Assessment of semi-natural habitats and landscape features on Irish farmland: New insights to inform EU Common Agricultural Policy implementation

Concerns over the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services in farmland have prompted the development of agri-environment policy measures aimed at reducing farming pressure and maintaining semi-natural habitats in farmed landscapes. However, further knowledge is needed to guarantee successful agri-environment measures implementation. The current study assessed the quantity and the quality of semi-natural habitats in farms across a gradient of farming intensities in two contrasting regions in Ireland. Policy protection seemed fundamental for semi-natural habitats preservation. Habitats not protected by agricultural policy relied on extensive farming and are in danger of disappearing if they are intensified or abandoned. Due to the lack of policy incentives for habitat quality, no correlations were found between farming intensity and share of semi-natural habitats with habitat quality. Therefore, extensive farming and retention of habitats alone may not reverse the decline of farmland quality and biodiverisity and, thus, measures incentivising the environmental quality may be more successful.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13280-020-01344-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Stressor identification and health assessment of fish exposed to wastewater effluents in Miho Stream, South Korea

This study evaluated the effects of an industrial wastewater treatment plant (IWTP) and a municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) effluents on a variety of bioindicators ranging from biochemical, organism, and population-level responses in pale chub (Zacco platypus) and fish community structure. The Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) indicated that the site upstream of these wastewater treatment plant discharges is in fair–good condition and downstream of the plant is in poor condition. The EROD (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase) activity, condition factor, and liver somatic index were significantly increased at the downstream site compared to those of the upstream site. The most significant change observed in pale chub population in the downstream site of the Miho Stream, relative to the upstream population, was the total absence of an younger age group. Stressors impacting the downstream site were identified as mostly organic or nutrient enrichment and habitat degradation associated with wastewater treatment plants. The results of causal analysis suggest that the primary causes affecting fish population in the downstream site are through both size-selective mortality caused by ammonia toxicity and recruitment failure caused by habitat degradation and reproduction problem due to an IWTP and MWTP effluents.     

Barrage fishponds,a funnel effect for metal contaminants on headwater streams

Fishponds are man-made shallow water bodies that are still little studied because of their small size. They represent high value ecosystems, both environmentally (biodiversity hotspot) and economically (fish production). They can have a high place on the hydrographic network, so their influence on water quality is of first importance for rivers and water bodies located downstream and monitored under the Water Framework Directive. These small water bodies can be a source of contaminants during draining period or an efficient buffer for pesticides. We wanted to evaluate whether these ponds could also be a remediation tool against metals by following the annual evolution of upstream/downstream flows. Cadmium, copper, lead and zinc concentrations were quantified in the dissolved phase upstream and downstream of three ponds, each one having a specific agricultural environment (traditional or organic). Metal concentration was quantified in sediments and water. For the dissolved phase, the predictive non-effect concentration was often exceeded, suggesting an environmental risk. Results highlighted also greater quantity of metals at the downstream of the pond compared to the upstream, suggesting remobilization into the ponds or direct cross-sectional contributions from the watershed (e.g. runoff from crops) or even remobilization. Regarding sediments, minimal contamination was shown but a high mineralogical variability. No buffer effect of ponds, which could reduce the risk of acute or chronic toxicity, was detected.

     

Evaluation of biological integrity of a small urban stream system by investigating longitudinal variability of the fish assemblage

We investigated the integrity of fish assemblages of a small anthropogenically impacted urban stream system in south-western Germany. Heavy point and non-point pollution physiologically stresses the aquatic fauna while migration barriers and river morphological alterations negatively influence habitat availability. Investigations conducted in 1998 and 1999 revealed that the fish assemblage was altered and several site-specific fish species were missing while non-site-specific species were relatively common. Highest species diversity was recorded in a reach downstream of the main migration barrier, while upstream only a few species were present. In general, a shift to ubiquitous and limnophilic species as well as to less pollution sensitive species was observed. Adult fish dominated the population structure throughout the stream course. Recruitment was confined mainly to the less polluted headwater. In the present study we introduce an assessment system based on the similarity of the potential natural and the actually established fish assemblage as demanded by the Water Framework Directive of the European Union for the evaluation of the ecological status of a fish assemblage in a stream [EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of Europe establishing a framework for community action in the field of water policy. Brussels, 30 June, 2000. 1997/0067 (COD)]. Both, stream morphological quality and pollution data sampled within the two study years confirm the validity of the suggested assessment method.     

