Species Composition of Freshwater Invertebrates in Relation to Chemical and Physical Factors in High Mountains in Soutwestern Norway

The composition of benthic invertebrates was investigated in three Norwegian alpine watersheds during the period 1991–1997. The watersheds represented an environmental gradient in chemical factors. The Kvenna watershed was relatively well buffered, Lake Øvre Neådalsvatn was poorly buffered, but receives low inputs of atmospheric pollution while Lake Stavsvatn has low buffering capacity and receives larger inputs of acidifying components. Qualitative samples were taken in the inlet rivers, lake littoral zone, lake outlet and in the outlet rivers of the lakes for analyses of species composition. In Ø. Neådalsvatn the water chemical data showed strong seasonal variations with waters of low ionic content during snowmelt and summer, while increased ion concentrations build up during winter. The time of ice break and/or water temperature rise during the growing season affected the life cycle of Siphlonurus lacustris and Parameletus chelifer. Even small changes in pH or ANC seemed to have a strong effect on Baetis rhodani. In the Kvenna watershed eight very sensitive species were found at sites with pH 6.5, Ca 1.2 mg L^-1 and LAl < 10 eq L^-1. Only two highly sensitive species, B. rhodani and Capnia sp. were recorded when pH was 6, concentration of calcium 0.8 mg L^-1 and low labile aluminium < 10 eq L^-1. None of the highly sensitive species occurred in Stavsvatn, a formerly acidified area, where LAl concentrations ranged between 25–40 eq L^-1. Low ionic content and elevated concentrations of labile aluminium are suggested to exclude sensitive invertebrates in alpine lakes. Synergistic effects of dilute water and harsh climate are assumed to increase sensitivity of invertebrates to acid water. Global warming will result in higher precipitation and more snow in the west Norwegian alpine area. This will shorten the growing season, increase the amount of dilute water and consequently threaten invertebrate species living close to their tolerance limits.     

Effects of Lime and Ash Treatments on DOC Fractions and Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids in Soil Solutions of Acidified Podzolic Soils

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fractions and different low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOAs) were determined in soil solutions from two lime or ash treated Norway spruce sites in the south of Sweden. At Hasslöv, 3.45 t ha^-1 or 8.75 t ha^-1 dolomite were applied 15 years before sampling. Horröd was treated with 4.28 t ha^-1 ash and 3.25 t ha^-1 dolomite and sampled four years later. Propionate (7–268 M) and malonate (2–34 M) were the LMWOAsfound in the highest concentrations at Hasslöv. Two other LMWOAs dominated at Horröd, namely citrate (18–64 M)and fumarate (5–31 M). The differences in concentration of most of the determined LMWOAs at Hasslöv were significantly increased due to treatment. The LMWOAs comprised between 1.1–6.3% of the DOC at Hasslöv and 4.5–17.6% at Horröd. At Hasslöv normally 3–10% of the total acidity (TA) was due to LMWOAs and the average specific buffer capacity was 74 ± 22 mmol mol^-1C.The total DOC concentration in the mor layer solution was 16 mM for the dolomite treated plots compared to 10 mM at the untreated plot. A major part of the increase in DOC at the treated plots apparently had a hydrophobic character and was of high molecular weight corresponding to 3–10 kDa. The concentration of DOC < 1 kDa in the control and treated plots was similar.     

Hysteresis in Reversal of Central European Mountain Lakes from Atmospheric Acidification

Extremely high emissions of S and N compounds in Central Europe (both 280 mmol m^-2 yr^-1) declined by 70and 35%, respectively, during the last decade. Decreaseddeposition rates of SO₄ ^-2, NO₃ ^-, and NH₄ ⁺ in the region paralleled emission declines. The reduction in atmospheric inputs of S and N to mountain ecosystemshas resulted in a pronounced reversal of acidification in the Tatra Mountains and Bohemian Forest lakes. Between the 1987–1990and 1997–1999 periods, concentrations of SO₄ ^-2 and NO₃ ^- decreased (average ± standard deviation) by 22±7 and 12±7 mol L^-1, respectively, in theTatra Mountains, and by 19±7 and 15±10 mol L^-1, respectively, in the Bohemian Forest. Their decrease was compensated in part (1) by a decrease in Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ (17±7 mol L^-1) and H⁺ (4±6 mol L^-1), and an increase in HCO₃ ^-(10±10 mol L^-1) in the Tatra Mountains lakes, and (2) by a decrease in Al (7±4 mol L^-1), Ca²⁺ + Mg²⁺ (9±6 mol L^-1), and H⁺ (6±5 mol L^-1), in Bohemian Forest lakes. Despite the rapid decline in lake water concentrations of SO₄ ^-2 and NO₃ ^- in response to reduced S and N emissions, their present concentrations in some lakes are higher than predictionsbased on observed concentrations at comparable emission rates during development of acidification. This hysteresis in chemical reversal from acidification has delayed biological recovery of the lakes. The only unequivocal sign of biological recovery hasbeen observed in erné Lake (Bohemian Forest) where a cladoceran species Ceriodaphnia quadrangular has recentlyreached its pre-acidification abundance.     

