Prey selection by larval weakfish (Cynoscion regalis): the effects of prey size,speed, and abundance

We examined feeding by larval weakfish, Cynoscion regalis (Bloch and Schneider), in laboratory experiments conducted during the 1991 spawning season. under natural conditions weakfish larval development is ca. 3 wk, and we ran separate experiments with larvae of five different ages (5, 8, 11, 14, and 17 d post-hatching). We used two different size classes of rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) and brine shrimp nauplii (Artemia sp.) as prey organisms. Contrary to results of previous research, weakfish larvae did not select prey based on size alone. When prey abundance was above 100 itemsl^-1 weakfish, larvae always chose large rotifers (length = 216 m) over small rotifers (length = 160 m). At 11 d post-hatching, larvae switched their diet from large rotifers to small brine shrimp nauplii (length = 449 m); however, when fed small rotifers and small brine shrimp nauplii the change in diet occurred at 14 d post-hatching. This pattern of selectivity was maintained in each larval age class. Early-stage larvae (5 and 8 d post-hatching) did not feed selectively when prey abundance was less than 100 itemsl^-1. Late-stage larvae (17 d post-hatching) fed selectively at abundances ranging from 10 to 10000 items^-1. Lwimming speeds of prey items, which ranged from 1 to 6 mms^-1, had no consistent effect on prey selection. These results suggest that weakfish larvae are able to feed selectively, that selectivity changes as larvae age, and that selectivity is also influenced by prey abundance.     

Waste Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide as adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution and chromium plating industry wastewater

Fe(III)/Cr(III) hydroxide, a waste material from the fertilizer industry, has been used for the adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution, over a range of initial metal ion concentrations (5-30 mg litre(-1)), agitation times (1-180 min), adsorbent dosages (100-1200 mg per 50 ml), temperatures (24, 29 and 38 degrees C) and pH values (4.5-10). The adsorption of Cr(VI) increased with the initial concentration of Cr(VI) and with temperature. The process of uptake follows both the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models. The applicability of Lagergren and empirical kinetic models has also been investigated. Almost quantitative removal of Cr(VI) at 10 mg litre(-1) in a 50-ml solution by 500 mg of adsorbent was found at an equilibrium pH of 5.6. The efficiency of chromium removal was also tested using wastewater from the chromium plating industry.     

The use of the cotton-strip assay to assess cellulose decomposition in heavy metal-contaminated sewage sludge-amended soils

Cellulose decomposition in soils amended over twenty year ago with heavy metal-contaminated sewage sludges was assessed by using the cotton-strip assay. The soils of the Luddington Experiment now contain concentrations of Cu, Ni and Zn in selected plots that approximate to or exceed the statutory limits for these elements in sewage sludge-amended soils. The rates of cellulose decomposition were generally lower in the plots with elevated metal concentrations, relative to uncontaminated sludge-amended and unsludged controls. Generally, the metal-rich plots showed reductions in the time taken to reach 50% cotton-tensile-strength loss (CTSL). However, the reductions could not be consistently related to any one metal. The difference in decomposition rates between treatments was systematically reduced over the duration of a time-course experiment. A lower initial population of the appropriate decomposer community of micro-organisms may account for the observed short-term lag in decomposition rates.     

Effects of population density and cadmium toxicity on growth and survival of blowflies

The blowfly Lucilia sericata has been reared on artificial diets containing from 0 to 200 mg Cd kg(-1) at population densities ranging from 8 larvae per 4-g diet to 8 larvae per 32-g diet. Peak larval weight, development period, pupal weight, adult-emergence weight, and fecundity were measured. Larvae of blowflies respond to food deprivation by a reduction in larval weight and subsequent pupal and adult size. Contaminating the food supply with cadmium produced similar additive effects, reduced the growth rate, and increased the age of pupation. The results are of importance in determining the effects of environmental pollutants on population dynamics.     

Some epidemiologic features of disasters in guatemala

Epidemiological procedures can be organised under disaster conditions by means of a simple surveillance system and with few personnel.
In the aftermath of the 4 February 1976 earthquake in Guatemala, an information system was organized by which the requisite information for decision-making was obtained with adequate speed and promptness.
The initial epidemiologic informution was based on reports collected during the early days on symptoms observed at hospitals and health centers and in localities and villages in the stricken area.
At a second, post-emergency stage a more elaborate surveillance system was instituted to provide guidance in the investigntwn of outbreaks, evaluate the health activities and establish basic criteria for preventive and control measures.     

Transport of particulate matter in natural waters — modelling and in situ-measurements

The significant processes controlling the fate of particulates are convection an dispersion on one hand, and sedimentation on the other hand. Due to inteparticulated reactions, larger aggregates can be formed from smaller units thus changing the sedimentation characteristics. These phenomena are summarized in a mathematical model whereby hydrodynamic effects as well as the control mechanisms of the dissolved phase are included. A relationship was derived on the basis of energy considerations leading to the formulation of a critical sedimentation velocity of the suspensa, which determines the transport capacity of the flowing system. The sedimentation term is calculated from the above discussed transport capacity, hydro-dynamic parameters and suspending media properties. Aggregation effects are taken into account as an increase of sedimentation velocities of the particles. The equations are solved in a particular computational routine such that the horizontal distribution of suspended solids in a natural system can be describe as function of the above discussed phenomena. The model was tested with in situ-measurements. It was found that the observed processes are described satisfactorily by this model.     

Managing the urban environment in a developing country: The Ogunpa river channelization scheme in Ibadan City,Nigeria

A disastrous flood in Ibadan City, Nigeria in April 1978 aroused public interest in the Ogunpa river channelization scheme which had earlier been embarked upon by government. A questionnaire survey of 399 residents near the river was designed to examine three issues: (a) the losses sustained and the people's reaction to and perception of the causes of the flood; (b) their perception of the present and future uses of the river; and (c) their perception of the prospects of the channelization scheme.The results show that about 75% of the respondents were affected by the flood; 41% each lost property worth about N2960.00. Yet, many could not hope to move out of the flood zone mainly because of shortage of residential accomodation in the city. The factors given as being responsible for the flood were poor drainage, heavy rains, refuse disposal in the river, shallowness of the river channel and the unplanned layout of streets and buildings. Indeed, the major use of the river has been as a refuse dump, so that it is heavily polluted. Many respondents would like the river to be reclaimed to alleviate some of the socioeconomic problems confronting them. Recreational use of the river was not much considered. Majority of respondents thought the channelization scheme would bring some benefit. But, they are sceptical about its lasting impact unless it is done within the framework of a comprehensive programme of urban land management and protection and the improvement of living conditions in the city.     

Quality control in low-level radionuclide analysis. Results of recent intercomparisons and programmes for 1979/80 of the international atomic energy agency

The results of recent IAEA intercomparison programs are reviewed.     

FRONTIER AREAS, RESOURCES, AND DEVELOPING NATIONS: THE CASE OF GUATEMALA

The conscientious and planned integration of frontier areas into the national economy can at least partially alleviate both environmental and economic problems that are common to many developing countries. Full development of the agricultural potential of frontier areas can lessen the environmental deterioration often found in traditionally settled regions. Exploitation of mineral resources, in particular energy resources, can lessen economic burdens associated with increased costs of imported energy. The authors examine how recent international developments have spurred the government of Guatemala to undertake measures designed to develop a previously underutilized region. The short term negative consequences of increased costs for imported grains and petroleum may well have a positive result in the long term insofar as they lead to more balanced and rational use of land and resources.