Food irradiation

The use of irradation to improve the safety, protect the nutritional benefits, and preserve the quality of fresh and processed foods is a well established and proven technology. Over the past 30 years, the United States Government has invested in the science to confirm safety and in the technology to show application. The United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration have approved sources of ionizing radiation for the treatment of foods, and their application to most meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Despite the value of this technology to the food industry and to the health and welfare of the public, only minimal application of this technology occurs. This underscorces the importance of increasing the public’s understanding of radiation risks relative to other hazards. Accordingly, the Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination of the Executive Office of the President has made recommendations for the creation of a centralized National Radiation Information Center that would work closely with Federal departments and agencies in responding to public queries about radiation issues and Federal programs.     

Separate dissolved and particulate trace metal budgets for an estuarine system: an aid for management decisions

The sources and sinks of dissolved and particulate Pb, Cu and Zn were determined for the main basin of Puget Sound to understand the effect man has had on metal concentrations in both the water column and in the sediments. Municipal, industrial and atmospheric sources contributed about 66% of the total Pb added to the main basin of Puget Sound during the early 1980s. Advective inputs were the major sources of total Cu and Zn (approximately 40%) while riverine and erosional sources contributed about 30%. The discharge of the particle-bound trace metals from rivers minimized the influence of particulate anthropogenic sources, which constituted 50%, 23% and 18% of the total particulate Pb, Cu and Zn inputs, respectively. While advective transport was the major source of dissolved Cu and Zn (approximately 60% of all dissolved inputs), industrial, municipal and atmospheric inputs contributed about 85%, 30% and 38% of the dissolved Pb, Cu and Zn inputs, respectively. The sources of dissolved and particulate Cu and Zn were comparable with the sinks within the errors of the analyses indicating their quasi-conservative nature. Advection removed about 60% of the total Cu and Zn added to the main basin while 40% was deposited in the sediments of Puget Sound. Because of this quasi-conservative nature of Cu and Zn, anthropogenic inputs of Cu and Zn were dispersed from the system more than they were contained within main basin sediments. About 75% of the dissolved Pb discharged into the main basin of Puget Sound was lost from the dissolved phase and was balanced by a similar gain in the particulate phase. Because of this extensive scavenging and the effective retention of particles within the main basin, about 70% of the total Pb added to the main basin was retained within its sediments. These separate mass balances have utility in management decisions because they show the relative contributions from different sources and demonstrate whether the influences of dissolved and particulate inputs are reflected solely in the water column or the sediments, respectively.     

Non-controlled biogenic emissions to the atmosphere from Lazareto landfill, Tenerife, Canary Islands

GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: [corrected] Historically, landfills have been the simplest form of eliminating urban solid waste with the minimum cost. They have been the most usual method for discarding solid waste. However, landfills are considered authentic biochemical reactors that introduce large amounts of contaminants into the environment in the form of gas and leachates. The dynamics of generation and the movement of gas in landfills depend on the input and output parameters, as well as on the structure of the landfill and the kind of waste. The input parameters include water introduced through natural or artificial processes, the characteristics of the urban solid waste, and the input of atmospheric air. The main output parameters for these biochemical reactors include the gases and the leachates that are potentially pollutants for the environment. Control systems are designed and installed to minimize the impact on the environment. However, these systems are not perfect and a significant amount of landfill gas could be released to the atmosphere through the surface in a diffuse form, also known as Non-controlled emission. In this paper, the results of the Non-controlled biogenic gas emissions from the Lazareto landfill in Tenerife, Canary Islands, are presented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concentration of CH4 and CO2 in the soil gas of the landfill cover, the CH4 and CO2 efflux from the surface of the landfill and, finally, to compare these parameters with other similar landfills. In this way, a better understanding of the process that controls biogenic gas emissions in landfills is expected. METHODS: A Non-controlled biogenic gas emission survey of 281 sampling sites was carried out during February and March, 2002. The sampling sites were selected in order to obtain a well-distributed sampling grid. Surface landfill CO2 efflux measurements were carried out at each sampling site on the surface landfill together with soil gas collection and ground temperatures at a depth of 30-40 cm.The CH4 efflux was computed from CO2 efflux and from the ratio CH4/CO2 in the soil gas. Soil gas samples were collected at a depth of 30-40 cm using a metallic probe and 20 cc hypodermic syringes, and later stored in evacuated 10 cc vacutainers for laboratory analysis of bulk composition. The gas sample was introduced in a vacutainer filled with deionized water and displacing the water until the vacutainer was filled with the gas sample in order to avoid air contamination from entering. The surface landfill temperature of the landfill was measured at a depth of 40 cm using a digital thermometer type OMEGA 871A. Landfill gases, CO2 and CH4, were analyzed within 24 hours using a double channel VARIAN micro-GC QUAD CP-2002P, with a 10 meter PORAPLOT-Q column, a TCD detector, and He as a carrier gas. The analysis temperature was 40 degrees C and the injection time was 10 msec. Surface landfill CO2 efflux measurements were performed using a portable NDIR spectrophotometer Licor-800 according to the accumulation chamber method (Chiodini et al. 1996). The data treatment, aimed at drawing the flux map and computing the total gas output, was based on the application of stochastic simulation algorithms provided by the GSLIB program (Deutsch and Journel 1998). RESULTS: Diffuse CH4 and CO2 efflux values range from negligible values up to 7,148 and 30,573 g m(-2) d(-1), respectively. The spatial distribution of the concentration and efflux of CO2, CH4 and soil temperature, show three areas of maximum activity in the landfill, suggesting a non-uniform pattern of diffuse degassing. This correlation between high emissions and concentration of CO2, CH4 and soil temperatures suggests that the areas of higher microbial activity and exothermic reactions are releasing CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere from the landfill. Taking into consideration the spatial distribution of the CO2 and CH4 efflux values as well as the extension of the landfill, the Non-controlled emission of CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere by the Lazareto's landfill are of 167 +/- 13.3 and 16 +/- 2.5 t d(-1), respectively. DISCUSSION: The patterns of gas flow within the landfill seem to be affected by boundary materials at the sides. The basalt layers have a low permeability and the gas flow in these areas is extensive. In this area, where a basalt layer does not exist, the flow gas diffuses toward the sea and the flux emissions at the landfill surface are lower. This behavior reflects the possible dissolution of gases into water and the deflection of gases towards the surface at the basalt boundary. The proximity to the sea, the installation of a palm tree garden and, as a result, the contribution of water coming from the watering of this garden has reactivated the system. The introduction of sea water into the landfill and the type of boundary could be defining the superficial gas discharges. CONCLUSIONS: Results from this study indicate that the spatial distribution of Non-controlled emission of CO2 and CH4 at the Lazareto's landfill shows a non-uniform pattern of diffuse degassing. The northeast, central and northwest areas of the Lazareto's landfill are the three areas of high emissions and concentration of CO2 and CH4, and high temperatures. The correlation between high emissions and the concentration of CO2, CH4, and the high temperatures suggest that the areas of higher microbial activity and exothermic reactions are releasing more CO2 and CH4 to the atmosphere from the landfill. A high concentration of CO2 is probably due to the presence of methanotrophic bacteria in the soil atmosphere of the landfill. Patterns of gas flow within the landfill seem to be affected by boundary materials (basalt layers) of low permeability, and side boundaries of the flux emissions at the surface are higher. At the sides of seawater and sediment boundaries, flux emissions at the landfill surface are lower. This behavior reflects a possible dissolution of gases into the water and the deflection of gases towards the surface at the basalt boundary. With this study, we can compare the data obtained in this landfill with other landfills and observe the different levels of emission. The proximity to the sea and the installation of the palm tree garden palms and, as a result, the contribution of water coming from the watering of this garden has reactivated the system. Many landfills worldwide located in similar settings could experience similar gas production processes. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: The need for investigating and monitoring sea water and sediment quality in these landfills is advisable. Concentrations and fluxes of contaminants and their impact in the area should be assessed. With this study we can compare the data obtained in these landfills with other landfills and observe the different levels of emission.     

