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Abstract: Two experiments using rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were conducted to examine the combined effects of energy intake as manipulated by ration and pulp and paper mill effluent exposure over either one, or two consecutive reproductive cycles. This study demonstrated that the level of energy intake affected the full range of measured parameters from energy allocation to somatic growth and the gonadal development, steroid production and hematology. Increasing ration level expectedly increased growth, condition, liver and gonad size. Female trout in the higher ration treatments produced more follicles and had larger eggs, investing the same relative proportion of total energy into ovarian development. Sex steroid levels and hematological parameters were also positively influenced by increasing ration level in males and females. By far, the most dramatic impact of reduced ration on reproduction was to substantially reduce the frequency of sexually maturing fish. The effects of effluent exposure were not as marked as those linked to ration level and typically did not manifest unless fish were exposed through two consecutive reproductive cycles. The physiological effects of pulp and paper effluent exposure observed in these experiments were not consistent between the two experiments conducted herein, nor were they consistent with previously observed impacts in similar experiments with this effluent. Effluent exposure over one reproductive cycle did not impact physiological parameters in trout. However, when effluent exposure was maintained over two reproductive cycles, a new pattern of effluent response emerged including increased condition factor in both sexes, a decrease in the potential ability of the blood of females to transport oxygen, and increased sex steroids and reproductive investment in males. Effluent was also observed to cause reduced growth in male trout over two years. The effects of ration on gonad and liver size were far more obvious and consistent when a longer exposure was employed, thus, it appears to take more than one full year for energy intake changes to be reflected in those particular physiological endpoints. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Criticism is mounting that market-led and state-led initiatives for environmental impact disclosure are too limited in scope and that they rest on too strong assumptions about the quality and impartiality of monitoring and enforcement, with resulting insufficient effect on environmental sustainability. It has been proposed that citizen monitoring may contribute to counteract this void. However, to our knowledge, policy analysis in general and economics in particular has not paid much attention to this role of citizen monitoring. This paper aims to bridge that gap from an economics lens, by exploring the dynamics of disclosing local environmental impact and the potential role of citizen monitoring in environmental policy. To this end, the paper addresses monopolistic versus pluralistic environmental disclosure, letting citizen monitoring represent the latter. The study uses the mining industry as an illustrative case, because of that sector's particular transparency challenges in international value chains, typically with strong negative local environmental impact. It is shown how pluralistic information provision such as citizen monitoring can contribute to incentivizing more reliable information provision, especially in countries with weak state institutions, which is particularly important in the case of high-risk environmental impact. The findings should be of use for shaping environmental policy, providing valuable insights for both policymakers and scholars. • Contrasting monopolistic information provision with citizen monitoring. • Applying a media market model to environmental disclosure. • Examining citizen monitoring as a complementary approach: a case study of the mining industry. • The critical role of citizen monitoring in environments with high-risk pollution and weak state institutions. • Extracting insights for improved environmental disclosure in commodity chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant challenge in the integration of ecosystem services into decision-making processes lies in effectively capturing the dynamics of marine socio-ecological systems, including their evolutionary pathways, equilibrium states, and tipping points. This paper explores the evolutionary trajectories of a vital marine ecosystem endemic to the Mediterranean Sea: the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows, in response to various drivers of change. A state-and-transition model is employed to assess the ecosystem services provided by P. oceanica across different states defined by selected transitions, such as overfishing, fragmentation, pollution, and invasion by non-native species. To apply this model, scientific expertise is combined with field data generated using the Ecosystem-Based Quality Index to evaluate the conservation status of P. oceanica. This integrated approach allows for the representation of the ecosystem services offered by the meadows across different states, leveraging ecological data. The findings highlight the disproportionate impact on provisioning services, particularly sea urchins and commercial fish production, which suffer the most under various stressors. Notably, when these services decline to critical levels, the meadows cease to provide significant benefits. Finally, a synthesized representation is presented, merging ecological insights with monitoring data, offering a framework that is more accessible to stakeholders and decision-makers. [Display omitted] • Different anthropogenic pressures drive P. oceanica meadows into different degraded states. • Provisioning services are the most affected services in degraded states. • In the dead matte, the habitat becomes unable to provide any significant ES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Openly exposing collected data to participants in CS systems has multiple benefits. • Participation in mobile open data CS systems is strongly driven by altruistic motives. • Financial or personal ethical rewards are not strong drivers of participation. • Altruistic participation safeguards contributed data quality even with anonymity. • Engagement can be boosted by contributing meta-data (reviews) and contextual reminders. Abstract The paper presents experiences from the rapid introduction and deployment of a data crowdsourcing and data sharing system, motivated by an urgent civic need arising due to the appearance of jellyfish in the swimming coastal areas of western Greece during the summer season. The system was tailored for mobile use and although the pressing need for its deployment negated the time for thorough design, a rich set of lessons and findings emerge from its public use by 13,340 users, over a period of 2 months, reporting over 1,800 times on the condition of 189 local beaches, of which 157 were added to the system by the users themselves. This work touches on issues of usability, motivation, data reliability and public utility of mobile participatory systems and demonstrates that effective outcomes for public bodies may rise when systems are designed for the immediate benefit of citizens, by openly exposing the collected data. Most importantly, participation in mobile crowdsourced systems where the data is openly shared between participants is found to be strongly driven by altruistic motives and not by financial or ethical awards. Additionally, the altruistic motives behind participation overcome the added difficulty of participating from a purely mobile use context, and safeguard the quality of the contributed data, reducing the need for complex quality monitoring and safeguarding mechanisms. Finally, the paper identifies barriers and opportunities for the opportunistic participation in mobile crowdsourcing systems during leisure time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In long term structural health monitoring (SHM), Operational modal analysis (OMA) techniques are commonly used to identify dynamic properties of structures. However, conventional OMA methods do not consider the effect of environment, which may cause bias in the identified dynamic properties. Some machine learning models (such as Gaussian process model) can quantitatively describe the effect of environment on structure, but the associated parameters do not have physical meaning. In order to address these problems, this paper proposes a novel fusion model that combines structural dynamics model and data-driven model to identify dynamic properties with the effect of environment considered. The proposed method adopts a probabilistic framework that can incorporate the uncertainties and correlations in the data. The proposed method is validated using synthetic data and applied to the monitoring data of two full-scale bridges. The results show that it can effectively identify the modal parameters while describing the correlation between the environmental variations and the structural responses. The proposed method can facilitate robust and reliable identification of dynamic properties with structures under environmental effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the research of marine environmental monitoring system has been especially popular. The construction of Internet of things between devices occupies the main position in marine environment detection system. In order to protect and utilize marine resources, it is urgent to realize the collection and treatment of marine information. We have established the Internet of things system for large ocean data collected by sensors. We calculate the ocean data in terminal devices such as sensors. In the