新疆大气颗粒物的时空分布特征

基于2015年新疆12个城市的PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)地面监测数据,并结合同期气象观测数据,分析了新疆PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)质量浓度的时空分布特征及其与气象要素的关联性。结果表明:新疆大气颗粒物年均质量浓度呈现南高北低特征,南疆各城市的年均PM_(10)质量浓度为150～262μg/m~3,年均PM_(2.5)质量浓度为50～118μg/m~3。北疆各城市的质量浓度相对较低,年均PM_(10)质量浓度为28～139μg/m~3,年均PM_(2.5)质量浓度为13～74μg/m~3。从时间变化来看,在春季和夏季,新疆以粗颗粒物污染为主,冬季以细颗粒物污染为主。此外,在南疆各城市3月PM_(10)质量浓度突然大幅升高与相对湿度明显下降、风速增大直接相关,沙尘天气是导致该区域春季高PM_(10)质量浓度的重要原因。     

PM2.5中丙二醛的检测、浓度特征及氧化损伤的研究

以和田市城区2014年采集的大气PM_(2.5)样品为实验对象,将0.1 g的PM_(2.5)样品膜与2-硫代巴比妥酸(0.2%)和三氯乙酸(20%)混合显色液反应,用可见光分光光度计测定反应产物的吸光度,通过正交实验来优化PM_(2.5)膜中丙二醛(MDA)的提取及测定条件,结果表明,在反应温度90℃、超声和加热时间40 min、显色剂用量为45 mL时,反应产物在532 nm处具有稳定的最大吸收峰。对和田市城区PM_(2.5)及MDA质量浓度的变化特征分析结果表明,和田市城区4个季节PM_(2.5)平均质量浓度由高到低顺序分别为春季(1 096.67±369.60)μg/m~3、夏季(1 016.16±708.00)μg/m~3、秋季(686.88±525.00)μg/m~3和冬季(214.54±94.70)μg/m~3。MDA平均质量浓度的变化范围为1.10～7.75 ng/m~3,其平均值最高为夏季(4.43±1.80)ng/m~3,最低为春季(1.42±0.60)ng/m~3,冬季与秋季相当,分别为(2.93±0.70)ng/m~3和(2.83±0.80)ng/m~3;最终,将PM_(2.5)膜中MDA的质量浓度与相应的TD_(30)(体外DNA氧化损伤达到30%的剂量)进行相关性分析得出,无论是全样还是水样的TD_(30)值均随MDA浓度的升高而呈降低的趋势。其中,全样与MDA质量浓度的相关性更为显著(r=-0.597,显著性P0.01)。     

合肥市PM1.0污染特征及与PM2.5污染相关性

对合肥市2014—2019年秋冬季节PM_(1.0)、PM_(2.5)、气象和理化性质等进行分析研究发现,PM_(1.0)质量浓度呈现年度波动性下降趋势,其中2015—2016年度变化最为显著。同一年度内,月度浓度同样呈现波动性变化,总体表现为11、2月PM_(1.0)质量浓度相对较低,12、1月相对较高。无污染情形时(PM_(2.5)浓度不高于75μg/m~3),PM_(1.0)/PM_(2.5)逐小时值相对平稳且比有污染情形(PM_(2.5)浓度大于75μg/m~3)总体高约10%;有污染情形下,PM_(1.0)/PM_(2.5)小时值呈现较明显的日变化特征,09∶00呈现谷值,17∶00呈现峰值,日变化特征显著高于无污染情形。PM_(1.0)质量浓度随着PM_(2.5)级别的上升而逐渐增加,PM_(1.0)/PM_(2.5)值则呈减小的污染特征。严重污染时,PM_(1.0)/PM_(2.5)显著下降,PM_(1.0～2.5)占比增加。传输型污染过程中,PM_(1.0)与OC、PM_(2.5)、SO_4~(2-)等呈现出显著的正相关性,污染来源主要为工业源、燃煤源、道路尘等,共占载荷为83.90%。本地累积型污染过程中,PM_(1.0)与PM_(2.5)、SO_4~(2-)、Ba和Cu等呈现出较好相关性,污染来源主要为烟花爆竹与二次生成,共占载荷为87.94%。     

