A first evaluation of the usefulness of feathers of nestling predatory birds for non-destructive biomonitoring of persistent organic pollutants

In previous studies, feathers of adult predatory birds have been evaluated as valid non-destructive biomonitor matrices for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In this study, we assessed for the first time the usefulness of nestling raptor feathers for non-destructive biomonitoring of POPs. For this purpose, we collected body feathers and blood of nestlings from three avian top predators from northern Norway: northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). We were able to detect a broad spectrum of legacy POPs in the nestling feathers of all three species (Σ PCBs: 6.78-140ng g(-1); DDE: 3.15-145ng g(-1); Σ PBDEs: 0.538-7.56ng g(-1)). However, these concentrations were lower compared to other studies on raptor species, probably due to the aspect of monitoring of nestlings instead of adults. Besides their analytical suitability, nestling feathers also appear to be biologically informative: concentrations of most POPs in nestling feathers showed strong and significant correlations with blood plasma concentrations in all species (p<0.050; 0.775相似文献   

Semi-natural habitats in the European boreal region: Caught in the socio-ecological extinction vortex?

We propose to consider semi-natural habitats—hotspots for biodiversity—being caught in a socio-ecological extinction vortex, similar to the phenomenon described for species threatened with extinction. These habitats are essentially socioecological systems, in which socioeconomic drivers are interlinked with ecological processes. We identify four highly interlinked and mutually reinforcing socio-economic processes, pertaining to the importance of semi-natural habitats for (i) agricultural production, (ii) policy, research and development; (iii) vocational education in the fields of agricultural sciences and (iv) public’s experiences with semi-natural habitats. Evidence from six countries in the boreal region demonstrates that recent slowing down or even reversal of two processes are insufficient to stop the extinction vortex phenomenon. We suggest research directions to ascertain the phenomenon, monitor its development and develop proactive actions to weaken the vortex. It is highly plausible that interventions directed at most, if not all, of the key vortex processes are needed to reverse the overall deteriorating trends of a socio-ecological system.     

Do salmon farms increase the concentrations of mercury and other elements in wild fish?

Earlier assessments have suggested that salmon farms may act as a source of mercury (Hg) and other elements in local marine environments. In this study, we measured 30 elements in the livers of demersal Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and pelagic saithe (Pollachius virens) caught in association with salmon farms (farm associated [FA]; n = 75) or at reference locations (control; n = 80) in three regions throughout the latitudinal extent of Norway (59-70° N). Concentrations of most elements (24 of 30) were higher (20-70%) in cod compared to saithe. In particular, Hg was 6.8 times higher in cod than saithe. Nine elements were significantly different between FA saithe and control saithe, but only four (Hg, U, Cr and Mn) were highest in FA saithe, and this pattern was only detected consistently across all locations for Hg. Thirteen elements differed in concentration between FA cod and control cod, but only three elements (U, Al and Ba) were higher in FA cod than controls, and this pattern was only detected consistently across all locations for Al. After controlling for a set of potentially confounding variables, the estimated concentrations of Hg in saithe livers were ～80% higher in FA fish compared to controls. In contrast, Hg concentrations were ～40% higher in control cod compared to FA cod. Our results do not support the notion that salmon farms in general increase the concentrations of potentially harmful elements in wild fish, and the distribution of Hg and other elements in cod and saithe in Norwegian coastal waters may be more influenced by habitat use, diet, geochemical conditions and water chemistry.     

Depletion of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors during sewage sludge composting

Sewage and sewage sludge is known to contain pharmaceuticals, and since sewage sludge is often used as fertilizer within agriculture, the reduction of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Citalopram, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluvoxamine and Fluoxetine during composting has been investigated. Sewage sludge was spiked with the SSRIs before the composting experiment started, and the concentration of the SSRIs in the sludge during a 21 day composting period was measured by liquid phase microextraction (LPME) and high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. All the SSRIs had a significant decrease in concentration during the composting process. The highest reduction rates were measured for Fluoxetine and Paroxetine and the lowest for Citalopram. In addition three out of four known SSRI metabolites were found in all the samples, and two of them showed a significant increase in concentration during the composting period.     

