Macro, minor and toxic elemental uptake and distribution in Hypoxis hemerocallidea, "the African Potato"--an edible medicinal plant

The elemental uptake and distribution, in various parts of the admired herbal plant, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, the 'African potato' and its ability to accumulate elements in response to the growth soil quality are investigated. The total and exchangeable concentrations of twelve elements in the growth soils and their distribution in the roots, potato bulb and leaves of the plants grown under four different settings were compared. The typical concentrations of the twelve selected elements, in the bulb and leaves of the plant grown in a nursery pot (site 2) were (in microg g(-1)dry weight) Ca (8430 and 27075), Mg (2113 and 1566), Fe (66 and 150), Al (10 and 368), Zn (105 and 6.1), Mn (42 and 51), Cu (7.2 and 20.8), Ba (0.23 and 4.44), Co (0.20 and 0.42), As (2.05 and 24.56), Hg (0.92 and 1.82) and Cr (0.13 and 0.33). Except for Ca, Mg, Zn and Mn, the exchangeable cation concentrations in all the growth soils were low. Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn and As had bioaccumulation factors >1. Fe, Al and Co concentrations were high in the roots with little in the rest of the plant. High concentration of arsenic (approximately 13 microg g(-1) dry weight) with bioaccumulation factors of 7 and 20 were observed in the roots and leaves of the plant respectively (site 2), but the concentration of mercury in bulb was very low (0.92 microg g(-1) dry weight).     

中国区域2020和2030年的SO2和NOx排放总量情景预测

基于情景分析法预测了2020、2030年不同情景下的中国能源消费量,按不同部门、不同燃料类型的SO2、NOx排放因子和去除率,预测了2020和2030年不同情景下的中国SO2和NOx排放量。根据计算结果,2020和2030年基准能源与市场情景、政策能源与市场情景和强化政策能源与市场管理情景的SO2和NOx排放量依次减小;相比于基准能源与市场情景,强化政策能源与市场管理情景下2020和2030年SO2排放量分别减少了651.66和846.55万t,NOx排放量分别减少了409.61和692.76万t。燃煤火电厂、工业和交通部门对SO2和NOx排放量的贡献最大,重点加强这3个经济部门的污染控制,可有效降低污染物的排放量。     

Natural formation and degradation of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil--challenges to understanding

- DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.1065/espr2005.06.262 Goal, Scope and Background The anthropogenic environmental emissions of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines have been under scrutiny in recent years because the two compound groups are suspected to contribute to forest dieback and stratospheric ozone destruction, respectively. The two organochlorine groups are linked because the atmospheric photochemical oxidation of some volatile organochlorine compounds is one source of phytotoxic chloroacetic acids in the environment. Moreover, both groups are produced in higher amounts by natural chlorination of organic matter, e.g. by soil microorganisms, marine macroalgae and salt lake bacteria, and show similar metabolism pathways. Elucidating the origin and fate of these organohalogens is necessary to implement actions to counteract environmental problems caused by these compounds. Main Features While the anthropogenic sources of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines are relatively well-known and within human control, knowledge of relevant natural processes is scarce and fragmented. This article reviews current knowledge on natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soils, with particular emphasis on processes in the rhizosphere, and discusses future studies necessary to understand the role of forest soils in the formation and degradation of these compounds. Results and Discussion Reviewing the present knowledge of the natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil has revealed gaps in knowledge regarding the actual mechanisms behind these processes. In particular, there remains insufficient quantification of reliable budgets and rates of formation and degradation of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil (both biotic and abiotic processes) to evaluate the strength of forest ecosystems regarding the emission and uptake of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines, both on a regional scale and on a global scale. Conclusion It is concluded that the overall role of forest soil as a source and/or sink for chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines is still unclear; the available laboratory and field data reveal only bits of the puzzle. Detailed knowledge of the natural degradation and formation processes in forest soil is important to evaluate the strength of forest ecosystems for the emission and uptake of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines, both on a regional scale and on a global scale. Recommendation and Perspective As the natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil can be influenced by human activities, evaluation of the extent of this influence will help to identify what future actions are needed to reduce human influences and thus prevent further damage to the environment and to human health caused by these compounds.     

