An Ecological Integrity Index for Littoral Wetlands in Agricultural Catchments of Semiarid Mediterranean Regions

The main goal of the present study was to develop an ecological integrity index for littoral wetland management and conservation in semiarid Mediterranean areas that have been highly impacted by agriculture, including the selection of pressure and state indicators at landscape and wetlands scales that reflect the status, condition, and trends of wetlands ecosystems. We used a causality framework based on the relationship between pressure of anthropogenic activities and the ecological state of wetlands and their catchments, integrating environmental, biologic, economic, and social issues. From the application of 51 indicators in 7 littoral wetlands in the southeastern Iberian Peninsula, we selected 12 indicators (5 at catchment scale and 7 at wetland scale) to constitute the ecological integrity index proposed. The potential nitrogen export per area at catchment scale and the potential relative nitrogen export from the area surrounding the wetlands were the best pressure single predictors of state indicators with a causal relationship with environmental meaning. Wetlands in catchments with more agriculture had less ecological integrity than those in less impacted areas. A wide riparian zone in some wetlands acts as a buffer area, diminishing the effects of intensive agriculture. The index of ecological integrity developed here has a number of essential characteristics that make it a useful tool for ecosystem managers and decision-makers. The index can be used to (1) assess and control ecological integrity, (2) diagnose probable causes of ecological impairment, (3) establish criteria for protecting and restoring wetland ecosystems, and (4) integrate catchment management. Published online     

Vitellogenin induction in Cyprinus carpio treated with 17beta-estradiol and 4-nonylphenol

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate induction ofvitellogenin in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as abiomarker for monitoring freshwater ecosystems. Sexually undifferentiated specimens of common carp were treated experimentally with 17-estradiol and increasing doses of 4-nonylphenol and levels of plasma Vtg were measured in orderto: 1) validate an ELISA assay for plasma Vtg in the common carpusing the polyclonal rabbit anti-salmon Vtg antibody AA1 (Biosense, Norway); 2) check the sensitivity of carp juvenilesin producing Vtg in response to estrogen stimulation. The grouptreated with 17-estradiol showed high induction (156%)with respect to controls, also groups treated with 4-nonylphenolshowed induction of Vtg. The group treated with 100 mg kg^-1b.wt showed an induction of 61%. A statistically significantcorrelation was found between dose and response. This preliminary study demonstrate a response to the ELISA assay for Vtg in the common carp using rabbit anti-salmon antibody AA1. With further evidence the tested biomarker might be proposed for large scale monitoring of estrogenic effects caused by pollution in urban and industrial effluents.     

São Paulo Aerosol Characterization Study

Abstract

The São Paulo Metropolitan area (SPMA) is characterized as having one of the worst air pollution problems in Brazil,with frequent violations of air quality standards for particulate matter. This paper presents the results of a eceptor model source apportionment study carried out to develop a quantitative database on which a control strategy could be developed. The study was conducted in four sites with distinct land uses. Fine, coarse (CP), and total suspended particles (TSP) samples were collected on Teflon and glass filters and analyzed by x-ray fluorescence XRF), ion chromatography, and thermal evolution. The sources were characterized by similar methodology. Chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor modeling indicated that carbonaceous material plays an important role in the aerosol composition; that the three major source categories contributing to the fine particles are vehicles, secondary carbon, and sulfates; and that the main contributors to CP and TSP are road dust and vehicles. All sampling sites presented the same general pattern in terms of source contribution, although this contribution varied from site to site.     

Partial neutralization of rain by seaspray: the case of Recôncavo, Bahia-Brazil

In the Recôncavo of Bahia (located between 12°33′ and 13°10′S and 38°00′and 39°00′W), there are significant discharges of SO₂ and NO_x due to local, industrial and urban activities. The incoming air masses from the Atlantic Ocean are enriched with seaspray, which neutralizes part of the rain acidity. The extent of seaspray neutralization of rain acidity was quantified in four sites of the region, each with different loads of seaspray. Rain samples were obtained daily at the same time, integrating the precipitation of the previous 24 h, using wet-only collectors and analyzed for pH by potentiometry and for sodium by flame photometry. The amount of rain acidity in Recôncavo neutralized by seaspray ranged from <1% up to 88% and depended on the site. On average, neutralization ranged from 5% to 18%.