Using variance components to estimate power in a hierarchically nested sampling design

We used variance components to assess allocation of sampling effort in a hierarchically nested sampling design for ongoing monitoring of early life history stages of the federally endangered Devils Hole pupfish (DHP) (Cyprinodon diabolis). Sampling design for larval DHP included surveys (5 days each spring 2007–2009), events, and plots. Each survey was comprised of three counting events, where DHP larvae on nine plots were counted plot by plot. Statistical analysis of larval abundance included three components: (1) evaluation of power from various sample size combinations, (2) comparison of power in fixed and random plot designs, and (3) assessment of yearly differences in the power of the survey. Results indicated that increasing the sample size at the lowest level of sampling represented the most realistic option to increase the survey’s power, fixed plot designs had greater power than random plot designs, and the power of the larval survey varied by year. This study provides an example of how monitoring efforts may benefit from coupling variance components estimation with power analysis to assess sampling design.     

Changes in the trade in native medicinal plants in Brazilian public markets

Plants continue to be an important source of new bioactive substances. Brazil is one of the world’s mega-diverse countries, with 20 % of the world’s flora. However, the accelerated destruction of botanically rich ecosystems has contributed to a gradual loss of native medicinal species. In previous study, we have observed a fast and intensive change in trade of medicinal plants in an area of Amazon, where human occupation took place. In this study, we surveyed 15 public markets in different parts of Brazil in search of samples of 40 plants used in traditional medicine and present in first edition of Brazilian Official Pharmacopoeia (FBRAS), published in 1926. Samples of plants commercialized as the same vernacular name as in Pharmacopoeia were acquired and submitted to analysis for authentication. A total of 252 plant samples were purchased, but the laboratory analyses showed that only one-half of the samples (126, 50.2 %) were confirmed as the same plant species so named in FBRAS. The high number of unauthenticated samples demonstrates a loss of knowledge of the original native species. The proximity of the market from areas in which the plant occurs does not guarantee that trade of false samples occurs. The impact of the commerce of the substitute species on their conservation and in public health is worrying. Strategies are necessary to promote the better use and conservation of this rich heritage offered by Brazilian biodiversity.     

Altered growth and enzyme expression profile of ZnO nanoparticles exposed non-target environmentally beneficial bacteria

The extensive production and usage of nanoparticles with ultimate disposal in the environment leads to unintentional exposure of non-target environmentally beneficial bacteria thereby posing a serious threat to the native soil inhabitants. Soil microflora is an important link in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients, affecting ecosystem functioning and productivity. This study evaluates the effect of one of the widely used nanoparticles, zinc oxide on two predominant soil bacteria, Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa with respect to their biocatalytic activities. Growth profiles of these bacteria in the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) at a concentration of 20 ppm exhibited a prolonged lag phase in B. subtilis, whereas no significant effect was observed in the case of P. aeruginosa even at 200 ppm. Interestingly, the enzymatic profile of both the organisms was affected at non-lethal ZnONPs concentrations. The most pronounced effect was on the enzymes associated with amylolytic activity, denitrification and urea degradation wherein total inhibition of activity was noted in B. subtilis. The enzyme activities were lowered in the case of P. aeruginosa. The results presented here reiterate a critical need for exposure assessment and risk characterization of nanomaterial disposal on soil microflora while formalizing waste management strategies.     

Assessment of aluminum bioavailability in alum sludge for agricultural utilization

Inorganic aluminum ions, [Al(H₂O)₆]³⁺, [Al(OH)(H₂O)₅]²⁺, and [Al(OH)₂(H₂O)₄]⁺, are toxic to a number of crops. The aim of this study was to estimate the danger of soil contamination of bioavailable aluminum and heavy metals forms because of alum sludge which was a by-product of water, and wastewater treatment technology using aluminum coagulant is introduced into the soil. Aluminum and selected heavy metal fractionation was carried out in the post-coagulation sludge collected at a water treatment plant (where aluminum was used as a coagulant), fermented sewage sludge at a municipal wastewater treatment plant (which did not apply aluminum coagulant), and soil from water treatment plant as well as the mixtures of sludge and soil. It has been found that post-coagulation sludge used as natural fertilizer is a secondary source of bioavailable aluminum, especially when aluminum coagulants are used during water and wastewater treatment. The evaluation of applicability of the sludge to very weak acidic and acidic agricultural soils was carried out. The authors shall debate the question whether, in this case, the Regulation of EU and Polish Government on sewage sludge should also take the bioavailable aluminum into account and add to the list of the elements whose allowable contents are limited.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in European catfish from the upper Po River basin

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major concern in environmental studies as many of them have been labeled as probable carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC 1983). Due to their lipophilic properties and resistance to degradation, PAHs can accumulate in organic tissue. As a consequence, alarming concentrations of these compounds have been found in many aquatic species. The European catfish (Silurus glanis) is a top food chain predator that is considered to be a reliable bio-indicator of environmental pollution. From 2009 to 2011, 54 specimens of S. glanis were captured from four different sites covering the area of the Po River basin (Northern Italy). Fish muscles were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the levels of nine PAHs, namely naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benz[a]pyrene (BaP), which were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total average concentration of PAHs was 26.90?±?49.50 ng g^?1 (min 0.60, max 275.75 ng g^?1). Analysis showed that 9.20 % of the fish muscles exceeded the maximum levels of 2 ng g^?1 set for BaP by European regulations (Commission Regulation (EC), 2006). Values measured for benz[a]pyrene ranged from 0.05 to 8.20 ng g^?1 (mean 1.07?±?1.58 ng g^?1). Chrysene and benz[a]anthracene, both considered potential human carcinogens (PAH2), were found at levels of 4.40 and 0.05 ng g^?1 (mean values), respectively. The highest mean concentration was recorded for anthracene (12.92 ng g^?1), which has been recently included in the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) as reported by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA 1–9, 2009).     