Waste converting through by-product synergy: an insight from three-echelon supply chain

By-product synergy (BPS) is an innovative method to convert waste into valuable by-products effectively. Based on a three-echelon supply chain composed of an upstream manufacturer, a processing plant with limited processing capacity, and a downstream manufacturer, this study derives the production quantity and waste disposal decisions of the upstream and downstream manufacturers as well as the optimal transfer price decision of the processing plant. Moreover, we assess the environmental performance of BPS. Analytical results suggest that the upstream manufacturer’s production quantity and waste disposal decisions and the processing plant’s transfer price decision are threshold dependent on the processing plant’s capacity, whereas the downstream manufacturer’s production quantity decision is threshold dependent on the processing plant’s capacity and price of raw materials. BPS is beneficial for all members of the supply chain to increase profit. The production promotion and cost-saving effects ensure that the supply chain members maximize their profit. However, BPS does not always have a positive effect on the environment; when the processing plant’s capacity and price of raw materials are below the threshold, implementing BPS results in a win-win situation of economic and environmental benefits.

     

Stochastic modeling of chemical oxygen demand transformations in gravity sewers.

Wastewater quality characteristics in terms of biomass, its substrates, and the corresponding kinetic and stoichiometric parameters were determined based on 109 wastewater samples originating from five different campaigns in four different sewer networks. Quality parameters were determined by model calibration of measured wastewater oxygen uptake rates applying a model that describes the aerobic breakdown of wastewater organic matter. Thereafter, the distributions of the parameters were analyzed. Two of the five datasets were obtained at the upstream end of a five-km-long, intercepting gravity sewer. For each of these upstream wastewater samples, downstream samples were collected with a delay corresponding to the residence time. The upstream distributions of the wastewater composition were used as boundary conditions for a Monte Carlo simulation. The calculated downstream distributions were compared to the measured downstream distributions and good agreement was observed.     

Evaluation of stream ecological integrity using litter decomposition and benthic invertebrates

Biomonitoring programs to access the ecological integrity of freshwaters tend to rely exclusively on structural parameters. Here we evaluated stream ecological integrity using (a) benthic macroinvertebrate derived metrics and a biotic index as measures of structural integrity and (b) oak litter decomposition and associated fungal sporulation rates as measures of functional integrity. The study was done at four sites (S1, S2, S3 and S4) along a downstream increasing phosphorus and habitat degradation gradient in a small stream. The biotic index, invertebrate metrics, invertebrate and fungal communities' structure and sporulation rates discriminated upstream and downstream sites. Decomposition rates classified sites S4 and S2 as having a compromised ecosystem functioning. Although both functional and structural approaches gave the same results for the most impacted site (S4), they were complementary for moderately impacted sites (S2 and S3), and we therefore support the need for incorporating functional measures in evaluations of stream ecological integrity.     

长三角示范区饮用水水源水质安全与实体性制度协同立法

在对长三角生态绿色一体化发展示范区(以下简称示范区)饮用水水源保护所涉立法和实务部门进行广泛调研的基础上,研究和探讨了示范区饮用水水源的立法现状与水质状况、水质安全问题的主要成因、协同立法的理论基础和有利条件,并就协同立法的形式选择和核心内容提出了具体建议.研究发现,水质安全与相关实体性制度的构建是示范区饮用水水源保护...     

Levels and distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the freshwater environment surrounding a PBDE manufacturing plant in China

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in muscle, liver and eggs of freshwater fishes and surface sediments from the Nongkang River in Jinhu, Jiangsu Province, China. The present study is the first to report PBDE concentrations in the freshwater environment surrounding a PBDE manufacturing plant in China. The concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners in muscle, liver and eggs of freshwater fishes ranged from <LOD to 130, <LOD to 252 and <LOD to 33.3 ng/g lipid wt, respectively, while the concentrations of 13 PBDE congeners in surface sediments from sewage outfall, upstream and downstream of the river were 52, 9.2, 7.1 ng/g organic carbon wt, respectively. Contamination by PBDEs in this area was not serious when compared with other regions of the world. A relatively high proportion of BDE-183 was found, consistent with the octa-BDE technical mixtures from the manufacturing plant by the side of the river.     

