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2. A review of heavy metals pollution in riverine sediment from various Asian and European countries: Distribution, sources, and environmental risk.
- Author
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Zeb M, Khan K, Younas M, Farooqi A, Cao X, Kavil YN, Alelyani SS, Alkasbi MM, and Al-Sehemi AG
- Subjects
- Risk Assessment, Rivers chemistry, Vietnam, Europe, Asia, China, Geologic Sediments chemistry, Metals, Heavy analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Environmental Monitoring
- Abstract
Riverine sediments are important reservoirs of heavy metals, representing both historical and contemporary anthropogenic activity within the watershed. This review has been conducted to examine the distribution of heavy metals in the surface sediment of 52 riverine systems from various Asian and European countries, as well as to determine their sources and environmental risks. The results revealed significant variability in heavy metal contamination in the world's riverine systems, with certain hotspots exhibiting concentrations that exceeded the permissible limits set by environmental quality standards. Among the studied countries, India has the highest levels of chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) contamination in its riverine systems, followed by Iran > Turkey > Spain > Vietnam > Pakistan > Malaysia > Taiwan > China > Nigeria > Bangladesh > Japan. Heavy metal pollution in the world's riverine systems was quantified using pollution evaluation indices. The Contamination Factor (CF) revealed moderate contamination (1 ≤ CF < 3) throughout the geological units, with the exception of Pb, Cd, and Cu. The Contamination Degree (CD) classifies the contamination level into different categories: Low degree of contamination (CD < 6), moderate degree of contamination (6 ≤ CD < 12), considerable degree of contamination (12 ≤ CD < 24), and a very high degree of contamination (CD ≥ 24), while the Pollution Load Index (PLI) estimate the total amount of heavy metal pollution in riverine sediments, with Turkey having the highest PLI value of 6.512, followed by Spain, Vietnam, Taiwan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Iran, and Nigeria. In applied multivariate statistics, correlation analysis determined the fate and distribution of heavy metals in riverine systems, while Principal Component Analysis (PCA) elucidated the potential sources, including industrial, agrochemical, mining, and domestic wastewater discharges, lubricant leakages, multiple geogenic inputs, erosion of mafic and ultramafic rocks, and minimal atmospheric deposition. As per Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) perspectives, Vietnam, Spain, and Turkey have the highest ecological risk, followed by Nigeria > Pakistan > Bangladesh > China > Taiwan > Japan and Iron, while the potential risks of ∑non-carcinogenic Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Co, Zn, and Mn for exposed human children and adults through ingestion and dermal contact were significantly influenced between acceptable to high risk, necessitating special attention from pollution control agencies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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3. Pesticide residues in European sediments: A significant concern for the aquatic systems?
- Author
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Khurshid C, Silva V, Gai L, Osman R, Mol H, Alaoui A, Christ F, Schlünssen V, Vested A, Abrantes N, Campos I, Baldi I, Robelot E, Bureau M, Pasković I, Polić Pasković M, Glavan M, Hofman J, Harkes P, Huerta Lwanga E, Norgaard T, Ritsema CJ, and Geissen V
- Subjects
- Europe, Geologic Sediments analysis, Geologic Sediments chemistry, Pesticide Residues analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Environmental Monitoring
- Abstract
The presence of pesticide residues in waterbed sediments poses a significant concern for aquatic ecosystems' health. This study examined pesticide contamination in sediments of 38 water bodies, embedded in agricultural-dominated regions, across eight European countries. Three indicators were targeted: occurrence, type, and concentrations of multiple pesticide residues in sediments. 196 pesticide residues (including degradation products) were tested in the sediment samples. The analytical results showed that only one sample was 'pesticide-free', three samples contained a single pesticide residue, and the remaining 34 samples contained mixtures of residues. Overall, 99 different residues were found in the sediments, with a maximum of 48 in a single sample. Twenty-seven out of the 99 detected residues were not approved for agricultural use at the time of sampling. The numbers of detected residues and pesticide levels varied among countries. AMPA, glyphosate and DDTs were the most common residues in sediment samples with frequencies of 76, 61, and 52%, respectively. The sediments from the Czech Republic had the highest pesticide concentrations, with total pesticide concentrations ranging between 600 and 1200 μg kg
-1 . The lowest total pesticide concentrations were found in Slovenia, Switzerland, Croatia, and Denmark, ranging between 80 and 120 μg kg-1 . Sediments presented a mix of non-persistent and persistent compounds. Twelve of the detected pesticides are very persistent/stable in sediments, raising concerns about the long-term impacts of pesticides. Our study on the distribution of pesticide residues in European sediments provides valuable insights into the extent of pesticide contamination and possible risks of pesticides to water bodies' health. It also underlines the need for monitoring, research, and policy efforts to mitigate the impacts of pesticides, and to evaluate potential risks of re-use of dredged sediments., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2024
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4. Anthropogenic debris as nest material in three swift species: New insights into the interactions of atmospheric pollution with wildlife.
- Author
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Luna Á, Moreno E, Pinzolas JA, Oliver S, Meyer S, Brodermann O, Merino C, Karaardıç H, da Silva LP, Chatton C, Laesser J, Meier CM, Gutiérrez JS, Masero JA, Pérez J, Kullberg C, Pérez-Gómez Á, Mateos-González F, Tigges U, Toledo B, and Rausell-Moreno A
- Subjects
- Animals, Nesting Behavior, Waste Products analysis, Air Pollutants analysis, Ecosystem, Europe, Environmental Pollution statistics & numerical data, Air Pollution statistics & numerical data, Birds, Environmental Monitoring, Plastics analysis
- Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global concern, affecting many species around the world. While well-documented for marine ecosystems, the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems is comparatively limited. In fact, only recently have some studies begun to explore the occurrence, pathways, and impacts of plastic in the atmosphere and on terrestrial species. Here, we assess the presence of synthetic material in nests of three swift species breeding in the Western Palearctic: the common swift (Apus apus), the pallid swift (Apus pallidus), and the alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba). Using data from 487 nests spanning 25 colonies and seven European countries, we show that 36.5 % of the examined nests contained anthropogenic materials, mainly plastic debris. Notably, Pallid swifts' nests, with 85 % of the total nests examined with plastic, rank among birds with the highest plastic content in nests. We also demonstrate that the probability of finding plastic in the nest increased substantially with the human footprint of the landscape. Last, we recorded four cases of swifts entangled in their own nest, a low proportion compared to other species studied previously. Our study provides compelling evidence that plastic pollution may also be considered a concern for other terrestrial species, particularly for birds with highly aerial lifestyles, such as other swifts. The correlation with the human footprint suggests that areas with higher human activity contribute more significantly. Moreover, the entanglement cases, although low, indicate a threat to bird health and welfare. To our knowledge, our study is the first to report a direct interaction between floating plastic debris in the atmosphere and any species. Understanding this interaction is key, not only due to the lack of research on the topic, but also because it highlights that plastic pollution is a multifaceted environmental issue affecting various ecosystem categories, and the broader implications of atmospheric plastic circulation on wildlife and ecosystems health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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5. PM 10 -bound trace elements in pan-European urban atmosphere.
- Author
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Liu X, Zhang X, Wang T, Jin B, Wu L, Lara R, Monge M, Reche C, Jaffrezo JL, Uzu G, Dominutti P, Darfeuil S, Favez O, Conil S, Marchand N, Castillo S, de la Rosa JD, Stuart G, Eleftheriadis K, Diapouli E, Gini MI, Nava S, Alves C, Wang X, Xu Y, Green DC, Beddows DCS, Harrison RM, Alastuey A, and Querol X
- Subjects
- Europe, Atmosphere chemistry, Seasons, Air Pollution analysis, Particulate Matter analysis, Air Pollutants analysis, Trace Elements analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods, Cities
- Abstract
Although many studies have discussed the impact of Europe's air quality, very limited research focused on the detailed phenomenology of ambient trace elements (TEs) in PM
10 in urban atmosphere. This study compiled long-term (2013-2022) measurements of speciation of ambient urban PM10 from 55 sites of 7 countries (Switzerland, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, UK), aiming to elucidate the phenomenology of 20 TEs in PM10 in urban Europe. The monitoring sites comprised urban background (UB, n = 26), traffic (TR, n = 10), industrial (IN, n = 5), suburban background (SUB, n = 7), and rural background (RB, n = 7) types. The sampling campaigns were conducted using standardized protocols to ensure data comparability. In each country, PM10 samples were collected over a fixed period using high-volume air samplers. The analysis encompassed the spatio-temporal distribution of TEs, and relationships between TEs at each site. Results indicated an annual average for the sum of 20 TEs of 90 ± 65 ng/m3 , with TR and IN sites exhibiting the highest concentrations (130 ± 66 and 131 ± 80 ng/m3 , respectively). Seasonal variability in TEs concentrations, influenced by emission sources and meteorology, revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) across all monitoring sites. Estimation of TE concentrations highlighted distinct ratios between non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic metals, with Zn (40 ± 49 ng/m3 ), Ti (21 ± 29 ng/m3 ), and Cu (23 ± 35 ng/m3 ) dominating non-carcinogenic TEs, while Cr (5 ± 7 ng/m3 ), and Ni (2 ± 6 ng/m3 ) were prominent among carcinogenic ones. Correlations between TEs across diverse locations and seasons varied, in agreement with differences in emission sources and meteorological conditions. This study provides valuable insights into TEs in pan-European urban atmosphere, contributing to a comprehensive dataset for future environmental protection policies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2024
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6. Trends in mercury, lead and cadmium concentrations in 27 European streams and rivers: 2000-2020.
- Author
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Eklöf K, von Brömssen C, Huser B, Åkerblom S, Augustaitis A, Veiteberg Braaten HF, de Wit HA, Dirnböck T, Elustondo D, Grandin U, Holubová A, Kleemola S, Krám P, Lundin L, Löfgren S, Markensten H, Moldan F, Pihl Karlsson G, Rönnback P, Valinia S, and Vuorenmaa J
- Subjects
- Europe, Mercury analysis, Cadmium analysis, Lead analysis, Rivers chemistry, Environmental Monitoring methods, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
Temporal trends for concentrations of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were evaluated from year 2000-2020 in 20 (Hg), 23 (Pb) and 11 (Cd) watercourses in remote forest catchments in Europe. Decreasing trends were observed in 15% (Hg), 39% (Pb) and 45% (Cd) of the watercourses during the period of evaluation. Decreasing trends were mainly observed between 2000 and 2005 for Hg and between 2000 and 2015 for Pb and Cd. For the last five years of the studied time period (2015-2020), more watercourses showed significant increasing, rather than decreasing Hg, Pb and Cd trends. This was interpreted as a legacy effect of metals still retained in catchment soils. The overall negative trends during the earlier part of the study period were likely driven by declining deposition of metals over Europe, especially for Pb and Cd. Other changes related to metal transport and chemistry may have contributed to the observed trends as well, including recovery from acidification and the ongoing browning of surface waters at northern latitudes. Here we found that organic carbon could explain the seasonal variation in Hg and Pb, but was not related the interannual trends. This study highlights the need for long-term monitoring and robust statistical methods that can detect multidirectional, long-term change in water chemistry., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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7. Identifying pesticides of high concern for ecosystem, plant, animal, and human health: A comprehensive field study across Europe and Argentina.
