Particulate matter concentration levels during intense haze event in an urban environment

This study assessed concentration levels of particulate matter (PM) in the ambient environment of Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria, during haze episodes. Meteorological data (wind speed and direction, rainfall data, sunshine data, relative humidity and temperature) were obtained. Aerocet 531S particle counter (MetOne Instruments, USA) was used to measure four mass concentration ranges of PM (PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and the total suspended particles (TSP)) in 10 locations taking into consideration land use patterns. Surfer® version 8 (Golden Software LLC, USA) was used to model the spatial variation of particulate matter concentration levels using kriging interpolation griding method. Human exposure assessment was done using the total respiratory deposition dose (TRDD) estimates and statutory limit breach (SLB) approaches. The appearance of dominating weak southern atmospheric wind flow was observed as wind speed ranged from 0 to 6.811 m/s while solar radiation periods ranged from 0.3 to 3.5 h/day. The relative humidity of the metropolis ranged between 28 and 57%, while daily temperature was 15 to 36 °C. Highest concentration levels of PM measured were 73.4, 562.7, 7066.3 and 9907.8 μg/m³ for PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM₁₀ and TSP, respectively. Very strong negative correlations existed between the PM concentration levels and microclimatic parameters. Spatial variation of the concentration level as modelled using Surfer® version 8 indicated that particulate concentration level increases from south to north. Concentration levels of PM for the 24-h averaging period were generally above the 24-h threshold limit value set by the regulatory agencies for all the locations.     

Relationships between aquatic invertebrate communities,water-level fluctuations and different habitats in a subtropical lake

In lakes, the littoral habitat and its invertebrate communities are often exposed to water-level fluctuations. We examined the effects of seasonal changes on water level, substrata availability and benthic fauna in the littoral zone of Peri Lake, a shallow lake that has experienced a strong reduction in water level due to changes in rainfall. In this study, we also examined whether the abundance and composition of aquatic invertebrates differed among the four substrata. Our main objective was to assess the effect of seasonal changes on water level and benthic invertebrates inhabiting the different types of substrata. Benthic invertebrates were sampled four different substrata (Schoenoplectus californicus, sand and stones, allochthonous leaf litter, and macrophyte stands), and we also measured meteorological, physical and chemical variables. We found that complex habitats, such as allochthonous leaf litter and aquatic macrophyte, stand to be colonised by a larger number of macroinvertebrates because they provide more habitats or potential niches for colonisation by different species. In addition, we observed that during periods of low water level, the presence of substrata in the littoral zone decreased, as did the associated biota. Therefore, our results suggest that water level changes have a major functional impact on the littoral zone of the lake, and can affect substratum availability, which also impacts invertebrate communities.     

原子荧光法测定水中汞的原子化条件研究

分别采用热原子化原子荧光法(热汞法)和冷原子化原子荧光法(冷汞法)测定水中汞,比较了两种方法的检出限、线性相关系数、准确度和精密度的差异。冷汞法和热汞法的检出限分别为0.003和0.01μg/L,标准曲线相关系数分别为0.999 9和0.999 7,加标回收率范围分别为102%~106%和106%~113%。结果表明,冷汞法比热汞法具有更低的检出限,灵敏度和准确度也略优于热汞法。对于冷汞法,提高负高压有利于提高方法的灵敏度、准确度,并具有更低的方法检出限。     

Water management and aquatic ecosystem services of a tropical reservoir (Itaparica,São Francisco,Brazil)