The Impact of Conifer Harvesting on Stream Water Quality: A Case Study in Mid-Wales

A 12-year record of water quality data for runoff from a spruce forested hillslope with podzolic soils shows the impacts of conifer harvesting and replanting in relation to nitrate generation and its influence on surface water acidification. With felling, nitrate increases from a background of 18 Eq/l to about 50 Eq/l after 1 to 2 years and then declines to background levels over the next 1 to 2 years and to lower concentrations thereafter. This change is mirrored by an acidification process as manifest by a change in Gran alkalinity, acid neutralization capacity (ANC) and aluminium concentrations as well as pH. For example, Gran alkalinity and ANC, which start at negative concentrations prior to felling (about –20 and –50 Eq/l, respectively), become more negative (–30 and –100 Eq/l, respectively) at high nitrate concentrations. Correspondingly, pH decreases from about 4.7 to 4.5 and aluminium concentrations increase from about 14 to 16 M. Subsequently, the acidification is reversed as nitrate concentrations decline and after five years post-felling the system has higher pH, Gran alkalinity and ANC together with lower aluminium concentrations than even before the felling took place (the post-felling values are about 4.9, -15 Eq/l, –20 Eq/l and 7 M/l, respectively).Other determinands show clear changes over time. For example, there is a marked increase in sodium and chloride prior to and around the time of felling (200 to 300 and 230 to 400 Eq/l, respectively), with a subsequent decline in concentration to pre-felling and to lower values of around 160 and 170 Eq/l, respectively, thereafter. This change is probably associated with abnormally high inputs of sea-salts from the atmosphere during the first quarter of the year of felling, and dilution thereafter, rather than a direct consequence of the felling activity itself: this change in sea salt loading has had an impact on stream acidity. Dissolved organic carbon and iron also change with concentrations increasing over time (60 to 200 and 1.0 to 1.5 M/l, respectively) and this mirrors a general pattern observed across the Plynlimon catchments irrespective of whether or not there has been felling activity.The implications of the findings are discussed in relations to environmental management and hydrochemical processes.     

Air Pollution Zones and Harmful Pollution Levels of Alkaline Dust for Plants

For characterisation of landscapes in north-eastern Estoniaaffected by alkaline oil shale fly ash and cement dust the zonation-method based on average annual (C _y) and short-termconcentrations of pollutants in the air was used, as well as on deposition loads of dust and Ca²⁺. In the overground layer of atmosphere the zones with different air pollution loads were distinguished. A comparative analysis of pollution zones characteristics and biomonitoring data revealed that for sensitive lichen the dangerous level of alkaline dust in the air, introducingthe degradation of Sphagnum sp. at the level of C _y of dust 10–20 g m^-3 and at 0.5–1 hr maximums 100–150 g m^-3. For Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) this limited concentration (decline of growth parameters) of cement dust is correspondingly following: 30–50 g m^-3 and 150–500 g m^-3, in case of fly ash the limit level of C _y amounting 100 g m^-3. Daily deposition load of Ca²⁺ should not exceed approximately 4.5–15 mg m^-2 for lichen; for conifers the harmful pollution load is higher – >22 mg m^-2.     

