Multi-risk,multi-scale and multi-stakeholder – the contribution of a bow-tie analysis for risk management in the trilateral Wadden Sea Region

Risk management processes increasingly call for enhanced stakeholder participation, and aim to integrate different risk perceptions, concerns and interests. Frequently, this goal is driven by the increased complexity of risk management processes, as risk management processes continuously have to deal with multi-risk situations including impacts resulting from risks of natural hazards and risks caused by misguided social or economic development. Although stakeholder participation is required by different policies, major challenges still arise from the question of how to perform multi-stakeholder participation in practice. In order to find answers, we tested the so-called ‘bow-tie analysis’ as a potential tool to facilitate multi-stakeholder participation with a major effort on integrating stakeholders risk perceptions and interest in the risk management processes. The bow-tie analysis is a commonly used risk assessment technique (IEC 2009) to analyse cause-and-effect pathways of risks, but its application in multi-stakeholder processes in risk management of natural hazards, especially in a European context, is rather new. Using practical experiences from the trilateral Wadden Sea Region we demonstrate the bow-tie analysis’ contribution to coastal risk management processes in this coastal area by facilitating collaborative identification, comprehension and analysis of the management system. The use of a modified bow-tie analysis in collaboration with stakeholders from the Wadden Sea Region proved to be an appropriate framework for enhancing the understanding of risk management processes and fostered disclosure of different perceptions and concerns of multi-risk problematics. The bow-tie can be beneficial as a communication and co-construction tool in risk management processes in a multi-risk context.     

Chemical speciation and potential ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in volcanic rocks of Southern Qinghai,China

ABSTRACT

Seven volcanic rocks samples were collected from Southern Qinghai to analyze chemical speciation and migration behavior of heavy metals by sequential chemical extraction procedure and column leaching test. The geo-accumulation index, ecological risk index and the risk assessment code were applied to assess the heavy metal pollution and potential environmental effects in this area. Results revealed that the total concentrations of heavy metals did not exceed the background values in soil of this area. Most of the samples produced acid rock drainage. The order of heavy metal migration and transformation sequence in the volcanic rocks of Zhiduo region was Cd?>?Pb?>?As?=?Cu?=?Zn?=?Mn based on the geo-accumulation index and Cd caused heavy pollution, which was also confirmed by the leaching test. Moderate potential ecological risk posed by heavy metals occurred in the study area based on the potential ecological risk index. Cd contributed to most of ecological risk while the remaining heavy metals (except As) exerted medium to high risks to the environment according to the risk assessment code evaluation results. In summary, volcanic rocks possessed potential risks to the surroundings due to potential release of heavy metals. Cd that caused the pollution should be paid special attention.     

A framework designation for the assessment of urban ecological risks

Urban ecological risks stemming from urbanization are increasing and limiting the capability of China to effectuate sustainable urban development. Therefore, addressing urban ecological risks is an urgent need. Numerous factors are involved in urban ecological risks, including air, water, and soil. Additionally, risk sources and risk receptors are complex and diverse. In this study, urban ecological risks are defined as adverse effects and possibility of impacts on urban ecosystem services resulting from urbanization. Urbanization is recognized as the risk source, and the urban ecosystem is considered the risk receptor. Based on this understanding, the components of urban ecological risks are defined, and the relationships between the components of urban ecological risks are illuminated by establishing an indicator system. Based on previous studies on urban ecological risks, an explicit framework for identification, assessment, and management of urban ecological risks is proposed. For purposes of identification, there are three types of risk sources: population growth, industrial development, and the expansion of built land. Stressors include the accumulation of contaminants, consumption of resources, and occupation of space. Assessment endpoints are divided into provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. In response to urban ecological risks having multiple stressors and multiple assessment endpoints, we assessed risks both with a single stressor/single endpoint and comprehensive ecological risks. In our framework, the physical or material assessment of ecosystem services is adopted as the core method for the analysis of urban ecological risk, because it is believed that the analysis of urban ecological risk should be based on the physical or material assessment of ecosystem services instead of the value assessment of ecosystem services. The results of the single value assessment of urban ecosystem services will cause the deviation from the purpose of urban ecosystem services assessment. The purpose of urban ecosystem services assessment is to maintain and/or improve the capability of urban ecosystems of providing physical or material services, and further to reduce or avoid the occurrence risks of unsustainable cities. Additionally, a multi-level characterization method was adopted for the results of urban ecological risk assessment. In this study, we established a platform to manage urban ecological risks based on landscape ecology and environmental internet of things technologies, and to effectuate online urban ecological risk identification, assessment, and management via this platform.     

