The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA) is mandated by law to issue Environmental Impact Assessment license. Currently the agency achieves this mandate by issuing environmental licenses manually which alw...The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA) is mandated by law to issue Environmental Impact Assessment license. Currently the agency achieves this mandate by issuing environmental licenses manually which always encountered lot of problems of accountability and transparency of the management of environmental licenses and assessment documentation. Client’s information and documentation is usually mixed up while carrying files from one point to the other or from one staff to another. Data on client are stored in a way which makes it difficult for the management to retrieve useful information on time. This paper explores these challenges faced by the manual system of issuing environmental licenses and infer solutions to the current challenges by integrating a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop an Environmental Cadastre administrative System (ECAS) which establishes a web-based information repository database developed with open sources software (Java, PHP, MySQL, QGIS) that published revenues online and made the data available to stakeholders and/or the public to complete the cycle of accountability and transparency. The information is presented and downloadable in a comprehensible and user-friendly manner, which in turn improves monitoring and reporting, and increases effectiveness and accountability of the management of environmental licenses and assessment documentation. The findings show these challenges facing the manual system, the back and forth between EPA and the client in the EIA process, the difficulty in the searching a client record, the mixing up of Client’s information and documentation by carrying files from one point to the other, and the storage of data on client in a way which makes it difficult for the management to retrieve useful information on time, and lack of back up when data or information is lost. Problems encountered in the time-consuming nature of the manual retrieval of files and preparation of prompt and accurate reports make it become a difficult task to accomplish as data and information are difficult to retrieve or collect from various files. Based on these findings, this paper provides the possible solution to the above problems. An online Environmental Cadastre administrative System (ECAS) which establishes a web-based information repository database was designed to capture the full lifecycle of environmental licenses including all stages of monitoring, licenses and payments and seamlessly manage the environmental impact assessment (EIA) licenses.展开更多
Nanotechnology has significant economic, health, and environmental benefits, including renewable energy and innovative environmental solutions. Manufactured nanoparticles have been incorporated into new materials and ...Nanotechnology has significant economic, health, and environmental benefits, including renewable energy and innovative environmental solutions. Manufactured nanoparticles have been incorporated into new materials and products because of their novel or enhanced properties. These very same properties also have prompted concerns about the potential environmental and human health hazard and risk posed by the manufactured nanomaterials. Appropriate risk management responses require the development of models capable of predicting the environmental and human health effects of the nanomaterials. Development of predictive models has been hampered by a lack of information concerning the environmental fate, behavior and effects of manufactured nanoparticles. The United Kingdom (UK) Environmental Nanoscience Initiative and the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency have developed an international research program to enhance the knowledgebase and develop risk-predicting models for manufactured nanoparticles. Here we report selected highlights of the program as it sought to maximize the complementary strengths of the transatlantic scientific communities by funding three integrated US-UK consortia to investigate the transformation of these nanoparticles in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environment. Research results demonstrate there is a functional relationship between the physicochemical properties of environmentally transformed nanomaterials and their effects and that this relationship is amenable to modeling. In addition, the joint transatlantic program has allowed the leveraging of additional funding, promoting transboundary scientific collaboration.展开更多
Concentrations of sixteen rare earth elements（REEs） in PM2.5 and potential-source samples, collected in Nanchang city in mid-September 2013, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry（ICP-MS）....Concentrations of sixteen rare earth elements（REEs） in PM2.5 and potential-source samples, collected in Nanchang city in mid-September 2013, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry（ICP-MS）. The results showed that the concentrations of total REEs（ΣREE） ranged from 78.76 to 1351 ng/mg. The order of REEs in PM2.5 samples showed the anthropogenic effects, Ce and Eu were affected more than the other REEs according to the enrichment factors. The results of chondrite-normalized REEs patterns and characteristic parameters showed evident light REEs fractionation, and positive anomalies of Ce and Eu in PM2.5. The other non-local pollution sources affected the PM2.5 samples, according to the triangular diagram of La, Ce and Sm compositions and plot of ΣREE vs δEu. Moreover, plot of（La/Sm）N vs（Gd/Yb）N revealed the effects of local sources. In conclusion, the REEs in potential-source samples were close to the background of local soil, while the REEs in PM2.5 samples in Nanchang city were jointly affected by the investigated local sources and other non-local sources.展开更多
