青岛市不同功能区常见绿化植物及土壤汞污染特征

城市植物汞的污染特征,能够反映其生境特性,并能为城市汞污染防治提供科学依据.为了解青岛市植物及土壤汞污染特征,采集了青岛市不同功能区植物包括柏树(Cyparissus)、落叶松(Pinus)、法桐(Platanus)、黄杨(Euonymus)、冬青(Ilex),并同步采集相应表层土壤样品,采用冷原子吸收法测定总汞含量,研究汞的含量及分布.结果表明,不同的植物对汞的吸收累积能力不同,汞含量范围为7.2～95.7 ng·g-1,其中冬青和黄杨对汞的吸收累积能力高于其他植物,分别达到59.79 ng·g-1和51.85 ng·g-1.植物的不同器官对汞的吸收能力不同,一般表现为树茎<树叶.不同功能区植物含汞量有很大的差异,植物在老工业区的汞含量最高,在新经济技术开发区的含量较低.道路两旁的植物中汞含量较高,说明交通是影响植物汞含量的一个重要因素.老工业区土壤汞含量最高于其它功能区,但植物中的汞含量和土壤中的汞含量没有显著的相关性.青岛市表层土壤汞含量低于中国其他城市的汞含量水平.青岛市常见绿化植物只有老工业区为中度污染,其它地区均为轻度污染.     

汞在城市污水处理厂的赋存特征及质量平衡——甲基汞

以焦作市第一污水处理厂各工艺单元的进出物料为研究对象,通过样品中甲基汞和溶解态甲基汞含量的测定,初步探讨了甲基汞在污水处理厂物料中的赋存特征和迁移过程.结果发现,污水处理厂进水中甲基汞和溶解态甲基汞的含量分别在6.73—49.53 ng·L-1和0.55—8.14 ng·L-1之间,日均值分别为21.34±13.88 ng·L-1和2.55±2.36 ng·L-1.污水厂外排水中甲基汞含量在0.42—1.15 ng·L-1之间,满足《城镇污水处理厂污染物排放标准》(GBl8918—2002)中规定的烷基汞含量限值(10 ng·L-1)要求.污水厂对原污水中甲基汞和溶解态甲基汞的去除率分别达到了96.3%和85.1%,甲基汞的去除主要发生在二级处理工艺单元(氧化沟+二沉池).与污水厂进水相比,出水中溶解态甲基汞所占甲基汞的比率显著升高(15.4%±11.4%升至48.3%±17.9%)(P<0.001),甲基汞占总汞的比率也有显著升高(1.9%±1.2%升至3.9%±1.2%)(P<0.001).沉砂池、二沉池、浓缩池和压滤机房污泥中甲基汞含量分别为7.65±4.35、13.53±6.54、10.48±8.17、8.80±6.48 ng·g-1,占总汞的比率分别为0.9%±0.5%、0.3%±0.1%、0.2%±0.2%、0.2%±0.1%.各处理单元污泥中甲基汞含量均不稳定,日变异系数均达到了45%以上.污水处理厂进出物料中甲基汞的质量平衡计算表明,每天离开污水处理厂的甲基汞比进入污水处理厂的甲基汞减少了1889 mg,占进水中甲基汞质量的88.5%.甲基汞的损失主要发生在二级处理工艺单元,可能有两个方面的原因,一是甲基汞在氧化沟和二沉池中的吸附和沉积,二是甲基汞在污水处理过程中发生了去甲基化.     

酸浸提-HPLC-ICP-MS系统测定土壤与底泥样品中的甲基汞、乙基汞

利用酸浸提为萃取方法,建立了高效液相色谱与电感耦合等离子体质谱联用系统(HPLC-ICP-MS)作为检测手段测定土壤与底泥样品中甲基汞(MeHg)与乙基汞(EtHg)的分析方法.萃取溶剂为酸性KBr-CuSO4溶液,在优化的检测条件下,该方法对样品中甲基汞和乙基汞的检出限分别为0.9 ng·ml-1和3.5 ng·ml-1.加标回收实验和对标准参考物质(IAEA-405)的测定结果验证了该方法的精密性与准确性.运用该方法测定了4个土壤与样品中甲基汞与乙基汞的含量.     

