Master’s degree in sustainable development in Switzerland,the first master course comprising three faculties

Sustainable development has become a key aspect in society, economics and environment. Therefore, experts dealing with questions relating to people, the environment and its resources are more and more requested. This paper presents the concept and first experiences of a specialised Master's Degree in Sustainable Development (MSD). This is a pioneer course as it is equally anchored in three faculties (Human science, Natural science, Business and Economy) at the University of Basel, Switzerland. It aims to transmit knowledge, teach methodology and enable practical work experience in the field of sustainable development. This interdisciplinary master's degree is composed of several modules. At first, the attendance of modules providing a basic understanding in the disciplines not yet covered by the former Bachelor degree, is mandatory. In optional modules, the acquired knowledge of the compulsory modules is further enhanced, focussing on four different topics and are titled as: Agglomeration and Ecosystems; Conservation and Utilisation of Natural Resources; Environment, Values, Societal Transformation and Health; and Environmental Problems in a Globalised World. In another optional module, students may complete an internship in which they can apply theoretical and thematic knowledge. To work independently on a problem in the context of, interdisciplinary projects are a central request in the MSD. Finally, the master thesis has to be planned and realized by a plying the scientific methods and skills acquired in the previous modules. Since the beginning of the programme in the winter of 2005/2006, 45 students have enrolled. They received degrees at 25 different universities, 13 of which are from abroad. Some already have several years of working experience, while others have only just completed their Bachelor's degrees. A analysis has shown that the graduates will have excellent chances in the employment market, since they are well qualified to take over sought-after positions in the business world, in administration, in consultancy, national or international organisations, or to follow academic careers.     

Traffic and meteorological impacts on near-road air quality: summary of methods and trends from the Raleigh Near-Road Study

A growing number of epidemiological studies conducted worldwide suggest an increase in the occurrence of adverse health effects in populations living, working, or going to school near major roadways. A study was designed to assess traffic emissions impacts on air quality and particle toxicity near a heavily traveled highway. In an attempt to describe the complex mixture of pollutants and atmospheric transport mechanisms affecting pollutant dispersion in this near-highway environment, several real-time and time-integrated sampling devices measured air quality concentrations at multiple distances and heights from the road. Pollutants analyzed included U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-regulated gases, particulate matter (coarse, fine, and ultrafine), and air toxics. Pollutant measurements were synchronized with real-time traffic and meteorological monitoring devices to provide continuous and integrated assessments of the variation of near-road air pollutant concentrations and particle toxicity with changing traffic and environmental conditions, as well as distance from the road. Measurement results demonstrated the temporal and spatial impact of traffic emissions on near-road air quality. The distribution of mobile source emitted gas and particulate pollutants under all wind and traffic conditions indicated a higher proportion of elevated concentrations near the road, suggesting elevated exposures for populations spending significant amounts of time in this microenvironment. Diurnal variations in pollutant concentrations also demonstrated the impact of traffic activity and meteorology on near-road air quality. Time-resolved measurements of multiple pollutants demonstrated that traffic emissions produced a complex mixture of criteria and air toxic pollutants in this microenvironment. These results provide a foundation for future assessments of these data to identify the relationship of traffic activity and meteorology on air quality concentrations and population exposures.     

Total and inorganic arsenic in Antarctic macroalgae

The Antarctic region offers unparalleled possibilities of investigating the natural distribution of metals and metalloids, such as arsenic. Total and inorganic As were analysed in nine species of Antarctic macroalgae collected during the 2002 summer season in the Potter Cove area at Jubany-Dallmann Station (South Shetland Islands, Argentinian Base). Total As was determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry after microwave-assisted acid digestion. Inorganic As was determined by acid digestion, solvent extraction, flow injection-hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry. Total As ranged from 5.8 microg g(-1) dry weight (dw) (Myriogramme sp.) to 152 microg g(-1)dw (Himantothallus grandifolius). Total As concentrations were higher in Phaeophytes (mean+/-SD: 71+/-44 microg g(-1)dw) than in Rhodophytes (mean+/-SD: 15+/-11 microg g(-1)dw). Inorganic As ranged from 0.12 microg g(-1) (Myriogramme sp.) to 0.84 microg g(-1)dw (Phaeurus antarcticus). The percentage of inorganic As with respect to total As was 0.7 for Phaeophytes, but almost 4 times higher for Rhodophytes (2.6). The work discusses possible causes for the presence of As in marine organisms in that pristine environment.     

Relatedness communicated in lemur scent

Lemurs are the most olfactory-oriented of primates, yet there is still only a basic level of understanding of what their scent marks communicate. We analyzed scent secretions from Milne-Edwards' sifakas (Propithecus edwardsi) collected in their natural habitat of Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We sought to test whether the scent mark could signal genetic relatedness in addition to species, sex, season, and individuality. We not only found correlations (r ²?=?0.38, P?=?0.017) between the total olfactory fingerprint and genetic relatedness but also between relatedness and specific components of the odor, despite the complex environmental signals from differences in diet and behavior in a natural setting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an association between genetic relatedness and chemical communication in a wild primate population. Furthermore, we found a variety of compounds that were specific to each sex and each sampling period. This research shows that scent marks could act as a remote signal to avoid inbreeding, optimize mating opportunities, and potentially aid kin selection.     

What's the difference between reengineering and tqem?

Reengineering has become the latest corporate management buzzword, replacing, in many cases, total quality management as the panacea for industrial ills. How different are reengineering and total quality management (TQM), if at all, and how does each apply to environmental management? In this article the authors examine the concepts of reengineering and TQM as they apply to environmental management.     