Forests under the Southern Cross: The forest environmental frontier in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand share many historical and contemporary commonalities. These define five contemporary forest environmental frontiers—for First Nations peoples, between agriculture and forestry, in forest management, in urban and peri-urban environments, and in relation to climate change. In both countries, the First Nations frontier is expanding in scale and significance with those peoples’ rights to land and forests. Frontiers with agriculture and in forest management are longstanding but dynamic and as yet little realised in relation to the need for forest and landscape restoration. Both countries are highly urbanised, elevating the significance of the urban and peri-urban frontier, particularly in the context of climate change. In both countries, forests will be profoundly impacted by climate change and are central to mitigation and adaptation strategies. Experience within and intersections between the frontiers offer encouraging prospects for synergies and for learning between the two countries and more widely.     

生活垃圾处理的低碳化研究进展

在“碳中和”背景下,对国内外生活垃圾处理低碳化发展的现状及研究进展进行了回顾与研究。分析了生活垃圾填埋、焚烧、堆肥处理等过程中的温室气体排放问题,并对碳排放的主要核算方法及工具进行了综述。结合“无废城市”、循环经济等先进理念,对我国生活垃圾低碳化治理的政策法规和技术路径进行了梳理。为准确核证垃圾处理过程的碳排量,应建立符合我国实际的碳排放监测、报告、核查标准体系。宜采取减量化、资源化和系统化的管理策略与技术手段,提高资源、能源的回收利用率,以促进减污降碳协同增效。各地应充分考虑其经济发展水平、垃圾产量组分和处理利用能力等,通过全生命周期的经济、社会与生态环境等多目标综合分析,采取优化组合的分类处理技术路线。     

Fine PM measurements: personal and indoor air monitoring

This review compiles personal and indoor microenvironment particulate matter (PM) monitoring needs from recently set research objectives, most importantly the NRC published "Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter (1998)". Techniques and equipment used to monitor PM personal exposures and microenvironment concentrations and the constituents of the sampled PM during the last 20 years are then reviewed. Development objectives are set and discussed for personal and microenvironment PM samplers and monitors, for filter materials, and analytical laboratory techniques for equipment calibration, filter weighing and laboratory climate control. The progress is leading towards smaller sample flows, lighter, silent, independent (battery powered) monitors with data logging capacity to store microenvironment or activity relevant sensor data, advanced flow controls and continuous recording of the concentration. The best filters are non-hygroscopic, chemically pure and inert, and physically robust against mechanical wear. Semiautomatic and primary standard equivalent positive displacement flow meters are replacing the less accurate methods in flow calibration, and also personal sampling flow rates should become mass flow controlled (with or without volumetric compensation for pressure and temperature changes). In the weighing laboratory the alternatives are climatic control (set temperature and relative humidity), and mechanically simpler thermostatic heating, air conditioning and dehumidification systems combined with numerical control of temperature, humidity and pressure effects on flow calibration and filter weighing.     

城市污水生物处理过程中SMP与EPS的光谱特性和荷电特征

通过研究城市污水生物处理过程中可溶性微生物产物（SMP）和胞外聚合物（EPS）的光谱特性和荷电特征,进一步阐明城市污水生物处理各阶段SMP和EPS的结构特征。结果表明：污水生物处理过程中SMP主要含有低激发波长类色氨酸和类腐殖酸,可能还含有高激发波长类色氨酸和类富里酸,其中类腐殖酸物质在此过程中逐渐被降解。紧密黏附型胞外聚合物（TB-EPS）与松散附着型胞外聚合物（LB-EPS）主要含有类色氨酸、类富里酸和类腐殖酸。此外LB-EPS和TB-EPS还分别含有低激发波长类色氨酸和另一种类腐殖酸（λEx/λEm=（420~425）nm/（470~475）nm）。SMP、LB-EPS和TB-EPS的荧光指数分别为1.78~2.13、1.57~1.68、1.21~1.40,其来源分别主要是生物来源、生物来源和陆源、陆源。且LB-EPS的荧光指数在厌氧处理阶段降低,表明其所含腐殖质的芳香性增强,TB-EPS则相反。三者的Zeta电位值在-11~-24 mV内,且其绝对值随生物处理进行而降低,其中TB-EPS的Zeta电位值变化相对较小。     

中国城市污水处理厂污泥处理、处置问题探讨分析

明确了有关污泥处理、处置的术语和定义,通过对我国污水处理厂污水处理工艺与污泥处理、处置现状的调查分析,认为污水处理工艺与污泥处理和最终处置方式有关;同时对污水处理厂污泥处理、处置中土地利用问题和处理、处置费用问题进行探讨,并提出了相关建议.     

