Remediation effect of compost on soluble mercury transfer in a crop of Phaseolus vulgaris

We studied the dynamics of mercury (Hg) transfer in Phaseolus vulgaris plants grown in soil with Hg-doped compost at the maximum levels permitted by Colombian law on organic amendments. Quantitative evaluation of transfer was made in different plant organs: roots, stem, leaves, pods and seeds. Matrix effect was determined in doped soil assays, using soil with and without addition of compost. Results showed that the use of organic matter reduced Hg transfer to the plant and the amount transferred was differentially distributed to the organs. We observed an inverse relationship between concentration and distance from the body to the root. It was evident that transfer was mediated by quantitative factors; the greater the presence of mercury in soil, the larger the amount that will be transferred. Results also indicate the remedial effect of compost and the presence of a barrier, at the root level, against mercury translocation to the plant aerial parts.     

Remediation effect of compost on soluble mercury transfer in a crop of Phaseolus vulgaris

We studied the dynamics of mercury (Hg) transfer in Phaseolus vulgaris plants grown in soil with Hg-doped compost at the maximum levels permitted by Colombian law on organic amendments. Quantitative evaluation of transfer was made in different plant organs: roots, stem, leaves, pods and seeds. Matrix effect was determined in doped soil assays, using soil with and without addition of compost. Results showed that the use of organic matter reduced Hg transfer to the plant and the amount transferred was differentially distributed to the organs. We observed an inverse relationship between concentration and distance from the body to the root. It was evident that transfer was mediated by quantitative factors; the greater the presence of mercury in soil, the larger the amount that will be transferred. Results also indicate the remedial effect of compost and the presence of a barrier, at the root level, against mercury translocation to the plant aerial parts.     

Drivers of support for citizen science across state wildlife management agencies in the United States

Citizen science (CS) is gaining recognition as a valuable approach to meet data needs for environmental projects while fostering collaboration between scientists and members of the public. Despite increasing implementation of CS by natural resource entities, organizations’ motivations for engaging in CS remain poorly understood. We examined the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and social exchange theory (SET) in identifying factors influencing support of CS by scientific organizations. To test predictions of the TPB and SET theories, we surveyed (quantitative, web based) state wildlife agency staff in the United States on their perceptions of organizational engagement in CS. We divided questions that measured TPB items into individual and organizational components to address the influence of personal- and organization-level decision-making on staff perceptions and attitudes. We used structural equation modeling to identify key constructs that influence staff support of CS in state wildlife agencies. The survey yielded 627 responses across 44 states. Both TPB and SET constructs accurately predicted staff support of CS; however, measures from SET (e.g., public engagement benefits and costs of CS to scientific credibility) were most influential (i.e., TPB constructs had less impact). Our findings indicate that organizational support for CS is primarily influenced by assessment of trade-offs among perceived costs and benefits. Indicators of support for CS were further elucidated by including measures from the TPB model. Based on our results, we suggest that natural resource entities give careful consideration to CS project design, develop thorough communication and data management plans, and practice iterative evaluation of CS project productivity.     

Transforming environmental psychology

Although it is recognised that the individual and the external world are linked in complex and mutual ways and can only be treated together as one phenomenon there is little evidence that transactionalist approaches, despite potentially providing a truly distinctive approach for environmental psychology, have been fully understood or operationalised. We take as our starting point the theoretical proposition that individuals are the sum of their social relations, i.e., they are the cause and consequence of their relations to others and the environment. Therefore environmental psychology should give priority to examining the reciprocity between people and environment and the ways in which they mutually reproduce the material conditions for their existence. Drawing on the example of sustainable development, we argue that any attempt to develop a sustainable society has to understand how the relationships between individuals and their social contexts can be changed. Thus the emphasis in a transformative environmental psychology should shift to the relations of production and consumption and the social and political relations within which values, attitudes and behaviours are formed, and unsustainable ways of living and working as well as the environment are produced and reproduced.     