Urban ecological risk assessment management platform

Due to rapid socioeconomic development in recent years, the influence of human activities on the urban ecosystem and environment is becoming more pronounced, causing increases in accumulated pollutants, resource consumption, and built-up land area. At this time, cities are facing complex ecological threats. We designed a platform to classify and assess the various types of ecological risks that cities and urban agglomerations may encounter. We used PHP to develop a web-based application, with nginx as the platform server, and MySQL to manage the background database. The platform provides users with a clearly structured, visual platform to manage ecological risk. By using this platform, users can quickly identify regional risk sources, find and describe risk factors, and predict possible consequences caused by these risks based on simulation modeling. The forecasting model and database can be synchronously updated and adjusted according to the actual situation. The visual web management platform and user security login system employ the MD5 encryption algorithm. The platform is designed to provide convenient, accurate, and scientific decision-making services for urban planning, construction, environmental protection, and other related areas.     

化学品环境风险管理需求与战略思考

在广泛调研收集化学品环境风险与污染危害等资料基础上,结合化学品环境管理的国内外形势与现状,针对我国目前存在的化学品环境管理体制不完善、环境风险防控工作滞后和技术支撑能力不足等问题,从国家战略层面分析了我国化学品全生命周期环境与健康风险管理需求,提出了我国化学品环境风险管理中长期发展目标及行动计划。行动计划涵盖了健全化学品法律法规和制度体系、系统开展化学品危害筛查和风险评估、推动有毒有害化学品的限制与淘汰、加强有毒有害化学品环境污染防治、提升化学品风险评估与管理能力和促进产业绿色发展等方面建议,对于我国加快构建完善的化学品风险管控制度和技术体系具有重要的参考和借鉴意义。     

基于国际经验的环境和健康风险管理框架的构建(International-Based Development of Risk Management Framework for Environmental and Human Health Risks)

通过对欧洲国家及澳大利亚、新西兰所使用的风险评价与风险管理方法的全面回顾和综合分析,探讨了各种不同方法的异同及利弊,辨识了环境和人类健康风险的有效、通用和综合方法中所遵循的决策清单.根据先进国家的经验,提出了构建中国环境风险管理的标准、结构及流程,以期为我国环境风险管理提供决策支持.     

珠三角地区POPs农药的污染现状及控制对策

概述了中国及国际社会对持久性有机污染物（Persistent Organic Pollutants,POPs）的关注情况。并通过对POPs农药在珠江三角洲地区（Pearl River Delta Area,PRD）使用情况的调查，以及对珠江三角洲地区POPs农药在各环境介质中的污染现状的文献综述，结合环境污染数据以及POPs农药污染调查工作中得到的数据和信息，对该地区POPs污染的可能原因和环境中可能存在的新近污染源进行了初步探讨。同时也指出了当前珠江三角洲地区在POPs农药削减与淘汰工作中所遭遇到的缺乏完善的管理体系等困难，并针对问题提出了包括加大科研投入，加强基础研究，掌握污染物来源和去向，加强替代药物的研究，建立和实施更严格的环境法规以及标准，加强环境监测能力建设，建立POPs农药污染的信息公开机制等一系列的控制对策。     

A new approach to investigate the interactions between sediment transport and ecotoxicological processes during flood events

Purpose

The 'step-by step' principle was introduced into the European Union legislation on genetically modified organisms as a means to cope with uncertainty about environmental risks from the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment. The approval process is orientated along the stepwise reduction of containment which reflects a precautionary approach towards the risks of genetically modified organism release. Thus, the gradual reduction of containment should keep pace with the gradual generation of risk-related knowledge. This paper strives to clarify the meaning, legal status and practical importance of the principle. It also looks at whether non-European Union countries have adopted the principle as well, and how they practice it.

Methods

The article is based on research of the relevant legal texts, court cases and legal literature. In addition, a number of dossiers of applications for the European Union authorisation of release and placing on the market of genetically modified seed were analysed.