邢台市颗粒污染物变化特征和后向轨迹分析

为深入了解邢台市PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)浓度变化情况和气流后向轨迹,对邢台市2013—2016年环境大气颗粒污染物监测数据进行了分析,同时利用HYSPLIT模型计算出逐日72 h后向气流轨迹。结果表明:邢台市的PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)质量浓度在2013—2016年间呈逐年下降趋势,PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)质量浓度高值出现在冬季(296μg/m~3和192μg/m~3),最低值出现在夏季(140μg/m~3和80μg/m~3),PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)质量浓度在日变化上均呈"双峰双谷"型分布;后向轨迹的季节聚类分析表明,春季大气颗粒物污染以粒径2.5～10μm的颗粒污染物为主,夏季、秋季和冬季的大气颗粒物污染以PM_(2.5)为主;逐日聚类分析表明,在路径为西北偏西向的、途经多个沙源地的气流影响下,邢台市的PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)质量浓度处于一个相对高值;来源于偏南向的气流由于化合反应,污染物积聚导致PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)质量浓度也处于相对高值;在来源于西北向和偏北向的、水汽含量相对较低的气流影响下,邢台市的PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)质量浓度出现一个明显的下降。     

环境湿度对PM2.5手工测量(重量法)的影响

为了解天平室环境湿度对PM_(2.5)手工称重的影响,利用滤膜自动称重系统,在45%、50%、55%3个环境相对湿度条件下对同一组滤膜进行称重。结果显示:45%、55%湿度条件下测量的大部分滤膜质量与50%基准湿度条件下滤膜质量绝对差值均超过0.04 mg,且随着滤膜质量即PM_(2.5)浓度的增加,绝对差值显著上升,难以满足手工称重规范中的要求。PM_(2.5)手工测量浓度在150μg/m~3以下时,3种湿度条件下测量结果的标准偏差保持在2μg/m~3范围之内,而PM_(2.5)手工测量浓度在150μg/m~3以上时,标准偏差超出2μg/m~3范围,且随着浓度升高,标准偏差显著增大,这会给PM_(2.5)的手工测量准确度带来较大影响,说明手工称量环境湿度±5%的允许变化范围并不适合PM_(2.5)平均浓度较高的国家和地区。     

西安市黑碳气溶胶浓度特征及与气象因素和常规污染物相关性

利用西安市环境监测站超级站2013年9月1日—2015年5月31日黑碳气溶胶(BC)的监测数据,研究空气中BC浓度特征及其与气象因素和常规污染物相关性。结果表明:BC小时平均浓度均值在春季、夏季和冬季的变化趋势呈"W"型,秋季呈"V"型,且冬季的第一个最低值和峰值比春季和夏季的分别延迟1 h和2~3 h,且20:00~次日6:00秋季BC小时平均浓度均值高于当年冬季。BC浓度在秋季和冬季较高,夏季较低。冬季BC/PM_(2.5)基本最低,秋季BC/PM_(2.5)相对最高。BC日平均浓度与气温、降水和风速的日平均值为极负显著相关,且风速小于1.0 m/s时,其与风速呈最显著的负相关。除O_3外,BC日平均浓度与其他常规空气污染物浓度呈显著相关,表明其同源性很强,且受机动车尾气排放的影响更大。     

南阳市PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)污染特征及其与气象因子的关系

利用2015年1月1日至12月31日南水北调中线源头南阳市主城区5个国控空气质量监测站24 h自动连续采样的PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)质量浓度数据和同期气象要素观测数据,分析了南阳市大气颗粒物浓度的污染特征及其与气象因子的关系。结果表明:2015年南阳市PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)年均质量浓度分别为0.136、0.074 mg/m~3,超标率分别为31.8%、39.2%;PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)峰值均出现在1月,PM_(10)谷值出现在11月,PM_(2.5)谷值出现在9月;PM_(10)四季日变化均呈双峰型,而PM_(2.5)冬季日变化呈双峰型,其他季节无明显峰值;PM_(2.5)/PM_(10)值在43%~65%,均值54%;PM_(10)、PM_(2.5)与大气压呈显著正相关,与温度、相对湿度呈显著负相关,与风速、降水相关性不明显。     

上海城区交通干道黑碳污染调查

采用设置在上海市中心城区交通主干道旁空气质量自动监测站2018年1—12月的观测数据,分析黑碳气溶胶(BC)污染特征及其与PM_(2.5)、SO_2、NO_x、CO、O_3、苯、甲苯、乙苯、二甲苯和气象参数的相关性。结果表明,观测期间内,BC小时均值为(3 038±22) ng/m~3,ρ(BC)在ρ(PM_(2. 5))中占比为(11. 48±0. 12)%。日内ρ(BC)变化呈双峰型,各月份之间ρ(BC)变化不大。ρ(BC)与风速呈负相关,与PM_(2. 5)、NO_x、CO、苯、甲苯、乙苯和二甲苯呈正相关。     

