A dry deposition scheme for particulate matter coupled with a well-known Lagrangian Stochastic model for pollutant dispersion

Environmental Fluid Mechanics - A 3D dry deposition scheme for particulate matter (PM) is presented as a Free-Libre and Open-Source Software (FOSS) library, DePaSITIA (RSE SpA). This combines some...     

Transcervical CVS sample size: Correlation with placental location,cytogenetic findings,and pregnancy outcome

Data from 2907 transcervical CVS cases performed on singleton pregnancies were reviewed retrospectively and villus sample size was correlated with cytogenetic results, placental location, maternal age at the expected date of confinement (EDC), gestational age at the time of sampling, birth weight, gestational age at the time of delivery, and pregnancy outcome. No correlation was noted between villus sample size and maternal age, gestational age at sampling, gestational age at delivery, birth weight, or pregnancy outcome. An inverse correlation between villus sample size and percentage of abnormal cytogenetic findings was statistically significant (X² = 8·53, p <0·01). The percentage of small samples was greater when the placenta was anterior, lateral, or fundal than when the placenta was posterior.     

Ultrasonographic features in a case of heterozygous achondroplasia at 25 weeks' gestation

Prenatal diagnosis of heterozygous achondroplasia at 25 weeks is described. First-level fetal ultrasonography demonstrated short long bones of the lower limbs. Second-level examination showed a large head; shortened femur, fibula, and tibia; a ‘trident’-shaped hand; and an abnormal facial profile.     

Environmental aftermath of the radiation accident at Tomsk-7

An analysis is presented of the environmental effects of the most serious radiation accident recorded after Chernobyl, which occurred in the formerly secret town of Tomsk-7 in Siberia, Russia, on 6, April 1993. Fortunately, it appears not to have become a major industrial crisis or disaster. The causes of the accident are described. It is argued that a mixture of both objective and subjective prerequisites, including specific human, organizational, and technological factors, were responsible for the explosion or directly facilitated it. The Tomsk-7 accident's ecological, medical, social, and psychological consequences are discussed.     

Drivers of broadleaved evergreen species spread into deciduous forests in the southern Swiss Alps

Regional Environmental Change - The spread of non-native species into natural communities is a noticeable phenomenon linked to global change. Drivers of such invasions, however, may differ...     

Accumulation of natural radionuclides (7Be, 210Pb) and micro-elements in mosses,lichens and cedar and larch needles in the Arctic Western Siberia

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This is a study of the atmospheric-origin natural radionuclides (7Be and 210Pb) and a wide range of micro- and macro-element accumulation in mosses,...     

Source apportionment of PAHs and n-alkanes bound to PM1 collected near the Venice highway

n-Alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) bound to atmospheric particulate matter (PM₁) were investigated in a traffic site located in an urban area of Venice Province (Eastern Po Valley, Italy) during the cold season. Considering the critical situation affecting the Veneto Region concerning the atmospheric pollution and the general lack of information on PM₁ composition and emission in this area, this experimental study aims at determining the source profile, their relative contributions and the dispersion of finer particles. Four sources were identified and quantified using the Positive Matrix Factorization receptor model: (1) mixed combustions related to the residential activities, (2) agricultural biomass burning in addition to the resuspension of anthropogenic and natural debris carried by the wind, (3) gasoline and (4) diesel traffic-related combustions. The role of local atmospheric circulation was also investigated to identify the pollutant sources.     

Modelling vegetation greenness responses to climate variability in a Mediterranean terrestrial ecosystem

Accurate knowledge of the quality and environmental impact of the highway runoff in Pear River Delta, South China is required to assess this important non-point pollution source. This paper presents the quality characterization and environmental impact assessment of rainfall runoff from highways in urban and rural area of Guangzhou, the largest city of Pear River Delta over 1 year’s investigation. Multiple regression and Pearson correlation analysis were used to determine influence of the rainfall characteristics on water quality and correlations among the constituents in highway runoff. The results and analysis indicates that the runoff water is nearly neutral with low biodegradability. Oil and grease (O&G), suspended solids (SS) and heavy metals are the dominant pollutants in contrast to the low level of nutrient constituents in runoff. Quality of highway runoff at rural site is better than that of at urban site for most constituents. Depth and antecedent dry period are the main rainfall factors influencing quality of highway runoff. The correlation patterns among constituents in highway runoff at urban site are consistent with their dominant phases in water. Strong correlations (r ≥ 0.80) are found among chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus, Cu and Zn as well as conductivity, nitrate nitrogen and total nitrogen. O&G, COD, SS and Pb in highway runoff at urban site substantially exceed their concentrations in receiving water of Pear River. The soil directly discharged by highway runoff at rural site has contaminated seriously by heavy metals in surface layer accompanying with pH conversion from original acidic to alkaline at present.     

Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Region: A Cross-Country Analysis of Institutional Stakeholder Perceptions

Before climate change is considered in long-term coastal management, it is necessary to investigate how institutional stakeholders in coastal management conceptualize climate change, as their awareness will ultimately affect their actions. Using questionnaires in eight Baltic Sea riparian countries, this study examines environmental managers' awareness of climate change. Our results indicate that problems related to global warming are deemed secondary to short-term social and economic issues. Respondents agree that problems caused by global warming will become increasingly important, but pay little attention to adaptation and mitigation strategies. Current environmental problems are expected to continue to be urgent in the future. We conclude that an apparent gap exists between decision making, public concerns, and scientific consensus, resulting in a situation in which the latest evidence rarely influences commonly held opinions.