On Sand and Duststorms and Associated Significant Dustfall Observed in Chongju-Chongwon,Korea during 1997–2000

Monitoring of the occurrence of sandstorms and dustfallphenomena from 1997 to 2000 was carried out. We refer tosandstorms, duststorms and blowing sand as the phenomenaoccurring in the source region, while significant dustfall is thephenomenon that occur in the sink area. It was noted that while the sandstorms in deserts and loess in NW-N China and Mongolia occurred any time during the year while severe sandstorms occurred frequently from March to May after the springthaw. The wind erosion in the source region usually occurred withwind speeds greater than 8 ms^-1. However, severe sandstorm phenomenon occurred with wind greater than 15 ms^-1 for at least 3 hr or more. In the source regions, sandstorms occurred over60–120 days per year. In Mongolia, the observation of thenumber of sandstorm days decreased due to the increase in rainy days.When a dust cloud from a desert reached the sink region,significant dustfall in the Korean Peninsula occurred due tothe lack of strong winds. We defined the episode ofsignificant dustfall (SD) with the following values: TSP250, PM₁₀ 190 g m^-3 and visibility 6.5 km or less. In Korea, 8–12 episodes of SD occurred per yearwith 12 to 22 SD days. The maximum concentrations of TSP recorded were 989–1396 g m^-3 with PM₁₀ values of 861–996 g m^-3 and with the lowestvisibility of 1.4–1.6 km.     

On East Asian Sand and Duststorms and Associated Significant Dustfall Observed from January to May 2001

Monitoring of dust pollution at the western shore of Tae-ahn Peninsula (TAP) and in the Chongju area of central Korea was carried out from January to May 2001. It was found that in Koreathere were 9 cases of sand and duststorms (DS) and 16 associatedsignificant dustfall (SD) days. Observed maximum concentrations of DS and SD coming from NW China and Mongolia were in the rangeof 300–920 for TSP, 200–690 for PM₁₀ and 100–170 g m^-3 for PM_2.5.Satellite measurements clearly showed the formation and subsequent movement of DS to the Korean Peninsula and onward to the Korea East Sea, Japan and the Gulf of Alaska. According to satellite image analysis of dust clouds there were abundant coarse particles, measuring in size of 11.0 m. Medium-sizedparticles measuring in the range of 3.5–7.0 were also prevalent,while fine particles of less than 2.0 m were less distinctive in reflectivity. Measured values of PM_2.5 were alsorelatively low with SD events.The measured average pH values of dusty precipitation associatedwith DS were 7.24. Alkaline precipitation can play a `temporary'role in the neutralization of acidified soil until the subsequentevent of acidic rain. The new selection criteria of SD days from PM_2.5 at 85 g m^-3, PM₁₀ 190 g m^-3 and TSP 250 g m^-3 are recommended on dust pollution occurring from the invasion of a DS elsewhere.     

Soil Respiration in Relation to Small-Scale Patterns of Lead and Mercury in Mor Layers of Southern Swedish Forest Sites

Pollution-related lead (Pb) andmercury (Hg) in mor layers of Southern Swedenmight have effects on soil biology, although inthe literature effect concentrations have beenidentified at much higher levels. Considerablesmall-scale spatial variability in heavy metalcontents and microbial respiration in mor layersof forest sites was used to calculatecorrelations that could reveal toxic effects.Negative correlations were always strongest atsites with high loads of Pb or Hg, which was considered to indicate metal toxicity. The highload sites were found in Southwestern Sweden,locally at a motorway and at a chlorine-alkalifactory. Other factors of possible influence,such as other pollutants, age of organic materialor climatic differences, would affect high andlow load sites alike. Negative correlations withrespiration were found for Pb at sites with 74 g g^-1 of mean Pb content in O_f-layer and for Hg at 0.25 g g^-1.     

Characterization of Dust Storms to Hong Kong in April 1998

In April 1998, two intense dust storms were generated in CentralAsia and transported eastward across East Asia (15 and 19 April). This article presents the chemical characterization ofHong Kong (HK) aerosols during the dust storms. During the 15 Aprildust storm, hourly respiratory suspended particles (RSP)(particle diameter smaller than 10 m) concentrationsmonitored at 7 sites in Hong Kong reached the peak valuessynchronously between 9 and 11 a.m. on 17 April, in which thehighest concentration was 267 g m^-3. Analysis ofthe RSP samples showed that concentrations of crustalelements (Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mg, K⁺) and anthropogenicspecies (As, Ni, Pb, Zn, NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^-,SO₄ ^2- and total carbon) were substantiallyenhanced. Enhancement of these species was more than afactor of 2 to 14 relative to the non dust period. The totalcarbon content was high, at 59 g m^-3 (notincluding carbonate), and the enrichment factors of Asand Pb on 17 April were 122 and 117, respectively. Thisimplied that anthropogenic materials together with mineraldust were transported to HK from Mainland China. Based onmaterial balance calculations, mineral dust contributed41% to the observed RSP mass on 17 April, which was 2 times thatof the nondust sample (22%). From the 5-day backwardtrajectory analysis, this storm was transported directlyfrom Northwest China to HK. However, there was nocorresponding observation for the 19 April dust stormaerosol. Consequently, 15 April storm had stronger impact onHK's atmosphere than 19 April storm. Compared to the HK AirQuality Objective, 15 April dust storm did not cause seriousair pollution in HK.     

