Long-term environmental monitoring for assessment of change: measurement inconsistencies over time and potential solutions

The importance of long-term environmental monitoring and research for detecting and understanding changes in ecosystems and human impacts on natural systems is widely acknowledged. Over the last decades, a number of critical components for successful long-term monitoring have been identified. One basic component is quality assurance/quality control protocols to ensure consistency and comparability of data. In Norway, the authorities require environmental monitoring of the impacts of the offshore petroleum industry on the Norwegian continental shelf, and in 1996, a large-scale regional environmental monitoring program was established. As a case study, we used a sub-set of data from this monitoring to explore concepts regarding best practices for long-term environmental monitoring. Specifically, we examined data from physical and chemical sediment samples and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages from 11 stations from six sampling occasions during the period 1996–2011. Despite the established quality assessment and quality control protocols for this monitoring program, we identified several data challenges, such as missing values and outliers, discrepancies in variable and station names, changes in procedures without calibration, and different taxonomic resolution. Furthermore, we show that the use of different laboratories over time makes it difficult to draw conclusions with regard to some of the observed changes. We offer recommendations to facilitate comparison of data over time. We also present a new procedure to handle different taxonomic resolution, so valuable historical data is not discarded. These topics have a broader relevance and application than for our case study.     

国内外环境噪声监测方法比较及启示

综合比较了中国、日本、欧盟、美国和澳大利亚等国家或地区的环境噪声监测与评价方法,分析了声环境质量监测法、噪声地图预测法和噪声源监测法3种环境噪声评估方法的优缺点,认为声环境质量监测法适合现阶段中国环境噪声监测与管理需求,但下一步应结合噪声产生与传播预测方法改进中国声环境监测评价方法,增强对监测过程的质控,增加重点噪声源监测,以期更全面地反映城市声环境质量状况。     

Assessing soil lead contamination in Dallas Texas

During the summer of 1982, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency conducted a comprehensive multimedia environmental monitoring program in the vicinity of two secondary lead smelters and at one reference site in Dallas, Texas. This monitoring program included a major soils investigation with the collection and analysis of over 2700 soil samples. In addition, approximately 1000 blood and 840 house dust samples were collected and analyzed for their lead content.Utilizing geostatistics and the data obtained from a portion of the soil samples, isopleths of constant soil lead concentrations within each of the three monitoring sites were identified. Presented are the soil monitoring strategy and the geostatistical techniques selected for identifying the distributions of soil lead patterns at each of the three monitoring sites. In addition, the soil sampling and analytical methods used, the sample handling and preparation procedures, and the geostatistical results obtained are identified.     

城市环境噪声抽测结果分析

对北京、天津、重庆等20个城市的道路交通及城市区域噪声进行了对比抽测,结果表明地方监测站能够按照相关的技术规范、标准方法开展噪声监测工作,地方站与总(省)站监测结果有非常好的可比性,监测数据97.5%在可接受范围内。并针对抽测中发现的问题,提出了相应的对策与建议。     

The MYSound Project: building an estuary-wide monitoring network for Long Island Sound,USA

A network of five water quality monitoring stations has been established in Long Island Sound, measuring temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen since 1999. The stations are located in areas of extreme water quality degradation (western Long Island Sound) as well as in pristine areas (eastern Long Island Sound). The data from these stations are collected every 15 minutes and posted to the project web site in real time as provisional data. After subsequent quality assurance procedures, the data are archived to the project File Transfer Protocol (FSP) site for downloading by the user community. The network of stations is in part supported logistically by a number of partners, including state and local agencies, schools, and non-governmental organizations. Data from the monitoring programs of some of these partners are also published to the project website providing a more comprehensive and complete picture of the status of the Sound than can be provided independently. This repository of information is used by marine educators, resource managers, scientists, and the general public, each with a different end purpose. We use the data from two of the stations to show that these high frequency time series measurements can be used to complement and enhance other monitoring programs within the Sound, documenting in greater detail the occurrence and duration of hypoxic events.     