Cartographic modelling of aerotechnogenic pollution in snow cover in the landscapes of the Kola Peninsula

The goal of this work was to develop computational techniques for sulphates, nickel and copper accumulation in the snow in the local pollution zone. The main task was to reveal the peculiarities of formation and pollution of snow cover on the region with complex cross-relief. A digital cartographic model of aerotechnogenic pollution of snow cover in the landscapes of the local zone has been developed, based on five-year experimental data. Data regarding annual emissions from the industrial complex, information about distribution of wind and the sum of precipitation from meteostation "Nikel" for the winter period, allowed the model to ensure: * material presentation in the form of maps of water capacity and accumulation of sulphates, nickel and copper in the snow over any winter period in retrospective; * calculation of water capacity and accumulation of pollutants for watersheds and other natural-territorial complexes; * solution of the opposite problem about the determination of the emissions of sulphates, nickel and copper from the enterprise by measuring snow pollution in datum points. The model can be used in other northern regions of the Russian Federation with similar physical-geographical and climatic conditions. The relationships between the sum of precipitation and water capacity in the landscapes of the same type and also the relationships between pollution content in snow and relief, pollution content in snow and distance from the source of emissions, were used as the basis for the model.     

The negative impacts of human activities in the eastern African region: an international waters perspective

The complex interactions between human activities and the environment at the interface of land and water is analyzed with a focus on the Somali Current (East Africa), and Indian Ocean Island States, subregions of the Global International Waters Assessment (GIWA). These 2 subregions contain some of the world's richest ecosystems, including the high biodiversity forests of Madagascar and the diverse coastal habitats of the eastern African coast. These ecosystems support local communities and national and regional economies. Current and future degradation of these systems, from water basins to continental shelves, affects the livelihoods and sustainability of the countries in the region, and long-term efforts to reduce poverty. The assessments determined that pollution and climate change are the primary environmental and social concerns in the Islands of the Indian Ocean, while freshwater shortage and unsustainable exploitation of fisheries and other living resources are the primary environmental and social concerns in East Africa. The GIWA approach, through assessing root causes of environmental concerns, enables the development of policy approaches for mitigating environmental degradation. This paper explores policy frameworks for mitigating the impacts, and reducing the drivers, of 3 environmental concerns--freshwater shortage; solid waste pollution; and climate change--addressing social and institutional causes and effects, and linking the subregions to broad international frameworks. The common theme in all 3 case studies is the need to develop integrated ecosystem and international waters policies, and mechanisms to manage conflicting interests and to limit threats to natural processes.     

After 35 years,have we made progress: A government perspective

The use of irradiation to improve the safety, protect the nutritional benefits, and preserve the quality of fresh and processed foods is a well established and proven technology. Over the past 35 years, the United States Government has invested in the science to confirm safety and in the technology to show application. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration have approved sources of ionizing radiation for the treatment of foods, and their application to most meats, fruits, vegetables, and spices. Despite the value of this technology to the food industry and to the health and welfare of the public, only minimal application of this technology occurs. This underscores the importance of increasing the public's understanding of radiation risks relative to other hazards. Accordingly, in 1995, the Committee on Interagency Radiation Research and Policy Coordination of the Executive Office of the President made recommendations for the creation of a centralized National Radiation Information Center that would work closely with Federal departments and agencies in responding to public queries about radiation issues and Federal programs. This article updates a commentary published in 1996 (Young 1996). In the past six years, some progress has been made, including the establishment of a government operated Food Irradiation Information Center, and the completion of final rule making by USDA, thus permitting the safe treatment of meats and poultry. Despite these actions, little progress has been made on the public acceptance of this technology. The need for an informed public and for a better understanding of risks, i.e., risk communication, is noted.     

煤基腐殖酸对外源砷胁迫下玉米生长及生理性状的影响简

为了筛选用于砷污染土壤治理的煤基腐殖酸，采用盆栽实验研究了施用不同种类和浓度的煤基腐殖酸及EDTA对外源砷胁迫下玉米株高、株鲜重、株干重、根干重、砷积累量、叶片抗氧化酶（POD，SOD和CAT）活性和脯氨酸含量的影响。结果表明，11种供试煤基腐殖酸均促进了玉米生长，提高了叶片POD、SOD和CAT活性。其中6和10号腐殖酸可降低土壤砷活性和显著抑制玉米吸收和积累砷，而8和9号腐殖酸增加了土壤活性砷和显著促进了玉米对砷的吸收和累积，且不同程度地强于EDTA。除8和9号外，其余腐殖酸均可明显降低玉米叶片脯氨酸的含量。EDTA可显著促进玉米吸收和积累砷，且加剧了砷对玉米的危害。因此，8和9号供试煤基腐殖酸可以替代EDTA活化土壤砷，与植物配合以提高砷污染土壤的植物修复速度和效果，而6和10号供试煤基腐殖酸则可用于土壤砷钝化剂，以保证作物产品的安全。     

