Medaka (Oryzias latipes) for use in evaluating developmental effects of endocrine active chemicals with special reference to gonadal intersex (testis-ova).

Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) has been widely used for the evaluation of the toxicity of endocrine active chemicals (EACs) and other chemicals as well as for monitoring the adverse effects of effluent discharges in relation to sexual development and function. It is useful for these evaluations for many reasons including the following: 1) it has a short life cycle facilitating studies extending over long phases of development and over multigenerations, 2) it is easy to rear, 3) male and female phenotypes can easily be distinguished on the basis of secondary sex characteristics, and 4) a genetic marker (DMY) is available for identifying the true genotypic sex. Several biomarkers have been found to be useful for identifying the effects of exposure to estrogenic and androgenic chemicals in medaka and they include increased levels of hepatic vitellogenin (VTG) and testis-ova induction in males for exposure to estrogenic chemicals, and decreased levels of hepatic VTG in females and an altered morphology of dorsal and anal fins and formation of papillae for androgenic chemicals. In this paper, we present a critical analysis of the use of medaka as a test species for studies of endocrine disruption and report on the use of sex-related genetic markers and alterations in gonadal development, including the induction of testis-ova formation, for assessing the disruptive effects of EACs. In this paper, we focus on some of the more recent studies and findings.     

Colony choice in birds: models based on temporally invariant site quality

We propose two stochastic models to explain how birds choose colonies. In the resource choice model, birds settle at each site at a rate proportional to the total resources the site contains. In the reduced resource choice model, a smaller cohort of birds enters sites at a rate determined by the total resources at each, and the remaining individuals enter sites at a rate that is linearly proportional to the total number of birds already nesting at each site. Thus, a fraction of birds chooses sites based on the resources present, and the remainder are attracted to a site by the presence of other birds. Colony site quality is assumed not to vary between years. Both models result, on average, in an ideal free distribution of colony sizes if the birds' settlement rate is linearly related to the resources in a site, if resources are distributed equally among individuals within sites, and if individuals with equal resources have equal fitness. We applied these models to long-term data on colony sizes and site usage of cliff swallows in south-western Nebraska. A test of the resource choice model suggested that the swallow population as a whole did not choose sites based strictly on site quality or the total resources contained at each site. However, a test of the reduced resource choice model suggested that a smaller fraction of the individuals in each colony may have based their choice of site on local resource availability, with the remaining birds aggregating at those sites based on the number of birds already settled there. Tests of these models may provide insight into how individuals choose colony sites and why colonies vary in size.     

A MONTE CARLO TEST OF LOAD CALCULATION METHODS,LAKE TAHOE BASIN,CALIFORNIA‐NEVADA1

ABSTRACT: The sampling of streams and estimation of total loads of nitrogen, phosphorus, and suspended sediment play an important role in efforts to control the eutrophication of Lake Tahoe. We used a Monte Carlo procedure to test the precision and bias of four methods of calculating total constituent loads for nitrate‐nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, total phosphorus, and suspended sediment in one major tributary of the lake. The methods tested were two forms of the Beale's Ratio Estimator, the Period Weighted Sample, and the Rating Curve. Intensive sampling in 1985 (a dry year) and 1986 (a wet year) provided a basis for estimating loads by the “worked record” method for comparison with estimates based on resampling actual data at the lower intensity that characterizes the present monitoring program. The results show that: (1) the Period Weighted Sample method was superior to the other methods for all constituents for 1985; and (2) for total phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, and suspended sediment, the Rating Curve gave the best results in 1986. Modification of the present sampling program and load calculation methods may be necessary to improve the precision and reduce the bias of estimates of total phosphorus loads in basin streams.     

Looking beyond the flowers: associations of stingless bees with sap-sucking insects

The study addresses in vitro degradation potential of airborne Aspergillus and Penicillium/Talarmyces species originating from cultural heritage conservation premises. A series of rapid, cost effective biodegradation assays were performed to assess production of extracellular pigments, acids, and enzymes. Most of the isolates have demonstrated positive growth in at least one of the preformed tests. Strongest overall degradation potential was demonstrated for Penicillium brevicompactum, P. glabrum, and Talaromyces sayulitensis while Aspergillus domesticus, A. penicillioides, A. pseudoglaucus, and A. ruber did not exhibit positive reaction in any of the employed assays. Majority of isolates exhibited proteolytic and cellulolytic activity while carbonate dissolution was observed for only five tested fungi. Highest alteration of pH value in liquid media was documented for T. sayulitensis while A. niger and P. expansum exhibited strongest acid production on CREA. Certain isolates, mostly Penicillium species, displayed production of extracellular pigments. The results imply that many of the tested fungi have significant biodegradation capacity, indicating their potential to inflict structural and esthetic alterations on cultural heritage objects.