- Author
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Alaoui A, Christ F, Silva V, Vested A, Schlünssen V, González N, Gai L, Abrantes N, Baldi I, Bureau M, Harkes P, Norgaard T, Navarro I, de la Torre A, Sanz P, Martínez MÁ, Hofman J, Pasković I, Pasković MP, Glavan M, Lwanga EH, Aparicio VC, Campos I, Alcon F, Contreras J, Mandrioli D, Sgargi D, Scheepers PTJ, Ritsema C, and Geissen V
- Subjects
- Argentina, Humans, Animals, Europe, Ecosystem, Environmental Pollutants analysis, Environmental Pollutants blood, Environmental Exposure statistics & numerical data, Environmental Exposure analysis, Agriculture, Pesticides analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods
- Abstract
The widespread and excessive use of pesticides in modern agricultural practices has caused pesticide contamination of the environment, animals, and humans, with confirmed serious health consequences. This study aimed to identify the 20 most critical substances based on an analysis of detection frequency (DF) and median concentrations (MC) across environmental and biological matrices. A sampling campaign was conducted across 10 case study sites in Europe and 1 in Argentina, each encompassing conventional and organic farming systems. We analysed 209 active substances in a total of 4609 samples. All substances ranked among the 20 most critical were detected in silicon wristbands worn by humans and animals and indoor dust from both farming systems. Five of them were detected in all environmental matrices. Overall, higher values of DF and MC, including in the blood plasma of animals and humans, were recorded in samples of conventional compared to organic farms. The differences between farming systems were greater in the environmental samples and less in animal and human samples. Ten substances were detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms and eight in animal blood plasma from organic farms. Two of those, detected in both farming systems, are classified as hazardous for mammals (acute). Five substances detected in animal blood plasma from organic farms and seven detected in animal blood plasma from conventional farms are classified as hazardous for mammals (dietary). Three substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as carcinogens. Seven of the substances detected in human blood plasma are classified as endocrine disruptors. Six substances, of which five were detected in human blood plasma, are hazardous for reproduction/development. Efforts are needed to elucidate the unknown effects of mixtures, and it is crucial that such research also considers biocides and banned substances, which constitute a baseline of contamination that adds to the effect of substances used in agriculture., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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8. Monitoring of current-use pesticides along a Europe-Arctic transect using ships of opportunity.
- Author
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Brumovský M, Kohoutek J, Løken KB, Sáňka O, Sørensen K, and Nizzetto L
- Subjects
- Arctic Regions, Seawater chemistry, Seawater analysis, Europe, Triazoles analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Pesticides analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods
- Abstract
Understanding the occurrence and fate of current-use pesticides (CUPs) in coastal and open marine waters is essential for conducting exposure and risk assessments to ensure the protection of marine ecosystems from chemical pollution. While CUPs have been frequently studied in freshwater systems, knowledge of their behavior in marine environments remains fragmentary. This study investigated 28 CUPs across 50 sites along a transect from the Baltic outflow to pristine Arctic waters using ships of opportunity with installed FerryBox system. Overall, 14 CUPs were detected at least at one site at concentrations ranging from sub-ng/L to ng/L. CUP concentrations were higher in the Baltic outflow and decreased along the transect. Atrazine, simazine, tebuconazole, and propiconazole were detected in > 40 % of samples, including remote open sea regions, suggesting their potential for long-range marine transport. This Baltic Sea was identified as a major source of CUPs to connected marine systems. Additional CUPs were detected in the Baltic outflow, encompassing diuron, isoproturon, metazachlor, metolachlor, pyrazon, terbuthylazine, and chlortoluron. Ecotoxicological assessment indicated a moderate risk posed by metolachlor to algae. The use of the described infrastructure holds great promise for advancing our understanding of the occurrence and fate of CUPs in marine environments., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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9. Glyphosate contamination in European rivers not from herbicide application?
- Author
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Schwientek M, Rügner H, Haderlein SB, Schulz W, Wimmer B, Engelbart L, Bieger S, and Huhn C
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- Europe, Organophosphonates analysis, United States, Wastewater chemistry, Environmental Monitoring, Glycine analogs & derivatives, Glycine analysis, Glyphosate analysis, Herbicides analysis, Rivers chemistry, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
The most widely used herbicide glyphosate contaminates surface waters around the globe. Both agriculture and urban applications are discussed as sources for glyphosate. To better delineate these sources, we investigated long-term time series of concentrations of glyphosate and its main transformation product aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in a large meta-analysis of about 100 sites in the USA and Europe. The U.S. data reveal pulses of glyphosate and AMPA when the discharge of the river is high, likely indicating mobilization by rain after herbicide application. In contrast, European concentration patterns of glyphosate and AMPA show a typical cyclic-seasonal component in their concentration patterns, correlating with patterns of wastewater markers such as pharmaceuticals, which is consistent with the frequent detection of these compounds in wastewater treatment plants. Our large meta-analysis clearly shows that for more than a decade, municipal wastewater was a very important source of glyphosate. In addition, European river water data show rather high and constant base mass fluxes of glyphosate all over the year, not expected from herbicide application. From our meta-analysis, we define criteria for a source of glyphosate, which was hidden so far. AMPA is known to be a transformation product not only of glyphosate but also of aminopolyphosphonates used as antiscalants in many applications. As they are used in laundry detergents in Europe but not in the USA, we hypothesize that glyphosate may also be a transformation product of aminopolyphosphonates., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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10. Do trees respond to pollution? A network study of the impact of pollution on spruce growth from Europe.
- Author
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Shetti R, Boonen K, Smiljanić M, Tejnecký V, Drábek O, and Lehejček J
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- Czech Republic, Soil chemistry, Soil Pollutants analysis, Europe, Picea growth & development, Picea drug effects, Environmental Monitoring, Trees growth & development, Environmental Pollution
- Abstract
Tree rings have been reliably used as an environmental proxy over the past decades for environmental reconstructions, simulations and forecasting. In our study, we investigated whether tree-ring chronologies are impacted by pollution. We chose sites in the Krušné hory and the Krkonoše Mountains in the Czech Republic which have a known history of pollution. We sampled Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst) in both ranges and compared their chronologies. We found no significant difference in the overall radial growth in the chronologies from both regions. However, we observed an increased heterogeneity in the growth of trees from the 1970s till the 1990s. Coherently, a severe reduction in tree growth from the late 1970s and a recovery towards the early 1990s was evident. We collected and analysed soil samples for pH and exchangeable element concentrations. All seven sampling sites' soils were strongly acidic (pH
CaCl2 = 3.3 ± 0.4). The average soil base saturation at Krušné hory was higher than at Krkonoše (39% versus 12%), likely due to more intensive liming. Further, we compared these chronologies to other sites in Europe. Analysing 89 sites, we found that most (9 out of 14) of the sites with significantly reduced radial tree growth were located within the former 'Black Triangle', an area which was subjected to heavy industrialisation and pollution from the 1960s to the 1990s. Atmospheric sulphur deposition was found to negatively affect radial tree-growth, while limited quantities of oxidised nitrogen appeared to have a positive effect. Our results are consistent with previous research, indicating that atmospheric SO2 pollution and subsequent acid fog and rime have led to a reduction in annual radial tree growth across the Black Triangle., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2024
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11. Large reductions in nutrient losses needed to avoid future coastal eutrophication across Europe.
- Author
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Ural-Janssen A, Kroeze C, Meers E, and Strokal M
- Subjects
- Oceans and Seas, Rivers, Harmful Algal Bloom, Nitrogen analysis, Phosphorus analysis, Europe, Nutrients, Environmental Monitoring, Eutrophication
- Abstract
Rapid technological development in agriculture and fast urbanization have increased nutrient losses in Europe. High nutrient export to seas causes coastal eutrophication and harmful algal blooms. This study aims to assess the river exports of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and identify required reductions to avoid coastal eutrophication in Europe under global change. We modelled nutrient export by 594 rivers in 2050 for a baseline scenario using the new MARINA-Nutrients model for Europe. Nutrient export to European seas is expected to increase by 13-28% under global change. Manure and fertilizers together contribute to river export of N by 35% in 2050. Sewage systems are responsible for 70% of future P export by rivers. By 2050, the top ten polluted rivers for N and P host 42% of the European population. Avoiding future coastal eutrophication requires over 47% less N and up to 77% less P exports by these polluted rivers., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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12. Assessing watercourse quality using results-based indicators in an agri-environment scheme.
- Author
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Overy P, Moran J, Crushell P, Lally H, and Byrne D
- Subjects
- Animals, Water Quality, Rivers, Europe, Environmental Monitoring methods, Invertebrates
- Abstract
Small watercourses are essential contributors to catchment water quality, but they continue to suffer degradation across Europe. A results-based agri-environment scheme, aimed at improving watercourse quality in Ireland, developed a rapid drainage assessment to identify point source risks. The assessment uses a scoring system based on visual indicators of nutrient and sediment risk, linking the outcomes to farmer payments. To understand how this novel drainage risk assessment relates to instream watercourse quality, we used three macroinvertebrate-based biotic indices (Q-value, Small Stream Impact Score and Proportion of Sediment Sensitive Invertebrates). Macroinvertebrate kick-sampling and physiochemical analysis were completed in May and July 2021 for 12 'At Risk' and 12 'Not at Risk' small watercourses as identified by the results-based scheme. Results show that the scheme's drainage risk assessment can identify point source risks but we found it does not directly reflect local instream quality as assessed by the biotic indices. Unexpectedly, the biotic indices showed watercourse degradation in 58% of the upstream (control) sampling points, indicating impacts not captured by the drainage risk assessment. Small watercourses displayed high heterogeneity, with significant species turnover between the sampling months. The Small Stream Impact Score was less influenced by temporal change than the Q-value index. There was a significant relationship between instream watercourse quality and sedimentation, as quantified by the Proportion of Sediment Sensitive Invertebrates. Including a measurement of instream sedimentation in the drainage assessments would improve the identification of risks and management. These results show that by linking farmer payments to the drainage risk assessments results-based payment schemes could positively contribute to improving catchment scale watercourse quality, but further work is required to capture wider sources of freshwater impacts., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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13. European coastal monitoring programmes may fail to identify impacts on benthic macrofauna caused by bottom trawling.