Analysis of Mosses and Soils for Quantifying Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sicily: A Multivariate and Spatial Analytical Approach

- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1065/espr2006.01.006 Background The use of vegetal organisms as indicators of contamination of the environment is partially replacing traditional monitoring techniques. Amongst the vegetal organisms available, mosses appear to be good bioindicators and are used for monitoring anthropogenic and natural fall-out on soils. This study has two objectives: the evaluation of the concentrations of heavy metals in soils and mosses of the Sicily Region, in Italy and the identification of the origin of fall-out of heavy metals. Methods Mosses and the surface soil were sampled at 28 sites, only the youngest segments of Hylocomium splendens and Hypnum cupressiforme, corresponding to the plant tissues produced during the last 3 years, were taken. The elements Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were analysed by ICP-MS and Hg by AAS. Statistical analysis was by PCA and spatial representation by GIS. Results and Discussion In the mosses sampled in Sicily, the highest concentrations of Cd were found around the cities of Palermo and Messina. The highest concentrations of Hg were recorded in the northern part of the island between Trapani and Messina, similar to the distribution of Cu. Different areas with the highest concentrations of Ni were found near the south coast, in the vicinity of Palermo and around the Volcano Etna. The highest concentrations of Pb were found in the south-west coast near Agrigento, where important chemical plants and petroleum refineries are located. Except for a few locations, Zn fall-out was found to be evenly distributed throughout Sicily. Conclusion The sites where the concentrations of heavy metals cause greatest concern have been revealed by the PCA analysis and portrayed using GIS. Also of some concern is the diffuse and anthropogenic origin of Hg and Cd. The combined approach of using soil and mosses, together with pedological interpretation and application of multivariate statistical techniques has provided valuable insight into the environmental aspects of heavy metal deposition in a region of southern Europe. Recommendations and Outlook Further insight into the deposition of heavy metals will require more detailed sampling of soils and mosses in both new and previous study areas. This needs to be complemented by detailed pedological investigations in the study areas. Future research programmes will address these issues.     

The Effects of Precipitation on Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems: A Proposed Precipitation Chemistry Network

Precipitation is one of the most important factors determining the nature and productivity of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Detailed historical and contemporary records are available indicating the amount of water deposited at thousands of locations throughout the world. Comparatively, however, knowledge of the changing chemistry of precipitation has developed only recently and is still very fragmentary. Our present ignorance of the total impact of changes in precipitation quality on the productivity and stability of ecosystems is especially profound. This paper has a fourfold purpose: (1) to describe the myriad of trace chemical constituents transferred from the atmosphere into the biosphere of the earth; (2) to define the range of beneficial and injurious ecological effects of perturbations in atmospheric deposition; (3) to explain the concepts of sensitive areas, life stages, and life forms; and (4) to describe briefly plans for a National Deposition Network and associated research on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of the United States.     

预涂动态膜强化渗透与截留性能研究

以二氧化钛粉体材料为涂膜剂,陶瓷管为基膜制备预涂动态膜,引入通量增强系数Zi和截留增强系数Fi研究了预涂动态膜制备条件对其强化渗透与截留性能的影响,并用SEM电镜对预涂动态膜和基膜表面形貌进行表征。结果表明:制备的预涂动态膜表面均匀密实,其孔径低于基膜平均孔径。预涂动态膜的渗透与截留性能随涂膜液pH值的增加而增加,在跨膜压差低于0.2 MPa、错流速度低于1.5 m/s,涂膜时间少于30 m in和涂膜液浓度低于0.4 g/L范围内,提高这些参数值有利于提高预涂动态膜的渗透与截留性能,超出此范围时,提高这些参数值对增强其渗透与截留性能的效果已不明显,其中错流速度的影响相对小些。跨膜压差为0.2 MPa,错流速度为1.5 m/s,涂膜时间30 m in,涂膜液浓度和pH值分别为0.4 g/L和10.2时为最佳制备条件。     