The Isonzo River has been demonstrated to be a continuing point source of mercury（Hg）in the Gulf of Trieste although the Idrija mine was last active in 1996. The present study aims to investigate the role of the sus...The Isonzo River has been demonstrated to be a continuing point source of mercury（Hg）in the Gulf of Trieste although the Idrija mine was last active in 1996. The present study aims to investigate the role of the suspended particulate matter（SPM） associated with tidal fluxes to disperse particulate Hg（PHg） into the Grado coastal lagoon system. PHg concentrations（avg. 3.11 ± 2.62 μg/g, d.w.）, notwithstanding the ebb or flood tides, were significantly higher than the local sediment background（0.13 μg/g）. The relative affinity of Hg for the particulate phase in surface waters was confirmed by higher average distribution coefficient（Kd） values（5.6–6.7）. PHg contents showed the highest values in ebb tide conditions, thus suggesting their origin from the erosion of tidal flats and saltmarshes of the lagoon. When compared to river discharge, high PHg surface concentrations in flood tide are related to rainfall events occurring within the river basin. Results can be used to make an indicative assessment of the amount of Hg bound to SPM which is transported in and out of the lagoon basin following the action of tidal fluxes. A simple estimation provides a negative budget for the Grado lagoon sub-basin which loses between 0.14 and 1.16 kg of PHg during a tidal semi-cycle. This conclusion is in agreement with the evidence of morphological deterioration which has emerged from recent studies on the lagoon environment, and which testifies to a current sedimentary loss from the lagoon into the northern Adriatic Sea.展开更多
Low levels (ng/g) of musk ketone (MK),used as a fragrance additive in the formulation of personal care products,are frequently detected in the water and other environment.Thus,aquatic organisms can be continuously exp...Low levels (ng/g) of musk ketone (MK),used as a fragrance additive in the formulation of personal care products,are frequently detected in the water and other environment.Thus,aquatic organisms can be continuously exposed to MK.In this study,kinetics and dose-response assessments of 2-amino-MK (AMK) metabolite,bound to cysteine-hemoglobin (Hb) in rainbow trout,formed by enzymatic nitro-reduction of MK have been demonstrated.Trout were exposed to a single exposure of 0.010,0.030,0.10,and 0.30 mg MK/g fish.Tw...展开更多
Ammoniated bagasse is a plant-derived organic sorbent that can be used for capturing oil and for supplying slow-release nutrients to oil-degrading microorganisms. We investigated the oil-wicking behavior of this sorbe...Ammoniated bagasse is a plant-derived organic sorbent that can be used for capturing oil and for supplying slow-release nutrients to oil-degrading microorganisms. We investigated the oil-wicking behavior of this sorbent under various conditions for its effectiveness in remediating oil-contaminated wetlands. Abiotic microcosms simulating a wetland environment were used to assess the influence of sand particle sizes （20x30 and 60x80 U.S. mesh）, degrees of oil saturation （25% and 75%）, water table levels （on top of the clean sand layer, oiled-sand layer, and sorbent layer）, and the presence of sorbent. Results indicated that oil wicking favors higher oil contamination, larger sand particle size, and low water coverage. Water coverage was the predominant factor limiting the effectiveness of sorbent. The most plausible explanation for this limitation was that sorbent captured more water than oil at higher water coverage.展开更多
Sixty springs of the Cuneo Province inland plains were sampled and analyzed for several chemical variables. Multi-variate analysis （PCA） of all the data was undertaken. The first principal component was positively c...Sixty springs of the Cuneo Province inland plains were sampled and analyzed for several chemical variables. Multi-variate analysis （PCA） of all the data was undertaken. The first principal component was positively correlated with chlorides, sulphites, hardness, and negatively correlated with altitude. The second principal component was positively correlated with DO and pH. Results showed that 4 groups of springs could be distinguished on the basis of environmental variables. A small number of springs did not group with the geographically more proximal springs but with another group due to a greater degree of affinity on the basis of the hydrochemical variables.展开更多
Baseline Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of mining projects in Sierra Leone creates a challenging environment for data collection and impact prediction. Application of geographic information systems provides sui...Baseline Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of mining projects in Sierra Leone creates a challenging environment for data collection and impact prediction. Application of geographic information systems provides suitable spatial analysis data collection methods to reduce the challenges created by mining environments. This research develops a baseline spatial geodatabase template for evaluating potential and predicted environmental impacts assessment of mining projects in Sierra Leone. It is observed that spatial analysis of impacts of mining projects on the environmental attributes, especially air, noise, water, land, and socio-economy in mining areas is largely unexplored in Sierra Leone. The literature review revealed that no complete GIS spatial data geodatabase collection template appears to have been developed to date to provide an integrated sustainable spatial analysis and modelling tool for EIA and environmental management of mining in Sierra Leone. Therefore developing a Geographic Information Systems baseline geodatabase template for the evaluation of potential and predicted environmental impact for sustainable environmental impact assessment of mining in Sierra Leone will: 1) provide support to the data acquisition process of environmental impact assessment, 2) offer a concept for developing analysis methods for environmental management of mining, 3) minimize the undesired environmental impacts of mining, and 4) give an optimal proposal for data collection and analysis of mining industry in attaining sustainable development in Sierra Leone. Due to the limited available data, a conceptual GIS database template has been developed rather than a database case study of a mining site. No site investigation and data collection were undertaken. The geospatial database template was designed using ArcCatalog, ArcGIS 10.7.1. software, through the following steps: exploration of the general data requirement of environmental impact assessment studies of mining, the definition of the general baseline datasets requirement of environmental impact assessment in mining, structuring of the environmental impact assessment baseline spatial geodatabase, creating the geographic geodatabase dictionary, selecting, matching geographic data with geodatabase structure, designing the feature class and attributes, creating the baseline GIS geodatabase template. The GIS spatial geodatabase template has several advantages for environmental impact assessment of mining including avoiding data redundancy, integrating data into a single database, creating uniformity in data collection, easy to find and track data, integrated spatial and non-spatial data, and reducing the volume of data.展开更多