process of calculation and arrangement of data, this paper presents a new method for the calculation of data contours. The aim of this method is to quickly describe the contour of data. The distribution of contour lines can be calculated accurately in a short time. This paper introduces the principle and calculation process of the method. The simulation of big data calculation is carried out in practice. The simulation results are also analyzed. Finally, the advantages of this method are illustrated by comparison simulation. In the same set of data and conditions, the method achieves the improvement of computational efficiency and calculation accuracy. It has certain significance in practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing use of environmental valuation methods in coastal, marine and deep-sea settings, there is a growing need for the collaboration of natural scientists and environmental economists. Stated preference valuation methods in particular need to be based on sound natural science information and translate such information to be used in social surveys. This paper uses three applications to make explicit the flow of information between different disciplines in the preparation and implementation of stated preference studies. One approach for facilitating this flow is to increase knowledge and understanding of natural scientists on these methods. To address this, this paper highlights key opportunities and pitfalls and demonstrates those in the context of three case studies. It therefore provides guidance on stated preference valuation for natural scientists rather than for economists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quick validation and detection of faults in measured air quality data is a crucial step towards achieving the objectives of air quality networks. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are threefold: (i) to develop a modeling technique that can be used to predict the normal behavior of air quality variables and help provide accurate reference for monitoring purposes; (ii) to develop fault detection method that can effectively and quickly detect any anomalies in measured air quality data. For this purpose, a new fault detection method that is based on the combination of generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) will be developed. GLRT is a well-known statistical fault detection method that relies on maximizing the detection probability for a given false alarm rate. In this paper, we propose to develop GLRT-based EWMA fault detection method that will be able to detect the changes in the values of certain air quality variables; (iii) to develop fault isolation and identification method that allows defining the fault source(s) in order to properly apply appropriate corrective actions. In this paper, reconstruction approach that is based on Midpoint-Radii Principal Component Analysis (MRPCA) model will be developed to handle the types of data and models associated with air quality monitoring networks. All air quality modeling, fault detection, fault isolation and reconstruction methods developed in this paper will be validated using real air quality data (such as particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen and carbon oxides measurement). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] A rapid, cost-effective and accurate detection of heavy metal ions is crucial for human health monitoring and environmental protection. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a reliable method due to its outstanding performance for the identification of contaminants. In this paper, silver phosphate microcubes (Ag 3 PO 4) were fabricated using two different precipitation methods for ultrasensitive SERS detection of heavy metal ions. The use of an organic linker (BPy) with Ag 3 PO 4 enabled the immobilization of Hg2+ and Pb2+ ions. The formation of Ag 3 PO 4 was confirmed by XRD, UV-DRS, FESEM coupled with EDX and HRTEM. The analytical enhancement factor (AEF) obtained was 1010 with a detection limit of 10-15 M indicating high sensitivity. Based on these results, the possible SERS mechanism has been proposed and discussed. Moreover, an excellent reusability of Ag 3 PO 4 substrate for at least four cycles was achieved upon the light exposure on heavy metal loaded substrate due to its superior catalytic ability for the degradation of heavy metal ions. The as-prepared substrate demonstrated remarkable stability, selectivity and SERS sensitivity towards real samples. The results conclude that Ag 3 PO 4 microcubes offer a great prospect in recyclable SERS applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is aimed at the methodological development of ecological monitoring in discrete-time dynamic models. In earlier papers, in the framework of continuous-time models, we have shown how a systems-theoretical methodology can be applied to the monitoring of the state process of a system of interacting populations, also estimating certain abiotic environmental changes such as pollution, climatic or seasonal changes. In practice, however, there may be good reasons to use discrete-time models. (For instance, there may be discrete cycles in the development of the populations, or observations can be made only at discrete time steps.) Therefore the present paper is devoted to the development of the monitoring methodology in the framework of discrete-time models of population ecology. By monitoring we mean that, observing only certain component(s) of the system, we reconstruct the whole state process. This may be necessary, e.g., when in a complex ecosystem the observation of the densities of certain species is impossible, or too expensive. For the first presentation of the offered methodology, we have chosen a discrete-time version of the classical Lotka–Volterra prey–predator model. This is a minimal but not trivial system where the methodology can still be presented. We also show how this methodology can be applied to estimate the effect of an abiotic environmental change, using a component of the population system as an environmental indicator. Although this approach is illustrated in a simplest possible case, it can be easily extended to larger ecosystems with several interacting populations and different types of abiotic environmental effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a novel targeted blend of machine learning (ML) based approaches for controlling wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) operation by predicting distributions of key effluent parameters of a biological nutrient removal (BNR) process. Two years of data were collected from Plajyolu wastewater treatment plant in Kocaeli, Türkiye and the effluent parameters were predicted using six machine learning algorithms to compare their performances. Based on mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) metric only, support vector regression machine (SVRM) with linear kernel method showed a good agreement for COD and BOD 5 , with the MAPE values of about 9% and 0.9%, respectively. Random Forest (RF) and EXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) regression were found to be the best algorithms for TN and TP effluent parameters, with the MAPE values of about 34% and 27%, respectively. Further, when the results were evaluated together according to all the performance metrics, RF, SVRM (with both linear kernel and RBF kernel), and Hybrid Regression algorithms generally made more successful predictions than Light GBM and XGBoost algorithms for all the parameters. Through this case study we demonstrated selective application of ML algorithms can be used to predict different effluent parameters more effectively. Wider implementation of this approach can potentially reduce the resource demands for active monitoring the environmental performance of WWTPs. • A novel targeted blend of machine learning (ML) based approaches for controlling wastewater treatment plant. • It is used to predict effluent parameters of a biological nutrient removal process. • ML provides opportunity for early intervention to problems in wastewater treatment. • Five different ML algorithms are tested for their performance. • The mean absolute percent errors of models were 9% for COD and 0.9% for BOD5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is one of the serious problems world is facing in recent Anthropocene era of rapid industrialization and urbanization. Specifically particulate matter (PM) pollution represents a threat to both the environment and human health. The changed ambient environment due to the PM pollutant in urban areas has exerted a profound influence on the morphological, biochemical and physiological status of plants and its responses. Taking into account the characteristics of the vegetation (wide distribution, greater contact area etc.) it turns out to be an effective indicator of the overall impact of PM pollution and harmful effects of PM pollution on vegetation have been reviewed in the present paper, covering an extensive span of 1960 to March 2016. The present review critically describes the impact of PM pollution and its constituents (e.g. heavy metals and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons) on the morphological attributes such as leaf area, leaf number, stomata structure, flowering, growth and reproduction as well as biochemical parameters such as pigment content, enzymes, ascorbic acid, protein, sugar and physiological aspect such as pH and Relative water content. Further, the paper provides a brief overview on the impact of PM on biodiversity and climate change. Moreover, the review emphasizes the genotoxic impacts of PM on plants. Finally, on the basis of such studies tolerant plants as potent biomonitors with high Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Air Pollution Index (API) can