A review of vulnerability indicators for deltaic social–ecological systems

The sustainability of deltas worldwide is under threat due to the consequences of global environmental change (including climate change) and human interventions in deltaic landscapes. Understanding these systems is becoming increasingly important to assess threats to and opportunities for long-term sustainable development. Here, we propose a simplified, yet inclusive social–ecological system (SES)-centered risk and vulnerability framework and a list of indicators proven to be useful in past delta assessments. In total, 236 indicators were identified through a structured review of peer-reviewed literature performed for three globally relevant deltas—the Mekong, the Ganges–Brahmaputra–Meghna and the Amazon. These are meant to serve as a preliminary “library” of potential indicators to be used for future vulnerability assessments. Based on the reviewed studies, we identified disparities in the availability of indicators to populate some of the vulnerability domains of the proposed framework, as comprehensive social–ecological assessments were seldom implemented in the past. Even in assessments explicitly aiming to capture both the social and the ecological system, there were many more indicators for social susceptibility and coping/adaptive capacities as compared to those relevant for characterizing ecosystem susceptibility or robustness. Moreover, there is a lack of multi-hazard approaches accounting for the specific vulnerability profile of sub-delta areas. We advocate for more comprehensive, truly social–ecological assessments which respond to multi-hazard settings and recognize within-delta differences in vulnerability and risk. Such assessments could make use of the proposed framework and list of indicators as a starting point and amend it with new indicators that would allow capturing the complexity as well as the multi-hazard exposure in a typical delta SES.     

Lessons from Integrating Fishers of Arapaima in Small-Scale Fisheries Management at the Mamirauá Reserve,Amazon

Fishers and small-scale fisheries worldwide have been marginalized historically. Now it is clear that integrating fishers in management processes is key to resource conservation, but it is less clear how to do it. Here, based on a literature review and new information, we present and analyze a case in which the participation of fishers in the management process was crucial in recovering an overexploited small-scale fishery for the pirarucu (Arapaima spp.) in the Amazon Basin, Brazil. In 8 years of experimental management, from 1999 to 2006, the population of pirarucu increased 9-fold (from about 2200 to 20,650 individuals), harvest quotas increased 10-fold (from 120 to 1249 individuals), and fishers’ participation in the management process increased and they benefited from increased monetary returns. Additionally, the number of communities conducting the management scheme increased from 4 in 1999 to 108 in 2006, following the demands of fishers and regional government agencies. Based on our analysis, we suggest that the participation of fishers in the management of other small-scale fisheries in the world can be improved by focusing on (1) applying the knowledge and skills of fishers in resource monitoring and management, (2) bridging knowledge systems among all involved stakeholders, (3) collaborating with fishers that are interested in, and capable of conducting, resource conservation schemes, and (4) conducting management under conditions of uncertainty.     

Effects of Fireplace Use on Forest Vegetation and Amount of Woody Debris in Suburban Forests in Northwestern Switzerland

Urban forests are popular recreation areas in Europe. Several of these temperate broad-leaved forests also have a high conservation value due to sustainable management over many centuries. Recreational activities, particularly the use of fireplaces, can cause extensive damage to soil, ground vegetation, shrubs, and trees. Firewood collection depletes woody debris, leading to a loss of habitat for specialized organisms. We examined the effects of fireplace use on forest vegetation and the amount of woody debris by comparing disturbed and control plots in suburban forests in northwestern Switzerland. At frequently used fireplaces, we found reduced species densities in the ground vegetation and shrub layer and changes in plant species composition due to human trampling within an area of 150–200 m². Picnicking and grilling also reduced the height and changed the age structure of shrubs and young trees. The amount of woody debris was lower in disturbed plots than in control plots. Pieces of wood with a diameter of 0.6–7.6 cm were preferentially collected by fireplace users. The reduction in woody debris volume extended up to a distance of 16 m from the fire ring, covering an area of 800 m² at each picnic site. In order to preserve the ecological integrity of urban forests and to maintain their attractiveness as important recreation areas, we suggest depositing logging residues to be used as firewood and to restrict visitor movements near picnic sites.     

Characterising the landscape of state environmental review policies and procedures in the United States: a national assessment

Following the intent of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, many states have adopted policies and procedures directing state agencies and local government units to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of development projects prior to their undertaking. In contrast to a rich literature on federal requirements, current understanding of state environmental review is narrowly focused and outdated. This paper seeks to provide information on the landscape of state environmental review policy frameworks. The paper identifies 37 states with formal environmental review requirements through a document review of state statutes, administrative rules and agency-prepared materials, and confirms this finding through a survey of state administrators. A two-tier classification is used to distinguish states based on the approach taken to address environmental review needs and the scope and depth of relevant policies and procedures implemented. This paper also provides a discussion of policy and programme attributes that may contribute to effective practice, and of the potential for adopting relevant legislation in states where environmental review is currently lacking.     