This paper presents a case study for a complex contaminated groundwater site impacted by a historical release of chlorinated solvents in Silicon Valley, California. The original conceptual site model (CSM) inferred a ...This paper presents a case study for a complex contaminated groundwater site impacted by a historical release of chlorinated solvents in Silicon Valley, California. The original conceptual site model (CSM) inferred a contaminant migration pathway based on the groundwater gradient interpreted from groundwater elevation data, which is based on the underlying assumption that the subsurface conditions are homogeneous. However, the buried channel deposits render the underlying geology highly heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity plays a significant role in the subsurface migration of contaminants. Chemical fingerprinting evidence suggested that contamination at the downgradient property boundary was related to an off-site contaminant source. But, this alone was not a compelling argument. However, Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy (ESS), a geology-based environmental forensic technique, was applied to define the permeability architecture or the “plumbing” that controls subsurface fluid flow and contaminant migration. First, the geologic and depositional setting was synthesized based on regional geologic data, and representative facies models were identified for the site. Second, the existing CSM and site lithology data were reviewed and existing lithology data were graphically presented to display vertical grain-size patterns. This analysis focused on the nexus between the depositional environment and the site-specific subsurface data resulting in correlations/interpretations between and beyond data points that are based on established stratigraphic principles. The depositional environment results in buried river channels as the primary control on subsurface fluid flow, which defines hydrostratigraphic units (or HSUs). Finally, a hydrostratigraphic CSM that includes maps and cross sections was constructed to depict the HSUs present as a framework to integrate hydro-geology and chemistry data. This study demonstrates that: 1) Highly per-meable buried river channel deposits control subsurface fluid flow and contaminant transport, and have distinct chemical constituents and concentrations (i.e., they represent distinct HSUs), 2) Mapping of such HSUs is feasible with existing boring log data, 3) In settings such as the Santa Clara Valley where groundwater flow is governed by subsurface channel deposits, a hydrostratigraphic mapping approach is superior to a depth-based aquifer zonation approach, and 4) For heterogeneous subsurface, a detailed geology-based definition of the subsurface is an integral component of an environmental forensic analyses to determine contaminant source(s) and pathways.展开更多
The particularly great practical importance of modern physical geography and, in particular, landscape science, is first of all manifested in the detection and study of the resource potential of landscapes, as well as...The particularly great practical importance of modern physical geography and, in particular, landscape science, is first of all manifested in the detection and study of the resource potential of landscapes, as well as in the optimization of the environment. The resource potential, on the other hand, greatly depends on the balance of substance and energy exchange in the natural resources, i.e. the energy of the landscape. In this case, one of the important things is to study the functioning of natural-territorial complexes (NTC). Through it, it is possible and relatively easy to explain, model and, most importantly, predict many complex processes taking place in NTC, including the role of landscape energy balance in increasing the productivity and yield of agro-landscapes, which was the first attempt to research this problem in Georgia.展开更多
In order to assess the quality of the Aqaba Gulf coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, and consequently for the national income, four field campaigns were annually carried out during the period from ...In order to assess the quality of the Aqaba Gulf coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, and consequently for the national income, four field campaigns were annually carried out during the period from 2011-2013 to monitor hydrographic variables, i.e. temperature, salinity, pH, etc., nutrients, some heavy metals, i.e. iron, lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, etc. in addition to petroleum hydrocarbons. Except for the area of Sharm El-Sheikh Harbor, the results for the density, composition, and distributions of beach litter cleared out that the Egyptian shoreline of the Aqaba Gulf is relatively not affected by man-made litter. The area of Sharm El-Sheikh Harbor was subjected to many factors which undoubtedly affected the rate of man-made litter ac-cumulation, especially, oil contamination (oil and old or new tar) which is a good es-timator of levels of oil contamination and an effective means of evaluating the poten-tial threat of oil on coastal resources. The results of the present study cleared out also that water temperature followed seasonal changes in air temperature. Aqaba Gulf water is characterized by its high salinity and the presence of well oxygenated waters. Minor changes in the distribution of pH, BOD, DOM and COD, revealed limited effects of human impacts. Low levels of Chl-a and TSM concentrations and high transparency revealed also negligible effects for human impacts. Significantly higher sea water temperatures, TSM, DO, BOD, DOM, COD, NH<sub>4</sub>, NO2, PO<sub>4</sub> and TP were observed in summer season compared to their corresponding values in winter season. On contrast, higher values of chlorophyll-a, NO2, TN, and SiO<sub>4</sub> were observed in winter compared to summer season. Based on the mean annual values, Aqaba Gulf coastal waters are classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic state. The concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen forms followed the following order: NH<sub>4</sub>= NO<sub>3</sub>>NO2. In general, the majority of TN in winter was in the form of organic-N (96.3%) compared to 91.7% in summer season. On the meantime, TP