Distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in surface water and sediments from Baiyangdian Lake in North China

Persistent organochlorine compounds, including hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed in surface water and sediments from Baiyangdian Lake, North China. Total concentrations of HCHs, DDTs and PCBs in surface water were in the range of 3.13-10.60, 4.05-20.59 and 19.46-131.62 ng/L, respectively, and total concentrations of HCHs, DDTs and PCBs in sediments were 1.75-5.70, 0.91-6.48 and 5.96-29.61 ng/g dry weight, respectively. Among the groups of HCHs (sum of α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH and δ-HCH) and DDTs (sum of DDT, DDD and DDE), the predominance of β-HCH, DDE and DDD in water and sediment samples was clearly observed. This observation suggested that β-HCH was resistant to biodegradation and the DDTs had been transformed to its metabolites, DDE and DDD. For PCBs, penta-, hexa- and hepta-chlorinated congeners were the most abundant compounds in the both phases. Furthermore, the partitioning of chlorinated compounds between sediment and water was investigated to understand their transport and fates in aquatic ecosystems. The results indicated that average logs of organic carbon-normalized sediment-water partition coefficients (logK_oc') for OCPs varied between 3.20 and 5.53, and for PCBs, logK_oc' values ranged from 3.19 to 5.57. The observed logK_oc' was lower than their equilibrium logK_oc predicted from linear model, which may be attributed to the solubility enhancement effect of colloidal matter in water phase and the disequilibrium between sediment and water.     

Atmospheric mercury over the marine boundary layer observed during the third China Arctic Research Expedition

TGM measurements on board ships have proved to provide valuable complementary information to measurements by a ground based monitoring network. During the third China Arctic Research Expedition (from July 11 to September 24, 2008), TGM concentrations over the marine boundary layer along the cruise path were in-situ measured using an automatic mercury vapor analyzer. Here we firstly reported the results in Japan Sea, North Western Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea, where there are rare reports. The value ranged between 0.30 and 6.02 ng/m³ with an average of (1.52 ± 0.68) ng/m³, being slightly lower than the background value of Northern Hemisphere (1.7 ng/m³). Notably TGM showed considerably spatial and temporal variation. Geographically, the average value of TGM in Bering Sea was higher than those observed in Japan Sea and North Western Pacific Ocean. In the north of Japan Sea TGM levels were found to be lower than 0.5 ng/m³ during forward cruise and displayed obviously diurnal cycle, indicating potential oxidation of gaseous mercury in the atmosphere. The pronounced episode was recorded as well. Enhanced levels of TGM were observed in the coastal regions of southern Japan Sea during backward cruise due primarily to air masses transported from the adjacent mainland reflecting the contribution from anthropogenic sources. When ship returned back and passed through Kamchatka Peninsula TGM increased by the potential contamination from volcano emissions.     

Coastal flood protection: What perspective in a changing climate? The THESEUS approach

Coastal areas are vital economic hubs in terms of settlement, industry, agriculture, trade and tourism to mention some key sectors. There are already many coastal problems including erosion, flood risk and long-term habitat deterioration. As economies continue to develop the asset base at risk will grow, while accelerating climate change will increase the likelihood of damaging extreme events, as well as accelerate habitat decline. Existing coastal management and defence approaches are not well tuned to these challenges as they assume a static situation.THESEUS project is developing a systematic approach to delivering both a low-risk coast for human use and healthy habitats for evolving coastal zones subject to multiple change factors. The project examines innovative mitigation and adaptation technologies and integrate the best of these technical measures in a strategic policy context through overarching guidelines. THESEUS activities are carried out within a multidisciplinary framework using 8 study sites across Europe, with specific attention to the most vulnerable coastal environments such as deltas, estuaries and wetlands, where many large cities and industrial areas are located.This paper describes THESEUS approach, and specifically: the Source-Pathway-Receptor-Consquence model for coastal risk assessment; the engineering, social, economic and ecological mitigation measures under analysis; the participatory approach with end users and coastal authorities for the selection and identification of the appropriate defence strategy to be planned in sudy sites.     

近年渤海与黄海北部沿岸底栖贝类体内微污染物的分布特征

根据近几年的海洋常规监测数据,确定渤海及黄海北部沿岸底柄贝类体内典型微污染物的含量及其空间分布.结果表明,在36%以上的站点中,贝类体内石油烃含量超过国家海洋生物质量第1类标准(15μg/g,湿重,下同),尤其是大连湾和河北新村附近海域贝类体内含量甚至高出第Ⅲ类标准(80μg/g,以湿重计),并且,近年来大部分海域贻贝...     

