Emergy analysis applied to the estimation of the recovery of costs for water services under the European Water Framework Directive

In this paper, the European Union's Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) that is intended to foster protection of water resources is examined, focusing on the improvement of ecological and chemical quality of surface and groundwater. The WFD includes the concept of full cost recovery (FCR) in accordance with the Polluter-Pays Principle, as one of the tools of an adequate and sustainable water resource management system. The WFD defines three different costs associated with water: resource costs (RC), financial costs (FC), and environmental costs (ECs).The FCR of water is examined from a biophysical perspective using emergy evaluation to: (1) establish resource values of water from different sources, (2) establish the full economic costs associated with supplying water, and (3) the societal costs of water that is used incorrectly; from which the resource costs, financial costs, and environmental costs, respectively, can be computed. Financial costs are the costs associated with providing water including energy, materials, labor and infrastructure. The emergy based monetary values vary between 0.15 and 1.73 €/m³ depending on technology. The emergy based, global average resource value (from which resource costs can be computed) is derived from two aspects of water: its chemical potential and its geopotential. The chemical potential monetary value of different sources such as rain, groundwater, and surface water derived from global averages of emergy inputs varies from 0.03 to 0.18 €/m³, depending on source, and the geopotential values vary from 0.03 to 2.40 €/m³, depending on location in the watershed. The environmental costs of water were averaged for the county of Spain and were 1.42 €/m³.Time of year and spatial location within the watershed ultimately influence the resource costs (computed from emergy value of chemical potential and geopotential energy) of water. To demonstrate this spatial and temporal variability, a case study is presented using the Foix watershed in northeastern Spain. Throughout the year, the resource value of water varies from 0.21 to 3.17 €/m³, depending on location within the watershed. It is concluded that FCR would benefit from the evaluation of resource costs using spatially and temporally explicit emergy accounting.     

Low levels of genetic variation in mtDNA sequences over the western Mediterranean and Atlantic range of the sponge<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Crambe crambe</Emphasis> (Poecilosclerida)

Crambe crambe is a common encrusting sponge found in the Mediterranean and Atlantic littoral. An analysis of a partial sequence (535 bp) of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) was conducted in an attempt to determine population structure in this species. This is the first study of population genetics using this kind of marker in the phylum. Samples (N=86) were taken in eight populations separated by distances from 20 to 3,000 km, spanning from the western Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Low variability of this gene was found, as only two haplotypes were identified, along with low nucleotide diversity (=0.0006). However, the different frequencies found among populations revealed genetic structure and low gene flow between close populations, as expected from the dispersal biology of the species. The low variability found in sponges is in agreement with reports on cnidarians and points to a high conservation of mtDNA in diploblastic phyla.     

Maize field odorscape during the oviposition flight of the European corn borer

Most crop pests find a suitable host through chemical cues released from plants, but little is known about the odorscape encountered by host-seeking gravid females under natural, outdoor conditions. In this field study, the volatile organic compound (VOC) composition of maize (Zea mays, L.), a host for the European corn borer (ECB) (Ostrinia nubilalis Hüb.) was characterized during the oviposition flight and compared with a forest odorscape. VOCs from maize fields and the forest atmosphere were collected by solid phase microextraction and characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The electroantennographic (EAG) response of female ECB antennae to candidate VOCs was tested. Analyses revealed clear differences between the maize field and the forest odorscapes, mainly composed of ubiquitous VOCs but in specific ratios. The maize field odorscape is more complex than the forest odorscape for maize found 18 VOCs but only eight in the forest. Both biotopes shared seven VOCs—green leaf volatiles (GLV), monoterpènes (MT) and homoterpenes. In addition, we found in the forest a distinctive sesquiterpene (SQT) identified as isoledene. The highest EAG responses were elicited by two GLVs and a MT shared by the two biotopes. SQT elicited weak EAG responses, except β-farnesene, only found in the maize field odorscape. Our results suggest that the two biotopes produce specific chemical signatures that insects may use as host cues. To the best of our knowledge this paper is the first report on the maize odorscapes under field conditions. The putative role of the VOCs in host plant detection and selection is discussed.     

