ALBERT

Description: Purpose Oil shale is an unconventional petroleum source that can be produced domestically in the USA. Oil shale resources are primarily located in Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado, within the Colorado River Basin. In this paper, we analyze the life cycle consumptive water use for oil shale production and its impacts on water resources of the Colorado River Basin. Methods The study is focused on life cycle consumptive water use for oil shale development. Consumptive water use is defined as “water that is evaporated, transpired, incorporated into products, or otherwise removed from the immediate water environment.” The analysis includes direct consumptive water requirements to extract, process, and refine shale oil, as well as indirect consumptive water use for generating the electricity associated with the extraction and processing. From the results, strategies for water supply certainty are discussed, and strategies for implementation are suggested. In addition, refining the shale oil outside of the oil shale region (removing the need for local water), using dry cooling systems for electricity generation, and building desalination plants in California (to replace water) are evaluated. Results and discussion Life cycle consumptive water use for oil shale is significant and could impact water availability for consumers in the lower Colorado River Basin. At a level of oil production of 2 million barrels per day, the life cycle consumptive water use would be significant: between 140 and 305 billion gallons (0.4 and 0.9 million acre-ft.) of water per year if surface mining and retorting is done, or between 150 and 340 billion gallons (0.5 and 1 million acre-ft.) of water per year if the Shell in situ process is used. Strategies could be implemented to provide water supply certainty including refining the shale oil outside of the region (removing some need for local water), using dry cooling systems for electricity generation, and building desalination plants in California (to replace water). Conclusions Water supply in the Colorado River Basin could be a primary constraint to the development of oil shale. At a level of oil production of 2 million barrels per day, the life cycle consumptive water use would be significant. Energy companies or governments may want to invest in water management and supply strategies that would eliminate the uncertainty associated with the water availability in the Colorado River Basin for oil shale development.

Description: Purpose In the transportation sector, reducing vehicle weight is a cornerstone strategy to improve the fuel economy and energy efficiency of road vehicles. This study investigated the environmental implications of lightweighting two automotive parts (Ford Taurus front end bolster, Chevrolet Trailblazer/GMC Envoy assist step) using glass-fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) instead of steel alloys. Methods The cradle-to-grave life cycle assessments (LCAs) for these studies consider a total service life of 150,000 miles for two applications: a 46 % lighter GFRP bolster on the 2010 Ford Taurus that replaced the 2008 steel and GFRP bolster, and a 51 % lighter GFRP running board for the 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer/GMC Envoy that replaced the previous steel running board including its polymer fasteners. The life cycle stages in these critically reviewed and ISO-compliant LCA studies include the production of upstream materials and energy, product manufacturing, use, and the end-of-life treatment for all materials throughout the life cycle. Results and discussion The results show that the lighter GFRP products performed better than the steel products for global warming potential and primary energy demand for both case studies. In addition, the GFRP bolster performed better for acidification potential. The savings of fuel combustion and production during the use stage of a vehicle far outweigh the environmental impacts of manufacturing or end-of-life. An even greater benefit would be possible if the total weight reduction in the vehicle would be high enough to allow for the reduction of engine displacement or an elongation of gear ratio while maintaining constant vehicle dynamics. These so-called secondary measures allow the fuel savings per unit of mass to be more than doubled and are able to offset the slightly higher acidification potential of the GFRP running board which occurs when only the mass-induced fuel savings are considered. Conclusions The lightweight GFRP components are shown to outperform their steel counterparts over the full life cycle mainly due to the reduced fuel consumption of the vehicle in the use phase. To harvest the benefits of light weighting to their full extent, it is recommended that the sum of all mass reductions in the design process be monitored and, whenever feasible, invested into fuel economy by adapting the drive train while maintaining constant vehicle performance rather than leveraging the weight reduction to improve vehicle dynamics.

Description: Purpose Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a useful tool for quantifying the overall environmental impacts of a product, process, or service. The scientific scope and boundary definition are important to ensure the accuracy of LCA results. Defining the boundary in LCA is difficult and there are no commonly accepted scientific methods yet. The objective of this research is to present a comprehensive discussion of system boundaries in LCA and to develop an appropriate boundary delimitation method. Methods A product system is partitioned into the primary system and interrelated subsystems. The hierarchical relationship of flow and process is clarified by introducing flow- and process-related interventions. A system boundary curve model of the LCA is developed and the threshold rules for judging whether the system boundary satisfies the research requirement are proposed. Quantitative criteria from environmental, technical, geographical and temporal dimensions are presented to limit the boundaries of LCA. An algorithm is developed to identify an appropriate boundary by searching the process tree and evaluating the environmental impact contribution of each process while it is added into the studied system. Results and discussion The difference between a limited system and a theoretically complete system is presented. A case study is conducted on a color TV set to demonstrate and validate the method of boundary identification. The results showed that the overall environmental impact indicator exhibits a slow growth after a certain number of processes considered, and the gradient of the fitting curve trends to zero gradually. According to the threshold rules, a relatively accurate system boundary could be obtained. Conclusions It is found from this research that the system boundary curve describes the growth of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) results as processes are added. The two threshold rules and identification methods presented can be used to identify system boundary of LCA. The case study demonstrated that the methodology presented in this paper is an effective tool for the boundary identification.

Description: Purpose Land use is a main driver of global biodiversity loss and its environmental relevance is widely recognized in research on life cycle assessment (LCA). The inherent spatial heterogeneity of biodiversity and its non-uniform response to land use requires a regionalized assessment, whereas many LCA applications with globally distributed value chains require a global scale. This paper presents a first approach to quantify land use impacts on biodiversity across different world regions and highlights uncertainties and research needs. Methods The study is based on the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) land use assessment framework and focuses on occupation impacts, quantified as a biodiversity damage potential (BDP). Species richness of different land use types was compared to a (semi-)natural regional reference situation to calculate relative changes in species richness. Data on multiple species groups were derived from a global quantitative literature review and national biodiversity monitoring data from Switzerland. Differences across land use types, biogeographic regions (i.e., biomes), species groups and data source were statistically analyzed. For a data subset from the biome (sub-)tropical moist broadleaf forest, different species-based biodiversity indicators were calculated and the results compared. Results and discussion An overall negative land use impact was found for all analyzed land use types, but results varied considerably. Different land use impacts across biogeographic regions and taxonomic groups explained some of the variability. The choice of indicator also strongly influenced the results. Relative species richness was less sensitive to land use than indicators that considered similarity of species of the reference and the land use situation. Possible sources of uncertainty, such as choice of indicators and taxonomic groups, land use classification and regionalization are critically discussed and further improvements are suggested. Data on land use impacts were very unevenly distributed across the globe and considerable knowledge gaps on cause–effect chains remain. Conclusions The presented approach allows for a first rough quantification of land use impact on biodiversity in LCA on a global scale. As biodiversity is inherently heterogeneous and data availability is limited, uncertainty of the results is considerable. The presented characterization factors for BDP can approximate land use impacts on biodiversity in LCA studies that are not intended to directly support decision-making on land management practices. For such studies, more detailed and site-dependent assessments are required. To assess overall land use impacts, transformation impacts should additionally be quantified. Therefore, more accurate and regionalized data on regeneration times of ecosystems are needed.

