BIOAMBIENT.ES study protocol: rationale and design of a cross-sectional human biomonitoring survey in Spain

Human biomonitoring (HBM), defined as the measurement of concentrations of chemicals or of their metabolites in human biological matrices, is considered the method of choice for determining internal exposures in individuals. HBM is part of environmental exposure surveillance systems in several countries. In 2007, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment promoted BIOAMBIENT.ES project, a national-level HBM study on environmental pollutants carried out in Spain to estimate levels of heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and other substances on the Spanish active workforce. BIOAMBIENT.ES is a nationwide cross-sectional study, with a stratified cluster sampling designed to cover all geographical areas, sex and occupational sectors, and aimed to obtain a representative sample of the Spanish workforce. Participants were recruited among people residing in Spain for 5 years or more, which underwent their annual occupational medical check-up in the health facilities of the Societies for Prevention of IBERMUTUAMUR, MUTUALIA, MC-PREVENCIÓN, MUGATRA, UNIMAT PREVENCIÓN, and PREVIMAC (March 2009–July 2010). A total of 1,892 subjects fulfilled the criteria for inclusion, donated biological samples (1,880 blood, 1,770 urine, and 577 hair) and completed a short self-administrated epidemiological questionnaire on environmental and lifestyle-related exposures. Additionally, clinical information from participant’s health exams was obtained. This project will provide a first overview of the body burden of selected pollutants in a representative sample of the Spanish-occupied population. This information will be useful to establish reference values of the studied population and, eventually, to evaluate temporal trends and the effectiveness of environmental and health policies.     

Characterization of Products from Fluidized-Bed Combustion of Coal

ABSTRACT

The technology of fluidized-bed combustion (FBC) of coal generates byproducts that have a series of unique characteristics and potential uses in technological practice. In this study, the products of fluidized-bed combustion (FBC-P) of coal derived from Moravian heat stations, a.s. Zlin, Cinergy Global Resources, Czech Republic, were characterized. Particular attention was paid to determining the chemical composition of FBC-P, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and toxic metals in the water leachates of these FBC-P, the content of unburned carbon, the capability of FBC-P to solidify with water and form a solid matrix, and the method for discovering optimum mixing water content for FBC-P solidification. The results suggest that one of the qualitatively more important means of utilizing FBC-P could be their application during solidification/stabilization (S/S) of wastes, particularly wastewa-ter treatment sludges.     

Structural alterations in rabbit spleen after bendiocarb administration

The histological structure of rabbit spleen after bendiocarb administration was studied. Bendiocarb was perorally administered for 30 days. At day 10, 20 and 30 morphometric analysis was realized. Quantitative evaluation showed that in the control group the relative spleen volume of white pulp ranged from 35.03 ± 10.94 % and the relative volume of red pulp 64.97 ± 10.94 %. In all experimental groups were detected significantly higher relative volume of red pulp and the lower relative volume of white pulp, except on day 30. The experimental groups showed a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes in comparison with the control group. On day 10 we observed a significant increase in diameter of investigated lymphocytes. The results of our study determined structural alterations in spleen structure after bendiocarb administration, which probably causes alteration in the immune system.     

Photocatalytic oxidation of organic pollutants on titania-clay composites

TiO2/Ca-montmorillonite composites were prepared by wet grinding in an agate mill. Positively charged TiO2 nanoparticles are bound to the surface of the negatively charged montmorillonite layers via heterocoagulation; the clay mineral is used as adsorbent and support for the photooxidation process. Aquatic solution of 0.5mM phenol was degraded by irradiation with UV-VIS light (lambda=250-440 and 540-590 nm) in suspensions of TiO2-clay composites and significant photodegradation was observed at 40-60% TiO2/Ca-montmorillonite compositions. Synergistic effect was detected at solid/liquid interface for degradation of phenol and at solid/gas interface in the recycling flow reactors for photooxidation of ethanol and toluene vapors.     

Integrated environmental assessment methods: Evolution and applications

The central objectives of the European Forum on Integrated Environmental Assessment (EFIEA) include improving the scientific quality of Integrated Environmental Assessments (IEA) as well as strengthening the interactions between science and policy making in environmental matters. This paper is intended to provide a concise assessment of the evolution of IEA methods and present it as a background to current thinking on and practice in IEA. Historical roots of IEA concepts and applications are explored. Common elements and distinctive features in recent proposals to define IEA are sorted and a liberal definition is proposed for the purposes of the present methodological study. This definition emphasizes the interdisciplinary character and environmental policy orientation of IEAs. Changes in the nature, social perception, and management of environmental problems are identified as the major factors driving methodological development in IEAs. A simple scheme is proposed to arrange the main elements of IEA: disciplinary tools, integration tools, and assessment frameworks. The role of IEAs in environmental management is examined by adopting the concept of risk management functions. Due to the varying needs for interdisciplinary research and diverging degrees of policy involvement across those functions, the potential contribution of IEAs to activities belonging to different functions also varies. The flexibility and diversity of IEAs are demonstrated by a sampler of frameworks that have been developed to address profoundly different problems and audiences. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Root penetration of sealing layers made of fly ash and sewage sludge