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McLaverty C, Eigaard OR, Olsen J, Brooks ME, Petersen JK, Erichsen AC, van der Reijden K, and Dinesen GE
- Subjects
- Humans, Animals, Europe, Water Quality, Water, Invertebrates physiology, Ecosystem, Environmental Monitoring methods
- Abstract
Bottom trawling (hereafter trawling) is the dominant human pressure impacting continental shelves globally. However, due to ongoing data deficiencies for smaller coastal vessels, the effects of trawling on nearshore seabed ecosystems are poorly understood. In Europe, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) provides a framework for the protection and improvement of coastal water bodies. It requires member states to track the status of 'biological quality elements' (including benthic macrofauna) using WFD-specific ecological indicators. While many of these metrics are sensitive to coastal pressures such as nutrient enrichment, little is known about their ability to detect trawling impacts. Here, we analysed a comprehensive data set of 5885 nearshore benthic samples - spatiotemporally matched to high-resolution trawling and environmental data - to examine how these pressures affect coastal benthos. In addition, we investigated the ability of 8 widely-used benthic monitoring metrics to detect impacts on benthic biological quality. We found that abundance (N) and species richness (S) were strongly impacted by bottom trawling. A clear response to trawling was also observed for the WFD-specific Benthic Quality Index (BQI). Relationships between N and S, and trawling were particularly consistent across the study area, indicating sensitivity across varying environmental conditions. In contrast, WFD indices such as AZTIs Marine Biotic Index (AMBI), multivariate AMBI (M-AMBI), and the Danish Quality Index (DKI), were unresponsive to trawling. In fact, some of the most heavily trawled areas examined were classified as being of 'high/good ecological status' by these indices. A likely explanation for this is that the indices are calculated using species sensitivity scores, based on expected species response to eutrophication and chemical pollution. While the BQI also uses species sensitivity scores, these are based on observed responses to disturbance gradients comprising a range of coastal pressures. Given the prominent use of AMBI and DKI throughout Europe, our results highlight the considerable risk that the metrics used to assess Good Ecological Status (GES) under the WFD may fail to identify trawling impacts. As trawling represents a widespread source of coastal disturbance, fishing impacts on benthic macrofauna may be underestimated, or go undetected, in many coastal monitoring programmes around Europe., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2023
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14. Progress towards meeting the requirements of the European SEA Directive.
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Fischer, Thomas B.
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,INTERNATIONAL agencies ,TRANSPORTATION planning ,ENVIRONMENTAL protection - Abstract
Comments on progress towards meeting the requirements of the European Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive. Call for papers made on the SEA section’s listserver of the International Association for Impact Assessment in March 2003; General challenges and opportunities of implementing the SEA Directive; Changes to environmental assessment in transport planning.
- Published
- 2004
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15. A systematic review of outdoor airborne fungal spore seasonality across Europe and the implications for health.
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Anees-Hill S, Douglas P, Pashley CH, Hansell A, and Marczylo EL
- Subjects
- Alternaria, Europe, Seasons, Spores, Fungal, Air Microbiology, Environmental Monitoring
- Abstract
Fungal spores make up a significant proportion of organic matter within the air. Allergic sensitisation to fungi is associated with conditions including allergic fungal airway disease. This systematic review analyses outdoor fungal spore seasonality across Europe and considers the implications for health. Seventy-four studies met the inclusion criteria, the majority of which (n = 64) were observational sampling studies published between 1978 and 2020. The most commonly reported genera were the known allergens Alternaria and Cladosporium, measured in 52 and 49 studies, respectively. Both displayed statistically significant increased season length in south-westerly (Mediterranean) versus north-easterly (Atlantic and Continental) regions. Although there was a trend for reduced peak or annual Alternaria and Cladosporium spore concentrations in more northernly locations, this was not statistically significant. Peak spore concentrations of Alternaria and Cladosporium exceeded clinical thresholds in nearly all locations, with median peak concentrations of 665 and 18,827 per m
3 , respectively. Meteorological variables, predominantly temperature, precipitation and relative humidity, were the main factors associated with fungal seasonality. Land-use was identified as another important factor, particularly proximity to agricultural and coastal areas. While correlations of increased season length or decreased annual spore concentrations with increasing average temperatures were reported in multi-decade sampling studies, the number of such studies was too small to make any definitive conclusions. Further, up-to-date studies covering underrepresented geographical regions and fungal taxa (including the use of modern molecular techniques), and the impact of land-use and climate change will help address remaining knowledge gaps. Such knowledge will help to better understand fungal allergy, develop improved fungal spore calendars and forecasts with greater geographical coverage, and promote increased awareness and management strategies for those with allergic fungal disease., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2022
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16. Trends and influential factors of high ecological status mobility in Irish Rivers.
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O'Donoghue C, Meng Y, Ryan M, Kilgarriff P, Zhang C, Bragina L, and Daly K
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Europe, Water Quality, Environmental Monitoring, Rivers
- Abstract
The decline in high ecological water status in rivers is a significant concern in European countries. It is thus important to investigate the factors that cause sites to lose high status in order to undertake measures to protect and restore high status water quality. Analysis of 20 years of water quality data reveals strong mobility between high status and non-high status (especially good status) rivers. Associations between this mobility and socio-economic and physical environmental variables were estimated by multinomial logistic regression at national scale and regional scale. Based on reported changes in water quality status cross across 1990, 2000 and 2010, four classes of the mobility of high status were defined in this study: those sites that maintain high status (maintain), enter high status (enter), fluctuate between high and non-high status (fluctuate) and exit from high status (exit). The national results indicate that agricultural activity as indicated by variables representing intensity of livestock farming (organic nitrogen) and tillage farming (cereal share) and elevation had significant negative impacts on high status rivers. Meanwhile, significant differences in population density and septic tank density between 'exit', 'maintain', 'fluctuate' and 'enter' classes indicate that these factors played important roles in the stability of high status rivers. The regional outcomes reveal differential significant pressures across regions. For example, rainfall and elevation had positive impacts on high status rivers in the north-west region, while organic nitrogen had a negative effect in the south-west. This paper demonstrates the challenge in achieving the Water Framework Directive goal of maintaining high status rivers, given the sensitive and highly differentiated nature of areas that have lost high status or fluctuated in and out of high status. This paper also suggests the necessity for localised policies and mitigation measures., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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17. Building a Sensor Benchmark for E-Nose Based Lung Cancer Detection: Methodological Considerations.
- Author
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Martin, Justin D. M. and Romain, Anne-Claude
- Subjects
ELECTRONIC noses ,LUNG cancer ,DETECTORS ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL sampling - Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the deadliest form of cancer in Europe, characterized by a lack of obvious symptoms until the terminal stages of the illness. Electronic noses are a rising screening technology to detect early-stage lung cancer directly in the homes of people at risk. Electronic noses need to be tested using samples from patients. However, obtaining numerous samples from cancer patient turns out to be a difficult task in practice. Therefore, the development of a sensor benchmark able to evaluate the performance of sensors without direct breath sampling is of high interest. This paper focuses on the methodology for developing such a benchmark, in the case of a breath sampling electronic nose. The setup used is introduced and general recommendations based on literature and undergoing experiments is detailed. The benchmark can be used for a variety of sensors and a variety of target illnesses. It is also possible to apply it to other types of medical gaseous samples or environmental VOC monitoring. The benchmark is currently still undergoing tests, and results will be published in a following article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
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18. Danube as a symbol of Europe. Perception of the river from varied geographical perspectives.
- Author
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Padło T, Struś P, and Gil A
- Subjects
- Cities, Europe, Geography, Humans, Perception, Environmental Monitoring statistics & numerical data, Population Dynamics, Rivers chemistry, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
The Danube is promoted as a pan-European river, what can be justified for instance by the vast range of its drainage basin, covering 19 countries on both sides of the historical border diving Eastern and Western Europe. Differentiation of imaginations of Danube course from the perspective of 7 European cities, based on research covering 1577 respondents, conducted between 2005-2007 and 2016-2018 has been presented in the paper. Maps presenting the generalized imagination of river course have been generated for each city. It has been proved that in spite of substantial political, economical and symbolical importance of this river for big part of Europe, the course of Danube remains unknown for inhabitants of its Western part, in parallel to more correct recognition of the river by students from Eastern Europe. It has been shown that the perception does not change despite the progressing integration processes., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
- Published
- 2021
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19. Multiple stressor effects on benthic macroinvertebrates in very large European rivers - A typology-based evaluation of faunal responses as a basis for future bioassessment.
- Author
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Leitner P, Borgwardt F, Birk S, and Graf W
- Subjects
- Animals, Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Europe, Humans, Invertebrates, Environmental Monitoring, Rivers
- Abstract
Two factors complicate the ecological status classification of very large rivers in Europe according to the EU Water Framework Directive: First, current assessment methods do not fully consider the specific ecology of very large rivers (such as lateral connectivity and the role of floodplains for ecological status). Second, most of Europe's very large rivers have been severely altered by human activities such as flood protection, damming and navigation. The aim of our study is to develop an assessment method for very large rivers by identifying suitable biological metrics as the basis for multi-metric bioassessment using benthic invertebrates. Based on the pan-European typology of very large rivers by Borgwardt et al. (2019), we established a river type-specific assessment approach using invertebrate samples from 25 European countries and 94 very large rivers. The frequency and intensity of eight pressures jointly acting on the sampling sites were described, and a selection of suitable invertebrate community metrics were correlated with the pressure intensities to establish pressure-response relationships. The very large river types differ in terms of relevant pressures and pressure combinations, with the invertebrate communities distinctly responding to these pressure patterns. Neozoa dominance correlated strongly with 'navigation', being a major pressure at very large rivers, which entails severe hydro-morphological alterations such as channelization, riparian vegetation alteration and impoundment. Under combined pressures, a critical community turnover became evident in terms of neozoa outnumbering EPT taxa and the ratio of hemilimnic invertebrates decreasing. We propose ten bioassessment metrics, including measures of biological diversity as well as newly generated indicators, for the development of a European type-specific assessment method for very large rivers., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2021
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20. Lead isotopes in the Central Yellow Sea Mud: Evidence of atmospheric deposition and its implication for regional energy consumption shift.