Biomonitoring of heavy metals (Cd,Hg, and Pb) and metalloid (As) with the Portuguese common buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The accumulation of heavy metals in the environment may have a wide range of health effects on animals and humans. Thus, in this study, the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in the blood and tissues (liver and kidney) of Portuguese common buzzards (Buteo buteo) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in order to monitor environmental pollution to these elements. In general, Hg and As were the elements which appeared in the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively. A highest percentage of non-detected concentration was found for blood Cd (94.6 %) but, in turn, it was the only metal that was detected in all kidney samples. The kidney was the analyzed sample which showed the highest concentrations of each element evaluated. Statistically, significant differences among blood, liver, and kidney samples were observed for As and Cd (P?相似文献   

Foraminiferal biotopes and their distribution control in Ria de Aveiro (Portugal): a multiproxy approach

Ria de Aveiro, which is located in the centre of Portugal (40° 38′ N, 8° 45′ W), is a well-mixed and complex coastal lagoon that is separated from the sea by a sandy barrier and connects with the Atlantic through an artificial inlet. Tidal currents are the main factor controlling the lagoon’s hydrodynamics and, to a great extent, the sedimentary dynamic. The inner lagoonal zones receive input from several rivers and experience the pressure caused by the accumulation of organic matter and pollutants (namely, trace metals) from diverse anthropic activities. This paper is the first piece of work aiming to recognize, characterize and explain the main benthic foraminiferal biotopes in Ria de Aveiro. To provide a broad overview of this kind of setting, our results are compared to those of previous published studies conducted in similar transitional environments. The research is based on an investigation of 225 sites spread throughout this ecosystem. Utilizing a statistical approach, this study analyses the details of dead benthic foraminiferal assemblages composed of 260 taxa, the texture and composition (mineralogical and geochemical) of the sediment and physicochemical data. On the basis of the results of R-mode and Q-mode cluster analyses, several different biotopes can be defined as marsh biotope/near-marsh biotope; marginal urban/marginal urban mixing biotope; inner-outer lagoon biotope or enclosed lagoon; outer lagoon biotope, mixed sub-biotope; and outer lagoon, marine sub-biotope. These biotopes are related to foraminifera assemblages and substrate type and are influenced by local currents, water depth, chemical and physicochemical conditions, river or oceanic proximity, and anthropogenic impact, as evidenced by the mapping of the six factor loadings of the principal component analysis conducted herein. Based on a similar methodology of analysis as that applied in previous studies in the Lagoon of Venice, comparable biotypes were identified in Lagoon of Aveiro.     

Sustainable consumption in Brazil: Identification of preliminary requirements to guide product development and the definition of public policies

Sustainable product development is closely related to sustainable consumption. The understanding of consumers' purchase, use and discard behaviours may facilitate the identification of requirements to guide manufacturers in the development of sustainable goods and services. The aim of this paper is to investigate consumers' perception about factors that motivate or discourage the consumption of sustainable products to identify demands and convert them into requirements. South Brazilian green and traditional consumers were asked to complete an exploratory qualitative questionnaire. Their answers were organized and compared to identify differences and similarities between the demands of these two groups. Furthermore, demands were converted into requirements for packages, products, manufactures, stores planning and discard systems. The interpretation of factors that motivate or discourage the purchase of sustainable products given by interviewees led to the creation of a list of possible public policies or programmes, aiming to support sustainable consumption. The results demonstrate the necessity of further quantitative investigation between consumer groups, for validation purposes.     

Evaluation of toxic metal (Hg, Cd, Pb), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and pesticide (DDTs) levels in aromatic herbs collected in selected areas of Southern Italy

This study provides, for the first time, data regarding levels of toxic metals (Hg, Cd, and Pb) and organochlorine compounds (PCBs and DDTs) in various aromatic herbs as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), laurel (Laurus nobilis), oregano (Origanum vulgare), and spearmint (Mentha viridis) collected in some towns of the Southern Italy with different anthropogenic and population pressure. Metal and organochlorine compound concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and gas-chromatography mass spectrometer (GC/MS), respectively. Pb emerged as the most abundant element, followed by Cd and Hg, while between organochlorine compounds, PCB concentrations were higher than those of DDTs. The pollutant concentrations were found to vary depending on the different herbs. The highest Pb levels were observed in rosemary (1.66 μg g^?1 dry weight) and sage (1.41 μg g^?1 dry weight), this latter showing also the highest Cd concentrations (0.75 μg g^?1 dry weight). For PCBs, the major concentrations were found in rosemary (2.75 ng g^?1 dry weight) and oregano (2.39 ng g^?1 dry weight). The principal component analysis applied in order to evaluate possible similarities and/or differences in the contamination levels among sampling sites indicated differences area-specific contamination.