Spectroscopic tools for remote sensing of greenhouse gases CH<Subscript>4</Subscript>, CF<Subscript>4</Subscript> and SF<Subscript>6</Subscript>

Highly symmetrical molecules such as CH₄, CF₄ or SF₆ are known to be atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases. High-resolution spectroscopy in the infrared is particularly suitable for the monitoring of gas concentration and radiative transfers in the earth's atmosphere. This technique requires extensive theoretical studies for the modeling of the spectra of such molecules (positions, intensities and shapes of absorption lines). Here, we have developed powerful tools for the analysis and the simulation of absorption spectra of highly symmetrical molecules. These tools have been implemented in the spherical top data system (STDS) and highly-spherical top data system (HTDS) software available at http://www.u-bourgogne.fr/LPUB/shTDS.html. They include a compilation of modeled data obtained during the last 20 years. An overview of our latest results in this domain will be presented. Electronic Publication     

Exposure to bushfire smoke during prescribed burns and wildfires: firefighters' exposure risks and options

Firefighters are exposed to known health-damaging air pollutants present in bushfire smoke and poorly managed exposure can result in serious health issues. A better understanding of exposure levels and the major factors influencing exposures is crucial for the development of mitigation strategies to minimise exposure risks and adverse health impacts. This study monitored air toxics within the breathing zone of firefighters at prescribed burns and at wildfires in Australia. The results showed that exposure levels were highly variable, with higher exposures (sometimes exceeding occupational exposure standards) associated with particular work tasks (such as patrol and suppression) and with certain burn conditions. The majority of firefighter's exposures were at low and moderate levels (~60%), however considerable attention should be given to the high (~30%) and very high (6%) exposure risk situations for which acute and chronic health risks are very likely and for which control strategies should be developed and implemented to minimise health risks.     

Diversity of active microbial communities subjected to long-term exposure to chemical contaminants along a 40-year-old sediment core

In estuarine ecosystems, metallic and organic contaminants are mainly associated with fine grain sediments which settle on mudflats. Over time, the layers of sediment accumulate and are then transformed by diagenetic processes mainly controlled by microbial activity, recording the history of the estuary’s chemical contamination. In an environment of this specific type, we investigated the evolution of the chemical contamination and the structure of both total and active microbial communities, based on PhyloChip analysis of a 4.6-m core corresponding to a 40-year sedimentary record. While the archaeal abundance remained constant along the core, a decrease by one order of magnitude in the bacterial abundance was observed with depth. Both total and active microbial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes in all sediment samples. Among Proteobacteria, alpha-Proteobacteria dominated both total (from 37 to 60 %) and metabolically active (from 19.7 to 34.6 %) communities, including the Rhizobiales, Rhodobacter, Caulobacterales, and Sphingomonadales orders. Co-inertia analysis revealed a relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, zinc and some polychlorobiphenyls concentrations, and the structure of total and active microbial communities in the oldest and most contaminated sediments (from 1970 to 1975), suggesting that long-term exposure to chemicals shaped the structure of the microbial community.     

Paperwork at the service of safety? Workers’ reluctance against written procedures exemplified by the concept of ‘seamanship’

Efforts to reduce accidents in seafaring have led to a proliferation of procedures such as workplace assessments and checklists. Unfortunately, the demand for written procedures is perceived by many seafarers as counteracting the use of common sense, experience, and professional knowledge epitomized in the concept of seamanship. Their objections suits well in Dreyfus and Dreyfus’ model of skill acquisition: while novices steadily follow context-independent rules, the expert’s behaviour goes beyond analytical rationality, and is situational, experience-based, and intuitive. The Aristotelian concept of phronesis brings us further by adding a reflexive, social and ethical dimension to the expert’s knowledge. Phronesis is, like expertise, contextual, experience-based knowledge; but it is also value- and action-oriented. While phronesis rests on value rationality, ‘techne’ (know how’), another Aristotelian concept, is based on instrumental rationality and is production-oriented. Phronesis is, inter alia, choosing the proper techne for the circumstances. However, the seamen fear a development where techne predominates at the expanse of phronesis. The case raises issues on which conditions are enabling or hindering written procedures to be perceived as a tool at the service of safety.     

Correction to: Water and soil contaminated by arsenic: the use of microorganisms and plants in bioremediation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research -     

Guidelines for genetic monitoring of translocated plant populations

Plant translocation is a useful tool for implementing assisted gene flow in recovery plans of critically endangered plant species. Although it helps to restore genetically viable populations, it is not devoid of genetic risks, such as poor adaptation of transplants and outbreeding depression in the hybrid progeny, which may have negative consequences in terms of demographic growth and plant fitness. Hence, a follow-up genetic monitoring should evaluate whether the translocated populations are genetically viable and self-sustaining in the short and long term. The causes of failure to adjust management responses also need to be identified. Molecular markers and fitness-related quantitative traits can be used to determine whether a plant translocation enhanced genetic diversity, increased fitness, and improved the probability of long-term survival. We devised guidelines and illustrated them with studies from the literature to help practitioners determine the appropriate genetic survey methods so that management practices can better integrate evolutionary processes. These guidelines include methods for sampling and for assessing changes in genetic diversity and differentiation, contemporary gene flow, mode of local recruitment, admixture level, the effects of genetic rescue, inbreeding or outbreeding depression and local adaptation on plant fitness, and long-term genetic changes.