- Author
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Wu B, Wu X, Shi X, Zhang X, Qiao S, Hu L, Liu J, Liu S, Zhang J, Zhang H, and Zhu A
- Subjects
- China, Europe, Humans, Isotopes analysis, North America, Environmental Monitoring, Geologic Sediments
- Abstract
Anthropogenic activities have increased lead (Pb) emissions and impacted their spatiotemporal distributions in coastal seas. To quantify the increasing variability of Pb and identify the specific origins and their corresponding magnitudes, Pb and Pb isotopes are investigated in a well-placed sediment core covering the period of 1928-2008 in the Central Yellow Sea Mud (CYSM). The concentration of Pb varied from 27.17 μg/g to 37.30 μg/g upwardly along the core, with pronounced anthropogenic disturbance since the late 1960s. The Pb input history of the CYSM experienced five stages according to industrialization levels and Pb contamination, with relative pristine stages from 1928 to 1969 and human activity-impacted stages from 1969 to 2008. The
206 Pb/207 Pb ratio demonstrated an overall decreasing profile while the208 Pb/206 Pb ratio displayed the reverse trend upwardly along the core, possibly due to the atmospheric delivery of anthropogenic Pb emissions from northern China. Furthermore,208 Pb/206 Pb vs.206 Pb/207 Pb shows certain linearity between natural sediment sources and anthropogenic emissions of Pb (atmospheric deposition); thus, atmospheric inputs account for 34-43% of the Pb in the sediment since Pb enrichment using the two-endmember mixing model. Moreover, the steep decrease in206 Pb/207 Pb and rapid increase in208 Pb/206 Pb since the 1970s suggest the introduction of leaded gasoline and the increasing proportionate consumption of gasoline relative to total energy consumption. The continuously decreasing206 Pb/207 Pb ratio and increasing208 Pb/206 Pb ratio since 2000 are the combined results of coal consumption, nonferrous smelting, and residual Pb contamination from leaded gasoline, which is quite distinctive from cases in North America and Europe. The relatively high206 Pb/207 Pb and low208 Pb/206 Pb ratios before 1969 represent the natural Pb isotopic signatures. Hence, Pb input is significantly affected by regional energy consumption and restructuring, and the Pb isotopic ratios may be a potential proxy for the shift in energy consumption., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2021
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21. Total mercury levels in the muscle and liver of livestock and game animals in Poland, 2009-2018.
- Author
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Nawrocka A, Durkalec M, Szkoda J, Filipek A, Kmiecik M, Żmudzki J, and Posyniak A
- Subjects
- Animals, Cattle, Chickens, Dietary Exposure analysis, Europe, Fishes, Food Chain, Humans, Liver chemistry, Muscles chemistry, Poland, Seafood analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Environmental Pollutants analysis, Livestock, Meat analysis, Mercury analysis
- Abstract
The bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg) in the food chain may pose a threat to human health. The risk of dietary Hg intake is mostly caused by the consumption of fish and seafood, therefore the knowledge on the exposure from land animal products is limited. In our article, we summarized the results of analyses of Hg in muscle tissue and liver of different livestock and game animals obtained during ten years of official monitoring that was carried out in Poland from 2009 to 2018. The majority of the results in muscle tissue were below the limits of quantification (LOQs). The mean Hg concentrations in muscle tissue ranged from 0.6 to 5.6 μg kg
-1 of wet weight and the mean liver Hg concentrations were within the range of 0.8-16.4 μg kg-1 of wet weight, with lowest levels in chickens and highest in wild boars. The results revealed decreasing trends in liver Hg in cattle and cervids over the years, which was congruous with decreasing emission of Hg in Europe. Our results showed that the consumption of meat and liver of livestock and game animals in Poland may be considered to be safe for human health, which was confirmed by the low number of noncompliant samples relative to the applicable legal limits, as well as by estimated dietary exposure., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2020
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22. Cadmium contents of vertically and horizontally deposited winter precipitation in Central Europe: Spatial distribution and long-term trends.
- Author
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Bohdálková L, Novák M, Krachler M, Míková J, Chrastný V, Veselovský F, Voldřichová P, Pacherová P, Komárek A, and Přechová E
- Subjects
- Austria, Czech Republic, Europe, Germany, Humans, Poland, Seasons, Slovakia, Cadmium, Environmental Monitoring
- Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) and its forms has recently been a focus of attention due to its toxic effects on human health and the environment. We evaluated the atmospheric deposition of Cd during three consecutive winter seasons (2009-2011) at 10 mountain-top locations in the Czech Republic along the borders with Poland, Germany, Austria and Slovakia. Cadmium concentrations of soluble and insoluble forms in both horizontal (rime) and vertical (snow) deposition were determined using sector-field ICP-MS. Across the sites, 94% of the total winter Cd deposition occurred in the soluble (environmentally available) Cd form. Mean concentrations of soluble Cd in rime were six times higher than in snow (398 vs. 66 ng L
-1 ). Vertical deposition contributed as much as 41% to the total winter Cd input. Between-site variability in Cd deposition was large, ranging between 13 and 108 μg m-2 winter-1 . Overall, Cd concentrations in winter deposition did not reach the drinking water limits and did not pose a direct threat for human health. Long-term trends (1996-2017) in winter Cd deposition were evaluated at six GEOMON sites (a monitoring network of small forested catchments). Since 1996, Cd input in winter atmospheric deposition decreased by 73-93%. Simultaneously, we found declines in between-site variability in winter Cd inputs. The highest recent winter Cd inputs were found at sites located in the northeast of the country. A north-south pollution gradient, which has frequently been mentioned in the literature, was not observed, with both northwestern sites and southern sites being among those with the lowest Cd pollution. Backward trajectories of the HYSPLIT model for fresh snow samples identified Poland and Germany as major transboundary Cd pollution sources for the Czech Republic., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2020
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23. Amplified ozone pollution in cities during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Author
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Sicard P, De Marco A, Agathokleous E, Feng Z, Xu X, Paoletti E, Rodriguez JJD, and Calatayud V
- Subjects
- Betacoronavirus, COVID-19, China, Cities, Europe, Humans, Nitrogen Dioxide analysis, Particulate Matter analysis, SARS-CoV-2, Air Pollution analysis, Coronavirus Infections, Environmental Monitoring, Ozone analysis, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral
- Abstract
The effect of lockdown due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on air pollution in four Southern European cities (Nice, Rome, Valencia and Turin) and Wuhan (China) was quantified, with a focus on ozone (O
3 ). Compared to the same period in 2017-2019, the daily O3 mean concentrations increased at urban stations by 24% in Nice, 14% in Rome, 27% in Turin, 2.4% in Valencia and 36% in Wuhan during the lockdown in 2020. This increase in O3 concentrations is mainly explained by an unprecedented reduction in NOx emissions leading to a lower O3 titration by NO. Strong reductions in NO2 mean concentrations were observed in all European cities, ~53% at urban stations, comparable to Wuhan (57%), and ~65% at traffic stations. NO declined even further, ~63% at urban stations and ~78% at traffic stations in Europe. Reductions in PM2.5 and PM10 at urban stations were overall much smaller both in magnitude and relative change in Europe (~8%) than in Wuhan (~42%). The PM reductions due to limiting transportation and fuel combustion in institutional and commercial buildings were partly offset by increases of PM emissions from the activities at home in some of the cities. The NOx concentrations during the lockdown were on average 49% lower than those at weekends of the previous years in all cities. The lockdown effect on O3 production was ~10% higher than the weekend effect in Southern Europe and 38% higher in Wuhan, while for PM the lockdown had the same effect as weekends in Southern Europe (~6% of difference). This study highlights the challenge of reducing the formation of secondary pollutants such as O3 even with strict measures to control primary pollutant emissions. These results are relevant for designing abatement policies of urban pollution., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
24. Regulations for chromium emissions to the aquatic environment in Europe and elsewhere.
- Author
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Vaiopoulou E and Gikas P
- Subjects
- Asia, Australia, Europe, Ions, Rivers, South Africa, Trace Elements, Chromium analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
Chromium is a controversial element, since it has been classified as essential trace element, to chemically and biologically inert compound, to potent intoxicator. Concerns have been risen for chromium effects on human and aquatic life because chromium has been accused for genotoxicity and carcinogenesis. Metals and their ions or complexes (and thus chromium substances) are included in the indicative list of main pollutants (Annex VIII of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)). Biological effects of chromium are strongly depended on chromium speciation. No universal Cr
III or CrVI discharge limits to the aquatic environment have been suggested by the EU. International bodies within the EU, such as the Helsinki Commission and the Oslo-Paris Convention, have issued recommendations on chromium discharge levels. National CrVI and CrIII discharge limits vary in each EU Member State with respect to the receiving water body (marine water, lake, river, sewer system). The maximum discharge limit to the aquatic environment in EU is 1 and 5 mg L-1 for CrVI and Crtotal , respectively. The present work summarizes EU legislation, with respect to the discharge limits to the aquatic environment for CrVI and CrIII . EU national limits that are currently effective are presented and compared to the limits in other parts of the world, such as Australia, Asia, USA, Latin America and South Africa. It is wise that future perspective of chromium policy should differentiate between CrIII and CrVI discharge limits to the aquatic environment, as analytical techniques become more sensitive and chromium speciation specific, and environmental awareness rises., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
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25. Quantification of the enhancement of PM 2.5 concentration by the downward transport of ozone from the stratosphere.
- Author
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Chen L, Xing J, Mathur R, Liu S, Wang S, and Hao J
- Subjects
- Aerosols analysis, China, Europe, Nitrates analysis, Nitrogen Oxides analysis, Ozone analysis, Seasons, Air Pollutants analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods, Particulate Matter analysis
- Abstract
The downward transport of ozone (O
3 ) stemming from the stratosphere-to-troposphere exchange (STE) can be a significant contributor to background O3 . Such enhancement of background O3 may also influence ground-level PM2.5 , particularly in polluted regions which have abundant precursor emissions. In this study, we quantified the STE impact on tropospheric O3 and its subsequent influence on surface PM2.5 across the northern hemisphere. The sensitivity analyses was conducted by using a comprehensive hemispheric atmospheric modeling system. Results suggest the surface PM2.5 concentration can be considerably enhanced by the STE in polluted regions including East China, East US, and Europe, mostly in winter and spring. In winter, the PM2.5 concentrations in East China, East US, and Europe are estimated to be enhanced by 1.3%, 3.5% and 5.5% due to the STE. The STE-enhanced PM2.5 concentrations are typically higher on high pollution days suggesting likely increasing contributions in regions with the growing pollution levels. During the heavy polluted days, the PM2.5 concentrations in East China can be enhanced by 2.289 μg/m3 in winter and 2.034 μg/m3 in spring due to the STE. The STE-enhanced PM2.5 also exhibits strong diurnal variations following a pattern similar to the total PM2.5 concentration, with high increasing ratio in the morning and low at afternoon, suggesting that the enhancement is most pronounced during peak pollution events. The STE-enhanced PM2.5 is exclusively contributed by the increase of nitrate, ammonium, and secondary organic aerosol which in-turn are strongly influenced by the atmospheric oxidation capacity., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
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26. Indoor air monitoring: Sharing and accessing data via the Information Platform for chemical monitoring (IPCHEM).
