Large-scale spatial variation in epilithic algal matrix cryptofaunal assemblages on the Great Barrier Reef

Spatial variation in the epilithic algal matrix (EAM) cryptofauna was investigated at three locations on the Great Barrier Reef: two inner shelf—Orpheus Island and the Turtle Island group—and a mid-shelf location, Lizard Island. Although the EAM appears to be a relatively simple and consistent habitat, significant differences in cryptofaunal assemblages were found between locations. EAM assemblages from Orpheus Island were markedly different. This appears to be a function of the sediment profile characteristics (grain size >60 µm) at Orpheus Island, as many cryptofaunal taxa displayed positive relationships with sediment volume. However, sediment volumes did not differ significantly between the three locations, highlighting the possibility of cyclonic activity affecting the sediment profile at Orpheus Island in the months preceding the study, in addition to the nutrient input from major terrigenous sources. The results of this study show that EAM cryptofaunal assemblages are not uniform across the Great Barrier Reef and suggest that dissolved nutrients, sediment loads and distance from river systems may be significant drivers of cryptobenthic faunal compositions.     

Air Pollution Effects of Incinerator Firing Practices and Combustion Air Distribution

A survey of academic programs in air pollution control was made. Results from the 127 schools reporting are tabulated by state. Faculty involved in air pollution instruction are identified. Some conclusions and recommendations are presented.     

Facilities and Techniques for Maintaining a Controlled Fluoride Environment in Vegetation Studies

The principle of fabric filtration has only recently been accepted for fossil fuel fired boiler particulate emissions control. Information on design criteria is, therefore, limited. The paper provides data on the few installations where baghouses have been installed and successfully operated. The general conclusion is that a strong relationship exists between air to cloth ratio and bag life.     

Comments On “Particulate Pollutants in the Air of the United States”

This study was undertaken to identify seasonal and source effects on the par-ticulate contaminants of the New York City atmosphere and ultimately to relate the concentrations of these contaminants to the tissue concentrations in residents of New York City. Continual weekly samples of particulates have been collected at three stations in the New York area on 8 by 10 in. glass fiber filters at a flow rate of 20 cfm.

The sample is ashed with a Tracerlab Low Temperature Asher and leached with nitric acid. Metals analyzed by the Atomic Absorption method include Pb, V, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn. Lead-210, total particulate, and benzene and acetone soluble organic material are also determined.

The data have been related to various meteorological parameters over a one year period to define significant seasonal and source influences, as well as site to site variations. Very significant inverse correlations to temperature are obtained for suspended particulates, vanadium, and nickel at both Manhattan and Bronx sites. Particulates show a less significant inverse correlation to temperature In lower Manhattan. Oil-fired space heating sources appear to account for as much as 50% of the particulates in the Bronx at the peak demand period.

Lead, copper, and cadmium show a general inverse correlation to average wind speed, and a direct correlation to temperature. The latter is most likely due to an inverse relation between wind speed and temperature. The heating season input for particulates, vanadium, and nickel is so great as to overcome most of the dilution effect due to winds. The other elements having more constant nonseasonal inputs, definitely reflect the effects of the wind.

The most significant site effect occurs with cadmium, which has a concentration in lower Manhattan three times that of the Bronx over a period of six to seven months in the summer and fall. The differences observed for cadmium and particulates may be explained by emission source factors which have not as yet been studied.     

Effects of Design and Fuel Moisture on Incinerator Effluents

The particle and gas properties that profoundly affect design and performance of fly ash precipitators are discussed and evaluated in this section. Relation of the coal burned to these properties and to the precipitator gas cleaning problem is broadly examined. The need for a high order of technology consistently applied to cope successfully with the wide and often uncertain variations in coal and ash properties encountered in precipitation practices is emphasized.     

Glass Fibers and Their Use as Filter Media

Typical air quality effect levels of photochemical oxidants on specific plant substrates are illustrated. These include ambient oxidant exposure data measured as “total oxidant” as well as laboratory exposures to individual pure oxidants, ozone, or PAN compounds, since these oxidants are identified in photochemical smog. New terms, “PaNs” and “PAN-type” oxidant, have been proffered for purposes of clarification of the terminology. PAN-type oxidant more precisely defines the phytotoxicant complex causing silvering or bronzing of the lower leaf surfaces in lieu of the older term “oxidant.” Due to the recognition of several oxidizing phytotoxicants in recent years, it is recommended that the term oxidant be reserved for use as a generic term. A tabular classification of the oxidizing phytotoxicants found in community photochemical smog and the specific syndromes produced is provided.     

Why geodiversity matters in valuing nature's stage

Geodiversity—the variability of Earth's surface materials, forms, and physical processes—is an integral part of nature and crucial for sustaining ecosystems and their services. It provides the substrates, landform mosaics, and dynamic physical processes for habitat development and maintenance. By determining the heterogeneity of the physical environment in conjunction with climate interactions, geodiversity has a crucial influence on biodiversity across a wide range of scales. From a literature review, we identified the diverse values of geodiversity; examined examples of the dependencies of biodiversity on geodiversity at a site‐specific scale (for geosites <1 km² in area); and evaluated various human‐induced threats to geosites and geodiversity. We found that geosites are important to biodiversity because they often support rare or unique biota adapted to distinctive environmental conditions or create a diversity of microenvironments that enhance species richness. Conservation of geodiversity in the face of a range of threats is critical both for effective management of nature's stage and for its own particular values. This requires approaches to nature conservation that integrate climate, biodiversity, and geodiversity at all spatial scales.