be screened and may be recommended for green belt development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root elongation bioassay is one of the most straightforward test methods used for environmental monitoring in terms of simplicity, rapidity and economy since it merely requires filter paper, distilled water and Petri dishes. However, filter paper as a support material is known to be problematic as it can reduce the sensitivity of the test. The newly developed hydroponic method reported here differs from the conventional root elongation method (US EPA filter paper method) in that no support material is used and the exposure time is shorter (48 h in this test versus 120 h in the US EPA test). For metals, the hydroponic test method was 3.3 (for Hg) to 57 (for Cu) times more sensitive than the US EPA method with the rank orders of sensitivity, estimated from EC 50 values, being Cu≥Cd>Ni≥Zn≥Hg for the former and Hg≥Cu≥Ni≥Cd≥Zn for the latter methods. For phenol, the results did not differ significantly; EC 50 values were 124 mg L −1 and 108–180 mg L −1 for the hydroponic and filter paper methods, respectively. Lettuce was less sensitive than daphnids to wastewaters, but the root elongation response appears to be wastewater-specific and is especially sensitive for detecting the presence of fluorine. The new hydroponic test thus provides many practical advantages, especially in terms of cost and time-effectiveness requiring only a well plate, a small volume of distilled water and short exposure period; furthermore, no specialist expertise is required. The method is simpler than the conventional EPA technique in not using filter paper which can influence the sensitivity of the test. Additionally, plant seeds have a long shelf-life and require little or no maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows are complex ecosystems representing an important source of biodiversity for coastal marine systems, but are subjected to numerous threats from natural and human-based influences. Due to their susceptibility to changing environmental conditions, seagrasses are habitually used in monitoring programmes as biological indicators to assess the ecological status of coastal environments. In this paper we used a non-destructive photo mosaicing technology to quantify seagrass distribution and abundance, and explore benefits of micro-cartographic analysis. Furthermore, the use of photogrammetric tools enhanced the method, which proved to be efficient due to its use of low-cost instruments and its simplicity of implementation. This paper describes the steps required to use this method in meadows of Posidonia oceanica, including: i) camera calibration procedures, ii) programming of video survey, iii) criteria to perform sampling activities, iv) data processing and micro-georeferenced maps restitution, and v) possible study applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many scholars point out that in complex and contested decision-making and planning situations, participatory processes have clear advantages over “traditional” or non-participatory processes. Improving our understanding of which participatory process elements or combination of elements contribute to specific outcomes demands a comparative diagnosis of multiple case studies based on a systematic framework. This paper describes the theoretical foundation and application of a diagnostic framework developed for the description and comparative analysis of participatory processes. The framework for the Comparison of Participatory Processes (COPP) is composed of three dimensions: context, process, and outputs outcomes and impacts. For each dimension, a list of variables is provided, with associated selectable options. The framework also requires clarification of three monitoring and evaluation elements. The COPP framework is then applied to five participatory processes across five different contexts: three located in the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia and two in eastern Africa. The goal is to test first if the framework facilitates the development of a comprehensive and clear description of participatory processes, and second, if a diagnostic step can be facilitated by applying the descriptions in a cross-comparative analysis. The paper concludes that despite a few challenges, the COPP framework is sufficiently generic to derive clear and consistent descriptions. A sample of only five case studies restricts the derivation of robust insights. Nevertheless, three testable hypothesis were derived, which would need to be tested with a much larger sample of case studies in order to substantiate the efficacy of process characteristics and attributes. Ultimately, such hypotheses and subsequent analytical efforts would contribute to the advancement of this increasingly prominent research domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aspirational goal of a land degradation neutral world, to be realized by reducing the rate of land degradation and increasing the rate of restoration of degraded land, was agreed at the Rio+20 Conference in 2012. This paper evaluates the feasibility of introducing a Land Degradation Neutral (LDN) scheme as an activity of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). It concludes that national and international implementation would involve political, organizational and technological challenges. Monitoring restoration of desertified land by revegetation would be feasible immediately, but monitoring cuts in national rates of desertification would not, because no baseline rates are currently available; national and international scientific capacities to measure desertification are limited; and further scientific knowledge is required to supplement existing knowledge of desertification processes and of land use and land cover change processes generally. This paper therefore suggests introducing an LDN scheme in phases. Phase 1 would focus on restoring degraded lands, improving national land use planning systems, and establishing international and national monitoring capacities. Phase 2 would reduce desertification rates with the help of fully integrated land use planning and monitoring systems. Phase 3 would set a target year for realizing an LDN goal, based on experiences in Phases 1 and 2. All three phases would be informed by accessing existing scientific knowledge, and gaining new knowledge by launching a scientific LDN process that can evolve in parallel with the political process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure sensing holds immense significance in the realm of fiber optic sensors, particularly in the context of industrial and environmental safety monitoring. In this paper, we propose and experimentally validate an optical fiber structural sensor based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) for pressure measurement. The sensor adopts a cascaded spliced single-mode-multimode-tapered single-mode fiber (SMF-MMFTapered SMF, SMTS) structure, taking advantage of the mode mismatch effect between different fiber types and the high sensitivity of the evanescent field surrounding the tapered single-mode fiber. A segment of multimode fiber (MMF) is incorporated as the mode coupler to enhance the multimode interference (MMI). Experimental results demonstrated the sensor's robustness to pressure and temperature changes, with measurement sensitivities of the interference wavelengths Dip A and Dip B at 5.751 nm/KPa and 1.394 nm/KPa, respectively, within the pressure range of 0 ∼ 4410 Pa. The sensor also exhibited a response of 1.113 nm/°C and 0.857 nm/°C in the temperature range of 27.5 °C ∼ 41 °C. The sensor indicates a low temperature crosstalk of only 0.194 KPa/°C. By applying temperature compensation to correct pressure measurements, the accuracy of pressure sensing can be significantly improved. The sensor offers distinct advantages, including high sensitivity, low temperature crosstalk, compact structure, and simple fabrication, making it a promising candidate for applications in biochemistry and industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though soil is widely known as one of the most valuable resources for the world, its quality is going to be lower because of unsustainable economic development and social progress. Therefore, it is important for us to monitor and evaluate the quality of soil, especially its heavy metal contents which is too scarce to identify in soil spectra easily but poisonous enough to affect human health in a long run. Most of the existing estimation methods have based the characteristic bands on statistical analysis to a large extent, which is hard to accurately explain the retrieval mechanism. In this paper, the absorption characteristics of heavy metal are studied based on the soil spectra, and the distribution pattern is mapped in a large-scale continuous space, for environmental monitoring and further decision support. Taking Yitong County, China as the study area. After spectra continuum removal, the heavy metal contents were estimated by 11 features including the absorption depth, absorption area, and band ratio around 2200 nm, which showed the best performance. For arsenic (As), the best model yields R p 2 value of 0.8474, and the R M S E P value is 36.1542 (mg/kg). It is concluded that As is adsorbed by organic matter, clay minerals, and iron/manganese oxides in soil, and the adsorption of As by first two components is greater than that of the last. For airborne spectra after continuum removal, combining the spectral absorption characteristic parameters and the highly correlated bands is more accurate than using the spectral absorption characteristic parameters or bands alone. AdaBoost is presented for the heavy metal estimation, and the fitting ability of the method is found to be stronger than that of the traditional