Problems of Population Dynamics of the White-Eyed Pochard (Aythya nyrocaGuld., 1770) in the Eastern Sea of Azov Region

The long-term population dynamics of the white-eyed pochard (Aythya nyroca) in the eastern Sea of Azov region was analyzed. It was found that the local population of this species tends to decrease in size. Clutch size, egg size, reproductive behavior, intraspecific clutches, embryonic mortality, and hatching success in this population were studied. The contents of PCDD and PCDF in the eggs of waterfowl were estimated. The eggs of white-eyed pochard, compared to other waterfowl, proved to contain abnormally high concentrations of xenobiotics. Possible causes of A. nyrocapopulation decline, including the impact of superecotoxicants, are discussed.     

Assessment of the effect of environmental pollution in a marina on caged mussels using chemical and genotoxic analysis

An integrated approach using the contamination levels and DNA damage in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) was applied in order to assess the chemical contamination in a marina (Eastern coastline of Aegean Sea). Mussels, which were harvested from a reference site (Foca), were transplanted into a marina situated along the coast of Izmir Bay. The transplanted mussels were collected at the 14th, 30th and 60th day of the experimental period. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels (27–51?ng?g^?1?wet?weight) detected in the mussels were similar to the levels detected in other coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. The marina’s sediment was found to be contaminated with PAHs (∑PAH?=?25?µg?g^?1) of pyrolytic origin and may become a source of pollution and a threat to the marine environment. In order to assess the DNA damage, the haemolymph and gill cells of the mussels were used for the comet analysis and considered as an indicator of exposure to genotoxic chemicals including 16 PAH compounds and metals. The highest levels of DNA damage expressed as %Tail-DNA (%T-DNA) were observed at the end of the experiment (21.5% T-DNA). The correlation analyses conducted between 2-, 3-, 4-ring PAHs in mussels and %T-DNA in haemolymph and gill cells showed a significant positive correlation. This investigation confirmed that transplanted mussel can be a useful tool to determine PAH contamination in marinas.     

Effect of Ecological Factors on the Accumulation of Fluorine by Larches, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Larix gmelinii</Emphasis> (Rupr.) Rupr. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">L. sibirica</Emphasis> Ledeb., in Eastern Siberia

The accumulation of fluorine in the trunk wood and branches of Larix gmelinii growing on soils with a naturally increased fluoride content and of L. sibirica growing in a zone affected by atmospheric emissions from an aluminum plant has been studied. Based on results of in vivo and in vitro experiments, it is concluded that larch trees manifest individual differences in their response to fluorine.     

东部平原地区湖泊湿地的恢复与可持续发展对策

湖泊湿地是我国的重要湿地生态系统,具有许多经济价值和社会服务功能,合理开发和利用湖泊湿地资源有利于促进我国广大湖区的可持续发展。结合有关东部平原地区湖泊湿地的研究,提出该区湖泊湿地的恢复与可持续发展对策,指出湖泊湿地的恢复应坚持生态、经济和社会可持续发展的原则,并根据具体的生态环境状况来进行,旨在为恢复与保护湖泊湿地的实际操作提供科学依据。     

First evidence of regular common cuckoo, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cuculus canorus</Emphasis>, parasitism on eastern olivaceous warblers, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippolais pallida elaeica</Emphasis>

Coevolution is defined as specialized relationships between species that lead to a reciprocal evolutionary change. A particularly suitable model system for studying coevolution is the interactions between obligate avian brood parasites and their hosts. The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, hereafter cuckoo) is a well-known brood parasite, which utilizes a range of smaller passerines as hosts. However, warblers of the genus Hippolais have rarely been reported as being victims of cuckoos, and furthermore, few data exist on the occurrence of antiparasite defenses in these hosts. In this study, we examined possible host–parasite coevolution between cuckoos and eastern olivaceous warblers (Hippolais pallida elaeica, hereafter olivaceous warblers) in three closely situated areas in northwestern Bulgaria. The olivaceous warbler has never been reported to be a regular cuckoo host. However, the present study, carried out in 2001–2003 shows that the olivaceous warbler is regularly and heavily parasitized by the cuckoo in this area. Parasitism rate was high (26.6%, 34/128) and consistent among years, with some variation between areas. The cuckoo egg mimicry was moderately good, and olivaceous warbler rejection rate of such eggs was 50%. Cuckoo eggs laid in olivaceous warbler nests had a whitish to whitish-green ground color, and the majority appeared to be distinctly different from cuckoo eggs found in other host species in the area. The olivaceous warbler proved to be a rather good host for cuckoos as 20.6% (7/34) of cuckoo eggs laid produced fledglings, a breeding success comparable to other suitable hosts in Europe. This is the first in-depth study of brood parasitism in a warbler of the genus Hippolais, and cuckoos parasitizing olivaceous warblers probably represent a previously unknown gens.     