Description: Purpose The paper introduces the publication on “Global Guidance Principles for Life Cycle Assessment Databases”; it focuses on the development of training material and other implementation activities on the publication. Methods The document is the output of the “Shonan Guidance Principles” workshop. The publication provides guidance principles for life cycle assessment (LCA) databases; this includes how to collect raw data, how to develop datasets, and how to manage databases. The publication also addresses questions concerning data documentation and review, coordination among databases, capacity building, and future scenarios. As a next step, the publication is used to prepare training material and other implementation activities. Results The publication was launched at the LCM 2011 Conference. Since then outreach activities have been organized in particular in emerging economies. Further developments with regard to the guidance principles are foreseen as part of a flagship project within phase 3 of the Life Cycle Initiative. Training material is being developed that will include how to set up databases and develop datasets. The topic has been taken up by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its Rio + 20 Voluntary Commitments: UNEP and Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) through the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative commit to facilitate improved access to good quality life cycle data and databases as well as expanded use of key environmental indicators that allows the measurement and monitoring of progress towards the environmental sustainability of selected product chains. Conclusions The adoption of the “Global Guidance Principles” publication as a de facto global standard is expected to facilitate the work of database teams, especially, in developing countries, and the collaboration in regional networks. These efforts are supported by the development of training material and other implementation activities.

Description: Purpose The paper provides a late report from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Life Cycle Initiative workshop “Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)—where we are, trends, and next steps;” it embeds this report into recent development with regard to the envisaged development of global guidance on environmental life cycle impact assessment indicators and related methodologies. Methods The document is the output of the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative’s workshop on “Life Cycle Impact Assessment—where we are, trends, and next steps.” The presentations and discussions held during the workshop reviewed the first two phases of the Life Cycle Initiative and provided an overview of current LCIA activities being conducted by the Initiative, governments and academia, as well as corporate approaches. The outcomes of the workshop are reflected in light of the implementation of the strategy for Phase 3 of the Life Cycle Initiative. Results The range of views provided during the workshop indicated different user needs, with regards to, amongst other things, the required complexity of the LCIA methodology, associated costs, and the selection of LCIA categories depending on environmental priorities. The workshop’s results signified a number of potential focus areas for Phase 3 of the Initiative, including capacity building efforts concerning LCIA in developing countries and emerging economies, the preparation of training materials on LCIA, the production of global guidance on LCIA, and the potential development of a broader sustainability indicators framework. Conclusions These suggestions have been taken into account in the strategy for Phase 3 of the Life Cycle Initiative in two flagship projects, one on global capability development on life cycle approaches and the other on global guidance on environmental life cycle impact assessment indicators. In the context of the latter project, first activities are being organized and planned. Moreover, UNEP has included the recommendations in its Rio + 20 Voluntary Commitments: UNEP and SETAC through the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative commit to facilitate improved access to good quality life cycle data and databases as well as expanded use of key environmental indicators that allows the measurement and monitoring of progress towards the environmental sustainability of selected product chains.

Description: Purpose Substantial evidence from numerous studies indicate that Uganda is already experiencing the negative impacts attributed to climate change, manifested by changing and unpredictable weather patterns, with implications to food production, water, and livelihood. Therefore, reducing carbon footprints is a key ingredient in mitigating climate change. However, this requires availability of adequate knowledge and human resource capacities to analyze and manage the carbon dynamics as well as energy-related aspects at all levels of organizations. It is against this background that training activities were designed to equip participants with knowledge and skills on the subject of carbon footprints. Results Participants were exposed to current techniques and methods of estimating and reducing carbon footprints; and equipped with knowledge on pathways for realizing carbon neutral resilient systems. In addition, participants formed a carbon footprint network with a view of sharing experience with other actors elsewhere in this field, and periodically organize similar trainings and other avenues for experience and knowledge sharing.

Description: Purpose This study analyzes the influence of value choices in impact assessment models for human health, such as the choice of time horizon, on life cycle assessment outcomes. Methods For 756 products, the human health damage score is calculated using three sets of characterization factors (CFs). The CFs represent seven human health impact assessment categories: water scarcity, tropospheric ozone formation, particulate matter formation, human toxicity, ionizing radiation, stratospheric ozone depletion, and climate change. Each set of CFs embeds a combination of value choices following the Cultural Theory, and reflects the individualist, hierarchist, or egalitarian perspective. Results We found that the average difference in human health damage score goes from 1 order of magnitude between the individualist and hierarchist perspectives to 2.5 orders of magnitude between the individualist and egalitarian perspectives. The difference in damage score of individual materials among perspectives depends on the combination of emissions driving the impact of both perspectives and can rise up to 5 orders of magnitude. Conclusions The value choices mainly responsible for the differences in results among perspectives are the choice of time horizon and inclusion of highly uncertain effects. A product comparison can be affected when the human health damage score of two products differ less than a factor of 5, or the comparing products largely differ in their emitted substances. Overall, our study implies that value choices in impact assessment modeling can modify the outcomes of a life cycle assessment (LCA) and thus the practical implication of decisions based on the results of an LCA.

