Rethinking the management of transboundary freshwater resources: a critical examination of modern international law and practice

Available freshwater stocks are being depleted and impaired on a widespread basis, with acute shortages an increasingly frequent condition in arid climates. In transboundary basins, water scarcity and pollution compound interstate tension and contribute to human suffering and ecological damage. This article provides theoretical perspectives on shared freshwater disputes and on the evolution of the international law of shared water resources. It argues that the UN Convention on the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (ratified by some countries, but not yet in force) is inadequate as a framework convention in terms of providing general obligations on the future parties or an institutional framework for future action. The paper suggests that three critical concepts be considered in future management of shared water resources: (1) the unitary character of watersheds (where the absence of extra-basin diversions allows); (2) joint or "communitarian" watershed management; and (3) the relevance of international trade to alleviating regional food stress, resulting from local water scarcity. Finally, it proposes the establishment of an international advisory body on shared water disputes, modelled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), whose role is codified in the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.     

Cytotoxicity of the herbicide basalin (fluchloralin) in helianthus and linum

Abstract

The herbicide Basalin [Fluchloralin: N‐propyl‐N (2 chloroethyl) ‐2,6—dinitro‐n‐trifluoromethyl aniline] was found to reduce the germination percentage in both Helianthus annuus L. and Linum usitatissimum L.. Treatment with Basalin also decreased the mitotic index and increased the total chromosomal abnormalities in these crops. Chromosomal abnormalities arising due to mitotic spindle disruption were commonly observed.     

PCB congener specific oxidative stress response by microarray analysis using human liver cell line

In this study we have examined the effect of exposure to different congeners of PCBs and their role in oxidative stress response. A metabolically competent human liver cell line (HepG2) was exposed with two prototype congeners of PCBs: coplanar PCB-77 and non-coplanar PCB-153. After the predetermined times of exposure (0–24 h) at 70 μM concentration, the HepG2 cells showed significant apoptotic changes by fluorescent microscopy after 12 h of exposure. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified oxidative stress as the predominant enrichment. Further, paraquat assay showed that PCB congeners lead to oxidative stress to different extents, PCB-77 being more toxic. This study, with emphasis on all recommended microarray quality control steps, showed that apoptosis was one of the most significant cellular processes as a result of oxidative stress, but each of these congeners had a unique signature gene expression, which was further validated by Taqman real time PCR and immunoblotting. The pathways involved leading to the common apoptotic effect were completely different. Further in-silico analysis showed that PCB-153 most likely acted through the TNF receptor, leading to oxidative stress involving metallothionein gene families, and causing apoptosis mainly by the Fas receptor signaling pathway. In contrast, PCB-77 acted through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. It induced oxidative stress through the involvement of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1) leading to apoptosis through AHR/ARNT pathway.     

Heterogeneity of experts’ opinion regarding opportunities and challenges of tackling deforestation in the tropics: a Q methodology application

Making the concept of Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) ready to be a mechanism to combat tropical deforestation and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by compensating developing countries for income foregone in reducing their rates of deforestation, requires solutions for outstanding controversies. Existing opinions on REDD+ vary greatly. By using the Q-method as part of an action research approach, this paper investigates experts’ attitudes towards REDD+. Based on their responses to 41 statements, four attitudinal groups were identified, characterized as pragmatists, sceptics, conventionalists and optimists. Opinions between groups differed as to the level of application, credibility, eligibility, economic effectiveness, and public acceptability of REDD+ policy instruments. Three of the four groups were supportive of international REDD+ type policy interventions, but there was disagreement on the more concrete design issues of REDD+ projects, such as the allocation of responsibilities, the distribution of burdens and benefits, and whether or not co-benefits could be expected, or should be required. As the potential of REDD+ is shaped not only by international climate policy but also by national and regional policies and stakeholder perceptions, this paper suggests that participatory forms of decision-making may help to develop tailor-made solutions that are supported by the many different actors that are necessarily involved in REDD+ projects.