Review of Agri-Environment Indexes and Stewardship Payments

Agri-environment programs aim to secure environmental and social stewardship services through payments to farmers. A critical component of many agri-environment programs is an agri-environment index (AEI) used to quantify benefits and target investments. An AEI will typically comprise multiple indicators, which are weighted and combined using a utility function, to measure the benefit of investment options (e.g., projects, farms, regions). This article presents a review of AEIs with 11 case studies from agri-environment programs in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. We identify a generic procedure used to define AEIs and explore the implications of alternative methodological approaches. We conclude that AEIs have become an extremely important policy instrument and make suggestions for their improvement.     

CAST工艺处理低C/N生活污水的强化脱氮性能

研究了不同运行条件对CAST工艺处理低C/N实际生活污水脱氮性能的影响,并对pH值和ORP的变化规律进行了分析。结果表明,传统4 h运行模式下,提高原水C/N比,TN去除效果并无显著提高;对于低C/N生活污水,降低充水比有利于提高出水TN去除率,然而,充水比降至16%时,系统因低负荷运行发生污泥膨胀。在不投加外碳源的情况下,采用分段进水交替A/O运行模式可大幅改善系统脱氮性能,且TN去除率随着交替次数的增多而提高,交替4次平均去除率达87.23%。系统采用实时控制方式运行时,可根据有机物降解、氨氧化及反硝化时pH值和ORP曲线上是否出现拐点,来判断反应系统的曝气以及搅拌时间是否过长、适当或不足。     

复合沸石滤床修复北方景观水体的实验研究

以天然矿物质沸石、细砂及煤渣取代传统滤料构建复合基质生态床,表面种植景观植物,采用下向流-上向流运行方式修复北方景观水体。分别进行静态实验及不同循环速率下的动态实验,考察对水体污染物去除过程。结果表明,2种运行方式下对水体NH⁺₄-N去除率都在85%以上,其中以1 h为循环周期的运行方式去除率达97%,较静态提高12.8%;TN去除率最高为84%;TP去除不稳定,过程缓慢。煤渣层对NH⁺₄-N的去除效果差,硝化作用不彻底与反硝化作用的加强使下层出水NH⁺₄-N 、NO^-₂-N及NO^-₃-N浓度均高于上层。提高循环速率有利于对氮的去除。     

表面活性剂清洗处理重度石油污染土壤

为了优化表面活性剂清洗处理重度石油污染土壤的方法和具体洗脱条件参数,采集山东省东营市胜利油田污染土壤,研究了阴离子-非离子混合表面活性剂对该土壤中石油类污染物的去除效果。应用化学热洗原理,主要考查了表面活性剂配比、投加量、清洗温度及清洗助剂对去除效果的影响。实验得到的清洗处理最佳条件为：使用LAS与TX-100质量比为8∶2的组合表面活性剂,总表面活性剂浓度为3 g/L,助剂硅酸钠浓度为5 g/L,75℃条件下搅拌1 h。清洗后土壤含油量从20%下降到4.6%,去除率达到76.9%。废水回用实验表明,清洗处理的废水对土壤中石油烃类物质仍有一定的去除效果。废水回用比从30%到100%时,对土壤中石油烃的去除率都可达到55%以上。对废水进行二次回用时仍能去除18.8%的污染物。     

赭石对模拟重金属废水的吸附效果研究

采用模拟重金属废水的正交试验设计,进行赭石对模拟重金属废水的吸附效果研究,探讨pH、赭石加入量和振荡时间等影响因素对吸附效果的影响。结果表明,在一定pH、赭石加入量和振荡时间条件下,赭石对6种重金属（Pb、Cd、Mn、Zn、Cr和Ni）均有较好吸附效果,对Pb、Cd、Mn、Zn和Cr的最大吸附率可达100%,对Ni的吸附率达8963%。处理后废水中重金属达到污水排放标准。各影响因素对Mn、Zn和Cr吸附效率的影响大小表现为：pH＞赭石加入量＞振荡时间,Ni和Cd表现为：赭石加入量＞pH＞振荡时间,Pb表现为：pH＞振荡时间＞赭石加入量。赭石对废水中重金属吸附的最佳条件为赭石加入量40 g/L,pH 10～10.5,振荡时间2 h。     

利用UVC去除低浓度苯的实验研究

探讨了不同实验参数对苯的UVC去除效果的影响,获得了苯的去除率与苯的初始浓度、气体流量、相对湿度和氧气含量等参数之间的关系。数据表明,在实验条件范围内,苯的去除率的倒数与苯初始浓度、气体流量之间为线性关系;苯的去除率随相对湿度的增加呈现先升高后缓慢降低的关系,最佳相对湿度值在30%～50%之间;苯的去除率随氧气量的增加而缓慢增加;波长为185+254 nm的UV与254 nm的UV相比净化效果更为理想。还分析了苯降解产生的中间产物,探讨了苯的降解机理。