The influence of sorption material preparation on the removal of metal ions from the aqueous solution

ABSTRACT

Very important in adsorption processes is the preparation of material sorbents and from this reason, the impact of washing agent of raw sorbent was analysed. The adsorption capacity was studied in relation to the function of the equilibrium time, the amount of biosorbent and the initial metal(II) ions concentration. In this research for the sake of comparison, the sorptive properties of out-of-date coffee were compared to coffee washed with different agents (mineral acids and water). The scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterise the biosorbents and to identify the functional groups that participated in metal(II) ions bonding. The obtained results clearly indicate that the out-of-date coffee are effective biosorbent for cadmium(II) and nickel(II) ions from aqueous solution. However, for metal(II) ions removal efficiency could influence sorbent preparation and nickel(II) ions were best adsorbed on coffee washed with water, but cadmium(II) ions on raw biosorbent (out-of-date coffee). The best results of sorption were achieved after the contact time of 30 and 60?min, respectively for cadmium(II) and nickel(II) ions.     

Density-dependent growth in the Atlantic surfclam, Spisula solidissima, off the coast of the Delmarva Peninsula, USA

Spisula solidissima (Dillwyn, 1817) is a large, suspension-feeding bivalve, whose range extends from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. This species is harvested commercially. Shell length and age data were collected for this species from 1980 to 1994 during surveys of population size and structure. These data were used to examine the relationship between the growth rate of S.␣solidissima and intraspecific density. The null hypothesis was that density (represented by number of individuals per tow) would have no effect on rate of growth. A negative relationship would support the alternative hypothesis, that intraspecific competition had taken place. This analysis focused on the surfclam population offshore from the Delmarva Peninsula, USA because: (1) a major recruitment event occurred in 1977, (2) clam fishermen had reported “stunted” surfclams in that area, (3) a wide range of local densities were available to examine, and (4) the existence of a closed area within the study area set up an interesting contrast with areas left open to harvesting. Maps of surfclam abundance across the Delmarva region demonstrate that areas of highest density have generally remained in the same location through time. The results suggested that intraspecific competition has been important in structuring this population. Based on data from 1980 to 1992, shell length was significantly reduced at high density, and a significant interaction between age and density was observed. Growth modeling indicated decreased asymptotic lengths and growth rates with increasing density. In nine out of ten pairwise randomization tests, fitted von Bertalanffy growth curves, representing different densities, were significantly different from each other. High densities of clams have persisted in the area that was closed to harvesting for 11 years (1980 to 1991). In 1994, length at age was significantly less in this closed area compared to that in the surrounding area. This effect was apparent in clams from 3 to 17 years of age, and most pronounced in the cohort that recruited to the Delmarva region in high numbers in 1977. Lower growth rates within the closed area have management implications for the optimal duration of closures. Received: 16 May 1997 / Accepted: 7 October 1997     

Movement patterns of juvenile sand tigers (Carcharias taurus) along the east coast of the USA

To date, movement patterns of juvenile sand tigers (Carcharias taurus) along the east coast of the USA have been loosely defined. Given the magnitude of the purported decline in the sand tiger population in the western North Atlantic (WNA), characterization of the species’ movement patterns throughout this broad area is essential for the effective management and recovery of this population. Using passive acoustic telemetry, pop-up satellite archival transmitting tags, and conventional fishery-dependent tag/recapture data, seasonal movements of juvenile sand tigers (ages 0–2 years; <125 cm fork length) were monitored between Maine and Florida along the US east coast from 2007 to 2013. Collectively, tag data indicated that juvenile sand tigers undergo extensive seasonal coastal migrations moving between summer (June–October) habitat (Maine to Delaware Bay) and winter (December–April) habitat (Cape Hatteras to central Florida) during the spring (April–June) and fall/early winter (October–December). Juvenile sand tigers occurred in a wide range of temperatures (9.8–26.9 °C) throughout the year, but spent the majority of their time in water from 12 to 20 °C. Given the extensive movements and continuous utilization of relatively shallow (<80 m) nearshore waters exhibited by these relatively small individuals throughout their first years of life, it is imperative that precautions be taken to limit negative effects of anthropogenic interactions on this species (i.e., fisheries bycatch, coastal degradation) in an effort to rebuild and sustain the WNA population.     

