Effects of atmospheric gases on terrestrial plants and critical levels of air pollution

An integrated approach was developed to determine the critical levels of air pollution for ecological standard setting based on the unified index of biological response, by taking into account the effects of all pollution components simultaneously. An empirical model of plant productivity was taken as the dose response model for gaseous pollutant effect on the productivity of trees and the annual productivity of plants was used as the above mentioned index. The CO2 increase in the lower atmosphere was considered to potentially increase plant productivity and NO2 was estimated as neutral while being dangerous for plants as a chemical precursor of ozone or as a source of acidification. The maximum permissible chronic O3 and SO2 levels for trees were estimated and it was found that O3 is much more phytotoxic, as compared to SO2 , with a rather narrow range of permissible levels (27-33 ppb) which complicates its monitoring and control.     

Is the Newly Described Vietnamese Bovid Pseudonovibos spiralis a Chamois (Genus Rupicapra)?

 The “Linh Duong” (Pseudonovibos spiralis), a newly described Vietnamese bovid, has been shown to be related to the Caprinae on the basis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing from horn fragments. To integrate the greatest available biodiversity we performed a new phylogenetic analysis including all genera of Caprinae. Unexpectedly, Pseudonovibos is found to be robustly associated with Rupicapra, and closer to the Alpine than to the Pyrenean chamois. Several clues led us to interpret this result as a carry-over DNA contamination of Pseudonovibos by Rupicapra. Received: 19 July 1999 / Accepted in revised form: 20 October 1999     

Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction Scenarios in Mexico for Year 2005: Industrial Cogeneration and Efficient Lighting

An analysis of the impacts on Mexican energy demand and associated carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in the year 2005 due to efficient lighting in the commercial and residential sectors and cogeneration in the industrial sector is presented. Estimation of CO₂ abatement costs and an incremental cost curve for CO₂ mitigation options are considered. These technologies are cost effective opportunities, and together are projected to reduce CO₂ emissions in 2005 by nearly 13 percent. Implementation of efficient lighting is already part of the demand side management (DSM) programs of the Mexican state-owned utility. However, there are important barriers that may hinder the implementation of large scale cogeneration plants.