The Integrated Pest Management Educator Pilot Project in Boston Public Housing: Results and Recommendations

The German cockroach is the most common pest of urban, low-income housing in the United States and is associated with high pesticide use by residents. Cockroach allergen is implicated in asthma exacerbation and initiation and in the growing social and medical aspects of the disease. A safe and secure home environment is an environmental justice issue, and environmentally sound and effective models of cockroach control are needed in public and low-income multifamily housing. One model that offers potential is the integrated pest management (IPM) peer educator model (IPM Educator) in public housing as a component of IPM. A pre-post-analysis of an IPM Educator pilot programme in Boston public housing was undertaken. Thirty-four moderate- to high-infested units received baseline assessment and three applications of gel baits and IPM treatment by a pest control operator. Before the first pest control application, residents received written notice to prepare their units for treatment, a standard procedure. Before the second and third pest control treatments, an IPM Educator instructed residents in basic pest biology and habits, preparation for treatment, and the role of sanitation in pest control. Results showed a significant improvement in rate of preparation for pest control treatment after the IPM Educator intervention when compared with the preparation rate before the education intervention, and a significant reduction in cockroach populations by the third visit in units that were prepared and had improved sanitation, when compared with unprepared units and unclean units. The IPM peer educator is a promising, low-cost model of educating and engaging residents of urban, low-income, multifamily housing in environmentally sound pest control, thereby giving them some power and control over their living environment. It is also a potential source of professional training and jobs for public housing and other low-income housing residents.     

Lead in grass in the Scottish uplands: deposition or uptake?

If it is assumed that the Pb collected in grass samples is derived mainly from atmospheric deposition then grass samples can be used as a convenient and easily analysed monitor for Pb deposition, in particular to establish the isotopic composition of current deposition in remote locations. As some studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between soil and grass Pb concentrations, it was considered important to establish the proportion of soil Pb in the grasses used to monitor atmospheric deposition at upland locations in Scotland. Consideration of earlier studies provided evidence that very little, if any, Pb in grass was derived from soil. Lead isotope analysis, by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry, of grasses grown on soils spiked with enriched (207)Pb in the field situation allowed the relative contribution of atmospheric deposition and soil to the grass Pb to be calculated. In most cases, >80% of Pb in grass was derived from atmospheric deposition and in recent years this value was >90%. Recalculation of the (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratio in grass samples showed that there was very little error in the results, published previously, which were based on the assumption that all the Pb collected with grass was derived from the atmosphere. The trends established by measuring the (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratio in grasses were confirmed and remain valid.     

GROUPWISE MODELING STUDY OF BACTERIALLY IMPAIRED WATERSHEDS IN TEXAS: CLUSTERING ANALYSIS1

ABSTRACT: Under the Clean Water Act (CWA) program, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) listed 110 stream segments in the year 2000 with pathogenic bacteria impairment. A study was conducted to evaluate the probable sources of pollution and characterize the watersheds associated with these impaired water bodies. The primary aim of the study was to group the water bodies into clusters having similar watershed characteristics and to examine the possibility of studying them as a group by choosing models for total maximum daily load (TMDL) development based on their characteristics. This approach will help to identify possible sources and determine appropriate models and hence reduce the number of required TMDL studies. This in turn will help in reducing the effort required to restore the health of the impaired water bodies in Texas. The main characteristics considered for the classification of water bodies were land use distribution within the watershed, density of stream network, average distance of land of a particular use to the closest stream, household population, density of on‐site sewage facilities (OSSFs), bacterial loading from different types of farm animals and wildlife, and average climatic conditions. The climatic data and observed instream fecal coliform bacteria concentrations were analyzed to evaluate seasonal variability of instream water quality. The grouping of water bodies was carried out using the multivariate statistical techniques of factor analysis/principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and discriminant analysis. The multivariate statistical analysis resulted in six clusters of water bodies. The main factors that differentiated the clusters were found to be bacterial contribution from farm animals and wildlife, density of OSSFs, density of households connected to public sewers, and land use distribution.     

Germination and growth effects of hexavalent chromium in Orocol TL (a corrosion inhibitor) on Phaseolus vulgaris

This research was designed to address the potential for germination and growth effects in bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. var. Bush Blue Lake) from hexavalent chromium in Orocol TL, a proprietary chromated, zinc-phosphate compound added to DOE cooling water systems for corrosion inhibition. Studies were conducted at low and high Orocol TL concentrations in the soil by adjusting soil pH and the percent of organic matter. Germination effects were determined for seeds germinated in soils adjusted to differing pH ranges (4–4.5, 5–5.5, and 6.5–7), levels of organic matter (1.8%, 3%, and 5%), and Orocol TL amendments (control of 0, 10, and 500 μg/g chromium). Growth responses (effects) were determined from plants cultured in the same soil treatment combinations as described for the germination study. High levels (500 μg/g) of hexavalent chromium in soil (as Orocol TL) affected germination and growth, while a high level of organic matter significantly reduced chromium toxicity on germination. At lower chromium concentrations there was significant uptake by all plant parts, with a corresponding reduction in biomass of leaves. Consequently, adjustments of soil pH from 4.0 to 7.0 appear to have no significant effect on chromium uptake in plants. Increasing the organic matter level to 5%, while decreasing the toxicity of high chromium levels to germinating seed, did not affect chromium uptake.