Design of an integrated monitoring programme in Sweden

A National Swedish Environmental Monitoring Programme, the PMK, has been designed for regular and permanent recording of environmental conditions and long-term changes in background regions, and for keeping track of the flux of pollutants in and between various media. Many of the projects involved deal with integrated monitoring of terrestrial and limnic ecosystems. This work is carried out in or near some 20 small watersheds, usually selected in national parks or nature reserves. The environmental factors monitored in these areas include concentrations of chemical substances in precipitation, soil, groundwater, surface water, and organisms, as well as biological parameters—such as the population size and reproductive capacity of certain species—that may indicate effects of environmental disturbances. The data from this programme can be used as a reference to environmental data acquired near pollution sources, and as a basis for measures against e.g. acid rain, heavy-metal pollution, and use of pesticides. The biological parameters may also reveal effects of yet unknown pollutants or other disturbances.     

Multi-objective, decision-based assessment of a water quality monitoring network in a river system

Water quality monitoring network design has historically tended to use experience, intuition and subjective judgement in locating monitoring stations. Better design procedures to optimize monitoring systems need to simultaneously identify significant planning objectives and consider a number of social, economic and environmental constraints. The consideration of multiple objectives may require further decision analysis to determine the preference weights associated with the objectives to aid in the decision-making process. This may require the application of an optimization study to extract such information from decision makers or experts and to evaluate the overall effectiveness of locating strategies. This paper assesses the optimal expansion and relocation strategies of a water quality monitoring network using a two-stage analysis. The first stage focuses on the information retrieval of preference weights with respect to the designated planning objectives. With the aid of a pre-emptive goal programming model, data analysis is applied to obtain the essential information from the questionnaire outputs. The second stage then utilizes a weighted multi-objective optimization approach to search for the optimal locating strategies of the monitoring stations in the river basin. Practical implementation is illustrated by a case study in the Kao-Ping River Basin, south Taiwan.     

Automatic continuous river monitoring of nitrate using a novel ion-selective electrode

On-site continuous measurement of nitrate in the River Taw situated in Devon (UK) was performed automatically for two months using a recently developed ion-selective electrode (ISE). A non-submersible electrode support system was developed and a field instrument was constructed comprising the nitrate-ISEs, a reference electrode and a temperature probe connected through a pre-amplifier to a data-logger and battery supply. The nitrate-ISE was constructed using a commercially available electrode body with a membrane incorporated into the tip. This rubbery membrane contained the sensor molecule (N,N,N-triallylleucine betaine chloride, 6.5% m/m) covalently bound to polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene, SBS, (43.5% m/m), with 2-nitrophenyloctyl ether (2-NPOE) as mediator (40% m/m). The Nernstian slope was -59.1 mV per decade over a linear range of 1400-0.07 mg L(-1) nitrate-N. The limit of detection was 0.007 mg L(-1) nitrate-N with a selectivity coefficient for nitrate against chloride (k(pot)NO3-, Cl-) of 3.4 x 10(-3). The speed of response was less than a minute over the linear Nernstian range. The lifetime in the laboratory exceeded 5 months with no potentiometric drift over the linear Nernstian range. A temperature correction algorithm was also used to accomodate the temperature changes encountered in the river. The river nitrate results obtained with the ISEs at hourly intervals compared very favourably (R2 = 0.9) with those obtained with laboratory automated chemical determinations made on contemporaneous river samples over a concentration range 0.55-2.00 mg L(-1) nitrate-N. The ISEs did not require re-calibration and no deterioration in performance or fouling of the membrane surface was observed during 40 days.     

Towards a long-term integrated monitoring programme in Europe: network design in theory and practice

Long-term integrated monitoring is an important approach forinvestigating, detecting and predicing the effects ofenvironmental changes. Currently, European freshwaters,glaciers, forests and other narural and semi-natural ecosystemsand habitats are monitored by a number of networks establishedby different organisations. However, many monitoring programmeshave a narrow focus (e.g. targeting individual ecosystems) andmost have different measurement protocols and sampling design.This has resulted in poor integration of ecosystem monitoring ata European level, leading to some overlapping of efforts and alack of harmonised data to inform policy decisions. The need fora consistent pan-European long-term integrated monitoring ofterrestrial systems programme is recognised in the scientificcommunity. However, the design of such a system can be problematic, not least because of the constraints imposed bythe need to make maximum use of existing sites and networks.Based on the outcomes of the NoLIMITS project (Networking ofLong-term Integrated Monitoring in Terrestrial Systems), thisarticle reviews issues that should be addressed in designing aprogramme based on existing monitoring sites and networks. Fourmajor design issues are considered: (i) users' requirements,(ii) the need to address multiple objectives, (iii) role ofexisting sites and (iv) operational aspects.     