classical methods, with the R p 2 values of 0.6242 and the R M S E P value of 43.6481 (mg/kg). In summary, these results will provide a prospective basis for the rapid estimation of soil heavy metals, the risk assessment of soil heavy metals and soil environmental monitoring in a large scale. • Potential of airborne hyperspectral image for heavy metal estimation was explored. • The spectral absorption characteristics can be used to build the As estimation model. • AdaBoost outperformed other methods for As estimation in a large-scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Salinization caused by irrigation mismanagement is a major cause of desertification. Monitoring of land degradation caused by salinization and other processes has been subject to international scientific debates leading to the commitment by global decision-makers to address these threats collectively through the UNCCD. This paper discusses the experience of monitoring land and water degradation in the salinity-prone irrigated arid environments of the Northern Sahara in light of current international scientific developments affecting both conceptual and methodological approaches. The paper integrates a range of simple and accessible methods to achieve a multidisciplinary analysis including remote sensing, use of national research archives, interviews with decision-makers and direct surveys of cultivators. Revised assessments of the extent and ecological processes of salinization emerge from the analysis. As irrigated areas expand globally, the new conceptual and methodological techniques in dryland development science have the potential to enable scientists in affected areas to contribute to global efforts to monitor degradation effects caused by desiccation, salinity and human responses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

There is a considerable body of evidence showing that our preferences exhibit both reference dependence and loss aversion, a.k.a. the endowment effect. In this paper, we consider the implications of the endowment effect for discounting, with a special focus on discounting future improvements in the environment. We show that the endowment effect modifies the discount rate via (i) an instantaneous endowment effect and (ii) a reference-updating effect. Moreover we show that these two effects often combine to dampen the preference to smooth consumption over time. What this implies for discounting future environmental benefits may then depend critically on whether environmental quality is merely a factor of production of material consumption, or whether it is an amenity. On an increasing path of material consumption, dampened consumption smoothing implies a lower discount rate. But on a declining path of environmental quality and where we derive utility directly from environmental quality, it implies a higher discount rate. On non-monotonic paths, loss aversion specifically can give rise to substantial discontinuities in the discount rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition of complexity and uncertainty in natural resource management has lead to the development of a wealth of conceptual frameworks aimed at integrated assessment and complex systems monitoring. Relatively less attention has however been given to methodological approaches that might facilitate learning as part of the monitoring process. This paper reviews the monitoring literature relevant to adaptive co-management, with a focus on the synergies between existing monitoring frameworks, collaborative monitoring approaches and social learning. The paper discusses the role of monitoring in environmental management in general, and the challenges posed by scale and complexity when monitoring in adaptive co-management. Existing conceptual frameworks for monitoring relevant to adaptive co-management are reviewed, as are lessons from experiences with collaborative monitoring. The paper concludes by offering a methodological approach to monitoring that actively seeks to engender reflexive learning as a means to deal with uncertainty in natural resource management. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Rural landscapes are highly dynamic and their change impacts on a number of ecological processes such as the dynamics of biodiversity. Although a substantial amount of research has focused on quantifying these changes and their impact on biodiversity, most studies have focused on single dimensions of land use change. This lack of integration in land use change studies can be explained by the fact that data on the spatial, temporal, and ecological dimensions of land use are seldom available for the same geographical location. In this paper, the benefits of taking into account these three dimensions are illustrated with results derived from the Great Britain Countryside Surveys (CS), a large-scale monitoring programme designed to assess change in the extent and ecological condition of British habitats. The overview of CS results presented in this paper shows that (1) changes in land use composition will translate into a variety of spatial patterns; (2) the temporal stability of land use is often lower than can be expected; and (3) there can be large-scale shifts in the ecological condition of the land use types that form our rural landscapes. The benefits of integrated rural landscape studies are discussed in the context of other national monitoring programmes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Numerous agro-environmental indicators have been developed by agronomists and ecologists during the last 20 years to assess the environmental impact of farmers’ practices, and to monitor effects of agro-environmental policies. The objectives of this paper were (i) to measure the accuracy of a wide range of agro-environmental indicators from experimental data and (ii) to discuss the value of different information typically used by these indicators, i.e. information on farmers’ practices, and on plant and soil characteristics. Four series of indicators were considered in this paper: indicators of habitat quality for grassland bird species, indicators of risk of disease in oilseed rape crops, indicators of risk of pollution by nitrogen fertilizer, and indicators of weed infestation. Several datasets were used to measure their accuracy in cultivated plots and in grasslands. The sensitivity, specificity, and probability of correctly ranking plots were estimated for each indicator. Our results showed that the indicators had widely varying levels of accuracy. Some show very poor performance and had no discriminatory ability. Other indicators were informative and performed better than random decisions. Among the tested indicators, the best ones were those using information on plant characteristics such as grass height, fraction of diseased flowers, or crop yield. The statistical method applied in this paper could support researchers, farm advisers, and decision makers in comparing various indicators. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As a follow-up to our first paper in this journal, this paper discusses projects involving intensive and multiple use of space recently completed or still being developed around railway stations in London (Broadgate and Canary Wharf), Paris (Seine Rive Gauche and La Défense) and Amsterdam (Zuidas and Bijlmer). The cases were compared on the basis of spatial, functional and environmental indicators, as treated in our first paper. The environmental performance of each of the cases was determined through comparison with a theoretic reference project for an equal number of users, yet with average West-European urban values for spatial, functional and environmental properties.The case studies revealed that a high floor space index is easily achievable in urban plans, implying efficient use of land and preservation of green area outside the city. For a mono-functional office area it is easier to achieve a high FSI than for a functionally diverse area with, e.g. apartments and shops. Therefore, with respect to a reference functionally equal to the cases, the predominant office character of Canary Wharf, Broadgate and La Défense results in good environmental performance. However, on the basis of a functionally diverse reference, for which monofunctional cases were enlarged with additional area for housing and amenities, the varied areas of Zuidas and Seine Rive Gauche perform best.With respect to average urban plans, the cases achieved environmental improvement of factor 1.5. This performance is restricted by the energy consumption of buildings, which has by far the most influence on the end result. The impact of stacking on the use of building materials and energy consumption of buildings is limited, and specific sustainability measures on the building scale were not involved in the calculations. The environmental benefits of intensive and multiple use of space are mainly demonstrated by the great improvement factors for the green area preserved and transport fuel consumption. The environmental costs used for these parameters were however relatively low, leading to a limited influence on the end results.Additional effective improvements to the environmental performance of dense and functionally diverse urban plans are sustainable building design and an integrated approach to urban utilities based on sustainable technologies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes how Countryside Survey 2000 (CS2000) and earlier Countryside Surveys in 1990 and 1984, can be used to develop an integrated view of the changes in land cover, landscape and biodiversity that have taken place at the regional scale in Great Britain. A particular concern is to develop an understanding of how the national patterns of stock and change are distributed across Great Britain, and whether such changes are