Description: Purpose Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is a field of active development. The last decade has seen prolific publication of new impact assessment methods covering many different impact categories and providing characterization factors that often deviate from each other for the same substance and impact. The LCA standard ISO 14044 is rather general and unspecific in its requirements and offers little help to the LCA practitioner who needs to make a choice. With the aim to identify the best among existing characterization models and provide recommendations to the LCA practitioner, a study was performed for the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC). Methods Existing LCIA methods were collected and their individual characterization models identified at both midpoint and endpoint levels and supplemented with other environmental models of potential use for LCIA. No new developments of characterization models or factors were done in the project. From a total of 156 models, 91 were short listed as possible candidates for a recommendation within their impact category. Criteria were developed for analyzing the models within each impact category. The criteria addressed both scientific qualities and stakeholder acceptance. The criteria were reviewed by external experts and stakeholders and applied in a comprehensive analysis of the short-listed characterization models (the total number of criteria varied between 35 and 50 per impact category). For each impact category, the analysis concluded with identification of the best among the existing characterization models. If the identified model was of sufficient quality, it was recommended by the JRC. Analysis and recommendation process involved hearing of both scientific experts and stakeholders. Results and recommendations Recommendations were developed for 14 impact categories at midpoint level, and among these recommendations, three were classified as “satisfactory” while ten were “in need of some improvements” and one was so weak that it has “to be applied with caution.” For some of the impact categories, the classification of the recommended model varied with the type of substance. At endpoint level, recommendations were only found relevant for three impact categories. For the rest, the quality of the existing methods was too weak, and the methods that came out best in the analysis were classified as “interim,” i.e., not recommended by the JRC but suitable to provide an initial basis for further development. Discussion, conclusions, and outlook The level of characterization modeling at midpoint level has improved considerably over the last decade and now also considers important aspects like geographical differentiation and combination of midpoint and endpoint characterization, although the latter is in clear need for further development. With the realization of the potential importance of geographical differentiation comes the need for characterization models that are able to produce characterization factors that are representative for different continents and still support aggregation of impact scores over the whole life cycle. For the impact categories human toxicity and ecotoxicity, we are now able to recommend a model, but the number of chemical substances in common use is so high that there is a need to address the substance data shortage and calculate characterization factors for many new substances. Another unresolved issue is the need for quantitative information about the uncertainties that accompany the characterization factors. This is still only adequately addressed for one or two impact categories at midpoint, and this should be a focus point in future research. The dynamic character of LCIA research means that what is best practice will change quickly in time. The characterization methods presented in this paper represent what was best practice in 2008–2009.

Description: Purpose This study discusses the significance of the use of non-renewable fossil cumulative energy demand (CED) as proxy indicator in the beverage packaging sector, in order to detect those situations in which companies can benefit from the use of proxy indicators before a full life cycle assessment (LCA) application. Starting from a case study of two milk containers, the objectives of this paper are to assess if the use of this inventory indicator can be a suitable proxy indicator both (1) to decide which is the packaging alternative with the lowest environmental impact and (2) to identify the most impacting process units of the two products under study. Method The analysis was made according to ISO14040-44. The goal of the comparative LCA was to evaluate and to compare the potential environmental impacts from cradle to grave of a laminated carton container and a HDPE bottle. The results of the comparative LCA obtained with the non-renewable CED indicator are compared with a selection of impact categories: climate change, particulate matter formation, terrestrial acidification, fossil depletion, photochemical oxidant formation. A further analysis is made for the two products under study in order to determine which are the environmental hot spots in terms of life cycle stages, by the means of a contribution analysis. Results and discussion From the comparative LCA, the use of non-renewable CED revealed to be useful for a screening as the results given by the non-renewable CED indicator are confirmed by all the impact categories considered, even if underestimated. If the aim of the LCA study was to define which is the packaging solution with a lower environmental impact, the choice of this inventory indicator could have led to the same decision as if a comprehensive LCIA method was used. The contribution analysis, focusing on the identification of environmental hot spots in the packaging value chain, revealed that the choice of an inventory indicator as non-renewable CED can lead to misleading results, if compared with another impact category, such as climate change. Conclusions As in the future development of beverage packaging system, LCA will be necessarily integrated in the design process, it is important to define other ways of simplifying its application and spread its use among companies. The LCI indicator non-renewable fossil CED can effectively be used in order to obtain a preliminary estimation of the life cycle environmental impacts of two or more competing products in the beverage packaging sector.

Description: Purpose There has been lively debate, especially in Finland and Sweden, on the climate impacts of peat fuel. Previous studies of peat fuel's life-cycle climate impacts were controversial in their interpretation. The aim of this paper is conclusive examination of the issues of LCA methodology, derived from critical review of previous studies and recalculation based on the latest knowledge of greenhouse gas balances related to peat fuel’s utilisation and the radiative forcing impacts of greenhouse gases. Methods The most recent findings on emissions and the gas fluxes between soil, vegetation and atmosphere were used in calculation of the life-cycle climate impacts of the various peat fuel utilisation chains by means of LCA methodology. In the main, the calculation methods and rules were the same as in the previous studies, with the aim being to distinguish the impact of peat fuel’s utilisation from that of the natural or semi-natural situation. A dynamic method was employed for assessing changes in radiative forcing. The results of alternative peat fuel utilisation chains were compared to the corresponding result for coal. Results There are many steps in peat fuel LCA, where different assumptions lead to different outcomes. Determining the functional unit, reference situations and system boundaries, as well as the emission calculation methods, is important from this point of view. Determination of the initial reference situation emerged as one of the critical points in the calculations. Time scale can strongly affect the final outcomes in a study where effects of long-term land-use change are considered. Conclusions Each peatland area is unique. The higher the greenhouse gas emissions in the initial reference situation, the greater is the climate impact of the area and the more suitable the area is for peat extraction. The study showed that more greenhouse gas flux measurements are needed, for better assessment of the climate impacts of different potential peat extraction sites. Climate change mitigation requires quick actions, and uncertainties related to emissions are higher for longer time spans. Therefore, it can be concluded that a perspective spanning more than 100 years is inappropriate in peat fuel's life-cycle climate impact assessments.