Organochlorine insecticide residues in Ganga river water near Farrukhabad,India

Multiple residues of organochlorine insecticides were monitored in Ganga river water in the district of Farrukhabad in northern Indian for one year (1991–1992). Almost all the samples were found to be contaminated with residues of HCH and DDT. Residues of aldrin, endosulfan and heptachlor were also detected in a larger number of samples. Alpha-HCH, pp-DDT and alpha-endosulfan were found to dominate over the other isomers of HCH, DDT and endosulfan, respectively. Enhanced percentage of beta-HCH suggests accumulation of this isomer in the aquatic environment. The average concentration of aldrin was more than that of dieldrin. Aldrin residues often exceeded the WHO guideline value for drinking water and the concentration of heptachlor occasionally exceeded the specified limits.     

Persistent organochlorine residues in fish and water birds from the Biobio river,Chile

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDT and its metabolites, HCH isomers and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were determined in fish and birds from different locations in the Biobio river basin (central Chile). Samples collected near the mouth of the river contained high concentrations of PCBs, reflecting the massive use of these xenobiotics in the urban and industrial areas of Concepcion and Talcauano. Samples collected in the central part of the basin contained very high concentrations of lindane that coincide with the widespread use of lindane-based pesticides (purified -HCH) in this area. DDT was distributed homogeneously throughout the basin, except at Laguna Icalma, the source of the river in the Andes. Most PCB residues in fish and birds consisted of congeners between penta- and hepta-chlorobiphenyls. In fish, the predominant congeners were the pentachlorobiphenyl 23445 (IUPAC number 118) and the hexachlorobiphenyl 2234455 (PCB-153); in birds 224455 (PCB-180) prevailed.     

Efficiency of a standardized artificial substrate for biological monitoring of river water quality

Before using macroinvertebrates in water quality assessment in the Chusovaya River (Russia, the Urals, 50°55N, 60° E), preliminary results of three sampling methods were compared: handnet, circular shovel and a standardized artificial substrate sampler. The artificial substrate consisted of glass marbles ( 20 mm). To compare the efficiency of these sampling methods the total numbers of taxa found at each location per sampling data were considered to be 100%. The highest efficiency was reached with the artificial substrate sampler. 75–100% of the taxa at the different locations were collected with this sampler. Only 5–19% and 10–20% of the taxa at each location per sampling date were collected with the circular shovel in the sand and gravel substrate respectively, being the lowest efficiency. Intermediate results were obtained with the hand net. 23–38% of the taxa were collected with this net. Based on these results and requirements placed upon sampling methods in general, the standardized artificial substrate sampler has been considered to be an optimal sampling device for macroinvertebrates in biological monitoring.     

A proposal for a long-term baseline phytobenthos monitoring programme for the Finnish Baltic coastal waters: monitoring submerged rocky shore vegetation

Several local surveys on the submerged vegetation have been conducted in past decades along the Finnish Baltic coastal areas. Surveys have been carried out by using various methods,which make the temporal comparisons of the results difficult.The need of a joint programme for coastal phytobenthic monitoringis emphasised by the Nordic Council of Ministers and HELCOM. TheFinnish coastal phytobenthic monitoring programme complements theBaltic HELCOM monitoring programme (COMBINE). It is primarily designed to reveal the effects of eutrophication. The programmeincludes general principles for selection of monitoring areas aswell as a proposal for monitored habitats, communities and species. The need of evaluated and tested field methods, datacollecting, interpretation and data storage are addressed in theQuality Assurance part. The cost-efficiency is secured by integrating the phytobenthos programme with the coastal water monitoring for obtaining the supporting data such like salinity,temperature and nutrients. In the design of the monitoring programme a special interest is paid on areas with high protection values such as Natura 2000 or HELCOM's BSPA (Baltic Sea Protected Areas) or on aspects that would support the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.     

