Integrating Groundwater Conservation and Reuse into Remediation Projects

Groundwater remediation projects generally involve extraction and treatment of contaminated groundwater. The current state of the practice does not include an emphasis on conservation and reuse of groundwater. Consequently treated groundwater is typically disposed in sanitary or storm sewers. Longstanding water conservation and reuse practices in the municipal wastewater industry provide a body of experience available to the remediation industry. Case studies of conservation and reuse options for groundwater at remediation sites have been found across a broad range of geographic settings and regulatory jurisdictions. The intent of this article is to stimulate a more holistic view of the groundwater associated with remediation projects and to promote conservation and beneficial reuse of a vital natural resource. © 2014 US Sustainable Remediation Forum     

Phaeomelanin- and carotenoid-based pigmentation reflect oxidative status in two populations of the yellow warbler (Setophaga petechia)

Carotenoid- and phaeomelanin-based sexual pigmentation may signal a capacity to maintain oxidative balance and viability. However, diverse empirical results leave the association between pigmentation and oxidative stress (OS) unclear. We assessed the hypothesis that population-specific levels of oxidative challenge, or strategies for managing OS, affect relationships between sexual pigmentation and OS. Specifically, intense oxidative challenge in migratory, temperate breeding birds might enhance correlations between pigmentation and OS relative to allied tropical breeders, since quality-based differences in OS may arise only under intense oxidative challenge. Alternatively, in temperate breeders with intense within-season reproductive effort, high-quality birds may invest in reproduction over oxidative balance, dampening negative correlations between pigmentation and OS. To assess these alternatives, we compared prenesting relationships between pigmentation and OS in a migratory, Californian population of yellow warblers (Setophaga petechia brewsteri) and in a resident, Mexican population (Setophaga petechia bryanti, “mangrove warblers”). Yellow warblers displayed higher OS than mangrove warblers. However, year of capture and sex had bigger influences on correlations between pigmentation and OS than population. Males with more intense melanin pigmentation had lower OS among mangrove warblers and yellow warblers captured in 2011, but not among yellow warblers captured in 2012. In females only, lower OS levels were associated with more colorful carotenoid pigmentation. Results suggest that both phaeomelanin- and carotenoid-based pigmentation have the potential to correlate with OS levels, but that the signaling potential of pigmentation may shift with inter-annual variation in environmental conditions and display sex-specific dynamics.     

Web-building spiders attract prey by storing decaying matter

The orb-weaving spider Nephila edulis incorporates into its web a band of decaying animal and plant matter. While earlier studies demonstrate that larger spiders utilise these debris bands as caches of food, the presence of plant matter suggests additional functions. When organic and plastic items were placed in the webs of N. edulis, some of the former but none of the latter were incorporated into the debris band. Using an Y-maze olfactometer, we show that sheep blowflies Lucilia cuprina are attracted to recently collected debris bands, but that this attraction does not persist over time. These data reveal an entirely novel foraging strategy, in which a sit-and-wait predator attracts insect prey by utilising the odours of decaying organic material. The spiders habit of replenishing the debris band may be necessary to maintain its efficacy for attracting prey.     

Artisan fishers’ perception of climate change and disasters in coastal Bangladesh

Climate change is affecting fishing communities across Bangladesh. While work has been undertaken to investigate the nature of these impacts, understanding how fishers perceive climate change at a local level, especially within developing countries, is crucial. This paper presents the results of a three-year study of the contextual determinants and dimensions of artisanal fishing community perceptions about climate change in coastal Bangladesh. Results of this study indicate that geographic characteristics, socio-economic status, worldviews, tradition, observations and disaster experiences are important determinants for shaping fishers’ perceptions about climate change. Fishers also demonstrate a long-standing tradition of risk adaptation strategies, but do not link them to climate change. We argue that these perceptions provide ideas for how to form appropriate climate responses at local levels not only in Bangladesh but other developing countries.     

Sexual coercion by male chimpanzees shows that female choice may be more apparent than real

The extent to which active female mating preferences influence male reproductive success in mammals is unclear, particularly for promiscuously breeding species like chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes). Previous studies from multiple long-term study sites have shown that female chimpanzees mate more restrictively around ovulation, and this has been taken as evidence for female choice. However, none of these studies rigorously evaluated the alternative hypothesis that restrictive mating results not from unconstrained choice, but in response to coercive mate guarding, in which males use punishment and intimidation to reduce female promiscuity and promote their own mating interests. Nor did they consider evidence for the potential genetic or phenotypic benefits that females might be choosing. Using 11 years of data from the Kanyawara community in Kibale National Park, Uganda, we previously demonstrated that males achieve elevated mating success with those females toward whom they direct high levels of aggression. Here we extend those findings to show that even female copulatory approaches, which have previously been attributed to female choice, are correlated with male aggression. Specifically, individual females at our site initiated periovulatory copulations most frequently with the males who were most aggressive toward them throughout their cycles. Those males showed high rates of aggression toward females throughout estrus, despite achieving high copulation rates, demonstrating a continuing conflict of interest over the exclusivity of mating access. Because sexual coercion is potentially widespread in primates and other mammals, our results stress the importance of considering the influence of male aggression in studies of female choice.     

