communities are small hence drains and hydraulic structures are able to contain and carry stormwater downstream and into watercourses. Return period is very important during design and construction of hydraulic structures. This is the why flooding and bad rainfall situations are rare in life as it occurs once in a life time. Accra does experiences heavy rainfall during the June July rainfall in Ghana where flooding mostly occurs. Accra for instance have bad housing siting system, bad drainage system and drains full of waste materials, sand, plastic materials etc. All these materials reduces the drain capacity resulting in high runoff volume resulting in overland flows. Decrease in depth in drains which is a rare scenario in developed countries. This is why Accra in Ghana for instance experiences yearly flooding resulting in the loss of lives and properties worth thousands of cedis, dollars and pound sterling’s.  

3.4       impacts of stormwater on impervious and pervious surfaces

Poor environment, impervious areas and hydraulic structures results in unhealthy generated runoffs into drains and watercourses. Most communities in Ghana have unhealthy and untidy environment which results in runoffs full of waste materials and plastic waste ending in rivers and streams after downpours. This reduces the beauty and aesthetic nature of the river making it unhealthy for drinking and meeting domestic water demands. Stormwater resulting in runoffs on impervious areas makes the environment untidy and unhealthy each time there is precipitation over a catchment area in most communities in Ghana. Stormwater on pervious areas is not much seen in most communities in Ghana as most areas are vegetated and small in imperviousness. Catchment areas for modelling are good vegetated land areas with high rate of abstraction and infiltration. Evapotranspiration also reduces the amount of stormwater reaching land to result in runoff generation. Since most communities in Ghana are full of vegetation and forest zones, interception of rainwater by plant leaves reduces the amount of water reaching land for infiltration or abstraction and further runoff generation after saturation. With this in mind, one expect runoff generation from a given stormwater over the same catchment area for both pervious and impervious areas not to be the same. Evapotranspiration will reduce the amount of generated runoff over the pervious area from stormwater as compared to impervious areas. Since impervious areas are free areas comprising of parking lots, concrete areas, compacted sands etc hence no resultant evapotranspiration from plants and vegetated areas. There is no or little runoff generation over pervious areas due to high rate of abstraction and infiltration over the catchment area. 

 

4          Conclusion

Modelling has become an important tool to simulate into what can become reality and predict for the future. MIDUSS V2.25 hence becomes an important tool to model and simulate stormwater and runoff generation characteristics within a catchment. Modelling gave a beautiful results using MIDUSS after analyzing 100min rainfall within three catchment areas. The 100min rainfall gave the maximum rainfall intensity to be 113.686mm/hr. This generated a runoff volume for pervious and impervious surface to be 268.92m³ and 239.17m³ respectively. Values of 9.606mm and 34.168mm are the runoff depths for pervious and impervious surfaces over areas of 2.8ha and 0.7ha. Modelling and sampling communities in Ghana to access and analyze stormwater over catchment areas indicated that generated runoffs end up in drains of inadequate capacity. Some filled with sands, debris, bushes, plastic hence reducing drain capacity. This results in runoff ending on roads, car parks, pavements and important areas full of debris, plastic waste, food waste, human waste etc. It also leads to flooding in cities especially during rainy season and rainfall of high intensity over the catchment areas such as in areas like Accra in Ghana. Runoffs of high velocities are able to move such waste materials into streams and rivers distorting the beauty and aesthetics of the river and high rate of contamination hence unable to meet water demand. It therefore deems important to construct drains and conduits of adequate capacity to carry all stormwater downstream and into water courses safely. It is again of importance to design and construct stormwater treatment facilities to treat and recycle waste water and channeled back into the system for good usage such as in watering lawns and gardens.

Acknowledgment

I thank the Almighty God for the completion of this modelled research work successfully. God bless all those who contributed to the success of this work. God bless you all. 

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