A simple procedure to harmonize class boundaries of assessment systems at the pan-European scale

A procedure for a large scale harmonization of assessment systems is delineated. The data collected for the two E.U. co-funded projects STAR and AQEM have been used as a benchmark dataset against which a test dataset derived from Italian standard monitoring programs was compared. A central step in the procedure adopted is the calculation of Intercalibration Common Metrics (STAR_ICMs). For both the benchmark and test datasets, six metrics were calculated, normalized and averaged to obtain an ICM index. The median values obtained for this index within each of the High and Good status classes, as defined within the STAR/AQEM dataset, were compared to the classes defined by the National method applied in Italy before WFD approval. The process of harmonization involved the re-positioning of the boundaries between Italian method quality classes until no more differences were found with the values observed in the STAR/AQEM samples. The re-setting of the Italian assessment boundaries by a step-by-step procedure lead to comparable STAR_ICM index values in the two datasets. Within this example, small refinements of the boundaries between high/good and good/moderate status were sufficient to harmonize the Italian assessment quality classes to the benchmark classification. Once a benchmark dataset is agreed among different countries, the procedure outlined can be easily applied to compare and harmonize assessment systems within and outside Europe. The main scientific and practical advantages of the procedure are listed and commented, especially facing the next steps of the Water Framework Directive Intercalibration process.     

Input of trichloroacetic acid into the vegetation of various climate zones--measurements on several continents

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA, CCl(3)COOH) is a phytotoxic chemical. Although TCA salts and derivates were once used as herbicides to combat perennial grasses and weeds, they have since been banned because of their indiscriminate herbicidal effects on woody plant species. However, TCA can also be formed in the atmosphere. For instance, the high-volatile C(2)-chlorohydrocarbons tetrachloroethene (TECE, C(2)Cl(4)) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCE, CCl(3)CH(3)) can react under oxidative conditions in the atmosphere to form TCA and other substances. The ongoing industrialisation of Southeast Asia, South Africa and South America means that use of TECE as solvents in the metal and textile industries of these regions in the southern hemisphere can be expected to rise. The increasing emissions of this substance--together with the rise in the atmospheric oxidation potential caused by urban activities, slash and burn agriculture and forest fires in the southern hemisphere--could lead to a greater input/formation of TCA in the vegetation located in the lee of these emission sources. By means of biomonitoring studies, the input/formation of TCA in vegetation was detected at various locations in South America, North America, Africa, and Europe.     

Formation and emission of chloroanisoles as indoor pollutants

GOAL, SCOPE AND BACKGROUND: Complaints by residents of frame-houses about musty odour in the houses has become an increasing problem within the last years. An additional problem is that the odour is transferred to clothes and skin. The persons themselves do not recognize the smell after a while because of adaptation. Serious social problems are the result. For a long time, the smell was explained to be from mould due to construction-based humidity problems. However, in an increasing number of houses, no indications were found for elevated levels of mould growth. METHODS: Air and material samples were taken from 5 houses, which show typical musty odours, and analysed with respect to chlorophenols and chloroanisoles. Additionally, some samples were analysed for lindane and its metabolites, because lindane was commonly used together with pentachlorophenol (PCP) for wood protection. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Meticulous analysis resulted in the identification of chloroanisoles, mainly 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisole. These substances are known from corky wines and from contamination of food from pentachlorophenol (PCP) treated pallets and result from microbiological metabolic processes. Pentachlorophenol was commonly used to protect wood from fungi in Germany mainly in the later 60s and 70s. Details of these processes, as well as effective methods to identify chloroanisoles in the problem houses, are described. CONCLUSIONS: Chloroanisoles formed by metabolism of PCP have been well known to contaminate food or wine. Here, they were identified and are probably responsible for the musty odours in the frame houses. Since it is quite clear that these substances were not components of building materials used in the houses, an explanation for chloroanisole formation is proposed. Localized dampness probably favours microbial growth associated with metabolic conversion of chlorophenols to the corresponding chloroanisoles, primarily 2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisol, which spread throughout the buildings, resulting in the observed odours. RECOMMENDATIONS AND OUTLOOK: The group of chloroanisoles has been recognized as important indoor pollutants as they possess musty odours at extremely low concentrations, e.g. for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in a range of 5-10 ppt in air (Staples 2000). On the basis of currently available toxicological data, exposure of the occupants to the concentrations of chloroanisoles measured is not associated with a health risk. No correlation could be observed between concentrations of chloroanisoles and PCP in house dust and indoor air. However, chloroanisoles are good indicators for possible PCP-treatment of wood in frame houses and their detection should initiate investigations on PCP contamination. Research is continuing to identify the microorganisms involved and to devise a remediation procedure for affected houses.     

