CONTRIBUTIONS OF RAINFALL TO CONSTITUENT LOADS IN STORM RUNOFF FROM URBAN CATCHMENTS1

ABSTRACT: Rainfall is a significant source of some constituents, particularly nitrogen species, in storm runoff from urban catchments. Median contributions of rainfall to storm runoff loads of 12 constituents from 31 urban catchments, representing eight geographic locations within the United States, ranged from 2 percent for suspended solids to 74 percent for total nitrite plus nitrate nitrogen. The median contribution of total nitrogen in rainfall to runoff loads was 41 percent. Median contributions of total-recoverable lead in rainfall to runoff loads varied by as much as an order of magnitude between catchments in the same geographic location. This indicates that average estimates of rainfall contributions to constituent loading in storm runoff may not be suitable in studies requiring accurate constituent mass-balance computations.     

Defensive secretions from the larvae ofApatania fimbriata (Pictet) (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae)

Summary When the larvae of the caddis flyApatania fimbriata (Pictet) are threatened, drops of fluid appear on their head capsules. The secretions are produced in a gland in the dorsal part of the prothorax. The neck region contains an eversible sac with numerous single setae, groups of 3 setae, or rows of setae on the surface. The secretion is released through two paris of orifices on the lateral sides of the sac. For the most part the secretion is composed of some 30 fatty acids, with the major components having 12–14 carbon atoms and up to 4 double bonds (approx. 1–2 µg secretion per specimen). Biotests with synthetic saturated acids (C₆–C₁₂) in a stream and in the laboratory demonstrated a paralysing effect on small invertebrate predators (Rhyacophila sp.,Plectrocnemia conspersa, Hydropsyche sp., larvae, all Trichoptera). In choice experiments,Rhyacophila sp. larvae preferred larvae ofAgapetus fuscipes andDrusus annulatus (Trichoptera) as food as compared withApatania fimbriata larvae. Larger predators, such asDinocras cephalotes (Insecta, Plecoptera) and the fishCottus gobio, did not discriminate betweenApatania fimbriata and other prey species. The use of fatty acids in defensive secretions is interpreted as an adaptation to the running water environment. They are effective repellents againstRhyacophila sp. larvae, the most important predator in the natural environment ofApatania larvae.     

INTEGRATING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN GROUND-WATER APPLICATIONS USING NUMERICAL MODELING TECHNIQUES1

ABSTRACT: The Sand and Gravel Aquifer is the sole source of potable water in Escambia County, Florida. In order to better understand the hydraulics of the aquifer, a numerical computer model of the aquifer was developed. The model applied a finite element technique which allowed for density-dependent transport and flow in three dimensions. The modeling technique was integrated with GIS to develop a system for optimal management of the resource. The GIS was the primary tool in the development of the model grid, as well as being the integral component in the modeling procedure. Multiple model grids were developed for simulating regional flow and local flow/transport phenomena. The model grids were generated by the GIS where nodal and element sequencing were recorded. The grid topology was stored in the GIS with the element numbers, node numbers, and the related hydrogeologic attributes. The Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) module was used for transferring interpolated value between GIS coverages. TIN allowed a fit of the model grid to the physical dimensions of the aquifer and for interpolating boundary values for telescopically refined grids. Calculations between TIN surfaces provided the residuals of the dependent variable from observed TIN surfaces. Model calibration was conducted within the GIS environment through a combination of visual and relational querying. The GIS provided an integrated environment which facilitated model analyses and data storage and retrieval.     

Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Heidelberg

The staff of the German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, introduced their research program on 15 and 16 March 1973 before a gathering of invited experts from inside and outside Germany. The proceedings were conducted by Prof. Th. Wieland of the Max-Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, who is Chairman of the Scientific and Appointments Commission of the Board of Governors of the Cancer Research Center. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss with the experts the relevance and significance of the Center's current research program with a view to shaping future research projects along optimum lines.     

Facilities for diesel exhaust studies

It is the major intent of this report to examine the animal inhalation facilities at the EPA Health Effects Research Laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio, associated with the exposure to the exhaust of diesel-powered equipment. The facility serves as a center for toxicologic evaluation, in relevant animal models, of potentially hazardous environmental pollutants from diesel engine exhaust. Briefly, the entire engine exhaust is mixed with filtered and conditioned air in a dilution tube. That diluted exhaust enters a large volume mixing chamber and a portion passes through dynamic flow irradiation chambers (to simulate sunlight) and is then conducted to animal exposure chambers. The system provides nonirradiated exhaust in the same concentration (directly from the mixing chamber) and also filtered, conditioned ambient air for control animal exposure. The major physical components of the diesel emission system include: air purifiers, animal exposure chambers, engine-dynamometers, irradiation chambers, monitoring instrumentation and data acquisition systems.