Reservoirs have a wide variety of uses that have led to frequent conflicts over ecological conservation and contamination, especially as land management has intensified. Oligotrophication must be implemented in numerous tropical reservoirs that experience advanced eutrophication to maintain aquatic ecosystem functions. To quantify impacts on ecosystem functions and to develop an adaptive management policy, multiple studies have been conducted on the Itaparica Reservoir, São Francisco River, in the semi-arid north-eastern region of Brazil. Here, we add to that existing body of knowledge through investigating how nutrient accumulation is affected by water exchange between the main river flow and Icó-Mandantes Bay. Operational water-level fluctuations in the reservoir create large desiccated littoral areas that release high amounts of nutrients when they are rewetted. In particular, water-level variation promotes proliferation of Egeria densa, a noxious weed, thus elevating trophic levels of the Itaparica Reservoir and Icó-Mandantes Bay. Analysis with a P efficiency model determined 25 μg P L^?1 to be the critical concentration and further indicated that the critical load in both bodies of water have been exceeded. Moreover, intensive fish aquaculture using net cages has led to further overtaxing of the reservoir. We conclude that an effective ecological reservoir management policy must involve oligotrophication, harvesting of noxious water weeds for use as soil amendment in agriculture or biogas production, “blue” aquaculture, and limiting hydroelectric power production based on current water availability.     

Enhanced Interfacial Adhesion and Characterisation of Recycled Natural Fibre-Filled Biodegradable Green Composites

The structural, thermal, mechanical, and biodegradable properties of composite materials made from polylactide (PLA) and agricultural residues (arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) fibre, AF) were evaluated. Melt blended glycidyl methacrylate-grafted polylactide (PLA-g-GMA) and coupling agent-treated arrowroot fibre (TAF) formed the PLA-g-GMA/TAF composite, which had better properties than the PLA/AF composite. The water resistance of the PLA-g-GMA/TAF composite was greater than that of the PLA/AF composite; the release of PLA in water from the PLA/AF and PLA-g-GMA/TAF composites indicated good biological activity. The PLA-g-GMA/TAF material had better mechanical properties than PLA/AF. This behaviour was attributed to better compatibility between the grafted polymer and TAF. The results indicated that the T_g of PLA was increased by the addition of fibre, which may have improved the heat resistance of PLA. Furthermore, the mass losses following burial in soil compost indicated that both materials were biodegradable, especially at high levels of AF or TAF substitution.     

Systemic design for sustainability

How can we restore the ecological balance of our planet? The present article is aimed at contributing a structural framework for such a restoration. In the quest for ecological recovery, cybernetic–systemic approaches are in demand. They specialize in coping with complexity and offer new, transdisciplinary and non-reductionist ways of system design for renewing sustainability. This contribution uses a proven model from organizational cybernetics—the viable system model—as a frame for sustainable development. The model specifies how the viability of any human or social system can be achieved by means of clearly defined organizational structures. In accord with the logic of recursive organization inherent in the model, a proposal for a structural design aimed at enabling ecological recovery is formulated. That design includes all organizational levels of recursion, from individual to world. The implications of such a novel approach are far-reaching, and the impact powerful.     

利用毒代动力学模型研究氟虫腈在夹杂带丝蚓体内的手性选择性积累过程

农药的生物积累直接影响其毒性,但是手性农药在生物体内的选择性积累过程仍不明确.本文在恒定环境水浓度的条件下,开展手性农药氟虫腈的外消旋体及其对映体在底栖无脊椎动物夹杂带丝蚓体内的生物积累实验.在96 h和72 h的吸收和消除实验过程中,测定生物体内的氟虫腈的外消旋体和对映体浓度随时间的变化情况,构建毒代动力学模型,获取吸收和消除速率常数.结果表明夹杂带丝蚓对R-氟虫腈的生物浓缩因子(1981 L·kg~(-1)脂肪)比对S-氟虫腈(1748 L·kg~(-1)脂肪)更大.R-氟虫腈和S-氟虫腈的吸收速率常数相当,分别为311±11 L·kg~(-1)脂肪·h~(-1)和313±13 L·kg~(-1)脂肪·h~(-1),而R-氟虫腈的消除速率常数小于S-氟虫腈,分别为0.157±0.006 h~(-1)和0.179±0.008 h~(-1),因此相对较慢的消除是导致R-氟虫腈在夹杂带丝蚓体内更高生物积累的主要原因.研究说明毒代动力学参数可有效阐释手性外源物质在生物体内选择性积累的差异.     