以空气和废气中颗粒物和SO2监测为例分析便携式监测设备进行环境执法的认证体系及方法支撑

在中国,快速有效的环境监测执法需求越来越急迫,特别是在出现疫情与地质灾害等特殊时期,便携式快速监测仪器能更好地保证执法的时效性,但应用上却在执法环节一直受到监测数据合法性及标准方法等问题的困扰。笔者首先采用关键词频统计法研究了便携式环境监测设备相关领域的研究热点,在此基础上基于执法机构实践,调研了解了中国现行常规环境监测仪器设备质控和认证流程,指出便携监测与常规流程不匹配之处,以空气和废气中颗粒物和SO_2监测为例系统梳理了方法标准、质控、论证等内容,分析论证便携式设备在环境执法中数据有效性的问题,并针对便携监测设备的型式批准、强检、监测方法和数据合法性认定等问题提出具体建议。     

Assessing cumulative impacts within state environmental review frameworks in the United States

Cumulative impact assessment (CIA) is the process of systematically assessing a proposed action's cumulative environmental effects in the context of past, present, and future actions, regardless of who undertakes such actions. Previous studies have examined CIA efforts at the federal level but little is known about how states assess the cumulative impacts of nonfederal projects. By examining state environmental review statutes, administrative rules, agency-prepared materials, and a national survey of the administrators of state environmental review programs, this study identifies the legal and administrative frameworks for CIA. It examines current CIA practice, discusses the relationship between CIA policy and its implementation, and explores the opportunities for improvement. The results of the study show that twenty-nine state environmental review programs across twenty-six states required the assessment of cumulative environmental impacts. More than half of these programs have adopted specific procedures for implementing their policies. Some programs assessed cumulative impacts using a standard review document, and others have created their own documentations incorporated into applications for state permits or funding. The majority of programs have adopted various scales, baselines, significance criteria, and coordination practices in their CIA processes. Mixed methods were generally used for data collection and analysis; qualitative methods were more prevalent than quantitative methods. The results also suggest that a program with comprehensive and consistent environmental review policies and procedures does not always imply extensive CIA requirements and practices. Finally, this study discusses the potential for improving existing CIA processes and promoting CIA efforts in states without established environmental review programs.     

危险废物集中处置项目竣工环保验收监测中存在的问题及解决对策

简述了我国危险废物（含医疗废物）处置项目的状况,分析了该类项目竣工环保验收监测工作面临的压力,通过实践总结出了存在的问题和难题,主要包括监测期间工况监督内容及方法、焚毁去除率的测定方法、填埋场建设和运行情况的考核手段以及此类项目潜在环境风险的防范手段等,在进行分析的基础上提出了一些解决对策和方法,为监测人员做好验收监测工作提供了很好的借鉴,同时也提出了目前相关标准规范尚未规定但需引起管理部门重视的内容。     

现行监测方法标准与监测技术规范中存在的问题与改进

研究与分析了现行有效的环境监测方法标准与监测技术规范,指出了一些较早颁布的环境监测方法标准如最经常使用的《水质化学需氧量的测定重铬酸盐法》(GB 11914—1989)等存在的未明确给出检出限、测定下限(即未给出方法的定性、半定量以及定量监测范围)以及使用术语不统一、不规范等问题。研究发现,《地表水和污水监测技术规范》(HJ/T 91—2002)等监测技术规范普遍存在的最大缺陷是没有引入测定下限的概念,未考虑与规定半定量区间内的监测结果报出问题。此外,这些规范也存在着术语使用不统一、不规范的现象,且对于低于检出限的监测结果应如何报出与参与统计的规定存在不一致现象。研究列举了一些存在问题的环境监测方法标准和环境监测技术规范,对其进行剖析,揭示问题,并对其下一步的修改、完善提出建议。     

基于稳健统计方法对实验室比对中土壤汞的质量控制指标研究

利用稳健四分位间距法和迭代法2种稳健统计方法,通过对全国31个省、自治区、直辖市范围内共334家环境监测单位开展土壤中汞的实验室间比对,对比对测定结果和质控数据进行统计分析,系统性地研究了土壤中汞的质量控制指标。建议实际监测工作中土壤汞的实验室间相对标准偏差范围为7%～19%,相对误差控制指标为±8%,低浓度水平下可适当放宽至±10%,加标回收率控制范围为81%～109%,为日常监测开展土壤汞的质量控制工作提供了评价依据,具有广泛的应用价值和较好的指导作用。     

