Concentration and characteristics of depleted uranium in biological and water samples collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina

During Balkan conflicts in 1994-1995, depleted uranium (DU) ordnance was employed and was left in the battlefield. Health concern is related to the risk arising from contamination of the environment with DU penetrators and dust. In order to evaluate the impact of DU on the environment and population in Bosnia and Herzegovina, radiological survey of DU in biological and water samples were carried out over the period 12-24 October 2002. The uranium isotopic concentrations in biological samples collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina, mainly lichens, mosses and barks, were found to be in the range of 0.27-35.7 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, 0.24-16.8 Bq kg(-1) for (234)U, and 0.02-1.11 Bq kg(-1) for (235)U, showing uranium levels to be higher than in the samples collected at the control site. Moreover, the (236)U in some of the samples was detectable. The isotopic ratios of (234)U/(238)U showed DU to be detectable in many biological samples at most sites examined, but in very low levels. The presence of DU in the biological samples was as a result of DU contamination in air. The uranium concentrations in water samples collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina were found to be in the range of 0.27-16.2 m Bq l(-1) for (238)U, 0.41-15.6 m Bq l(-1) for (234)U and 0.012-0.695 m Bq l(-1) for (235)U, and two water samples were observed to be DU positive; these values are much lower than those in mineral water found in central Italy and below the WHO guideline for public drinking water. From radiotoxicological point of view, at this moment there is no significant radiological risk related to these investigated sites in terms of possible DU contamination of water and/or plants.     

Variation and Interrelation of Characters in Brunnera sibirica in Natural and Disturbed Habitats

Russian Journal of Ecology -     

Distribution Characteristics and Implication of n-alkanes in Soils and Plants in Alpine Meadow

Russian Journal of Ecology - The present study was conducted to investigate the n-alkane composition of typical alpine meadows. Plant and soil samples were collected and analyzed to characterize...     

Fate and transport of pathogens in lakes and reservoirs

Outbreaks of water-borne disease via public water supplies continue to be reported in developed countries even though there is increased awareness of, and treatment for, pathogen contamination. Pathogen episodes in lakes and reservoirs are often associated with rain events, and the riverine inflow is considered to be major source of pathogens. Consequently, the behaviour of these inflows is of particular importance in determining pathogen transport and distribution. Inflows are controlled by their density relative to that of the lake, such that warm inflows will flow over the surface of the lake as a buoyant surface flow and cold, dense inflows will sink beneath the lake water where they will flow along the bathymetry towards the deepest point. The fate of pathogens is determined by loss processes including settling and inactivation by temperature, UV and grazing. The general trend is for the insertion timescale to be shortest, followed by sedimentation losses and temperature inactivity. The fate of Cryptosporidium due to UV light inactivation can occur at opposite ends of the scale, depending on the location of the oocysts in the water column and the extinction coefficient for UV light. For this reason, the extinction coefficient for UV light appears to be a vitally important parameter for determining the risk of Cryptosporidium contamination. For risk assessment of pathogens in supply reservoirs, it is important to understand the role of hydrodynamics in determining the timescale of transport to the off-take relative to the timescale of inactivation. The characteristics of the riverine intrusion must also be considered when designing a sampling program for pathogens. A risk management framework is presented that accounts for pathogen fate and transport for reservoirs.     

中欧可再生能源电力安全困境分析与合作路径

本文主要是为中欧可再生能源电力安全合作路径提供相关的政策建议。通过中欧双方可再生能源政策的相互比较,得到以下结论:1中国能源密度下跌的原因是节能减排政策的实施使用,不断提高能源效率和减排将是未来中国政府的核心任务;2把新能源外交与能源节约联系在一起,与欧盟之间加强中欧新能源合作,抓住机会引进新能源技术、设备和成果,以加强我们在新能源领域的竞争力;3建立战略目标和政策协调机制,以促进新能源外交政策的梳理,协同推进新能源外交战略目标的发展;4探索欧盟与中国的合作新机制,减少现有的国际机构或政府新成立的多边集团对短期商品价格冲击的影响,缓解短期的商品供应缺口和价格冲击;5在维护能源安全上,中欧双方有着共同的利益,也面临共同挑战。与欧盟在能源技术、能效管理、标准、法规、能源市场和监管等方面合作,推动中国节能和增效,对控制能源消费总量,实现能源生产和利用方式变革等都具有现实意义。     

Association of arsenic and kidney dysfunction in people with diabetes and validation of its effects in rats

We studied villagers with and without diabetes from arsenic-endemic areas and a nearby control site in Xinjiang Autonomous Region, PR China. Water and urinary arsenic were assayed for exposure measurement. Urinary NAG (N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase), a kidney function test, blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, high density lipid and low density lipid were measured. Villagers from endemic areas were found to have higher urinary arsenic concentrations. The NAG results also suggest that chronic arsenic exposure presents a significant adverse impact on the kidney function of villagers in the endemic areas. However, blood glucose levels of diabetes individuals were lower than those from the control site. These observations were validated in rats which were chronically exposed to arsenic in drinking water. The distinct relationship between chronic arsenic exposure and diabetes mellitus requires further investigation. A rodent model is a useful tool for study of this type.     

