Innovation in environmental analysis

As the EU launches its latest 17 billion research programme, which includes significant funding for environmental research, JEM takes a look at the trends in and dynamics of innovation in environmental analysis.     

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.     

BP神经网络及其在城市环境工程地质研究中的应用

分析了神经网络理论在地学研究中的应用现状 ,研究了 BP神经网络在城市环境工程地质研究中的基本原理、方法与步骤 ,并以烟台市为例 ,探讨了 BP神经网络在城市工程地质环境质量评价中应用技术     

Incorporating cleaner production analysis into environmental impact assessment in china

An environmental impact assessment (EIA) system was established in 1979 in China. Although EIA was designed as a tool for pollution prevention, in practice it has been based on end-of-pipe (EOP) treatment control since it was first introduced. This approach has ensured an overwhelming focus by enterprises on the use of EOP treatment, rather than pollution prevention, to meet environmental standards, and it has produced a low rate of operation for EOP facilities. The low operation rate for EOP facilities can be traced to the traditional EIA system: it leads project proponents to develop large EOP treatment facilities, but once the main production lines are put into operation, proponents rarely have sufficient funds to operate the treatment facilities. This paper analyzes problems that exist in the EIA system in China, and it describes the Cleaner Production Index and Evaluation System, which is being proposed by environmental authorities in China to evaluate EIA projects based on cleaner production criteria. The paper also suggests how cleaner production analysis can be integrated into the EIA system to improve it.     

国家环境标准样品在环境有机污染物分析中的应用

简介了在分析环境中的有机污染物时,标准样品作为替代物、基体加标物在样品前处理中的应用,及其作为仪器性能检验物、校正物、内标物在样品分析过程中的应用。     

试论环境监测分析中的具体问题具体分析

讨论了环境监测分析中有关量筒、移液管、容量瓶、滴定管、托盘天平、比色皿等仪器的简化操作方法 ,这对于分析人员提高分析速度和分析准确度具有很强的实用性     

Comparative environmental threat analysis: Three case studies

In comparative threat analysis, threats imposed by different environmental problems are measured and compared. This type of analysis can be used to assess the overall threat to the environment, and to identify the most serious threat (key problem) and areas which are particularly threatened (problem areas). Fundamental to comparative threat analysis is a common yardstick by which stresses imposed by different environmental problems can be compared. Such a yardstick may be the carrying capacity of the environment for environmental loads.In this paper we review how carrying capacity for different environmental problems is operationalized. Next, we discuss whether it is possible to compare threats, using the exceeding of carrying capacity as a yardstick. We point out problems and uncertainties in such a comparative threat analysis using three case studies: threats to European groundwater resources; threats to ecosystems in Europe; and threats to ecosystems, human health and groundwater resources in the Netherlands. On the basis of the results we advocate the application of risk assessment to enhance methodological uniformity in assessing protection levels for different environmental problems.     

间隔流动分析仪在环境监测应用中的评估报告

根据本站购置的SFA-2000型间隔流动分析仪的调试和应用情况,对该类仪器在环境监测工作中的应用状况和前景进行了比较评估,并提出了在购置该类仪器时所应注意的问题和配置方案。     

连续流动分析快速测定环境水样中的硫化物

用新型的连续流动分析对环境水样中的硫化物进行分析测定。与传统的分析方法相比,该方法具有快速、灵敏度高、检出限低的特点。该方法的分析频率可达60次/小时,检测下限为0.006mg/L,大大提高了实验室自动化程度。     

Bibliometric analysis of global environmental assessment research in a 20-year period

Based on the samples of 113,468 publications on environmental assessment (EA) from the past 20 years, we used a bibliometric analysis to study the literature in terms of trends of growth, subject categories and journals, international collaboration, geographic distribution of publications, and scientific research issues. By applying thresholds to network centralities, a core group of countries can be distinguished as part of the international collaboration network. A frequently used keywords analysis found that the priority in assessment would gradually change from project environmental impact assessment (EIA) to strategic environmental assessment (SEA). Decision-theoretic approaches (i.e., environmental indicator selection, life cycle assessment, etc.), along with new technologies and methods (i.e., the geographic information system and modeling) have been widely applied in the EA research field over the past 20 years. Hot spots such as “biodiversity” and “climate change” have been emphasized in current EA research, a trend that will likely continue in the future. The h-index has been used to evaluate the research quality among countries all over the world, while the improvement of developing countries' EA systems is becoming a popular research topic. Our study reveals patterns in scientific outputs and academic collaborations and serves as an alternative and innovative way of revealing global research trends in the EA research field.     