     

Fe/La定向修饰凹凸棒土稻壳基颗粒成型生物炭：磷酸盐吸附行为与机制

本研究合成一种新型除磷载Fe/La定向修饰凹凸棒土稻壳基颗粒成型生物炭吸附材料（Fe-La/AC）,考察了材料表面特性、Fe/La投加量、热解温度、保温时间以及凹凸棒土投加量等对磷素吸附影响规律. Fe/La最佳投加量为2：2 mmol,AT添加量为30%,热解温度为350 ℃,热解时间2 h,制备的Fe-La/AC对磷酸根的最大吸附量可以达到47.62 mg·g^-1（以磷计）. 傅里叶红外光谱分析表明Fe、La主要以铁镧氧化物及铁镧水合氯化物的形式存在于炭材料表面,Fe和La提供了磷酸盐吸附的活性中心. 该材料吸附动力学过程符合准二级动力学模型,吸附等温线拟合分析Langmiur模型更适于描述Fe-La/AC对磷酸盐的吸附过程,表明吸附动力学主要受化学作用控制. 磷酸盐吸附机制主要涉及静电吸引、配体交换和内层络合作用. 本研究制备的Fe-La/AC颗粒成型生物炭,可作为低磷浓度废水处理及水体富营养化调控的一种高效除磷吸附剂,具有较大的实际应用前景.     

Building safety in humanitarian programmes that support post-disaster shelter self-recovery: an evidence review

The humanitarian sector is increasingly aware of the role that good quality evidence plays in the underpinning of effective and accountable practice. This review addresses the need for reliable evidence by evaluating current knowledge about the intersection of two key outcome targets of post-disaster shelter response: supporting shelter self-recovery and building back safer. Evidence about post-disaster shelter programmes that aim to improve hazard resistance while supporting shelter self-recovery has been systematically analysed and evaluated. Technical support, especially training in safer construction techniques, was found to be a central programme feature, but the impact of this and other programme attributes on building safety was largely not ascertainable. Programme reports and studies lack sufficient detail, especially on the hazard resistance of repaired houses. Accounts of shelter programmes need to include more reliable reporting of key activities and assessment of outcomes, in order to contribute to the growing evidence base in this field.     

Utilization of Broken Rice for the Production of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)

The feasibility of utilizing non edible rice (broken rice) for production of fine materials such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) was considered as one of the alternative ways of keeping the environment clean for sustainable development. Thus, production of PHB from broken rice by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) was investigated. During the SSF process, the rice (15% w/v) material was hydrolyzed to glucose, which was utilized by Cupriavidus necator for growth and production of PHB. The PHB content reached 38% at 58 h fermentation. The PHB had weight average molar mass (Mw) and polydipersity index of 3.82 × 10⁵ (g/mol) and 4.15, respectively. Differential calorimetric scan of the PHB showed a melting temperature (Tm) of 176 °C. Given that the PHB was a homopolymer (which consisted of (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid monomers), it was thought that broken rice could be a raw material for production of both PHB and (R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid. This SSF process would not only help in the utilization of broken rice or non edible rice, but would also serve as a model for utilization of other raw materials that contain starch for production of PHB.     

Evaluation of Quicklime Incorporation in Bench-Scale and Full-Scale Lime Stabilized Biosolids Using a Flat Surface pH Electrode

Abstract

Uniform lime incorporation into sewage sludge is critical for biosolid lime stabilization processes. There is no class B biosolids regulation for lime incorporation. The slurry method is currently used to evaluate the pH of limed biosolids, but this method homogenizes the biosolids and potentially masks poor lime mixing. In this study, a flat-surface pH electrode was used in bench-scale and full-scale experiments to measure the pH of lime-stabilized biosolids without creating slurries. The standard deviation of 15 pH measurements at different locations in a biosolid sample was used to assess mixing quality. The bench-scale experimental study showed that well-mixed limed biosolids had consistently high pHs (~12) with low standard deviations (<0.5 pH units), whereas poorly mixed biosolids had areas with low pH (<10) and high standard deviations (>2 pH units). Poorly mixed biosolids exhibited rapid and marked pH reduction, as well as offensive odor generation, whereas well-mixed biosolids resisted pH reduction and offensive odor generation. The full-scale study aimed at improving lime incorporation and biosolids quality confirmed the use of a flat surface pH electrode to capture low pH regions in biosolids that were masked by the current slurry method.     