交通限行对大气颗粒物及PM_(2.5)中二■英的影响

为了研究北京大气颗粒物和二■英(PCDD/Fs)的污染状况以及评估交通限行对大气颗粒物和PCDD/Fs的影响。利用同位素稀释高分辨率气相色谱/高分辨率质谱(HRGC/HRMS)联用法和USEPA 1613B标准方法,以中国地质大学(北京)东门为采样点,采集大气PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)、TSP样品,对北京市交通限行期间以及交通限行前后等不同交通状况下颗粒物浓度及大气PM_(2.5)中17种2,3,7,8-PCDD/Fs污染特征进行了监测。结果表明,PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)、TSP的日均质量浓度在交通限行前分别为126、202、304μg/m~3,限行期间分别为39、78、93μg/m~3,限行结束后分别为79、126μg/m~3。PM_(2.5)中17种PCDD/Fs的质量浓度(毒性浓度) 3个时段分别为1 804 fg/m~3(70 fg I-TEQ/m~3)、252 fg/m~3(9 fg I-TEQ/m~3)和1 196 fg/m~3(48 fg I-TEQ/m~3)。北京市交通限行期间颗粒物浓度和二■英浓度显著低于交通限行前后,交通源减排措施的实施是大气颗粒物和二■英污染水平降低的主要原因,从减排效果看,交通源减排措施对大气细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))的控制效果明显好于大气粗颗粒物。     

百色市PM10和PM2.5中有机碳和元素碳污染特征及来源解析

2015—2016年在百色市布设3个采样点采集PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)样品,分析其中有机碳(OC)和元素碳(EC)的含量。结果表明,PM_(10)和PM_(2.5)中OC、EC四季均值分别为15.0μg/m~3、5.55μg/m~3和11.7μg/m~3、4.72μg/m~3;OC与EC相关性不显著,存在不同的污染来源;OC/EC值多数2,存在二次污染,主要来源于柴油、汽油车尾气和燃煤的排放。由总碳质气溶胶(TCA)和8个碳组分丰度分析可知,百色市碳气溶胶(CA)来源于汽车尾气、道路扬尘、燃煤的排放。二次有机碳(SOC)在OC中的占比均75%,表明百色市大气颗粒物中OC以SOC为主,夜间污染重于昼间。     

An investigation on biological stability of product water generated by lab-scale and pilot-scale distillation systems

Material Disposal Area G is the primary low-levelradioactive waste disposal site at Los Alamos NationalLaboratory, New Mexico, and is adjacent to Pueblo of SanIldefonso lands. Pueblo residents and Los Alamos scientists areconcerned about radiological doses resulting from uptake of AreaG radionuclides by mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) andRocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus), then consumption ofdeer and elk meat by humans. Tissue samples were collected fromdeer and elk accidentally killed near Area G and were analyzedfor ³H, ⁹⁰Sr, total U, ²³⁸Pu, ^{239, 240}Pu,²⁴¹Am, and ¹³⁷Cs. These data were used to estimatehuman doses based on meat consumption of 23 kg y^-1. Humandoses were also modeled using RESRAD, and dose rates to deer andelk were estimated with a screening model. Dose estimates tohumans from tissue consumption were 2.9 × 10^-3 mSv y^-1and 1.6 × 10^-3 mSv y^-1 from deer and elk, respectively,and RESRAD dose estimates were of the same order of magnitude. Estimated dose rates to deer and elk were 2.1 × 10^-4 mGyd^-1 and 4.7 × 10^-4 mGy d^-1, respectively. Allestimated doses were significantly less than established exposurelimits or guidelines.     

Metal concentrations in deciduous tree leaves from urban areas in Poland

Accumulation of metals in deciduous tree foliage fromurban areas in western-south Poland was monitored duringthe vegetation season of 2000 year. Concentrations of Al,Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti and Znwere measured in birch, willow, linden and maple leavesusing the ICP-AES method. Seasonal variations of metalconcentrations and their relations with sampling sitewere investigated. The most dynamic accumulation of Al,Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb was observed for examined species. Thehighest differences in element concentrations forinvestigated sites were found for Ba, Cd, Mn and Ni.Interelement correlations were investigated. In allfoliar samples synergistic relationships between Al–Crand Ca-Sr were found. Statistically significant negativecorrelations were observed only for Cd and Ti in birch leaves.     

