Spatial assessment of climate change effects on crop suitability for major plantation crops in Sri Lanka

Climate change is the main global challenge of this century; it is therefore imperative to identify its effects on agriculture in developing countries. This research makes spatial assessment of climate change effect on major plantation crops in Sri Lanka, with emphasis on crop suitability of tea, rubber, and coconut. Geo-referenced maps of spatial and temporal changes in crop suitability and production potentials are generated and compared. Data pertaining to six agro-ecological zones under the study area are analyzed for a period of 1980–2007. Crop suitability maps are generated amalgamating yield maps and climatic factors maps using AHP in multi-criteria analysis under two time frames of 1980–1992 and 1993–2007. Percent change in crop suitability and crop yield classes is calculated based on five crop suitability and five crop yield classes during two time frames. Dynamics of climatic parameters and crop yield are recognized using geo-referenced maps. The suitability maps of the two time frames are compared to identify the changes with each crop in conjunction with changes in the prevailing climate and yield. Geographic shift of suitability, yield, and climate classes are examined. Net gain or loss in crop production is quantified. Long-term annual rainfall significantly decreased in mid-country wet zone, whereas the mean temperature of the study area increased by 1.4°C. Results clearly showed that the climate and yield can be meaningfully related to the crop suitability and management.     

Health and environmental costs of pesticide use in vegetable farming in Nepal

There is a growing concern of pesticide risks to human health, natural environment and ecosystems. Many previous economic valuations have accounted health aspects or environmental components, but rarely combined; thus, overall risk assessment is partially distorted. The study, conducted close to the capital of Nepal, addressed the health effects of pesticides on small-scale farmers and evaluated the monetary risks of pesticide use on human health and environmental resources. We also aim to establish the relationships among valuation methods. The paper adopts cost of illness, defensive expenditure and contingent valuation willingness to pay approach. The study concluded that the methods used for valuing pesticide risks to human and environmental health are theoretically consistent. The exposed individuals are likely to bear significant economic costs of exposures depending on geographical location, pesticide use magnitudes and frequency. Individuals are willing to pay between 53 and 79% more than the existing pesticide price to protect their health and environment. The integrated pest management training is less likely to reduce health costs of pesticide exposure, although it leads to higher investment in safety measures.     

Some Effects of Atmospheric Fluoride on Plant Metabolism

Leaves of Tendergreen bean plants exposed to atmospheric fluoride concentrations in the range 1.7 to 7.6 μg/m³ showed increased levels of enolase and catalase activity and decreased levels of pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase activity and oxalacetate were not affected. The leaves of Milo maize plants exposed to 5.0 μg F/m³ showed increased levels of enolase and pyruvate kinase activity and a decreased level of pyruvate. Oxalacetate and α-ketoglutarate levels were not affected. Catalase activity was increased, then decreased by IIF fumigation. The changes induced by HF were greatest six to 10 days after the start of fumigation and disappeared or decreased in magnitude during the post-fumigation period.     

An Air Pollution Index Based on Sulfur Dioxide and Smoke Shade

First-prize winner in the student paper competition conducted by the Mid-Atlantic States Section of the Air Pollution Control Association was Marvin H. Green, a graduate student at Drexel Institute of Technology and assistant chief of Philadelphia’s Air Pollution Control Section. A condensation of his paper follows.     

Investigation to Determine the Possible Need for a Regulation on Organic Compound Emissions from Stationary Sources in the San Francisco Bay Area

The problem of an investigation of the need for a regulation on organic compound emissions in the San Francisco Bay Area can be divided into two major areas: 1. Is there a need for a regulation on organic compound emissions? What is the extent of photochemical smog effects? How much control is necessary to achieve the desired effects?

2. (2) If the need exists for an organic compound regulation, can a performance type regulation be written for all types of organic compound emissions? Must the regulation be directed toward specific industries or types of emissions? Can the regulation be adequately enforced—both practically and legally?

This paper will describe the studies undertaken by the District Staff to answer the first set of questions. Work covering the second group of questions is now under investigation.     

Flame Temperature in Oil-Fired Fuel-Burning Equipment and its Relationship to Carbonaceous Particulate Emissions

Field tests were conducted on 82 fuel-burning installations ranging from 50 to 500 hp, fired with residual fuel oils. A flame pyrometer was used to measure peak flame temperatures. Coarse particulates were measured by impingement on adhesive paper strips inserted at right angles to the gas flow and fine particulates by filtration of the gas sample through filter paper. Both were evaluated using a standard Bacharach Scale. The tests clearly established that both coarse and fine particulate matter invariably occurred with low flame temperatures but decreased appreciably when peak flame temperatures reached approximately 2650°F; Minimum values were observed at temperatures somewhere between 2750 and 2850°F. This research was conducted as a result of the problem of acid smut and carbonaceous (ceno-sphere) fallout which appears to have increased with the advent of modern high-efficiency low-temperature heating installations and taller, cooler operating chimneys; sudden deluges of particles from the chimney serving large oil-burning plants soil clothing, pit car finishes, and damage nylon stockings and other materials.     

Air Pollution Aspects of Soap and Detergent Manufacture

Informative Report No. 8 on soap and detergent manufacture is one of a series of survey reports prepared by APCA’s Tl-2 Committee on air pollution problems and control methods encountered in the chemical industry today.     

Limitations of the Lead Acetate Impregnated Paper Tape Method for Hydrogen Sulfide

Field experience with the lead acetate impregnated paper tape sampler has indicated that large errors may arise in this method due to fading of the color of the precipitated lead sulfide spots. This fading is due to the action of light, sulfur dioxide, ozone, on other substances capable of oxidizing lead sulfide. The moisture content or relative humidity of the air sample must be maintained at an appropriate level to ensure reaction with the impregnated paper tape. The effects of the factors have been investigated in laboratory experiments with known concentrations of H₂S. A number of antioxidants were studied in relation to the stability of the resultant spots to light and oxidation Orthophenyl phenol was found to be the most effective antioxidant for this purpose. A number of necessary precautions to be employed in the use of the lead acetate method are recommended and the limitations are discussed.     

Platitudes or Performance?

Industry, government, and the public have come a long way in establishing the dialogue that is necessary if the reservations each has had of the others’ motives are to be dispelled. However, each tends to fall into a routine of accusations, charges, counter charges, and rebuttals. This paper deals with the action which must be forthcoming from industry if good community relations are to be maintained and the public interest is to be served.