Results and conclusions

Although 'step-by-step' is not a precise legal rule it does have legal meaning as a principle guiding the risk assessment and management of genetically modified organism introduction into the environment. Assuming a process of gradual reduction of containment and scaling up of release ranging from closed systems via experimental release to cultivation the 'step-by-step principle' requires that the knowledge on environmental risks of genetically modified organisms should be generated on stages previous to the ones where the risk can result in damage. The analysis of the legislation of China, the United States of America and Brazil showed a differentiated approach towards the step-by-step principle.     

拉萨河流域重金属污染及健康风险评价

在分析拉萨河水体重金属污染现状以及水质理化参数的基础上,对重金属含量进行Pearson相关性分析,并运用水环境健康风险评价模型对其进行了健康风险的初步评价.结果表明Cd、Pb、Cu、Mn、Ni和Zn未超过我国生活饮用水卫生标准（GB 5749—2006）的限值,As和Fe严重超标.8种重金属含量与pH值间均不存在显著相关性,其中Zn、Ni与Pb污染存在一定的同源性,而Ni与Cd来源不同,As、Mn、Fe、Cu之间污染具有多源性.污染物通过皮肤接触途径所造成的危害要远小于饮水途径,致癌物风险比非致癌物高2—8个数量级.其中As对总风险贡献率为99.60%,成为主要的风险污染物.拉萨河水体中污染物引起的总健康风险高于EPA推荐的标准值,具有显著的风险,应引起环境监测和环境管理部门的关注.     

Uncertainty and measurement error in welfare models for risk changes

Most welfare models of environmental or mortality risk reductions assume that risks are exogenously determined and known with certainty. However, a growing body of research suggests that uncertainty about risks can affect choices over risky prospects. I present a decision-weighted random-utility model that decomposes welfare losses into those attributable to an increase in the deterministic component of risk and those attributable to uncertainty about risk. I apply the model to an illustrative dataset of subjects' perceived mortality risk and willingness to accept the risk of nuclear-waste transport. I estimate the model using Lewbel's (2000) strictly exogenous regressor approach to account for endogeneity bias and measurement error. Subjects display aversion to both risk and uncertainty about the risk of a transport accident, so that increases in either leads to social-welfare losses. Roughly 12% of the external cost of nuclear-waste transport is attributable to the public's uncertainty about transport risk.     

前哨动物在环境污染物人体健康风险评价中的应用

前哨动物能够在污染物对生态系统或人体健康产生明显影响之前做出反应,所以利用前哨动物能够对环境污染的健康风险做早期预报,同时可提供环境中污染物种类、污染水平、生物可利用性、富集代谢等多方面的信息.虽然来自前哨动物的信息不能直接外推于人,但由于动物和人体结构和功能的相似性,这些信息可作为污染物对人体作用的早期警报.论文对作为前哨动物的某些鱼类、两栖动物和哺乳动物在环境污染物人体健康风险评价中的应用进行了简要概述,讨论了它们作为前哨动物各自的优缺点和适用范围,最后建议在国内大力开展前哨动物生态毒理学调查,以促进人体健康风险评价工作.     

Priorisierung von bioziden Wirkstoffen aufgrund der potenziellen Gefährdung schweizerischer Oberflächengewässer

Background, Aim and Scope Active substances for use in biocidal products can potentially occur as micropollutants in natural waters. Biocides, which are used in Switzerland for non-agricultural applications, should be evaluated and prioritized with regard to their respective environmental risks. The following questions were emphasized: Which active substances are used for which purposes and in which amounts? Is there discharge to the aquatic environment? What are the environmental behaviours and ecotoxicological effects of these biocides? How can a prioritization be achieved? Which active substances should be suggested for further assessments? Methods Manufacturing firms, sales organisations, users and environmental experts were identified as key stakeholders for the issues of this project. Chemical identities, product compositions, used amounts, product types, ways and places of applications were elucidated. A database was established with information on approximately 1760 products with totally 277 active substances. A prioritization procedure was established, providing a distinction of the active substances. For priority setting, water pollution risks by biocides were evaluated based on potential environmental emissions as well as on environmental behaviour and ecotoxic effects. Results In the European Union 372 active substances were notified for biocidal products, which accounted for use of 7500 tons per year in Switzerland. More than 95?% of the total use bases on 30 active substances, of which seven are rapidly biodegradable. A group of experts determined 22 substances as candidates for an extended assessment. It became evident that many active biocidal substances are highly ecotoxic und could, therefore, cause an augmented environmental risk Discussion It could be shown which active substances are applied in Switzerland in substantial amounts. Although close to 300 active biocidal substances are used, only about 30 substances are employed in relevant amounts of more than 5000?kg per year. For 22 active substances with low biodegradability, a potential environmental risk for natural surface waters can be inferred. These active substances are used at amounts comparable to the pesticides.     