Description: Purpose Political interest in the future availability of natural resources has spiked recently, with new documents from the European Union, United Nations Environment Programme and the US National Research Council assessing the supply situation of key raw materials. As resource efficiency is considered a key element for sustainable development, suitable methods to address sustainability of resource use are increasingly needed. Life cycle thinking and assessment may play a principal role here. Nonetheless, the extent to which current life cycle impact assessment methods are capable to answer to resource sustainability challenges is widely debated. The aim of this paper is to present key elements of the ongoing discussion, contributing to the future development of more robust and comprehensive methods for evaluating resources in the life cycle assessment (LCA) context. Methods We systematically review current impact assessment methods dealing with resources, identifying areas of improvement. Three key issues for sustainability assessment of resources are examined: renewability, recyclability and criticality; this is complemented by a cross-comparison of methodological features and completeness of resource coverage. Results and discussion The approach of LCA to resource depletion is characterised by a lack of consensus on methodology and on the relative ranking of resource depletion impacts as can be seen from a comparison of characterisation factors. The examined models yield vastly different characterisations of the impacts from resource depletion and show gaps in the number and types of resources covered. Conclusions Key areas of improvement are identified and discussed. Firstly, biotic resources and their renewal rates have so far received relatively little regard within LCA; secondly, the debate on critical raw materials and the opportunity of introducing criticality within LCA is controversial and requires further effort for a conciliating vision and indicators. We identify points where current methods can be expanded to accommodate these issues and cover a wider range of natural resources.

Description: Purpose The purse seine fishery for sardine is the most important fishery in Portugal. The aim of the present study is to assess the environmental impacts of sardine fished by the Portuguese fleet and to analyse a number of variables such as vessel size and time scale. An additional goal was to incorporate fishery-specific impact categories in the case study. Methods Life Cycle Assessment methodology was applied, and data were collected from nine vessels, which represented around 10 % of the landings. Vessels were divided into two length categories, above and below 12 m, and data were obtained for the years 2005 to 2010. The study was limited to the fishing phase only. The standard impact categories included were energy use, global warming potential, eutrophication potential, acidification potential and ozone depletion potential. The fishery-specific impact categories were overfishing, overfishedness, lost potential yield, mean trophic level and the primary production required, and were quantified as much as possible. Results and discussion The landings from the data set were constituted mainly by sardine (91 %), and the remainders were other small pelagic species (e.g. horse mackerel). The most important input was the fuel, and both vessel categories had the same fuel consumption per catch 0.11 l/kg. Average greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint) were 0.36 kg CO 2 eq. per kilo sardine landed. The fuel use varied between years, and variability between months can be even higher. Fishing mortality has increased, and the spawning stock biomass has decreased resulting in consequential overfishing for 2010. A correlation between fuel use and stock biomass was not found, and the stock condition does not seem to directly influence the global warming potential in this fishery. Discards were primarily non-target small pelagic species, and there was also mortality of target species resulting from slipping. The seafloor impact was considered to be insignificant due to the fishing method. Conclusions The assessment of the Portuguese purse seine fishery resulted in no difference regarding fuel use between large and small vessels, but differences were found between years. The stock has declined, and it has produced below maximum sustainable yield. By-catch and discard data were missing but may be substantial. Even being difficult to quantify, fishery impact categories complement the environmental results with biological information and precaution is need in relation to the stock management. The sardine carbon footprint from Portuguese purse seine was lower than that of other commercial species reported in.

Description: Purpose Proper recycling of mobile phones and other electronic products is important in order to reduce the generation of large amounts of hazardous waste, lessen environmental and social problems associated to the extraction of minerals and primary production of materials, and also minimize the depletion of scarce materials that are often difficult to substitute. Current material recovery processes are used to recycle electronic waste of various compositions. Methods Based on a review of the recycling processes and material flow analysis (MFA), we attribute the material and energy required to recover metals from 1 tonne of discarded mobile phones. Results and discussion We estimate that the recovery rates of gold, palladium, silver, copper, nickel, lead, antimony, and tin from the recycling processes described are 80 to 99 % (16.4 % of the phone in weight). The two main industrial processes used at present time (pyrometallurgical and combined pyro-hydrometallurgical) have similar energy consumptions (7,763 and 7,568 MJ/tonne of mobile phones, respectively). An average tonne of used mobile phones represents a potential of 128 kg of copper, 0.347 kg of gold, 0.15 kg of palladium, 3.63 kg of silver, 15 kg of nickel, 6 kg of lead, 1 kg of antimony, and 10 kg of tin as well as other metals that are not yet profitable to recover but might be in the future. Conclusions We find that the energy consumed to recover copper from mobile phones is half of that needed for copper primary extraction and similar or greater energy savings for precious metal refining. Nevertheless, only 2.5 % of mobile phones arrive to industrial recovery facilities. There is a great potential to increase the amount of metals being recovered, thereby reducing energy consumption and increasing resource efficiency.