Genotoxic effects of occupational exposure to lead and influence of polymorphisms in genes involved in lead toxicokinetics and in DNA repair

Lead is still widely used in many industrial processes and is very persistent in the environment. Although toxic effects caused by occupational exposure to lead have been extensively studied, there are still conflicting results regarding its genotoxicity. In a previous pilot study we observed some genotoxic effects in a population of lead exposed workers. Thus, we extended our study analysing a larger population, increasing the number of genotoxicity endpoints, and including a set of 20 genetic polymorphisms related to lead toxicokinetics and DNA repair as susceptibility biomarkers. Our population comprised 148 workers from two Portuguese factories and 107 controls. The parameters analysed were: blood lead levels (BLL) and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity as exposure biomarkers, and T-cell receptor (TCR) mutation assay, micronucleus (MN) test, comet assay and OGG1-modified comet assay as genotoxicity biomarkers. Lead exposed workers showed markedly higher BLL and lower ALAD activity than the controls, and significant increases of TCR mutation frequency (TCR-Mf), MN rate and DNA damage. Oxidative damage did not experience any significant alteration in the exposed population. Besides, significant influence was observed for VDR rs1544410 polymorphism on BLL; APE1 rs1130409 and LIG4 rs1805388 polymorphisms on TCR-Mf; MUTYH rs3219489, XRCC4 rs28360135 and LIG4 rs1805388 polymorphisms on comet assay parameter; and OGG1 rs1052133 and XRCC4 rs28360135 polymorphisms on oxidative damage. Our results showed genotoxic effects related to occupational lead exposure to levels under the Portuguese regulation limit of 70μg/dl. Moreover, a significant influence of polymorphisms in genes involved in DNA repair on genotoxicity biomarkers was observed.     

中国实施生态旅游认证的机遇与挑战

在界定生态旅游认证、分析建立生态旅游认证体系意义的基础上．对绿色环球21、澳大利亚的NEAP、厄瓜多尔的Smart Voyager等目前国际知名的认证体系进行了介绍．重点分析了中国实施生态旅游认证的机遇和面临的挑战，并对我国建立生态旅游认证体系的必要性及相关问题提出了建议。     

Concentration and characterization of plutonium in soils of Hubei in central China

To study the Pu concentration and isotope ratio distributions present in China, the ^239+240Pu total activities and ²⁴⁰Pu/²³⁹Pu atom ratios in core soil samples from Hubei Province in central China were investigated using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS). The activities ranged from 0.019 to 0.502 mBq g⁻¹ and the ^239+240Pu inventories of 45 and ∼55 Bq m⁻² agree well with that expected from global fallout. The ²⁴⁰Pu/²³⁹Pu atom ratios in the soil ranged from 0.172 to 0.220. The ratios are similar to typical global fallout values. Hence, any close-in fallout contribution from the Chinese nuclear weapons tests, mainly conducted in the 1970s, must have either been negligible or had a similar ²⁴⁰Pu/²³⁹Pu ratio to that of global fallout. The top 10 cm layer of the soil contributes ∼90% of the total inventory and the maximum concentrations appeared in the 2-4 cm or 4-6 cm layers. It is suggested that climatic conditions and organic content are the two main factors that affect the vertical migration of plutonium in soil.     

Isotopic composition and origin of uranium and plutonium in selected soil samples collected in Kosovo

Soil samples collected from locations in Kosovo where depleted uranium (DU) ammunition was expended during the 1999 Balkan conflict were analysed for uranium and plutonium isotopes content (234U, 235U, 236U, 238U, 238Pu, (239 + 240)Pu). The analyses were conducted using gamma spectrometry (235U, 238U), alpha spectrometry (238Pu, (239 + 240)Pu), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (234U, 235U, 236U, 238U) and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) (236U)). The results indicated that whenever the U concentration exceeded the normal environmental values (approximately 2 to 3 mg/kg) the increase was due to DU contamination. 236U was also present in the released DU at a constant ratio of 236U (mg/kg)/238U (mg/kg) = 2.6 x 10(-5), indicating that the DU used in the ammunition was from a batch that had been irradiated and then reprocessed. The plutonium concentration in the soil (undisturbed) was about 1 Bq/kg and, on the basis of the measured 238Pu/(239 + 240)Pu, could be entirely attributed to the fallout of the nuclear weapon tests of the 1960s (no appreciable contribution from DU).     