The Role Played by Acetyl Group Distribution Patterns in Substituted Starch Toward Enzymatic De-acetylation and Chain Fragmentation

The nature and distribution of the acetylated groups were evaluated by ¹³C-NMR and ¹H-NMR. The starch substrate with a DS of 1.5 comprises only two patterns: -(14)-d-glucopyranose and 2,3,6-tri-O-acetyl--(14)-d-glucopyranose. The starch with a DS of 3.0 also comprises two patterns: 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl--(14)-d-glucopyranose and 2,3,6-tri-O-acetyl--(14)-d-glucopyranose; whereas starch (DS = 1.9) contains 4 patterns: 2,3,6-tri-O-acetyl--(14)-d-glucopyranose, 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl--(14)-d-glucopyranose terminal, 2,6-di-O-acetyl--(14)-d-glucopyranose, and 3,6-di-O-acetyl--(14)-d-glucopyranose. Using esterase from Viscozyme, it has been possible to hydrolyze up to 7% of the DS 3.0 starch. An -amylase (Fungamyl 800) was then added to these acetylesterases. With a 2.4 FAU/mL fraction of -amylase and 2.4 U/mL from the Viscozyme's acetylesterase, 28% of the acetylated end groups were hydrolyzed for the starch substrates with DS 3.0. Moreover, a synergic action between -amylase and acetylesterase was noticed, allowing fragmentation of 32% for DS 1.5, 30% for DS 1.9, and 11% for DS 3.0.     

Investigation of Boundary Layer Fine Structure in Arid Regions: Injection of Fine Dust into the Atmosphere

Fine structure of the atmospheric boundary layerin desert regions of Kalmykia and on dried bottom of theAral Sea and its relation to soil particle emission in theatmosphere are discussed. It was found that in a hot seasonin the absence of dust storms convective processes lift updust particles into the atmospheric boundary layer fromsandy landscapes of Kalmykia and Sub-Aral regions. Thisaerosol consists of aggregate particles and contains asignificant amount of long-living aerosol of size less than5 m (including fine-dispersion 0.01–0.1 maerosol). The increasing of fine aerosol concentration wasfound at air temperature above 25 °C, surfacetemperature above 50 °C, and relative humidityless than 40–50%. Some mechanisms influencing the particle emission rates are briefly considered.     

Atmospheric Loadings,Concentrations and Visibility Associated with Sandstorms: Satellite and Meteorological Analysis

This Korea-China study monitored the phenomena of sandstorms and significant dustfall (SD) from 1997 to 2000. The analysis of our data included ground measurements of dust concentration, visibility, satellite imagery, aircraft and lidar observations. In addition, an estimation of atmospheric loadings and a studyon the relationship between dust concentrations and visibilitywere carried out. The movement and invasion of dust clouds toKorea were clearly identified with meteorological and satellitedata. The increasing concentrations of TSP and PM₁₀ concurredwell with the satellite information. From case studies, weestimated that atmospheric loadings of a dust cloud were over 1million ton and that the deposition over the Korean Peninsulawas in the range from 46 000 to 86 000 tons. For SD withvisibility of 3 km, we predict TSP 659 g m^-3 and PM₁₀ 493 g m^-3. We recommend the issuance of an SD Watch(advisory) and an SD Warning for the general public.     

Air Pollution Effects on Forest Trees in Balikesir,Turkey

Air pollution has become an actual problem in Balikesir because of rapid urbanisation and increasing of the polluting sources. Air pollutionproblems occur under the unfavorable meteorological conditions which increase in frequency of occurrence in winter due to use of low quality lignite coals for heating. The `Protection of Air Quality' in Turkey dated 1986 is based on the human health criteria. But the critical limit values are lethal for the forest trees as far as SO₂ is concerned. The field observations showed that leaves of the trees have yellow spots indicating acid burns in Balikesir. This study aims at determining the relationships between the SO₂ concentrationsin the air under selected climatic conditions, and the effects of air pollution on forest trees in Balikesir. Samples of leaves were collected from the City Parks in Balikesir, Deirmenboaz forested area located 10 km far fromBalikesiron the Balikesir-Bursa highway, and from the forestation areas near the Balikesir-Edremit highway. Sulfur contents of the leaves were very high especially in the city (2650–5300 g m^-3).Samples from other areas had values lower than this range but above the usual values (850–3612 g m^-3). The diameter increments of the trees were found to be lower and these results clearly showed the adverse impacts. Negative correlations were found between these sulfur concentrations and the daily mean temperatures and wind speeds. Positive correlation was seen between these concentrations and pressures, humidities. Emission sources must be controlled in order to safeguard the forests which protects the soil, facilitate water production, assimilate carbon dioxide in air and produce oxygen. It must be considered that the problems are not only regional but have a global identity.     