Varying Stable Nitrogen Isotope Ratios of Different Coastal Marsh Plants and Their Relationships with Wastewater Nitrogen and Land Use in New England, USA

The stable nitrogen isotope ratios of some biota have been used as indicators of sources of anthropogenic nitrogen. In this study the relationships of the stable nitrogen isotope ratios of marsh plants, Iva frutescens (L.), Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin ex Steud, Spartina patens (Ait.) Muhl, Spartina alterniflora Loisel, Ulva lactuca (L.), and Enteromorpha intestinalis (L.) with wastewater nitrogen and land development in New England are described. Five of the six plant species (all but U. lactuca) showed significant relationships of increasing δ ¹⁵N values with increasing wastewater nitrogen. There was a significant (P < 0.0001) downward shift in the δ ¹⁵N of S. patens (6.0 ± 0.48‰) which is mycorrhizal compared with S. alterniflora (8.5 ± 0.41‰). The downward shift in δ ¹⁵N may be caused by the assimilation of fixed nitrogen in the roots of S. patens. P. australis within sites had wide ranges of δ ¹⁵N values, evidently influenced by the type of shoreline development or buffer at the upland border. In residential areas, the presence of a vegetated buffer (n = 24 locations) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the δ ¹⁵N (mean = 7.4 ± 0.43‰) of the P. australis compared to stands where there was no buffer (mean = 10.9 ± 1.0‰; n = 15). Among the plant species, I. frutescens located near the upland border showed the most significant (R ² = 0.64; P = 0.006) inverse relationship with the percent agricultural land in the watershed. The δ ¹⁵N of P. australis and I. frustescens is apparently an indicator of local inputs near the upland border, while the δ ¹⁵N of Spartina relates with the integrated, watershed-sea nitrogen inputs.     

Radionuclide Concentrations in Benthic Invertebrates from Amchitka and Kiska Islands in the Aleutian Chain, Alaska

Concentrations of 13 radionuclides (¹³⁷Cs, ¹²⁹I, ⁶⁰Co, ¹⁵²Eu, ⁹⁰Sr, ⁹⁹Tc, ²⁴¹Am, ²³⁸Pu, ^239,249Pu, ²³⁴U, ²³⁵U, ²³⁶U, ²³⁸U were examined in seven species of invertebrates from Amchitka and Kiska Islands, in the Aleutian Chain of Alaska, using gamma spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, and alpha spectroscopy. Amchitka Island was the site of three underground nuclear test (1965–1971), and we tested the null hypotheses that there were no differences in radionuclide concentrations between Amchitka and the reference site (Kiska) and there were no differences among species. The only radionuclides where composite samples were above the Minimum Detectable Activity (MDA) were ¹³⁷Cs, ²⁴¹Am, ^239,249Pu, ²³⁴U, ²³⁵U, ²³⁶U, and ²³⁸U. Green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus polyacanthus), giant chiton (Cryptochiton stelleri), plate limpets (Tectura scutum) and giant Pacific octopus (Enteroctopus dofleini) were only tested for ¹³⁷Cs; octopus was the only species with detectable levels of ¹³⁷Cs (0.262 ± 0.029 Bq/kg, wet weight). Only rock jingle (Pododesmus macroschisma), blue mussel (Mytilus trossulus) and horse mussel (Modiolus modiolus) were analyzed for the actinides. There were no interspecific differences in ²⁴¹Am and ^239,240Pu, and almost no samples above the MDA for ²³⁸Pu and ²³⁶U. Horse mussels had significantly higher concentrations of ²³⁴U (0.844 ± 0.804 Bq/kg) and ²³⁸U (0.730 ± 0.646) than the other species (both isotopes are naturally occurring). There were no differences in actinide concentrations between Amchitka and Kiska. In general, radionuclides in invertebrates from Amchitka were similar to those from uncontaminated sites in the Northern Hemisphere, and below those from the contaminated Irish Sea. There is a clear research need for authors to report the concentrations of radionuclides by species, rather than simply as ‘shellfish’, for comparative purposes in determining geographical patterns, understanding possible effects, and for estimating risk to humans from consuming different biota.     

