Structural and technological changes of greenhouse gas emissions during the transition period in Polish industry

We analyzed the patterns of energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Polish industry arising during the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market economy. A method of analyzing industry energy use and GHG emissions is discussed. Using this method, the impact of changes in industrial production value, the share of specific industry branches in the total industrial production, energy intensity, and the mix of the energy carriers in the 1989–1993 period has been analyzed. The last year of the analyzed period shows favorable trends in efficiency and signs of production structure shift to a less energy-intensive one. Economic reform implemented after 1989, which released energy carriers' prices from government control, had important effects on the industrial sector. Energy efficiency and emission intensity trends of 1992–1994 were favorable; if they continue, production will return to 1989 levels with much lower energy consumption and significantly decreased GHG emissions.

     

In situ biomonitoring of the genotoxic effects of mixed industrial emissions using the Tradescantia micronucleus and pollen abortion tests with wild life plants: demonstration of the efficacy of emission controls in an eastern European city

Aim of the study was to monitor changes of genotoxic activity of urban air caused by an incinerator and a petrochemical plant in Tradescantia micronucleus (Trad-MCN) and pollen fertility assays with wild plants (Chelidonium majus, Clematis vitalba, Cichorium intybus, Linaria vulgaris, Robinia pseudoacacia). While in the first sampling period (1997-2000) significantly (on average 80%) more MN were found at the polluted site in comparison to controls from a rural area, no significant effects were observed during a later period (between 2003 and 2005). A similar pattern was observed in the pollen abortion assays in which the most pronounced effects were found in chicory and false acacia. The differences of the results obtained in the two periods can be explained by a substantial reduction of air pollution by use of new technologies. In particular the decrease of SO(2) emissions may account for the effects seen in the present study.     

REAL-TIME QUALITY CONTROL OF STREAMFLOW DATA—A SIMULATION STUDY1

ABSTRACT: The problem of real-time quality control of streamflow data is addressed. Five methods are investigated via a Monte-Carlo simulation experiment based on streamflow data from Bird Creek basin in Oklahoma. The five methods include three deterministic approaches and two statistical approaches. The relative performance of the investigated methods is evaluated under hypothesized random mechanism generating isolated outliers. The deterministic method based on streamflow gradient analysis and the statistical method based on forecast residual analysis perform best in detecting such outliers.     

Amoebae as sources of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Pulmonary hypersensitivity has been associated with inhalation of many diverse occupational and environmental airborne agents. Of biological materials, spores of thermophilic actinomycetes have been recognized frequently as causative agents of the disease. Amoebae have rarely been associated with inhalation hypersensitivity. However, recent isolation of several species of amoebae from heated humidification systems in homes and factories has prompted concern for the role of amoebae in hypersensitivity pneumonitis. In this study, an animal model was employed to investigate hypersensitivity to nonpathogenic Naegleria gruberi. Guinea pigs were sensitized by injection of axenic as well as nonaxenic N. gruberi emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant. Animals were evaluated for three distinguishing characteristics of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Delayed-onset skin reactivity was apparent in all animals upon intradermal challenge with N. gruberi antigen. Test sites on animals sensitized with axenic N. gruberi developed extensive rashes lasting 96 h. Antibodies were detected in experimental animals. However, antibodies in animals sensitized with nonaxenic N. gruberi were directed mainly toward the bacteria Enterobacter aerogenes, which was used as the feeder culture. This finding points out the importance of using axenic cultures of amoebae. Bronchial provocation challenge was employed to investigate pulmonary hypersensitivity. Animals sensitized with axenic N. gruberi displayed delayed-onset respiratory responses beginning 6 h post challenge. The study indicates that attention should be given to nonpathogenic free living amoebae as causative agents of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.     

Compositional topography of melon lipids in the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin Tursiops truncatus: Implications for echo-location

Major variations in lipid composition exist within the fatty melon tissue of the Atlantic bottlenosed dolphin Tursiops truncatus. Topographical lipid analyses indicate a central inner melon core surrounded by distinctive outer melon, under melon, and blubber tissues. Acoustical considerations suggest that this melon-lipid topography may aid in collimation of the ultrasonic pulses used by the dolphin for echolocation.     

Compositional topography of melon and spermaceti organ lipids in the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps: Implications for echolocation

The forehead of the pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps contains a large melon of fatty tissue in front of a small, fat-filled, cornucopia-shaped spermaceti organ. This unique anatomical structure may possibly play an acoustical role in the whale's echolocation system, similar to the fatty melon sound lens postulated for dolphins. To better understand its function, we have studied the compositional topography of the K. breviceps melon and spermaceti organ lipids. The fatty head tissues of an adult K. breviceps were serially sectioned into 9 transverse slices. Appropriate tissue samples were cut from every other slice, and analyzed for % lipid and lipid class composition. Wax esters and triglycerides were the only major lipids present; their average carbon number in each sample was determined by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). Our topographical analyses of K. breviceps melon indicate 3 regions of distinctive lipid composition: a fat-poor melon exterior, an outer melon of medium fat content having % triglyceride>% wax ester, and a fat-rich inner melon having % wax ester>% triclyceride. The spermaceti organ contains a fat-rich core of very high wax-ester content (84 to 99%), surrounded by a fat-poor case. Average carbon numbers of both wax esters and triglycerides were lowest in the inner melon and the spermaceti organ. At the rear of the spermaceti organ lies the museau de singe, an apparent sound generator. The lipid topography data plus anatomical and acoustical considerations suggest that the K. breviceps melon/spermaceti organ system may function as an acoustical transducer, directing and refracting sound waves from this source for the purpose of echolocation.     

Life cycle thinking in waste management: summary of European Commission's Malta 2005 workshop and pilot studies

Life cycle thinking is essential to consider the implications of different waste management systems beyond their traditional regional boundaries. Building on data provided by representatives of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, the European Commission's DG JRC conducted a series of life cycle pilot studies in the context of municipal waste management. The results were presented in a JRC workshop in Malta, where the government representatives also outlined their national strategies focusing on the main related achievements. Proposed follow-up activities include a close interaction with the Commission's project, the European Platform on Life Cycle Assessment, to develop straightforward European life cycle guidelines for the management of various wastes.     

The ratio between nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide total emissions as precursors of tropospheric hydroxyl content evolution

The Main Geophysical Observatory 2D channel photochemical model is used to study the behavior of tropospheric OH within the 30–60°N zonal belt in relation to changing NO_X and CO emissions. The changes of tropospheric OH as a function of the contributions by NO_X and CO emissions during the period 1850–2050 are calculated. Our estimations show that the largest annual increment of total tropospheric OH within the belt considered occurs in the 1985–1995 period, about 0.27% yr⁻¹. Based on scenarios of tropospheric pollution emissions in the first half of 21st century, the total tropospheric OH content will increase more slowly, by 0.12–0.15% yr⁻¹. The maximum growth of OH concentration occurs close to air pollution locations—in the lower troposphere during 1850–1995 but in the upper troposphere in the 21st century when the NO_X source from subsonic aircraft increases faster than the surface source.