The release of nitrous oxide from the intertidal zones of two European estuaries in response to increased ammonium and nitrate loading

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) release and denitrification rates were investigated from the intertidal saltmarsh and mudflats of two European river estuaries, the Couesnon in Normandy, France and the Torridge in Devon, UK. Sediment cores and water were collected from each study site and incubated for 72 h in tidal simulation chambers. Gas samples were collected at 6 and 12 h intervals from the chambers during incubation. From these N₂O emission rates were calculated. The greatest rates for both N₂O production and denitrification were measured from saltmarsh cores. These were 1032 mol N₂O m^–2 day^–1 and 2518 mol N₂ m^–2 day^–1, respectively, from the Couesnon and 109 mol N₂O m^–2 day^–1 and 303 mol N₂ m^–2 day^–1 from the Torridge. A strong positive correlation was apparent with N₂O emission rates and ammonium concentration in the sediment, nitrate concentration in floodwater and sediment aerobicity.     

Study of Trace and Heavy Metals in Rural and Urban Aerosols of Uludağ and Bursa (Turkey)

The concentrations of heavy, trace elements and major ions measuredin the Uluda and Bursa aerosols were investigated to assess size distributions, spatial and temporal variability, sources and source regions affecting the composition of aerosols in Uluda and Bursa. A total of 81 samples were collected in two sites, one in Bursa city and another in the Uluda Mountain during two sampling campaigns. Daily samples were collected using a high volume sampler on Whatman 41 cellulose filters in Uluda, while three days interval samples were collected in Bursa using an automatic dichotomous sampler on PTFE Teflon filters. Samples were analysed for 15 trace and heavy metals (Al, Fe, Ba, Na, Mg, K, Mn, Ca, Cu), (V, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn), and 4 major ions (SO₄ ^2-, NO₃ ^-, Cl^-), (NH₄ ⁺) using ICP-AES, GFAAS, HPLC and UV/VIS Spectrophotometer,respectively. In general, concentrations of the metals measured inUluda aerosols were lower than those in Bursa. The concentrations of crustal elements were higher in summer than winter, while anthropogenic elements had higher concentrations in winter than summer. Most of the mass of crustal elements was concentrated in the coarse mode while the mass of the heavy metals was concentrated in the fine mode. Factor analysis revealed four factors with sources including crustal, industrial and combustion. Back trajectory calculations were used to determine long range contributions. These calculations showed that contributions were mostly from European countries, former Soviet Union countries, Black Sea and North Africa.     

Chemistry of Selected High-Elevation Lakes in Seven National Parks in the Western United States

A chemical survey of 69 high-altitude lakes in seven national parks in the western United States was conducted during the fallof 1999; the lakes were previously sampled during the fall of 1985, as part of the Western Lake Survey. Lakes in parks in the Sierra/southern Cascades (Lassen Volcanic, Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks) and in the southern RockyMountains (Rocky Mountain National Park) were very dilute; medianspecific conductance ranged from 4.4 to 12.2 S cm^-1 andmedian alkalinity concentrations ranged from 32.2 to 72.9 eqL^-1. Specific conductances and alkalinity concentrations were substantially higher in lakes in the central and northernRocky Mountains parks (Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and GlacierNational Parks), probably due to the prevalence of more reactivebedrock types. Regional patterns in lake concentrations of NO₃ and SO₄ were similar to regional patterns in NO₃ and SO₄ concentrations in precipitation, suggestingthat the lakes are showing a response to atmospheric deposition.Concentrations of NO₃ were particularly high in Rocky Mountain National Park, where some ecosystems appear to be undergoing nitrogen saturation.     

