Catchment–coastal zone interaction based upon scenario and model analysis: Elbe and the German Bight case study

This paper presents a holistic strategy on the interaction of activities in the Elbe river basin and their effects on eutrophication in the coastal waters of the German Bight. This catchment–coastal zone interaction is the main target of the EUROCAT (EUROpean CATchments, catchment changes and their impact on the coast) research project, with the Elbe being one of eight case studies. The definition of socio-economic scenarios is linked with the application of models to evaluate measures in the catchment by estimation of nutrient emissions with MONERIS (MOdelling Nutrient Emissions in RIver Systems), and their effects on coastal waters with the ecosystem model ERSEM (European Regional Seas Ecosystem Model). The cost effectiveness of reduction measures will then be evaluated by application of the CENER model (Cost-Effective Nutrient Emission Reduction) and a multi-criteria analysis. Finally, the interpretation of ecological integrity is used as a measure to describe ecological impacts in an aggregated form.     

The effect of nitrogen deposition on the species richness of acid grasslands in Denmark: a comparison with a study performed on a European scale

The effect of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on the species richness of acid grasslands was investigated by combining data from a large Danish monitoring program with a large European data set, where a significant non-linear negative effect of nitrogen deposition had been demonstrated (Stevens et al., 2010). The nitrogen deposition range in Denmark is relatively small and when only considering the Danish data a non-significant decrease in the species richness with nitrogen deposition was observed. However, when both data sets were combined, then the conclusion of the European survey was further corroborated by the results of the Danish monitoring. Furthermore, by combining the two data sets a more comprehensive picture of the threats to the biodiversity of acid grasslands emerge; i.e., species richness in remnant patches of acid grassland in intensively cultivated agricultural landscapes is under influence not only from nitrogen deposition, but also from current and historical land use.     

The fate of chloroacetanilide herbicides and their degradation products in the Nzoia Basin, Kenya

Alachlor, metolachlor and their respective environmentally stable aniline degradation products, 2,6-diethylaniline and 2-ethyl-6-methylaniline were analyzed in water and sediment samples from 9 sites along River Nzoia, Kenya using gas chromatography. The degradation products were detected in > 90% of the sediment and water samples, while the parent compounds occurred in < 14% of the water samples. Much higher concentrations of the pesticides and their degradation products occurred in the sediment than in the water (1.4 up to 10 800-fold), indicating an accumulation of the compounds in the sediment. The constant occurrence of the degradation products in the sediment during the study period infers a persistence of these compounds. It is hypothesized that the prevailing tropical climatic conditions favor a quick breakdown of the pesticides to their environmentally stable degradation products, thereby making the latter more important pollutants than their parent products in the study area.     

Fragile X demonstrated retrospectively in amniotic cells cultured in low folate medium

Chromosome analysis in a boy aged 10 months, with psychomotor retardation, revealed the fragile X-chromosome in lymphocytes and skin fibroblasts cultured in low folate medium (TC 199). Amniocentesis and chromosomal analysis had been carried out during pregnancy because of advanced maternal age. Review of the slides from amniotic fluid cells grown routinely in low folate medium showed the marker X in 10.6 per cent of the metaphases. Possible explanations for the appearance of the marker X in amniotic cell culture are discussed.     

Einige Erinnerungen an das Kaiser-Wilhelm-Institut für Chemie in Berlin-Dahlem

The Science of Nature -     

The Potential of Geothermal Systems in Kenya for Balneological Use

Curative properties of geothermal waters are highly valued in several countries around the world, including China, Iceland, and middle and Eastern European states. Natural hotsprings and fumaroles found in various parts of Kenya have been utilised by the local residents for worship and offering of sacrifices, particularly when afflicted with ailments that were difficult to cure. At the Lake Bogoria Hotel, natural hot water is directed towards a swimming pool, in which hotel guests like to bathe. The major element chemistry of some of the geothermal waters in Kenya is similar to that of waters used at established balneological sites in other parts of the world. Trace element concentrations are less well known. More research is required to understand the factors that impart curative qualities to geothermal waters. Kenya has been developing its geothermal systems for electricity generation, but should also evaluate the different sites for balneological applications.     

Small enterprises – Accountants as occupational health and safety intermediaries

Small enterprises face serious occupational health and safety challenges. The occupational risks are high and resources to control the risks are low. There is an ongoing search for ways that authorities and professional bodies can efficiently reach out to small enterprises with preventive measures. It has been suggested in the literature that accountants could act as intermediaries on health and safety. A pilot project was carried out in Denmark to test this possibility. State-authorized accountants were invited to training seminars to give them the necessary health and safety knowledge to provide advice to small enterprises. 164 accountants participated in the seminars and 74 accountants replied to a follow up questionnaire about their experience of advising their small enterprise clients about health and safety. Most of the accountants had actually given health and safety advice and for most of them it was a positive experience. However, they also faced constraints due to the relatively minor role health and safety played in their agendas with their clients and their own limited knowledge about health and safety even after taking part in the training seminars. This study concludes that it is possible for accountants to act as health and safety intermediaries, but that institutional support for the training activities is important to secure a broader application of this approach.