Geostatistical analysis as applied to two environmental radiometric time series

This article details the results of an investigation into the application of geostatistical data analysis to two environmentalradiometric time series. The data series employed consist of ⁹⁹Tc values for seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) and seawater samples taken as part of a marine monitoring program conducted on the coast of northern Norway by the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority. Geostatistical methods were selected in order to provide information on values of the variables at unsampled times and to investigate the temporalcorrelation exhibited by the data sets. This information is ofuse in the optimisation of future sampling schemes and for providing information on the temporal behaviour of the variablesin question that may not be obtained during a cursory analysis.The results indicate a high degree of temporal correlation withinthe data sets, the correlation for the seawater and seaweed databeing modelled with an exponential and linear function,respectively. The semi-variogram for the seawater data indicatesa temporal range of correlation of approximately 395 days with noapparent random component to the overall variance structure and was described best by an exponential function. The temporal structure of the seaweed data was best modelled by a linear function with a small nugget component. Evidence of drift was present in both semi-variograms. Interpolation of the data setsusing the fitted models and a simple kriging procedure were compared, using a cross-validation procedure, with simple linearinterpolation. Results of this exercise indicate that, for theseawater data, the kriging procedure outperformed the simpleinterpolation with respect to error distribution andcorrelation of estimates with actual values. Using theunbounded linear model with the seaweed data produced estimatesthat were only marginally better than those produced by thesimple interpolation.     

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.     

WARM: a European model for energy and environmental analysis

This paper describes the structure of a newly developed econometric, imperfectly competitive, general equilibrium model for the medium term study of energy and environmental problems. The geographical coverage of the model regards twelve European countries as well as the European Union as a whole. Compared to existing quantitative E3 (economy-energy-environment) models, the WARM model is characterized by a few novel and relevant features Firstly, in contrast to multicountry interlinked models, it copes with the international dimension by integrating differences from a common European denominator within a unified and homogeneously designed framework. A panel data estimation approach is used to achieve this objective. Secondly, in contrast to the traditional market-based philosophy of many econometric models, it adopts a perspective focused upon economic agents' decisions. Thirdly, in contrast with the practice of modelling technical progress as an exogenous and deterministic phenomenon, it incorporates an explicit attempt of modelling the sources and effects of endogenous technical change. A Kalman filter latent variable approach is the methodology from which statistical information on the dynamics of technical progress can be obtained. Finally, all markets in the model are imperfectly competitive, including the labour market where the wage bargaining process is explicitly modelled and estimated. This last feature is especially important in view of the European unemployment problem.     

Methodology for environmental assessment of proposed activity using risk analysis

This study applies a process of detailed assessment to summarize the potential impact of a proposed construction or other activity on the environment before implementation of an investment plan. The aim of the study was to develop a general methodology for analysis and evaluation of environmental issues connected with planned activities and proposed projects (especially buildings and engineering constructions, required implementation of environmental impact assessment process) using a risk analysis method, thus enabling the best option among the proposed activities to be chosen. The methodology was developed for conditions in Slovakia but could be arranged for any other country considering national conditions, requirements, standards and legislative. Application of the developed methodology in environmental impact assessment could create preconditions for more effective implementation of the EIA process. This paper provides a framework for the risk analysis component of the scoping phase within the EIA process. The process outlined in this paper will assist with determination of an estimation of risks to environmental and health of proposed activities.     