Effect of heavy metal contaminated shooting range soils on mycorrhizal colonization of roots and metal uptake by leek

We grew leek (Allium porrum) in soils of two shooting ranges heavily contaminated with heavy metals in the towns of Zuchwil and Oberuzwil in Switzerland as a bioassay to test theactivity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in these soils.Soil samples were taken from (1) front of the shooting house(HOUSE), (2) the area between house and target (FIELD) and (3) the berm (BACKSTOP). Samples of Ribwort plantain (Plantagolanceolata) growing naturally within the shooting ranges werealso collected and the colonization of its roots by mycorrhizalfungi was measured. The number of AM spores in the soils wassignificantly reduced concomitant with the increase in thedegree of soil contamination with metals. In Zuchwil,mycorrhizal fungi equally colonized roots of Ribwort plantainsampled from BACKSTOP and HOUSE. In Oberuzwil, however, plantsfrom BACKSTOP had lower colonization when compared with thosesampled from HOUSE. Colonization of leek was strongly reducedin the BACKSTOP soil of Zuchwil and slightly reduced in theBACKSTOP soil of Oberuzwil when compared with plants grown inrespective HOUSE soil. Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb andZn in the leaves of leek grown in the BACKSTOP soil was withinthe range considered toxic for human consumption. This pointsto the high degree of bio-availability of these metal in thesesoils. Significant decrease in the number of mycorrhizal sporesin the BACKSTOP soils in Zuchwil and the low colonization ofleek roots grown in these soils point to possible changes inthe species diversity of mycorrhizal fungi in these soils.     

Kelp as a Bioindicator: Does it Matter Which Part of 5 M Long Plant is Used for Metal Analysis?

Kelp may be useful as a bioindicator because they are primary producers that are eaten by higher trophic level organisms, including people and livestock. Often when kelp or other algae species are used as bioindicators, the whole organism is homogenized. However, some kelp can be over 25 m long from their holdfast to the tip of the blade, making it important to understand how contaminant levels vary throughout the plant. We compared the levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium in five different parts of the kelp Alaria nana to examine the variability of metal distribution. To be useful as a bioindicator, it is critical to know whether levels are constant throughout the kelp, or which part is the highest accumulator. Kelp were collected on Adak Island in the Aleutian Chain of Alaska from the Adak Harbor and Clam Cove, which opens onto the Bering Sea. In addition to determining if the levels differ in different parts of the kelp, we wanted to determine whether there were locational or size-related differences. Regression models indicated that between 14% and 43% of the variation in the levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, manganese, mercury, and selenium was explained by total length, part of the plant, and location (but not for lead). The main contributors to variability were length (for arsenic and selenium), location (mercury), and part of the plant (for arsenic, cadmium, chromium and manganese). The higher levels of selenium occurred at Clam Cove, while mercury was higher at the harbor. Where there was a significant difference among parts, the holdfast had the highest levels, although the differences were not great. These data indicate that consistency should be applied in selecting the part of kelp (and the length) to be used as a bioindicator. While any part of Alaria could be collected for some metals, for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and manganese a conversion should be made among parts. In the Aleutians the holdfast can be perennial while the blade, whipped to pieces by winter wave action, is regrown each year. Thus the holdfast may be used for longer-term exposure for arsenic, cadmium, chromium and manganese, while the blade can be used for short-term exposure for all metals. Cadmium, lead and selenium were at levels that suggest that predators, including people, may be at risk from consuming Alaria. More attention should be devoted to heavy metal levels in kelp and other algae from Adak, particularly where they may play a role in a subsistence diets.     

Assessing Potential for Recovery of Biotic Richness and Indicator Species due to Changes in Acidic Deposition and Lake ph in Five Areas of Southeastern Canada

Biological damage to sensitive aquatic ecosystems is among the most recognisable, deleterious effects of acidic deposition. We compiled a large spatial database of over 2000 waterbodies across southeastern Canada from various federal, provincial and academic sources. Data for zooplankton, fish, macroinvertebrate (benthos) and loon species richness and occurrence were used to construct statistical models for lakes with varying pH, dissolved organic carbon content and lake size. pH changes, as described and predicted using the Integrated Assessment Model (Lam et al., 1998; Jeffries et al., 2000), were based on the range of emission reductions set forth in the Canada/US Air Quality Agreement (AQA). The scenarios tested include 1983, 1990, 1994 and 2010 sulphate deposition levels. Biotic models were developed for five regions in southeastern Canada (Algoma, Muskoka, and Sudbury, Ontario, southcentral Québec, and Kejimkujik, Nova Scotia) using regression tree, multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses to make predictions about recovery after emission reductions. The analyses produced different indicator species in different regions, although some species showed consistent trends across regions. Generally, the greatest predicted recovery occurred during the final phase of emission reductions between 1994 and 2010 across all taxonomic groups and regions. The Ontario regions, on average, were predicted to recover to a greater extent than either southcentral Québec or the Kejimkujik area of Nova Scotia. Our results reconfirm that pH 5.5–6.0 is an important threshold below which damage to aquatic biota will remain a major local and regional environmental problem. This damage to biodiversity across trophic levels will persist well into the future if no further reductions in sulphate deposition are implemented.     