黄浦江上游周边农田土壤、蔬菜及道路灰尘中汞的累积

对黄浦江上游周边环境介质中总汞的含量进行了研究,并对环境介质中Hg的空间分布、累积特征及环境效应进行了分析.结果表明:黄浦江上游周边土壤及道路灰尘中Hg的平均含量分别为332.06ng·g-1和226.62 ng·g-1,分别是国家土壤质量标准(GB 15618-1995)中所规定的集中式生活饮用水源地土壤质量标准的2.21倍和1.51倍;蔬菜(豇豆)中Hg的平均含量为15.98 ng·g-1,超出国家标准(GB2762-2005)中规定的限量值;黄浦江北岸环境介质中Hg的平均含量均大于黄浦江南岸;环境介质中Hg的累积主要源于工业污染和生活垃圾的输入,交通污染对Hg的累积无明显的贡献作用;土壤中的Hg是黄浦江饮用水源地水环境中Hg的直接来源之一.     

贵州省务川汞矿区汞污染的初步研究

对贵州省务川汞矿区的大气、地表水和土壤中汞污染的调查表明,务川汞矿区大气汞浓度为7-40000 ng·m-3,超出正常大气汞浓度1-4个数量级.地表水总汞为43-2100 ng·l-1,远高于对照区(15-29 ng·l-1);活性汞、溶解态汞和颗粒态汞含量也显著高于对照区,颗粒态汞是地表水汞迁移的主要方式.土壤总汞含量为1.3-360 mg·kg-1,远高于对照区土壤总汞含量(O.22-0.39 mg·kg-1),土壤剖面汞含量的垂向递减反映了大气汞的沉降是土壤汞的重要来源之一;同一地点不同土地利用类型的土壤,一般为稻田总汞含量高于菜地和玉米地;土壤pH值和有机质影响着土壤中汞的迁移和富集.     

珠江三角洲流域土壤多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的分布及环境行为

用索式抽提、复合硅胶/氧化铝层析柱分离纯化、GC-MS分析方法分析了珠江三角洲流域土壤中10种多溴联苯醚(BDE-28、-47、-66、-99、-100、-153、-154、-138、-183、-209)在土壤中的质量分数和组成分布.∑9PBDEs(不包括BDE209)的质量分数从0.133 ng·g-1干物质量到3.81 ng·g-1干物质量,平均质量分数为1.02 ng·g-1干物质量,BDE-209的质量分数从2.38ng·g-1干物质量到66.6 ng·g-1干物质量,平均质量分数为13.8 ng·g-1干物质量,与欧洲背景土壤中PBDEs的质量分数水平相当.同系物的组成分布说明珠江三角洲土壤中多溴联苯醚的污染来源主要是五溴、八溴及十溴产品的使用.土壤中∑9PBDEs和各同系物的含量与土壤总有机碳(TOC)的含量呈现显著的正相关.有机碳均一化后BDEs单体含量的对数与其log Kow正相关(除-47,r2=0.89),表明土壤有机质的吸附决定着PBDEs在环境中的分布和迁移.     

陡河水库鱼体汞的生物积累初探

为了解陡河燃煤电厂大气汞释放对毗邻的陡河水库水生生态系统中鱼体汞含量、生物积累和放大等的影响,本研究采集陡河水库野生鱼、虾和螺蛳,分别测定了鱼样等生物样品中的总汞和甲基汞,并对部分代表性样品测定稳定碳氮同位素比值。鱼汞分布特征和δ13C‰和δ15N‰同位素比值分布特征显示:鱼体(鲜样)中总汞和甲基汞平均含量分别为56.4±26.7和15.5±8.4 ng·g-1,总汞含量最高的是杂食性的白条鱼为133 ng·g-1。不同食性的鱼体δ13C和δ15N稳定同位素值变化范围分别为-28.1‰~-24.4‰和12.0‰~16.1‰,Log10[Hg]与δ15N的线性相关斜率值为负值。以上结果表明:陡河水库鱼体汞总体偏低,没有发现高生物积累和生物放大,其主要原因在于陡河水库水环境中汞含量较低,且陡河水库靠近市区,过度捕捞使可以捕获的鱼样种类和数量偏少,且鱼龄较低。     