- Author
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Kephalopoulos S, Bopp SK, Costa SD, Cusinato A, Lipsa D, and Geiss O
- Subjects
- Europe, Metadata, Models, Theoretical, Air Pollution, Indoor analysis, Environmental Monitoring
- Abstract
Background: The European Commission has developed and put in place the Information Platform for Chemical Monitoring Data (IPCHEM), to promote a more coherent approach to the generation, collection, storage and use of chemical monitoring data in relation to humans and the environment., Objectives: This paper describes the specific development of the IPCHEM thematic module "Products and Indoor Air Data" which aims to facilitate the retrieval of and access to existing and future chemical monitoring data sources stemming from e.g. national monitoring programs of EU Member States and EU funded projects. The current development focusses on harmonised data and metadata templates and code lists related to indoor air monitoring data., Methods: The extension and revision of the IPCHEM metadata and data collection templates for indoor air monitoring data was based on harmonisation and standardisation efforts on the development of indoor air monitoring protocols and guidelines for monitoring indoor pollution attributed to chemical and biological stressors, which were undertaken by European Commission Services, EU funded projects and research networks and EU Members States., Results: A list of ten candidate data collections for potential integration were identified and prioritised. A different level of relevance was attributed to the enhanced metadata and data elements (mandatory, recommended, optional) to allow for their flexible applicability by end users. These elements should be provided for reaching the required quality in the data documentation as well as for ensuring a correct data traceability and interpretation., Conclusions: The proposed enhanced metadata and data models of the IPCHEM thematic module "Products and Indoor Air Data" can be used by data providers when planning and setting up their future indoor air monitoring campaigns, or to further mapping and harmonising data elements of their existing data collections for further integration into IPCHEM. This will boost the effective implementation of a coordinated approach for collecting, accessing and sharing existing and future indoor air monitoring data in support of policy making., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of financial or any other type of interest., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2020
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27. Evolution of SO 2 and NOx Emissions from Several Large Combustion Plants in Europe during 2005-2015.
- Author
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Constantin DE, Bocăneala C, Voiculescu M, Roşu A, Merlaud A, Roozendael MV, and Georgescu PL
- Subjects
- Air Pollution, Europe, Nitric Oxide analysis, Sulfur Dioxide analysis, Air Pollutants analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Power Plants
- Abstract
The aim of this paper is to investigate the evolution of SO
2 and NOx emissions of ten very large combustion plants (LCPs >500 MW) located in the European Union (EU) during 2005-2015. The evolution of NOx and SO2 emissions were analyzed against the EU Directives in force during 2005-2015. The investigation was performed using space-borne observations and estimated emissions collected from the EEA (European Environment Agency) inventory of air pollutant emissions. The power plants were chosen according to their capacity and emissions, located in various parts of Europe, to give an overall picture of atmospheric pollution with NOx and SO2 associated with the activity of very large LCPs in Europe. Satellite observations from OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) are compared with calculated emissions in order to assess whether satellite observations can be used to monitor air quality, as a standard procedure, by governmental or nongovernmental institutions. Our results show that both space observations and estimated emissions of NOx and SO2 atmospheric content have a descending trend until 2010, complying with the EU Directives. The financial and economic crisis during 2007-2009 played an important role in reducing emissions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Impact of harbour activities on local air quality: A review.
- Author
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Sorte S, Rodrigues V, Borrego C, and Monteiro A
- Subjects
- Air Pollution analysis, Asia, Europe, Particulate Matter analysis, Time Factors, Transportation Facilities, Air Pollutants analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Ships
- Abstract
Several harbour activities cause negative environmental impacts in the harbours' surrounding areas, namely the degradation of air quality. This paper intends to comprehensively review the status of the air quality measured in harbour areas. The published studies show a limited number of available air quality monitoring data in harbours areas, mostly located in Europe (71%). Measured concentrations of the main air pollutants were compiled and intercompared, for different countries worldwide allowing a large spatial representativeness. The higher NO
2 and PM10 concentrations were found in Europe - ranging between 12 and 107 μg/m3 and 2-50 μg/m3 , respectively, while the higher concentrations of PM2.5 were found in Asia (25-70 μg/m3 ). In addition, the lower levels of SO2 monitored in recent years suggest that current mitigation strategies adopted across Europe were very efficient in promoting the reduction of SO2 concentrations. Part of the reviewed studies also estimated the contributions from ship emissions to PM concentration through the application of source apportionment methods, with an average of 5-15%. In some specific harbour areas in Asia, ships can contribute up to 7-26% to the local fine particulate matter concentrations. This review confirms that emissions from the maritime transport sector should be considered as a significant source of particulate matter in harbour areas, since this pollutant concentrations are frequently exceeding the established standard legal limit values. Therefore, the results from this review boost the implementation of mitigation measures, aiming to reduce, in particular, particulate matter emissions., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2020
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29. Assessment and distribution of seafloor litter on the deep Ligurian continental shelf and shelf break (NW Mediterranean Sea).
- Author
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Enrichetti F, Dominguez-Carrió C, Toma M, Bavestrello G, Canese S, and Bo M
- Subjects
- Europe, Mediterranean Sea, Plastics, Ecosystem, Environmental Monitoring, Waste Products, Water Pollutants analysis
- Abstract
Litter has become a common component of marine ecosystems, and its assessment and monitoring are now of primary interest. Here, we characterized seafloor litter in the mesophotic depth range of the Ligurian Sea, one of the most urbanized basins of the Mediterranean Sea. Eighty sites (30-220 m depth) were investigated by by means of ROV video transects. Data regarding environmental parameters and anthropic pressures were used to explain the distribution of human-derived objects. Litter resulted widely distributed in all the investigated areas, with maximum densities of 7900 items ha
-1 . It was mainly represented by abandoned fishing gears, with highest abundances found on the deep coastal rocky shoals exploited by artisanal and recreational fishermen. Urban litter, primarily represented by plastics, was generally higher close to shore, especially near river mouths and large harbors. Litter densities reported here are among the highest ever recorded in Europe, denoting the urgency for specific actions to prevent further spreading., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. Solid Particle Number (SPN) Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) in the European Legislation: A Review.
- Author
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Giechaskiel B, Bonnel P, Perujo A, and Dilara P
- Subjects
- Environmental Monitoring legislation & jurisprudence, Environmental Policy, Europe, United States, Vehicle Emissions legislation & jurisprudence, Air Pollutants analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods, Particulate Matter analysis, Vehicle Emissions analysis
- Abstract
Portable emissions measurement systems (PEMS) for gaseous pollutants were firstly introduced in the United States regulation to check the in-use compliance of heavy-duty engines, avoiding the high costs of removing the engine and testing it on a dynamometer in the laboratory. In Europe, the in-service conformity of heavy-duty engines has been checked with PEMS for gaseous pollutants since 2014. To strengthen emissions regulations with a view to minimise the differences between on-road and laboratory emission levels in some cases, PEMS testing, including solid particle number (SPN), was introduced for the type-approval of light-duty vehicles in Europe in 2017 and for in-service conformity in 2019. SPN-PEMS for heavy-duty engines will be introduced in 2021. This paper gives an overview of the studies for SPN-PEMS from early 2013 with the first prototypes until the latest testing and improvements in 2019. The first prototype diffusion charger (DC) based systems had high differences from the reference laboratory systems at the first light-duty vehicles campaign. Tightening of the technical requirements and improvements from the instrument manufacturers resulted in differences of around 50%. Similar differences were found in an inter-laboratory comparison exercise with the best performing DC- and CPC- (condensation particle counter) based system. The heavy-duty evaluation phase at a single lab and later at various European laboratories revealed higher differences due to the small size of the urea generated particles and their high charge at elevated temperatures. This issue, along with robustness at low ambient temperatures, was addressed by the instrument manufacturers bringing the measurement uncertainty to the 50% levels. This measurement uncertainty needs to be considered at the on-road emission results measured with PEMS.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. SPACE TECHNOLOGIES FOR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE: TRANSITIONS IN THINKING, DIFFUSIONS OF POWER.
- Author
-
Neil, Ross M.
- Subjects
- *
ASTRONAUTICS , *ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring , *GLOBAL environmental change , *INTERNATIONAL cooperation - Abstract
The Information Age has fuelled many transitions in thinking about environment, security and world politics, including the growing need for states to engage in and secure access to space technologies not simply for power projection, but because of the lifeline they provide to the world economy and knowledge about resources and the environment. From a backdrop of economic liberalization, growing dependencies by large and small states on Earth observation and communication satellites, and the tenuous balance between private, civilian and military interests in space for commerce, environment and defence, this paper will address the potential opportunity for international collaboration in Earth observation to hedge against policies of unilateral space control by dominant military actors. Through an examination of a need for cooperation in global change research utilizing Earth observation from space, the paper characterizes this cooperation as a form of environmental governance consistent with a power shift beyond U.S. dominance. As an original leader in global change research and a growing stakeholder in the competitive commercial remote sensing market, the U.S. has created unique challenges, responsibilities and opportunities for itself in balancing dominant military discourses of space control with global demands for environmental information. Past and present proposals for institutionalized cooperation in Global Earth Observing Systems, the European Union's recent Global Monitoring for Environment and Security initiative and the U.S. Earth Observation System will be discussed as potential models for responding to these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2005