植物对氮、磷去除效果及克藻效应的研究

于夏季，在实验室和莫愁湖现场，开展了苦草和美人蕉对氮、磷去除效果及克藻效应的研究，结果表明，无论是在现场还是实验室，苦草和美人蕉对总氮、总磷都有明显的去除效果，且随着时间的增加，去除率也随之增大。在实验与现场条件，美人蕉与苦草对总氮和总磷的去除率之间没有显著差异。苦草和美人蕉都对蛋白核小球藻和铜绿微囊藻两种藻类表现出显著的抑制作用，但在实验与现场条件下，美人蕉和苦草对两种藻类的抑制效应存在着显著差异，而对于藻种则二者均表现出一定的选择性抑制作用。     

Policy and Science Implications of the Framing and Qualities of Uncertainty in Risks: Toxic and Beneficial Fish from the Baltic Sea

Policy and research issues in the framing and qualities of uncertainties in risks are analyzed, based on the assessments of dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) and other ingredients in Baltic Sea fish, a high-profile case of governance. Risks are framed broadly, to then focus on dioxins and beneficial fatty acids, fish consumption, human health, and science-management links. Hierarchies of uncertainty (data, model, decision rule, and epistemic) and ambiguity (of values) are used to identify issues of scientific and policy contestation and opportunities for resolving them. The associated complexity of risks is illustrated by risk–benefit analyses of fish consumption and by evaluations of guideline values, highlighting value contents and policy factors in presumably scientific decision criteria, and arguments used in multi-dimensional risk and benefit comparisons. These comparisons pose challenges to narrow assessments centered, for e.g., on toxicants or on food benefits, and to more many-sided and balanced risk communication and management. It is shown that structured and contextualized treatment of uncertainties and ambiguities in a reflexive approach can inform balances between wide and narrow focus, detail and generality, and evidence and precaution.     

全球新格局下中国开展水科技国际合作的背景、模式与未来展望

清洁的水资源,是关乎全人类生存与持续发展的关键性资源。帮助发展中国家尤其是“一带一路”沿线欠发达国家和地区在水与环境保护领域开展能力建设,解决区域发展不平等性,是联合国面向2030年清洁饮水和环境卫生可持续发展目标的重要内涵。目前,“一带一路”沿线各发展中国家和地区所处的发展阶段及不同国家和地区在水与环境治理技术和管理水平等方面存在不同程度的差异,使得清洁饮水和环境卫生可持续发展目标在落实过程中面临诸多挑战。以中国科学院-发展中国家科学院水与环境卓越中心成立至今在水科技国际合作方面的实践探索为例,分析总结国际合作背景、落实进程与所得成效,探讨未来进一步优化水科技国际合作模式的若干关键要点,为深化“一带一路”倡议下水科技国际合作提供科学建议,以满足增进人类福祉和保护地球环境的重大需求。     

Climate change effects on aquatic biota, ecosystem structure and function

Climate change is projected to cause significant alterations to aquatic biogeochemical processes, (including carbon dynamics), aquatic food web structure, dynamics and biodiversity, primary and secondary production; and, affect the range, distribution and habitat quality/quantity of aquatic mammals and waterfowl. Projected enhanced permafrost thawing is very likely to increase nutrient, sediment, and carbon loadings to aquatic systems, resulting in both positive and negative effects on freshwater chemistry. Nutrient and carbon enrichment will enhance nutrient cycling and productivity, and alter the generation and consumption of carbon-based trace gases. Consequently, the status of aquatic ecosystems as carbon sinks or sources is very likely to change. Climate change will also very likely affect the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems across most of the Arctic. The magnitude, extent, and duration of the impacts and responses will be system- and location-dependent. Projected effects on aquatic mammals and waterfowl include altered migration routes and timing; a possible increase in the incidence of mortality and decreased growth and productivity from disease and/or parasites; and, probable changes in habitat suitability and timing of availability.     

Forest inventory and analysis: a national inventory and monitoring program

Forests provide significant commodity and noncommodity values to the citizens of the United States. An important and substantial role in ensuring the continued health, productivity, and sustainability of these resources is a reliable and credible inventory and monitoring program. The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the US Forest Service has been monitoring and reporting on status, condition, and trends in the nation's forests for over 70 years and the Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) program for the last 11 years. Recent legislation included in the 1998 Farm Bill, along with efforts to integrate inventory and monitoring networks to deliver Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forests, are redefining the role and operation of the recently integrated FIA and FHM programs. This paper provides a brief history and a look at new directions for the enhanced FIA Program.     