Using the bootstrap with two-phase adaptive stratified samples from multiple populations at multiple locations

Recently the two-phase adaptive stratified sampling design proposed by Francis (1984) has been extended by Manly et al. (2002) for situations where several biological populations are sampled simultaneously, and where this is done at several different geographical locations in order to estimate population totals or means. The method uses the results from a first phase sample to decide how best to allocate a second phase sample to locations and strata, in order to maximise a criterion (based on estimated coefficients of variation) that measures the accuracy of estimation for population totals, for all variables at all locations. One potential problem with this method is bias in the estimators of the population totals and means. In this paper bootstrapping is considered as a means of overcoming these biases. It is shown using model populations of Pacific walrus and shellfish, based on real data, that bootstrapping is a useful tool for removing about half of the bias. This is also confirmed from some simulations using artificial data.     

Significance tables for the exact variance test for the Poisson distribution with alternative underdispersion

Fisher (1950) introduced the variance or dispersion index test statistic to test deviations of the Poisson distribution. For this test approximate critical values exist for large sample sizes. If the number of observations is small this approximation can lead to a wrong conclusion. For small samples, the exact critical values can only be derived by enumeration of all possibilities. Tables of critical values for overdispersion already exist (e.g., Rao and Chakravarti, 1956) However, in many biological situations underdispersion, a more-regular-than-Poisson distribution, is a common phenomenon. Therefore, we have tabulated in this paper the one-tailed critical values for a small number of observations under the null hypothesis (H₀) that the random variable is Poisson distributed against the alternative hypothesis of underdispersion. With the help of this table, the hypothesis that the observations in a data set are Poisson distributed, can be tested easily with the variance test. The tables are illustrated with examples from the literature and some observations from our own research. In general, the ² approximation gives a smaller significance level than the exact variance test.     

Disarming the population bomb

This paper argues for a renewed international focus on managed population reduction as a key enabler of sustainable development. The paper presents development data that demonstrate why population reduction should be elevated to share top priority with poverty alleviation, as the two over-arching goals of international development strategy. The critical analysis put forth in this paper argues that the current ‘unsustainable’ approach to sustainable development stems from (1) ‘empty world’ economic growth theory applied to a ‘full world’, which is (2) supported and driven by socioeconomic incentives to expand population, (3) justified through flawed interpretation of demographic transition theory, (4) bolstered by the exaggerated efficacy of environmental economic theory applied in a resource-constrained world, (5) insulated from challenge by limitations of scientific knowledge and (6) perpetuated by herd behavior. This paper concludes that failure to reduce global population will inhibit attainment of poverty alleviation and worsen environmental degradation.     