An Evaluation of Commercial Hazardous Waste Thermal Destruction Capacity

Thermal destruction capacity for commercial hazardous waste in the United States is examined to determine current and future capacity requirements. This study focuses on commercial incinerators and cement kilns burning conventional hazardous wastes. Aggregate maximum and available capacity estimates are derived using the most recent information. On a national basis, available capacity far exceeds present demand. On a regional basis, capacity appears sufficient with the exception of the California area. However, this shortfall appears insignificant given the overall capacity situation. While incineration demand may increase for solids and sludges as a consequence of Land Ban disposal restrictions and other reasons, capacity for these wastes again appears sufficient to meet current and projected demands. Thus, arguments that additional commercial incineration capacity will be needed to accommodate an expected increase in incinerable hazardous waste cannot be supported by the available information. The analysis raises concerns about the determination of realistic capacity estimates, and the lack of interaction between the capacity assurance process that documents the need for capacity and state siting processes for new waste management facilities. The excess incineration capacity shown in this paper will contribute to the successful implementation of EPA’s goal to reduce national capacity.     

公众参与市政规划--海岸带管理的一种手段:瑞典西部案例研究

本文分析了公众参与瑞典自然资源管理的4个主要模式,也根据瑞典西海岸两个城市有关沿海资源冲突的经验研究评价了其中一个模式(参与自然环境/空间规划)的优势和不足.与其他行政和规划程序相比,自然规划为协调部门和资源之间土地和水域的管理,也为扩大利益相关者的参与提供了可能性.海岸带管理的地区性影响随着最低的法定条件之外的参与而增加,尽管参与的管理框架和实践需要进一步发展.除了培训专业人员和对现有的程序组合进行实验外,从长远看,使法规适应海岸带综合的和可持续的管理要求是必要的.     

Amelioration of free copper by hydrothermal vent microbes as a response to high copper concentrations

We examined the effect of increased copper concentrations (0–10 μM) on hydrothermal vent micro- organisms and the production of copper (Cu)-binding ligands as a response. Hydrothermal vent microbes originated from diffuse fluids at the Lilliput mussel field and the Irina II site in the Logatchev hydrothermal vent field, both on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Parallel studies were also conducted with amino acids supplemented to the incubations in order to verify whether dissolved amino acids, present in hydrothermal fluids, can buffer the bioavailable copper and reduce the active production of Cu-binding ligands. In all incubations, ligand concentrations increased with rising copper concentrations, but microbial cell numbers remained constant. This study shows that microbes were able to cope with as much as 10 μM dissolved copper by buffering the free copper concentration. The presence of amino acids had no significant influence on the active ligand production. Our results imply that mediation of chemical speciation by vent microbes may have an important impact on hydrothermal trace metal fluxes into the ocean.     

Fate and degradation of triasulfuron in soil and water under laboratory conditions

The behavior and fate of triasulfuron (TRS) in water and soil systems were examined in laboratory studies. The degradation of TRS in both buffer solution and soil was highly pH-sensitive. The rate of degradation could be described with a pseudo first-order kinetic and was much faster at pH 4 than at pH 7 and 9. Aqueous hydrolysis occurred by cleavage of the sulfonylurea bridge to form 2-(2-chloroethoxy) benzenesulfonamide (CBSA) and [(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)amino] (AMMT). AMMT was unstable in aqueous solutions in any pH condition but it degraded more quickly at pH 4 and 9. CBSA did not degrade in aqueous solutions or in enriched cultures but it underwent a quick degradation in the soil. The rates of TRS degradation in sterile and non-sterile soils were similar, suggesting that microorganisms played a minimal role in the breakdown process. This hypothesis is supported by the results of studies on the degradation of TRS by enriched cultures during which the molecule underwent a prevalently chemical degradation.