我国探矿权资产化、证券化的模式及设想

探矿权资产化、证券化是我国改革探矿业投融资体制，解决探矿业资金瓶颈问题的关键。本文从制度建设、机构投资者的发展状况等方面分析了我国初步推行探矿权资产化、证券化的有利条件．指出了探矿权资产化、证券化的三种模式。并以基金模式和股权模式为例提出了实施探矿权资产化、证券化的步骤设想。     

Environmental occurrence and risk of organic UV filters and stabilizers in multiple matrices in Norway

Eight organic UV filters and stabilizers were quantitatively determined in wastewater sludge and effluent, landfill leachate, sediments, and marine and freshwater biota. Crab, prawn and cod from Oslofjord, and perch, whitefish and burbot from Lake Mjøsa were selected in order to evaluate the potential for trophic accumulation. All of the cod livers analysed were contaminated with at least 1 UV filter, and a maximum concentration of almost 12 μg/g wet weight for octocrylene (OC) was measured in one individual. 80% of the cod livers contained OC, and approximately 50% of cod liver and prawn samples contained benzophenone (BP3). Lower concentrations and detection frequencies were observed in freshwater species and the data of most interest is the 4 individual whitefish that contained both BP3 and ethylhexylmethoxycinnamate (EHMC) with maximum concentrations of almost 200 ng/g wet weight. The data shows a difference in the loads of UV filters entering receiving water dependent on the extent of wastewater treatment. Primary screening alone is insufficient for the removal of selected UV filters (BP3, Padimate, EHMC, OC, UV-234, UV-327, UV-328, UV-329). Likely due in part to the hydrophobic nature of the majority of the UV filters studied, particulate loading and organic carbon content appear to be related to concentrations of UV filters in landfill leachate and an order of magnitude difference in these parameters correlates with an order of magnitude difference in the effluent concentrations of selected UV filters (Fig. 2). From the data, it is possible that under certain low flow conditions selected organic UV filters may pose a risk to surface waters but under the present conditions the risk is low, but some UV filters will potentially accumulate through the trophic food chain.     

山地丘陵区城市化进程中裸地的时空转化及改造利用的分类研究

针对近年来快速城镇化进程导致城市周边裸地显著增长但对其改造利用率低的问题，以山地丘陵型城市四川省绵阳市为例，采用1999~2017年4期Landsat TM/OLI遥感影像提取研究区包括裸地在内的土地利用/土地覆被变化信息，重点分析了城市化进程中裸地的时空分布及土地转移特征，并以2017年裸地为例探讨了裸地改造利用的分类分区方法。主要结论有： （1）1999~2017年，裸地在研究区最高约占6.34%（2011年），最低3.91%（1999年），年均增长率1.64%，低于同期城市不渗水面的年均增长率9.74%。空间上，裸地主要分布在460~500 m的高程范围和坡度8°以下，沿城乡过渡带、城市开发区以及新修道路两边是裸地主要分布区。（2）1999~2017年，约61.35%的裸地由耕地转化而来，23.58%来源于林地，同期又有51.88%裸地转换为耕地，24.79%转换为城市不渗水面。（3）综合裸地所处区位、地形、景观格局等因素后将2017年裸地划为社区利用型、城市绿化型、城市基础和公共服务设施建设型、都市农业型以及生态修复型5大类改造利用型，以期为研究区城市化进程中的裸地改造利用提供参考依据。     

我国水稻生产中不同类型技术要素投入的时空变化及门限效应分析

基于1978～2016年我国大陆30个省(市、自治区)的面板数据,分析了我国水稻生产中的农业机械技术要素投入和农业灌溉技术要素投入的时空变化,采用面板门限回归模型,实证分析了两类技术对我国水稻生产的影响.结果 表明:农业机械技术要素投入增幅大于农业灌溉技术要素投入,且二者均增加的省份主要位于北方,其中东北增幅最大,减少的省份主要位于南方,其中华南降幅最大;农业机械技术要素投入和农业灌溉技术要素投入对我国水稻生产的影响均具有相同的双门限效应,门限值为1981和1989年,但两类技术影响水稻生产的演进路径不尽相同,农业机械技术要素投入经历了从最初与水稻生产实际不匹配而导致过剩到对水稻增产作用逐渐增强的阶段,而农业灌溉技术要素投入对水稻产量的影响一直是正向且影响程度不断增强.因此,差异化实施农业生产技术要素发展政策,是提高农业技术效用水平、保障国家粮食安全的重要途径.     