32. Global geographical and historical overview of cyanotoxin distribution and cyanobacterial poisonings.
- Author
-
Svirčev Z, Lalić D, Bojadžija Savić G, Tokodi N, Drobac Backović D, Chen L, Meriluoto J, and Codd GA
- Subjects
- Africa, Americas, Animals, Asia, Australasia, Cyanobacteria classification, Ecosystem, Europe, Eutrophication, Fresh Water microbiology, Humans, Marine Toxins poisoning, Microcystins poisoning, Poisoning epidemiology, Water Pollutants, Chemical poisoning, Cyanobacteria growth & development, Environmental Monitoring methods, Marine Toxins isolation & purification, Microcystins isolation & purification, Water Pollutants, Chemical isolation & purification
- Abstract
Cyanobacteria are photoautotrophic organisms which occur in aquatic and terrestrial environments. They have the potential to produce toxins which pose a threat to human and animal health. This review covers the global distribution of the common cyanotoxins and related poisoning cases. A total of 468 selected articles on toxic cyanobacteria, dating from the earliest records until 2018, were reviewed. Most of the articles were published after 2000 (72%; 337 out of 468), which is consistent with the recent growth in interest in the analysis, toxinology and ecotoxicology of cyanotoxins. Animal and/or human poisoning cases were described in more than a third of the overall publications (38%; 177 out of 468). The reviewed publications showed that there were 1118 recorded identifications of major cyanotoxins in 869 freshwater ecosystems from 66 countries throughout the world. Microcystins were the most often recorded cyanotoxins worldwide (63%; 699 out of 1118), followed by cylindrospermopsin (10%; 107 out of 1118), anatoxins (9%; 100 out of 1118), and saxitoxins (8%; 93 out of 1118). Nodularins were the most rarely recorded cyanotoxins (2%; 19 out of 1118); however, there were also reports where cyanotoxins were not analysed or specified (9%; 100 out of 1118). The most commonly found toxic cyanobacterial genera were Microcystis spp. (669 reports), Anabaena spp. (397 reports), Aphanizomenon spp. (100 reports), Planktothrix spp. (98 reports), and Oscillatoria spp. (75 reports). Furthermore, there were 183 recorded cyanotoxin poisonings of humans and/or animals. Out of all toxic cyanobacterial blooms reviewed in this paper, the highest percentage of associated poisonings was found in North and Central America (39%; 69 cases out of 179), then Europe (20%; 35 out of 179), Australia including New Zealand (15%; 27 out of 179), and Africa (11%; 20 out of 179), while the lowest percentage was related to Asia (8%; 14 cases out of 179) and South America (8%; 14 cases out of 179). Events where only animals were known to have been affected were 63% (114 out of 182), whereas 32% (58 out of 182) of the investigated events involved only humans. A historical overview of human and animal poisoning episodes associated with cyanobacterial blooms is presented. Further, geographical data on the occurrence of cyanotoxins and related poisonings based on the available literature are shown. Some countries (mainly European) have done very intensive research on the occurrence of toxic cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins, and reported related ecotoxicological observations, while in some countries the lack of data is apparent. The true global extent of cyanotoxins and associated poisonings is likely to be greater than found in the available literature, and it can be assumed that ecotoxicological and hygienic problems caused by toxic cyanobacteria may occur in more environments.
- Published
- 2019
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33. Environmental assessment of agricultural activities and groundwater nitrate pollution susceptibility: a regional case study (Southwestern Romania).
- Author
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Mititelu-Ionuș O, Simulescu D, and Popescu SM
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Europe, Fertilizers analysis, Humans, Nitrogen analysis, Pesticides, Phosphorus analysis, Romania, Soil, Water Pollution analysis, Water Pollution statistics & numerical data, Water Resources, Environmental Monitoring, Groundwater chemistry, Nitrates analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
Diffuse pollution of water resources from agricultural sources is a major environmental issue in Europe. The nutrients released in groundwater from cultivated fields and livestock production, together with pesticides, are the main source of concern in the framework of the European Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC). Southern Romania continues to represent one of the most important cereal production areas of the country. The intensive exploitation during the communist period continues to have repercussions for the precarious quality of groundwater. The aim of our study was to establish the environmental conditions, quantify the agricultural activities at the local administrative unit level and afterwards, to highlight areas of susceptibility to nitrate pollution of groundwater within the Oltenia Plain. One of the most efficient methods to evaluate human influences by agricultural activities on groundwater is using different types of indicators, such as land use indicators (cultivated surfaces), animal husbandry indicators (livestock and great beef units), and agri-environmental indicators (use of fertilisers based on nitrogen and phosphorus, quantity/ha). Throughout the paper, GIS methods are used to determine the degree of influence on nitrate pollution of several eco-pedological indicators: soil types and subtypes, slope of the land, soil texture, soil permeability, and groundwater level. Statistics indicate that 85% of the study area is susceptible to nitrate pollution from agriculture. Indicators provide information that can be easily interpreted by decision and policy makers, and they facilitate the process of reducing nitrate pollution. This study shows that the correlation of statistics and GIS modelling is a useful method for guiding prevention practices for groundwater pollution at the regional scale in Southwestern Romania.
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. Taxonomic changes and non-native species: An overview of constraints and new challenges for macroinvertebrate-based indices calculation in river ecosystems.
- Author
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Guareschi S and Wood PJ
- Subjects
- Animals, Aquatic Organisms classification, Ecosystem, Europe, Biodiversity, Environmental Monitoring methods, Introduced Species, Invertebrates classification, Rivers
- Abstract
Freshwater ecosystems face many threats in the form of reduced water quantity, poor water quality and the loss of biodiversity. As a result, aquatic biomonitoring tools are required to enable the evaluation of these critical changes. Currently, macroinvertebrate-based indices are globally the most widely used biomonitoring tools in fluvial ecosystems. However, very little is known about the potential effects of changes in taxonomic understanding (updating of classification and nomenclature) or the presence of new non-native species for biotic indices calculation. This is especially relevant given that errors, incorrect classification or exclusion of new/updated nomenclature may affect ecological status evaluations and have direct consequences for the management and conservation of freshwater systems. In this discussion paper the main constraints, challenges and implications of these issues are outlined and case studies from a range of European countries are discussed. However, similar challenges affect rivers and managers globally and will potentially be amplified further in the future. Bioassessment science needs to be open to improvements, and current tools and protocols need to be flexible so that they can be updated and revised rapidly to allow new scientific developments to be integrated. This discussion highlights specific examples and new ideas that may contribute to the future development of aquatic biomonitoring using macroinvertebrates and other faunal and floral groups in riverine ecosystems., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Pharmaceuticals in freshwater aquatic environments: A comparison of the African and European challenge.
- Author
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Fekadu S, Alemayehu E, Dewil R, and Van der Bruggen B
- Subjects
- Africa, Ecotoxicology, Europe, Carbamazepine analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods, Fresh Water chemistry, Pharmaceutical Preparations analysis, Sulfamethoxazole analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis
- Abstract
Hundreds of tons of pharmaceutical compounds are annually dispensed and consumed worldwide. Pharmaceuticals are an important class of emerging environmental micropollutants: their presence in water bodies is an increasing environmental concern. The aim of this review paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in freshwater aquatic environments in the African and European context. A literature survey has been performed, resulting in 3024 data points related to environmental occurrence. The concentration levels of 71 pharmaceuticals were assessed. The top ten most frequently detected and quantified compounds in both continents were sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, diclofenac, trimethoprim, ibuprofen, naproxen, paracetamol (acetaminophen), ketoprofen, venlafaxine and clarithromycin. The maximum concentrations of 17β-estradiol, estriol, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, paracetamol, naproxen reported in African aquatic environments were ~3140, ~20,000, ~125, ~100, ~215 and ~171 times higher, respectively, than the concentrations reported in European based studies. The variation in pharmaceutical consumption, partial removal of pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment processes, and the direct discharge of livestock animal farm wastewater were identified among the major reasons for the observed differences. Several pharmaceuticals were found in aquatic environments of both continents in concentration levels higher than their ecotoxicity endpoints. In Europe, compounds such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, triclosan, sulfadimidine, carbamazepine and fluoxetine were reported in a concentration higher than the available ecotoxicity endpoints. In Africa, much more compounds reached concentrations more than the ecotoxicity endpoints, including diclofenac, ibuprofen, paracetamol, naproxen, ciprofloxacin, triclosan, trimethoprim, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine and fluoxetine, estriol and 17β-estradiol. Details for each therapeutic group are presented in this review., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Identification of microplastics in fish ponds and natural freshwater environments of the Carpathian basin, Europe.
- Author
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Bordós G, Urbányi B, Micsinai A, Kriszt B, Palotai Z, Szabó I, Hantosi Z, and Szoboszlay S
- Subjects
- Animals, Environmental Pollution analysis, Europe, Particle Size, Polymers analysis, Water Pollutants, Chemical analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods, Fresh Water chemistry, Plastics analysis, Ponds chemistry
- Abstract
In the past few years, there has been a significant development in freshwater microplastic research. Pollution has been detected in lakes and rivers of several continents, but the number of papers is still marginal compared to the ones investigating marine environments. In this study, we present the first detection of microplastics (MPs) in Central and Eastern European (CEE) surface waters and, globally, the first detection in fish ponds. Samples were taken from different types of fish ponds and natural water bodies along a novel concept down to a particle size of 100 μm, then, after sample preparation, MPs were characterized using an FTIR microscope. 92% of the water samples contained MPs ranging from 3.52 to 32.05 particles/m
3 . MPs were detected in 69% of the sediment samples ranging from 0.46 to 1.62 particles/kg. Dominant abundance of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene was shown in water and PP and polystyrene in sediment samples. First results also indicate that fish ponds may act as a deposition area for MPs., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Spatial PM 2.5 , NO 2 , O 3 and BC models for Western Europe - Evaluation of spatiotemporal stability.