The programme ‘sections’ and monitoring of World Ocean

The main scientific problems of the programme on investigating the World Ocean's role in short-range climatic variations are discussed. It has been shown that data obtained within the framework of the SECTIONS, TOGA and other programmes should serve as a baseline for ocean physical characteristics monitoring. Some preliminary numerical experiments have been carried out.     

Design of on-line river water quality monitoring systems using the entropy theory: a case study

The design of a water quality monitoring network is considered as the main component of water quality management including selection of the water quality variables, location of sampling stations and determination of sampling frequencies. In this study, an entropy-based approach is presented for design of an on-line water quality monitoring network for the Karoon River, which is the largest and the most important river in Iran. In the proposed algorithm of design, the number and location of sampling sites and sampling frequencies are determined by minimizing the redundant information, which is quantified using the entropy theory. A water quality simulation model is also used to generate the time series of the concentration of water quality variables at some potential sites along the river. As several water quality variables are usually considered in the design of water quality monitoring networks, the pair-wise comparison is used to combine the spatial and temporal frequencies calculated for each water quality variable. After selecting the sampling frequencies, different components of a comprehensive monitoring system such as data acquisition, transmission and processing are designed for the study area, and technical characteristics of the on-line and off-line monitoring equipment are presented. Finally, the assessment for the human resources needs, as well as training and quality assurance programs are presented considering the existing resources in the study area. The results show that the proposed approach can be effectively used for the optimal design of the river monitoring systems.     

黄浦江水环境生物监测指标研究

对黄浦江进行了全面的生物监测及评价.通过相关性分析表明,底栖生物的Shnnon-Weaver指数和Coodnight指数与水质综合评价指数呈显著负相关;细菌总数和总大肠菌群数与水质综合评价指数呈显著正相关,R2值均＞0.9,能较敏感地反映水质变化的生态效应,构成了黄浦江水环境生物监测核心指标.     

Monoc programme: Scientific substantiation of the integrated global ocean ecological monitoring system

Man's exploitation of the World Ocean continues to increase both productively, i.e., utilization of fisheries and natural resources, and counterproductively, i.e., increased pollutant loading. This paper presents a scientific rationale for a global ecological monitoring programme which will address open as well as coastal waters.     

Developing transboundary river basin monitoring programmes using the DPSIR indicator framework

Policymakers are often dissatisfied by the lack of what they consider useful information to support water management. Analysis of this 'water information gap' shows that this is caused by a lack of proper communication between information users and information producers. To improve this communication the process of specification of information needs has been structured. Earlier experiences showed that this not only entailed developing a structure to manage the process, but also developing a structure to guide the breakdown of policy objectives into information needs. Such a structure to organise the problem supports policy makers and monitoring specialists in their communication. This paper describes three pilot projects where the DPSIR indicator framework was used to organise the problem. It is concluded that the DPSIR framework is useful for improving the communication between information users and information producers and is helpful in breaking down policy objectives into information needs in a structured way. The structured approach in this way assists in narrowing the water information gap. Use of the DPSIR framework however leads to a bias towards water management problems and does not provide for all the relevant information needs.     

Impact assessment of pesticide residues in fish of Ganga river around Kolkata in West Bengal

An investigation was conducted from 2001 to 2005 for determining the residual concentration of five pesticides, viz., total-HCH, total-DDT, total-Endosulfan, Dimethoate and Malathion in fish samples collected from various points of the river Ganga. Fish samples were analyzed for pesticide residues using standard laboratory procedures by GC method. It was found that total-HCH concentration remains above the MRL values for maximum number of times in comparison to four other pesticides. The pesticide contamination to fish may be due to indiscriminate discharge of polluted and untreated sewage-sludge to the river. The pesticide contents in some places are alarming. Thus proper care, maintenance, treatment and disposal of sewage water and sludge are most vital and should be the prime thrust for the nation.     