Description: Strengths or bias in social LCA? Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0309-3 Authors Alessandra Zamagni, LCA & Ecodesign Laboratory, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy Oscar Amerighi, Research & Study Unit, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), Lungotevere Thaon di Revel 76, 00196 Rome, Italy Patrizia Buttol, LCA & Ecodesign Laboratory, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), via Martiri di Monte Sole 4, 40129 Bologna, Italy Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   Most life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) approaches in life cycle assessment (LCA) are developed for western countries. Their LCIA approaches and characterization methodologies for different impact categories may not be necessarily relevant to African environmental conditions and particularly not for the timber sector in Ghana. This study reviews the relevance of existing impact categories and LCIA approaches, and uses the most relevant for the timber sector of Ghana. Materials and methods   The study reviewed 23 life cycle inventories (LCIs) and LCAs on forestry, timber, and wood products for relevant impact categories and LCIA approaches for their relevance to the specific conditions in Ghana. This study uses an earlier LCI study of the timber industry as a starting point for an additional LCIA. We next performed a correlation and regression analysis to learn whether wood wastes may function as a reasonable single indicator for land use as proxy for biodiversity loss and the other impact categories. Results and discussion   The literature review shows that no LCI or LCA studies were developed for Africa or the tropics. The LCIA approaches in the reviewed LCAs are indeed shown to take their basis in the environmental problems in western countries and characterization methodologies relating to how these problems manifest themselves in the western world. Characterization methodologies for different impact categories in CML-2000 and other LCIA approaches may not be necessarily relevant to African tropical environmental conditions and particularly not for the timber sector in Ghana. This situation hampers the reliability of our LCIA and points to a serious research gap in LCIA development in general. We applied the scientifically well-recognized CML 2000 to the earlier LCI results and characterized the preliminary selected impact categories of global warming, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidant formation, and human toxicity. The correlation analysis indicated that wood waste is indeed strongly correlated with land use as proxy for biodiversity loss and also positively correlated with the other five potential impact results. It can be concluded that wood waste production is a major driving force for biodiversity loss and a sufficiently good single indicator for all other environmental performance indicators in the timber sector of Ghana. Conclusions   This study and the previous LCI paper are pioneering a field not yet explored, since the correct environmental performance indicators are not yet developed or adapted to tropical conditions. The development of LCIA approaches in the tropics may be the start of a never-ending journey in LCA research in Africa, particularly Ghana. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0307-5 Authors John Frank Eshun, Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands José Potting, Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands Rik Leemans, Environmental Systems Analysis Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Introduction   Alternative ways and means of transportation are necessary in order to reduce the environmental impacts of mobility. In the recent years, biofuels were first seen as a main option and then LCA showed also possible hazards of this development. Recently, public interest is rapidly shifting towards electromobility. Therefore it is necessary to also gain better knowledge about the environmental impacts of this technology. This includes a modelling of the pathways of the necessary increase in electricity supply and an appropriate modelling of battery manufacture. Summary of data presented   At this forum most recent results of life cycle assessment studies of electric car driving compared to driving fossil- and agro-fuelled cars were presented. The environmental performance of individual and public electric mobility was discussed in view of promising win–win strategies. Policy implications and research needs derived from current LCA work were highlighted. Conclusion   The 43rd LCA forum profited from the input of several topical experts, covering aspects such as electricity demand of electric vehicles in everyday life, marginal electricity supply mixes, design, performance and manufacture of batteries as well as resource and raw materials availability. The following main conclusions were drawn: The main areas of improvement identified during the day are: weight of the car, battery manufacture, electricity mix used to load the batteries, technological dynamics (efficiency gains) and societal dynamics (changes in mobility habits, changing status symbols). All presentations shown during the day are available for download ( www.lcaforum.ch ). Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0306-6 Authors Rolf Frischknecht, ESU-Services Ltd., Kanzleistrasse 4, 8610 Uster, Switzerland Karin Flury, ESU-Services Ltd., Kanzleistrasse 4, 8610 Uster, Switzerland Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   Determination of the ecotoxicity effect factor (EF) in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is based on test data reporting the total dissolved concentration of a substance. In spite of the recognised influence of chemical speciation and physico-chemical characteristics of the aquatic systems on toxicity of dissolved metals, these properties are not considered when calculating characterization factors (CFs) for metals. It is hypothesised that the main cause of the variation in reported EC50 values of Cu among published test results lies in different speciation patterns for Cu in the test media, and that the toxicity of Cu is predominantly caused by the free Cu 2+ ion. Hence, the free Cu 2+ ion concentration should substitute the total dissolved metal concentration when determining the EF. Materials and methods   The study was based on a review of published ecotoxicity studies reporting acute and chronic EC50 data for Cu to Daphnia magna and to different species of fish and algae. The speciation pattern of Cu in the different media applied in the studies was calculated using the Visual MINTEQ model. EFs were calculated according to the expression applied in the USEtox™ characterization model. Results and discussion   Reported EC 50 values for Cu show variations of one to several orders of magnitude for the same organism, but the study indicates that the large variation is caused by differences in water chemistry of the test media influencing the metal speciation. The relationship between the calculated free Cu 2+ ion concentration and reported EC 50 values indicates that the aquatic ecotoxicity of Cu to D. magna can be predicted from the free ion concentration. Other results confirm that the free Cu 2+ ion concentration depends on the [Cu]/[DOC] ratio since the majority of the total dissolved Cu is present as Cu-DOC complexes when the media contains more than 1 mg/L of DOC, and since Cu in such complexes has limited availability to the test organisms. Conclusions   These results suggest that speciation should be taken into account in the modelling of both EFs and fate factors for LCIA, and the EF for Cu in the aquatic environment should be based on the concentration of the free Cu 2+ ion. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0305-7 Authors Karen S. Christiansen, Department of Basic Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark Peter E. Holm, Department of Basic Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark Ole K. Borggaard, Department of Basic Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark Michael Z. Hauschild, Section of Quantitative Sustainability Assessment, DTU Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    Criteria and indicators assessment is one of the ways to evaluate management strategies for mountain watersheds. One framework for this, Integrated Watershed Management (IWM), was employed at Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh using a multi-criteria analysis approach. The IWM framework, consisting of the design and application of principles, criteria, indicators, and verifiers (PCIV), facilitates active participation by diverse professionals, experts, and interest groups in watershed management, to explicitly address the demands and problems to measure the complexity of problems in a transparent and understandable way. Management alternatives are developed to fulfill every key component of IWM considering the developed PCIV set and current situation of the study area. Different management strategies, each focusing on a different approach (biodiversity conservation, flood control, soil and water quality conservation, indigenous knowledge conservation, income generation, watershed conservation, and landscape conservation) were assessed qualitatively on their potential to improve the current situation according to each verifier of the criteria and indicator set. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), including sensitivity analysis, was employed to identify an appropriate management strategy according to overall priorities (i.e., different weights of each principle) of key informants. The AHP process indicated that a strategy focused on conservation of biodiversity provided the best option to address watershed-related challenges in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-21 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2148-x Authors Shampa Biswas, School of Environmental Sciences and Management, Independent University, Bangladesh Plot-16, Block - B, Aftabuddin Ahmed Road, Bashundhara R/A., 1229 Dhaka, Bangladesh Harald Vacik, Department of Forest and Soil Sciences, Institute of Silviculture, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Peter Jordanstr. 82, 1190 Vienna, Austria Mark E. Swanson, Department of Natural Resource Sciences, College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences, Washington State University, Johnson Hall, P.O. Box 646410, Pullman, WA 99164-6410, USA S. M. Sirajul Haque, Institute of Forestry and Environmental Sciences, University of Chittagong, 4331 Chittagong, Bangladesh Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal that is widely distributed throughout the environment. Pb is an important neurotoxic metal and children are more susceptible to its effect due to their higher absorption rate and greater susceptibility of the developing nervous system. In this work, we evaluated the lead exposure levels in children living near a metallurgical plant and identified risk factors associated with its internal dose. All children, aged 1–10 years and 11 months, living near a metallurgical plant in the great Salvador area, Brazil were evaluated in this cross-sectional study and compared with children from a non exposed area. Occipital hair and blood were used to assess exposure. Air lead levels in the respirable fraction (PM 2.5 ) were also measured in both areas. Blood lead levels (BLL), hair lead levels (PbH) and air lead were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Spearman correlations analysis was used to evaluate correlations between BLL, PbH and descriptors. Significant risk factors were modeled using multivariate linear regression analysis. Air lead levels were approximately ten-folds lower than EPA reference concentration (0.15 μg/m 3 ). Median BLL and PbH were1.65 ± 1.45 μg/dL and 1.26 ± 3.70 μg/g, respectively, in exposed children. In the referents, medians were BLL 1.20 ± 1.20 μg/dL; PbH 2.09 ± 2.06 μg/g. No significant difference was observed in biomarkers levels between boys and girls. It was observed a positive weak correlation (Spearman rho = 0.197, p  = 0.033) between BLL and PbH. Our data show that children’s lead body burden measured as BLL or PbH are low when compared with the recommended reference values. Despite that, we were able to identify four risk factors associated with increased biological lead levels: age, living near industrial site, environmental tobacco smoking and, above all, domestic waste burning. In order to prevent such avoidable exposure, environmental education and proper waste management should be implemented, especially in developing countries. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2137-0 Authors José Antonio Menezes-Filho, Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil Gustavo Freitas de Sousa Viana, Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil Ciro Rodrigues Paes, Laboratory of Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    An experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions to investigate the effect of two systemic herbicides viz., pendimethalin and quizalofop, at their recommended field rates (1.0 kg and 50 g active ingredient ha  − 1 , respectively) on the growth and activities of non-symbiotic N 2 -fixing bacteria in relation to mineralization and availability of nitrogen in a Typic Haplustept soil. Both the herbicides, either singly or in a combination, stimulated the growth and activities of N 2 -fixing bacteria resulting in higher mineralization and availability of nitrogen in soil. The single application of quizalofop increased the proliferation of aerobic non-symbiotic N 2 -fixing bacteria to the highest extent while that of pendimethalin exerted maximum stimulation to their N 2 -fixing capacity in soil. Both the herbicides, either alone or in a combination, did not have any significant difference in the stimulation of total nitrogen content and availability of exchangeable NH 4  +  while the solubility of NO 3  −  was highly manifested when the herbicides were applied separately in soil. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2093-8 Authors Amal C. Das, Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, 741 252 West Bengal, India Hemanta Nayek, Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, 741 252 West Bengal, India S. Devi Nongthombam, Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur, 741 252 West Bengal, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Purpose   The conversion of electricity in Thailand is mainly based on fossil fuels that account more than 90% of electricity generated in the country. The use of fossil fuels has large environmental impacts, and being largely imported, also affects the energy security of the country. From the oil shock situation in 1970s, there has been interest in renewable energy in Thailand resulting in the policy goal for the year 2020 to increase the portion of renewable energy to 20% of energy used in the country. Now, hydropower contributes a significant portion of the renewable energy in Thailand, and mini-hydropower (run-of-river type with capacity between 200 to 6000 kW) tends to be most attractive. This is particularly suitable for Thailand, and it is being applied at several locations. Thus, the overall life cycle assessment (LCA), from cradle to gate, of mini-hydropower plants needs to be assessed for quantitative evaluation. Materials and methods   There are five mini-hydropower plants in this study. The inputs and outputs of materials and energy used since before construction stage to demolition stage are inventoried and assessed via LCA using the CML 2001 baseline methodology for impact assessment. The impact categories considered in this study are global warming (GWP), abiotic depletion (ADP), acidification (ACP), fresh water aquatic toxicity (FWAP), human toxicology (HTP), photochemical oxidation (POP), and fossil fuel resource depletion (FRP) potential. The functional unit used is 1 MWh electricity produced from mini-hydropower plants in Thailand, and the life span of the power plants is 50 years. Results   For each of the environmental impact categories considered, the impact potentials were evaluated for each of the five mini-hydropower plants; 76.39–151.55 g Sb eq/MWh for ADP, 57.28–116.94 g SO 2 eq/MWh for ACP, 11.01–23.01 kg CO 2 eq/MWh for GWP, 23.01–52.05 kg 1,4-DB eq/MWh for HTP, 4.58–9.08 kg 1,4-DB eq/MWh for FWAP, 2.93–7.47 g C 2 H 4 eq/MWh for POP, and 35.11–79.13 g Sb eq/MWh for FRP. Results and discussion   The main contributors to the impacts are the huge amount of materials used for construction of the mini-hydropower plant; sand, gravel, cement, reinforcement steel, pressure pipeline steel, iron, copper, and electric equipment and energy used for construction activities, construction equipment, and transportation. The remoteness of the mini-hydropower plants and the requirement of importing electric equipment technology from overseas are significant contributors to the environmental impacts. Conclusions and perspectives   The environmental “hot spots” are construction and transportation stage because of remoteness, huge amount of materials and energy use in construction period, and the use of imported equipment. Mini-hydropower plants do not only generate power, but being in hilly regions that are often quite scenic, can serve as public knowledge centers for renewable energy. Thus, the multiple purposes of mini-hydropower power plants should be utilized in the future. The proper management of environmental and social issues throughout the project cycle is essential taking into consideration the hydrological cycle and seasonal variations. Fresh water is a necessary resource for many living things and hence necessary to be managed wisely. These study results would serve as basic information for decision makers, environmentalists, and all stakeholders and provide a general picture of environmental impacts from mini-hydropower plants in Thailand. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0311-9 Authors Wannarat Suwanit, The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, 126 Prachauthit Rd., Bangmod, Tungkru, Bangkok, 10140 Thailand Shabbir H. Gheewala, The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, 126 Prachauthit Rd., Bangmod, Tungkru, Bangkok, 10140 Thailand Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    An area of 0.6 km 2 in the manganese nodule field of the Central Indian Basin was physically disturbed and sediments discharged in the near bottom waters to simulate seabed mining and study its impact on benthic ecosystem. An estimated 2 to 3 tonnes of sedimentary organic carbon (C org ) was resuspended into the water column during a 9-day experiment. The majority of the sediment cores from within the disturbed area and areas towards the south showed a ~30% increase in C org content as well as an increase in carbon burial rates after disturbance, though with a reduction in carbon/phosphorus ratios. High specific surface area (SSA~25 m 2  g  − 1 ) and low C org /SSA ratios (mostly 〈0.5) are typical of deep-sea sediments. The increased C org values were probably due to the organic matter from dead biota and the migration and redeposition of fine-grained, organic-rich particles. Spatial distribution patterns of C org contents of cores taken before and after disturbance were used to infer the direction of plume migration and re-sedimentation. A positive relationship was observed between total and labile C org and macrobenthos density and total bacterial numbers prior to disturbance, whereas a negative relationship was seen after disturbance owing to drastic reduction in the density of macrofauna and bacteria. Overall decrease in labile organic matter, benthic biota and redistribution of organic matter suggest that the commercial mining of manganese nodules may have a significant immediate negative effect on the benthic ecosystem inducing changes in benthic community structure. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2154-z Authors B. Nagender Nath, National Institute of Oceanography, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India N. H. Khadge, National Institute of Oceanography, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India Sapana Nabar, National Institute of Oceanography, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India Chandralata RaghuKumar, National Institute of Oceanography, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India B. S. Ingole, National Institute of Oceanography, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India A. B. Valsangkar, National Institute of Oceanography, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India Rahul Sharma, National Institute of Oceanography, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India K. Srinivas, Department of Marine Sciences, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403 206, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The aim of the research involved identification and semi-quantitative determination of unknown volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds emitted to air by sewage sludge formed in the process of municipal wastewater treatment in a sewage treatment plant. Samples taken directly after completion of the technological process as well as the sludge stored on the premise of the sewage treatment plant were analyzed. A simple method using off-line headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has been proposed for extraction and detection of organic pollutants. For reliable identification of compounds, combination of two independent parameters: mass spectra and linear temperature programmed retention indices were employed. Over 170 compounds of different structure were identified including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, carbonyls, as well as sulfur, nitrogen, and chlorine containing compounds. The prevailing substances included: ethyl ether, n -hexane, p -xylene, o -xylene, mesitylene, m -ethylbenzene, limonene, n -decane, n -undecane, and n -dodecane. A few compounds such as methanetiol, dimethyl polisulfide, octaatomic sulfur, phthalic anhydride, and indoles were identified in the sludge for the first time. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2158-8 Authors Urszula Kotowska, Institute of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, ul. Hurtowa 1, 15-399 Bialystok, Poland Maciej Żalikowski, Institute of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, ul. Hurtowa 1, 15-399 Bialystok, Poland Valery A. Isidorov, Institute of Chemistry, University of Bialystok, ul. Hurtowa 1, 15-399 Bialystok, Poland Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    This paper reports the utilization of 4-(2-pyridylazo) resorcinol (PAR) as a chelating reagent for in-column derivatization and the determination of trace Co, Fe, and Ni ions by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector. A good separation of Co, Fe, and Ni chelates were achieved by using an Inertsil ODS-3 column and a mobile phase, consisted of methanol–THF–water mixture (50:5:45) containing ammonium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) and PAR. After full optimization, good repeatability of retention times (relative standard deviation (RSD) 〈 0.05%) and peak areas (RSD 〈 1.7%) was achieved as well as a good linearity ( r 2  〉 0.9991). The detection limits ( S / N  = 3), expressed as micrograms per liter, were 0.50 (Co), 9.07 (Fe), and 2.00 (Ni). The applicability and the accuracy of the developed method were estimated by the analysis of spiked water samples and certified reference material BCR 715 wastewater-SRM. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2201-9 Authors Aysen Hol, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Art, Pamukkale University, 20017 Denizli, Turkey Umit Divrikli, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Art, Pamukkale University, 20017 Denizli, Turkey Latif Elci, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Art, Pamukkale University, 20017 Denizli, Turkey Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    In soil magnetometry, two types of measurements are usually performed. The first type is measurements performed on the soil surface, frequently using an MS2D sensor. The second type includes measurements of magnetic susceptibility carried out in the soil profile, usually to a depth of about 30 cm. Up to now, such measurement results were analyzed separately. However, it is possible and advantageous to integrate these two types of measurements. The goal of the study was to integrate measurements of magnetic susceptibility performed on the soil surface and in the soil profile. More specifically, the goal was to obtain 3-dimensional spatial distributions of magnetic susceptibility of the topsoil horizon. Results show that it is possible to effectively integrate measurements of magnetic susceptibility performed on the soil surface and in the soil profile. Moreover, the 3-dimensional spatial distribution that is obtained shows the magnetic susceptibility of the top 20 cm of soil, which includes the soil horizons where most of the heavy metals are accumulated. The analysis of such a spatial distribution can be very helpful in delineating areas where the heightened magnetic susceptibility is a result of the influence of anthropogenic pollution from those areas where it results from lithogenic origin. It is possible to investigate where the volumes of soil with heightened magnetic susceptibility are located in the soil profile and in this way investigate which characteristic type of soil profile it is. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2187-3 Authors Jarosław Zawadzki, Environmental Engineering Systems Institute, Warsaw University of Technology, Nowowiejska 20, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland Tadeusz Magiera, Institute of Environmental Engineering, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sklodowskiej-Curie 34, 41-819 Zabrze, Poland Piotr Fabijańczyk, Environmental Engineering Systems Institute, Warsaw University of Technology, Nowowiejska 20, 00-661 Warsaw, Poland Grzegorz Kusza, Department of Land Protection, Opole University, Oleska 22, 45-052 Opole, Poland Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The objective of this study is to assess the risk of insufficient water supply posed by high-turbidity water. Several phenomena can pose risks to the sufficiency of a water supply; this study concerns risks to water treatment plants from particular properties of rainfall and raw water turbidity. High-turbidity water can impede water treatment plant operations; rainfall properties can influence the degree of soil erosion. Thus, water turbidity relates to rainfall characteristics. Exceedance probabilities are presented for different rainfall intensities and turbidities of water. When the turbidity of raw water is higher than 5,000 NTU, it can cause operational problems for a water treatment plant. Calculations show that the turbidity of raw water at the Ban-Sin water treatment plant will be higher than 5,000 NTU if the rainfall intensity is larger than 165 mm/day. The exceedance probability of high turbidity (turbidity 〉5,000 NTU) in the Ban-Sin water treatment plant is larger than 10%. When any water treatment plant cannot work regularly, its ability to supply water to its customers is at risk. