Use of native mosses as biomonitors of heavy metals and nitrogen deposition in the surroundings of two steel works

A biomonitoring survey using the moss species Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. was conducted in the surroundings of two steel plants located in the North of Spain. Levels of V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Pb and N were determined. Very high concentrations in the areas of study were detected when compared to nearby unaffected regions. Similar trends were observed for all the elements in the differently orientated transects, showing an appreciable influence of the NW prevailing winds of the region in the dispersion of pollutants, as well as a clear decreasing gradient in the concentrations of metals in mosses within a distance of 1500 meters from the facilities. A differentiation between the elements emitted by the chimney as result of the industrial activity (V, Cr, Ni, Cu and As) and those with a high presence in steel slag deposits (Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb) was observed. The range of contamination was also established by means of the Contamination Factor, indicating a category 4 out of 6 categories, which shows the high levels reported in the areas of study. A different dynamic was registered for nitrogen regarding the rest of the heavy metals analysed except for Hg, probably due to the elevated volatility and mobility of both elements, as well as their high persistence in the atmosphere.     

The Formation of Mg3Ca(S04)4 during the Sulfation Reaction of Dolomite

Abstract

Inspection and maintenance programs for motor vehicles in the United States increasingly use loaded mode mass emissions testing (IM240). A method was developed to predict mass emission rates and mass emission changes, particularly from repair benefits, using a low-cost, portable four-gas non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) vehicle exhaust gas analyzer. A single vehicle was tested several times with the analyzer while on the dynamometer and undergoing successive repairs. Excellent correlations for CO and HC were observed. Five vehicles were measured using an on-road driving loop before and after emissions-related repairs, while another three vehicles were tested with no repairs performed. The on-road concentration data used to guide the repair process were converted to grams per gallon; when divided by estimated miles per gallon, this gave grams per mile emissions for comparison to IM240. Correlation coefficients (r²) of 0.87 for CO and 0.76 for HC were achieved for the 13 tests. The linear correlations between IM240 and emissions measured by this method would allow repair facilities to perform a relatively inexpensive test for diagnostic purposes and to estimate repair effectiveness without the need for a dynamometer.     

A Strategy for Reduction of Particulate Emissions in the Boston Area

Initial implementation plans provided for particulate reduction largely through the imposition of emission limitations on industrial processes, large steam generators, and solid waste disposal, requiring, in turn, application of control equipment for compliance. In many urban areas, this approach is not adequate to achieve the secondary air quality standards so that a more general strategy must be employed. Such strategy may include restrictions on fuel burning, combustion equipment, maintenance programs, utility steam distribution, etc. The potential abatement achievable through such strategies is described using Boston as a case study. Cost and technical factors associated with each strategy are discussed.     

In-hive patterns of temporal polyethism in strains of honey bees (Apis mellifera) with distinct genetic backgrounds

Honey bee workers exhibit an age-based division of labor (temporal polyethism, DOL). Younger bees transition through sets of tasks within the nest; older bees forage outside. Components of temporal polyethism remain unrevealed. Here, we investigate the timing and pattern of pre-foraging behavior in distinct strains of bees to (1) determine if a general pattern of temporal DOL exists in honey bees, (2) to demonstrate a direct genetic impact on temporal pacing, and (3) to further elucidate the mechanisms controlling foraging initiation. Honey bees selected for differences in stored pollen demonstrate consistent differences in foraging initiation age. Those selected for increased pollen storage (high pollen hoarding strain, HSBs) initiate foraging earlier in life than those selected for decreased pollen storage (low pollen hoarding strain, LSBs). We found that HSBs both initiate and terminate individual pre-foraging tasks earlier than LSBs when housed in a common hive environment. Unselected commercial bees (wild type) generally demonstrated intermediate behavioral timing. There were few differences between genotypes for the proportion of pre-foraging effort dedicated to individual tasks, though total pre-foraging effort differences differed dramatically. This demonstrates that behavioral pacing can be accelerated or slowed, but the pattern of behavior is not fundamentally altered, suggesting a general pattern of temporal behavior in honey bees. This also demonstrates direct genetic control of temporal pacing. Finally, our results suggest that earlier HSB protein (pollen) consumption termination compared to LSBs may contribute to an earlier decline in hemolymph vitellogenin protein titers, which would explain their earlier onset of foraging.     

A Review of Instrumentation,Test, and Sampling Procedures

An assessment has been made of the state of emission measurement technology to determine whether measurement techniques are sufficiently well advanced to support the development of emission control methods and the implementation of emission standards for aircraft engines. The conclusion drawn from this assessment is that current measurement technology will meet most of the requirements of an emission control program. Certain measurement techniques are inadequate at present but development of improved techniques appears to be proceeding at a satisfactory rate.     

An assessment and monitoring program for birds in the Lower Urubamba region,Peru

We developed an assessment and monitoring plan for birds in connection with the exploration and potential development of a large natural gas field in the Lower Urubamba drainage of Peru, a project of Shell Prospecting and Development Peru (SPDP). Our objectives were to: (1) inventory the birds in the area, including information on habitat use and abundance, and (2) devise long-term monitoring protocols for birds. We sampled birds through a combination of visual and auditory surveys and mist-netting at 4 well sites and 3 sites along the Urubamba and Camisea rivers. We recorded 420 speciesduring 135 days of field work. We consider the highest prioritiesfor a future monitoring program to be: (1) establish whether edge effects are occurring at well sites, along roads and alongthe planned pipeline route and determine the significance and extent of these effects and (2) assess the impact of increased human access to the area on game and other exploited species. The remoteness of the area, its rugged terrain and dense vegetation and the lack of trained personnel limit the choice of survey and monitoring methods. We recommend use of mist-netting and transects for monitoring edge effects and useof transects for monitoring game and other exploited species.