- Author
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de Hoogh K, Chen J, Gulliver J, Hoffmann B, Hertel O, Ketzel M, Bauwelinck M, van Donkelaar A, Hvidtfeldt UA, Katsouyanni K, Klompmaker J, Martin RV, Samoli E, Schwartz PE, Stafoggia M, Bellander T, Strak M, Wolf K, Vienneau D, Brunekreef B, and Hoek G
- Subjects
- Europe, Spatio-Temporal Analysis, Air Pollutants analysis, Environmental Monitoring, Models, Statistical, Particulate Matter analysis
- Abstract
Background: In order to investigate associations between air pollution and adverse health effects consistent fine spatial air pollution surfaces are needed across large areas to provide cohorts with comparable exposures. The aim of this paper is to develop and evaluate fine spatial scale land use regression models for four major health relevant air pollutants (PM
2.5 , NO2 , BC, O3 ) across Europe., Methods: We developed West-European land use regression models (LUR) for 2010 estimating annual mean PM2.5 , NO2 , BC and O3 concentrations (including cold and warm season estimates for O3 ). The models were based on AirBase routine monitoring data (PM2.5 , NO2 and O3 ) and ESCAPE monitoring data (BC), and incorporated satellite observations, dispersion model estimates, land use and traffic data. Kriging was performed on the residual spatial variation from the LUR models and added to the exposure estimates. One model was developed using all sites (100%). Robustness of the models was evaluated by performing a five-fold hold-out validation and for PM2.5 and NO2 additionally with independent comparison at ESCAPE measurements. To evaluate the stability of each model's spatial structure over time, separate models were developed for different years (NO2 and O3 : 2000 and 2005; PM2.5 : 2013)., Results: The PM2.5 , BC, NO2 , O3 annual, O3 warm season and O3 cold season models explained respectively 72%, 54%, 59%, 65%, 69% and 83% of spatial variation in the measured concentrations. Kriging proved an efficient technique to explain a part of residual spatial variation for the pollutants with a strong regional component explaining respectively 10%, 24% and 16% of the R2 in the PM2.5 , O3 warm and O3 cold models. Explained variance at fully independent sites vs the internal hold-out validation was slightly lower for PM2.5 (65% vs 66%) and lower for NO2 (49% vs 57%). Predictions from the 2010 model correlated highly with models developed in other years at the overall European scale., Conclusions: We developed robust PM2.5 , NO2 , O3 and BC hybrid LUR models. At the West-European scale models were robust in time, becoming less robust at smaller spatial scales. Models were applied to 100 × 100 m surfaces across Western Europe to allow for exposure assignment for 35 million participants from 18 European cohorts participating in the ELAPSE study., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)- Published
- 2018
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- View/download PDF
38. Improving the assessment and monitoring of forest biodiversity.
- Author
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Spanos, K. A., Feest, A., and Petrakis, P. V.
- Subjects
FOREST biodiversity ,BIODIVERSITY ,FORESTS & forestry ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,BUTTERFLIES - Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to present a general analysis and overview of forest biodiversity, emphasising the three main components (structure, composition, function) related to biodiversity. Following this theoretical consideration of forest biodiversity the current proposal of the European Environment Agency for biodiversity indicators is presented as a table with the application to forests identified and the direct/indirect nature of the indicator also indicated. Design/methodology/approach - The biodiversity of forests is determined by a number of overall large-scale factors that intimately affect the individual components of biodiversity. A more specific and direct measurement of forest biodiversity is presented with data assessed by the Fungib programme to provide a set of biodiversity indices that can be used to: create biodiversity baselines; compare sites; and follow biodiversity changes through time, all with the possibility of determining significance of change statistically. An example of data derived from a macrofungal survey is presented as an example of how this methodology can be adapted to many groups of organisms. Finally, a further example of using biodiversity quality data to understand changes in biodiversity is presented comparing butterfly biodiversity quality with nitrogen deposition. Findings - This paper shows how an example of function (nitrogen deposition) has affected an element of composition (butterfly biodiversity). This has been made possible by the use of a rational sampling methodology (TRIM) used over a number of years. This metadata analysis of butterfly survey data shows clearly that changes in the butterfly biodiversity quality would have been missed if the normal approach of equating biodiversity with species richness had been adopted. In this example nitrogen-sensitive species loss was compensated by nitrophilic species gain. Originality/value - Such a methodology, therefore, has much to recommend it and it has been shown to be applicable to a wide range of organisms from bryophytes to beetles. For forest biodiversity monitoring the adoption of this kind of rationale will hopefully yield far greater information to the scientific community and policy makers for little extra effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. TOWARDS A FRAMEWORK FOR SEA FOLLOW-UP:: THEORETICAL ISSUES AND LESSONS FROM POLICY EVALUATION.
- Author
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PERSSON, ÅSA and NILSSON, MÅNS
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact statements ,ENVIRONMENTAL management ,RISK assessment ,ENVIRONMENTAL protection ,EVALUATION methodology - Abstract
Most SEA practice and research has focused on the pre-decision stages, whereas post-decision follow-up stages such as monitoring, evaluation, and management have been given far less attention. These stages, referred to as SEA follow-up, are integral to making SEA effective and learning-oriented. This paper takes the first step towards a framework for conducting SEA follow-up, by analysing the requirements for ex post activities according to the European SEA Directive (2001/42/EC), reviewing existing experiences and literature on how to perform SEA follow-up, and exploring lessons to be learnt from the adjacent fields of EIA follow-up and policy evaluation. The directive, along with most mainstream applications of SEA, is based on EIA follow-up concepts. However, SEA follow-up displays a number of critical differences, including: an enhanced risk of implementation gaps; a focus on performance rather than compliance; and less direct linkages between decisions and impacts. The paper argues that the SEA Directive is seriously constrained and that a more ambitious interpretation of SEA follow-up is necessary to enable strategic decision making and learning. Lessons from the policy/programme evaluation literature could strengthen SEA follow-up by giving it analytical rigour in relation to establishing causality and providing insights into the use and acceptance of SEA follow-up among decision makers and stakeholders. Further explorations into policy evaluation toolkits, and practical experiences in applying them, are needed to enhance the potential of SEA follow-up in supporting strategic decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Cancer incidence in children and young adults living in industrially contaminated sites: from the Italian experience to the development of an international surveillance system.
- Author
-
Iavarone I, Buzzoni C, Stoppa G, and Steliarova-Foucher E
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child, Preschool, Europe, Female, Humans, Incidence, Infant, Infant, Newborn, Internationality, Italy epidemiology, Male, Neoplasms etiology, Young Adult, Environmental Monitoring methods, Environmental Pollution adverse effects, Industry, Neoplasms epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: this paper is based upon work from COST Action ICSHNet. Children's environmental health is on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The incidence of childhood cancer is increasing worldwide and in Europe. Yet, the aetiology of most childhood cancers, including the role of environmental carcinogens, is still largely unknown. Contaminated areas, especially of industrial origin, are of high concern due to complex mix of hazardous pollutants and their potential health impacts on human populations, notably in children., Objectives: to describe cancer risk in children and young adults (YA) residing in national priority contaminated sites (NPCSs) in Italy and to provide a suitable framework for a development of cancer surveillance in industrially contaminated sites (ICSs) in Europe., Methods: this study is based on a collaborative work of the Italian Institute of Health (ISS) and the Italian Association of Cancer Registries (AIRTUM), in the context of the SENTIERI project (Epidemiological study of residents in National Priority Contaminated Sites). Incidence rates were standardised according to the European standard population. The number of observed cases was compared to the expected cases derived from the age-, sex-, and cancer-specific incidence rates of the national pool of AIRTUM registries for the period 2006-2013. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. The study reports the cancer profile in all combined 28 NPCSs covered by 22 cancer registries., Results: 1,050 cases of malignant tumours (MTs) were recorded among 3,161,786 person-years in people aged 0-29 years in 28 NPCSs (SIR: 1.03; 90%CI 0.98-1.09), with an age-standardised incidence rate of 317 per million. Excess risks were observed for: MT of the central nervous system in the age-group <1 year (SIR: 3.2; 90%CI 1.4-6.3); soft tissue sarcoma in the age-group 0-14 years (SIR: 1.6; 90%CI 1.1-2.3); acute myeloid leukaemia in the agegroup 0-14 years (SIR: 1.7; 90%CI 1.1-2.4); non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the age-group 20-24 years (SIR 1.5; 90%CI 1.1-2.1), and germ cell tumours of male gonads in the age-group 20-29 years (SIR: 1.33; 90%CI 1.1-1.5). A deficit of cases was observed for Hodgkin lymphomas in the age-group 20-29 years (SIR 0.8; 90%CI 0.6-1.0)., Discussion: this study, which is based on standardized methods and accredited information sources, supports the hypothesis that living in an NPCS increases the risk of some cancer types in children and young adults. Further work will concern groups of NPCSs characterised by common sources of contamination/key carcinogenic pollutants. In fact, in a novel project proposal we aim to monitor the cancer profile in children living in ICSs in Europe. The new project, based on the SENTIERI-AIRTUM methodology, will build on the networking activities of the COST Action on Industrially Contaminated Sites and Health Networking (ICSHNet) and childhood cancer studies coordinated by the International Agency for research on Cancer (IARC).
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. Temporal and spatial distribution of isotopes in river water in Central Europe: 50 years experience with the Austrian network of isotopes in rivers.
- Author
-
Rank D, Wyhlidal S, Schott K, Weigand S, and Oblin A
- Subjects
- Austria, Europe, Hydrology methods, Spatio-Temporal Analysis, Deuterium analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods, Oxygen Isotopes analysis, Rivers chemistry
- Abstract
The Austrian network of isotopes in rivers comprises about 15 sampling locations and has been operated since 1976. The Danube isotope time series goes back to 1963. The isotopic composition of river water in Central Europe is mainly governed by the isotopic composition of precipitation in the catchment area; evaporation effects play only a minor role. Short-term and long-term isotope signals in precipitation are thus transmitted through the whole catchment. The influence of climatic changes has become observable in the long-term stable isotope time series of precipitation and surface waters. Environmental
3 H values were around 8 TU in 2015, short-term3 H pulses up to about 80 TU in the rivers Danube and March were a consequence of releases from nuclear power plants. The complete isotope data series of this network will be included in the Global Network of Isotopes in Rivers database of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 2017. This article comprises a review of 50 years isotope monitoring on rivers and is also intended to provide base information on the (isotope-)hydrological conditions in Central Europe specifically for the end-users of these data, e.g. for modelling hydrological processes. Furthermore, this paper includes the 2006-2015 supplement adding to the Danube isotope set published earlier.- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. First allergenic pollen monitoring in Bucharest and results of three years collaboration with European aerobiology specialists.