太湖东部水域浮游硅藻群落特征及其与环境因子关系

对太湖东部水域9个点位浮游硅藻的群落结构进行了分析。结果表明,9个点位的生物多样性处于一般到较丰富状态,其水质为中污染到轻污染;硅藻群落的物种丰富度、生物量和密度因水域地形特点、换水周期等因素出现差异,在半封闭水体中的物种丰富度较差,生物量和藻密度较高,优势种所指示的水质处于中等偏下水平。硅藻相对多度和各项环境因子冗余分析显示,总磷(TP)对群落的组成和分布影响显著。东北部水域浮游硅藻群落主要受到TP和浊度(NTU)的影响,东南部水域浮游硅藻群落受到TP和NTU的影响则很小。     

关中东部地区农村生活源水污染物产排污系数测算

通过调查问卷与实地监测等手段,以陕西关中东部地区的4镇8村为例研究农村居民生活污水排放特点,并分析其影响因素及机理。结果表明：关中东部地区与陕西其他地区（陕南、陕北）相比,农村生活源水污染物排放量关中最高,陕南、陕北次之。SPSS相关性检测显示：河流水期、农耕规律、收入水平、文化程度及年龄结构等因素与TN、TP、NH3〖ＦＫ（W。*9〗〖CD*2〗〖ＦＫ）〗N污染物产排系数显著相关。     

鲁东山区流域景观格局与面源污染关联关系

基于实地监测和3S技术,以鲁东低山丘陵地区栖霞市为研究区,采用Spearman相关、非约束性PCA、对应典范分析(CCA)等方法,研究不同流域尺度下景观格局与面源污染的关联关系。结果表明:(1)研究区景观格局空间分异明显,在特征尺度下农用地和建设用地斑块较为破碎,林地、园地斑块聚集性强。(2)研究区河流面源污染物主要以TN为主,EC、COD污染次之,主河道出水口为污染较为严重的区域。(3)景观格局对水质的影响丰水期要大于平水期,TN和EC对土地利用类型面积比例和景观格局指数的变化最为敏感。(4)平水期河岸带尺度下景观格局对TN影响最大的为斑块密度,EC受景观边缘密度影响最大,小流域尺度TN受景观蔓延度影响最大,COD与景观多样性关系密切;丰水期河岸带尺度景观多样性对TN影响最大,EC受斑块聚合度影响最大,小流域尺度影响TN最大的因素与平水期一致,EC与景观蔓延度关系密切。(5)小流域景观类型水平下,TN主要受林地斑块密度影响,TP与耕地散布与并列指数关系密切;丰水期TN受林地散布与并列指数影响显著,TP对林地平均分维数变化敏感,EC受草地聚集性影响最大。本文分析了研究区景观格局与面源污...     

The shadow of the past: environmental issues and institutional learning in EU enlargement processes

This paper compares the role of environmental issues in negotiating Spanish membership of the European Union (EU) with the ongoing enlargement talks with Central and Eastern European countries. The paper first argues that the EU has recognized a need to change the way in which it has traditionally managed environmental issues in enlargement processes. Second, the paper provides evidence of learning processes at the Community level that could have effected a change in Community approaches to enlargement in the environmental field. However, the paper shows that the fundamental principles and procedures applied in preparing for eastern enlargement match those used in previous enlargement rounds, resembling a largely technical exercise with exclusive focus on the applicants' ability to align with the acquis communautaire and the length of transition periods. The lack of sufficient adaptation or reform suggests that path dependence and institutional inertia have constrained the scope for innovations at the level of policy strategy and institutions, for which the shadow of the past has reinforced established patterns of institutional behaviour and practices. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.