An integrated approach to model the biomagnification of organic pollutants in aquatic food webs of the Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir ecosystem using adapted pollution scenarios

The impounding of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) at the Yangtze River caused large flooding of urban, industrial, and agricultural areas, and profound land use changes took place. Consequently, substantial amounts of organic and inorganic pollutants were released into the reservoir. Additionally, contaminants and nutrients are entering the reservoir by drift, drainage, and runoff from adjacent agricultural areas as well as from sewage of industry, aquacultures, and households. The main aim of the presented research project is a deeper understanding of the processes that determines the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of organic pollutants, i.e., mainly pesticides, in aquatic food webs under the newly developing conditions of the TGR. The project is part of the Yangtze-Hydro environmental program, financed by the German Ministry of Education and Science. In order to test combinations of environmental factors like nutrients and pollution, we use an integrated modeling approach to study the potential accumulation and biomagnification. We describe the integrative modeling approach and the consecutive adaption of the AQUATOX model, used as modeling framework for ecological risk assessment. As a starting point, pre-calibrated simulations were adapted to Yangtze-specific conditions (regionalization). Two exemplary food webs were developed by a thorough review of the pertinent literature. The first typical for the flowing conditions of the original Yangtze River and the Daning River near the city of Wushan, and the second for the stagnant reservoir characteristics of the aforementioned region that is marked by an intermediate between lake and large river communities of aquatic organisms. In close cooperation with German and Chinese partners of the Yangtze-Hydro Research Association, other site-specific parameters were estimated. The MINIBAT project contributed to the calibration of physicochemical and bathymetric parameters, and the TRANSMIC project delivered hydrodynamic models for water volume and flow velocity conditions. The research questions were firstly focused on the definition of scenarios that could depict representative situations regarding food webs, pollution, and flow conditions in the TGR. The food webs and the abiotic site conditions in the main study area near the city of Wushan that determine the environmental preconditions for the organisms were defined. In our conceptual approach, we used the pesticide propanil as a model substance.     

Experimental approaches and analytical techniques for determining organic compound bound residues in soil and sediment

Research has shown that many chemicals form persistent and permanently bound residues in soils and sediments that play an important role in soil and sediment detoxification processes, long-term compound partitioning behaviour and compound bioavailability and toxicity in soil and sediment. This article reviews the methodological approaches that have been applied to determine the nature of bound residues in soil and sediment, the application of specific analytical techniques, the type of information they generate, and their relative advantages and disadvantages. It begins by defining bound residues and discussing soil-compound interactions. The application of model compound studies for elucidating specific binding interactions is reviewed along with long-term laboratory and field soil incubation experiments. The use of radiolabelled compounds, isotopically labelled compounds and combinations of both in these experiments are outlined by examples from the literature, along with sequential extraction schemes for releasing bound residues from soil, sediment and humic materials. The importance of spectroscopic methods, and particularly nuclear magnetic resonance techniques for characterising the structure of bound residues in soil and sedimentary humic substances is discussed and illustrated by examples from the literature on the subject. The process of bound residue formation is highly complex and requires further research to establish the mechanisms of bound residue formation and their subsequent environmental and toxicological fate. Much of the uncertainty regarding the elucidation of bound residue formation arises from our poor understanding of the structure of soil and sedimentary organic matter. Significant advances in our understanding of the formation and fate of bound residues will be made when we develop a deeper insight into the complex and heterogeneous structure of soil and sedimentary organic matter.     

Cost-Effectiveness of a Photochemical Oxidant Episode Regulation

The precursors used to conduct and the results of a cost-effectiveness study of photochemical oxidant episode control actions for the State of Illinois are analyzed. The method is general enough to be used in analyzing short-term episode regulations in other geographical areas and for other types of pollutants. Real costs and the probable emission reductions of the precursor compounds to oxidant formation, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, are estimated for each of twenty-two control actions and for sets of control actions that are implemented at four episode stages. Control actions affect the use of motor vehicles and parking facilities; scheduling of road repairs; and the operation of manufacturing and other facilities having process emissions, electric power plants, commercial establishments, and refuse incinerators. The actions are analyzed and compared on the basis of relative economic efficiency. The expected annual cost of the regulation and the distribution of cost across sectors are also discussed. The annual cost of the oxidant episode regulation in the Chicago SMSA Is estimated to be $12.9 million; expected annual emission reductions are 1180 ton hydrocarbons and 970 ton nitrogen oxide. It is concluded that the expected cost of the regulation is not overly restrictive if the frequency of major curtailments in manufacturing and transportation is low; the cost is relatively small compared with the estimated annual cost of sulfur dioxide and particulate controls.     

