Planning for robust reserve networks using uncertainty analysis

Planning land-use for biodiversity conservation frequently involves computer-assisted reserve selection algorithms. Typically such algorithms operate on matrices of species presence–absence in sites, or on species-specific distributions of model predicted probabilities of occurrence in grid cells. There are practically always errors in input data—erroneous species presence–absence data, structural and parametric uncertainty in predictive habitat models, and lack of correspondence between temporal presence and long-run persistence. Despite these uncertainties, typical reserve selection methods proceed as if there is no uncertainty in the data or models. Having two conservation options of apparently equal biological value, one would prefer the option whose value is relatively insensitive to errors in planning inputs. In this work we show how uncertainty analysis for reserve planning can be implemented within a framework of information-gap decision theory, generating reserve designs that are robust to uncertainty. Consideration of uncertainty involves modifications to the typical objective functions used in reserve selection. Search for robust-optimal reserve structures can still be implemented via typical reserve selection optimization techniques, including stepwise heuristics, integer-programming and stochastic global search.     

Site examination for threatened and endangered plant species

A procedure is described for conducting floristic examinations of prospective sites of development in order to determine the presence of threatened and/or endangered plant species. The timed meander search procedure provides information to document the level of effort expended in the examination as well as to describe the floristic resources of the site. Tests of the procedure during the 1979 and 1980 field seasons have demonstrated its value both as a means of discovering threatened and endangered species on a site and as a means of documenting a low probability of occurrence of such species if not found during application of the procedure.     

The use and effectiveness of the site of special scientific interest designation in the east midlands region of the nature conservancy council

This paper looks at the use and effectiveness of the Site of Special Scientific Interest designation in three counties in the East Midlands region of the Nature Conservancy Council, namely Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. Using unpublished sources within the NCC an analysis is made of the SSSI system in practice since its inception in 1949. A number of findings relating to weaknesses in the designation and the operation of the designation system emerge. Each of these findings is discussed in turn with the presentation of the appropriate evidence from the county case studies.     

选址敏感类建设项目环境影响评估有关技术问题探讨

以经过城市垃圾场的某高速公路连接线项目及矿山选址与生态环境敏感区的大型水泥建设项目为例,剖析项目在选址方面的法律、法规相容性,这些项目或由于与某些政策不相符;或由于法规、政策、规划颁布的部门不同,会出现不包容现象,而项目选址从其它角度考虑又很难调整。作为评估机构在评估这类项目时,应充分利用信息优势,发挥专家特长,协调几者关系,帮助建设单位调整项目方案,提出环境影响减缓措施,科学公正地给出建设项目的评估意见,帮助审批部门把好关。     

关于安全阀整定压力判定方法的讨论

安全阀整定压力是安全阀重要的技术指标之一。国内安全阀检验机构主要通过压力曲线拐点法或听声音法判定安全阀整定压力,国内外型式试验机构通过开高位移判定安全阀整定压力。通过比对试验发现：压力曲线拐点法或听声音法容易受到安全阀结构形式、是否有前泄及安全阀校验台试验容器和储气罐容积不能满足法规要求等因素影响检验的准确性;开高位移判定更为客观、准确。     

微电解集成设备预处理垃圾渗滤液

采用自制微电解集成设备研究不同反应条件下对成都市长安垃圾场垃圾渗滤液的处理效果。试验主要条件为1∶1铁碳体积比填料、停留时间、极板电压、电极正负交换周期和曝气量等动态单因素。在垃圾渗滤液的初始p H条件下试验得到最佳反应参数:停留时间为120 min、电压为25 V、电极正负交换周期30 s、曝气量2 000 L/h时,对垃圾渗滤液COD、NH3-N和色度的初始去除率分别41.38%、24.52%和60.00%。经重复试验,该微电解集成设备对垃圾渗滤液有较为稳定的处理能力,可为垃圾渗滤液的预处理工程设计提供选择性参考。     

Remediation of metal polluted mine soil with compost: co-composting versus incorporation

Trace element contamination of post-industrial sites represents a major environmental problem and sustainable management options for remediating them are required. This study compared two strategies for immobilizing trace elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, and As) in mine spoil: (1) co-composting contaminated soil with organic wastes and (2) conventional incorporation of mature compost into contaminated soil. Sequential chemical extraction of the soil was performed to determine temporal changes in trace element fractionation and bioavailability during composting and plant growth. We show that mine spoil can be co-composted successfully and this action causes significant shifts in metal availability. However, co-composting did not lead to significant differences in metal partitioning in soil or in plant metal uptake compared with simply mixing mine spoil with mature compost. Both treatments promoted plant growth and reduced metal accumulation in plants. We conclude that co-composting provides little additional benefit for remediating trace-element-polluted soil compared with incorporation of compost.     

Environmental bonds and the challenge of long-term carbon sequestration

The potential to capture carbon from industrial sources and dispose of it for the long-term, known as carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), is widely recognized as an important option to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions. Specifically, CCS has the potential to provide emissions cuts sufficient to stabilize greenhouse gas levels, while still allowing for the continued use of fossil fuels. In addition, CCS is both technologically-feasible and commercially viable compared with alternatives with the same emissions profile. Although the concept appears to be solid from a technical perspective, initial public perceptions of the technology are uncertain. Moreover, little attention has been paid to developing an understanding of the social and political institutional infrastructure necessary to implement CCS projects. In this paper we explore a particularly dicey issue--how to ensure adequate long-term monitoring and maintenance of the carbon sequestration sites. Bonding mechanisms have been suggested as a potential mechanism to reduce these problems (where bonding refers to financial instruments used to ensure regulatory or contractual commitments). Such mechanisms have been successfully applied in a number of settings (e.g., to ensure court appearances, completion of construction projects, and payment of taxes). The paper examines the use of bonding to address environmental problems and looks at its possible application to nascent CCS projects. We also present evidence on the use of bonding for other projects involving deep underground injection of materials for the purpose of long-term storage or disposal.     

Distribution patterns of octylphenol and nonylphenol in the aquatic system at Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve, a subtropical estuarine wetland in Hong Kong

Spatial and temporal distribution of octylphenol （OP） and nonylphenol （NP） in Mai Po Marshes, a subtropical estuarine wetland in Hong Kong, were investigated. Surface water samples were collected every month from 11 sites during the period of September- December 2004. Concentrations of OP and NP ranged from 11.3 to 348 ng/L and from 29 to 2591 ng/L, respectively. The high levels of NP and OP were found in November and December than in September and October. The levels of OP and NP have no significant spatial differences except September. Total organic matter in the sediments appeared to be an important factor in controlling the fate of these compounds in the aquatic environment.     

Prediction Intervals for Estimates of Site Index Based on Ecosystem Type

/ British Columbia has an ecosystem classification system that classifies sites into site series. Foresters commonly measure the productivity of these sites by their site index. In British Columbia, site index is defined as the height of a stand at breast height age 50 and is usually estimated from height-age models. Biogeoclimatic site series/site index relationships are an increasingly popular method of estimating site index in British Columbia for stands where site index cannot be reliably estimated with height-age models. The precision of the predicted site index from these relationships can be evaluated with prediction intervals. This is done for the predicted site index of a single site, a group of sites, or the areally weighted site index of a group of sites. The methodology is also useful in determining the number of sites required to meet a specified precision. These prediction intervals will assist foresters in making sound forest management decisions.KEY WORDS: Biogeoclimatic Ecosystem Classification; Precision; Prediction interval; Site index; Site series