Nitrogen Content of Letharia vulpina Tissue from Forests of the Sierra Nevada, California: Geographic Patterns and Relationships to Ammonia Estimates and Climate

Nitrogen (N) pollution is a growing concern in forests of the greater Sierra Nevada, which lie downwind of the highly populated and agricultural Central Valley. Nitrogen content of Letharia vulpina tissue was analyzed from 38 sites using total Kjeldahl analysis to provide a preliminary assessment of N deposition patterns. Collections were co-located with plots where epiphytic macrolichen communities are used for estimating ammonia (NH₃) deposition. Tissue N ranged from 0.6% to 2.11% with the highest values occurring in the southwestern Sierra Nevada (range: 1.38 to 2.11). Tissue N at 17 plots was elevated, as defined by a threshold concentration of 1.03%. Stepwise regression was used to determine the best predictors of tissue N from among a variety of environmental variables. The best model consisted only of longitude (r ² = 0.64), which was reflected in the geographic distribution of tissue values: the southwestern Sierra Nevada, the high Sierras near the Tahoe Basin, and the Modoc Plateau, are three apparent N hotspots arranged along the tilted north–south axis of the study area. Withholding longitude and latitude, the best regression model suggested that NH₃ estimates and annual number of wetdays interactively affect N accumulation (r ² = 0.61; % N ∼ NH₃ + wetdays + (NH₃ × wetdays)). We did not expect perfect correspondence between tissue values and NH₃ estimates since other N pollutants also accumulate in the lichen thallus. Additionally, other factors potentially affecting N content, such as growth rate and leaching, were not given full account.     

Spatial Relationships Between Water Quality and Pesticide Application Rates in Agricultural Watersheds

Pesticide applications to agricultural lands in California, USA, are reported to a central data base, while data on water and sediment quality are collected by a number of monitoring programs. Data from both sources are geo-referenced, allowing spatial analysis of relationships between pesticide application rates and the chemical and biological condition of water bodies. This study collected data from 12 watersheds, selected to represent a range of pesticide usage. Water quality parameters were measured during six surveys of stream sites receiving runoff from the selected watershed areas. This study had three objectives: to evaluate the usefulness of pesticide application data in selecting regional monitoring sites, to provide information for generating and testing hypotheses about pesticide fate and effects, and to determine whether in-stream nitrate concentration was a useful surrogate indicator for regional monitoring of toxic substances. Significant correlations were observed between pesticide application rates and in-stream pesticide concentrations (p < 0.05) and toxicity (p < 0.10). In-stream nitrate concentrations were not significantly correlated with either the amount of pesticides applied, in-stream pesticide concentrations, or in-stream toxicity (all p > 0.30). Neither total watershed area nor the area in which pesticide usage was reported correlated significantly with the amount of pesticides applied, in-stream pesticide concentrations, or in-stream toxicity (all p > 0.14). In-stream pesticide concentrations and effects were more closely related to the intensity of pesticide use than to the area under cultivation.     

Heavy Metals and Selenium in Herring Gulls (LARUS ARGENTATUS) NESTING IN COLONIES FROM EASTERN LONG ISLAND TO VIRGINIA

With increasing interest in assessing the health or well-being ofcommunities and ecosystems, birds are being used asbioindicators. Coloniallynesting species breed mainly in coastal areas that are alsopreferred for humandevelopment, exposing the birds to various pollutants. Inthis paper concentrations of heavy metal and selenium in the feathers ofHerring Gulls(Larus argentatus) nesting in several colonies fromMassachusetts toDelaware are reported. There were significant differencesamong colonies forall metals, with metal concentrations being two to nearly fivetimes higher atsome colonies than others. Selenium showed the leastdifference, and cadmium showed the greatest difference among sites. Concentrations of lead werehighest at Pralls Island; mercury was highest at Shinnecock,Huckleberry andHarvey, and manganese was highest at Captree.