BFR-governmental testing programme

As a consequence of results from recent studies, indicating increasing concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a wide range of environmental samples, governments have begun to consider the need to restrict the production and use of this compound group. Within the EU, it has been decided to cease production and use of the pentamix PBDE formulation, and the industry has already moved to alternative compounds. In Asia, the Japanese industries restrict voluntarily the production and use of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), hexabromodiphenyl ether and tetrabromodiphenyl ether. In North America, no such decisions have been taken as yet, and production of the pentamix continues. Ecolabelling and ecological product declarations are also being used in order to accelerate the phase-out process of brominated flame retardant (BFR). They restrict to different degrees the use of BFR in plastic, textiles, flexible floorings and insulating materials. Many governments have also initiated studies intended to provide more information on the octamix and decamix PBDE formulations, and the replacement compounds hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), regarding their significance as environmental contaminants and to inform the need for further regulatory action. These studies are summarised below.     

A general agreement on commodity organization : A ‘GATT for primary commodities’

Having reponded to various crises since the Paris Sugar Convention 1864, the process of international commodity organization is now recognized as a positive means of securing expansion of world trade and of bringing about development in producing countries. But these objectives necessitate multi-dimensional measures. The supply-management techniques, hitherto the pivot of international commodity agreements, have proved to be inadequate. It is argued in this article that the trade and development objectives can be better achieved by the provision of varied measures; that a ‘GATT for primary commodities’ is among such measures; and that such an organization does not negate, but supplements, the existing system.     

Toxicity study of the oil dispersant Corexit 9527 on Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) egg hatchability by using a flow-through bioassay technique

The effect of the oil-spill dispersant Corexit 9527 on egg-hatching rate of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) was studied by using an innovated flow-through bioassay technique. This bioassay method relies on the fact that M. rosenbergii fertilized eggs when detached from the mother prawn were able to hatch artificially. The flow-through system generated a stable and good water quality environment for hatching the eggs successfully. The Corexit 9527 had a pronounced effect on hatching rate of the M. rosenbergii eggs. In the control, the hatching rate of the eggs was 95.55% +/- 1.74%. However, it was reduced drastically with increasing concentrations of Corexit 9527. A 100% inhibition of egg hatchability was found when the level of Corexit 9527 was higher than 250 mg litre(-1). The EC(50) and the EC(95) values estimated by the probit method were 80.4 +/- 5.5 mg litre(-1) and 193.5 +/- 39.9 mg litre(-1) respectively (P = 0.05). The recommended safety level of Corexit 9527 for M. rosenbergii in Malaysian estuarine waters is below 40 mg litre(-1).     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in two species of marine top predators from England and Wales

During an earlier study, polybrominated diphenyl ethers were detected at high concentrations in fish and sediments downstream of a manufacturing site in NE England. We have now undertaken analysis of 14 tri- to heptabromodiphenyl ether congeners in tissues of two species of marine top predators exposed to these compounds through their consumption of fish. In this paper we report data for 47 cormorants and 60 harbour porpoises from England and Wales, sampled during the period 1996-2000. Concentrations of the summed congeners ranged from 1.8 to 140 microg kg(-1) wet weight in cormorant livers, and from not detected to 6900 microg kg(-1) wet weight in porpoise blubber. The major congeners present were generally BDE47, BDE99 and BDE100. There was little correlation between concentrations of chlorobiphenyls (as the sum of 25 individual congeners) and the sum of the 14 BDE congeners determined, particularly for the porpoises.     

论环境的行政公益诉讼

中国尚未建立环境的行政公益诉讼,而传统诉讼制度的问题和缺陷日益显露,导致环境得不到很好地保护。根据环境法中关于环境权的理论、公众参与的原则以及公益诉讼的理论,中国应该尽快建立环境行政公益诉讼制度,赋予公众环境的行政公益诉讼资格,使作为公共利益的环境能得到切实的保护和改善。     

Levels of short and medium chain length polychlorinated n-alkanes in environmental samples from selected industrial areas in England and Wales

Electron capture or negative ion chemical ionisation gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to measure concentrations of short and medium chain length polychlorinated n-alkanes extracted from samples of water, river sediment, benthos, fish, soil, digested sewage and earthworms. Analysis of samples from 20 aquatic and eight agricultural sites indicated that short and medium chain length polychlorinated alkanes were present in the following concentration ranges: sediment < 0.2-65.1 mg/kg dry weight, water < 0.1-1.7 micrograms/l, fish < 0.1-5.2 mg/kg wet weight, benthos < 0.05-0.8 mg/kg wet weight, digested sewage 1.8-93.1 mg/kg dry weight, soil < 0.1 mg/kg dry weight, and earthworms < 0.1-1.7 mg/kg wet weight. It is clear from this study that these compounds are widely distributed in the UK environment, although it is not yet possible to fully assess the risks posed to either wildlife or humans by their continued use. Further study of these compounds is indicated.     

