Effects of geothermal effluents on aquatic ecosystems

The use of geothermal energy for electrical generation and a variety of other purposes requires the handling and disposal of large volumes of geothermal fluids. These fluids contain constituents such as dissolved ammonia, hydrogen sulfide gas, and trace elements. Facilities in the United States are not expected to routinely discharge large volumes of toxic geothermal fluids. However, chronic effects on aquatic ecosystems are possible at concentrations where acute toxicity would be neither expected nor observed. Also, some trace elements may accumulate to hazardous levels in ecosystems, even when released at nontoxic concentrations.     

Statistical matching for conservation science

The awareness of the need for robust impact evaluations in conservation is growing and statistical matching techniques are increasingly being used to assess the impacts of conservation interventions. Used appropriately matching approaches are powerful tools, but they also pose potential pitfalls. We outlined important considerations and best practice when using matching in conservation science. We identified 3 steps in a matching analysis. First, develop a clear theory of change to inform selection of treatment and controls and that accounts for real-world complexities and potential spillover effects. Second, select the appropriate covariates and matching approach. Third, assess the quality of the matching by carrying out a series of checks. The second and third steps can be repeated and should be finalized before outcomes are explored. Future conservation impact evaluations could be improved by increased planning of evaluations alongside the intervention, better integration of qualitative methods, considering spillover effects at larger spatial scales, and more publication of preanalysis plans. Implementing these improvements will require more serious engagement of conservation scientists, practitioners, and funders to mainstream robust impact evaluations into conservation. We hope this article will improve the quality of evaluations and help direct future research to continue to improve the approaches on offer.     

A Practical Relationship Between Government and Industry

The science of air pollution control is making significant advances and a practical working arrangement between all levels of government and industry must be achieved. Lawmakers, scientists, and industry must work side by side in combatting air pollution; there is no other approach that will give the problem the attention it deserves. How this might be accomplished is the subject of this article.     

Does it matter that male beaugregory damselfish have a mate preference?

Male beaugregory damselfish (Stegastes leucostictus) spent more time courting larger females in both two-choice and single presentations. Female size was significantly correlated with gonad weight. We also verified that female fecundity was extremely variable within a natural population. We found that male reproductive success was highly correlated with both clutch size and clutch number. However, clutch size was not significantly correlated with clutch number, indicating that males that received larger clutches did not receive more egg clutches. Furthermore, there was no difference between the number of offspring produced by males that mated with the largest females and by males that mated with the most females. Thus, although males preferred larger females, males produced similar numbers of offspring by mating with large females or mating with many females. Received: 7 March 1997 / Accepted after revision: 1 November 1997     

Inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectroscopy in air and water pollution analysis†

The inductively coupled plasma (ICP), when employed as an excitation source in optical atomic emission spec.troscopy (AES), is finding widespread utilization for single and multielement inorganic trace analysis of pollutants. The recent availability of commercial ICP‐AES instrument systems has stimulated applications for the determination of metals and metalloids in diverse materials ranging from air particulates and fly ash to industrial effluents, sewage, and hard, soft, and saline waters.

The capabilities and limitations of ICP‐AES for applications in air and water pollution analysis are reviewed, and a number of recent examples presented.     

Does multi-functionality affect technical efficiency? A non-parametric analysis of the Scottish dairy industry

Recent policy changes within the Common Agricultural Policy have led to a shift from a solely production-led agriculture towards the promotion of multi-functionality. Conversely, the removal of production-led supports would indicate that an increased concentration on production efficiencies would seem a critical strategy for a country's future competitiveness. This paper explores the relationship between the 'multi-functional' farming attitude desired by policy makers and its effect on technical efficiency within Scottish dairy farming. Technical efficiency scores are calculated by applying the non-parametric data envelopment analysis technique and then measured against causes of inefficiency. Amongst these explanatory factors is a constructed score of multi-functionality. This research finds that, amongst other factors, a multi-functional attitude has a significant positive effect on technical efficiency. Consequently, this seems to validate the promotion of a multi-functional approach to farming currently being championed by policy-makers.     

The scope for regulatory incentives to encourage increased efficiency of input use by farmers

Managing diffuse water pollution from agricultural land continues to be one of the more intractable challenges for environmental policy. The advent of the Water Framework Directive places the onus on EU member states to identify reasons why water bodies fail or are at risk of failure to meet good ecological status. In such cases, programmes of measures are to be enacted to mitigate the causes at least cost. Failing this, users may ultimately be faced with the full costs of pollution. This paper considers the scope for measures that address nitrogen and phosphorus pollution at source. Specifically the paper relates the diffuse pollution problem to the extent of over application of nitrogen and phosphorus. Data envelopment analysis applied to English cereal and dairy farmers, provides an indication of resource use and evidence of over application. This inefficiency provides a potential basis for either a least cost abatement approach using effective information and advice, or alternatively a pollution charge.