Retention and phytoavailability of radioniobium in soils

Radioniobium is present in long-lived nuclear waste as a result of the activation of zirconium pellets associated with the nuclear fuel. The behaviour of niobium (Nb) in the environment and especially its fate in the soil-plant system has not been thoroughly investigated so far. In safety assessment of French long-lived nuclear waste disposal, data concerning the mobility and the bioavailability of Nb in soils are needed as well as general trends of its fate in the specific environment around the site of French underground research laboratory. Therefore, we investigated the mobility of 95Nb in three different soils typical of the area of north-eastern France and its uptake by two plants, rye grass (Lolium perenne L.) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Soil:solution distribution of 95Nb was observed in 1:10 batch experiments with deionized water for a 3-day period. Results showed that K(d) values were high (in the order of 10(3) L kg(-1)) and were still significantly increasing after 3 days. A mathematical model, fitted to describe the decrease of the radioactivity after 3 days, is proposed to calculate sorption ratios--SR--(rather than K(d) values as equilibrium was not reached) over longer periods. Soil-to-plant concentration ratios (CR) were measured in shoots and roots of the two plants after cultivation on two soils spiked with (95)Nb (406kBqkg(-1)). Soil-to-root dry weight CR were high (0.30-1.52) and could probably be due to efficient uptake into the roots. However, no transfer of Nb to plant shoots was detected in any of the soils. Nb is thus a rather immobile element in soils and its transfer to plants seems limited to underground parts. It would therefore tend to accumulate in surface horizons of soils in case of long-term continuous surface release.     

Radioactivity concentration in liquid and solid phases of scale and sludge generated in the petroleum industry

Scales and sludge generated during oil extraction and production can contain uranium, thorium, radium and other natural radionuclides, which can cause exposure of maintenance personnel. This work shows how the oil content can influence the results of measurements of radionuclide concentration in scale and sludge. Samples were taken from a PETROBRAS unit in Northeast Brazil. They were collected directly from the inner surface of water pipes or from barrels stored in the waste storage area of the E&P unit. The oil was separated from the solids with a Soxhlet extractor by using aguarras at 90+/-5 degrees C as solvent. Concentrations of 226Ra and 228Ra in the samples were determined before and after oil extraction by using an HPGe gamma spectrometric system. The results showed an increase in the radionuclide concentration in the solid (dry) phase, indicating that the above radionuclides concentrate mostly in the solid material.     

Toxic effects of brominated flame retardants in man and in wildlife

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are ubiquitous industrial chemicals, and many of them are produced in large volumes. Due to this fact, several BFRs are found in quantifiable levels in wildlife, as well as in humans. However, we are still lacking information on the effects of BFR in wildlife and, especially, in man. This review summarises the biological effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and derivates, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), however excluding other aspects such as environmental levels. These BFR groups were selected because of a large volume production (PBDEs, TBBPA and derivates), and availability of some toxicity data in spite of much lower production volumes (HBCD and PBBs). In addition, the increase in levels of PBDEs in human (breast milk) and wildlife samples during later time made it especially interesting to include this BFR group. PBDES: The commercial PBDE products predominantly consist of so-called penta-, octa- and decabromodiphenyl ether products. Each product consists of a rather narrow range of congeners and is named after the dominating congener as regards the bromination pattern. Generally, the PentaBDEs seem to cause adverse effects at the comparably lowest dose, whereas much higher doses were needed for effects of the DecaBDEs. The critical effects of PentaBDEs are those on neurobehavioural development (from 0.6 mg/kg body weight) and, at somewhat higher dose, thyroid hormone levels in rats and mice, of OctaBDEs on fetal toxicity/teratogenicity in rats and rabbits (from 2 mg/kg body weight), and of DecaBDEs on thyroid, liver and kidney morphology in adult animals (from 80 mg/kg body weight). Carcinogenicity studies, only performed for DecaBDEs, show some effects at very high levels, and IARC (1990) evaluates DecaBDEs not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. TBBPA: The toxicity of TBBPA in the experimental in vivo studies is suggested to be low. In most reported studies, only doses in g/kg body weight were effective, but at least one study suggested renal effects at around 250 mg/kg body weight. Although difficult to include and interpret in a quantitative risk assessment, the in vitro effects on immunological and thyroid hormones, as well as binding to erythrocytes should be noted. Before a solid standpoint could be reached on TBBPA toxicity additional studies must be performed. This statement is even more valid regarding the TBBPA derivates, where there is an almost complete lack of toxicity data. HBCD: Also in the case of HBCD, relevant toxicity studies are lacking. Based on the present animal studies, a critical effect is seen in the liver and on thyroid hormones (LOAEL 100 mg/kg body weight/day). However, in a recent short paper behavioural effects in mice pups were observed already at 0.9 mg/kg body weight, and behavioural effects may be a sensitive endpoint for HBCD, as well as for other BFRs. PBBS: Due to the Michigan accident in 1973-1974, many toxicity studies on PBBs are available. The critical experimental effects are those on reproduction and carcinogenicity, and a NOAEL of 0.15 mg/kg body weight/day could be suggested based on the cancer effects. In man no unequivocal effects have been observed, although in some studies neurological and musculoskeletal symptoms were suggested. Based on the carcinogenic effects in animals, a human TDI of 0.15 microg/kg body weight has been presented.To conclude, the toxicity data are almost entirely based on experimental models. There are differences among the BFR groups, as well as within these groups, both regarding type of toxic effect and at what dose it appears. As BFRs will continue to appear both in industrial applications and, even if the production has ceased, in our environment, there is a continued need for effects studies on BFRs.     