The QUASIMEME laboratory performance study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): assessment for the period 1996-1999. Quality Assurance of Information in Marine Environmental Monitoring in Europe

The results of the laboratory performance studies held during the period 1996-99 and involving the determination of PAHs in sediments and biota have been assessed. Overall 67% of the data submitted met the QUASIMEME criterion for satisfactory performance, although differences in performance were apparent between the two main analytical techniques employed: gas chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. Further development of PAH methodology utilising coupled gas chromatography mass spectrometry is encouraged as the most appropriate means of meeting the future requirements for the determination of a wider range of PAH analytes. More reference materials are also urgently required for use in marine monitoring programmes, and they need to be certified for a wider range of PAHs than hitherto, including both parent PAHs and their alkylated derivatives.     

韦伯命题与环境伦理的演变

生态环境问题始终沿着人类社会发展的轨迹演进,探究这一现象背后的精神动因,会发现新教伦理既推动了人类社会的发展,又与人类中心主义的思想渊源相契合,使生态环境状况日益恶化。生态中心主义否定了人类统治自然的合法性,将价值主体沿着新教伦理的逻辑方向扩大到自然,但却忽视了人类在环境演变进程中的能动作用。而人与自然和谐相处的思想则是对人类中心主义和生态中心主义的择优,既张扬了人类的理性和智慧,又承认了自然与人类的平等地位,这是韦伯命题的又一巨大贡献。     

A Practical Look at Environmental Audits

Company self-auditing has become an increasingly attractive option for both government and industry in achieving compliance with environmental laws. For government, it can diminish the need for continual compliance inspections, and, for industry, it can prevent substantial liability. However, auditing can be conducted in a number of ways, and it is important for company management to be aware of its options before selecting a particular approach. This is particularly true of companies with relatively limited resources for such a project. The following article describes some of the more basic options to be considered In identifying an optimal auditing strategy. It also discusses factors which may make one strategy preferable to another. The article concludes with the interesting observation that, in some cases, a formal audit may be neither necessary nor desirable.     

Mechanical, Thermal and Water Absorption Properties of Kenaf-Fiber-Based Polypropylene and Poly(Butylene Succinate) Composites

The use of composites made from non-biodegradable conventional plastic materials (e.g., polypropylene, PP) is creating global environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics such as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) are sought after to reduce plastic waste accumulation. Unfortunately, these types of plastics are very costly; therefore, natural lignocellulosic fibers are incorporated to reduce the cost. Kenaf fibers are also incorporated into PP and PBS for reinforcing purposes and they have low densities, high specific properties and renewable sourcing. However without good compatibilization, the interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the fibers is poor due to differences in polarity between the two materials. Maleic anhydride-grafted compatibilizers may be introduced into the system to improve the matrix-fiber interactions. The overall mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of PP and PBS composites prepared with 30 vol.% short kenaf fibers (KFs) using a twin-screw extruder were being investigated in this study. The flexural properties for both types of composites were enhanced by the addition of compatibilizer, with improvements of 56 and 16 % in flexural strength for the PP/KF and PBS/KF composites, respectively. Good matrix-fiber adhesion was also observed by scanning electron microscopy. However, the thermal stability of the PBS/KF composites was lower than that of the PP/KF composites. This result was confirmed by both DSC and TGA thermal analysis tests. The water absorption at equilibrium of a PBS composite filled with KFs is inherently lower than of a PP/KF composite because the water molecules more readily penetrate the PP composites through existing voids between the fibers and the matrix. Based on this research, it can be concluded that PBS/KF composites are good candidates for replacing PP/KF composites in applications whereby biodegradability is essential and no extreme thermal and moisture exposures are required.