Correlates of bushmeat in markets and depletion of wildlife

We used data on number of carcasses of wildlife species sold in 79 bushmeat markets in a region of Nigeria and Cameroon to assess whether species composition of a market could be explained by anthropogenic pressures and environmental variables around each market. More than 45 mammal species from 9 orders were traded across all markets; mostly ungulates and rodents. For each market, we determined median body mass, species diversity (game diversity), and taxa that were principal contributors to the total number of carcasses for sale (game dominance). Human population density in surrounding areas was significantly and negatively related to the percentage ungulates and primates sold in markets and significantly and positively related to the proportion of rodents. The proportion of carnivores sold was higher in markets with high human population densities. Proportion of small‐bodied mammals (<1 kg) sold in markets increased as human population density increased, but proportion of large‐bodied mammals (>10 kg) decreased as human population density increased. We calculated an index of game depletion (GDI) for each market from the sum of the total number of carcasses traded per annum and species, weighted by the intrinsic rate of natural increase (r_max) of each species, divided by individuals traded in a market. The GDI of a market increased as the proportion of fast‐reproducing species (highest r_max) increased and as the representation of species with lowest r_max (slow‐reproducing) decreased. The best explanatory factor for a market's GDI was anthropogenic pressure—road density, human settlements with >3000 inhabitants, and nonforest vegetation. High and low GDI were significantly differentiated by human density and human settlements with >3000 inhabitants. Our results provided empirical evidence that human activity is correlated with more depleted bushmeat faunas and can be used as a proxy to determine areas in need of conservation action.     

Historical data review and source analysis of PCBs/Arochlors in the Lower Leon Creek Watershed

PCBs have been banned since the late 1970s, but concentrations still exist in sediments and riverine fish and continue to exceed regulatory limits which can result in negative health effects. This study looks at historical records of PCB and Arochlor concentrations in surface water, sediments, and fish tissue for the Lower Leon Creek, Bexar County in Texas. Temporal analysis on the concentrations of PCBs and Arochlors was conducted for detection and exceedance of selected screening criteria. In addition, the half-lives of select PCB congeners were calculated for 2007–2012 data to ascertain differences in PCB concentrations with their hydrophobicity. Source analysis was conducted to determine the potential contributing sources of PCB contamination using source data (landfills, outfalls, etc.) and the PCB exceedance data. For sediment and fish tissue sampling results, historic data shows high concentrations of PCB/Arochlors over the course of several decades. The historical data is characterized as being widely variable for detections in Arochlors and concentrations between years, with a dramatic drop in concentrations detected starting in 2009. Overall, the sampling locations adjacent to and downstream from the former Kelly Air Force Base have the highest concentrations of PCB/Arochlors over the longest period of time. The results of this work will aid regulatory agencies in addressing impairment.     

Genetic variation among trait groups and apparent absence of close inbreeding in grey-crowned babblers

Summary The grey-crowned babbler, Pomastostomus temporalis, is a non-migratory species with delayed breeding and prolonged association of young with siblings and parents. Since these conditions are conducive to incestuous matings, we have studied allozymic variation in a population in southeastern Queensland, to evaluate the possibility of close inbreeding. Eight of 20 loci tested were polymorphic, with an average proportion of heterozygous loci individual of 9.4%. No deficiency of heterozygotes was found, indicating the absence of detectable inbreeding. Some mechanism that prevents inbreeding seems to be present.     

Fetal gastroschisis associated with monosomy 22 mosaicism and absent cerebral diastolic flow

A case of fetal gastroschisis associated with 45,XY, —22/46.XY mosaicism and absent cerebral diastolic flow is described. This is the third case reported of monosomy 22 mosaicism, and the first one to be diagnosed antenatally.     

Public concerns and the public role in siting nuclear and chemical waste facilities

Nuclear and chemical waste facilities can be successfully sited, despitenimby responses, if siting programs account for the sources of public concern. Irrational fear is not the main source; instead, waste managers must deal with perceived inequities in the distribution of benefits and costs, and concern about facility safety. Benefit-cost inequities may be dealt with in part by keeping wastes where they are generated, through political restrictions, or by providing economic compensation and political incentives (for example, a local veto). Assuring people of facility safety includes allowing local control (monitoring, health assessment, regulation), and enhancing trust of facility managers through such means as rectifying past mistakes, individual-oriented education campaigns, and negotiation of compensation packages with local residents. These means should reduce —without eliminating—public opposition to local siting of nuclear and chemical waste facilities.     

Interim pump-and-treat remediation of a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer

The continuous and discontinuous release of petroleum hydrocarbons from an oil refinery in Alaska resulted in the contamination of an unconfined glacial outwash aquifer. Geologic conditions at the site allowed for the vertical migration of hydrocarbon product to the water table and subsequent formation of an areally extensive floating product layer. Since the petroleum hydrocarbon phase would provide a major source of BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene) contamination to the groundwater, interim product and groundwater recovery measures were initiated to limit aquifer degradation. Phase I remedial activities involved the operation of nine well pairs, with one well used for groundwater extraction and the other for product recovery. Phases II and III involved expansion of the recovery well network and use of a two-pump system. Petroleum product recovered was reprocessed at the refinery. Contaminated groundwater was initially treated using the refinery's wastewater treatment system, but treatment inefficiencies and continued system expansion necessitated use of a separate treatment unit. Performance evaluations indicate that the remedial phases have been successful in halting further contaminant migration and in recovering a significant volume of the released petroleum hydrocarbons.