Experiences from harvest-driven conservation: Management of Amazonian river turtles as a common-pool resource

Understanding what causes variability in the outcomes of common-pool resources management and governance has important policy implications for biodiversity conservation, in particular for the conservation of wild plants and animals subject to harvest. We report an exploratory study focusing on Amazonian river turtles as a common-pool resource under harvest-driven conservation and management efforts in Peru. Based on document analysis, literature review and a series of interviews, we describe the management program as a social process and identify the most important governance and management outcomes achieved (increased turtle abundance and benefits for harvesters, harvester formalization), factors hindering and facilitating the program implementation (four natural and three societal factors), and key governance actions behind the program outcomes (awareness and capacity building, crafting and enforcing rules). We then highlight the existing knowledge gaps and the needs and possible means to address particular risks related to turtle management on a harvest-driven setting.     

A review of biofouling and its control in membrane separation bioreactors.

Membrane separation technology is increasingly becoming an important innovation in biological wastewater treatment. Biofouling of the membrane is a major factor affecting the efficient and economic operation of membrane separation bioreactors (MBRs). This review summarizes the state-of-the-art progress in understanding the mechanisms and factors affecting membrane biofouling and the strategies for biofouling control. Biofouling mechanisms include the adsorption of soluble and suspended extracellular polymers on membrane surfaces and in membrane pores, the clogging of membrane pore structure by fine colloidal particles and cell debris, and the adhesion and deposition of sludge cake on membrane surfaces. Design and operating conditions of membrane modules and materials, hydrodynamic conditions in MBRs, process and environmental conditions of activated sludge systems, and the physicochemical properties of the wastewater are the dominant factors determining membrane biofouling. Current strategies to control biofouling include periodic relaxation, backwashing, chemical cleaning, and possible manipulation of hydrodynamic conditions and sludge properties. Achieving full integration of MBRs in wastewater treatment technology requires further research and development. Fundamental information on the bacteria, colloid, and membrane interaction, developed through multimethod and multiscale approaches, is particularly needed.     

油田压裂返排液的电化学处理

为探究电絮凝和电化学氧化法处理油田压裂返排液的机理,采用响应面法拟合了反应过程,考察了电化学反应动力学、活性物质以及电极板的形貌和成分的变化。结果表明,电絮凝和电化学氧化法的响应面模型相关性显著,精确度和可信度均在合理范围内,在最优实验条件下其对应的COD去除率分别可达88.2%和100.0%;压裂返排液经电絮凝和电化学氧化处理后去除COD的动力学分别适用于零级和一级动力学模型,反应速率常数分别为4.49 mg·(L·min)⁻¹和0.005 4 min⁻¹;电絮凝和电化学氧化处理压裂返排液起主要作用的活性物质分别是OH·和O₂·⁻;电絮凝反应后,阳极和阴极表面分别附有碳酸钙和絮体有机物,电化学氧化反应后,阳极和阴极表面分别覆盖着致密的有机污染物和钙镁碳酸盐。     

Prediction of environmental partition coefficients and the Henry's law constants for 135 congeners of chlorodibenzothiophene

Polychlorinated dibenzothiophenes (PCDTs) could be classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment and are particularly interesting due to their structural resemblance to highly toxic dioxins. We show here some basic environmental properties such as n-octanol water (K_OW), n-octanol/air (K_OA) and air/water (K_AW) partition coefficients as well as Henry’s law constants (K_H) for all 135 congeners of chlorodibenzothiophene. Predictions were made by regression of principal components (PCR) and with aid of a set of standard chemicals, for which physical–chemical properties are well featured. Computed K_OW, K_OA, K_AW and K_H values for mono-CDTs ranged, respectively, between 4.66 and 4.71, 7.48 and 7.55, −2.84 and −2.82, 3.56 and 3.74; for di-CDTs between 5.02 and 5.28, 8.03 and 8.29, −3.01 and −2.95, 2.42 and 2.75; for tri-CDTs between 5.53 and 5.70, 8.65 and 8.87, −3.2 and −3.11, 1.58 and 1.92; for tetra-CDTs between 5.95 and 6.13, 9.27 and 9.50, −3.39 and −3.27, 1.02 and 1.33; for penta-CDTs between 6.38 and 6.51, 9.88 and 10.05, −3.54 and −3.45, 0.72 and 0.88; for hexa-CDTs between 6.83 and 6.97, 10.54 and 10.66, −3.72 and −3.64, 0.47 and 0.56; for hepta-CDTs between 7.28 and 7.35, 11.12 and 11.20, −3.81 and −3.87, 0.33 and 0.38; for octa-CDT 7.74, 11.78, −4.04 and 0.23. An estimated value of the three types of partition coefficient and Henry’s law constants suggest that polychlorinated dibenzothiophenes are lipophilic and semi-volatile persistent organic pollutants. Their mobility in the environment seems to be very similar to that of some well-known POPs such as polychlorinated dibenzofurans, -dibenzo-p-dioxins, and -biphenyls or organochlorine pesticides.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and related compounds: the blood levels of young Japanese women.

