Chemical constraints on new man-made lakes

The formation of reservoirs often affects water quality strongly, with the changes in the physicochemical properties being ascribed to decomposition of remaining organic matter arising from leaching and (biological and chemical) breakdown processes. In this study, experiments under laboratory conditions were performed to show that the nature of the course particulate organic matter (CPOM; i.e., leaves, branches, barks, and litter) determines the decomposition kinetics in new reservoirs. Effects on the water quality can be of short-, mid-, and long-term duration for all types of CPOM, as indicated in the mathematical modeling of the decomposition kinetics. Leaves and litter displayed the shortest half-life times (51 and 40 days, respectively) and the highest potential of leaching/oxidation of labile compounds (19 and 21 %, respectively). On the other hand, decomposition of branches and barks generated the lowest oxygen consumption (74 and 44 mg oxygen/g dry mass (DM), respectively). During formation of the reservoir, the incorporation and decomposition of organic matter prevailed over material exportation. Therefore, in addition to a decrease in oxygen availability the concentration of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and nutrients increased. After the filling stage, there was significant loss of organic matter via oxidation, sedimentation, biological assimilation, and export, thus causing the BOD concentration and the fertility of the water to decrease.     

Meiofauna ratios as environmental indicators in the profundal depths of large lakes

Two sets of samples from Lake Päijänne and one from Lake Ladoga were used to examine the relations between the meiofauna and environmental variables. The most obvious indicators of an unpolluted environment were, in order of importance, the true meiofauna/total meiofauna ratio, the proportion of Aeolosomatidae, the proportion of Harpacticoida (excluding C. staphylinus), the meiofauna/macrofauna biomass ratio, the proportion of Naididae and the A. crassa + P. schmeili/true meiofauna ratio. Conversely, the clearest indicators of a polluted environment were the proportion of resting stages of Cyclopinae, the Nematoda/non-resting Copepoda ratio, and the proportions of Tubificidae, Oligochaeta, Cladocera, C. staphylinus and benthic Eucyclopinae. Oxygen saturation exercised a highly significant effect on the meiofauna variables, and the next in order of importance were sedimentation, sediment chlorophenols originating from the chlorobleaching of pulp, total phosphorus, COD and phytoplankton biomass. The dependence of the meiofauna on environmental variables was somewhat more pronounced in the deepest areas of Lake Päijänne than in the epiprofundal zone, and largely similar in the two lakes.     

Water quality of least-impaired lakes in eastern and southern Arkansas

A three-phased study identified one least-impaired (reference) lake for each of four Arkansas lake classifications: three classifications in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) ecoregion and a fourth classification in the South Central Plains (SCP) ecoregion. Water quality at three of the least-impaired lakes generally was comparable and also was comparable to water quality from Kansas and Missouri reference lakes and Texas least-impaired lakes. Water quality of one least-impaired lake in the MAP ecoregion was not as good as water quality in other least-impaired lakes in Arkansas or in the three other states: a probable consequence of all lakes in that classification having a designated use as a source of irrigation water. Chemical and physical conditions for all four lake classifications were at times naturally harsh as limnological characteristics changed temporally. As a consequence of allochthonous organic material, oxbow lakes isolated within watersheds comprised of swamps were susceptible to low dissolved oxygen concentrations to the extent that conditions would be limiting to some aquatic biota. Also, pH in lakes in the SCP ecoregion was <6.0, a level exceeding current Arkansas water-quality standards but typical of black water systems. Water quality of the deepest lakes exceeded that of shallow lakes. N/P ratios and trophic state indices may be less effective for assessing water quality for shallow lakes (<2 m) than for deep lakes because there is an increased exposure of sediment (and associated phosphorus) to disturbance and light in the former.     

Environmental quality control and environmental games

Conclusion  In this paper we have considered a specific environmental game emphasizing both control-prevention efforts and the propensity to pollute by a firm which adopts a given pollution abatement technology. A random payoff game was constructed and solved under a risk neutral assumption and quadratic utilities for both the firm and the environmental controller. The game thus defined, provides a wide range of interpretations and potential approaches for selecting a control-inspection policies to prevent environmental risks. There are of course many facets to this problem, which could be considered and have not been considered in sufficient depth. For example, more complex control mechanisms and liabilities, the effects of insurance and risk sharing, the application of cooperative efforts and subvention of pollution abatement investments (through tax incentives and their like), etc. have not been considered [5,7]. These are topics for further research. The basic presumption of this paper is that it is very difficult to fully enforce pollution prevention by firms, as a result, some controls are needed to ensure that firms be controlled so that appropriate efforts are carried.     

现行声环境质量标准实施中有关问题浅析

根据多年从事声环境监测与评价的经验,与客观实际相结合,对《声环境质量标准》(GB 3096-2008)中有关标准限值、测量方法等方面存在的问题进行研究分析,提出修订建议,以期为今后标准的再修订起到一定的借鉴作用.     

Impact assessment of various parameters polluting Ganga water in Kolkata Region: a study for quality evaluation and environmental implication

The quality of sewage-sludge samples obtained in Kolkata region was evaluated. Both sewage water and sludge components were analyzed for a number of physico-chemical, microbiological parameters using standard laboratory procedures, some heavy metals by AAS method and pesticide contents by GC method. Some of the physical and chemical constituents of the samples are within the allowable levels while the rest are not. The samples are rich in nutrients and have suitable pH for agricultural uses. In terms of Electrical Conductivity and Sodium Adsorption Ratio, sewage water is not suitable for irrigation. Fecal and coliform bacterial population is high in all samples. Pesticide and heavy metals in some places are alarming. So sewage-sludge produced in Kolkata cannot be used for agricultural purpose without any treatment. Thus proper care, maintenance, treatment and disposal of sewage water and sludge are most vital and should be the prime thrust for the nation.     

Capacity utilization and investment in environmental quality

This paper characterizes the optimal use of productive capacity and optimal investment in environmental quality when the latter has a positive impact on the production process. For the case of a single country, we find conditions under which capital should or should not be fully utilized, and investment in environmental quality should be positive or zero. We then extend the model to the case of two countries playing a non-cooperative dynamic game. The Nash equilibrium turns out to be a dominant-strategy equilibrium. Since this equilibrium is not Pareto efficient, we show how one country may bribe the other country to achieve a better outcome, for example, by refraining from full utilization of capacity. Under certain conditions, the optimal solution requires that a constant fraction of one country's income be used to bribe the other country to scale down its production.     

Assessing environmental soil quality in rural areas

A base line study into the environmental quality of soils in the rural areas of the province of Zeeland, the Netherlands, was performed. The polder-landscape in this area was developed in a complex history of floodings and land-reclamation. Samples from 67 sites, at a density of roughly one per 25 km², were analyzed for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in addition to a physicochemical characterization by pH(KCl), dry solids, organic matter, and clay content. At about 2/3 of the sites samples were taken at more than one depth. Fluoride and pesticides were determined in partly overlapping selections of 30 samples. Four land use classes were distinguished (arable land, grass land, orchards, uncultivated), and samples were labelled by region within the province. Data evaluation was aided by a recursive statistical approach, whereby statistical tests confirm and strengthen geochemical reasoning. Single- and multivariate statistics were used both as exploratory tools and as a measure of significance and relevance of conditions and processes. In general the environmental quality of the soils is satisfactory. Exceedence of the legal standards for natural background values at more than one site occurs for Cd, Cu, Hg and the pesticides DDT/DDE, dieldrin and HCH, at most by a factor of three. High levels of Hg appear related to arable land use; enhanced levels of Cu are found in orchards. High Cd levels primarily seem to follow a regional or geological pattern; yet, a relation with arable land use and clayey soils cannot be excluded. Pesticides are not detected in grass land, incidence is highest in orchards as well as in uncultivated areas. DDT levels appear to be generally inherited from the past. Variation in soil type as described by the macro physico-chemical characteristics is essential in explaining the variation in concentration level of the potential contaminants. Variations with depth also appear largely related to concurrent variation in soil properties. For As redox conditions and hydrological regime seem of importance, in addition to the geologic history. The influence of atmospheric input is inferred for Pb. The available data do not fully resolve the causes for the regional pattern that remains when the influences of soil type, geology, and land use have been taken into account. In addition to current concentration levels, the base line study offers general insight as to what degree variations in potential contaminants are of natural or anthropogenic origin. A succession of similar studies at suitable time intervals, each with a new selection of sampling sites, may constitute an evolving, flexible monitoring system. When putting up a monitoring system, authorities should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a network composed of fixed sites against this alternative.     

Measurement and evaluation of the environmental noise levels in the urban areas of the city of Nis (Serbia)

The environmental noise level represents one of the key factors of life quality in urban areas of modern cities. A continuous monitoring of the noise levels and the analysis of results have become a necessity when we discuss a possible recovery of those areas with high levels of noise pollution, and particularly, those zones which were designed for specific activities, e.g., areas around hospitals and schools. The city of Nis, Serbia, owing to the permanent long-term noise monitoring, possesses a database containing figures related to the noise levels at relevant locations in the city, which can serve as a basis for an analysis of the change of conditions, their tendencies in the future, and recognizing factors which influence the danger of noise pollution. The paper involves an analysis of the environmental noise level collected during the previous years.     

和田地区环境监测质量管理工作初探

结合和田地区环境监测站环境监测质量管理现状,就提高环境监测质量管理水平,充分发挥其在环境管理中的基础性作用,初步探讨了环境质量管理的必要性和基本思路。     

用二级模糊评判模型评价环境质量状况

用二级模糊评判模型评价区域环境质量状况,弥补了用一级模糊综合评判只可评价各点位环境质量状况的不足,是一种新的环境评价方法,评价结果与实际情况相符,效果良好,方法实用.     

A classification of freshwater Louisiana lakes based on water quality and user perception data

An index system developed for Louisiana lakes was based on correlations between measurable water quality parameters and perceived lake quality. Support data was provided by an extensive monitoring program of 30 lakes coordinated with opinion surveys undertaken during summer 1984. Lakes included in the survey ranged from 4 to 735 km² in surface area with mean depths ranging from 0.5 to 8.0 m. Water quality data indicated most of these lakes are eutrophic, although many have productive fisheries and are considered recreational assets. Perception ratings of fishing quality and its associated water quality were obtained by distributing approximately 1200 surveys to Louisiana Bass Club Associaton members. The ability of Secchi disc transparency, total organic carbon, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a to discriminate between perception classes was examined using probability distributions and multivariate analyses. Secchi disc and total organic carbon best reflected perceived lake conditions; however, these parameters did not provide the discrimination necessary for developing a quantitative risk assessment of lake trophic state. Consequently, an interim lakes index system was developed based on total organic carbon and perceived lake conditions. The developed index system will aid State officials in interpretating and evaluating regularly collected lake quality data, recognizing potential problem areas, and identifying proper management policies for protecting fisheries usage within the State.     

Trace elements as tracers of environmental pollution in the canal sediments (alluvial formation of the Danube River, Serbia)

The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of trace elements and to discuss the origin and mobility of these contaminants in the canal sediments (alluvial formation of the Danube River). The most significant fractions binding all of the studied elements were oxides and silicates. The high proportion of elements in the residual fraction and the generally low contents of extractable elements reflected the background geochemical conditions. The contents of trace elements (except Hg and As) were dominantly controlled by the presence of Fe and Mn oxides as well as by the grain size and the geochemical composition of the sediment. The studied alluvial sediments were not heavily contaminated; there were only few sites where an anthropogenic influence on the concentrations of some metals (Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb) was noticed. The results from this study show that impact of Pan?evo industrial zone on the quality of the Danube River and its contamination with trace element is minor.     

Representation of the environmental quality profile of a metropolitan area

The spatially and temporally varying environmental quality of a metropolitan area is described by means of empirically derived environmental indices. The approach is based on the principles of benefit analysis and consists of a number of logical steps including the selection, the measurement and determination of the spatial distribution, and the normalization (scaling) of the selected environmental indicators. To derive composite indices, the normalized indicators are weighted, based on the Delphi technique and subsequently aggregated. The results are given by means of isopleths, including single and composite index isopleths plotted by computer on common maps.World Health Organization     

Estimating aquatic toxicity as determined through laboratory tests of great lakes sediments containing complex mixtures of environmental contaminants

We developed and evaluated a total toxic units modeling approach for predicting mean toxicity as measured in laboratory tests for Great Lakes sediments containing complex mixtures of environmental contaminants (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, chlorinated dioxins, and metals). The approach incorporates equilibrium partitioning and organic carbon control of bioavailability for organic contaminants and acid volatile sulfide (AVS) control for metals, and includes toxic equivalency for planar organic chemicals. A toxic unit is defined as the ratio of the estimated pore-water concentration of a contaminant to the chronic toxicity of that contaminant, as estimated by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Ambient Water Quality Criteria (AWQC). The toxic unit models we developed assume complete additivity of contaminant effects, are completely mechanistic in form, and were evaluated without any a posteriori modification of either the models or the data from which the models were developed and against which they were tested. A linear relationship between total toxic units, which included toxicity attributable to both iron and un-ionized ammonia, accounted for about 88% of observed variability in mean toxicity; a quadratic relationship accounted for almost 94%. Exclusion of either bioavailability components (i.e., equilibrium partitioning control of organic contaminants and AVS control of metals) or iron from the model substantially decreased its ability to predict mean toxicity. A model based solely on un-ionized ammonia accounted for about 47% of the variability in mean toxicity. We found the toxic unit approach to be a viable method for assessing and ranking the relative potential toxicity of contaminated sediments.The U.S. Government right to retain a non-exclusive royalty free licence in and to any copyright is acknowledged.     

Fuzzy clustering analysis in environmental impact assessment — A complement tool to environmental quality index

In spite of rapid progress achieved in the methodological research underlying environmental impact assessment (EIA), the problem of weighting various parameters has not yet been solved. This paper presents a new approach, fuzzy clustering analysis, which is illustrated with an EIA case study on Baoshan-Wusong District in Shanghai, China. Fuzzy clustering analysis may be used whenever a composite classification of environmental quality/impact incorporates multiple parameters. In such cases the technique may be used as a complement or an alternative to comprehensive assessment. In fuzzy clustering analysis, the classification is determined by a fuzzy relation. After a fuzzy similarity matrix has been established and the fuzzy relation stabilized, a dynamic clustering chart can be developed. Given a suitable threshold, the appropriate classification can be accomplished. The methodology is relatively simple and the results can be interpreted to provide valuable information to support decision making and improve management of the environment.     

我国城市声环境质量状况与分析

介绍了我国城市声环境质量状况,并就相关问题进行了分析.我国城市道路交通声环境质量大部分处于好和较好水平;城市区域声环境质量主要处于较好和轻度污染状态;约有1%的人口处在噪声重度污染区域;交通噪声影响强度最大;社会生活噪声影响范围最广;环境噪声污染仍存在污染投诉率高、交通噪声污染严重等问题,改善声环境质量仍是今后一项主要工作.