由石油类应急监测现状探寻水中石油类监测的突破

突发环境事件发生后,对污染物质、污染物浓度、污染范围及其动态变化情况进行监测是环境应急监测的基本工作要求。在不能利用管理手段有效获取污染来源等信息的情况下,开展溯源应急监测成为突发环境事件处理处置的重要需求。然而通过资料调研及应急监测案例分析发现,石油类水体突发环境事件应急监测大多存在采样代表性不够、溯源手段不健全、特征污染物监测不全面,以及现行石油类监测方法不能完整说清污染状况等问题或不足。因此,建议通过优化整合水中石油类指标监测标准,构建与石油类污染特征相适应的技术规范及配套监测分析方法,以达到精准、全面反映石油类水体污染状况的目的。     

国内外生态环境观测研究台站网络发展概况

生态环境观测研究台站是开展生态环境研究的重要手段。《国家环境保护"十二五"科技发展规划》将国家环境保护野外观测研究站作为"十二五"能力建设重点内容。分析了目前国内外主要生态环境监测网络,如区域尺度的全球环境监测系统(GEMS)、全球陆地观测系统(GTOS)、国际长期生态研究网络(ILTER)、全球通量观测网络(FLUXNET)和国际生物多样性观测网络(GEO·BON),以及国家尺度的美国长期生态研究网络(US-LTER)、英国环境变化监测网络(ECN)和中国生态系统研究网络(CERN)的发展历程、观测研究进展;总结了生态环境监测网站的发展趋势,即重视台站的联网观测研究,注重观测标准化和规范化及数据共享,重视观测手段智能化与自动化,注重综合观测与模型模拟相结合;提出国家环境保护生态监测台站网络是现有国家环境监测网络的拓展和完善,也是今后开展区域生态环境综合监测与评估的重要基础。     

海南省省控土壤环境监测基础点位布设思路与方法

为满足新时期土壤污染防治管理要求,掌握海南省土壤环境质量状况及变化趋势,海南省亟需加强省控土壤环境监测基础点位布设,完善土壤环境监测网。通过梳理海南省土壤环境监测工作基础和监测网络构建情况,形成了省控基础点位布设思路、原则和方法,并应用GIS技术完成点位布设。海南省省控土壤环境监测基础点位基本覆盖了海南省农用地主要土壤类型和成土母岩,监测结果可以反映海南省农用地土壤环境质量整体状况。     

The need for long-term stream monitoring programs in forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest

Concepts, planning and design procedures are examined that are needed in the development of long-term stream monitoring programs in forested regions. A long-term stream monitoring program is viewed as the key component for bringing together management organizations, researchers and decision-makers to improve the management of natural resources. The keystones of such ecosystem monitoring are long-term data records that provide the basis for analysis of environmental assessment objectives, predictions and analysis of outcomes which in-turn can be used to modify and improve future projects. Management organizations that initiate long-term monitoring programs are urged to use monitoring actions and information to facilitate decision-making processes that pertain to conserving and allocating resources for future beneficial uses. Recommendations are provided for careful planning and definition of interactive activities of monitoring programs and that should provide information feedbacks that can be used to evaluate issues pertaining to beneficial uses of resources. Procedural requirements and literature sources are suggested for developing long-term stream monitoring programs. They include reviews of background and historical information to provide precise definitions of long-term objectives, planning considerations and monitoring methods. Examples are given of specific procedures that need to be identified during the planning process. They include the application of management standards to variable conditions encountered within natural ecosystems and the detection of the timing of recovery phases of stream ecosystem development following a disturbance. These procedures are viewed as being essential for improving applications of management standards and perceived thresholds to stream and watershed ecosystems monitoring programs.     

Biological Indicators of Marine Environmental Health: Meiofauna – A Neglected Benthic Component?