We investigated PCDDs and related compounds in the blood of young Japanese women, approximately 20 years of age, who had not yet had children, and discussed how the TEQ level of PCDDs and related compounds in their blood may affect the next generation. Means of total TEQ levels were 0.063 pg/g for whole blood basis and 21 pg/g for lipid basis. TEQ of PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs accounted for about 43, 34 and 23% of the total TEQ in the whole blood basis, respectively. In the lipid basis, their values were about 44, 34 and 22%, respectively. Previously, we investigated PCDDs and related compounds levels in mother's breast milk, lymphocyte subpopulation and thyroid function of their children, and found negative correlations between the TEQ level of PCDDs and related compounds and CD4+/CD8+, and/or the TEQ level of PCDDs and related compounds and the T₄ level in 36 mothers and children. Of these cases, the average age was approximately 28 years. PCDDs and related compounds may be related to immunopathy, such as atopic dermatitis. The effects of PCDDs and related compounds on babies of young Japanese women are important and must be further evaluated.     

固定污染源污水排放口及监测点位规范设置技术

为规范我国固定污染源污水排放口及监测点位设置,以保障污水样品采集和流量监测的准确性与代表性,在调研与查阅国内外技术文献的基础上,总结了我国现有固定污染源污水排放口和监测点位设置中存在的主要问题,探讨了国内外相关标准规定的缺陷和不足;基于保障实际监测工作需要和便于监督管理的原则,兼顾流量监测的准确性、样品采集的代表性与监测人员采样安全考虑,探讨了排污单位污水排放口与监测点位数量、位置设置技术。结果表明：排污单位不得通过暗管排放污水,应在厂界10 m以内设置1个污水总排放口和1个雨水总排放口及监测点位,排放第1类污染物及其他有毒有害或需优先控制的污染物指标时需同时在车间或车间处理设施出口设置排放口和监测点位;污水日排放量超过50 t·d⁻¹的排放口应按国家标准规范要求选择修建或安装适宜的标准化量水堰槽;其他排放口应修建满足污水采样监测和流量监测、长度不少于3 m的顺直排水明渠及高度不少于0.1 m的垂直跌水落差;通过压力管道排放污水时,应修建长度不少于15倍管径且需时刻满管的直管段,以安装管道流量计和取样阀门。排污单位须设置污水排放口环境保护图形标志与监测点位信息标志,制定污水排放口和监测点位的保障监测安全的防护措施及日常维护和管理的规定。污水排放口和监测点位的有关构筑物及相关设施应作为环境保护设施的组成部分,与主体工程“同时设计、同时施工、同时投产和使用”,且应作为建设项目竣工环境保护验收的必要条件。相关研究结果可为污水排放口和监测点位规范化整治提供技术依据,并为保证污水采样、监测与监管的安全有效实施提供技术保障。     

Effects of redox potential and pH value on the release of rare earth elements from soil

Equilibrium release experiments were conducted under three different pH values of 3.5, 5.5 and 7.5 as well as three redox potentials of 400, 0 and -100 Mv to investigate the influence of redox potential and pH value on the La, Ce, Gd and Y release of from the simulated-REEs-accumulation (SRA) soil. Oxygen and nitrogen were allowed to flow into soil suspension to adjust redox potential to a preset value, and 1 mol/l HCl or 1 mol/l NaOH solutions were added into the soil suspension to keep pH at a preset value. Results indicated that La, Ce, Gd and Y release increased gradually with the decrease of pH value or Eh, and the influence of redox potential on Ce was more remarkable than on La, Gd and Y. At the same time. It was observed that La, Ce, Gd and Y releases were positively correlated with the release of Fe and Mn, indicating that La, Ce, Gd and Y releases might originate from dissolution of Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides under reduction and low pH conditions. Moreover, it was found that alteration of pH value and redox potential might affect the change of La, Ce, Gd and Y species in the soil. The contents of La, Ce, Gd and Y in exchangeable fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction in the solid phase from soil suspension separation decreased with the decline of pH value and redox potential. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that exchangeable fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction predominately contributed to the La, Ce, Gd and Y release. Low pH value and redox potential were more favorable to La, Ce, Gd and Y releases following the change of their species. The La, Ce, Gd and Y contents in exchangeable fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction are the main contributors to their release.