北太平洋海洋生态系统的动力——以胶州湾为例

通过剖析浮游植物生长特征和其集群结构与Si的重要性、Si的输入过程和生物地球化学过程以及Si限制浮游植物时间,揭示了在北太平洋的近岸水域,从秋天的雨季结束(11月)到春天的雨季开始(5月)之前,Si都限制浮游植物的生长,在北太平洋的远离近岸水域,浮游植物生长一直都受到Si的限制;探讨北太平洋风场变化的基本特点和规律与中国的沙尘暴发生、频率和强度,首次提出了北太平洋水域Si的提供系统,并且用框图模型说明了提供系统在运行过程中的每个流程。当北太平洋缺少Si时,该系统就向其水体输入大量的Si,来维持了北太平洋海洋生态系统的持续发展;为了补充输送到海洋的Si量减少,该系统提高了运行能力,造成内陆干旱、沙化面积扩大、沙尘暴强度增大。研究结果表明,在北太平洋水域,北太平洋的季风与北太平洋边缘的雨季在时间上密切相嵌,顺利完成近岸洪水和河流的输送与大气的输送之间的相互转换,一直保持向大海的水体输入大量的Si。而且,沙尘暴与北太平洋Si的缺乏在时间上紧密配合,其强度大小与Si缺乏的严重程度相一致。因此,人类在制定应对自然灾害的政策和战略时,要从人类的角度和地球的角度来共同考虑,有利于人类的健康生存,更应该有利于地球生态系统的持续发展。     

藏北草地地上生物量及遥感监测模型研究

草地退化已成为藏北地区面临的主要生态环境问题。为了定量监测草地生物量和退化草地的生物量动态变化,利用2004 年8—9 月藏北地区草地地上生物量最大时期的地面实测数据,分析了其地上生物量大小和空间分布特征,在此基础上,结合同期的Terra MODIS植被指数数据,建立了草地地上生物量的遥感监测和估算模型。主要结论如下:①由于受高寒气候、土壤、水分等环境因素的限制,8—9 月藏北地区平均草地地上生物量较小,为96.88g/m²,其中绿色鲜草的比重在80%以上;不同区域不同草地类型地上生物量差异很大,范围在37.10~589.12 g/m²,平均而言,高寒沼泽化草甸的地上生物量最大,达356.84 g/m²,其次是温性草原(64.48 g/m²)和高寒草甸(61.61 g/m²),高寒草原草地最低,为48.87 g/m²;②基于MODIS NDVI的合成、生长型、指数函数、逻辑斯谛等4 个模型是估算藏北草地地上生物量的最优模型;③生物量的空间分布呈东南向西北减少态势,东南部部分地段在100 g/m²以上,西北部则在20 g/m²以下。     

A multilevel analysis of private-vehicle evacuation clearance times along the US Gulf Coast

This study uses multilevel regression analysis to examine the effect of social characteristics and the built environment on clearance time under an evacuation scenario. The primary unit of analysis is the US Census tract (N?=?1660), nested within 31 incorporated places spanning five US states. The dependent variable is an estimate of clearance time in hours derived using network analysis techniques within a geographic information system. We find that tracts with a more peripheral location, more female residents, a higher proportion of Hispanic residents, and higher median household incomes are associated with higher clearance times, on average. Our research suggests the relationship between suburbanization and clearance time is complex and evolving, mediated by past investments in the built environment and shifting social conditions. In addition to facilitating the evacuation of areas with low access to personal vehicles, urban planners and emergency management officials should also consider how the degree of connectivity in the street network impacts congestion and clearance time.     

Prospects for Development of an Index of Biotic Integrity for Evaluating Habitat Degradation in Coastal Systems

A multivariate index for assessment of habitat quality and its degradation, the Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI), has been developed for stream fish communities. the extension of the IBI concept to coastal waters is proposed by the development of an estuarine IBI based on macrobenthos and submerged aquatic vegetation. Eleven variables are proposed for inclusion in this index, although further consideration of the appropriateness of several variables is required. It is concluded that development of an IBI for coastal systems is feasible.     

Evaluation of the sustainable land use status of the North China Plain

The North China Plain is one of the most important production areas for wheat and maize in China, and also has the densest agricultural population in China. How to use and develop the limited land resources reasonably, and improve and protect them, have become issues of major concern. This paper is based on sustainability theory, reviewing the fundamental principles of sustainability, and developing an index system with which to evaluate the sustainability status of land use. We also use this method to evaluate the land-use status of the North China Plain and to analyze current factors affecting sustainable land use in this area. In addition, we propose a specific method for evaluating sustainable land use.     

施肥及秸秆还田处理下玉米季温室气体的排放

以华北地区冬小麦-夏玉米轮作农田为研究对象,在玉米整个生长季,运用静态箱法针对正常施肥及正常施肥结合秸秆还田处理进行了为期3年N2O排放通量的连续观测,并开展了1季CO2和CH4交换通量的研究.在玉米整个生长过程中施肥阶段N2O的排放量占到了总排放量的83%—96%,表明现有化肥的使用明显导致了农田N2O排放增加.与控制地相比,施肥和耕种可导致玉米田CO2排放明显增加,且正常施肥及秸秆还田样地CO2排放主要集中在苗期至吐丝期.控制地、正常施肥样地及施肥结合秸秆还田样地CH4的累积排放量均为负值,说明旱地土壤是CH4的一个汇.秸秆还田在一定程度上增加了玉米季N2O和CO2的排放量,但对CH4的吸收有所抑制.正常施肥样地和秸秆还田样地全球净增温潜势分别为-1392.8 kg C.hm-2和-179.2 kg C.hm-2,表明华北农田在现有耕作方式下是大气温室气体的一种重要汇.