Book reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert : Steven J. Phillips and Patricia Wentworth Comus, Editors
Vision for Water and Nature: A World Strategy for Conservation and Sustainable Management of Water Resources in the 21st Century IUCN
Renewable Resources for Electric Power: Prospects and Challenges : Raphael Edinger and Sanjay Kaul
Against the Grain: The Genetic Transformation of Global Agriculture : Marc Lappé and Britt Bailey.
Glen Canyon Dammed: Inventing Lake Powell and the Canyon Country : Jared Farmer
Life out of Bounds: Bioinvasion in a Borderless World : Chris Bright     

SPATIAL VARIATION OF NUTRIENT BALANCE IN THE TRUCKEE RIVER,CALIFORNIA‐NEVADA1

ABSTRACT: Because the Truckee River connects two lakes along the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains with different limiting nutrients, this research addresses whether the nitrogen:phosphorus (N:P) balance of the river ecosystem changes longitudinally. Historical (1990 to 2000) total nitro‐gen:total phosphorus (TN:TP) ratios in river water exhibited the expected gradient from high N:P ratios upstream to low N:P ratios downstream, with the major gradient of the N:P balance occurring within the transition between montane and high desert terrain. During 2001, the river contained anomalously low total nitrogen concentrations in the far upper reaches and dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations in the lower reaches, resulting in a less apparent longitudinal gradient of N:P ratios. Measurements of periphyton growth and physiology (nutrient bioassays and ectoenzyme activities) and stoichiometry during the summer of 2001 also exhibited a complex picture of the spatial variation of N:P balance that was not entirely consistent with a strong N:P gradient. However, the compendium of the indicators did support the overall picture of an overarching longitudinal gradient from high to low N:P ratios. The results suggest that periphyton management efforts in the Truckee River should consider the overall spatial gradient as well as the small‐scale dynamics of the stream ecosystem structure.     

The ‘green’ and ‘self’ in green self-governance – a study of 264 green space initiatives by citizens

Scholars observe an increased involvement of citizens in green space governance. This paper focuses on green self-governance, in which citizens play a major role in realizing, protecting and/or managing green space. While existing research on green self-governance focuses mostly on specific cases, we aim to contribute towards a large overview via an inventory of 264 green self-governance practices across The Netherlands. With this, we discuss the relevance of green self-governance for nature conservation and its relationship with authorities. In our analysis, we show that green self-governance practices are very diverse: they pursue a wide variety of physical and social objectives; employ a multitude of physical and political activities; involve different actors besides citizens; mobilize different internal and external funding sources; and are active within and outside of protected areas. While green self-governance can contribute towards protection and management of green space and towards social values, we highlight that this contribution is mostly of a local relevance. Most practices are small scale and objectives do not always match those of authorities. Although we speak of self-governance, authorities play an important role in many practices, for example, as financial donor, landowner or regulatory authority. In this, self-governance is often not completely ‘self’.

Abbreviations: PAA: Policy Arrangement Approach; NNN: National Nature Network; N2000: Natura 2000; NCOs: Nature Conservation Organizations; NGOs: Non-governmental organizations     

Book reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
The past, present and future of parks as social spaces
Dispossessing the Wilderness. Indian Removal and the Making of the National Parks : Mark David Spense
Imposing Wilderness. Struggles over Livelihood and Nature Preservation in Africa : Roderick P. Neumann
Myth and Reality in the Rain Forest. How Conservation Strategies are Failing in West Africa : John F. Oates
Feeding the world: a challenge for the twenty-first century : Vaclav Smil     

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
The Seventh Continent: Antarctica in a Resource Age : Deborah Shapley
Economics of the Mineral Industry : William A. Vogely
Large-scale Water Transfers : Genady N. Golubev and Asit K. Biswas     

Estimation of intracellular phosphorus content of phosphorus-accumulating organisms at different P:COD feeding ratios

The intracellular phosphorus content of phosphorus-accumulating organisms (PAO) was determined based on a stoichiometric equation and phosphorus balance for an enhanced biological phosphorus removal system fed with different P:COD ratios. The data indicated that a higher P:COD feeding ratio could significantly promote the growth of PAO. As the P:COD feeding ratio increased from 0.02:1 to 0.04:1 and 0.16:1, the phosphorus in the sludge increased considerably from 0.053 to 0.084 and 0.205 mg P (mg VSS(aerobic))(-1), respectively, indicating a dynamic condition in the microbial population. From the calculations, the mass fractions of the PAO, glycogen-accumulating organisms, and ordinary heterotrophs changed from 0.10-0.15, 0.83-0.88, and 0.02 at 0.02:1 to 0.19-0.28, 0.70-0.79, and 0.02 at 0.04:1 and to 0.478-0.71, 0.26-0.50, 0.03 at 0.16:1 P:COD feeding ratios, respectively. Despite the variation in microbial diversity, the calculated phosphorus contents of the PAO at all P:COD feeding ratios were consistent between 0.241 and 0.378 mg P (mg VSS(PAO))(-1). The initial specific phosphorus release and uptake rates were 84.7-167.9 mg P (g VSS(PAO))(-1)h(-1) and 52.8-90.0 mgP (g VSS(total))(-1)h(-1), respectively.     