PFAS Experts Symposium: Statements on regulatory policy,chemistry and analytics,toxicology, transport/fate,and remediation for per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination issues

Sixty leading members of the scientific, engineering, regulatory, and legal communities assembled for the PFAS Experts Symposium in Arlington, Virginia on May 20 and 21, 2019 to discuss issues related to per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) based on the quickly evolving developments of PFAS regulations, chemistry and analytics, transport and fate concepts, toxicology, and remediation technologies.  The Symposium created a venue for experts with various specialized skills to provide opinions and trade perspectives on existing and new approaches to PFAS assessment and remediation in light of lessons learned managing other contaminants encountered over the past four decades. The following summarizes several consensus points developed as an outcome of the Symposium:

• Regulatory and policy issues: The response by many states and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to media exposure and public pressure related to PFAS contamination is to relatively quickly initiate programs to regulate PFAS sites. This includes the USEPA establishing relatively low lifetime health advisory levels for PFAS in drinking water and even more stringent guidance and standards in several states. In addition, if PFAS are designated as hazardous substances at the federal level, as proposed by several Congressional bills, there could be wide‐reaching effects including listing of new Superfund sites solely for PFAS, application of stringent state standards, additional characterization and remediation at existing sites, reopening of closed sites, and cost renegotiation among PRPs.
• Chemistry and analytics: PFAS analysis is confounded by the lack of regulatory‐approved methods for most PFAS in water and all PFAS in solid media and air, interference with current water‐based analytical methods if samples contain high levels of suspended solids, and sample collection and analytical interference due to the presence of PFAS in common consumer products, sampling equipment, and laboratory materials.
• Toxicology and risk: Uncertainties remain related to human health and ecological effects for most PFAS; however, regulatory standards and guidance are being established incorporating safety factors that result in part per trillion (ppt) cleanup objectives. Given the thousands of PFAS that may be present in the environment, a more appropriate paradigm may be to develop toxicity criteria for groups of PFAS rather than individual PFAS.
• Transport and fate: The recalcitrance of many perfluoroalkyl compounds and the capability of some fluorotelomers to transform into perfluoroalkyl compounds complicate conceptual site models at many PFAS sites, particularly those involving complex mixtures, such as firefighting foams. Research is warranted to better understand the physicochemical properties and corresponding transport and fate of most PFAS, of branched and linear isomers of the same compounds, and of the interactions of PFAS with other co‐contaminants such as nonaqueous phase liquids. Many PFAS exhibit complex transport mechanisms, particularly at the air/water interface, and it is uncertain whether traditional transport principles apply to the ppt levels important to PFAS projects. Existing analytical methods are sufficient when combined with the many advances in site characterization techniques to move rapidly forward at selected sites to develop and test process‐based conceptual site models.
• Existing remediation technologies and research: Current technologies largely focus on separation (sorption, ion exchange, or sequestration). Due to diversity in PFAS properties, effective treatment will likely require treatment trains. Monitored natural attenuation will not likely involve destructive reactions, but be driven by processes such as matrix diffusion, sorption, dispersion, and dilution.

The consensus message from the Symposium participants is that PFAS present far more complex challenges to the environmental community than prior contaminants. This is because, in contrast to chlorinated solvents, PFAS are severely complicated by their mobility, persistence, toxicological uncertainties, and technical obstacles to remediation—all under the backdrop of stringent regulatory and policy developments that vary by state and will be further driven by USEPA. Concern was expressed about the time, expense, and complexity required to remediate PFAS sites and whether the challenges of PFAS warrant alternative approaches to site cleanups, including the notion that adaptive management and technical impracticability waivers may be warranted at sites with expansive PFAS plumes. A paradigm shift towards receptor protection rather than broad scale groundwater/aquifer remediation may be appropriate.     

Preceding cultivation of grain legumes increases cereal yields under low nitrogen input conditions

Environmental Chemistry Letters - The European Union (EU) has advised to increase the production of grain legumes, both to reduce EU dependency on soybean imports from the Americas and to reduce...