?kotoxikologie soll endlich wissenschaftliches Fach werden

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Force and acceleration corridors from lateral head impact

This study was conducted to provide force and acceleration corridors at different velocities describing the dynamic biomechanics of the lateral region of the human head. Temporo-parietal impact tests were conducted using specimens from ten unembalmed post-mortem human subjects. The specimens were isolated at the occipital condyle level, and pre-test x-ray and computed tomography images were obtained. They were prepared with multiple triaxial accelerometers and subjected to increasing velocities (up to 7.7 m/s) using free-fall techniques by impacting onto a force plate from which forces were recorded. A 40-durometer padding (50-mm thickness) material covering the force plate served as the impacting boundary condition. Computed tomography images obtained following the final impact test were used to identify pathology. Four specimens sustained skull fractures. Peak force, displacement, acceleration, energy, and head injury criterion variables were used to describe the dynamic biomechanics. Force and acceleration responses obtained from this experimental study along with other data will be of value in validating finite element models. The study underscored the need to enhance the sample size to derive probability-based human tolerance to side impacts.     

MTBE (methyl tertiary-butyl ether) in groundwaters: monitoring results from Germany

In Germany information on the occurrence of MTBE in groundwaters is scarce. In order to assess the German situation, in 1999 a monitoring programme on MTBE in groundwater was set up. Within this survey 170 wells were examined, which are used as groundwater monitoring points or which are foreseen for drinking water extraction in emergency cases or for irrigation purposes. In rural areas MTBE was found only in 9% of all samples in concentrations above the limit of determination (LOD) of 0.05 microg L(-1). In urban areas MTBE was detected in 49% of all wells under investigation and the median concentration was calculated to 0.17 microg L(-1). In one case a maximum MTBE concentration of almost 700 microg L(-1) was detected. As a first result of this survey one can conclude, that MTBE is regularly present in German groundwaters under urban areas. Although investigations about the occurrence of MTBE in German groundwaters have to be extended in future, this first snapshot can lead to the assumption, that MTBE concentrations due to diffuse sources are lower than the ones found in the USA. Nevertheless, e.g. accidental spills can lead to elevated MTBE concentrations.     

Phosphorus leaching in manure-amended Atlantic Coastal Plain soils

Targeting the sources of phosphorus (P) and transport pathways of drainage from agricultural land will assist in the reduction of P loading to surface waters. Our research investigated the vertical movement of P from dairy manure and broiler litter through four Atlantic Coastal Plain soils. A randomized split-plot design with two main-plot tillage treatments (no tillage [NT] and chisel tillage [CH]) and five manure P rate split-plot treatments was used at each location. The split-plot P rates were 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg P ha(-1) yr(-1). Four consecutive years of manure application began at all sites 5 yr before sampling. Soils were sampled to a depth of 150 cm from each split plot in seven depth increments and analyzed for soil test phosphorus (STP), water-extractable soil phosphorus (WSP), and degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS). The DPS of the 0- to 15-cm depths confirmed that at the 100 kg P ha(-1) yr(-1) application rate, all sites exceeded the threshold for P saturation (30%). At depths greater than 30 cm, DPS was typically below the 30% saturation threshold. The DPS change points ranged from 25 to 34% for the 0- to 90-cm depths. Our research concluded that the risk of P leaching through the matrix of the Atlantic Coastal Plain soils studied was not high; however, P leaching via macropore bypass may contribute to P loss from these soils.     

FLOOD MANAGEMENT IN THE LOWER INCOMATI RIVER BASIN,MOZAMBIQUE: TWO ALTERNATIVES1

ABSTRACT: The aim of this paper is to compare two views of flood management and thus add to the present thinking of living with floods as opposed to the traditional approach of flood control. The traditional pathway has widely been adopted in developed countries and aims to control floodwaters by means of dams and dikes. The alternative pathway tends towards a policy whereby society lives with the floods by being prepared and having the right damage reduction measures in place. In this paper two pathways are tentatively compared for the Lower Incomati Basin, Mozambique. In the design cultural theory is considered, as is how the design of each path may look according to different management perspectives. The Lower Incomati Basin provides an interesting case study as it is in a relatively undeveloped state. Hence, it is an ideal area for conducting research into the application of alternative flood management strategies. The preliminary results suggest that both pathways are feasible. However, considering recent hydrological extremes such as the 2000 floods, the resilient pathway may ultimately be a more appealing flood management strategy.     

INDEX OF LAKE BASIN LAND USE FOR LAND USE PLANNING PURPOSES1

ABSTRACT: In order to plan for land use in a lake basin to maintain or improve lake water quality, municipal planners need a method of evaluating lakeshore and watershed land use that is technically sound, objective, reasonably quick, and cheap enough to be incorporated into their time and dollar budgets. Such a system is presented. It consists of measuring and rating four lakeshore land use characteristics (type of sewage disposal system, lot size, road proximity, and intensity of public use areas), and three upland watershed land use characteristics (intensity of development, forest cover, and agriculture and open space). These seven characteristics are measured, rated, and then combined to provide a two-digit index number. This number, when compared with the indexes of other lakes in the region and interpreted with assistance from officials of the State Health and Water Resources Department, indicates on a relative basis the degree to which various land uses are contributing to accelerated, cultural eutrophication. Interpretation of the index suggests land use controls necessary to improve lake water. It supplements, and should be used with, an index of lake vulnerability to accelerated eutrophication and a comparative measure of present water quality.     

EXPERIENCE WITH THE 303-208-201 STUDY RELATIONSHIPS1

ABSTRACT: The current 201 study by the Bergen County Sewer Authority illustrates possibilities for improving the currently defined relationships between 201, 208 and 303 studies. The Bergen County Sewer Authority serves 115 square miles in northeast New Jersey, providing sewerage service to 507,000 people in 43 municipalities. Its STP discharges to the Hackensack River, a tidal estuary recently classified as Water Quality Limited, and which receives significant non-plant loading. The subject 201 study is concurrent with 208 and 303 planning by NJDEP. Preliminary evaluations show that detailed 201 work can affect the conclusions of 303 and 208 studies, and that a wider (environmental - social as well as economic) interpretation of cost-effectiveness can demand re-examination of prior assumptions and decisions, a task not typically part of 208–303 work. Increased flexibility is needed in applying 303 and 208 recommendations to defining 201 studies and NPDES permit criteria, particularly in analysis of water use objectives, water quality parameters and future flows, loadings and facility costs. Further, perception of alternatives can be clarified by broadening analysis of costs and control and plant strategies. Inclusion of 201 planning at all stages of regional planning can synergistically improve the total planning process.