exhibited more or less comparable organic-P percentage in summer (86.2%) and winter (81.2%) seasons. Moreover, the DIN/DIP ratio showed relatively higher values in winter season (14.2:1) compared to summer season (12.4:1). This indicates high nitrogen concentrations in comparison with that of phosphorous in winter;yet it reflects the generally lower nutrient levels present in the coastal waters of the Aqaba Gulf due to the lack of significant nutrient input or oceanic upwelling. Concentrations of heavy metals were relatively low signifying that Aqaba Gulf Coastal waters are not yet seriously threatened in spite of the rapid recreational and human developments that are considered a challenge to the safety and viability of Aqaba Gulf marine environment. Furthermore, concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons were significantly higher in summer than in winter that are mainly attributed to the increase in the levels of oil pollution that most probably re-sulted from the increase in accidental, deliberate or operational discharges and spills of oil from ships. In general, the maximum concentration was much lower than the harmful concentrations reported for seawater. A stepwise multiple linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and principle component analysis (PCA) were applied.展开更多
Landslides pose a significant threat to both human society and environmental sustainability,yet,their spatiotemporal evolution and impacts on global scales in the context of a warming climate remain poorly understood....Landslides pose a significant threat to both human society and environmental sustainability,yet,their spatiotemporal evolution and impacts on global scales in the context of a warming climate remain poorly understood.In this study,we projected global landslide susceptibility under four shared socioeconomic pathways(SSPs)from 2021 to 2100,utilizing multiple machine learning models based on precipitation data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)Global Climate Models(GCMs)and static metrics.Our results indicate an overall upward trend in global landslide susceptibility under the SSPs compared to the baseline period(2001–2020),with the most significant increase of about 1%in the very far future(2081–2100)under the high emissions scenario(SSP5-8.5).Currently,approximately 13%of the world’s land area is at very high risk of landslide,mainly in the Cordillera of the Americas and the Andes in South America,the Alps in Europe,the Ethiopian Highlands in Africa,the Himalayas in Asia,and the countries of East and South-East Asia.Notably,India is the country most adversely affected by climate change,particularly during 2081–2100 under SSP3-7.0,with approximately 590 million people—23 times the global average—living in areas categorized as having very high susceptibility.展开更多
Gaseous nitrous acid(HONO)is a critical contributor to daytime hydroxyl radical in the troposphere.Livestock farming has been recognized as an overlooked HONO source,but the lack of detailed flux measurements from liv...Gaseous nitrous acid(HONO)is a critical contributor to daytime hydroxyl radical in the troposphere.Livestock farming has been recognized as an overlooked HONO source,but the lack of detailed flux measurements from livestock and poultry wastes would cause uncertainties in modeling its environmental impacts.Here,based on field flux measurements and laboratory experiments,we observed substantial HONO emissions from the composting of swine feces and chicken manure in the warm season,which might be mainly attributed to nitrification process in livestock and poultry wastes.The HONO emission from chicken manure was found to bemuch higher than that from swine feces,and the higher NH3 emission but lower N2O and NO emissions fromchicken manurewere also observed.Considering that the interaction among these nitrogen species during nitrification process,the obviously lower HONO emission from swine feces was likely to be explained by the lack of the total ammonia nitrogen and H+donors in swine feces.Temperature is also a key factor that influences the HONO emission from livestock wastes.In addition,the total HONO emission from swine feces in Chinawas estimated to be approximately 107.7 Gg-N/yr according to the national swine amounts,which is comparable to the national soil HONO emissions,underscoring its non-negligible contribution to regional air quality.Therefore,effective emission control of HONO fromlivestock and poultry wastes should be carried out to further improve air quality in China.展开更多
Global nitrogen (N) budgets for intensive agricultural systems were compiled for a 0.5 by 0.5 degree resolution. These budgets include N inputs (N fertilizer, animal manure, biological N fixation and atmospheric N dep...Global nitrogen (N) budgets for intensive agricultural systems were compiled for a 0.5 by 0.5 degree resolution. These budgets include N inputs (N fertilizer, animal manure, biological N fixation and atmospheric N deposition) and outputs (N removal from the field in harvested crops and grass and grass consumption by grazing animals, ammonia volatilization,denitrification and leaching). Data for the historical years 1970 and 1995 and a projection for 2030 were used to study changes in the recovery of N and the different loss terms for intensive agricultural systems. The results indicate that the overall system N recovery and fertilizer use efficiency slowly increased in the industrialized countries between 1970 and 1995, the values for developing countries have decreased in the same period. For the coming three decades our results indicate a rapid increase in both the industrialized and developing countries. High values of ＞ 80% for fertilizer use efficiency may be related to surface N balance deficits, implying a depletion of soil N and loss of soil fertility. The projected intensification in most developing countries will cause a gradual shift from deficits to surpluses in the coming decades.The projected fast growth of crop and livestock production, and intensification and associated increase in fertilizer inputs will cause a major increase in the surface N balance surplus in the coming three decades. This implies increasing losses of N compounds to air (ammonia, nitrous oxide and nitric oxide), and groundwater and surface water (nitrate).展开更多