The impact of tobacco chemicals and nicotine on placental development

Despite decades of messages warning about the dangers of tobacco use in pregnancy, 10% to 15% of pregnant women continue to smoke. Furthermore, an increased popularity of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) over the past decade in women of childbearing age raises parallel concerns regarding the effects of vaporized nicotine use in pregnancy. While research using animal models which mimic tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure in pregnancy have largely replicated findings in humans, few studies focus directly on the effects of these exposures on the placenta. Because the placenta is a fetal derived tissue, and nicotine and other components of tobacco smoke are either processed by or transported directly through the placenta, such studies help us understand the risks of these exposures on the developing fetus. In this review, we summarize research on the placenta and placental-derived cells examining either tobacco smoke or nicotine exposure, including both histologic and subcellular (ie, epigenetic and molecular) modifications. Collectively, these studies reveal that tobacco and nicotine exposure are accompanied by some common and several unique molecular and epigenomic placental modifications. Consideration of the nature and sequelae of these molecular mediators of risk may help to better inform the public and more effectively curtail modifiable behavior.     

Enhanced aerobic bioremediation of a gasohol release in a fractured bedrock aquifer

In January 2005, a gasoline tanker carrying approximately 8,500 gallons of gasohol (gasoline containing 10 percent ethanol) overturned and caught fire in the front yard of a residence. Emergency response crews responded to the accident, extinguished the fire, and recovered residual gasoline on the ground surface. Soil impacted by the release was then removed and disposed of off‐site and free‐phase gasohol was recovered using a combination of vacuum recovery, pumping, and bailing to the extent practicable. Following free product recovery efforts, a feasibility evaluation was completed to select a technology to address the remaining dissolved‐phase contaminants that resulted in biosparging pilot testing and, ultimately, the installation of a full‐scale biosparging system. The full‐scale system has been operating for approximately 21 months, and contaminant concentrations within the heart of the plume have decreased dramatically over a short period of time—in most cases, to below applicable cleanup standards. Despite the complex hydrogeologic conditions and significant initial concentrations, biosparging has proven to be an effective technology to remediate this gasohol release, and it is anticipated that drinking‐water standards can be achieved following two to three years of biosparging (i.e., an additional 3 to 15 months of operations). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Expediting sustainable brownfields redevelopment by applying Triad using the membrane interface probe

Redevelopment and reuse plans are often based upon an expedited delineation and remediation life cycle, since delayed reuse usually has economic consequences. It has also become increasingly important to utilize sustainable practices to achieve investigation and remediation goals. In this article, the Triad approach is used to expedite the delineation of a source area within a municipal landfill to complete the remedial effort prior to construction of an urban civic center. The Triad approach uses the three elements of systematic project planning, dynamic work strategy, and real‐time measurement to expedite site characterization (Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council, 2003). In this article, the Triad sampling strategy consisted of two phases. The first phase included in situ screening of soil and groundwater using the membrane interface probe (MIP), and the second phase included confirmatory sampling via vertical profiles in the soil and groundwater. This study found that, using the MIP in a dynamic sampling strategy, a critical element of the Triad approach, combined with the proper placement of confirmatory samples, significantly reduced overall project cost and will expedite the site redevelopment. The use of the Triad approach also contributed to the integration of green and sustainable practices into the project. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

From research to action: Now we have to move on CCS communication

With rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), a portfolio of mitigation options is deemed essential as we transition to a low carbon economy. Carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) is one technology that has the potential to mitigate large amounts of CO₂ and governments around the world, along with industry and researchers working in the technology space, are excited by this. However, the technology still remains relatively unknown in the minds of most lay citizens and is therefore less well accepted than more traditional forms of power generation. This paper reviews a number of CCS communication research activities that have been undertaken internationally since 2002 and synthesizes them into a logical roadmap of activities. The paper also examines the common strengths and weaknesses of the research activities and makes a number of suggestions for industry representatives and policy makers. The paper also outlines a way to segment stakeholder groups for all communication activities into four target audiences including: influential others; community; education and project specific activities.