典型城市人工湿地优势植物汞分布特征

以重庆市4个典型城市人工湿地(观音塘湿地公园、彩云湖国家湿地公园、园博园湿地公园、秀湖湿地公园)为研究对象,分别于2017年3、6、9、12月调查并采集了湿地优势植物样品,分析样品总汞、甲基汞浓度,探讨城市人工湿地中植物汞的时空分布特征.结果表明,调查区域植物汞质量浓度范围为45.29—231.01μg·kg~(-1)(平均值为33.99±8.61μg·kg~(-1)).甲基汞质量浓度范围为45.29—232.01 ng·kg~(-1)(平均值为145.45±48.72 ng·kg~(-1));其中,园博园湿地植物总汞质量浓度最低,观音塘湿地公园植物甲基汞质量浓度均较其他3个湿地公园植物高;在同一湿地中,植物总汞春秋浓度较高,夏季略有降低,冬季最低,而甲基汞浓度先逐渐升高,并在6—9月达到最大值,随后开始下降;植物根部总汞、甲基汞含量高于茎和叶.城市人工湿地植物有一定的汞富集能力,可在一定程度上减轻水体汞污染.     

甲基汞与总汞在低硫煤洗选过程中的脱除行为

以焦作市演马洗煤厂进料原煤及洗选产品为研究对象,对低硫煤中总汞与甲基汞含量进行测定,初步探讨了洗选过程中总汞与甲基汞的迁移规律、脱除效果及质量平衡.研究发现,原煤及洗选产品中总汞含量0.128-0.392 mg·kg-1;值得注意的是,原煤及洗选产品中均检出了甲基汞,含量为33.58-56.75 ng·kg-1.经过洗选,总汞在精煤中得到脱除,脱除率为24.68％,在筛末煤、中煤、副产品中被富集;甲基汞在大部分洗选产品中含量均有所降低,整体呈脱除趋势,脱除率为-3.46％-38.78％.该低硫煤中总汞与灰分显著正相关,与硫分呈负相关,在洗选过程中受灰分影响较大;甲基汞与灰分、硫分均极低相关,无明显的迁移规律.煤炭洗选前后的总汞质量平衡为108.06％,甲基汞质量平衡为80.08％.该低硫煤通过洗选,约60.55％的总汞和35.37％的甲基汞随筛末煤、中煤与副产品的排出而被去除,故需留意部分洗煤产品和副产品的存放与使用,避免可能对环境造成的汞污染问题.     

乌鲁木齐市水磨河底泥及污灌区土壤中有机氯农药的分布

用GC-ECD定量测定了乌鲁木齐市水磨河底泥及污灌区土壤中有机氯农药的含量.结果表明:底泥样品中HCHs和DDTs的含量为0.107-111.69ng·g-1和0.476-66.512ng·g-1,有机氯农药总量为0.583-178.202ng·g-1;土壤中为0.194-6.974ng·g-1和0.520-10.438ng·g-1,有机氯农药总量为0.714-17.412ng·g-1.底泥中HCHs的α/γ比值约为4,底泥和土壤中DDT/(DDE DDD)的比值较大.     

Achieving Open Access to Conservation Science

Conservation science is a crisis discipline in which the results of scientific enquiry must be made available quickly to those implementing management. We assessed the extent to which scientific research published since the year 2000 in 20 conservation science journals is publicly available. Of the 19,207 papers published, 1,667 (8.68%) are freely downloadable from an official repository. Moreover, only 938 papers (4.88%) meet the standard definition of open access in which material can be freely reused providing attribution to the authors is given. This compares poorly with a comparable set of 20 evolutionary biology journals, where 31.93% of papers are freely downloadable and 7.49% are open access. Seventeen of the 20 conservation journals offer an open access option, but fewer than 5% of the papers are available through open access. The cost of accessing the full body of conservation science runs into tens of thousands of dollars per year for institutional subscribers, and many conservation practitioners cannot access pay‐per‐view science through their workplace. However, important initiatives such as Research4Life are making science available to organizations in developing countries. We urge authors of conservation science to pay for open access on a per‐article basis or to choose publication in open access journals, taking care to ensure the license allows reuse for any purpose providing attribution is given. Currently, it would cost $51 million to make all conservation science published since 2000 freely available by paying the open access fees currently levied to authors. Publishers of conservation journals might consider more cost effective models for open access and conservation‐oriented organizations running journals could consider a broader range of options for open access to nonmembers such as sponsorship of open access via membership fees. Obtención de Acceso Abierto a la Ciencia de la Conservación     

