Eigengroup analyses of linear ecosystem models

Eigenvalue analysis has been widely used for characterization of model ecosystems, and utilization of the total eigensystem information has been demonstrated for ecosystem models. Solution of the unique eigenvectors, termed eigengroups, associated with specified perturbation initial conditions allows proper assignment of the ecosystem model content to each exponential decay function. Such eigengroup solutions of Monte Carlo assigned perturbations are reported here for a nine-compartment tropical moist forest phosphorus model and for a set of seven six-compartment general nutrient cycling models. Confirmed by CSMP III STIFF numerical integration, results indicate that the dynamics of these multi-compartment models, each having many internal closed cycles, are adequately described by only one or two exponential decay functions, even at massive perturbation levels. For these models, conjugate complex noncritical eigenvalues were found to be common, but the decay rates of the envelopes of oscillation are consistently so rapid that system-intrinsic oscillations are undetectable. The techniques used here are presented as efficient means of identifying the transient response space of linear ecosystem models.     

Stem growth reduction in mature Sitka spruce trees exposed to acid mist

An eighteen-year-old clone of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr) growing in the field was used to evaluate the whole tree response of 'mature' Sitka spruce to acid mist treatment. The mist, an equimolar mixture of H(2)SO(4) and NH(4)NO(3) at pH 2.5 with or without particles (soda glass ballotini < 20 microm diameter), was applied twice weekly (equivalent to 4 mm precipitation week(-1)) throughout the growing season, May-November 1990-1992. The annual dose of S, N, H applied as mist (at 51, 48 and 3.3 kg ha(-1), respectively) was 2.5 times that measured in the Scottish uplands. Throughout the experiment there was no evidence of visible injury symptoms, yet there was a highly significant reduction (p < 0.02) in the stem-area increment relative to the stem area at the start, measured using vernier dendrometer bands. There was no significant difference between the (acid mist + particle) and the acid mist only treatments. The mean relative stem-area increment over two complete growing seasons (1991-1992) was 65% for control trees, but only 53% for acid-misted trees.     

Cycling of volatile organic sulfur compounds in anaerobically digested biosolids and its implications for odors.

The objectives of this research were to elucidate the mechanisms for production and degradation of volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSCs), key odor causing compounds produced by biosolids. These compounds included methanethiol (MT), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS). A series of experiments were used to probe various pathways hypothesized to produce and degrade these VOSCs. The production of MT was found to mainly occur from degradation of methionine and the methylation of hydrogen sulfide. DMS was formed through the methylation of MT. DMDS was formed by MT oxidation. All three of the VOSCs were readily degraded by methanogens and a cyclic pathway was proposed to describe the production and degradation of VOSCs. The research demonstrated that the main source of VOSCs was the biodegradation of protein within the biosolids and the results provided a framework for understanding the production of odor from anaerobically digested sludges before and after dewatering.     

The simultaneous modelling of metal ion and humic substance transport in column experiments

Pulsed column experiments using Co, fulvic acid and porous sediment packing, along with up/down-flooding experiments using Eu, humic acid and intact sandstone blocks have been performed. The elution of metal and humic and their distribution along the sandstone columns have been measured. A mixed equilibrium and kinetic coupled chemical transport model has been used to simulate the results. In both cases, one exchangeable and one non-exchangeable component have been used to simulate the interaction of metal and humic substance. For the pulsed experiments, a simple equilibrium approach was used to model humic sorption, while a two component, kinetic model was required for the sandstone columns.     

Reproductive strategies and diet in deep-sea nuculanid protobranchs (Bivalvia: Nuculoidea) from the Rockall Trough

Although the taxonomy of deep-sea protobranch bivalves is becoming better known, relatively little information is available on their reproductive biology and whether or not populations show reproductive periodicities. We have examined the reproductive biology of three common sympatric species as part of a long-term time-series of samples taken from 2900 m in the Rockall Trough from 1973 to 1983. Malletia cuneata Jeffreys, 1876 produces a maximum of 30 oocytes at any one time and these grow to a maximum size of 240 m. Maximum fecundity of Ledella pustulosa (Jeffreys, 1876) and Yoldiella jeffreysi (Hidalgo, 1877) is 174 and 360, respectively, and both species produce an egg of 120 m in diameter. These data indicate lecithotrophic early development in L. pustulosa and Y. jeffreysi, but direct development in M. cuneata; however, evidence from the prodissoconch length of M. cuneata suggests lecithotrophic development. L. pustulosa and Y. jeffreysi also differ from M. cuneata in having a distinct reproductive cycle with spawnout in the winter months. Both the continuously breeding M. cuneata and the seasonally breeding L. pustulosa ingest diatoms, coccoliths and foraminiferans, but whereas the diet of M. cuneata appears to be constant throughout the year there is an apparent reduction in the feeding activity of L. pustulosa concomitant with the deposition of phytodetritus on the deep-sea bed.     