Decabrominated diphenyl ether in river fish and sediment samples collected downstream an industrial park

Fish, sediment and water samples from different places along the Spanish River Vero, a tributary of the Cinca River in the Ebro River basin, were collected in two different sampling campaigns, the first one during November 2004 and the second one in November 2005. The samples were collected up- and downstream from an industrial park. A total of 29 fishes, 6 sediments and 3 water samples were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Analytical work included 23 congeners, from tri- to deca-BDEs. The highest values for both sediment and fish samples were found downstream of the industrial park. High BDE-209 contamination was found in these sediment samples, with values up to 12 microg g(-1) dry weight. Moreover, BDE-209 was detected in 14 out of 15 biota samples collected downstream the industrial park, at concentration levels ranging from 20 to 707 ng g(-1) lipid weight, whereas it was not detected in samples collected upstream. These fish concentrations proved the bioavailability of BDE-209 and represented the highest deca-BDE values found in aquatic biota. The analysis of industrial effluents revealed that some industries contribute in some way to the BDE-209 contamination found in this area, but the industry focused on the polyamide polymerization is the main responsible.     

Mercury bioaccumulation and risk to three waterbird foraging guilds is influenced by foraging ecology and breeding stage

We evaluated mercury (Hg) in five waterbird species representing three foraging guilds in San Francisco Bay, CA. Fish-eating birds (Forster's and Caspian terns) had the highest Hg concentrations in thier tissues, but concentrations in an invertebrate-foraging shorebird (black-necked stilt) were also elevated. Foraging habitat was important for Hg exposure as illustrated by within-guild differences, where species more associated with marshes and salt ponds had higher concentrations than those more associated with open-bay and tidal mudflats. Importantly, Hg concentrations increased with time spent in the estuary. Surf scoter concentrations tripled over six months, whereas Forster's terns showed an up to 5-fold increase between estuary arrival and breeding. Breeding waterbirds were at elevated risk of Hg-induced reproductive impairment, particularly Forster's terns, in which 48% of breeding birds were at high risk due to their Hg levels. Our results highlight the importance of habitat and exposure timing, in addition to trophic position, on waterbird Hg bioaccumulation and risk.     

The effect of an industrial effluent on an urban stream benthic community: water quality vs habitat quality

We studied the effect of an industrial effluent on the water quality, habitat quality, and benthic macroinvertebrates of an urban stream in southwestern Michigan (USA). The effluent affected water quality by raising in-stream temperatures 13-18 degree C during colder months and carrying high amounts of iron (> 20 x higher than ambient) that covered the streambed. The effluent also affected habitat conditions by increasing total stream discharge by 50-150%, causing a significant change in substrate and flow conditions. We used three methods to collect benthic macroinvertebrates in depositional and erosional habitats and to understand the relative importance of habitat quality and water quality alterations. Macroinvertebrate response variables included taxonomic richness, abundance, and proportional abundance of sensitive taxonomic groups. Results indicated that the effluent had a positive effect on macroinvertebrate communities by increasing the quantity of riffle habitat, but a negative effect on macroinvertebrate communities by reducing water quality. Results illustrated the need for careful consideration of habitat quality and water quality in restoration or remediation programs.     

Integrated evaluation of the performance of a more than seven year old permeable reactive barrier at a site contaminated with chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs)

An important issue of concern for permeable reactive iron barriers is the long-term efficiency of the barriers due to the long operational periods required. Mineral precipitation resulting from the anaerobic corrosion of the iron filings and bacteria present in the barrier may play an important role in the long-term performance. An integrated study was performed on the Vapokon permeable reactive barrier (PRB) in Denmark by groundwater and iron core sample characterization. The detailed field groundwater sampling carried out from more than 75 well screens up and downstream the barrier showed a very efficient removal (>99%) for the most important CAHs (PCE, TCE and 1,1,1-TCA). However, significant formation of cis-DCE within the PRB resulted in an overall insufficient efficiency for cis-DCE removal. The detailed analysis of the upstream groundwater revealed a very heterogeneous spatial distribution of contaminant loading into the PRB, which resulted in that only about a quarter of the barrier system is treating significant loads of CAHs. Laboratory batch experiments using contaminated groundwater from the site and iron material from the core samples revealed that the aged iron material performed equally well as virgin granular iron of the same type based on determined degradation rates despite that parts of the cored iron material were covered by mineral precipitates (especially iron sulfides, carbonate green rust and aragonite). The PCR analysis performed on the iron core samples indicated the presence of a microbial consortium in the barrier. A wide range of species were identified including sulfate and iron reducing bacteria, together with Dehalococcoides and Desulfuromonas species indicating microbial reductive dehalogenation potential. The microbes had a profound effect on the performance of the barrier, as indicated by significant degradation of dichloromethane (which is typically unaffected by zero valent iron) within the barrier.     