Can Land Managers Control Japanese Knotweed? Lessons from Control Tests in Belgium

Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica is an extremely abundant invasive plant in Belgium and surrounding countries. To date, no eradication method is available for land managers facing the invasion of this rhizomatous plant. We tested different chemical herbicides with two application methods (spraying and stem injection), as well as mechanical treatments, on knotweed clones throughout southern Belgium. The tested control methods were selected to be potentially usable by managers, e.g., using legally accepted rates for herbicides. Stem volume, height and density reduction were assessed after one or two years, depending on the control method. Labor estimations were made for each control method. No tested control method completely eradicated the clones. Stem injection with glyphosate-based herbicide (3.6?kg?ha^?1 of acid equivalent glyphosate) caused the most damage, i.e., no sprouting shoots were observed the year following the injection. The following year, though, stunted shoots appeared. Among the mechanical control methods, repeated cuts combined with native tree transplanting most appreciably reduced knotweed development. The most efficient methods we tested could curb knotweed invasion, but are not likely to be effective in eradicating the species. As such, they should be included in a more integrated restoration strategy, together with prevention and public awareness campaigns.     

Seasonal differences and within-canopy variations of antioxidants in mature spruce (Picea abies) trees under elevated ozone in a free-air exposure system

The effect of free-air ozone fumigation and crown position on antioxidants were determined in old-growth spruce (Picea abies) trees in the seasonal course of two consecutive years (2003 and 2004). Levels of total ascorbate and its redox state in the apoplastic washing fluid (AWF) were increased under double ambient ozone concentrations (2xO3), whilst ascorbate concentrations in needle extracts were unchanged. Concentrations of apoplastic and symplastic ascorbate were significantly higher in 2003 compared to 2004 indicating a combined effect of the drought conditions in 2003 with enhanced ozone exposure. Elevated ozone had only weak effects on total glutathione levels in needle extracts, phloem exudates and xylem saps. Total and oxidised glutathione concentrations were higher in 2004 compared to 2003 and seemed to be more affected by enhanced ozone influx in the more humid year 2004 compared to the combined effect of elevated ozone and drought in 2003 as observed for ascorbate.     

Nanotechnology applications and implications research supported by the US Environmental Protection Agency STAR grants program

Since 2002, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been funding research on the environmental aspects of nanotechnology through its Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants program. In total, more than $25 million has been awarded for 86 research projects on the environmental applications and implications of nanotechnology. In the applications area, grantees have produced promising results in green manufacturing, remediation, sensors, and treatment using nanotechnology and nanomaterials. Although there are many potential benefits of nanotechnology, there has also been increasing concern about the environmental and health effects of nanomaterials, and there are significant gaps in the data needed to address these concerns. Research performed by STAR grantees is beginning to address these needs.     

Assessing the effectiveness of integrating ergonomics and sustainability: a case study of a Mexican maquiladora

In 2015, the United Nations defined sustainable industrialization as one of 17 sustainable development goals. In this article, an analysis is performed to assess the opportunities for ergonomics to contribute toward sustainability in the manufacturing industry. To that effect, a case study was carried out in a maquiladora of electronic components in the northwestern region of Mexico. The investigation was developed in four stages: (a) diagnosis; (b) planning; (c) implementations; (d) verification of results. Barriers found during each stage are presented. Finally, a discussion of the obtained results is provided, and areas of opportunity for programs or actions to prevent health risks are identified.     

Correction: Insight into the Adsorption Properties of Chitosan/Zeolite‑A Hybrid Structure for Effective Decontamination of Toxic Cd (II) and As (V) Ions from the Aqueous Environments

Journal of Polymers and the Environment -     

Recycling phosphorus and calcium from aquaculture waste as a precursor for hydroxyapatite (HAp) production: a review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Water contaminated with phosphorus needs to be managed efficiently to ensure that clean water sources will be preserved. Aquaculture plays an...