Performance evaluation and emission characteristics of biodiesel-ignition enhancer blends propelled in a research diesel engine

This study details the effect of the Di-Methyl-Ether(DME) as a cetane improver on neat cashew nut shell biodiesel (CBD100) to assess the emission and performance engine characteristics. Four fuels, namely, diesel, biodiesel (Cashew nut shell Methyl Ester), a blend of CBD100-10% and 20% by volume of DME (CBD90DME10and CBD80DME20) are prepared and tested on a stationary research diesel engine. The experimental parameters for CBD80DME20 showed a 1.6% increase in thermal efficiency thereby reducing 4.1% of fuel consumption than the neat biodiesel at peak conditions. Experimental result exposed that 20% of DME reduces 3.4% CO, 4.2% HC and 8.8% NOx and 8.4% smoke emissions of CBD100. Based on the outcome of this work, it is clear that CBD80DME20 shall be employed as a substitute fuel for diesel engine.

Abbreviations: CI: Compression ignition; CBD100: Cashew nut shell Bio-diesel; DME: Di-methyl ether; CO: Carbon monoxide; BTE: Brake thermal efficiency; BSFC: Brake specific fuel consumption; CBD100: 100% Biodiesel; CBD90DME10: 90% biodiesel + 10% di-methyl-ether; CBD80DME20: 80% biodiesel + 20% di-methyl-ether; HC: Hydrocarbon; NO_x: Oxides of nitrogen.     

Modelling built-up land take in Europe to 2020: an assessment of the Resource Efficiency Roadmap measure on land

Land taken by artificial surfaces has an impact on the quality of life and ecosystems. To reduce possible negative impacts of land take, the European Commission proposed setting a milestone objective for 2020 in terms of future rates of land take.

This paper describes a methodology to model the impacts of the 2020 land-take milestone proposed in the RERM in the European Union 27 MS. An integrated modelling framework was configured to assess the spatial impact of two land-take scenarios: a ‘Reference’ scenario, which is driven by demographic and economic trends, and a ‘Target 0’ scenario that follows the 2020 land-take milestone proposed in the RERM. We conclude that the implementation of the 2020 land-take milestone, by reducing future land take in Europe, will foster more efficient use of land (less land taken for the same activity levels) and minimise negative impacts on non-artificial land uses.     

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article: Money to Burn? The High Costs of Energy Subsidies: Mark Kosmo Planning for Drought: Toward a Reduction of Societal Vulnerability: Donald A. Wilhite and William E. Easterling, with Deborah A. Wood State of the World 1988: A Worldwatch Institute Report on Progress Toward a Sustainable Society: Lester R. Brown, William U. Chandler, Christopher Flavin, Jodi Jacobson, Sandra Postel, Cynthia Pollock Shea and Edward C. Wolf Non-Conventional Water Resources Use in Developing Countries; Proceedings of the Interregional Seminar, Willemstad, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, 22–28 April 1985     

On causes of illegal waste dumping in Slovakia

This paper examines the determinants of illegal waste dumping at the county level in Slovakia (in 77 of 79 counties), using a truncated regression model. It analyzes a unique data-set composed of illegal dumping data provided by the TrashOut platform and sociodemographic data from the national statistical authority.

This study shows that a higher level of expected overall waste production results in a higher rate of illegally dumped waste and a higher number of illegal dumping sites. More precisely, income has a positive impact on the rate of illegal waste dumping, poverty influences the rate of illegal dumping negatively and a higher level of education does not result in more responsible waste management. On the contrary, higher education has a positive influence on the rate of dumping. A negative relationship between costs of illegal waste disposal and dumping rate, as well as a positive relationship between costs of legal waste disposal and dumping rate has been revealed.     