Air Resource Management in the Chicago Metropolitan Area

This paper discusses the approach used by the City of Chicago to encourage the implementation of an air resource management program in the metropolitan area. It explores the many facets that were helpful in designing and implementing the City of Chicago’s Five-Year Air Resource Management Program and the progress to date. Also highlighted is the social geography of the metropolitan area and the relationship of population growth and rapid industrial expansion to the area’s air pollution problem. Existing control programs in the Chicago Metropolitan Area are reviewed and are used to document the various elements essential for the success of an air resource management program. These include the Chicago Program, the Cook County Program, the State of Illinois Program and the Interstate Program between Illinois and Indiana. The authors devote considerable discussion to the methodology used to develop an air resource management program, including selection of goals, design of organization, technical development, definition of sources and effects, systems approach, and long- and short-range objectives. The importance of a public information and education program and its relationship to various segments of community leadership are also covered in this paper     

污泥堆肥施用于草坪草栽培:Zn和Cu的分布特征简

为了探索污泥堆肥中重金属在土壤-植物系统中的积累与转移特性，通过温室盆栽实验，分析了污泥堆肥对草坪草高羊茅、黑麦草和白三叶生物量积累的情况，研究了污泥堆肥中Zn和Cu在植物和土壤中的分布特征。结果表明，污泥堆肥施用可以有效促进3种草坪草的积累生物量，在0~6 kg/m²的污泥堆肥施用量范围内，草坪草的生物量积累随着施用量的增加而提高。土壤中Zn和Cu的含量随污泥堆肥施加量的增加而增大，85%以上的Zn和Cu残留在土壤中。污泥堆肥中的Zn和Cu均可以被植物吸收，随着污泥堆肥施用量的增加，草坪草对Zn和Cu的吸收量增大，但当污泥堆肥施用量超过一定阈值时，草坪草吸收Zn和Cu不再增加，甚至减少；对于不同的草坪草，这一阈值有所不同。植物对Zn和Cu的吸收量只占土壤中Zn和Cu减少量的5%左右。根据生物富集系数（BCF）的计算结果推测，污泥堆肥的施用对土壤环境的影响大于对植物体内累积Zn和Cu的影响。     

Relationship between pressure fluctuations and generation of organic pollutants with different particle size distributions in a fluidized bed incinerator

The hydrodynamic behaviors of fluidization perhaps significantly influence the uniformity of fluidization in fluidized bed incinerator. Good uniformity of fluidization expressed the air across uniformly through the bed and the particles being distributed well in the fluid stream. The aggregates, flocs and channels of particles do not happen during fluidization. The Good uniformity will maintain high heat and mass distribution to improve reaction efficiency. These parameters include the height of static bed, gas velocity, mixing and distribution of bed particle, which have rarely been studied in previous investigations. Consequently, this study examines how the hydrodynamic parameters affect the generation of organic pollutants (BTEXs and PAHs) during incineration. The statistical and power spectral analysis of the measured pressure fluctuation during incineration are used to elucidate the relationship between behaviors of fluidization and generation of pollutants during incineration. Experimental results show the organic concentration does not increase with uniformity of fluidization decreasing. The reason may be the explosion of the gas and the consequent thermal shock destroy the coalescent bubbles to form small bubbles again and enhance the efficiency of transfer of oxygen to increase combustion efficiency. Additionally, the mean amplitude and fluidized index of pressure fluctuation similarly vary with the concentration of organic pollutants. These two indices can be used to assess the efficiency of combustion. The four particle size distributions could be divided into two groups by statistical analysis. The Gaussian and narrow distributions belong to one group and the binary and flat the other. The organic concentration of the Gaussian and narrow distributions are lower than that of the other distributions. Consequently, the bed materials should maintain narrow or Gaussian distributions to maintain a good combustion efficiency during incineration.     