电化学开关表面活性剂对芘的可逆增溶作用

表面活性剂增强修复技术(SER)是目前行之有效的有机污染土壤修复技术,但SER技术存在表面活性剂与污染物分离困难、易导致二次污染、成本高等问题.基于此,提出采用具有电化学开关特性的表面活性剂(N,N-二甲基二茂铁甲基十二烷基溴化铵,Fc12)代替SER技术中的常规表面活性剂,发展基于开关表面活性剂的可逆增强修复技术(RSER).选取芘作为目标物,研究了Fc12在氧化和还原态对芘的增溶作用以及常见环境因素,如pH和温度对Fc12可逆增溶的影响.结果表明,相对于氧化态Fc12,还原态Fc12在其临界胶束浓度(CMC)以上时对芘表现出显著的增溶作用,且增溶能力随表面活性剂浓度增大而增强.温度对Fc12的增溶作用影响显著,例如,还原态Fc12在浓度为3 mmol·L~(-1)、25℃条件下时,芘的表观溶解度为0.779 mg·L~(-1),当温度增加到40℃时,芘的表观溶解度为0.971 mg·L~(-1),其表观溶解度增加了24.6%;但氧化态条件下,芘的表观溶解度仅增加了6.5%;芘的解吸率(芘在还原和氧化态Fc12的表观溶解度差值与还原态Fc12增溶芘的比值)由63.67%增加到71.27%.pH也显著影响Fc12的增溶,当pH值在6—10范围变化时,还原态Fc12的增溶作用呈现先增加后减小的趋势,且在pH 9附近增溶能力最强,而pH 8时芘的解吸果最好.     

全氟辛烷磺酸盐(PFOS)对半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)免疫相关基因表达的影响

为了解全氟辛烷磺酸盐(perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS)暴露对半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis)免疫功能的影响,在实验室条件下,运用RT-PCR方法分析了PFOS暴露对半滑舌鳎热休克蛋白hsp70、hsp90、C型凝集素(c-type lectin)和细胞色素c氧化酶(cytochrome c oxidase, cox)等4种免疫相关基因表达水平的影响。实验测定了上述4种基因在半滑舌鳎肝、鳃、肠及肌肉4种不同组织中随时间(0、24 h、48 h、96 h和7 d)的表达变化情况。结果表明,在4种组织中,hsp70基因的表达与对照相比为上调,其中,肝组织hsp70基因的表达量显著高于其他各组织,且表达高峰值的出现也早于其他各组织;hsp90基因在肝和鳃组织中表达量随时间不同而波动,在肠组织中表达上调,在肌肉中表达显著下调;c-type lectin基因表达量与对照组相比表达显著下调或无明显差异;cox基因在肝组织和肠组织中表达下调,在鳃和肌肉中表达上调。上述研究结果表明,PFOS能引起免疫相关基因的表达变化,对半滑舌鳎具有潜在的免疫毒性。肝组织中各免疫基因对PFOS胁迫的响应高于其他组织。本研究可为阐明全氟辛烷磺酸盐对半滑舌鳎的免疫毒性提供基础数据。     

Overcoming barriers to sustainability by combining conceptual,visual, and networking systems

Sustainability challenges rarely align with the conventional boundaries of our disciplines, institutions and means of communication. To address these challenges amid real-world complexity, we need to think holistically and collaborate across disciplines. In this paper, we synthesise three themes: (1) more integrated conceptual frameworks; (2) digital visual communication which provides fluid expression of complex ideas and perceptions; and (3) online networks which can empower sustainability initiatives and communicate them across social and institutional barriers at a global scale. Each of these tools can help to overcome persistent barriers to sustainability. When used together, they provide a strategic basis for the design of digital collaboration platforms for addressing sustainability challenges. Using design thinking, we developed a Synergy Map which identifies relationships among a number of barriers to sustainability and conceptual and digital tools which help to address them. The Map identifies the potential for synthesising these tools into effective digital artefacts. We provide several examples and identify characteristics of particular value for overcoming barriers to sustainability. Combining new theoretical developments in sustainability sciences with recent advances in communication and networking technologies offers substantial potential for advancing sustainability on multiple fronts.