Rapid,recurring, structured survey versus bioblitz for generating biodiversity data and analysis with a multispecies abundance model

A bioblitz inexpensively and quickly generates biodiversity data, but bioblitzes are often conducted with haphazard, unreplicated sampling. Results tend to be taxonomically, geographically, or temporally biased, lack metadata, and consist of lists of observed taxa that do not enable further analyses or correction for imperfect detection. A rapid, recurring, structured survey (RRSS) uses a structured sampling design and temporal and spatial replication to survey randomly selected sites on a conservation property. We participated in a loosely structured bioblitz and a subsequent RRSS at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville (St. Clair County), Alabama (USA) to compare observed richness derived from the 2 survey approaches. The RRSS data structure enabled us to fit models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate abundances, occupancy probabilities, and habitat associations. The loosely structured bioblitz data could not be used in such models. We present a new integrated multispecies abundance model that we applied to avian RRSS data. Our model extension enables estimation for the community, employs data augmentation to estimate the number of undetected species, and incorporates covariates. The RRSS generated a more comprehensive and less biased list of observed taxonomic richness than the loosely structured bioblitz (e.g., 73 vs. 45 bird species and 104 vs. 63 insect families from the RRSS vs. loosely structured bioblitz, respectively). Models fit to the RRSS data identified seasonal patterns in avian community composition and allowed for estimation of habitat–occupancy relationships for insect taxa. The RRSS protocol has potential for broad transferability as a standardized, quick, and inexpensive way to inventory biodiversity and estimate ecological parameters while providing an outreach opportunity.     

Compliance with and ecosystem function of biodiversity offsets in North American and European freshwaters

Land-use change via human development is a major driver of biodiversity loss. To reduce these impacts, billions of dollars are spent on biodiversity offsets. However, studies evaluating offset project effectiveness that examine components such as the overall compliance and function of projects remain rare. We reviewed 577 offsetting projects in freshwater ecosystems that included the metrics project size, type of aquatic system (e.g., wetland and creek), offsetting measure (e.g., enhancement, restoration, and creation), and an assessment of the projects’ compliance and functional success. Project information was obtained from scientific and government databases and gray literature. Despite considerable investment in offsetting projects, crucial problems persisted. Although compliance and function were related to each other, a high level of compliance did not guarantee a high degree of function. However, large projects relative to area had better function than small projects. Function improved when projects targeted productivity or specific ecosystem features and when multiple complementary management targets were in place. Restorative measures were more likely to achieve targets than creating entirely new ecosystems. Altogether the relationships we found highlight specific ecological processes that may help improve offsetting outcomes.     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

A palaeo-hydrogeological model for arsenic contamination in southern and south-east Asia

An argument is presented in which areas of natural arsenic contamination of modern groundwaters throughout Asia have a common origin. Arsenic originally accumulated in oceanic ferro-manganoan sediments of the eastern Palaeo-Tethys. This was further concentrated through oceanic crustal extinction in what later became the south-east Chinese accreted mineralised terrain. Proto-Himalayan uplift of this area created the palaeo-drainage systems of the Ganges – Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Mekong, and Red Rivers, with consequent headwater erosion of arsenic-rich sediments. Their downstream deposition as immature and easily redistributed Neogene sandstones, silts, and iron-rich clays has created secondary and tertiary reservoirs of adsorbed and authigenic arsenic, from which the current arsenic-rich groundwaters have evolved. Considering river basins within the above palaeo-hydrogeological framework provides a basis for assessing the risk of arsenic in groundwater basins of south and south-eastern Asia.     

Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini

Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini.     