leading to more or less regional differentiation in our landscapes and biodiversity. A further concern is how the structure of landscape is changing.A description of the major Environmental Zones that make up Great Britain is given. Analysis of the regional patterns of change observed suggests that there has been considerable geographical variation in the gains and losses of the stock of the Biodiversity Action Plan Broad Habitats. Between 1984 and 1990, in the lowlands of the south and west of England and Wales, there were significant increase in the area of the Arable and Horticultural and Broadleaved Woodland Broad Habitats, and a marked loss of Improved Grassland. Over the same period, in the uplands of England and Wales, significant losses of Acid Grassland were observed, with associated gains in Improved Grassland. The Environmental Zones in Scotland were more stable in terms of the changes in stock of Broad Habitats. In addition to the analysis of net changes in stock of the Broad Habitats, the paper provides an analysis of the exchanges of land between major cover categories or each of the Environmental Zones.In contrast to the regionally concentrated changes in habitat stock, more ubiquitous and uniform changes in habitat quality were detected between 1990 and 1998, which continue trends observed for the 1980s. The quality of freshwater habitats increased. However, there were declines in the quality for some terrestrial biotopes, as indicated by the loss of species diversity from agricultural habitats, and the gains in diversity in semi-natural habitats, such as Acid Grasslands, more usually associated with vegetation types that are poor in species. An important driver of qualitative change appears to be widespread nutrient enrichment from nitrogen. However, such processes are probably superimposed upon more local factors, such as changes in the way land is managed for agriculture. The importance of understanding the various drives of change for future countryside policy is emphasized. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines the relationships between Community-Based Water Monitoring (CBM) and government-led water initiatives. Drawing on a cross-Canada survey of over one hundred organizations, we explore the reasons why communities undertake CBM, the monitoring protocols they follow, and the extent to which CBM program members feel their findings are incorporated into formal (i.e., government-led) decision-making processes. Our results indicate that despite following standardized and credible monitoring protocols, fewer than half of CBM organizations report that their data is being used to inform water policy at any level of government. Moreover, respondents report higher rates of cooperation and data-sharing between CBM organizations themselves than between CBM organizations and their respective governments. These findings are significant, because many governments continue to express support for CBM. We explore the barriers between CBM data collection and government policy, and suggest that structural barriers include lack of multi-year funding, inconsistent protocols, and poor communication. More broadly, we argue that the distinction between formal and informal programming is unclear, and that addressing known CBM challenges will rely on a change in perception: CBM cannot simply be a less expensive alternative to government-driven data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality monitoring programs (WQMPs) must be based on monitoring objectives originating from the real knowledge needs of all stakeholders in a watershed and users of the resource. This paper proposes a participative approach to elicit knowledge needs and preferred modes of communication from citizens and representatives of organized stakeholders (ROS) on water quality and quantity issues. The participative approach includes six steps and is adaptable and transferable to different types of watersheds. These steps are: (1) perform a stakeholder analysis; (2) conduct an adaptable survey accompanied by a user-friendly public participation geographical information system (PPGIS); (3) hold workshops to meet with ROS to inform them of the results of the survey and PPGIS; discuss attainment of past monitoring objectives; exchange views on new knowledge needs and concerns on water quality and quantity; (4) meet with citizens to obtain the same type of input (as from ROS); (5) analyze the data and information collected to identify new knowledge needs and modes of communication and (6) identify, in collaboration with the individuals in charge of the WQMPs, the short-, medium- and long-term monitoring objectives and communication strategies to be pursued. The participative approach was tested on two distinct watersheds in the province of Quebec, Canada. It resulted in a series of optimization objectives of the existing WQMPs, new monitoring objectives and recommendations regarding communication strategies of the WQMPs' results. The results of this study show that the proposed methodology is appreciated by all parties and that the outcomes and monitoring objectives are acceptable. We also conclude that successful integrated watershed management is a question of scale, and that every aspect of integrated watershed management needs to be adapted to the surface watershed, the groundwater watershed (aquifers) and the human catchment area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological networks are powerful tools for visualizing biodiversity data and assessing ecosystem health and function. Constructing these networks requires considerable empirical efforts, and this remains highly challenging due to sampling limitations and the laborious and notoriously limited, error-prone process of traditional taxonomic identification. Recent advancements in high-throughput gene sequencing and high-performance computing provide new ways to address these challenges. DNA metabarcoding, a method of bulk taxonomic identification from DNA extracted from environmental samples, can generate detailed biodiversity information through a standardizable analytical pipeline for species detection. When this biodiversity information is annotated with prior knowledge on taxon interactions, body size, and trophic position, it is possible to generate trait-based networks, which we call "heuristic food webs". Although curating trait matrices for constructing heuristic food webs is a laborious, often intractable process using manual literature surveys, it can be greatly accelerated via text mining, allowing knowledge of relevant traits to be gathered across large databases. To explore this possibility, we employed a General Architecture for Text Engineering (GATE) system to create a hybrid text-mining pipeline combining rule-based and machine-learning modules. This pipeline was then used to query online repositories of published papers for missing data on a key trait, body size, that could not be gathered from existing trophic link libraries of freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates. Combining text-mined body size information with feeding information from existing sources allowed us to generate a database of over 20,000 pairwise trophic interactions. Next, we developed a pipeline that uses taxa lists generated from DNA metabarcoding and annotates this matrix with trophic information from existing databases and text-mined body size data. In this way, we generated heuristic food webs for wetland sites within a large delta complex formed by the confluence of the Peace and Athabasca rivers in northern Alberta: the Peace-Athabasca delta. Finally, we used these putative food webs and their network properties to resolve spatial and temporal differences between the benthic subwebs of wetlands in the Peace and Athabasca sectors of the delta complex. Specifically, we asked two questions. (1) How do food web properties (e.g. number of links, linkage density, trophic height) differ between the wetlands of the Peace and Athabasca deltas? (2) How do food web properties change temporally in wetlands of the two deltas? We discuss using DNA-generated, trait-based food webs as a powerful tool for rapid bioassessment, assess the limitations of our current approach, and outline a path forward to make this powerful tool more widely available for land managers and conservation biologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental policies often include exemptions for some firms, e.g. the small emitters. This paper explores the implications of such exemptions in the case of an emission tax, and in the presence of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) costs. We develop an analytical framework capturing the trade-off between the cost-effectiveness of a broader tax base, and the savings on MRV costs enabled by a partial coverage. Second-best partial coverage is defined by a threshold value of some characteristic of the firms below which firms are exempted. We characterize the optimal threshold and discuss its welfare implications. Since determining this threshold is demanding in terms of information regarding firm-level MRV and abatement costs, we show how limited knowledge about these costs at the aggregate level can be used in practice to approximate the optimal threshold. We apply this framework to assess the welfare implications of such an instrument in the case of greenhouse gas emissions from European agriculture. The findings indicate that exempting the small emitters may provide significant savings on MRV costs compared to the full coverage, while still incentivizing cost-effective reductions in emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the spatiotemporal variability of air pollutants in Egypt using monthly averages from the air quality monitoring network from 2011 to 2015. Particulate Matters (PM 10 ) Nitrogen