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2176-6 Authors Chia-Ling Chang, Department of Water Resources Engineering and Conservation, Feng Chia University, No.100, Wenhwa Rd., Seatwen, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China Chung-Sheng Liao, Department of Water Resources Engineering and Conservation, Feng Chia University, No.100, Wenhwa Rd., Seatwen, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    In this study, a survey for the spatial distribution of heavy metals in Chaohu Lake of China was conducted. Sixty-two surface water samples were collected from entire lake including three of its main river entrances. This is the first systematic report concerning the content, distribution, and origin of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Cd, Hg, Zn, and Ni) in the Chaohu Lake water. The results showed that heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Zn, and Ni) concentrations in the estuary of Nanfei River were relatively higher than those in the other areas, while content of Hg is higher in the southeast lake than northwest lake. Moreover, Cd has locally concentration in the surface water from the entire Chaohu Lake. The heavy metal average concentrations, except Hg, were lower than the cutoff values for the first-grade water quality (China Environment Quality Standard) which was set as the highest standard to protect the social nature reserves. The Hg content is between the grades three and four water quality, and other heavy metals contents are higher than background values. The aquatic environment of Chaohu Lake has apparently been contaminated. Both the cluster analysis (CA) and correlation analysis provide information about the origin of heavy metals in the Lake. Our findings indicated that agricultural activities and adjacent plants chimneys may contribute the most to Cd and Hg contamination of Chaohu Lake, respectively. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2149-9 Authors Guolian Li, CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China Guijian Liu, CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China Chuncai Zhou, CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China Chen-Lin Chou, Illinois State Geological Survey (emeritus), University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 61820, USA Liugen Zheng, CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China Jizhong Wang, CAS Key Laboratory of Crust-Mantle Materials and Environment, School of Earth and Space Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The paper presents water-quality evaluation based on an 8-year monitoring programme in the Gdansk Municipality region, on the Southern coast of the Baltic Sea. The studies were carried out from 2000 to 2007 by surface water analysis at 15 various sites within eight watercourses. Sampling sites included rather urbanized or developed lands, farming fields and non-polluted city recreational areas such as parks and forests. Most of the watercourses were sampled monthly at two locations, one within the upper course of the watercourse and the other near its mouth. In all samples, eight parameters of water quality were determined: total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, water temperature, oxygen saturation, 5-day biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus and total nitrogen concentration. Interpretation of the obtained results revealed that examination of those basic physicochemical parameters permits to discriminate initially watercourses with respect to level of water contamination. During the research, a large dataset was obtained and it was described by both basic statistical parameters and chemometric method of cluster analysis. The paper presents relations between analysed parameters and influence of land exploitation mode on water quality and describes variation of the results both in space and time. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2096-5 Authors Monika Cieszynska, Department of Environmental Protection and Hygiene of Transport, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B str., 81-519 Gdynia, Poland Marek Wesolowski, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Al. Gen. J. Hallera 107, 80-416 Gdansk, Poland Maria Bartoszewicz, Department of Environmental Protection and Hygiene of Transport, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B str., 81-519 Gdynia, Poland Malgorzata Michalska, Department of Environmental Protection and Hygiene of Transport, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B str., 81-519 Gdynia, Poland Jacek Nowacki, Department of Environmental Protection and Hygiene of Transport, Medical University of Gdansk, Powstania Styczniowego 9B str., 81-519 Gdynia, Poland Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Purpose   The USEtox model was developed in a scientific consensus process involving comparison of and harmonization between existing environmental multimedia fate models. USEtox quantitatively models the continuum from chemical emission to freshwater ecosystem toxicity via chemical-specific characterization factors (CFs) for Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). This work provides understanding of the key mechanisms and chemical parameters influencing fate in the environment and impact on aquatic ecosystems. Materials and method   USEtox incorporates a matrix framework for multimedia modeling, allowing separation of fate, exposure, and ecotoxicity effects in the determination of an overall CF. Current best practices, such as incorporation of intermittent rain and effect factors (EF) based on substance toxicity across species, are implemented in the model. The USEtox database provides a dataset of over 3,000 organic chemicals, of which approximately 2,500 have freshwater EFs. Freshwater characterization factors for these substances, with a special focus on a subset of chemicals with characteristic properties, were analyzed to understand the contributions of fate, exposure, and effect on the overall CFs. The approach was based on theoretical interpretation of the multimedia model components as well as multidimensional graphical analysis. Results and discussion   For direct emission of a substance to water, the EF strongly controls freshwater ecotoxicity, with a range of up to 10 orders of magnitude. In this release scenario, chemical-specific differences in environmental fate influence the CF for freshwater emissions by less than 2 orders of magnitude. However, for an emission to air or soil, the influence of the fate is more pronounced. Chemical partitioning properties between water, air, and soil may drive intermedia transfer, which may be limited by the often uncertain, media-specific degradation half-life. Intermedia transfer may be a function of landscape parameters as well; for example, direct transfer from air to freshwater is limited by the surface area of freshwater. Overall, these altered fate factors may decrease the CF up to 8 orders of magnitude. Conclusions   This work brings new clarity to the relative contributions of fate and freshwater ecotoxicity to the calculation of CFs. In concert with the USEtox database, which provides the most extensive compilation of CFs to date, these findings enable those undertaking LCIA to understand and contextualize existing and newly calculated CFs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0294-6 Authors Andrew D. Henderson, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 South Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA Michael Z. Hauschild, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 424, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark Dik van de Meent, Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands Mark A. J. Huijbregts, Department of Environmental Science, Radboud University Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands Henrik Fred Larsen, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 424, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark Manuele Margni, CIRAIG, École Polytechnique de Montréal, P.O. Box 6079, Stn. Centre-ville, Montreal, QC H3C 3A7, Canada Thomas E. McKone, University of California Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Jerome Payet, Cycleco, 1011 av. Leon Blum, 01500 Amberieu, France Ralph K. Rosenbaum, Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet, Building 424, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark