Irrigation water intensity and climate variability: an agricultural crops analysis of Italian regions

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This paper examines the relationship between the requirement of water resources for irrigation and climate variability and analyses the ranking of the...     

Interfacial transfer velocities of ozone dry deposition over agricultural soils: experimental and theoretical analysis

A mathematical dry deposition model was developed and an experiment performed to verify that the interfacial transfer velocity (V(S)) of ozone dry deposition includes the interfacial reactive velocity (V(Sr)) and interfacial kinetic velocity (V(Sk)), as determined by measuring the ozone depletion over agricultural field soils in a dry deposition chamber. Experimental results indicate that the chemical reaction (O3 + NO --> NO2 + O2) produces the reactive velocity. Observed interfacial transfer velocities depend on nitrogen oxide emission (NO) and soil temperature (T(S)). Additionally, observed kinetic velocities of conditioned field soils increased linearly with soil temperature. Moreover, observed reactive velocities of field soils increased exponentially with soil temperature, and depend on the emission rate of nitrogen oxide. Results in this study demonstrate that interfacial transfer velocities are variable velocities for long-term transportation, that influenced factors are chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and biochemical mechanisms.     

微孔曝气器孔径与运行气量对微孔曝气氧传质的影响研究

曝气是污水生物处理最重要的单元之一,也是能耗最高的单元,微孔曝气氧传质影响因素的探究一直是污水处理领域的研究热点。微孔曝气器的孔径与其运行气量是影响微孔曝气氧传质的重要因素。在1.5m水深条件下对不同孔径的钟罩型刚玉微孔曝气器在不同运行气量条件下的充氧性能进行了评价。结果表明,随微孔曝气器孔径增大,标准氧总转移系数(KLas)、标准氧转移速率(SOTR)、阻力损失(RL)、标准氧转移效率(SOTE)及理论动力效率(SAE)减小;随运行气量增大,KLas、SOTR、RL显著增大,而SAE、SOTE减小。     

Mycorrhizal mediation of plant response to atmospheric change: Air quality concepts and research considerations

The term 'global climate change' encompasses many physical and chemical changes in the atmosphere that have been induced by anthropogenic pollutants. Increases in concentrations of CO2 and CH4 enhance the 'greenhouse effect' of the atmosphere and may contribute to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns at the earth's surface. Nitrogen oxides and SO2 are phytotoxic and also react with other pollutants to produce other phytotoxins in the troposphere such as O3 and acidic substances. However, release of chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere may cause depletion of stratospheric O3, increasing the transmittance of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation to the earth's surface. Increased intensities of UV-B could affect plants and enhance photochemical reactions that generate some phytotoxic pollutants. The role of mycorrhizae in plant responses to such stresses has received little attention. Although plans for several research programs have acknowledged the importance of drought tolerance and soil fertility in plant responses to atmospheric stresses, mycorrhizae are rarely targeted to receive specific investigation. Most vascular land plants form mycorrhizae, so the role of mycorrhizae in mediating plant responses to atmospheric change may be an important consideration in predicting effects of atmospheric changes on plants in managed and natural ecosystems.     

A method for estimating distributions of mass transfer rate coefficients with application to purging and batch experiments

Mass transfer between aquifer material and groundwater is often modeled as first-order rate-limited sorption or diffusive exchange between mobile zones and immobile zones with idealized geometries. Recent improvements in experimental techniques and advances in our understanding of pore-scale heterogeneity demonstrate that two (or even a few) rate coefficients are insufficient in many cases. Here, we investigate a piece-wise linear model for a continuous distribution of rate coefficients, that has several advantages over previously used ‘statistical' distribution models (with functional form from gamma or lognormal PDF's): (1) distributions of arbitrary, even bimodal, shapes can be represented; (2) linear estimation methods can be applied to determine the distribution from experimental data; (3) the uncertainty in the distribution can be determined for each of its sections; and (4) the relationship between the time scales of available data and those of estimatable mass transfer processes can be investigated. A statistical model refinement algorithm is presented that reduces the number of parameters (sections of the piece-wise linear model) to the admissible minimum. We show that purging experiments allow estimation of a wider zone of the rate distribution than do batch experiments, and hence will provide predictions that are accurate over a wider range of time scales. Finally, in an application to TCE gas-purging desorption data, the piece-wise linear rate-distribution model has a higher probability of being adequate than those using a gamma or lognormal distribution or a single rate coefficient.     

Assessment of toxic elements in road dust from Hutou Village,China: implications for the highest incidence of lung cancer

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - We attempt to understand the pollution characteristics and carcinogenic risk of toxic elements around Hutou Village, Xuanwei City, Yunnan Province,...     

Impact of temperature on the dynamics of organic matter and on the soil-to-plant transfer of Cd,Zn and Pb in a contaminated agricultural soil

Predicting the soil-to-plant transfer of metals in the context of global warming has become a major issue for food safety. It requires a better understanding of how the temperature alters the bioavailability of metals in cultivated soils. This study focuses on one agricultural soil contaminated by Cd, Zn and Pb. DGT measurements were performed at 10, 20 and 30 °C to assess how the bioavailability of metals was affected by a rise in soil temperature. A lettuce crop was cultivated in the same conditions to determine if the soil-to-plant transfer of metals increased with a rise in soil temperature. A gradual decline in Cd and Zn bioavailability was observed from 10 to 30 °C, which was attributed to more intense complexation of metals in the pore water at higher temperatures. Together with its aromaticity, the affinity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) for metals was indeed suspected to increase with soil temperature. One main output of the present work is a model which satisfactorily explains the thermal-induced changes in the characteristics of DOM reported in Cornu et al. (Geoderma 162:65–70, 2011) by assuming that the mineralization of initial aliphatic compounds followed a first-order reaction, increased with soil temperature according to the Arrhenius law, and due to a priming effect, led to the appearance of aromatic molecules. The soil-to-plant transfer of Cd and Zn was promoted at higher soil temperatures despite a parallel decrease in Cd and Zn bioavailability. This suggests that plant processes affect the soil-to-plant transfer of Cd and Zn the most when the soil temperature rises.     

Amphibians and agricultural chemicals: Review of the risks in a complex environment

Agricultural landscapes, although often highly altered in nature, provide habitat for many species of amphibian. However, the persistence and health of amphibian populations are likely to be compromised by the escalating use of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. This review examines some of the issues relating to exposure of amphibian populations to these chemicals and places emphasis on mechanisms of toxicity. Several mechanisms are highlighted, including those that may disrupt thyroid activity, retinoid pathways, and sexual differentiation. Special emphasis is also placed on the various interactions that may occur between different agro-chemicals and between chemicals and other environmental factors. We also examine the indirect effects on amphibian populations that occur when their surrounding pond communities are altered by chemicals.     

Promise and performance of agricultural nutrient management policy: Lessons from the Baltic Sea

Following decades of international collaboration to restore the Baltic Sea, we provide an assessment of the domestic implementation of measures agreed to limit diffuse agricultural pollution and the patterns of policy instruments applied. Despite the Helsinki Convention being unusually specific in detailing what measures countries should introduce, we find many shortcomings. These are most pronounced in the larger countries (Poland, Germany and Russia), while smaller countries perform better, notably Sweden and Estonia. The patterns of policy instruments applied differ, influenced by domestic politics. The limited use of complementary policy instruments suggests that other priorities overrule full and effective implementation, with engagement mirroring the advantages that a restored Baltic Sea can bring to countries. Using the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to support farmers in managing nutrients, particularly advisory services and investments in modern manure management technologies, represents a significant opportunity for reducing agricultural pollution in most countries.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-021-01549-3.     

Expanding the valorization of waste mushroom substrates in agricultural production: progress and challenges

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Waste mushroom substrate (WMS) generated in large quantities from mushroom production process has caused severe environmental pollution. As a...     

Nutrient retention in agricultural headwater stream: artificial manipulation of main-channel morphology and hydrologic condition

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - To make up for the deficiency of transient storage and nutrient retention capacity of some headwater streams, some effective artificial measures have...     

Determination of atmospheric nitrogen input to Lake Greenwood, South Carolina: part 2--Gaseous measurements and modeling

The Reedy River branch of Lake Greenwood, SC, has repeatedly experienced summertime algal blooms, upsetting the natural system. A series of experiments were carried out to investigate atmospheric nitrogen (N) input into the lake. N was examined because of the insignificant phosphorus dry atmospheric flux and the unique nutrient demands of the dominant algae (Pithophora oedogonia) contributing to the blooms. Episodic atmospheric measurements during January and March 2001 have shown that the dry N flux onto the lake ranged from 0.9 to 17.4 kg N/ha-yr, and on average is caused by nitric acid (HNO3; 31%), followed by nitrogen dioxide (NO2; 23%), fine ammonium (NH4+; 20%), coarse nitrate (NO3-; 16%), fine NO3 (5%), and coarse NH4+ (5%). Similar measurements in Greenville, SC (the upper watershed of the Reedy River), showed that the dry N deposition flux there ranged from 1.4 to 9.7 kg N/ha-yr and was mostly caused by gaseous deposition (40% NO2 and 40% HNO3). The magnitude of this dry N deposition flux is comparable to wet N flux as well as other point sources in the area. Thermodynamic modeling showed low concentrations of ammonia, relative to the particulate NH4+ concentrations.     

Carbon emission intensity of electricity generation in Belt and Road Initiative countries: a benchmarking analysis

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The scope of this study is to analyze the carbon emissions intensity of electricity generation in “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI)...     