Dioxide (NO 2 ) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 ), measured by the monitoring stations network are studied. A log transformation is applied for the three pollutants to achieve normality. The sum-metric function is utilized for modelling the spatiotemporal variogram as it gave the smallest Mean Squared Error (MSE) compared to other forms namely separable, metric, and product sum models. Therefore, employing the gstat package in R together with the trans-Gaussian spatiotemporal kriging, the maps are generated for the interpolated surfaces for the monthly averages of 2015 and the corresponding standard error values. These maps will help the decision maker to understand and visualize the spatial and temporal variability of the measured pollutants and hence undertake the necessary policies and decisions. The results show that the down town area has the highest pollutants levels. As concerns the temporal dimension, the highest values are depicted during the month of February as compared to the rest of the year. Furthermore, Egypt is suffering from a serious PM 10 problem for the area and period under study that extremely exceed the WHO and Egyptian guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydromorphological stream assessment has significantly expanded over the last years, but a need has emerged from recent reviews for more comprehensive, process-based methods that consider the character and dynamics of the river with greater accuracy. With this as a focus, a series of hydromorphological tools have been developed and/or further extended in Europe within the context of the REFORM (REstoring rivers FOR effective catchment Management) project. The aim of this paper is to present the set of REFORM hydromorphological assessment methods and, based on some examples of their application, to illustrate and discuss their synergic use, specific features, limitations and strengths. This assessment and monitoring includes three tools: the Morphological Quality Index (MQI), the Morphological Quality Index for monitoring (MQIm), and the Geomorphic Units survey and classification System (GUS). These tools constitute the assessment phase of an overall multi-scale, process-based hydromorphological framework developed in REFORM. The MQI is aimed at an assessment, classification and monitoring of the current morphological state; the MQIm aims at monitoring the tendency of morphological conditions (enhancement or deterioration); the GUS provides a characterization, classification and monitoring of geomorphic units. A series of examples are used to illustrate the potential range of application, including: (i) an assessment of morphological conditions; (ii) an assessment of the morphological effects of restoration projects; (iii) an evaluation of the geomorphic impacts of interventions for risk mitigation; and (iv) an integrated use of MQI and GUS to assess and characterise morphological conditions. Finally, some of the main features, strengths and peculiarities of the three hydromorphological tools are discussed with the support of examples of their application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity generation from wind energy has proliferated throughout North America and will continue to grow. Given Canada's expected increase in wind energy capacity, consideration of the potential adverse impacts to bird and bat populations is prudent given their sensitivity to these projects. The province of Ontario, Canada is currently the leading jurisdiction for wind energy development, and for provincial guidance on pre- and post-construction monitoring. With uniform monitoring guidance in Ontario, wind energy proponents, and third-party consultants, have developed post-construction monitoring protocols that meet provincial guidance, while also providing standardized reporting. In Atlantic Canada, post-construction guidelines vary between provinces, depending mostly on guidance from the Environment Canada Canadian Wildlife Service and relevant provincial agencies. To ensure quality post-construction monitoring results in Atlantic Canada and other provinces, it is imperative that all Canadian provinces adopt similar approaches to those employed in Ontario. This paper reviews major causes of bird and bat mortalities; reviews Canadian federal and Ontario provincial bird and bat monitoring guidelines to elucidate gaps between environmental assessment (EA) theory and application; summarizes post-construction monitoring protocols from eight bird and bat post-construction monitoring programs used in Ontario; and, proposes recommendations to support future wind development opportunities across Canada and specifically in Atlantic Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the paper is threefold: (1) to introduce Landscape Quality Objectives (LQOs) as a set of indicators; (2) to present a method of linking social and expert opinion in the process of the formulation of landscape indicators; and (3) to present a methodological framework for the identification of LQOs. The implementation of these goals adopted a six-stage procedure based on the use of landscape units: (1) GIS analysis; (2) classification; (3) social survey; (4) expert value judgement; (5) quality assessment; and (6) guidelines formulation. The essence of the research was the presentation of features that determine landscape quality according to public opinion as a set of indicators. The results showed that 80 such indicators were identified, of both a qualitative (49) and a quantitative character (31). Among the analysed units, 60% (18 objects) featured socially expected (and confirmed by experts) levels of landscape quality, and 20% (6 objects) required overall quality improvement in terms of both public and expert opinion. The adopted procedure provides a new tool for integrating social responsibility into environmental management. The advantage of the presented method is the possibility of its application in the territories of various European countries. It is flexible enough to be based on cartographic studies, landscape research methods, and environmental quality standards existing in a given country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution in coastal and marine areas is an ongoing environmental concern in the world. Despite its growing concern worldwide, there is a knowledge gap in terms of its detection and quantification of spatial distribution patterns. In this review paper, we investigated the existing trends in monitoring marine and beached (macro and meso) plastic debris using remote sensing techniques. Marine plastic debris monitoring using remote sensing data is highly complex, partially due to the constraints in spatial and spectral resolutions as well as due to the differences in surface reflectance properties of different polymers. Modern remote sensing with high-quality data, including airborne, spaceborne, and data taken from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), have revolutionized marine litter mapping. UAV platform offers a promising and cost-effective way for mapping both floating and beached marine plastic debris compared to data from other platforms. Automatic and manual delineation for mapping marine plastic litters can be applied depending on the objective of the study. For assisting beach clean-up processes, automatic detection of marine plastic debris is enough for locating the worksite. For detailed characterization of debris, including type, size and material, manual delineation of high resolution images is necessary. More accurate mapping of marine plastics can be achieved by developing detailed spectral libraries with material level details and launching dedicated sensors for marine litter mapping in the future. Challenges exist in mapping submerged marine plastics, plastic materials conglomerated with biomass and unaccounted for beached marine litter buried along the coasts due to accretion and erosion. • State-of-the-art review on remote sensing of marine plastic litter. • Detection of beached marine plastic litter is effective in beach clean-up process. • Platforms and sensors used for detection and mapping of marine plastic litter. • High-resolution remote sensing has revolutionized marine plastic litter mapping. • Remote detection of buried and submerged plastic debris is still a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participatory approaches are now increasingly recognized and used as an essential element of policies and programs, especially in regards to natural resource management (NRM). Most practitioners, decision-makers and researchers having adopted participatory approaches also acknowledge the need to monitor and evaluate such approaches in order to audit their effectiveness, support decision-making or improve learning. Many manuals and frameworks exist on how to carry out monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for participatory processes. However, few provide guidelines on the selection and implementation of M&E methods, an aspect which is also often obscure in published studies, at the expense of the transparency, reliability and validity of the study. In this paper, we argue that the selection and implementation of M&E methods are particularly strategic when monitoring and evaluating a participatory process. We demonstrate that evaluators of participatory processes have to tackle a quadruple challenge when selecting and implementing methods: using mixed-methods, both qualitative and quantitative; assessing the participatory process, its outcomes, and its context; taking into account both the theory and participants’ views; and being both rigorous and adaptive. The M&E of a participatory planning process in the Rwenzori Region, Uganda, is used as an example to show how these challenges unfold on the ground and how they can be tackled. Based