To investigate the effect of neodymium （Nd） on Microcystis aeruginosa, the growth and physiological changes were studied by lab cultured experiments. The results showed that the content of chlorophyll a （Chl-a）, s...To investigate the effect of neodymium （Nd） on Microcystis aeruginosa, the growth and physiological changes were studied by lab cultured experiments. The results showed that the content of chlorophyll a （Chl-a）, soluble protein and the activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD）, and catalase （CAT） increased compared with the control （Nd3＋-free）, and the growth of M. aeruginosa was stimulated in the treatments of initial Nd3＋ concentration ≤1 mg/L; while the treatments of initial Nd3＋ concentration was in the range of 5.00–10.00 mg/L, the content of malondiadehyde （MDA） increased immediately but the activity of CAT reduced, which resulted in weakened M. aeruginosa’s ability to eliminate the active oxygen and the ruin of antioxidant defense system, and stunting the growth of M. aeruginosa. With the initial Nd3＋ concentration of 50 mg/L, the growth of M. aeruginosa was totally stunted. The ultrastructure showed that excess Nd3＋ could lead to the decrease of thylakoid and the increase of fat particle in cells of M. aeruginosa, and the cell membrane became rough and even broken, causing an irreversible damage to algal cells.展开更多
文摘The Environment Protection Agency Sierra Leone (EPA) is mandated by law to issue Environmental Impact Assessment license. Currently the agency achieves this mandate by issuing environmental licenses manually which always encountered lot of problems of accountability and transparency of the management of environmental licenses and assessment documentation. Client’s information and documentation is usually mixed up while carrying files from one point to the other or from one staff to another. Data on client are stored in a way which makes it difficult for the management to retrieve useful information on time. This paper explores these challenges faced by the manual system of issuing environmental licenses and infer solutions to the current challenges by integrating a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop an Environmental Cadastre administrative System (ECAS) which establishes a web-based information repository database developed with open sources software (Java, PHP, MySQL, QGIS) that published revenues online and made the data available to stakeholders and/or the public to complete the cycle of accountability and transparency. The information is presented and downloadable in a comprehensible and user-friendly manner, which in turn improves monitoring and reporting, and increases effectiveness and accountability of the management of environmental licenses and assessment documentation. The findings show these challenges facing the manual system, the back and forth between EPA and the client in the EIA process, the difficulty in the searching a client record, the mixing up of Client’s information and documentation by carrying files from one point to the other, and the storage of data on client in a way which makes it difficult for the management to retrieve useful information on time, and lack of back up when data or information is lost. Problems encountered in the time-consuming nature of the manual retrieval of files and preparation of prompt and accurate reports make it become a difficult task to accomplish as data and information are difficult to retrieve or collect from various files. Based on these findings, this paper provides the possible solution to the above problems. An online Environmental Cadastre administrative System (ECAS) which establishes a web-based information repository database was designed to capture the full lifecycle of environmental licenses including all stages of monitoring, licenses and payments and seamlessly manage the environmental impact assessment (EIA) licenses.
文摘Nanotechnology has significant economic, health, and environmental benefits, including renewable energy and innovative environmental solutions. Manufactured nanoparticles have been incorporated into new materials and products because of their novel or enhanced properties. These very same properties also have prompted concerns about the potential environmental and human health hazard and risk posed by the manufactured nanomaterials. Appropriate risk management responses require the development of models capable of predicting the environmental and human health effects of the nanomaterials. Development of predictive models has been hampered by a lack of information concerning the environmental fate, behavior and effects of manufactured nanoparticles. The United Kingdom (UK) Environmental Nanoscience Initiative and the United States (US) Environmental Protection Agency have developed an international research program to enhance the knowledgebase and develop risk-predicting models for manufactured nanoparticles. Here we report selected highlights of the program as it sought to maximize the complementary strengths of the transatlantic scientific communities by funding three integrated US-UK consortia to investigate the transformation of these nanoparticles in terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric environment. Research results demonstrate there is a functional relationship between the physicochemical properties of environmentally transformed nanomaterials and their effects and that this relationship is amenable to modeling. In addition, the joint transatlantic program has allowed the leveraging of additional funding, promoting transboundary scientific collaboration.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21477042,21377042)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(2016J01065)
文摘Concentrations of sixteen rare earth elements（REEs） in PM2.5 and potential-source samples, collected in Nanchang city in mid-September 2013, were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry（ICP-MS）. The results showed that the concentrations of total REEs（ΣREE） ranged from 78.76 to 1351 ng/mg. The order of REEs in PM2.5 samples showed the anthropogenic effects, Ce and Eu were affected more than the other REEs according to the enrichment factors. The results of chondrite-normalized REEs patterns and characteristic parameters showed evident light REEs fractionation, and positive anomalies of Ce and Eu in PM2.5. The other non-local pollution sources affected the PM2.5 samples, according to the triangular diagram of La, Ce and Sm compositions and plot of ΣREE vs δEu. Moreover, plot of（La/Sm）N vs（Gd/Yb）N revealed the effects of local sources. In conclusion, the REEs in potential-source samples were close to the background of local soil, while the REEs in PM2.5 samples in Nanchang city were jointly affected by the investigated local sources and other non-local sources.
