Local knowledge about dugout canoes reveals connections between forests and fisheries

Dugout canoes are traditional boat types made from a single tree trunk. This type of boat can reveal unique connections between forest and fisheries in coastal areas: their construction and the species used depend on the local ecological knowledge of artisans and the plant resources available and are also influenced by the type of fisheries in which the canoe will be used. Our objective was to analyze how dugout canoes are constructed, maintained, and currently used in the central coastal region of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The study emphasizes the interaction between the use of forest resources and artisanal fishing in this coastal environment. The data collected were based on interviews with 30 artisans and participant observation. Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake, Ocotea porosa (Nees & Mart.) Barroso, Ocotea Aubl../Nectandra Roll. Ex Rottb., and Aspidosperma Mart. & Zucc. are the main taxa used to construct the canoes. Many canoe sizes are used, and based on the boat type, the trunk diameters needed to construct them varies from 0.6 to 2.9 m and trunk heights from 4 to 10 m. Different types of canoe are used according to the type of fishing and especially to the environment conditions. The construction of canoes in the region has decreased due to difficulties in acquiring wood, changes in fishing activities, and reasons related to labor and apprenticeship, all causes related to modernization of the society and urban growth. The knowledge of plant species used can contribute to shape policies to improve forest management. The survival of cultural practices in artisanal fishing communities should be stimulated in sustainable development programs, and it involves maintaining ecological and technical knowledge related to fishing and the plant resources used to manufacture and maintain fishing equipment.     

The application of Geographical Information Systems to determine environmental impact significance

This paper presents a new methodology for impact assessment—SIAM (Spatial Impact Assessment Methodology)—which is based on the assumption that the importance of environmental impacts is dependent, among other things, on the spatial distribution of the effects and of the affected environment. The information generated by the use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in impact identification and prediction stages of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is used in the assessment of impact significance by the computation of a set of impact indices. For each environmental component (e.g., air pollution, water resources, biological resources), impact indices are calculated based on the spatial distribution of impacts. A case study of impact evaluation of a proposed highway in Central Portugal illustrates the application of the methodology and shows its capabilities to be adapted to the particular characteristics of a given EIA problem.     

Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon influx and sediment contamination in an urbanized estuary

Sediments from the Patos Lagoon Estuary in Southern Brazil and sludge from incoming effluents were assessed for the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Shallow sediments adjoining the City of Rio Grande were found to be contaminated by PAHs mainly near urban effluent discharge, as well as in the port area. Effluents clustered into four groups according to their sources (sewage, industrial, runoff, and mixed), with each demonstrating different contributions of PAHs to the estuary. There was a predominance of runoff and mixed sources. Navigation activity was the second most important source of PAHs to sediments. The PAHs ratio identified the origin of these contaminants as essentially pyrolytic. The impact of PAHs as a result of uncontrolled disposal or accidental discharge of PAH-rich residues was suggested for several points. These points were primarily near gas stations and motor workshops. In about 30% of sampled sediments, the concentration of benzo[a]pyrene surpassed the Threshold Effects Level adopted for marine environments.     

Community duplicate diet methodology: a new tool for estimating dietary exposures to pesticides

An observational field study was conducted to assess the feasibility of a community duplicate diet collection method; a dietary monitoring tool that is population-based. The purpose was to establish an alternative procedure to duplicate diet sampling that would be more efficient for a large, defined population, e.g., in the National Children's Study (NCS). Questionnaire data and food samples were collected in a residence so as not to lose the important component of storage, preparation, and handling in a contaminated microenvironment. The participants included nine Hispanic women of child bearing age living in Apopka, FL, USA. Foods highly consumed by Hispanic women were identified based on national food frequency questionnaires and prioritized by permethrin residue concentrations as measured for the Pesticide Data Program. Participants filled out questionnaires to determine if highly consumed foods were commonly eaten by them and to assess the collection protocol for the food samples. Measureable levels of permethrin were found in 54% of the samples. Questionnaire responses indicated that the collection of the community duplicate diet was feasible for a defined population.     

Rising carbon footprint inequality in the Philippines

Environmental Economics and Policy Studies - The literature is abundant with studies analyzing inequality in carbon emissions at the macroeconomic level, but very limited at the household level....     

Synthesis of zeolite from waste fly ash for adsorption of CO2

Zeolitic sorbents for CO₂ adsorption were prepared from waste coal fly ash (FA) through hydrothermal treatment at various ratios of NaOH/FA and NaAlO₂/FA, including an initial alkali fusion step. The fusion step decomposed the fly ash into very small amorphous particulate zeolite forms. The fly ash was converted to Na-P1 type with a NaOH/FA ratio of 0.5 and Na-A type with a NaAlO₂/FA ratio of 0.53. The product properties were affected by the reaction temperature: Na-P1 and Na-A types were formed at 100°C. Temperatures above 140°C led to the formation of more sodalite because of the redissolving and recrystallization of zeolite crystals. Alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations were impregnated in the synthesized Na-P1 and Na-A zeolite through an ion-exchange method. The completed zeolitic sorbents were applied to the adsorption of low-level CO₂. As a result of the experiments, calcium ions were found to be the best for CO₂ adsorption owing to their electrostatic behavior and acid-base interaction.     

