Characterization of airborne particulate matter in thessaloniki,Greece

TSP samples, collected at two stations in the area of Thessaloniki during the period July 1987‐June 1988, were analysed for heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni and V). Flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for metal determinations. Metals determined were characterized with respect to their origin from natural or man‐made emission sources. Source identification was attempted by relation of metal concentrations to wind direction, and interelement correlations.

Results obtained showed that Pb, Zn and Cu are emitted from man‐made sources (traffic, domestic heating, industry), V, Ni and Co are derived partially from natural and man‐made sources, while Cr is mainly soil‐derived.     

Fate of organo‐heavy metal complexes of sludges from domestic wastes in soils: A simplified modelization

Simplified models provided information on the binding ability of organic acids with trace elements, the distribution of the formed organo‐heavy metal complexes at different pH, and the biological stability (biodegradation ability) of these complexes.     

Dissipation and effect of chlorophenoxy herbicide on plant pigments and carbohydrates of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

The dissipation pattern of the chlorophenoxy herbicides (2,4‐D and 2,4,5‐T) residues in sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) has been studied along with its effect on the changes of plant pigments (chlorophyll‐a,b, total chlorophyll, carotene and anthocyanin), sugar and starch in different parts of the plant. The residues of 2,4‐D and 2,4,5‐T remained for larger period of time (10 days) at higher concentrations than the lower concentration. The concentrations of chlorophylls and carotene were found to be reduced with the application of both 2,4‐D and 2,4,5‐T. But the chlorophyll concentrations were slowly normalized accompanied with the reduction of the herbicide residues. For anthocyanin, there was no significant effect. In case of carbohydrate, the sugar concentration was found to be raised by all doses in leaf and stem. The change in starch content in different plant parts did not follow an uniform pattern at different doses of herbicides.     

Characterization of airborne particulate matter in Thessaloniki,Greece

A receptor modeling approach has been applied to identify and apportion sources of airborne particulate matter in Thessaloniki, Greece. The absolute principal component analysis source apportionment technique used, provided quantitative information regarding both source particle characteristics and impacts. The analysis identified four major sources of heavy metals within total suspended particles (TSP) in the centre of the city: oil burning, pyrometallurgical non‐ferrous metal processes, motor vehicles and soil resuspension. Their contributions to TSP estimated by regression on absolute principal component scores (APCS) were 12%, 8%, 5% and 4%, respectively. A similar analysis conducted for a sampling site close to the industrial area identified five major sources: oil burning, industrial Cr source, soil resuspension, pyrometallurgical non‐ferrous metal processes and motor vehicles with contributions 20%, 15%, 9%, 8% and 4%, respectively.     

HO ‐ initiated oxidation of acridine and aminacrine in aqueous media: Kinetic model

The photodecomposition of diluted aqueous solutions of acridine and aminacrine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide was studied. Irradiation was carried out with a low pressure mercury vapour lamp. The kinetic model describes the photodegradation rate of the organic compound with respect to the technological parameters of the reactor and provides the reaction rate constants of hydroxyl radicals towards these two molecules. This model was extented to high hydrogen peroxide concentrations ([H₂O₂] > 200 μmol/l) by considering the reactivity of hydroxyl radicals towards hydrogen peroxide. This assumption allows us to define an optimal hydrogen peroxide concentration.     

A model algorithm for defining the vertical profile of absolute humidity by ground measurements of humidity

In this study a double model algorithm is developed for the simulation of the vertical profiles of monthly values of absolute humidity. The thrust of the algorithm is that is depends on the use of ground measurements for humidity and is based upon the use of two model relations for altitudes above and below 1 Km respectively. Monthly absolute humidity profiles as estimated using the specially constructed double model algorithm compare well with those calculated with the use of radiosonde data for the time period 1980–1990 (Helliniko station, Southern Greece). In particular the model estimation is very satisfactory at altitudes above the Planetary Boundary Layer and rather satisfying at altitudes below 1 Km. This implies that the model algorithm may be useful in supporting climatological studies in areas where lack of relevant information on the vertical distribution of water vapour is recognised.     