Correlation of Dust Scrubber Efficiency

The grid-type electrostatic precipitator¹ evolved from some basic research into the collection of airborne charged dust particles in the wake of a flat, metallic, perforated plate under the action of an externally applied electric field. In the earliest experiments in the laboratory² a flat grounded perforated plate (or grid) was placed at right angles to an air stream moving at 6 ft/sec and an electric field was created on its downstream side by the placement of a second grid, bearing high negative potential, just downstream of the first. Negatively charged dust particles, carried along by the air stream through the openings in the first of the two grids, collected on the downstream face of the upstream grid as a result of the electric force acting on them in the direction opposing the air flow. Measured values of dust collection efficiency could not be accounted for simply by resolving the directly opposing mainstream air flow and electrostatic forces. The concept of vortex-enhanced precipitation was therefore proposed in order to explain the experimental results.     

Environmental quality of Jordanian coastal surface sediment, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea

Surface sediment samples were collected from five stations along the Jordanian coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea, during October and November over 2 years, 2000 and 2001. The monthly sedimentation rate also was estimated for the same stations. Collected sediments were analyzed for color, odor, redox potential, grain size, organic carbon, organic nitrogen, calcium carbonate, and total phosphorus. The Hotels area at the northernmost tip of the Gulf of Aqaba, characterized by sandy beaches and sea grass bottom habitat, exhibited the lowest values for redox potential and was associated with a black color. The Phosphate Port area exhibited the highest sedimentation rate, finest grain size, highest organic carbon content, and highest total phosphorus concentration. This is a deposition habitat that receives phosphate particles lost during shipment. The Marine Science Station and the Tourist Camp, typical coral reef habitats, had the highest calcium carbonate and organic nitrogen concentrations. This is directly attributed to the nature of the bottom habitat. Calcium carbonate deposits result from the erosion of hard corals, and organic nitrogen accumulates due to the rapid consumption and recycling of plankton in the coral reef framework. Comparison of the current records with old records from the 1970s and early 1980s indicates significant improvement in the environmental quality at the Phosphate Port. Tracking the coastal management practices over time shows that these improvements in the environmental quality can be attributed both to the zero discharge policy Jordan has followed since 1986 and to improvements in the phosphate handling system by the Ports Corporation.     

Persistent organic pollutants and sedimentary organic matter properties: a case study in the Kishon River, Israel

The Kishon River, the second largest coastal river in Israel, has been severely polluted for several decades. Sediments from upstream and downstream sites of the river were analyzed, lipid-extracted and evaluated for phenanthrene uptake. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration in downstream sediments was 299 microg kg(-1), consisting mostly of petrogenic-derived PAHs. Downstream sedimentary lipids were found to be dominated by fresh and decomposed petroleum-derived n-alkanes. The total PAH concentration in upstream sediments was 173 microg kg(-1), consisting mostly of pyrogenic-derived PAHs, whereas lipids from these sediments were mostly vegetation-derived. Spectroscopic data suggested an exceptionally high aromatic content in downstream humic acid, which originated from PAHs attached to its structure. Sorption data suggested that upstream sedimentary cuticle-derived lipids function as a sorption domain, while downstream sedimentary lipids, consisting of shorter-chain-length petroleum-derived alkanes, compete with phenanthrene for sorption sites.     

Monitoring of iodinated X-ray contrast media in surface water

A monitoring programme was carried out in order to determine iodinated X-ray contrast media (ICM) in the River Danube and to investigate the raw water quality for drinking water production at Langenau waterworks. The study revealed that the maximum concentrations of ICM (over 500 ng l(-1) for diatrizoic acid and iopamidol) were found in 2h-composite samples taken from the downstream of the Ulm/Neu-Ulm metropolitan area. By means of a concentration profile over one month the highest ICM concentrations were observed on weekdays. The extended data evaluation with principal component analysis shows that the upstream and downstream samples had different pattern of variations in ICM concentration and also demonstrates a clear change in ICM composition by the discharge of municipal wastewater. In addition to load profiles of ICM, time-dependent plots of principal component 1 exhibited peaks, indicating a short-term discharge of ICM between the two sampling sites. In conclusion, a point source for ICM contamination between the sampling sites in Ulm upstream and Leipheim downstream seems to be the reasonable explanation for peak ICM concentrations. Due to the observed high variations of ICM concentrations in river, the evaluation of natural waters by means of a single analysis is not representative.     