环境水体中三氟乙酸的存在现状及分析方法的研究

三氟乙酸是一种氟里昂替代品的大气降解产物 ,雨水会将其从空气中去除转移到水体中。三氟乙酸化学性质稳定 ,在自然环境中三氟乙酸易于积累在水体中 ,环境地表水中三氟乙酸浓度可达到 1 0～ 4 0 90 0 ng/L,雨水中 30～ 2 80 ng/L。目前 ,环境水体中关于三氟乙酸的分析方法有 :气相色谱法 ,离子色谱法 ,气相色谱质谱联用。根据各种灵敏度的要求 ,再结合各种不同的前处理方法 ,可对环境水体中三氟乙酸进行分析     

Some applications of Freon-22 in supercritical fluid chromatographic analysis of environmental pollutants

The applications of Freon-22 (R22) as a mobile phase and as a modifier in supercritical fluid chromatography were investigated. For the purpose of this investigation, the separation of eleven phenols listed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as priority pollutants was studied. It was found that the use of neat R22 greatly reduced the retention times of the phenols compared with the use of neat carbon dioxide as mobile phase. Satisfactory separation of all the eleven phenols could be achieved using 5% R22 as modifier in carbon dioxide. The promising results obtained in this preliminary investigation indicate the potential for the use of R22 in supercritical fluid separation processes.     

Ko method of quantification in neutron activation analysis as applied to environmental samples

The _Ko factor method in neutron activation analysis adopts all the principles of comparator method and can be used for the rapid determination of elemental comcentrations during routine monitoring of environmental samples. The method necessiates the use of same in-pile conditions, such as irradiation time, irradiation position and the type of neutron spectrum, for which the factors have been generated. The _{K_o} factors were estimated for various elements of environmental importance for three irradiation positions of Apsara Reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Standard reference materials of soil and coal were used for all the elements except for Hg for which HgCl₂ was used. The concentration of the elements determined using these factors in a flyash standard reference material revealed good agreement within 10% of the certified values. The efficacy of the method compared well with that of specific element comparator method as revealed by the elemental concentrations obtained by both the techniques.     

Social sensitivity analysis in conflictive environmental governance: A case of forest planning

In environmental governance, there is a need to include tools that analyze the robustness of the assessment processes, as well as the validity of policies and measures. This requires a methodological framework that integrates formal techniques such as sensitivity analysis with what the authors have called social sensitivity analysis. The latter consists of participatory processes in which stakeholders analyze the robustness of the assessment process used as well as the validity of the results of such assessments. This methodology was applied to a procedure for assessing planning alternatives for forest tracks. Sensitivity analysis studies the technical robustness of the results of the assessment, as well as exploring the social validity of these results, thus facilitating processes of dialogue and consensus needed in decision-making in conflictive situations. These results are considered interesting, not only from the perspective of implanting polices, but also as a reference for other places with similar situations.     

The effectiveness of environmental assessment in Flanders: An analysis of practitioner perspectives

The extent to which Environmental Assessment (EA) contributes to incorporating environmental values and objectives into decision-making (i.e. the effectiveness of EA) has been subject to much research. Still relatively little is known about how the effectiveness of EA is influenced by the specific features of EA systems and their context. International comparative research can shed more light on these relationships. In this paper we report on a survey of EA in Flanders, taking a similar approach as previous surveys in the Netherlands, UK and Denmark. We observe that the effectiveness of the Flemish project-based EA (EIA) is comparable to that in the other countries, whereas the Flemish plan-based EA (SEA) is more influential than the Dutch one (no data on Denmark and UK). As in the other countries, EA in Flanders has an influence on decision-making both before and after the EIA has been completed. According to respondents to the surveys, in all four countries the legal requirement is the main explanatory factor for EA effectiveness. The mechanisms by which EA characteristics and other factors contribute to EA effectiveness seem rather country-specific, however. Rather than trying to isolate the individual influence of factors we encourage more in-depth, qualitative and case-study based follow-up research in order to better understand the complex interplay between factors related to the EA system itself, how it is applied in practice and influenceds from its specific context.