Effects of the Ellagic acid on the N‐Acetyltransferase activity and Acetylation of 2‐aminofluorene in the rat

The effects of the ellagic acid on the in vitro and in vivo acetylation of 2‐aminofluorene were investigated in male Sprague‐Dawley rats. For in vitro examination, cytosols with or without ellagic acid co‐treatment showed different percentage of 2‐aminofluorene acetylation. For in vivo examination, pre‐treatment of male rats with ellagic acid (10 mg/kg) 24h prior to the administration of 2‐aminofluorene (50 mg/kg) resulted in a 26% and 29%, respectively, decrease in the urinary and fecal recovery of N‐acetyl‐2‐aminofluorene, and a 37% decrease in the metabolic clearance of 2‐aminofluorene to N‐acetyl‐2‐aminofluorene. This is the first demonstration that ellagic acid decrease the N‐acetylation of carcinogens in vitro and in vivo.     

Potentiometric studies of mixed complexes of cobalt(II) and copper(II) with l‐Asparagine and adenine

A potentiometric titration technique has been used to determine the stability constants for the various complexes of Co(II) and Cu(II) with L‐asparagine and from DNA base, e.g. adenine. Stability constants of ternary systems have been evaluated by the method suggested by Irwing‐Rossotti. In addition, the conditional constants were calculated as a function of pH. The maximum values of the conditional formation constants were found to be in accordance with the mixed‐ligand complex formation constants in a determined pH region. Furthermore, the molar fractions of different species from mixed complexes were calculated by means of formation constants. The values of stability constants of mixed‐ligand complexes at 25°C are as follows: log K= 5.25 for Co(II)‐L‐asparagine‐adenine; log K= 9.30 for Cu(II)‐L‐asparagine‐adenine. The ionic strength was kept constant at I = 0.20 with NaClO₄.     

Assessment of forest vegetation and conservation priorities of communities in part of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve,West Himalaya. Part I

In most protected areas of the Indian Himalayan region site/habitat characteristics, community diversity and distribution pattern, vegetation composition (richness of native and endemic species), structural patterns, economic importance of forest communities and community priorities have rarely been studied. Therefore, the present study has focused on these in the buffer zone of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve. Seventy-six woody species (trees: 24; shrubs: 52) and 13 forest communities have been recorded between 2300–3800 m asl. Tree density ranged from 533–1220 ind ha-¹, tree basal area from 14.68-80.28 m²ha-¹ and shrub density from 1490–6695 ind ha-¹. Mean density of trees was significantly lower in temperate forests in comparison to subalpine forests. Richness of trees ranged from 3–18 and shrubs from 5–29. Species diversity (H') of trees ranged from 0.45-2.08 and shrubs from 0.90-3.14. In the temperate zone, species richness and altitude had significant positive correlations whereas in the subalpine zone the two variables were negatively correlated. The native species were high in the area (> 65% species) and in communities (> 70% species), and was highest for the Picea smithiana-Pinus wallichiana mixed community, whereas the maximum numbers of natives and endemic species were recorded in the Pinus wallichiana community. The density and richness of non-natives were found to be significantly lower in comparison to the natives. Economic importance and conservation value of the communities were assessed and communities prioritized. Monitoring of the identified habitats, species, populations and communities, and development of appropriate strategies for their conservation and management are suggested.     

The political ecology of Yukon forestry: managing the forest as if people mattered

Over the past several decades a growing interest has emerged in the relationship between forest dependent communities and their use of non-timber forest resources (NTFR—i.e. berries, roots, barks). Motivated in large part by international concerns over the loss of biological and cultural diversity, efforts are now being made to conserve the world's remaining forests by repositioning NTFR to the forefront of the forest management process. Together with the Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, we have undertaken an assessment that: 1) addresses the role of NTFR in fulfilling basic human necessities and well-being of community members, and 2) identifies the perceptual differences that exist among First Nation and non-First Nation community members regarding the security and future availability of forest resources. Based on our findings, we argue that if the true value of the forest is to be understood, and thus sustained, those involved in management must consider the full array of products and services the forest provides. Thus the conventional and over-simplified view that the forest is to provide primarily for commercial timber must be challenged in light of the multiplicity of values community members gain from forest use.