Threats to intact tropical peatlands and opportunities for their conservation

Large, intact areas of tropical peatland are highly threatened at a global scale by the expansion of commercial agriculture and other forms of economic development. Conserving peatlands on a landscape scale, with their hydrology intact, is of international conservation importance to preserve their distinctive biodiversity and ecosystem services and maintain their resilience to future environmental change. We explored threats to and opportunities for conserving remaining intact tropical peatlands; thus, we excluded peatlands of Indonesia and Malaysia, where extensive deforestation, drainage, and conversion to plantations means conservation in this region can protect only small fragments of the original ecosystem. We focused on a case study, the Pastaza‐Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB) in Peru, which is among the largest known intact tropical peatland landscapes in the world and is representative of peatland vulnerability. Maintenance of the hydrological conditions critical for carbon storage and ecosystem function of peatlands is, in the PMFB, primarily threatened by expansion of commercial agriculture linked to new transport infrastructure that is facilitating access to remote areas. There remain opportunities in the PMFB and elsewhere to develop alternative, more sustainable land‐use practices. Although some of the peatlands in the PMFB fall within existing legally protected areas, this protection does not include the most carbon‐dense (domed pole forest) areas. New carbon‐based conservation instruments (e.g., REDD+, Green Climate Fund), developing markets for sustainable peatland products, transferring land title to local communities, and expanding protected areas offer pathways to increased protection for intact tropical peatlands in Amazonia and elsewhere, such as those in New Guinea and Central Africa which remain, for the moment, broadly beyond the frontier of commercial development.     

Effects of Controlled Fire and Livestock Grazing on Bird Communities in East African Savannas

Abstract: In East Africa fire and grazing by wild and domestic ungulates maintain savannas, and pastoralists historically set fires and herded livestock through the use of temporary corrals called bomas. In recent decades traditional pastoral practices have declined, and this may be affecting biodiversity. We investigated the effects of prescribed fires and bomas on savanna bird communities in East Africa during the first and second dry seasons of the year (respectively before and after the rains that mark the onset of breeding for most birds). We compared abundance, richness, and community composition on 9‐ha burned plots, recently abandoned bomas, and control plots in the undisturbed matrix habitat over a 3‐year period. Generally, recently burned areas and abandoned bomas attracted greater densities of birds and had different community assemblages than the surrounding matrix. The effects of disturbances were influenced by interactions between primary productivity, represented by the normalized difference vegetation index, and time. Bird densities were highest and a greater proportion of species was observed on burned plots in the months following the fires. Drought conditions equalized bird densities across treatments within 1 year, and individuals from a greater proportion of species were more commonly observed on abandoned bomas. Yearly fluctuations in abundance were less pronounced on bomas than on burns, which indicate that although fire may benefit birds in the short term, bomas may have a more‐lasting positive effect and provide resources during droughts. Several Palearctic migrants were attracted to burned plots regardless of rainfall, which indicates continued fire suppression may threaten their already‐declining populations. Most notably, the paucity of birds observed on the controls suggests that the current structure of the matrix developed as a result of fire suppression. Traditional pastoralism appears critical to the maintenance of avian diversity in these savannas.     

Cost‐effective conservation of an endangered frog under uncertainty

How should managers choose among conservation options when resources are scarce and there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of actions? Well‐developed tools exist for prioritizing areas for one‐time and binary actions (e.g., protect vs. not protect), but methods for prioritizing incremental or ongoing actions (such as habitat creation and maintenance) remain uncommon. We devised an approach that combines metapopulation viability and cost‐effectiveness analyses to select among alternative conservation actions while accounting for uncertainty. In our study, cost‐effectiveness is the ratio between the benefit of an action and its economic cost, where benefit is the change in metapopulation viability. We applied the approach to the case of the endangered growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis), which is threatened by urban development. We extended a Bayesian model to predict metapopulation viability under 9 urbanization and management scenarios and incorporated the full probability distribution of possible outcomes for each scenario into the cost‐effectiveness analysis. This allowed us to discern between cost‐effective alternatives that were robust to uncertainty and those with a relatively high risk of failure. We found a relatively high risk of extinction following urbanization if the only action was reservation of core habitat; habitat creation actions performed better than enhancement actions; and cost‐effectiveness ranking changed depending on the consideration of uncertainty. Our results suggest that creation and maintenance of wetlands dedicated to L. raniformis is the only cost‐effective action likely to result in a sufficiently low risk of extinction. To our knowledge we are the first study to use Bayesian metapopulation viability analysis to explicitly incorporate parametric and demographic uncertainty into a cost‐effective evaluation of conservation actions. The approach offers guidance to decision makers aiming to achieve cost‐effective conservation under uncertainty.