文摘The Isonzo River has been demonstrated to be a continuing point source of mercury（Hg）in the Gulf of Trieste although the Idrija mine was last active in 1996. The present study aims to investigate the role of the suspended particulate matter（SPM） associated with tidal fluxes to disperse particulate Hg（PHg） into the Grado coastal lagoon system. PHg concentrations（avg. 3.11 ± 2.62 μg/g, d.w.）, notwithstanding the ebb or flood tides, were significantly higher than the local sediment background（0.13 μg/g）. The relative affinity of Hg for the particulate phase in surface waters was confirmed by higher average distribution coefficient（Kd） values（5.6–6.7）. PHg contents showed the highest values in ebb tide conditions, thus suggesting their origin from the erosion of tidal flats and saltmarshes of the lagoon. When compared to river discharge, high PHg surface concentrations in flood tide are related to rainfall events occurring within the river basin. Results can be used to make an indicative assessment of the amount of Hg bound to SPM which is transported in and out of the lagoon basin following the action of tidal fluxes. A simple estimation provides a negative budget for the Grado lagoon sub-basin which loses between 0.14 and 1.16 kg of PHg during a tidal semi-cycle. This conclusion is in agreement with the evidence of morphological deterioration which has emerged from recent studies on the lagoon environment, and which testifies to a current sedimentary loss from the lagoon into the northern Adriatic Sea.
文摘Low levels (ng/g) of musk ketone (MK),used as a fragrance additive in the formulation of personal care products,are frequently detected in the water and other environment.Thus,aquatic organisms can be continuously exposed to MK.In this study,kinetics and dose-response assessments of 2-amino-MK (AMK) metabolite,bound to cysteine-hemoglobin (Hb) in rainbow trout,formed by enzymatic nitro-reduction of MK have been demonstrated.Trout were exposed to a single exposure of 0.010,0.030,0.10,and 0.30 mg MK/g fish.Tw...
基金funding was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under EP-C-05-056,WA 1-17
文摘Ammoniated bagasse is a plant-derived organic sorbent that can be used for capturing oil and for supplying slow-release nutrients to oil-degrading microorganisms. We investigated the oil-wicking behavior of this sorbent under various conditions for its effectiveness in remediating oil-contaminated wetlands. Abiotic microcosms simulating a wetland environment were used to assess the influence of sand particle sizes （20x30 and 60x80 U.S. mesh）, degrees of oil saturation （25% and 75%）, water table levels （on top of the clean sand layer, oiled-sand layer, and sorbent layer）, and the presence of sorbent. Results indicated that oil wicking favors higher oil contamination, larger sand particle size, and low water coverage. Water coverage was the predominant factor limiting the effectiveness of sorbent. The most plausible explanation for this limitation was that sorbent captured more water than oil at higher water coverage.
文摘Sixty springs of the Cuneo Province inland plains were sampled and analyzed for several chemical variables. Multi-variate analysis （PCA） of all the data was undertaken. The first principal component was positively correlated with chlorides, sulphites, hardness, and negatively correlated with altitude. The second principal component was positively correlated with DO and pH. Results showed that 4 groups of springs could be distinguished on the basis of environmental variables. A small number of springs did not group with the geographically more proximal springs but with another group due to a greater degree of affinity on the basis of the hydrochemical variables.
文摘Baseline Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of mining projects in Sierra Leone creates a challenging environment for data collection and impact prediction. Application of geographic information systems provides suitable spatial analysis data collection methods to reduce the challenges created by mining environments. This research develops a baseline spatial geodatabase template for evaluating potential and predicted environmental impacts assessment of mining projects in Sierra Leone. It is observed that spatial analysis of impacts of mining projects on the environmental attributes, especially air, noise, water, land, and socio-economy in mining areas is largely unexplored in Sierra Leone. The literature review revealed that no complete GIS spatial data geodatabase collection template appears to have been developed to date to provide an integrated sustainable spatial analysis and modelling tool for EIA and environmental management of mining in Sierra Leone. Therefore developing a Geographic Information Systems baseline geodatabase template for the evaluation of potential and predicted environmental impact for sustainable environmental impact assessment of mining in Sierra Leone will: 1) provide support to the data acquisition process of environmental impact assessment, 2) offer a concept for developing analysis methods for environmental management of mining, 3) minimize the undesired environmental impacts of mining, and 4) give an optimal proposal for data collection and analysis of mining industry in attaining sustainable development in Sierra Leone. Due to the limited available data, a conceptual GIS database template has been developed rather than a database case study of a mining site. No site investigation and data collection were undertaken. The geospatial database template was designed using ArcCatalog, ArcGIS 10.7.1. software, through the following steps: exploration of the general data requirement of environmental impact assessment studies of mining, the definition of the general baseline datasets requirement of environmental impact assessment in mining, structuring of the environmental impact assessment baseline spatial geodatabase, creating the geographic geodatabase dictionary, selecting, matching geographic data with geodatabase structure, designing the feature class and attributes, creating the baseline GIS geodatabase template. The GIS spatial geodatabase template has several advantages for environmental impact assessment of mining including avoiding data redundancy, integrating data into a single database, creating uniformity in data collection, easy to find and track data, integrated spatial and non-spatial data, and reducing the volume of data.