A comparison of river water quality sampling methodologies under highly variable load conditions

When river water quality fluctuates over relatively short periods of time with respect to the sampling frequency, the collection of grab samples may be inappropriate for characterising average water quality. This paper presents the results of a water quality monitoring study carried out on a stretch of the river Lambro (northern Italy) dominated by a periodically overloaded sewage treatment works (STW) located near its upstream end. Water quality was strongly influenced by a pronounced diurnal cycle in pollutant loads caused by the regular emission of untreated waste water during periods of high domestic flow (daytime). Two different sampling techniques were employed: grab sampling and 24-h composite sampling using automatic samplers. Samples were collected at the plant overflow and at several sites along the river and analysed for two common ingredients of household detergents, linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) and boron (B) and for routine water quality variables. The results obtained show that: (1) The diurnal variability of point-source-derived chemical concentrations in the river downstream of the undersized STW increased with increasing removal efficiency in sewage treatment. (2) The shape of the diurnal concentration signal remained relatively intact for a considerable distance downstream of the STW for several water quality variables, suggesting that hydrodynamic dispersion plays a relatively minor role in controlling concentration patterns in this river. (3) In-stream degradation of LAS was consistent with first order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.05-0.06 h(-1). (4) Grab sampling is a relatively inefficient methodology for capturing mean concentrations for rivers subjected to highly variable loads, especially when it is restricted to office hours. The inefficiency of grab sampling is more marked for substances (e.g. LAS) which are effectively removed during sewage treatment than for substances which are not. (5) For LAS, diurnal variability in the concentration signal decreases with distance downstream, making grab sampling an increasingly reliable methodology for estimating mean concentrations. (6) 24-h composite sampling is an efficient way of eliminating the effect of diurnal variations in load strength.     

Emissions tradeoffs among alternative marine fuels: total fuel cycle analysis of residual oil, marine gas oil, and marine diesel oil

Worldwide concerns about sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions from ships are motivating the replacement of marine residual oil (RO) with cleaner, lower-sulfur fuels, such as marine gas oil (MGO) and marine diesel oil (MDO). Vessel operators can use MGO and MDO directly or blended with RO to achieve environmental and economic objectives. Although expected to be much cleaner in terms of criteria pollutants, these fuels require additional energy in the upstream stages of the fuel cycle (i.e., fuel processing and refining), and thus raise questions about the net impacts on greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide [CO2]) because of production and use. This paper applies the Total Energy and Environmental Analysis for Marine Systems (TEAMS) model to conduct a total fuel cycle analysis of RO, MGO, MDO, and associated blends for a typical container ship. MGO and MDO blends achieve significant (70-85%) SOx emissions reductions compared with RO across a range of fuel quality and refining efficiency assumptions. We estimate CO2 increases of less than 1% using best estimates of fuel quality and refinery efficiency parameters and demonstrate how these results vary based on parameter assumptions. Our analysis suggests that product refining efficiency influences the CO2 tradeoff more than differences in the physical and energy parameters of the alternative fuels, suggesting that modest increases in CO2 could be offset by efficiency improvements at some refineries. Our results help resolve conflicting estimates of greenhouse gas tradeoffs associated with fuel switching and other emissions control policies.     

Detection of advected, reacting redox fronts from self-potential measurements

We report on an experiment aimed at testing the use of self-potential measurements to monitor the motion and mixing of redox reactants advected through a well-controlled, laboratory-scale, artificial aquifer system. A rectangular, plastic tank was filled up with water-saturated sand and an array of unpolarizable electrodes was installed in the sand body. A nearly uniform, steady-state flow was established by tilting the tank and controlling the water level in reservoirs at both ends. Then, we simultaneously injected a known quantity of KMnO(4) and FeCl(2), respectively, into two separate compartments forming the upstream reservoir. We thus generated two abrupt fronts, one oxidizing and the other reducing, which subsequently travelled in parallel by advection through the sand body. The KMnO(4) and FeCl(2) solutions were in contact and reacted with each other in a region located along the median vertical plane parallel to the flow direction. During flow, the electrical potential differences between each electrode and a reference located in the downstream reservoir were recorded. In the unreacted FeCl(2) region the electric potential showed sudden variations successively occurring at increasing distances in the flow direction, associated with the passage of the FeCl(2) front. These signals essentially corresponded to the junction potential produced by the difference in ionic mobility of Fe(2+) and Cl(-). In the unreacted KMnO(4) region sharp signals, but with much smaller amplitudes, were also observed. Near the vertical median plane on the FeCl(2) side, we observed a second front associated with the spreading of the reaction zone. The shape and evolution of the reaction zone was largely controlled by the precipitation of Fe(OH)(3).