on this example, we conclude by providing tools and strategies that can be used by evaluators to ensure that they make utile, feasible, coherent, transparent and adaptive methodological choices when monitoring and evaluating participatory processes for NRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of agricultural management on global biodiversity highlights the need for farm-scale monitoring programmes capable of determining the performance of agriculture practices. Yet the identification of appropriate indicators is a challenging process and one that involves considering a number of different aspects and requirements. Besides the attention given to scientific effectiveness, relevant but less studied issues related to biodiversity measurements include the economic feasibility of monitoring programmes and the relevance of indicators for different end-users. In this paper, we combine an analytic assessment of costs and a stakeholder-based evaluation of the usefulness of a set of biodiversity-related parameters (habitat mapping, vegetation, bees, earthworms, spiders, and a farmer questionnaire) tested for scientific consistency in 12 European case studies and on more than 14,000 ha of farmland. The results point to the possibility of meeting the expectations of different end-users (administrators, farmers and consumers) with a common indicator set. Combining costs and usefulness also suggests the possibility of designing more efficient monitoring approaches involving private agencies and networks of volunteers and farmers for the field data collection at different stages of a monitoring programme. Although complex, such an approach would make it possible to enhance the effectiveness of available funds for farmland biodiversity monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichens are sensitive to the presence of ammonia (NH 3 ) in the environment. However, in order to use them as reliable indicators in biomonitoring studies, it is necessary to establish unequivocally the occurrence of certain symptoms following the exposure to NH 3 in the environment. In this paper, we simulated an episode of acute air pollution due to the release of NH 3 . The biological effects of acute air pollution by atmospheric NH 3 have been investigated using N-sensitive ( Flavoparmelia caperata ) and N-tolerant ( Xanthoria parietina ) species. Lichen samples were exposed to ecologically relevant NH 3 concentrations for 8 weeks, simulating three areas of impact: a control area (2 μg/m 3 ), an area of intermediate impact (2–35 μg/m 3 ) and an area of high impact (10–315 μg/m 3 ), with a peak of pollution reached between the fourth and fifth week. Ammonia affected both the photobiont and the mycobiont in F. caperata , while in X. parietina only the photosynthetic performance of the photobiont was altered after exposure to the highest concentration. In the photobiont of F. caperata we recorded chlorophyll degradation as indicated by OD 435/415 ratio, decrease of the photosynthetic performance (as reflected by the maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry F V / F M and the performance index PI ABS ); in the mycobiont, ergosterol reduction, membrane lipid peroxidation (as reflected by the increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), alteration (decrease) of the secondary metabolite usnic acid. No effects were detected on caperatic acid and dehydrogenase activity. In X. parietina , the only signal determined by NH 3 was the alteration of F V / F M and the performance index PI ABS . The results suggest that physiological parameters in N-sensitive lichens well reflect the effects of NH 3 exposure and can be applied as early indicators in monitoring studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In this paper, a high-sensitivity surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on photonic crystal fibre (PCF) is designed and simulated for a wide range of applications involving refractive index (RI) sensing. • The outside surface of PCF is coated with gold (Au), and a small layer of titanium dioxide acts as an adhesive between the gold and silica. • Wavelength sensitivity of 10000 nm/RIU, sensor resolution of 2 × 10−5 RIU and amplitude sensitivity of 1115 RIU−1 are achieved. • In the operating wavelength between 0.5 µm and 1.35 µm, the proposed sensor can detect the RI of the analyte from 1.35 to 1.40. • The proposed sensor is exceptional for biochemical sensing, medical testing, and environmental monitoring due to its extensive range of RI detection and sensing. Until now, the use of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) based sensors has been limited. Environmental monitoring, the chemical industry, the food industry, and biomedicine are merely some of the fields. In this work, a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor based on PCF is designed and simulated for a wide range of refractive index (RI) sensing applications with high sensitivity. The outer surface of PCF is coated with gold (Au), and a thin coating of titanium dioxide serves as an adhesive between the Au and silica. Using the SPR interaction between the core mode and Surface Plasmon Polariton mode of the proposed sensor, the RI of the analyte is detected. The simulated sensor has shown wavelength sensitivity of 10000 nm/RIU, sensor resolution of 2 × 10−5 RIU and amplitude sensitivity of 1115 RIU−1. Its operating wavelength ranges from 0.5 µm to 1.35 µm and it can detect the RI ranges from 1.35 to 1.40. The proposed sensor is exceptional for biochemical sensing, medical testing, and environmental monitoring due to its extensive range of RI detection and sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we present surface water oxygen (δ 18 O), hydrogen (δD) and inorganic carbon (δ 13 C DIC ) isotope data to gain a better understanding of the modern day hydrogeology of Cuatrociénegas Basin, a semi-arid region in northeastern Mexico. Our study focuses on 26 water samples collected in March 2008 to investigate: 1) current provenance and flow pathways of surface waters, 2) the use of stable isotopes in identifying water loss and environmental degradation, and 3) human influence on hydrogeology. δ 18 O for Cuatrociénegas water samples ranged from −7.99 to +4.97‰ (mean −5.23 ± 3.13‰), δD from −54.8 to +0.3‰ (mean −42.4 ± 14.4‰), and δ 13 C TDIC from −21.6 to −9.2‰ (mean −14.3 ± 3.4‰). Samples collected progressively away from their respective spring lines display increasing δ 18 O and δD values. Isotope data suggest that where the residence time of the groundwater is long and/or the system is hydrologically open, δ 18 O may not be a reliable indicator of water loss and environmental degradation. Our data suggest the central ciénega (area W(b)) is the most viable area for palaeoenvironmental study and long term monitoring is an essential tool in the identification of ecosystem damage and response, allowing for better future management of the complex and fragile CCB ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relating environmental factors to species occurrence is a fundamental step in a better understanding of the community structure, the spatial and temporal dynamics of populations and how species may respond to environmental changes. In this paper, we used phytoplankton occurrence data, from a French national phytoplankton monitoring network, and environmental variables with the aim of characterizing the realized ecological niches of phytoplankton groups. We selected 35 phytoplankton taxa representing the most important taxa in terms of occurrence frequency and abundance along the French coast of the eastern English Channel, the Southern Bight of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. We show that environmental variables such as nutrient concentration, water temperature, irradiance and turbidity can be considered key factors controlling phytoplankton dynamics and influencing the community structure. By using a statistical framework based on an ordination technique the community structure was analyzed and interpreted in terms of niche overlap, marginality and tolerance. The most marginal taxon was Dactyliosolen and the most tolerant was Skeletonema . Non-marginal taxonomic units could be generalist and specialist, while marginal taxa were rather specialist. Specialist and marginal taxa globally showed lower values of overlap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-invasive Micro-test Technology (NMT) is a selective microelectrode technique which can detect the flux rates and three-dimensional motion directions of ions or molecules into and out of living organisms in situ without damaging the sample. It has the advantages of maintaining sample integrity, high temporal and spatial resolution, and being able to measure multiple sites simultaneously. In this paper we provide a comprehensive review on the development of NMT in recent years. Its principles, characteristics, and the differences with other microelectrode techniques are introduced. We discuss the applications of NMT in the field of phytoremediation, plant resistance, water quality monitoring, and toxicity mechanisms of heavy metals on organisms. Furthermore, the challenges and future prospects of NMT in the environmental field are presented. [Display omitted] • The research progresses of NMT technique were reviewed. • The principles and characteristics of NMT were introduced. • Some major and recent applications of NMT in environmental fields were described in detail. • Current challenges and potential directions of further development were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses the applicability of the Frame of Reference (FoR) approach for the environmental monitoring of large-scale offshore Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) projects. The focus is on projects harvesting energy from winds, waves and currents. Environmental concerns induced by MRE projects are reported based on a classification scheme identifying stressors, receptors, effects and impacts. Although the potential effects of stressors on most receptors are identified, there are large knowledge gaps regarding the corresponding (positive and negative) impacts. In that context, the development of offshore MRE requires the implementation of fit-for-purpose monitoring activities aimed at environmental protection and knowledge development. Taking European legislation as an example, it is suggested to adopt standardized monitoring protocols for the enhanced usage and utility of environmental indicators. Towards this objective, the use of the FoR approach is advocated since it provides guidance for the definition and use of coherent set of environmental state indicators. After a description of this framework, various examples of applications are provided considering a virtual MRE project located in European waters. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are provided for the successful implementation of the FoR approach and for future studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Following the principles of the European Water Framework Directive, the current Spanish water management legislation requires the definition of the environmental flow regimes for all water bodies, including estuaries. The scientific community has tried to answer the question of how much freshwater an estuary needs since the mid-1970s, resulting in the development of several methodologies and approaches in different parts of the world. However the ability to reproduce most of these approaches is difficult due to the scarcity of required data and also to the differences between the studied estuaries. In this paper, we present a methodology to calculate environmental flow regimes in well-mixed estuaries based on the numerical modelling of salinity and which takes into account the seasonal climatic and hydrologic pattern of the catchment. The approach follows three sequential steps: 1) Definition of reference conditions based on the unaltered salinity patterns and zoning of the estuary, 2) definition of salinity thresholds and 3) calculation of the minimum flows required to satisfy these thresholds. The application of the methodology to five estuaries on the northern coast of Spain has highlighted the importance of considering the hydrological variability and the division of the estuary into homogeneous zones. Moreover, the studies carried out demonstrate the ineffectiveness of river specific methodologies when used to define environmental flow regimes in several estuaries and periods, and the need to apply specific methodologies. The methodology is based on the principles defined by other already tested approaches, but its greatest advantage lies in the ability to be applied to large scales, when physical and biological data is scarce. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper describes a micro-controller based instrumentation system to monitor air pressure using optical fiber sensors. The principle of macrobending is used to develop the sensor system. The instrumentation system consists of a laser source, a beam splitter, two multi mode optical fibers, two Light Dependent Resistance (LDR) based timer circuits and a AT89S8252 micro-controller. The beam splitter is used to divide the laser beam into two parts and then these two beams are launched into two multi mode fibers. One of the multi mode fibers is used as the sensor fiber and the other one is used as the reference fiber. The use of the reference fiber is to eliminate the environmental effects while measuring the air pressure magnitude. The laser beams from the sensor and reference fibers are applied to two identical LDR based timer circuits. The LDR based timer circuits are interfaced to a micro-controller through its counter pins. The micro-controller samples the frequencies of the timer circuits using its counter-0 and counter-1 and the counter values are then processed to provide the measure of air pressure magnitude. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Countryside Survey is a unique large scale long-term monitoring programme investigating stock and change of habitats, landscape features, vegetation, soil and freshwaters of Great Britain. Repeat field surveys combine policy and scientific objectives to provide evidence on how multiple aspects of the environment are changing over time, a key goal of international science in the face of profound human impacts on ecosystems. Countryside Survey 2007 (CS2007), the fifth survey since 1978, retained consistency with previous surveys, whilst evolving in line with technological and conceptual advances in the collection and integration of data to understand landscape change. This paper outlines approaches taken in the 2007 survey and its subsequent analysis and presents some of the headline results of the survey and their relevance for national and international policy objectives. Key changes between 1998 and 2007 included: a) significant shifts in agricultural land cover from arable to grassland, accompanied by increases in the area of broadleaved woodland, b) decreases in the length of managed hedges associated with agricultural land, as a proportion deteriorated to lines of trees and c) increases in the areas and numbers of wet habitats (standing open water, ponds) and species preferring wetter conditions (1998–2007 and 1978–2007). Despite international policy directed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity, there were widespread decreases in species richness in all linear and area habitats, except on arable land, consistent with an increase in competitive and late successional species between 1998 and 2007 and 1978 and 2007. Late successional and competitive species: Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), Hawthorn (Cratageous monogyna) and Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), in the top ten recorded species recorded in 2007, all increased between 1998 and 2007. The most commonly recorded species in CS (1990, 1998 and 2007) was agricultural Ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Increases in both water quality and soil pH were in line with policy aimed at addressing previous deterioration of both. Headwater streams broadly showed continued improvements in biological quality from 1998 to 2007, continuing trends seen since 1990. In soils, there were significant increases in soil pH between 1998 and 2007 consistent with recovery from acidification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A wireless sensor network (WSN) can be construed as an intelligent, largely autonomous, instrument for scientific observation at fine temporal and spatial granularities and over large areas. The ability to perform spatial analyses over sensor data has often been highlighted as desirable in areas such as environmental monitoring. Whilst there exists research on computing topological changes of dynamic phenomena, existing proposals do not allow for more expressive in-network spatial analysis. This paper addresses the challenges involved in using WSNs to identify, track and report topological relationships between dynamic, transient spatial phenomena and permanent application-specific geometries focusing on cases where the geometries involved can be characterized by sets of nodes embedded in a finite 2-dimensional space. The approach taken is algebraic, i.e., analyses are expressed as algebraic expressions that compose primitive operations (such as Adjacent, or AreaInside). The main contributions are distributed algorithms for the operations in the proposed algebra and an empirical evaluation of their performance in terms of bit complexity, response time, and energy consumption. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to gather sensor data, a data gathering tree is commonly created as a subnetwork of a wireless sensor network. Power conservation is of paramount importance in such networks, and using periodic sleep–wake cycles for sensor nodes is one of the most effective methods for power conservation. This paper addresses the problem of scheduling the sleep–wake cycles of nodes in a data gathering tree under deadline constraints. After formally modeling the problem being addressed, an optimal wake-up frequency assignment (OWFA) algorithm, which takes into account the data rate at each node and the total permitted delay, is proposed. The results of simulations under various conditions showed that OWFA consumed about 8.6%∼24.3% less average power, and thus resulted in a 7.4%∼26.0% longer network lifetime, than a previously proposed method that did not consider individual data rates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we show how the integration of monitoring data and mathematical model can generate valuable information by using a few examples taken from a well studied but complex ecosystem, namely the Lagoon of Venice. We will focus on three key issues, which are of concern also for many other coastal ecosystems, namely: (1) Nitrogen and Phosphorus annual budgets; (2) estimation of Net Ecosystem Metabolism and early warnings for anoxic events; (3) assessment of ecosystem status. The results highlight the importance of framing monitoring activities within the “DPSIR” conceptual model, thus going far beyond the monitoring of major biogeochemical variables and including: (1) the estimation of the fluxes of the main constituents at the boundaries; (2) the use of appropriate mathematical models. These tools can provide quantitative links among Pressures and State/Impacts, thus enabling decision makers and stakeholders to evaluate the effects of alternative management scenarios. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]