Factors affecting energy saving behaviour: a prospective research

The purpose of this study is to outline the theme of saving energy resources and its relationship with the preservation of the environment, as well as the importance of green marketing in achieving sustainability. The model of data collection was a survey conducted by self-administered questionnaire. After collection, the data were statistically analysed and interpreted. Most individuals claim to be concerned about environmental problems, with 68% of these belonging to the ‘Savers’ group. However, even though they may be concerned with environmental problems, the vast majority of individuals do not have any system of renewable energy in their homes, despite claiming that renewable energies are a viable option for protecting the environment. Women display behaviour that is more favourable to the saving of energy resources than do men. Educational levels are not significant for distinguishing the more pro-environmental individuals from the others.     

Doramectin induced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on bovine peripheral lymphocytes and cumulus cells in vitro

The effect of doramectin (DOR) was tested on two experimental somatic bovine cells in vitro: peripheral lymphocytes (PL) and cumulus cells (CC). The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of DOR were assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, single cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCGE) and cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome (CBMN Cyt) assay. Both cells were treated with three concentrations of DOR (20, 40, 60?ng?mL^–1) for 24?h. The results obtained from PL demonstrated that DOR was able to induce cytotoxic effect and DNA damage with all concentrations tested. Additionally, DOR increased micronuclei (MNi) frequency and nuclear buds (NBuds) with 20, 40, 60?ng?mL^–1, and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPBs) only with 40?ng?mL^–1. On the other hand, the three concentrations of DOR were not able to induce cytotoxic effect and DNA damage using SCGE in the bovine CC. Nevertheless, the two higher concentrations of DOR (20, 40?µg mL^–1) significantly increased the frequency of micronucleus formation in bovine CC. These results represent the first experimental evidence of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects exerted by DOR on bovine PL and CC.     

Ubiquitination and carbonylation of proteins in the clam Ruditapes decussatus, exposed to nonylphenol using redox proteomics

Ubiquitination and carbonylation of proteins were investigated in the gill and digestive gland of Ruditapes decussatus exposed to NP (nonylphenol) (100 μgL(-1)) using redox proteomics. After 21 d of exposure, clams were dissected and cytosolic proteins of both tissues separated by 2DE SDS-PAGE. Protein expression profiles were tissue-dependent and differently affected by NP exposure. Ubiquitination and carbonylation were also tissue-specific. NP exposure induced significantly more ubiquitinated proteins in gills than in digestive glands, compared to controls. Digestive gland showed a significant higher number of carbonylated proteins than gills after NP exposure. Protein ubiquitination and carbonylation are therefore independent processes. Results showed that NP exposure generated ROS in gill and digestive gland of R. decussatus that significantly altered the proteome. Results also highlighted the advantage of using redox proteomics in the assessment of protein ubiquitination and carbonylation, which may be markers of oxidative stress in R. decussatus.     

AMEG: the new SETAC advisory group on aquatic macrophyte ecotoxicology

Introduction and background

Primary producers play critical structural and functional roles in aquatic ecosystems; therefore, it is imperative that the potential risks of toxicants to aquatic plants are adequately assessed in the risk assessment of chemicals. The standard required macrophyte test species is the floating (non-sediment-rooted) duckweed Lemna spp. This macrophyte species might not be representative of all floating, rooted, emergent, and submerged macrophyte species because of differences in the duration and mode of exposure; sensitivity to the specific toxic mode of action of the chemical; and species-specific traits (e.g., duckweed's very short generation time).

Discussion and perspectives

These topics were addressed during the workshop entitled “Aquatic Macrophyte Risk Assessment for Pesticides” (AMRAP) where a risk assessment scheme for aquatic macrophytes was proposed. Four working groups evolved from this workshop and were charged with the task of developing Tier 1 and higher-tier aquatic macrophyte risk assessment procedures. Subsequently, a SETAC Advisory Group, the Macrophyte Ecotoxicology Group (AMEG) was formed as an umbrella organization for various macrophyte working groups. The purpose of AMEG is to provide scientifically based guidance in all aspects of aquatic macrophyte testing in the laboratory and field, including prospective as well as retrospective risk assessments for chemicals. As AMEG expands, it will begin to address new topics including bioremediation and sustainable management of aquatic macrophytes in the context of ecosystem services.