Pesticide residues in river Yamuna and its canals in Haryana and Delhi, India

Yamuna, a prominent river of India covers an extensive area of 345,843 km(2) from Yamunotri glacier through six Indian states. Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) namely, isomers of HCH and endosulfan, DDT and its metabolites, aldrin, dieldrin, were analysed in water of river Yamuna along its 346 km stretch passing through Haryana-Delhi-Haryana and the canals originating from it. beta-HCH, p.p'-DDT, p.p'-DDE and p.p'-DDD had maximum traceability in test samples (95-100%) followed by gamma-HCH, alpha-HCH and o.p'-DDD (60-84%) and o.p'-DDT, delta-HCH and o.p'-DDE (7-30%) while aldrin, dieldrin, alpha and beta endosulfan remained below detection limits (BDL). The concentration of SigmaHCH and SigmaDDT at different sites of the river ranged between 12.76-593.49 ng/l (with a mean of 310.25 ng/l) and 66.17-722.94 ng/l (with a mean of 387.9 ng/l), respectively. In canals the values were found between 12.38-571.98 ng/l and 109.12-1572.22 ng/l for SigmaHCH and SigmaDDT, respectively. Water of Gurgaon canal and Western Yamuna canal contained maximum and minimum concentration, respectively both of SigmaHCH and SigmaDDT residues. Sources of these pesticides and suggested measures to check pesticide pollution of this major Indian river, keeping in view its vital link with life, are discussed in this paper.     

发光菌监测浑河(抚顺段)底泥的生物毒性

利用发光茵对浑河(抚顺段)底泥进行了生物毒性测试.结果表明,浑河(抚顺段)主断面底泥均为低毒性,七条支流中以将军河底泥毒性最大,为重毒级,其它支流为低毒级.     

New kinetic-spectrophotometric method for monitoring the concentration of iodine in river and city water samples

A new kinetic method has been developed for the determination of iodine in water samples. The method is based on the catalytic effect of I^? with the oxidation of Indigo Carmine (IC) by KBrO₃ in the sulfuric acid medium. The optimum conditions obtained are 0.16 M sulfuric acid, 1?×?10^?3 M of IC, 1?×?10^?2 M KBrO₃, reaction temperature of 35°C, and reaction time of 80 s at 612 nm. Under the optimized conditions, the method allowed the quantification of I^? in a range of 12–375 ng/mL with a detection limit of 0.46 ng/mL. The method was applied to the determination of iodine in river and city water samples with the satisfactorily results.     

A new nanosilver-based spectrophotometric method for monitoring Eriochrome black T in river water

In this paper, a new spectrophotometric method is reported for the determination of nanomolar levels of Eriochrome black T in environmental samples. The method is based on the catalytic effect of silver nanoparticles on the oxidation of Eriochrome black T by hexacyanoferrate (III) in acetate–acetic acid medium and at 25 °C. The absorbance is measured at 512 nm with the fixed-time method. It relies on the linear relationship between the absorbance difference (?A) and Eriochrome black T amounts in the range of 40–1,250 nM. Under optimum conditions, the sensitivity of the proposed method, i.e., the detection limit corresponding to 80 s, is about 25 nM. The method is featured with good accuracy and reproducibility for Eriochrome black T determination in river water samples without any pre-concentration and separation step.     

水质分段法优化河流监测断面及其在水功能区达标监测中的应用

提出水质分段优化河流水质断面的原则和水质突变点确定的方法,将优化后省级尺度的监测断面直接用于地表水环境功能区达标监测,取得良好的环境效益和社会效益。     

Evaluation of a real-time monitoring system for river quality — a trade-off between risk attitudes,costs, and uncertainty

Uncertainty is definitely one of the key topics in environmental assessment and management. Typically, attempts to reduce uncertainty are subject to expenses. But how to compare and trade-off expenses and the reduced uncertainty? They only seldom allow the use of a single unit. Instead, the whole analysis and decision procedure is very subjective. This paper presents one approach to handle such problems, namely the combined use of Bayesian influence diagrams, and probabilistic risk attitude analysis. The approach was used in the evaluation of three alternatives for a real time river water quality forecasting system. A trade-off analysis of risk attitudes, costs and uncertainty indicated the levels of socioeconomic utility required for investments in the respective systems, and accordingly illuminated the impact of the uncertainties involved on inference and decision-making with various risk attitudes and discount rates.