文摘This paper presents a case study for a complex contaminated groundwater site impacted by a historical release of chlorinated solvents in Silicon Valley, California. The original conceptual site model (CSM) inferred a contaminant migration pathway based on the groundwater gradient interpreted from groundwater elevation data, which is based on the underlying assumption that the subsurface conditions are homogeneous. However, the buried channel deposits render the underlying geology highly heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity plays a significant role in the subsurface migration of contaminants. Chemical fingerprinting evidence suggested that contamination at the downgradient property boundary was related to an off-site contaminant source. But, this alone was not a compelling argument. However, Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy (ESS), a geology-based environmental forensic technique, was applied to define the permeability architecture or the “plumbing” that controls subsurface fluid flow and contaminant migration. First, the geologic and depositional setting was synthesized based on regional geologic data, and representative facies models were identified for the site. Second, the existing CSM and site lithology data were reviewed and existing lithology data were graphically presented to display vertical grain-size patterns. This analysis focused on the nexus between the depositional environment and the site-specific subsurface data resulting in correlations/interpretations between and beyond data points that are based on established stratigraphic principles. The depositional environment results in buried river channels as the primary control on subsurface fluid flow, which defines hydrostratigraphic units (or HSUs). Finally, a hydrostratigraphic CSM that includes maps and cross sections was constructed to depict the HSUs present as a framework to integrate hydro-geology and chemistry data. This study demonstrates that: 1) Highly per-meable buried river channel deposits control subsurface fluid flow and contaminant transport, and have distinct chemical constituents and concentrations (i.e., they represent distinct HSUs), 2) Mapping of such HSUs is feasible with existing boring log data, 3) In settings such as the Santa Clara Valley where groundwater flow is governed by subsurface channel deposits, a hydrostratigraphic mapping approach is superior to a depth-based aquifer zonation approach, and 4) For heterogeneous subsurface, a detailed geology-based definition of the subsurface is an integral component of an environmental forensic analyses to determine contaminant source(s) and pathways.
文摘The particularly great practical importance of modern physical geography and, in particular, landscape science, is first of all manifested in the detection and study of the resource potential of landscapes, as well as in the optimization of the environment. The resource potential, on the other hand, greatly depends on the balance of substance and energy exchange in the natural resources, i.e. the energy of the landscape. In this case, one of the important things is to study the functioning of natural-territorial complexes (NTC). Through it, it is possible and relatively easy to explain, model and, most importantly, predict many complex processes taking place in NTC, including the role of landscape energy balance in increasing the productivity and yield of agro-landscapes, which was the first attempt to research this problem in Georgia.
文摘In order to assess the quality of the Aqaba Gulf coastal waters for the sustainable use and development, and consequently for the national income, four field campaigns were annually carried out during the period from 2011-2013 to monitor hydrographic variables, i.e. temperature, salinity, pH, etc., nutrients, some heavy metals, i.e. iron, lead, copper, cadmium, chromium, etc. in addition to petroleum hydrocarbons. Except for the area of Sharm El-Sheikh Harbor, the results for the density, composition, and distributions of beach litter cleared out that the Egyptian shoreline of the Aqaba Gulf is relatively not affected by man-made litter. The area of Sharm El-Sheikh Harbor was subjected to many factors which undoubtedly affected the rate of man-made litter ac-cumulation, especially, oil contamination (oil and old or new tar) which is a good es-timator of levels of oil contamination and an effective means of evaluating the poten-tial threat of oil on coastal resources. The results of the present study cleared out also that water temperature followed seasonal changes in air temperature. Aqaba Gulf water is characterized by its high salinity and the presence of well oxygenated waters. Minor changes in the distribution of pH, BOD, DOM and COD, revealed limited effects of human impacts. Low levels of Chl-a and TSM concentrations and high transparency revealed also negligible effects for human impacts. Significantly higher sea water temperatures, TSM, DO, BOD, DOM, COD, NH<sub>4</sub>, NO2, PO<sub>4</sub> and TP were observed in summer season compared to their corresponding values in winter season. On contrast, higher values of chlorophyll-a, NO2, TN, and SiO<sub>4</sub> were observed in winter compared to summer season. Based on the mean annual values, Aqaba Gulf coastal waters are classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic state. The concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen forms followed the following order: NH<sub>4</sub>= NO<sub>3</sub>>NO2. In general, the majority of TN in winter was in the form of organic-N (96.3%) compared to 91.7% in summer season. On the meantime, TP exhibited more or less comparable organic-P percentage in summer (86.2%) and winter (81.2%) seasons. Moreover, the DIN/DIP ratio showed relatively higher values in winter season (14.2:1) compared to summer season (12.4:1). This indicates high nitrogen concentrations in comparison with that of phosphorous in winter;yet it reflects the generally lower nutrient levels present in the coastal waters of the Aqaba Gulf due to the lack of significant nutrient input or oceanic upwelling. Concentrations of heavy metals were relatively low signifying that Aqaba Gulf Coastal waters are not yet seriously threatened in spite of the rapid recreational and human developments that are considered a challenge to the safety and viability of Aqaba Gulf marine environment. Furthermore, concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons were significantly higher in summer than in winter that are mainly attributed to the increase in the levels of oil pollution that most probably re-sulted from the increase in accidental, deliberate or operational discharges and spills of oil from ships. In general, the maximum concentration was much lower than the harmful concentrations reported for seawater. A stepwise multiple linear regression, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and principle component analysis (PCA) were applied.