Plant-available and water-soluble phosphorus in soils amended with separated manure solids

Physical, chemical, or biological treatment of animal liquid manure generally produces a dry-matter rich fraction (DMF) that contains most of the initial phosphorus (P). Our objective was to assess the solubility and plant availability of P from various DMFs as a function of soil P status. Eight different DMFs were obtained from liquid swine (LSM) and dairy cattle (LDC) manures treated by natural decantation, anaerobic digestion, chemical flocculation, composting, or mechanical separation. The DMFs were compared with mineral P fertilizer in a pot experiment with oat ( L.) grown in four soils with varied P-fixing capacities and P saturation levels. The DMFs were added at a rate of 50 mg P kg soil and incubated 14 d before seeding. Soil water-extractable P (P) at all water:soil extraction ratios (2:1, 20:1, and 200:1) was slightly higher when DMFs were derived from LDC rather than LSM. Soil P at the 2:1 ratio was lower with anaerobically digested LSM. At the 2:1 extraction ratio, DMF P was less soluble than mineral P as P saturation in soils increased. In soils with a lower P-fixing capacity, DMF P appeared less water soluble than mineral P under 20:1 and 200:1 extraction ratios. After 72 d of plant growth, DMFs produced yields comparable to mineral P fertilizer. Although the plant availability of P from DMFs was comparable to mineral P fertilizer, P from DMFs could be less vulnerable to leaching or runoff losses in soils with a high P saturation level or low P-fixing capacity.     

Book reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
Managing Water for Peace in the Middle East: Alternative Strategies Masahiro Murakami
The World at the Crossroads: Towards a Sustainable, Equitable and Liveable World Edited by Philip B Smith, Samuel E Okoye, Jaap de Wilde and Priya Deshingkar
The Environment and NAFTA: Understanding and Implementing the New Continental Law Pierre Marc Johnson and Andre Beaulieu
Meeting Needs: NGO Coordination in Practice Jon Bennett     

Book reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
Learning by doing : WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: a World Bank Policy Paper. Prepared by K. William Easter, Gershon Feder, Guy Le Moigne and Alfred M. Duda
Evaluating uncertainty : ECONOMIC VALUES AND THE NATURAL WORLD by David Pearce     

Book Reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
The Energy Problems and The North—South Dialogue Editor , Editor: Antoine Ayoub.
Ok Tedi: Evolution of a Third World Mining Project Author : William S. Pintz.
Ambient y Recursos Naturales (Environment and Natural Resources).
The Third Oil Shock — The Effects of Lower Oil Prices . Editor : Joan Pearce.
Coping with Droughts Editors : V. Yevjevich, L. da Cunha and E. Vlachos.     

Evaluation of Biogas Yield of Selected Ratios of Cattle,Swine, and Poultry Wastes

Production of biogas from animal wastes could lessen the problems of energy shortage and indiscriminate animal waste disposal. A study of anaerobic digestion of selected ratios of cattle, swine, and poultry wastes was carried out to evaluate their biogas yields. Cattle (C), swine (S), and poultry (P) wastes were mixed as C:S:P in the following ratios: 1:0:0 (control), 1:0:1, 4:1:3, 2:1:1, 4:3:1, and 1:1:0 by mass to obtain six samples of of 0.4 kg each, referred to as samples 1 to 6 respectively. A quantity (0.1 kg) of inoculum (obtained by pre-fermenting equal masses of poultry waste and water for 50 days under anaerobic condition) and 0.5 kg of water were added to each of the samples. The resulting slurries were digested in triplicates for 30 days in 1.3 L laboratory-scale anaerobic digesters. The volume of biogas produced was obtained by downward displacement of water in a measuring cylinder. The cumulative biogas yields of samples 1 to 6 were 332.5, 497.5, 487.5, 467.5, 457.5, and 430.0 cm³/kg slurry respectively. The cumulative biogas yields of samples 2 and 3 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the other samples but not significantly (p > 0.05) different from each other. However, the cumulative biogas yield of sample 1 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the other samples. The study revealed that a blend of equal masses of cattle and poultry wastes is optimum for biogas production.     

Book reviews

Book reviewed in this article:
Adjustment for Africa : A FUTURE FOR AFRICA: BEYOND THE POLITICS OF ADJUSTMENT By Bade Onimode
Energy systems and development : DIAGNOSIS OF ENERGY SYSTEMS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES by J. Girod
Minerals and the environment : MINING THE EARTH by John E. Young
Towards a sustainable future : BEYOND THE LIMITS: GLOBAL COLLAPSE OR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE by Donella H. Meadows, Dennis L. Meadows and Jorgen Randers
A guidebook for metal mining : ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF SELECTED NON-FERROUS METALS (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Au) ORE MINING
The cost of CO₂ emissions limits : BUYING GREENHOUSE INSURANCE: THE ECONOMIC COSTS OF CO₂ EMISSION LIMITS by A. S. Manne and R. G. Richels
Sustainable development : ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT by the United Nations Center for Science and Technology     

Automated energy management in distributed electricity systems: An EEPOS approach

The increasing capacity of distributed electricity generation brings new challenges in maintaining a high security and quality of electricity supply. New techniques are required for grid support and power balance. The highest potential for these techniques is to be found on the part of the electricity distribution grid.

