The relationship between metal concentrations and phenotypes in the Baltic clam Macoma balthica (L.) from the Gulf of Gdansk, southern Baltic

Soft tissue accumulated concentrations of nine metals (V, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Pb, Mn, Cu and Zn) were studied in two main phenotypes (1) according to external shell colour (white and pink), and (2) according to shell shape (shell with a rounded posterior end--"regular" and with an elongate posterior end and a notable flexure--"irregular") of the Baltic clam Macoma balthica from southern Baltic Sea off Poland. No differences in metal concentrations were observed between colour-based phenotypes. By contrast, "irregular" clams exhibited generally higher concentrations of all elements in their tissues than "regular" bivalves. This finding provides the first reference on a potential linkage of shell deformation with tissue metal concentrations within one entire population of clams living in the same habitat. Different ability of metal handling in the shape-based phenotypes is presumably related to different physiological capacity of the bivalves induced by the selection effect of specific environmental conditions. It is suggested that unfavourable conditions in deep waters of the Gulf of Gdansk (e.g. hypoxia/anoxia, hydrogen sulphide, elevated bioavailability of metals) induces, in a certain part of the population, morphological deformation of shell (thereby leading to irregular shape) and in parallel physiological adaptations which result in greater sensitivity to trace metals of "irregular" clams. This hypothesis however, requires further investigation with special focus on genetic divergences between phenotypes because till now we cannot exclude the co-occurrence of two types (semi-species) of clams in the Gulf: an Atlantic type and a Baltic type. Genetic analysis with a use of DALP technique revealed strong intrapopulational polymorphism but no fingerprints or intraspecific polymorphism characterising any of the phenotypes considered (both colour- and shape-based). Since eight polymorphic loci were clearly identified further studies of population genetic structure hold optimistic promise.     

Water to atmosphere fluxes of 131I in relation with alkyl-iodide compounds from the Seine Estuary (France)

This study presents an original work on measurements of stable and radioactive iodinated species in the Seine estuary (France), with estimates fluxes of volatile gaseous species from water to the atmosphere. Various iodinated compounds were identified in water and air in particular 131I in water, what is unusual. Concentrations and behaviour of iodinated elements in the Seine estuary seem similar to what has been observed in other European estuaries. MeI (Methyl Iodide) and Total Volatile Iodine (TVI) fluxes from water to air vary between 392 and 13949 pmol m(-2) d(-1) and between 1279 and 16484 pmol m(-2) d(-1), respectively. Water to air flux of TVI for the Seine river was estimated in the range 4-46 kg y(-1). Measurements of (131)I in water varying between 0.4 and 11.9 Bq m(-3). Fluxes of (131)I from water to atmosphere are in the range 2.4 x 10(5)-1.3 x 10(7)Bq y(-1), close to an annual discharge of (131)I by a nuclear reactor.     

Aerial surveys of manatees (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichechus manatus)</Emphasis> in Lee County,Florida<Emphasis Type="Italic">,</Emphasis> provide insights regarding manatee abundance and real time information for managers and enforcement officers

Conservation and management of the endangered Florida manatee is often centered on reducing mortality caused by watercraft collisions. Lee County, Florida, has led the state in watercraft-related mortality for eight of the last 10 years. This county is of particular concern as it contains important habitat for manatees, including extensive feeding grounds and an artificial warm-water refuge where more than 900 manatees have been recorded on a single day. Distributional aerial surveys were conducted from April 2007 through April 2009 over Lee County waters. Surveys yielded higher numbers of manatees than previously observed in this area. Using GIS methodology, kernel density analysis illustrated seasonal changes in distribution patterns and highlighted areas where manatees were most densely clustered. For example, during summer months, manatees were widely distributed throughout the survey area, with high-density areas associated with seagrass beds. During winter months, manatees were densely clustered at warm-water sites and over feeding grounds within close distance of these sites. These seasonal distribution patterns coincide well with speed zone designations. Counts and distributions of manatees were made available, almost immediately if necessary, to local marine law enforcement in an attempt to focus resources toward reducing manatee-watercraft collisions. Future studies should implement similar communication strategies to improve conservation efforts.     

Effect of day time climatic conditions associated with different 2,4-D formulations on spray deposition and weed control

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of time of the day and their associated climatic conditions on spray deposition of two 2,4-D formulations, as well as the influence on weed control. The experiment was installed in the field in complete randomized design. Treatments were arranged in factorial design 8?×?2, with 20 repetitions. First factor corresponded to different application time (1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00, 13:00, 16:00, 19:00, and 22:00) with their respective climatic conditions. The second factor consisted of two formulations of 2,4-D applied at 776?g a.e. ha^?1 (2,4-D amine and 2,4-D choline salt with Colex-D? Technology) + glyphosate (816?g a.e. ha^?1). There was more spray deposition when 2,4-D choline formulation was used, and such differences were more evident for applications performed under adverse climatic conditions. More spray deposition was found in applications performed at times of day with more favorable temperature and humidity of the air conditions. Only the initial control of the evaluated species was affected by the time of application.     

I will not go,I cannot go: cultural and social limitations of disaster preparedness in Asia,Africa, and Oceania

While much work has been invested in addressing the economic and technical basis of disaster preparedness, less effort has been directed towards understanding the cultural and social obstacles to and opportunities for disaster risk reduction. This paper presents local insights from five different national settings into the cultural and social contexts of disaster preparedness. In most cases, an early warning system was in place, but it failed to alert people to diverse environmental shocks. The research findings show that despite geographical and typological differences in these locations, the limitations of the systems were fairly similar. In Kenya, people received warnings, but from contradictory systems, whereas in the Philippines and on the island of Saipan, people did not understand the messages or take them seriously. In Bangladesh and Nepal, however, a deeper cultural and religious reasoning serves to explain disasters, and how to prevent them or find safety when they strike.     

Revaluation of a Soy Protein By-product in Eco-friendly Bioplastics by Extrusion

Journal of Polymers and the Environment - Agri-food waste and by-products are being increasingly revalued, exploiting their potential. One of the attractive alternatives is their use as raw...     

Corona ion induced atmospheric potential gradient perturbations near high voltage power lines

High voltage power lines are known to produce corona ions that can be carried from the line by the wind, progressively attaching to ambient aerosol particles and causing fluctuations in the Earth’s atmospheric potential gradient. A fixed site monitoring station was installed near two power lines, which recorded the potential gradient at 1 s intervals and the ambient weather conditions every 10 min. The station ran continuously from January 2007 to December 2008, accumulating long-term data. Results from 2008 show an increase in potential gradient variability when a wind is blowing across the power lines towards the station, indicating that corona ions may be present in this environment.