Photodegradation of surfactants. XV: Formation of SO4 ions in the photooxidation of sulfur-containing surfactants

Three types of surfactants and related reference compounds containing sulfonate (-SO₃Na), sulfate (-OSO₃Na) or thioether carboxylate (-S-Cn-COOK) group were photodecomposed in an aqueous heterogeneous dispersion system. The photomineralization to SO₄²⁻ions was examined for the surfactants with different chemical structures. The photocatalytic activities of TiO₂ and ZnO were compared for the sulfonates of dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), the sulfates of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and the potassium salts of S-dodecylthioglycol acid (TGA), S-dodecylthiopropionic acid (TPA) and S-dodecylthiomalic acid (TMA). ZnO catalyst exhibited higher activity in the formation of SO₄²⁻ion than TiO₂ catalyst.     

Effect of cell physicochemical characteristics and motility on bacterial transport in groundwater

The influence of physicochemical characteristics and motility on bacterial transport in groundwater were examined in flow-through columns. Four strains of bacteria isolated from a crystalline rock groundwater system were investigated, with carboxylate-modified and amidine-modified latex microspheres and bromide as reference tracers. The bacterial isolates included a gram-positive rod (ML1), a gram-negative motile rod (ML2), a nonmotile mutant of ML2 (ML2m), and a gram-positive coccoid (ML3). Experiments were repeated at two flow velocities, in a glass column packed with glass beads, and in another packed with iron-oxyhydroxide coated glass beads. Bacteria breakthrough curves were interpreted using a transport equation that incorporates a sorption model from microscopic observation of bacterial deposition in flow-cell experiments. The model predicts that bacterial desorption rate will decrease exponentially with the amount of time the cell is attached to the solid surface. Desorption kinetics appeared to influence transport at the lower flow rate, but were not discernable at the higher flow rate. Iron-oxyhydroxide coatings had a lower-than-expected effect on bacterial breakthrough and no effect on the microsphere recovery in the column experiments. Cell wall type and shape also had minor effects on breakthrough. Motility tended to increase the adsorption rate, and decrease the desorption rate. The transport model predicts that at field scale, desorption rate kinetics may be important to the prediction of bacteria transport rates.     

How the multilateral development banks can improve their technology transfer operations for water/sanitation projects in developing countries

Based on some 60 years of consulting practice in the field of environmental/sanitary engineering, about half in the USA and other affluent industrialized countries (ICs) and half with non-affluent developing countries (DCs), the Consultant summarizes the lessons leaned on why the technology transfer (TT) operation of the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) and other International Assistance Agencies (IAAs) have failed to achieve effective transfer of appropriate technology to DC practicioners in the environmental/sanitary engineering field, and presents the Consultant’s recommendations on feasible measures by which MDBs can significantly improve their TT operations. Eleven specific measures are recommended, all believed to be feasible for use by MDBs, as follows: (i) post-construction monitoring of project performance, (ii) develop appropriate design criteria for key infrastructure sectors, (iii) be realistic on O&M expectations, (iv) increase infrastructure project budgets to support TT, (v) prepare appropriate technology textbooks, (vi) sponsor graduate university programs in appropriate TT, (vii) sponsor appropriate TT professional journal, (viii) furnish copies of selected 1C references to DC-ers, (ix) sponsor work-type training assignments in ICs, (x) plan TT projects as series of steps, (xi) utilize ratired IC-ers for peripatetic training in DCs.     

Inspiring England's urban fringes: multi-functionality and planning

The urban fringe has been described as 'planning's last frontier'; a zone of transition and interface between town and country where a broad variety of land uses and activities come together, and where development pressure is often intense.

In this paper, we argue that the urban fringe possesses special characteristics, making it more than simply a transitional landscape. These characteristics centre on patterns of land use, biodiversity and leisure/development opportunity which are unique to the urban edge and to land extending away from built-up areas. The uniqueness, diversity and particular dynamics of the urban fringe demands a special brand of planning and management response. Therefore we suggest that the principle of 'multi-functionality' provides a framework for action, showing how diversity can be managed and supported. Through brief case studies, we demonstrate how functional interactions at the urban fringe might be promoted in the future.     

SOLIDS DISTRIBUTION IN LAKE CHAPALA,MEXICO1

ABSTRACT: Lake Chapala is the largest natural water body in Mexico and also one of the most important shallow lakes in Latin America. For the past several years it has suffered various environmental problems such as the upstream overuse of water, contamination, and sedimentation. For the past 10 years the lake has had less than 50 percent of its historical water level over the past century. No criteria are reported in the literature that establish a water storage volume that will guarantee water quality conditions necessary for the survival of the lake. After determining the behavior of total solids concentrations in relation to the variations in the lake's depth, we proposed a minimum water column height of 5.0 m, representing a storage volume of about 5,000 Mm³. This volume would result in the recommended water quality standards for total dissolved solids. Calculated distribution maps show that the total solids concentration in the lake has increased since the end of the 1970s. The solids are primarily concentrated in the eastern part of the lake, as a consequence of the high solids discharged from the Lerma River, its main tributary.