17th ICCE Satellite Event University Education in Environmental Sciences

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Recently, nearly 500 study programmes related to environmental disciplines were detected in Europe (Lammel et al, Environ Sci Pollut Res 21:7211-7218...     

Measurement Accuracy of the Electrosensitive Protective Device Response Time When Using the Double Penetration Method

The Double Penetration Method (DPM) method of measuring ESPD (Electrosensitive Protective Device) response time was presented by Dzwiarek (1997). Calibrating the measuring equipment is a crucial stage of the procedure. Experimental verification of theoretical predictions is also crucial. For calibration purposes, a device simulating real ESPD operation thus enabling a correct setting of the response time was designed (Dzwiarek, 1997).

Theoretical analysis has shown that measuring ESPD response time with the DPM is subject to localisation errors made in the localisation of the detection zone border, rod position measurement errors made during highspeed penetration, and time delay measurement errors. The values of all those components of the total error have been determined experimentally using the calibrating device. Measurements have been taken under conditions as close to real ones as possible proving that the total measurement error is really enclosed within the assumed limits.     

Does the mechanism of sex determination constrain the potential for sex manipulation? A test in geckos with contrasting sex-determining systems

The concentration of yolk steroids was suggested to influence offspring gender in oviparous animals subject to both temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) and genotypic sex determination (GSD). However, the proposed mechanisms of steroid effects are thought to differ between TSD and GSD: a direct effect of oestrogens on gonad feminisation in TSD species vs a differential induction of male-producing or female-producing gametes in GSD species. Geckos offer an ideal opportunity for testing these suggested mechanisms. Closely related gecko species differ in their modes of sex determination. They lay clutches of two synchronously formed eggs; both eggs share equal steroid levels. If identical hormonal composition and environment during vitellogenesis, gravidity and incubation determine the sex of the progeny, siblings should share the same gender in both TSD and GSD geckos. We found strong support for this prediction in a TSD gecko species. Among clutches that were incubated at the temperature that produced both sexes, there were no clutches with siblings of the opposite sex. On the other hand, about half of the clutches yielded siblings of the opposite sex in four GSD species. These results suggest that sex-determining systems constrain the ability of the female to produce single-sex siblings and, hence, it seems that the GSD mechanism constrains the opportunities for sex ratio manipulation in geckos via yolk steroid manipulation.     

Biotreatment strategies for the removal of microplastics from freshwater systems. A review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Research on plastic pollution has recently evidenced the ubiquitous presence of tiny plastic particles called microplastics. Microplastics alter organisms because...     

Biochar reduces the toxicity of silver to barley (Hordeum vulgare) and springtails (Folsomia candida) in a natural soil

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The use of biochar in soil remediation is a promising method to deal with metal contamination. In the present study, the influence of biochar...     

Impact of air pollution on outdoor cultural heritage objects and decoding the role of particulate matter: a critical review

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Atmospheric gases and particulate matter (PM) in contact with the material’s surface lead to chemical and physical changes, which in most cases...     

Environmental contamination status with common ingredients of household and personal care products exhibiting endocrine-disrupting potential

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The continuous use of household and personal care products (HPCPs) produces an immense amount of chemicals, such as parabens, bisphenols,...     

Effects of olive mill waste (OMW) contaminated soil on biochemical biomarkers and reproduction of Dendrobaena veneta

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Olive oil industry is economically important in Mediterranean countries. Disposal of olive mill waste (OMW) presents an environmental concern in those...     

Analysis of essential,toxic, rare earth,and noble elements in maternal and umbilical cord blood

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Progressive industrialization in recent decades has contributed to the increase of metal levels in the environment, which has a dangerous impact on...     

Evaluation of properties and composition of the mixed municipal waste fine fraction,the case study of Czech Republic

Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management - Estimation of mixed municipal waste composition is important for the option of suitable waste treatment. Many studies have presented their...