Retention of particulate adenosine triphosphate from Mediterranean deep-sea water by glass-fibre and membrane filters

When deep-water samples from the Mediterranean Sea were passed through glass-fibre filters (Whatman GF/F), the adenosine nucleotide concentration of the particulate material was exceptionally low. The concentration was higher when the particulate material was concentrated on SM cellulose-membrane filters with porosities of less than 1 μm. There would seem to be two reasons for this: (1) inhibition of the bioluminescent reaction; (2) an apparently lower retention of ATP by the glass-fibre filters. In order to compare results obtained with the two different types of filters, a correction factor of two can be used if measurements are made with an internal standard. This constant factor can only be applied to samples from depths greater than 300 m.     

Prenatal diagnosis and psychological distress: Amniocentesis or chorionic villus biopsy?

The psychological reactions of 211 women undergoing prenatal diagnosis (PND) with amniocentesis (group A, n = 122) or chorionic villus biopsy (group V, n = 90) were exmained by questionnaires and interviews. The distress experienced while waiting for the test, during the test procedure, and while waiting for the result was reported by the women, both in questionnaires and in interviews. In the questionnaires, no difference between the two diagnostic methods was observed. In the interviews, however, the women undergoing amniocentesis appeared significantly more distressed by the procedure. In group A 97 per cent and in group V 100 per cent wished a method which, like chorionic villus biopsy, could be used in the first weeks of pregnancy. The risk of miscarriage was, as described in other studies, regarded as a serious threat by the pregnant women.     

Study of ozonation reaction in phenolic effluents

Chemical interactions between ozone and phenol are studied to obtain more information about the optimum economics of phenol oxidations using ozone gas. Both decomposition of ozone and it's reaction with phenol rate constants are evaluated to be 0.1 and 0.33 min⁻¹, at room temperature. Chemical mass-transfer coefficient is determined from a knowledge of the physical mass-transfer coefficient and effects of the chemical reactions on mass-transfer. A methodology is given for determining the enhancement of mass transfer by the chemical reaction, assuming pseudo first-order reaction rate, in agitated vessels.     

ASSESSMENT OF ANTHROPOGENIC LOADS ON LANDSCAPES AS A TOOL TO DETERMINE THE POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: CASE STUDY FROM AZERBAIJAN

In order to determine the potential for sustainable regional development of the Caspian coastal zone, a study was made for the Khachmaz–Absheron zone of Azerbaijan. An evaluation was performed to assess the anthropogenic load on landscapes. Using the 8-point scale offered by Isachenko [2001, Ecological Geography of Russia, Saint Petersburg University Press, Saint Petersburg] for the indicators of agricultural, industrial, urban and integral anthropogenic loads, we did a preliminary ranking of the provinces in the Khachmaz–Absheron zone of Azerbaijan for the each indicator taken separately. Vital statistics were used as a supplementary indicator of environmental conditions in the region. By comparing the data for provinces with each other and the data on Azerbaijan average, we have classified the provinces into 4 groups according to specific combinations of the indicators. Each group of provinces has distinctive environmental conditions and features for sustainable development. The classification makes it possible to develop certain recommendations for the regional sustainable development. Measures to be implemented within the Azerbaijan State Program on Social and Economic Development of Regions are also discussed. In the Khachmaz province, production of ecologically pure products is highly recommended. Special attention should be given to the development of tourism and recreational institutions in the Khachmaz, Khizi and Devechi provinces. Recommendations for these provinces include further development of industry on the basis of modern safe technologies. The irrigation and drainage networks should be reconstructed. The reconstruction will make it possible to reduce water loss and to increase the productivity of agriculture. In the Absheron province, Baku and Sumgait cities environmental systems are overloaded, and so the works at highly polluting enterprises must be stopped, the enterprises have to be re-equipped (old filters must be changed first of all) or relocated from the area (a decrease of environmental risk should be in the focus of attention). For improving of air quality, green areas should increase. There is a need to reduce urban traffic density and to reconstruct highways. Use of old vehicles must be forbidden or restricted, and transition to environmentally friendly fuel should be supported in every way possible. It is necessary to bring the waste management system and sanitary landfills up to international standards, and to improve the water supply and sewerage systems.