山东、江苏两省人力资本水平评估及启示

人力资本得到提高并取代劳动力、土地等要素,成为构成一个国家或地区竞争的重要因素。转方式调结构从某种意义上讲,就是从资源消耗型转变为人力资本型推动发展的模式。山东省和江苏省在我国经济发展占有重要位置,两省的GDP约占全国的1/5。通过山东、江苏两省人力资本水平比较,认识两省的发展特点,对于我国目前转型发展有启示意义。研究表明:一是人力资本总体水平江苏省高于山东省;二是人力资本基础水平山东省略高于江苏省;三是江苏省人力资本投资水平增长速度高于山东省;四是山东省人力资本存量水平低于江苏省。山东省提升人力资本水平,实现转型发展,主要对策是:一要加快经济结构调整,提升人力资本投资的能力;二要优化人力资本投资方向,推动新兴战略产业发展;三要优化公共财政结构,真正体现教育优先原则。     

Adaptation planning and the use of climate change projections in local government in England and Germany

Planning for adaptation to climate change is often regarded to be a local imperative and considered to be more effective if grounded on a solid evidence base and recognisant of relevant climate projections. Research has already documented some of the challenges of making climate information usable in decision-making but has not yet sufficiently reflected on the role of the wider institutional and regulatory context. This article examines the impact of the external institutional context on the use and usability of climate projections in local government through an analysis of 44 planning and climate change (adaptation) documents and 54 semi-structured interviews with planners in England and Germany conducted between July 2013 and May 2014. We show that there is little demand for climate projections in local adaptation planning in either country due to existing policy, legal and regulatory frameworks. Local government in England has not only experienced a decline in use of climate projections, but also the waning of the climate change adaptation agenda more widely, amidst changes in the planning and regulatory framework and severe budget cuts. In Germany, spatial planning makes substantial use of past and present climate data, but the strictly regulated nature of planning prevents the use of climate projections, due to their inherent uncertainties. Findings from the two countries highlight that if we are to better understand the usability of climate projections, we need to be more aware of the institutional context within which planning decisions are made. Otherwise we run the risk of continuing to provide tools and information that are of limited use within their intended context.     

Levels and transfer of Po and Pb in Nordic terrestrial ecosystems

Recent developments regarding environmental impact assessment methodologies for radioactivity have precipitated the need for information on levels of naturally occurring radionuclides within and transfer to wild flora and fauna. The objectives of this study were therefore to determine activity concentrations of the main dose forming radionuclides ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb in biota from terrestrial ecosystems thus providing insight into the behaviour of these radioisotopes. Samples of soil, plants and animals were collected at Dovrefjell, Central Norway and Olkiluoto, Finland. Soil profiles from Dovrefjell exhibited an approximately exponential fall in ²¹⁰Pb activity concentrations from elevated levels in humus/surface soils to “supported” levels at depth. Activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po in fauna (invertebrates, mammals, birds) ranged between 2 and 123 Bq kg⁻¹ d.w. and in plants and lichens between 20 and 138 Bq kg⁻¹ d.w. The results showed that soil humus is an important reservoir for ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb and that fauna in close contact with this media may also exhibit elevated levels of ²¹⁰Po. Concentration ratios appear to have limited applicability with regards to prediction of activity concentrations of ²¹⁰Po in invertebrates and vertebrates. Biokinetic models may provide a tool to explore in a more mechanistic way the behaviour of ²¹⁰Po in this system.