基金supported by the project of National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.42371203 and U21A2032)the project of Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Department Program Funding(Grant No.2025YFHZ0010)the project of the Science and Technology Program of Aba City(Grant NO.R24YYJSYJ0001).
文摘Landslides pose a significant threat to both human society and environmental sustainability,yet,their spatiotemporal evolution and impacts on global scales in the context of a warming climate remain poorly understood.In this study,we projected global landslide susceptibility under four shared socioeconomic pathways(SSPs)from 2021 to 2100,utilizing multiple machine learning models based on precipitation data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)Global Climate Models(GCMs)and static metrics.Our results indicate an overall upward trend in global landslide susceptibility under the SSPs compared to the baseline period(2001–2020),with the most significant increase of about 1%in the very far future(2081–2100)under the high emissions scenario(SSP5-8.5).Currently,approximately 13%of the world’s land area is at very high risk of landslide,mainly in the Cordillera of the Americas and the Andes in South America,the Alps in Europe,the Ethiopian Highlands in Africa,the Himalayas in Asia,and the countries of East and South-East Asia.Notably,India is the country most adversely affected by climate change,particularly during 2081–2100 under SSP3-7.0,with approximately 590 million people—23 times the global average—living in areas categorized as having very high susceptibility.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program(No.2022YFC3701102)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.41905109,42405114,and 42105105).
文摘Gaseous nitrous acid(HONO)is a critical contributor to daytime hydroxyl radical in the troposphere.Livestock farming has been recognized as an overlooked HONO source,but the lack of detailed flux measurements from livestock and poultry wastes would cause uncertainties in modeling its environmental impacts.Here,based on field flux measurements and laboratory experiments,we observed substantial HONO emissions from the composting of swine feces and chicken manure in the warm season,which might be mainly attributed to nitrification process in livestock and poultry wastes.The HONO emission from chicken manure was found to bemuch higher than that from swine feces,and the higher NH3 emission but lower N2O and NO emissions fromchicken manurewere also observed.Considering that the interaction among these nitrogen species during nitrification process,the obviously lower HONO emission from swine feces was likely to be explained by the lack of the total ammonia nitrogen and H+donors in swine feces.Temperature is also a key factor that influences the HONO emission from livestock wastes.In addition,the total HONO emission from swine feces in Chinawas estimated to be approximately 107.7 Gg-N/yr according to the national swine amounts,which is comparable to the national soil HONO emissions,underscoring its non-negligible contribution to regional air quality.Therefore,effective emission control of HONO fromlivestock and poultry wastes should be carried out to further improve air quality in China.
基金Project supported by the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (No. S/550005/01/DD) the Canadian International Development Agency, Canada and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China (No.KZCX2-413)
文摘Global nitrogen (N) budgets for intensive agricultural systems were compiled for a 0.5 by 0.5 degree resolution. These budgets include N inputs (N fertilizer, animal manure, biological N fixation and atmospheric N deposition) and outputs (N removal from the field in harvested crops and grass and grass consumption by grazing animals, ammonia volatilization,denitrification and leaching). Data for the historical years 1970 and 1995 and a projection for 2030 were used to study changes in the recovery of N and the different loss terms for intensive agricultural systems. The results indicate that the overall system N recovery and fertilizer use efficiency slowly increased in the industrialized countries between 1970 and 1995, the values for developing countries have decreased in the same period. For the coming three decades our results indicate a rapid increase in both the industrialized and developing countries. High values of ＞ 80% for fertilizer use efficiency may be related to surface N balance deficits, implying a depletion of soil N and loss of soil fertility. The projected intensification in most developing countries will cause a gradual shift from deficits to surpluses in the coming decades.The projected fast growth of crop and livestock production, and intensification and associated increase in fertilizer inputs will cause a major increase in the surface N balance surplus in the coming three decades. This implies increasing losses of N compounds to air (ammonia, nitrous oxide and nitric oxide), and groundwater and surface water (nitrate).
基金supported by Educational Commission of Sichuan Province of China (10ZA059)Innovation Programme of College Students of China (01409207)
文摘To investigate the effect of neodymium （Nd） on Microcystis aeruginosa, the growth and physiological changes were studied by lab cultured experiments. The results showed that the content of chlorophyll a （Chl-a）, soluble protein and the activity of superoxide dismutase （SOD）, peroxidase （POD）, and catalase （CAT） increased compared with the control （Nd3＋-free）, and the growth of M. aeruginosa was stimulated in the treatments of initial Nd3＋ concentration ≤1 mg/L; while the treatments of initial Nd3＋ concentration was in the range of 5.00–10.00 mg/L, the content of malondiadehyde （MDA） increased immediately but the activity of CAT reduced, which resulted in weakened M. aeruginosa’s ability to eliminate the active oxygen and the ruin of antioxidant defense system, and stunting the growth of M. aeruginosa. With the initial Nd3＋ concentration of 50 mg/L, the growth of M. aeruginosa was totally stunted. The ultrastructure showed that excess Nd3＋ could lead to the decrease of thylakoid and the increase of fat particle in cells of M. aeruginosa, and the cell membrane became rough and even broken, causing an irreversible damage to algal cells.