Neglected biological patterns in the residuals

One of the fundamental assumptions underlying linear regression models is that the errors have a constant variance (i.e., homoscedastic). When this assumption is violated, standard errors from a regression can be biased and inconsistent, meaning that the associated p values and 95% confidence intervals cannot be trusted. The assumption of homoscedasticity is made for statistical reasons rather than biological reasons; in most real datasets, some form of heteroscedasticity is likely to exist. However, a survey of the behavioural ecology literature showed that only about 5% of articles explicitly mentioned heteroscedasticity, leaving 95% of articles in which heteroscedasticity was apparently absent. These results strongly indicate that the prevalence of heteroscedasticity is widely under-reported within behavioural ecology. The aim of this article is to raise awareness of heteroscedasticity amongst behavioural ecologists. Using topical examples from fields in behavioural ecology such as sexual dimorphism and animal personality, we highlight the biological importance of considering heteroscedasticity. We also emphasize that researchers should pay closer attention to the variance in their data and consider what factors could cause heteroscedasticity. In addition, we introduce some simple methods of dealing with heteroscedasticity. The two methods we focus on are: (1) incorporating variance functions within a generalised least squares (GLS) framework to model the functional form of heteroscedasticity and; (2) heteroscedasticity-consistent standard error (HCSE) estimators, which can be used when the functional form of heteroscedasticity is unknown. Using case studies, we show how both methods can influence the output from linear regression models. Finally, we hope that more researchers will consider heteroscedasticity as an important source of additional information about the particular biological process being studied, rather than an impediment to statistical analysis.     

Modelling the outcrossing between genetically modified and conventional maize with equation discovery

Many studies explore the feasibility of co-existence between genetically modified (GM) and conventional (non-GM) crops. An important research topic in these studies is the process of outcrossing, i.e., the process of gene flow via pollen flow from GM to non-GM crops. In this paper, we address a new modelling approach to define the environmentally driven processes of outcrossing for maize from existing empirical datasets. In particular, we use equation discovery methodology that combines background knowledge and empirical data from several studies. We induce models that predict the degree of outcrossing rate between the donor (GM) and the recipient (non-GM) maize field from the distance between the fields and the local wind characteristics (speed, direction and duration). This results in highly accurate models, for which both variables (distance and wind) are essential and of roughly equal importance.     

Paternity covaries with laying and hatching order in the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis

Females in most bird species engage in extra-pair copulations. Although this behaviour is widespread, benefits for females of doing so are less understood. The most widely accepted hypothesis is that they improve their previous choice of social partner and gain genetic benefits for their offspring. Some evidence for this comes from studies that find that extra-pair young (EPY) have greater fitness than their half-sibs. However, this might be also caused by maternal, non-genetic effect, a possibility that remains largely untested. Here we test whether EPY are laid in larger eggs or eggs laid early in the laying sequence in the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis). The size of eggs bearing EPY and within-pair young (WPY) did not differ, however, EPY were laid in early eggs and consequently hatched earlier than WPY. As hatching asynchrony is a strong determinant of offspring size and survival in many species, including collared flycatcher, our results suggest that a caution is needed when paternal genetic effects are to be inferred from comparison of naturally occurring half-sibs.     

Predicting the variation in detection function in line transect sampling through random parameter model

A method for calibrating (localizing) detection function models in line transect sampling is proposed. The method is based on a random parameter model which supplies localized predictions of detection function parameters utilizing a few sample data points from the concerned location(s). The method has the clear advantage of being able to provide density estimates based on very few observations from a location which would be impossible through traditional methods. The method is successfully illustrated using census data on sambar (Cervus unicolor) from a set of wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala, India. The need for further research in this direction is indicated.     

Growth history and inshore migration of the tropical eel, Anguilla marmorata, in the Pacific

A comparative study of the otolith microstructure and microchemistry of Anguilla marmorata glass eels in the western North Pacific (Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Indonesia) determined the timing of metamorphosis and age at recruitment to freshwater habitats with a view to learning about the early life history and recruitment of this species of tropical anguillid eel, which has a wide range throughout much of the western Pacific and parts of the Indian Ocean. Three new samples (from Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia) were analyzed and statistically compared along with two other previously published samples that were analyzed using the same techniques. Ages at metamorphosis and recruitment, respectively, were 123ᆡ.4 days (mean-SD) and 154ᆥ.0 days in specimens from Japan, 116ᆢ.6 days and 145ᆣ.6 days in those from Taiwan, 120ᆡ.0 days and 154ᆡ.5 days in the Philippines stock and 132Nj.7 days and 159ᆟ.7 days, and 120ᆣ.6 days and 152ᆣ.2 days in the Indonesian stock. The average duration of the period of metamorphosis estimated from otolith microstructure was very similar (15-17 days) in the specimens from all locations. A close linear relationship was found between the ages at metamorphosis and recruitment at all locations, suggesting that individuals that metamorphosed earlier were recruited to freshwater habitats at a younger age. Back-calculated hatching dates ranged over about 6 months of the year, suggesting that this species may spawn throughout much of the year. It is hypothesized that specimens from all four sites are from the same spawning population originating in a spawning area in the North Equatorial Current of the western North Pacific.     

