Chlorinated hydrocarbons in sediments of the Elbe River and the Elbe Estuary

Eight sediment samples collected between Hamburg and Cuxhaven were analysed for organic micropollutants. Using three different methods the following compounds were determined: α-HCH, γ-HCH, HCB, PCB, DDT-family, pentachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene.     

Die organisation der Früherkennung von Umweltproblemen im Rahmen der wissenschaftlichen Beratung der Umweltpolitik

This study is based on the theses that

1. early diagnosis is indispensable in the context of precautionary policy for the management of environmental problems which have the character of a “creeping disaster”, and that
2. the public must play the active role that is adequate within a democratic society.

In the context of the study, three existing advisory committees for environmental policy as well as two concepts which have not been put into effect are investigated. The third part deals with the critique of these committees and an alternative concept of early diagnosis “General Ecological Monitoring” which has not yet been put into effect. In part I, the concept of the Picht commission from 1972, which has never been realized in this form has been introduced. In part II, the concepts and the working method of the three existing advisory committees (SRU, WBGU, TAB) have been presented. In part IV, the work of the oldest of the committees, the SRU, is examined with respect to the three most important environmental problems of the last 15 years.     

Ionenhaushalt im Zellkern

The Science of Nature -     

Die Organisation der Früherkennung von Umweltproblemen im Rahmen der wissenschaftlichen Beratung der Umweltpolitik

This study is based on the theses that

1. early diagnosis is indispensable in the context of precautionary policy for the management of environmental problems, which have the character of a “creeping disaster”; and that
2. the public must play the active role that is adequate within a democratic society. In the context of the study, three existing advisory committees for environmental policy as well as two concepts which have not been put into effect are investigated.

In the first part presented here, the concept of the Picht commission from 1972, which has never been realized in this form is introduced. In part II, the concepts and the working method of the three existing advisory committees (SRU, WBGU, TAB) are presented. Part III deals with the critique of these committees and an alternative concept of early diagnosis which has not yet been put into effect. In part IV, the work of the oldest of the committees, the SRU, is examined with respect to the three most important environmental problems of the last 15 years.     

Über d-Peptidasen in isolierten Zellkernen

The Science of Nature -     

Cytokine and acute phase protein expression in blood samples of harbour seal pups

Cytokines and acute phase proteins (APP) are important mediators of the immune system and sensitive parameters to assess the immune status of mammals. Especially in newborn animals, maturation of the immune system is important for their survival. However, only little information is available for pinnipeds. To get baseline levels and investigate the development of the immune system, cytokine and APP expression was analysed in blood samples of six and eight harbour seal pups collected at the German North Sea Coast in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Blood samples were taken at admission and after rehabilitation in the Seal Centre Friedrichskoog. mRNA expressions of interleukin (IL)-1β, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, interferon (IFN)γ, and transforming growth factor (TGF)β, as well as of APP haptoglobin (HP), heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and metallothionein (MT) 2 were analyzed using real time RT-PCR. Cytokine and APP expression varied between animals and years. However, general changes during rehabilitation of pups were present. Higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, 6, 8, and 12 were found at admission, consistent with an activated immune system, whereas the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 was increased after rehabilitation, suggesting recovery from infections and maturation of the immune system during rehabilitation. This preliminary study suggests that cytokines are sensitive parameters to assess the immune system of harbour seals.