European risk assessment of LAS in agricultural soil revisited: species sensitivity distribution and risk estimates

Linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS) is used at a rate of approximately 430,000 tons/y in Western Europe, mainly in laundry detergents. It is present in sewage sludge (70-5,600 mg/kg; 5-95th percentile) because of its high usage per capita, its sorption and precipitation in primary settlers, and its lack of degradation in anaerobic digesters. Immediately after amendment, calculated and measured concentrations are <1 to 60 mg LAS/kg soil. LAS biodegrades rapidly in soil with primary and ultimate half-lives of up to 7 and 30 days, respectively. Calculated residual concentrations after the averaging time (30 days) are 0.24-18 mg LAS/kg soil. The long-term ecotoxicity to soil microbiota is relatively low (EC10 >or=26 mg sludge-associated LAS/kg soil). An extensive review of the invertebrate and plant ecotoxicological data, combined with a probabilistic assessment approach, led to a PNEC value of 35 mg LAS/kg soil, i.e. the 5th percentile (HC5) of the species sensitivity distribution (lognormal distribution of the EC10 and NOEC values). Risk ratios were identified to fall within a range of 0.01 (median LAS concentration in sludge) to 0.1 (95th percentile) and always below 0.5 (maximum LAS concentration measured in sludge) according to various scenarios covering different factors such as local sewage influent concentration, water hardness, and sewage sludge stabilisation process. Based on the present information, it can be concluded that LAS does not represent an ecological risk in Western Europe when applied via normal sludge amendment to agricultural soil.     

Tidal salt marsh sediment in California, USA. Part 2: occurrence and anthropogenic input of trace metals

Surface sediment samples (0–5 cm) from 5 tidal salt marshes along the coast in California, USA were analyzed to investigate the occurrence and anthropogenic input of trace metals. Among study areas, Stege Marsh located in the central San Francisco Bay was the most contaminated marsh. Concentrations of metals in Stege Marsh sediments were higher than San Francisco Bay ambient levels. Zinc (55.3–744 μg g⁻¹) was the most abundant trace metal and was followed by lead (26.6–273 μg g⁻¹). Aluminum normalized enrichment factors revealed that lead was the most anthropogenically impacted metal in all marshes. Enrichment factors of lead in Stege Marsh ranged from 8 to 49 (median = 16). Sediments from reference marshes also had high enrichment factors (2–8) for lead, indicating that lead contamination is ubiquitous, possibly due to continuous input from atmospherically transported lead that was previously used as a gasoline additive. Copper, silver, and zinc in Stege Marsh were also enriched by anthropogenic input. Though nickel concentrations in Stege Marsh and reference marshes exceeded sediment quality guidelines, enrichment factors indicated nickel from anthropogenic input was negligible. Presence of nickel-rich source rock such as serpentinite in the San Francisco Bay watershed can explain high levels of nickel in this area. Coefficients of variation were significantly different between anthropogenically impacted and non-impacted metals and might be used as a less conservative indicator for anthropogenic input of metals when enrichment factors are not available.     

Utilization of agricultural and industrial waste as replacement of cement in pavement quality concrete: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Over the years, supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) have been successfully utilized in concrete buildings, but they have been rarely exploited...     

Decomposition of phenylarsonic acid by AOP processes: degradation rate constants and by-products

The paper presents results of the studies photodegradation, photooxidation, and oxidation of phenylarsonic acid (PAA) in aquatic solution. The water solutions, which consist of 2.7 g dm^?3 phenylarsonic acid, were subjected to advance oxidation process (AOP) in UV, UV/H₂O₂, UV/O₃, H₂O₂, and O₃ systems under two pH conditions. Kinetic rate constants and half-life of phenylarsonic acid decomposition reaction are presented. The results from the study indicate that at pH 2 and 7, PAA degradation processes takes place in accordance with the pseudo first order kinetic reaction. The highest rate constants (10.45?×?10^?3 and 20.12?×?10^?3) and degradation efficiencies at pH 2 and 7 were obtained at UV/O₃ processes. In solution, after processes, benzene, phenol, acetophenone, o-hydroxybiphenyl, p-hydroxybiphenyl, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, and biphenyl were identified.     

Handling intensity and the short- and long-term survival of elephant seals: addressing and quantifying research effects on wild animals

This study addresses the consequences of repeated human handling on the survival of an endangered phocid, the southern elephant seal and the implications for wildlife research. Southern elephant seal pups were repeatedly handled during the first six weeks of their lives. The possibility that such anthropogenic research may have altered the very parameters that were being investigated is a topical and relevant study area that we address here. Our results show that there were no measurable effects on pups that were repeatedly handled and subjected to invasive research methods with respect to survivorship in the short term (the 24-day nursing period) nor in the long term (the first year of life and beyond) and hence fitness one year after handling. In support of this conclusion we were unable to detect any significant differences in the survival rates of the most intensively handled seals and the least intensively handled seals.