Maritime spatial planning: opportunities &; challenges in the framework of the EU integrated maritime policy

In recent years, maritime spatial planning (MSP) has become an internationally emerging, promising tool for the implementation of integrated ocean management. MSP provides the appropriate framework for public authorities and stakeholders to coordinate their action across sectors and administrative boundaries, and to optimize the use of natural resources. In November 2008 the European Commission adopted the Communication “Roadmap for Maritime Spatial Planning: Achieving Common Principles in the EU” (COM(2008) 791 final) aiming to facilitate the development of MSP by Member States and to stimulate its implementation at national and EU level. Core element of this Roadmap is a set of ten key principles for MSP in Europe. Although endorsed as valid and comprehensive, further discussion and research is needed to identify challenges, measures and tools for the key principle’s practical application. This special issue of the Journal of Coastal Conservation: Planning and Management (JCCPM) seeks to contribute to this discussion. Its purpose is to shed light from different angles on the various aspects of the mentioned ten key principles and provide lessons learned from experience in different maritime areas around the world. Taking a more scientific, rather than a political point of view, the following articles will debate the different principles, their practical handling, as well as the consequences linked to their application.     

Phylogeography of the seaweed Ishige okamurae (Phaeophyceae): evidence for glacial refugia in the northwest Pacific region

Although benthic marine algae are essential components of marine coastal systems that have been influenced profoundly by past and present climate change, our knowledge of seaweed phylogeography is limited. The brown alga Ishige okamurae Yendo occurs in the northwest Pacific, where it occupies a characteristic belt in the exposed intertidal zone. To understand the patterns of genetic diversity and the evolutionary history of this species, we analyzed mitochondrial cox3 from 14 populations (221 individuals) throughout its range. The 17 haplotypes found in this study formed five distinct clades, indicating significant genetic structure. The high differentiation and number of unique (private) haplotypes may result from the recolonization of the species from glacial refugia. Three putative refugia, each with high genetic diversity, were identified: southern Korea (including Jeju Island), northern Taiwan, and central Pacific Japan. Recolonization of I. okamurae was probably determined by ocean currents and changes in sea level during the last glacial period.     

Defining and modelling the coastal zone affected by the Po river (Italy)

One of the most important sources of pollution in coastal zones (CZ) is certainly that one produced by human activities in the associated river basin. Understanding the linkage between water quality in CZ and river catchments is important in order to better assess CZ processes and to evaluate different management options aimed at improving the coastal ecosystem state. CZ water quality targets as identified by the Water Framework Directive (EC 2000/60) require an accurate study of the effects of pollutant loads coming from river discharge.In order to evaluate the impacts of human activities in river catchments on the associated coastal zone, a sound definition for this geographic area is needed. Many definitions for this area have been proposed in different contexts. The definition is generally built upon a particular goal, and is henceforth highly variable according to the different purposes. In this paper a general methodology allowing to discern those areas of the sea that are directly influenced by fluvial discharge is presented. The methodology is based on the variation pattern of sea water characteristics, and provides a numerical evaluation of this influence. In particular an analysis based on salinity as tracer, results in a sound definition of this area. The methodology has been applied on the case study of the Po river. Due to the significant nutrient loads discharged by the river, the CZ associated with Po is affected by severe eutrophication phenomena that have important consequences on the ecosystem and on the socio-economy of the area.In order to study the impacts of nutrients loads carried by the river, a water quality model (WASP6) has been implemented. The model simulates the seasonal variability of nutrient concentrations, phytoplankton biomass and dissolved oxygen. Using the CZ model is possible to compare the effects of variations of nutrient loads on the biochemical (short term) and ecological (long term) quality of the coastal environment. This is accomplished by feeding nutrients loads forecasted for different scenarios by the catchment model (MONERIS) as forcing functions to the CZ model. This way the effect of the different catchment management scenarios are propagated to the CZ model, and the trophic conditions of the coastal ecosystem evaluated using TRIX.This study has been developed in the context of the European project EUROCAT.     