A carbon-13 method for evaluating degradation of starch-based polymers

A new method for evaluating biodegradability of starch-based and certain other polymer blends uses the pre- and postexposure stable carbon isotope composition of material coupled with weight loss data to determine which components have degraded. The naturally occurring stable isotope of carbon.¹³C, is enriched in corn starch (¹³C, approx. –11) compared to petroleum-derived synthetic polymers (¹³C, approx. –32). Results on starch-synthetic polymer blends indicate that the ¹³C signatures of these blends are near-linear mixtures of their component ¹³C. Values of a ¹³C for starch-synthetic polymer blends exposed to biologically active laboratory soil and artificial seawater conditions are depleted in¹³C compared to unexposed samples, suggesting loss of the starch component. Combined with weight loss data for the exposed samples, the ¹³C values are statistically consistent with models requiring loss of the soluble component glycerin, followed by loss of starch, then petrochemical polymer, or simultaneous loss of starch and petrochemical polymer. Replicate ¹³C analyses of starch-synthetic polymer blends increase the statistical power of this relatively inexpensive, accessible technique to discriminate between degrading components.     

Effect of Starch Granule Size on Viscosity of Starch-Filled Poly(hydroxy ester ether) Composites

The effect of starch granule size on the viscosity of starch-filled poly(hydroxy ester ether) (PHEE) composites was characterized using size-fractionated potato starch, as well as unfractionated starches (rice, corn, wheat, and potato). Potato starch was separated using an air classifier into four particle size fractions: <18 m, 18-24 m, 24-30 m, and >30 m. The starch was dried to a moisture content of 0.5% to minimize moisture effects on composite rheology. PHEE and potato starch were extruded with starch volume fractions of 0.46 and 0.66. Stress relaxation, frequency and strain sweep, and temperature-dependence measurements were carried out. Although small variations in viscosity were seen with the different potato starch fractions, differences were not significant at a volume fraction of 0.46. Viscosity differences between the different particle size fractions were more pronounced at a volume fraction of 0.66. The temperature dependence could be described by an Arrhenius relation, with an apparent activation energy of 84 kJ/mole. At a volume fraction of 0.46, the starch/PHEE viscosities increased in the order potato starch < wheat starch corn starch < rice starch.     

Biodegradation of Low Molecular Weight Organic Acids in a Limed Forest Soil

The effect of liming (3.45 and 8.75 t ha^-1 dolomite; 16 yr after application) on the biodegradation of three low molecular weight organic acids (citrate, oxalate and propionate) in forest soils was investigated. The concentration of organic acids in the soil solution followed the series propionate > citrate > oxalate with liming having no significant impact on soil solution concentrations (mean organic acid concentration = 8.7 ± 2.3 M). Organic acid mineralization by the soil microbial community was rapid in surface organic horizons (mean half-life for citrate = 2–6 h), with biodegradation rate gradually declining with soil depth. Concentration-dependent biodegradation studies (0 to 350 M) showed that the mineralization kinetics generally conformed well to a single Michaelis–Menten equation with V_max values following the series oxalate > citrate > propionate (mean = 9.8 ± 1.0 nmol g^-1 h^-1) and K_M values following the series oxalate = citrate > propionate (mean 168 ± 25 M). The V_max values declined with soil depth, which was consistent with a general reduction in microbial activity down the soil profile. Liming induced a significant increase in V_max for citrate with no change for propionate and reduction in V_max for oxalate. The latter was probably due to adsorption and precipitation of Ca-oxalate making it unavailable for microbial uptake. The higher adsorption/precipitation capacity for oxalate in the limed soils was confirmed by adsorption isotherms. Generally, liming increased soil microbial activity by approximately 10 to 35% with calculations based on soil solution concentrations indicating that organic acid mineralization constituted approximately 3 to 15% of the total soil respiration.     

What substances or objects should be recycled? The recycling legislative experience in Taiwan

The legislative framework of waste management in Taiwan has never been efficient, mainly due to unclear definitions and regulations. In 2002, this system was split into two parts by enacting a new law, the Resource Recycling and Re-use Act (RRRA). However, it then became more complicated and recycling effectiveness was impeded. The causes were mainly the unclear definitions, conflicts about the scope, and issues between the RRRA and the Waste Disposal Act (WDA). This article examines the recycling legislation experience in Taiwan, and proposes two modifications for resolving these problems. The first proposal is merging these two acts into one. The second proposed modification maintains a two-system structure but introduces a new subject, discards, into the law. The subject of discards is further categorized as recyclable resources or waste, which correspond to recycling operations and disposal operations, respectively. The new structures, interfaces, prerequisites, properties, and comparisons are also explained.