- Author
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Leru PM, Eftimie AM, and Thibaudon M
- Subjects
- Ambrosia immunology, Antigens, Plant analysis, Antigens, Plant immunology, Artemisia immunology, Europe, Humans, Plant Extracts analysis, Plant Extracts immunology, Poaceae immunology, Romania, Seasons, Trees immunology, Allergens analysis, Environmental Monitoring methods, Pollen
- Abstract
Introduction: Respiratory allergies induced by allergenic plants pollen represent an important public health problem with increasing prevalence and severity. Aerobiologic study of allergenic pollens is performed in many countries on regular basis and correlated with health data from allergists in the frame of national aerobiology networks. Romania has no aerobiology network and pollen measurements have been done between 1999-2012 in West region only. In the frame of COST Action called Sustainable management of Ambrosia artemisiifolia in Europe (SMARTER FA 1203), three years collaboration with Reseau National de Surveillance Aerobiologique (RNSA) from France and the first pollen monitoring center in Bucharest were established.The aim of this paper is to present results of first pollen monitoring in Bucharest, activities of Romanian SMARTER group and collaboration with European aerobiology specialists., Material and Method: We used a Hirst-type pollen trap placed on the roof of the Research Center from "Colentina" Clinical Hospital and the pollen monitoring method based on European Aeroallergen Network (EAN) standardized requirements. Monthly results during the pollen seasons 2014-2016 were sent to RNSA and EAN and posted on the European pollen information site., Results: We found high amounts of allergenic pollen, mainly grasses from May to September and Ambrosia artemisiifolia during September. Conlcusions. We concluded that SMARTER offered access to aerobiology training, improved multidisciplinary collaboration and perspectives to further develop national and international projects. More coordinated efforts to develop national aerobiology network and to recuperate the gap comparing to other European countries in the field of aerobiology and respiratory allergology are needed.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Validation of Lower Tier Exposure Tools Used for REACH: Comparison of Tools Estimates With Available Exposure Measurements.
- Author
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van Tongeren M, Lamb J, Cherrie JW, MacCalman L, Basinas I, and Hesse S
- Subjects
- Europe, Humans, Risk Assessment standards, United States, Environmental Monitoring methods, Environmental Monitoring standards, Hazardous Substances analysis, Models, Statistical, Occupational Exposure analysis, Risk Assessment methods
- Abstract
Background: Tier 1 exposure tools recommended for use under REACH are designed to easily identify situations that may pose a risk to health through conservative exposure predictions. However, no comprehensive evaluation of the performance of the lower tier tools has previously been carried out. The ETEAM project aimed to evaluate several lower tier exposure tools (ECETOC TRA, MEASE, and EMKG-EXPO-TOOL) as well as one higher tier tool (STOFFENMANAGER®). This paper describes the results of the external validation of tool estimates using measurement data., Methods: Measurement data were collected from a range of providers, both in Europe and United States, together with contextual information. Individual measurement and aggregated measurement data were obtained. The contextual information was coded into the tools to obtain exposure estimates. Results were expressed as percentage of measurements exceeding the tool estimates and presented by exposure category (non-volatile liquid, volatile liquid, metal abrasion, metal processing, and powder handling). We also explored tool performance for different process activities as well as different scenario conditions and exposure levels., Results: In total, results from nearly 4000 measurements were obtained, with the majority for the use of volatile liquids and powder handling. The comparisons of measurement results with tool estimates suggest that the tools are generally conservative. However, the tools were more conservative when estimating exposure from powder handling compared to volatile liquids and other exposure categories. In addition, results suggested that tool performance varies between process activities and scenario conditions. For example, tools were less conservative when estimating exposure during activities involving tabletting, compression, extrusion, pelletisation, granulation (common process activity PROC14) and transfer of substance or mixture (charging and discharging) at non-dedicated facilities (PROC8a; powder handling only). With the exception of STOFFENMANAGER® (for estimating exposure during powder handling), the tools were less conservative for scenarios with lower estimated exposure levels., Conclusions: This is the most comprehensive evaluation of the performance of REACH exposure tools carried out to date. The results show that, although generally conservative, the tools may not always achieve the performance specified in the REACH guidance, i.e. using the 75th or 90th percentile of the exposure distribution for the risk characterisation. Ongoing development, adjustment, and recalibration of the tools with new measurement data are essential to ensure adequate characterisation and control of worker exposure to hazardous substances., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.)
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. What You See is What You Want: The Evolution of Monitoring Networks for Water Quality in Europe.
- Author
-
Beck, Lucas, Bernauer, Thomas, and Kalbhenn, Anna
- Subjects
- *
ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring , *INTERNATIONAL relations , *ENVIRONMENTAL policy , *POLITICAL planning - Abstract
Environmental monitoring by governments and their agents offers unique opportunities for studying processes of international policy diffusion because it is associated with discrete choices that are clearly identifiable in space and time. Besides, effective monitoring is essential for effective environmental policy. We describe and explain the evolution of one of the most important international environmental monitoring networks in Europe, the one for water quality, in the time-period 1965-2005. Drawing on data from the European Environment Agency and other sources we use a geographic information system to construct a dataset that contains information on the location of several thousand active monitoring stations across the continent. We then examine whether and to what extent the evolution of this monitoring network is driven by domestic factors (e.g., political system, income, trade openness) and network / interdependency effects (e.g., involvement in international policy-making networks, EU membership, behavior of other countries). In this preliminary version of the paper we review the relevant literature and outline the hypotheses to be tested. We also report on how the dataset was constructed and present some preliminary results. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
45. Innovation in global public goods: issues and challenges in provision of environment-monitoring services in Europe.
- Author
-
Saad, Mohammed, Datta, Surja, and Papadakis, Dimitrios
- Subjects
PUBLIC goods ,TECHNOLOGICAL innovations ,CLIMATE change ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring - Abstract
Global climate change has necessitated a co-ordinated response from policy-makers across the world. Though the imperative for action has been much discussed in policy circles, actions at the implementation level remain somewhat less well-developed. The European Commission through its Framework Programmes has taken the lead in the development of a set of innovative services that are geared towards monitoring of the environment for the benefit of European citizens. These services are, at present, rapidly moving towards an operational phase. This paper provides a critical appraisal of the effort of the European Union to develop a portfolio of operational and sustainable environment- monitoring services. It also identifies key stakeholders and discusses their role in order to raise the issue of appropriateness of a system of innovation to support this type of initiative. The paper views these services as global public goods in nature, having dynamics of innovation that are qualitatively different from that witnessed in private goods and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Stato di attuazione della Valutazione Ambientale Strategica: un'analisi interpretativa.
- Author
-
Bina, Elisabetta and Pusceddu, Clara
- Subjects
ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL protection ,ENVIRONMENTAL indicators - Abstract
Copyright of Rassegna Italiana di Valutazione is the property of FrancoAngeli srl and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2009
47. What counts? Volunteers and their organisations in the recording and monitoring of biodiversity.
- Author
-
Bell, Sandra, Marzano, Mariella, Cent, Joanna, Kobierska, Hanna, Podjed, Dan, Vandzinskaite, Deivida, Reinert, Hugo, Armaitiene, Ausrine, Grodzińska-Jurczak, Malgorzata, and Muršič, Rajko
- Subjects
VOLUNTEERS ,NATURALISTS ,BIODIVERSITY ,FOCUS groups ,QUALITATIVE research ,PARTICIPANT observation ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,INTERVIEWING - Abstract
There is a pressing need for volunteer amateur naturalists to participate in data collection for biodiversity monitoring programmes in Europe. It is being addressed in some countries, but less so in others. This paper discusses the results from qualitative research using semi-structured interviews, focus groups and participant observation within nine Participatory Monitoring Network (PMN) organisations in six European countries. The paper examines the features that facilitate recruitment, retention and motivations of volunteers to participate in biodiversity monitoring, including the social and cultural milieus in which they operate. The paper concludes that volunteers place a high degree of significance on their social experience within PMNs. Successful creation and management of PMNs thus requires that similar levels of attention be paid to social aspects of the organisation as are paid to the generation and management of data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Public and stakeholder participation in European water policy: a critical review of project evaluation processes.
- Author
-
Videira, Nuno, Antunes, Paula, Santos, Rui, and Lobo, Gonçalo
- Subjects
WATER laws ,PROJECT evaluation ,DRINKING water ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL protection ,ENTERPRISE resource planning ,GOVERNMENT policy - Abstract
The recent reform of the European water policy recognizes the importance of developing effective mechanisms to support public and stakeholder participation in river basin decision-making processes. This paper critically reviews the evaluation processes of different types of water related project in five European countries (Portugal, Greece, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Spain), with respect to participatory criteria. The horizontal comparison of these cases accounted for criteria such as the political and institutional context, the design, the implementation and the evaluation of the outcomes of participation. The results indicated that, in the majority of the case studies, participation was simply adopted to conform to the requisites of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. Thus, there was truly no room for the active involvement and collaboration of the interested parties. The development of guidelines, drawing from the analysis of past experiences, is expected to support the implementation of the participatory objectives of the EU water policy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. The derivation of scientific guidelines for best environmental practice for the monitoring and regulation of marine aquaculture in Europe.
- Author
-
Read, Fernandes, and Miller
- Subjects
AQUACULTURE ,ENVIRONMENTAL policy ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring - Abstract
The MARAQUA concerted action (Monitoring and Regulation of Marine Aquaculture) aimed to establish scientific guidelines for best environmental practice for the regulation and monitoring of marine aquaculture throughout the European Union. This paper focuses on the specific objectives of the MARAQUA concerted action and describes the processes adopted by the partnership when reviewing current practice in Europe in relation to licensing, regulatory and monitoring procedures. The paper also summarizes the findings of five topic groups established to analyse the scientific and socio-economic basis of current environmental practice in marine aquaculture and identifies the key recommendations for best environmental practice in relation to marine aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. The scientific principles underlying the monitoring of the environmental impacts of aquaculture.
- Author
-
Fernandes, Eleftheriou, Ackefors, Eleftheriou, Ervik, Sanchez-Mata, Scanlon, White, Cochrane, Pearson, and Read
- Subjects
AQUACULTURE ,ENVIRONMENTAL impact analysis ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring - Abstract
This paper provides a critical review of the main issues regarding the scientific principles underlying environmental monitoring of marine aquaculture operations and makes recommendations relevant to the implementation of best practice for the management of aquaculture in Europe. Given that a variety of cultured species and approaches are adopted in Europe, it is not possible, or indeed desirable, to devise prescriptive guidelines. Instead, this paper reviews how science informs monitoring and provides a framework for the development of a monitoring strategy of marine aquaculture operations that is flexible enough to be applicable to a variety of locations, species and situations. Traditionally environmental monitoring has concentrated on a few key physical and chemical variables and organisms. The trend now, however, is towards whole-system environmental assessment (e.g. CEC 2000; Osparcom 1998), including considerations of the assimilative capacity of specific systems and their ability to absorb and dilute perturbations. Against this background this paper addresses the following specific objectives: • review of the rationale and scientific principles underlying current environmental monitoring with specific reference to marine aquaculture; • evaluation of the links between monitoring and regulatory criteria, specifically consideration of environmental quality objectives and environmental quality standards, and the role of environmental impact assessment; • assessment of the role of codes of best conduct and practice, and environmental management systems in the management of aquaculture operations. The paper concludes by proposing a set of recommendations which will contribute towards the sustainable management of aquaculture operations, through the implementation of a more focused approach to environmental monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2001
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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