生物强化系统微生物分子诊断技术的应用及新发展

现代分子生物技术的飞速发展及其在环境研究领域的应用,为生物强化技术的研究和发展提供了新方法和新思路.本文从生物强化系统特异微生物检测及定量化技术、生物强化系统微生物群落结构组成及动态演替规律研究、生物强化作用机制的分子生物学解析、生物强化菌的基因工程构建、生物强化系统微生物的安全释放及控制技术几方面,对生物强化系统微生物分子诊断技术的应用和发展作了较为全面的综述.     

The sustainable management and protection of forests: analysis of the current position globally

The loss of forest area globally due to change of land use, the importance of forests in the conservation of biodiversity and in carbon and other biogeochemical cycles, together with the threat to forests from pollution and from the impacts of climate change, place forestry policy and practice at the center of global environmental and sustainability strategy. Forests provide important economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits, so that in forestry, as in other areas of environmental policy and management, there are tensions between economic development and environmental protection. In this article we review the current information on global forest cover and condition, examine the international processes that relate to forest protection and to sustainable forest management, and look at the main forest certification schemes. We consider the link between the international processes and certification schemes and also their combined effectiveness. We conclude that in some regions of the world neither mechanism is achieving forest protection, while in others local or regional implementation is occurring and is having a significant impact. Choice of certification scheme and implementation of management standards are often influenced by a consideration of the associated costs, and there are some major issues over the monitoring of agreed actions and of the criteria and indicators of sustainability. There are currently a number of initiatives seeking to improve the operation of the international forestry framework (e.g., The Montreal Process, the Ministerial Convention of the Protection of Forests in Europe and European Union actions in Europe, the African Timber Organisation and International Tropical Timber Organisation initiative for African tropical forest, and the development of a worldwide voluntary agreement on forestry in the United Nations Forum on Forests). We suggest that there is a need to improve the connections between scientific understanding, policy development, and forestry practice, and also the cooperation between the various international initiatives and processes, so that the international framework is more effective and its influence is extended geographically.     

Fate and effects of nutrients and heavy metals in experimental salt marsh ecosystems

Fate and effects of the macro nutrients nitrogen and phosphorus, and the heavy metals zinc, copper and cadmium, brought into experimental salt marsh ecosystems via sediment supply, were studied over a three-year period. The supply of sediment from the Marsdiep (at a low and high rate) and from the harbour of Delfzijl (at a high rate) led to an increase of the macro nutrients and heavy metals in the top soil. The growth of the salt marsh plants Aster tripolium, Puccinellia maritima and Spartina anglica and the uptake of the macro nutrients and heavy metals by the plants was only slightly affected by the addition of sediment. A high load of sediment led to an increase in growth or in the concentrations of the macro nutrients or heavy metals in the plants at a number of sampling dates, but only minor differences between treatments were found. From a mass balance constructed over a three-year study period it could be concluded that about 50% of the macro nutrients and heavy metals were retained in the salt marsh sediment. This was equal to the retained amount of organic matter, indicating that retention of the elements was closely related to retention of organic matter. The 50% loss of the macro nutrients and heavy metals probably occurred via ebb tides after resuspension of sediment and organic matter.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in River Po sediments

The River Po is the main Italian river draining one of the most populated and industrialised regions in Italy. As part of a monitoring project to assess environmental quality in the River Po, we measured the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in bottom sediments collected along the whole course of the river, from the spring to the delta, downstream from the confluence of its main tributaries. The aim was to investigate the level of contamination in the main Italian river and the contribution of contaminant loads from the subbasins. Composite sediment samples were collected in summer and winter surveys in low-flow water conditions and analysed by HRGC-HRMS for PCDD and PCDF homologue groups and for the 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners. The spatial trend observed in the Po River for PCDD and PCDF concentrations varied depending on the load of contaminants received from the tributaries and the processes of sedimentation. The sum of PCDD and PCDF concentrations, and the toxic equivalent content, ranged from 121 to 814 and from 1.3 to 13 ng/kg dry weight sediment, respectively. These levels of contamination seem lower than in the sediments of rivers draining highly industrialised areas. The PCDD and PCDF homologue profiles in all the samples were very similar, suggesting a common source of this contamination in the River Po. Principal component analysis suggested that widespread sources, such as urban runoff and domestic wastewaters, are probably the main cause of these levels of PCDDs and PCDFs.