梯级水库群环境风险分析

为提高梯级水库群环境风险管理水平,加强流域生态环境保护,以溪洛渡-向家坝梯级水库为研究对象,基于灾害系统理论和系统动力学,对溪洛渡-向家坝梯级水库环境风险进行了系统梳理,辨识了梯级水库环境风险承载体、风险源、风险诱因,分析了环境风险传递机理,采用贝叶斯理论进行库区水体藻类爆发概率计算。结果表明:溪洛渡-向家坝梯级水库环境风险通过水流、电流、系统动力学流进行传播,并会影响到电站机组和水工建筑物的安全,由于水动力减弱和库区污染物排放,导致库区水体藻类爆发概率为2.42%,死鱼概率为1.21%,在此基础上,绘制环境风险传递拓扑图,并提出相应的环境风险管控措施。     

Using Scalar Models for Precautionary Assessments of Threatened Species

Abstract:  Scalar population models, commonly referred to as count-based models, are based on time-series data of population sizes and may be useful for screening-level ecological risk assessments when data for more complex models are not available. Appropriate use of such models for management purposes, however, requires understanding inherent biases that may exist in these models. Through a series of simulations, which compared predictions of risk of decline of scalar and matrix-based models, we examined whether discrepancies may arise from different dynamics displayed due to age structure and generation time. We also examined scalar and matrix-based population models of 18 real populations for potential patterns of bias in population viability estimates. In the simulation study, precautionary bias (i.e., overestimating risks of decline) of scalar models increased as a function of generation time. Models of real populations showed poor fit between scalar and matrix-based models, with scalar models predicting significantly higher risks of decline on average. The strength of this bias was not correlated with generation time, suggesting that additional sources of bias may be masking this relationship. Scalar models can be useful for screening-level assessments, which should in general be precautionary, but the potential shortfalls of these models should be considered before using them as a basis for management decisions.     

Trends of environmental accidents and impact factors in China

An overview of the spatial and temporal variations of the environmental accidents in China in recent years was presented in this paper using available data. The results showed that the frequency of pollution accidents was significantly decreased, from 3462 in 1990 to 462 in 2007. The water and air pollution accidents were found to be the dominant types, accounting for more than 80% of the total accidents. Considering the classification of environmental accidents at 4 scales, the general environmental accident, i.e., the least serious type, was the most frequent event, taking up 58.98% of the total pollution accidents. In addition, the distribution of environmental accidents was generally in accordance with the industrial layout in the country during the past decade. It is very important to note that the extraordinarily severe environmental accidents showed an increasing trend in underdeveloped regions, which was caused by the transfer and the development of heavy polluted industry in these areas. As to the losses of environmental accidents, the casualties presented an obvious reduction tendency, while the direct economic loss per accident tended to climb up. Furthermore, some key factors that affect the spatial and temporal tendencies of environmental accidents in China were discussed and some suggestions were put forward, hoping to shed light on environmental risk management and emergency plans making associated with environmental accidents in China.     

Development of environmental management system in China’s financial sector

The establishment of the environmental management system in the financial sector can be effectively promoted through the introduction of the environmental protection concept and its implementation by the financial sector. The impact of a sustainable development system on the sector is analyzed in this article from three aspects: environmental risk assessment, financing support for environmental protection projects, and financial services to environmentally friendly corporations and individuals. Influential factors on the development of the environmental management system in China’s financial sector are discussed from the perspective of various entities such as financial institutions, financial regulation authorities, environmental protection departments, corporations, and the public. It is pointed out that China’s financial sector is now in the transitional phase from a defensive attitude to a preventive attitude. Strengthening governmental guidance, the supervision of regulators as well as public awareness of environmental protection should be used to enhance the initiative in the development of the environmental management system in the Chinese financial sector.     