This article addresses this potential and presents the EEPOS project’s approach to the automated management of flexible electrical loads in neighborhoods. The management goals are (i) maximum utilization of distributed generation in the local grid, (ii) peak load shaving/congestion management, and (iii) reduction of electricity distribution losses. Contribution to the power balance is considered by applying two-tariff pricing for electricity.

The presented approach to energy management is tested in a hypothetical sensitivity analysis of a distribution feeder with 10 households and 10 photovoltaic (PV) plants with an average daily consumption of electricity of 4.54 kWh per household and a peak PV panel output of 0.38 kW per plant. Energy management shows efficient performance at relatively low capacities of flexible load. At a flexible load capacity of 2.5% (of the average daily electricity consumption), PV generation surplus is compensated by 34–100% depending on solar irradiance. Peak load is reduced by 30% on average. The article also presents the load shifting effect on electricity distribution losses and electricity costs for the grid user.     

Environmental capital: an information core to public participation in strategic and operational decisions—the example of river ‘Best Practice’ projects

Sustainable development and solutions to existing environmental problems depend heavily on information and its translation into usable knowledge. Increasingly, affected communities are being drawn into environmental decision‐making, both in the development of strategy (plans) and in the delivery of plans through management and operations. Variants of the ‘natural capital’ theme are popular amongst those who see an effective dialogue between the sciences of ecology and economics as the most promising interdisciplinary context for environmental decision making by empowered communities. A decision‐making framework is vital in practical, community‐based schemes (wider than ‘stakeholder platforms’) which have become popular for promoting ‘best practice’ in managing river basin units. The EU Water Framework Directive renders use of interdisciplinary techniques within a participatory framework a statutory requirement. A final practical need for communities and professionals involved with such schemes is the creation of a system of adaptive (rather than reactive) management, supported by ongoing research and monitoring to detect, and adjust to, ever‐changing physical and social contexts for both strategies and operations.

This paper describes the authors' experience in applying the ‘Environmental Capital’ (also known as ‘Quality of Life Capital’ (QoLC)) approach to information management in two headwater catchments in northern England: the Wharfe and the Coquet. In the case of the Upper Wharfedale Best Practice Project (UWBPP) the components of basic environmental survey, consultation, strategy formulation and the use of the strategy are illustrated to guide immediate and longer‐term actions. In contrast, the Coquet application of the technique, whilst socially more pervasive, was less successful for a number of reasons: geographical, institutional, project and participatory.

As a proposed development of the methodology based on the authors' experiences, extending public participation through monitoring activity, together with formal application of environmental economics to the perceived elements of ‘natural’ and ‘human’ capital in the two catchments would appear desirable. Conclusions are also drawn regarding the demands of the EU Water Framework Directive for ecological, economic and participatory approaches to river basin planning and management.     

Recovery of phosphate from calcinated bone by dissolution in hydrochloric acid solutions

In this study, the optimum conditions of dissolution of calcinated bone in HCl solutions with different concentrations are investigated. Recovery of phosphate from calcinated bone by dissolution with hydrochloric acid solutions was investigated in a batch reactor, it was observed that a 32% hydrochloric acid solution can dissolve the calcinated bone effectively. Using the Taguchi fractional design method, it was found that the optimum process conditions, at which 67.2% P₂O₅ dissolution was reached, were as follows: Reaction temperature: 318 K, solid-to-liquid ratio: 1/5 (g ml⁻¹), acid concentrations:32 (% w/v), stirring speed:400 min⁻¹ and reaction time: 60 min.     

Book Reviews

Books reviewed:
Dana L. Jackson and Laura L. Jackson, The Farm as Natural Habitat: Reconnecting Food Systems with Ecosystems
Douglas W. Allen and Dean Lueck, The Nature of the Farm: Contracts, Risk and Organisation in Agriculture
John Cavanaugh and Jerry Mander, Alternatives to Economic Globaliza-tion: A Better World is Possible
Nives Dolšak and Elinor Ostrom (eds), The Commons in the New Millennium: Challenges and Adaptations
Howard Geller, Energy Revolution: Policies for a Sustainable Future
Bruce E. Johansen, The Dirty Dozen. Toxic Chemicals and the Earth's Future
Gary K. Meffe, Larry A. Nielsen, Richard L. Knight, and Dennis A. Schenborn (eds), Ecosystem Management: Adaptive, Community-Based Conservation