Spatial location dominates over host plant genotype in structuring an herbivore community

Recent work has shown a potential role for both host plant genotype and spatial context in structuring insect communities. In this study, we use three separate data sets on herbivorous insects on oak (Quercus robur) to estimate the relative effects of host plant genotype (G), location (E), and the G x E interaction on herbivore community structure: a common garden experiment replicated at the landscape scale (approximately 5 km2); two common gardens separated at the regional scale (approximately 10 000 km2); and survey data on wild trees in various spatial settings. Our experiments and survey reveal that, at the landscape scale, the insect community is strongly affected by the spatial setting, with 32% of the variation in species richness explained by spatial connectivity. In contrast, G and G x E play minor roles in structuring the insect community. Results remained similar when extending the spatial scale of the study from the more local (landscape) level to the regional level. We conclude that in our study system, spatial processes play a major role in structuring these insect communities at both the landscape and regional scales, whereas host plant genotype seems of secondary importance.     

Performance of an integrated system combining microalgae and vertical flow constructed wetlands for urban wastewater treatment

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The present study investigated the performance of an integrated system, combining the sequential use of microalgae (MA) and vertical flow constructed...     

Design parameters for solar light pipes in the Brazilian context

In Brazil, there are few studies investigating the performance and guidelines parameters of solar light pipes from the national perspective. This paper aims to analyse the performance of a solar light pipe prototype installed in a test house in the city of Curitiba/PR, Brazil and to indicate a set of parameters for the design of solar light pipes for the Brazilian social housing context. The performance of a solar light pipe provided with different lighting devices to control and redirect light was analysed. The best performance for diffusers was obtained during partially covered skies. Light redirection devices presented the best efficiency during clear sky conditions with direct sunlight, on working-planes closer to the prototype. The developed prototype with the lighting control devices produced a considerably enhanced lighting performance, complementing natural lighting in indoor environment. Based on the results, recommendations and guidelines to enhance solar light pipe configurations are proposed.     

Bushmeat consumption and its implications for wildlife conservation in the semi-arid region of Brazil

Hunting plays an important socioeconomic role in the semi-arid region of Brazil, by supplying meat and other products. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information on which species are most used by the local populations and what are the implications for conservation of exploited animals. This paper explores the bushmeat consumption in the Brazilian Caatinga region, where wild animals comprise an important protein source. A questionnaire was used to gather information from hunters, and the consumption of bushmeat by their families was monitored. Interviews revealed that 58 vertebrate species could potentially be consumed as bushmeat, but the samples provided by the monitored families comprised only 28 species. Birds were the animals most consumed, followed by mammals, although the biomass of both groups was similar. The consumption of bushmeat was not correlated with hunters’ socioeconomic data (income, age or schooling). Hunters recognized that the populations of some game species appeared to be declining, showing that bushmeat consumption, together with the cultural, economic and social aspects of the human populations involved in hunting, should be considered when discussing the conservation of animal resources in the Caatinga region.     

Comparison of carbon balances between continuous-cover and clear-cut forestry in Sweden

Continuous-cover forestry (CCF) has been recognized for the production of multiple ecosystem services, and is seen as an alternative to clear-cut forestry (CF). Despite the increasing interest, it is still not well described how CCF would affect the carbon balance and the resulting climate benefit from the forest in relation to CF. This study compares carbon balances of CF and CCF, applied as two alternative land-use strategies for a heterogeneous Norway spruce (Picea abies) stand. We use a set of models to analyze the long-term effects of different forest management and wood use strategies in Sweden on carbon dioxide emissions and carbon stock changes. The results show that biomass growth and yield is more important than the choice of silvicultural system per se. When comparing CF and CCF assuming similar growth, extraction and product use, only minor differences in long-term climate benefit were found between the two principally different silvicultural systems.     

Determination of the source areas contributing to regionally high warm season PM2.5 in eastern North America

An ensemble-trajectory analysis technique known as Quantitative Transport Bias Analysis was applied to determine which geographic areas systematically contributed to above- and below-average fine particle mass (PM2.5) over eastern North America. Six-hour average measurements from 12 rural or suburban locations in eastern North America collected using a tapered element oscillating microbalance were individually associated with corresponding 3-day back-trajectories for the warm seasons (May-September) of 2000 and 2001. Much of the populated areas of northeastern North America were implicated in the build-up of PM2.5 to above-average concentrations. The finer structure of the Quantitative Transport Bias Analysis pattern indicated that transport from the Ohio River Valley, particularly the eastern portion of this area, was most often associated with the highest PM2.5 concentrations. In addition, air masses originating over a relatively large area from southeast Ohio to the western part of Virginia and the western Kentucky to central Tennessee area tended to result in relatively high PM2.5 concentrations over northeastern North America. These observation-based findings were consistent with the spatial distribution of the main sulfur dioxide emissions sources and the major oxides of nitrogen point sources.     

Removal of a red dye using noncommercial peroxidase extracted from rice bran

The present study investigates the application of a noncommercial peroxidase enzyme, which was extracted from rice bran, to decolorize wastewater that was simulating effluent from a textile manufacturer using a red dye in its coloration process.     

A new theory of the creation of biomethane from aluminium-containing inorganic wastes

Energy by-products from the co-combustion of municipal solid waste with coal or biomass are monitored only in terms of oxides; the amount of metallic aluminium is not determined. When these energy by-products are deposited at landfills, the alkali metal compounds in landfill bodies undergo reactions with aluminium in the presence of water. This leads to the formation of hydrogen and its possible bioconversion into methane. The article summarises the findings of the possible development of methane and hydrogen from the ashes of 11 items of typical municipal waste containing aluminium, burned in power plants, which are then landfilled. The assessment of the new information on aluminium-waste reactions in landfill bodies and the metabolism of some bacteria may give rise to a new theory of the formation of the biomethane contained in the landfill gas.     

An expanded conceptual framework for solution-focused management of chemical pollution in European waters

Background

This paper describes a conceptual framework for solutions-focused management of chemical contaminants built on novel and systematic approaches for identifying, quantifying and reducing risks of these substances.

Methods

The conceptual framework was developed in interaction with stakeholders representing relevant authorities and organisations responsible for managing environmental quality of water bodies. Stakeholder needs were compiled via a survey and dialogue. The content of the conceptual framework was thereafter developed with inputs from relevant scientific disciplines.

Results

The conceptual framework consists of four access points: Chemicals, Environment, Abatement and Society, representing different aspects and approaches to engaging in the issue of chemical contamination of surface waters. It widens the scope for assessment and management of chemicals in comparison to a traditional (mostly) perchemical risk assessment approaches by including abatement- and societal approaches as optional solutions. The solution-focused approach implies an identification of abatement- and policy options upfront in the risk assessment process. The conceptual framework was designed for use in current and future chemical pollution assessments for the aquatic environment, including the specific challenges encountered in prioritising individual chemicals and mixtures, and is applicable for the development of approaches for safe chemical management in a broader sense. The four access points of the conceptual framework are interlinked by four key topics representing the main scientific challenges that need to be addressed, i.e.: identifying and prioritising hazardous chemicals at different scales; selecting relevant and efficient abatement options; providing regulatory support for chemicals management; predicting and prioritising future chemical risks. The conceptual framework aligns current challenges in the safe production and use of chemicals. The current state of knowledge and implementation of these challenges is described.

Conclusions

The use of the conceptual framework, and addressing the challenges, is intended to support: (1) forwarding sustainable use of chemicals, (2) identification of pollutants of priority concern for cost-effective management, (3) the selection of optimal abatement options and (4) the development and use of optimised legal and policy instruments.