海洋放射性污染生态风险评价研究进展

近年来,随着我国核电事业迅猛发展,海洋放射性污染的风险激增,放射物质的事故性污染将成为海洋环境一个重要问题。目前,海洋环境放射性污染风险评估的研究仍然较为薄弱,开展海洋放射性污染生态风险评价有助于了解事故对海洋生态的危害程度,为海洋与海岸带环境管理提供科学决策依据,维护海洋生态系统的健康与安全。梳理总结当前国内外海洋放射性污染生态风险评价的相关研究进展,结果表明:目前国内外对海洋放射性污染生态风险评价尚未做出科学的定义;现有海洋放射性污染生态风险评价的技术路线大体可归纳为基于经典风险评估框架和基于迭代的生态风险评价框架2种类型;ERICA Tool模型以及RESRAD-BIOTA模型是目前放射性风险评价中应用最多的方法 ,但存在海洋放射性污染标准限值少的问题;现有的研究主要集中于评估事故中后期均衡条件下的长期慢性暴露评价,对事故初期的高剂量、短期急性暴露的风险影响研究较少;我国海洋放射性污染的生态风险评价与环境影响评价的概念混淆,至今没有明确的海洋放射性污染生态风险评价的概念及技术框架。     

太原市污灌区农田土壤中多环芳烃污染特征及生态风险评价

通过对污灌区农田土壤多环芳烃(Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons,PAHs)的分布特征、污染程度及来源进行解析,深入了解污水灌溉引发的土壤污染问题,实现污水灌溉农田土壤的污染预警和科学合理利用.在太原污灌农田共采集110个土壤样品,使用气相色谱-质谱仪(Gas Chromatography...     

Emerging contaminant control: From science to action

Since the concept of emerging contaminants (ECs) was first proposed in 2001, the global scientific research of ECs has developed rapidly. In the past decades, great progress has been achieved in the scientific research of ECs in China, including the establishment of EC analysis method system, the evaluation of the pollution status, pollution characteristics and environmental risk of ECs in typical regions of China, and establishment of EC control technology system. Continuous progress in scientific research of ECs promoted China’s action on EC control. It is planned that the environmental risk of ECs will be generally controlled by 2035 in China. Priority ECs should be screened for environmental management. Although great efforts have been made, the EC control in China still faces tremendous challenges. It is necessary to bridge the gap between scientific research and decision-making management. Based on the science and technology study, various measures such as engineering, policy management and public participation should be combinedly adopted for EC control.     

Pharmazeutische Wirkstoffe und Umweltschutz

On 26 April this year the German Environmental Advisory Council (SRU) published a statement on ‘Pharmaceuticals in the environment’ and pointed considerable need for action to understand and to reduce the risks from diffuse pharmaceutical inputs in the environment. On the one hand, it is urgently necessary to improve the database for environmental risk assessments; on the other hand measures should already be taken to minimize harmful inputs. Fortunately, the new regulations for an application for an authorization to market new pharmaceuticals require an environmental risk assessment. However, there is a lack of information on possible impacts from long time admitted medicines which may be responsible for harmful active substances detectable in the environment. To remove this data deficit, a European programme for risk evaluation of old pharmaceuticals should be established. It is necessary for an adequate risk assessment to look at all impacts of one active substance or all substances same-directed in their active potential summativ and to generate regularly consumption data in particular for the use of veterinary products. The hot spots of contamination are the introduction of large scale volumes of active pharmaceutical ingredients for human use like diclofenac and carbamazepin as well as hormones into surface waters, as well as the application of antibiotics-loaded economic fertilizers on soils. Not to be neglected is the application of antiparasitics in animals kept on pasture. With the assessment of the use of pharmaceuticals for all purposes special attention is needed on antibiotic resistance. For the mitigation of environmental exposures there are exposures measures necessary to reduce use of antibiotics in farming, for the application of new effective technologies in treatment sewage — as for example ozonation, filtration with activated carbon or membrane filtration — as well as for the labelling of environmentally harmful medicinal products.