瑞典中部梅拉伦湖早期富营养化的沉积物证据及重金属污染

梅拉伦湖是瑞典中部100多万居民的供水源和娱乐区,有重大的环境影响.为了建立评估目前的营养水平和重金属污染水平的背景资料,分析了取自湖泊的沉积岩心.从硅藻推断的湖水磷浓度表明,20世纪前南比约克盆地(梅拉伦湖东部的一个盆地)中的营养物水平比以前假定的(约6ugTP/L)要高(10～20μgTP/L).从3个盆地(南比约克盆地、伊斯塞尔盆地以及艾斯雪盆地)获得的稳定性同位素和铅浓度分析结果表明,19世纪以及早些时候由于汇水盆地广泛开展的金属生产和加工,特别是在贝里斯拉根地区,使得该湖泊受到污染.在20世纪关闭了采矿和金属工厂之后该湖泊的铅污染形势有了相当大的好转过去的采矿业所造成的铅污染比20世纪末汽车尾气排放、矿石然料燃烧以及现代生产所造成的污染要严重.     

The IPPC directive and technique qualification at offshore oil and gas installations

The Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC 2008/1/EC) directive emphasises the use of a permit system to protect the environment as a whole from unwanted emissions in the specified industrial activities. The directive advocates the implementation of Best Available Techniques (BAT). Today, it is essential to select appropriate techniques, especially when an operating company is functioning in an environmentally sensitive area. On these grounds, companies encounter challenges to fulfill the IPPC guidelines as well as to qualify techniques for a specific purpose. The situation is challenging when applying new techniques or in the case of where a technique is considered new. However, technique qualification provides the evidence that BATs function within specific limits for an intended use whilst delivering an acceptable level of confidence. This paper explains how the concept of the Best Qualified Techniques (BQTs) is implemented using BAT approach. It also discusses a framework for broadening the BAT concept to include BQTs, drawing upon case studies of the offshore oil and gas industry.     

教育性建筑物中的能源效率设计和可再生能源的利用:MEDUCA项目

MEDUCA(教育性建筑模式)项目包括7个国家的8个示范项目.这些项目分布在挪威的格龙(65°);瑞典的哥德堡(58°N);瑞典的Falkenberg(57°N);丹麦的巴勒鲁普(56°N);德国的新明斯特(54°N);西班牙的阿尔梅里亚(36°50'N);意大利的Bagheria(38°N);和希腊的Legraina(38°N).     

Implications of climate and land-use change for landscape processes,biodiversity, ecosystem services,and governance

This introduction to the Special Issue summarizes the results of 14 scientific articles from the interdisciplinary research program Ekoklim at Stockholm University, Sweden. In this program, we investigate effects of changing climate and land use on landscape processes, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, and analyze issues related to adaptive governance in the face of climate and land-use change. We not only have a research focus on the 22 650 km² Norrström catchment surrounding lake Mälaren in south-central Sweden, but we also conduct research in other Swedish regions. The articles presented here show complex interactions between multiple drivers of change, as well as feedback processes at different spatiotemporal scales. Thus, the Ekoklim program highlights and deals with issues relevant for the future challenges society will face when land-use change interacts with climate change.     

Regulating BFRs--from science to policy

An adequate distribution of responsibilities between scientists and policy-makers requires that a distinction be made between theoretical rationality (what to believe) and practical rationality (what to do). In chemical risk management, it is often necessary to base decisions on indications of risk that do not amount to full scientific proof. Guidelines are offered for how this can be done without infringing upon the integrity of science. Furthermore, it is shown that the application of standard decision theory to chemical risks yields conclusions very much in agreement with the precautionary principle.