Fly ash and sewage sludge are suggested materials for constructing sealing layers covering mine tailings impoundments. Little is known, however, of their effect on vegetation or resistance to root penetration. We investigate: (i) the ability of different plant species to grow in sealing layers comprising fly ash and sewage sludge, (ii) the impact on plant growth of freshly hardened fly ash compared to aged and leached ash, and (iii) the plant stress response to fly ashes of different properties. A 6-mo greenhouse study using birch (Betula pendula Roth.), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and willow (Salix viminalis L.) demonstrated that no roots could grow into a compacted layer consisting only of ash, while a 6:4, ash-sludge mixture admitted roots into the upper part and a 1:9, ash-sludge mixture was totally penetrated (to 15 cm in depth) by roots of willow and Scots pine. Freshly hardened ash prevented root growth more effectively than aged ash did, as was observed in tests using reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). Furthermore, extracts of highly alkaline ash were more toxic to pea in a 48-h toxicity test than less alkaline ash was. However, stress responses to diluted ash extracts of lower pH, measured as enzyme capacities in dwarf bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), were more related to the metal and ion contents. Root penetration of sealing layers is most effectively prevented if little sewage sludge is added, and if ash of high alkalinity is chosen.     

Prediction of lichen diversity in an UNESCO biosphere reserve – correlation of high resolution remote sensing data with field samples

The present study focuses on developing models to predict lichen species richness in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of the Swiss Pre-Alps following a gradient of land-use intensity combining remote sensing data and regression models. The predictive power of the models and the obtained r ranging from 0.5 for lichens on soil to 0.8 for lichens on trees can be regarded as satisfactory to good, respectively. The study revealed that a combination of airborne and spaceborne remote sensing data produced a variety of ecological meaningful variables.     

Ammonia Monitoring in Switzerland with Passive Samplers: Patterns, Determinants and Comparison with Modelled Concentrations

Gaseous ammonia (NH3) is an important form of N deposition to ecosystems, but it is not being routinely monitored in Switzerland. Therefore, a study was conducted to estimate annual means and seasonal patterns of NH3 concentrations for different site types in Switzerland, and to compare annual measured and modelled NH3 concentrations. NH3 concentrations were measured using the 'Zürcher' passive sampler, a Palmes type sampler with an acidic solution as absorbent. Twenty-four sampling sites were run for one year, and 17 for two years. The samplers were changed fortnightly or monthly. Spatial emission patterns were mapped by combining information on (1) the location of emission sources, (2) national statistics on NH3-emitting activities and (3) activity-specific emission factors. The spatial resolution was one hectare. The mean annual NH3 concentration in the ambient air of the 41 sites was 2.5+/-0.3 microg m(-3) (mean+/-standard error). It ranged from 0.4 to 7.5 microg m(-3). The site type and the season were the most important factors explaining the variation in the seasonal mean concentration. NH3 concentrations were highest in intensively used agricultural areas and in cities, and lowest in Alpine sites remote from emission sources. At 39 out of 41 sites, the NH3 concentrations were higher in summer (3.1+/-0.3 microg m(-3)) than in winter (2.0+/-0.3 microg m(-3)). Modelled NH3 concentrations did not systematically deviate from measured concentrations (r2 = 0.69). With the combined monitoring and modelling approach, it is now possible to obtain a reasonable and consolidated picture of the overall NH3 situation in Switzerland.     

Cross-sex genetic correlation does not extend to sexual size dimorphism in spiders

Males and females are often subjected to different selection pressures for homologous traits, resulting in sex-specific optima. Because organismal attributes usually share their genetic architectures, sex-specific selection may lead to intralocus sexual conflict. Evolution of sexual dimorphism may resolve this conflict, depending on the degree of cross-sex genetic correlation (r _MF) and the strength of sex-specific selection. In theory, high r _MF implies that sexes largely share the genetic base for a given trait and are consequently sexually monomorphic, while low r _MF indicates a sex-specific genetic base and sexual dimorphism. Here, we broadly test this hypothesis on three spider species with varying degrees of female-biased sexual size dimorphism, Larinioides sclopetarius (sexual dimorphism index, SDI?=?0.85), Nuctenea umbratica (SDI?=?0.60), and Zygiella x-notata (SDI?=?0.46). We assess r _MF via same-sex and opposite-sex heritability estimates. We find moderate body mass heritability but no obvious patterns in sex-specific heritability. Against the prediction, the degree of sexual size dimorphism is unrelated to the relative strength of same-sex versus opposite-sex heritability. Our results do not support the hypothesis that sexual size dimorphism is negatively associated with r _MF. We conclude that sex-specific genetic architecture may not be necessary for the evolution of a sexually dimorphic trait.     

The Use of Local Sustainability Indicators: case studies in two Swedish municipalities1

This article contributes to the debate on the role of local sustainability indicators in ongoing democratisation efforts. We examine the extent to which five different systems of local sustainability indicators within two Swedish municipalities—Stockholm and Sundsvall—are either expert or citizen oriented, and relate these findings to the indicator systems' profile, function and political/ administrative context. Even though three of the indicator systems can be classified as citizen oriented, there are few signs of true engagement and dialogue with the citizens over a longer period of time. The remaining two indicator systems are expert oriented with an environmental focus. Hence, we conclude that the systems in use are largely symbolic responses to the demands for democracy within the agenda for sustainable development albeit attempts to include environmental, economic, social and democratic perspectives of sustainability. Despite the fact that Stockholm and Sundsvall show differences in governing styles in their approaches to sustainability indicators it seems difficult for both municipalities to put sustainable development into practice in terms of citizen participation.