This paper considers the use of meiofauna (benthic metazoa 45 to 500 m in size) as biological indicators for monitoring marine environmental health. To date, this abundant and ubiquitous group of invertebrates has been largely neglected in applied sampling programmes; instead, emphasis has been placed upon more conspicuous biological components such as seagrass, macrofauna and epiphytes. In an attempt to redress this balance, this paper sets out three objectives: (1) to explain the reasons for selecting biological response indicators from across the whole spectrum of phylogenetic organisation, (2) to summarise those aspects of meiofaunal life-history and demography that render this group suitable for monitoring anthropogenic pollution and disturbance, (3) to suggest how to optimise the inclusion of meiofauna in monitoring programmes so that they provide maximum information for management purposes. To achieve these objectives the environmental impact assessment framework of Ward and Jacoby (1992) is adopted as a matrix into which the relevant components of meiofaunal ecology are fitted. Using this matrix, meiofauna are shown to have advantages that include their sessile habit, high species diversity, short generation time, direct benthic development and ubiquitous distribution. Disadvantages include their small size, high level of spatial and temporal variability, the potential cost of sample processing and the limited taxonomic literature accessible to non-specialist workers. The paper concludes with a discussion of sampling strategies and methods of analysis that may be used to efficiently incorporate meiofauna as biological response indices into environmental monitoring. Emphasis is placed on cost-effective techniques such as taxonomic minimalism.     

土壤环境质量新标准评价应用误区探讨

探讨了2个土壤环境质量新标准在评价应用时,可能存在对新标准适用范围理解有误、将土壤污染风险分类误用为土壤环境质量类别划分、过于追求单次监测达标或超标评价等误区,建议对与新标准有关的评价方法应进行相应修订.     

关于中国土壤环境监测分析方法标准的思考与建议

研究了中国土壤环境监测分析方法标准发展历程及现状。根据现行土壤环境监测分析方法标准的类型、数量和污染物控制项目,以及中国土壤环境监测分析方法标准的特点,分析了中国土壤环境监测分析方法标准存在的问题和不足。结合当前土壤环境管理需求,提出了完善中国土壤环境监测分析方法标准的建议:加快标准制修订,合理增加污染物项目的控制种类和检测方式;加强不同标准方法之间的可比性研究,使标准更具实用性和指导性;加大土壤监测技术基础性研究,借鉴国外先进经验,为标准制修订工作提供有力支撑。     

Kriging and Bilinear Methods for Estimating Spatial Pattern of Atmospheric Pollutants

Two statistical methods to reconstruct the spatial pattern ofenvironmental data are compared: the Kriging and the Bilinear.The comparison is performed by evaluating two differentcharacteristics of the methods: the interpolation and the estimation. The Kriging method is demonstrated to be better thanthe Bilinear regarding all the statistics studied, although thedifferences are not very significant. Especially, the Kriging ismore efficient than the Bilinear in the reconstruction of peakvalues and it does not extrapolate local trends. The methods areapplied to a set of environmental data measured in an urban area.     

A methodology to identify representative configurations of sensors for monitoring soil moisture

Soil moisture is the key link among hydroecological compartments, responding dynamically to sequences of atmospheric processes and management conditions and modulating physical, chemical, and biological processes in the soil. Currently, there are a variety of monitoring techniques to measure, directly or indirectly, the soil moisture. However, some practical issues remain open like the definition a priori of the number, location and depth of the monitoring points, and the impact of failing or poor performance soil moisture sensors. Here, we present a set of techniques, namely Δθ time series, wavelet filtering, and time stability, to identify representative points and monitoring depths through an analysis of hourly soil moisture time series for different configuration of the monitoring network. We used real data from a monitoring network consisting of seven monitoring points, each one with four EC-5 probes (Decagon Devices Inc., Pullman, WA) at 20, 40, 60, and 100?cm. The use of simple time series of Δθ allowed us to assess the spatiotemporal influence of the monitoring points, while the wavelet periodograms allowed us to get insight about the response of the monitoring points at different time scales. Both methods are easy to implement or adapt to specific conditions, being coherent to the results derived from time stability analysis. For our case study, we concluded that we could reallocate 16 sensors (out of 28) without a significant loss of information. However, the final decision strongly relies on a deep knowledge of the site features and the objectives of the monitoring network.     

环境空气自动监测数据审核中异常数据判断和处理

以上海嘉定区环境空气自动监测数据为依据,利用中美合作-上海市环境空气质量发布系统示范项目(AIRNOW-International)提供的DMS数据自动审核模块,结合市区两级人工审核系统,对数据有效性审核中的异常数据情形进行归类和总结。以实例的方式介绍了环境空气常规六参数常见的异常数据情形,并提出应对异常数据的审核程序和办法。