Facultative polyandry and the role of infant-carrying in wild saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis)

Summary Wild saddle-back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis) in southeastern Peru have a variable mating system that can differ both between territories at any one time and within territories over time. Groups are usually monogamous or cooperatively polyandrous, but are occasionally even polygynous. This study addressed the following questions: why does this population contain both monogamous and polyandrous groups simultaneously? What factors determine whether specific groups are monogamous or polyandrous? The data from this study population tentatively support the hypothesis that adults should mate monogramously only if they have nonreproductive helpers (usually older offspring) to help rear infants. Without helpers, the reproductive success of both males and females is hypothesized to be higher, on average, if they mate polyandrously than if they mate monogamously. The proposed benefits of polyandry to males and females differ quantitatively, but in both cases benefits stem from the help that males provide in rearing young. The following results support this hypothesis. (1) Lone pairs were never seen to attempt breeding, and calculations suggest that the costs of lactation and infant-carrying are too great for lone pairs to have a high probability of being able to raise twin offspring (the normal litter size). (2) Polyandrous males and nonreproductive offspring contributed substantially to infant care, particularly infant-carrying (fig. 2). (3) Adult males carried infants approximately twice as often as did lactating females, presumably because of the combined costs of (a) lactation (Fig. 3) and (b) infant-carrying (Fig. 4). The proximate causes of cooperative polyandry inS. fuscicollis appear to be different from those responsible in several bird species, showing that cooperative polyandry is a complex phenomenon.     

Study of the importance of the soft abdomen of the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus in minimising the mechanical effects of osmotic uptake of water

It has been previously suggested by the author (Davenport, 1972) that the abdomen of the hermit crab Pagurus bernhardus (L.) acted as a swelling reservoir, protecting the structures of the cephalothorax from the mechanical effects of osmotic inflow of water. To confirm this, evidence of fluid transfer from the cephalothorax to the abdomen is required. Experiments to demonstrate this transfer were performed, and it was found that, although the abdomen is more permeable to water than the cephalothorax, much of the abdominal swelling in dilute media is caused not by abdominal water uptake, but by transfer of excess fluid from the cephalothorax to the abdomen; 55.4% of the potential weight increase of the cephalothorax, caused by exposure to 30% sea water (100%=34 S) for 60 min, is transferred, presumably as haemolymph, to the abdomen.     

Mediterranean octocorallian communities and the abiotic environment

Octocorallian communities (Coelenterata: Anthozoa) were investigated in 40 underwater stations near Banyuls-sur-Mer (France), as representatives of Mediterranean benthic fauna. The stations, with depths ranging from 0.3 to 40 m, were all sampled by means of SCUBA-diving. Along with a faunistic inventory, the main abiotic properties of each station were examined, such as irradiance, temperature, water movement, slope and presence of sediment. By means of cluster analysis and factor analysis, the main properties of which are briefly outlined in this paper, the existence of 5 separate communities is demonstrated. Two major abiotic factors emerge from this study, viz. submarine daylight and the presence or absence of sediment. Although community structures are found to be correlated with the physical environment, no causal relationships have been established. It is suggested that the tolerance of larval and young adult stages play an important role in this respect.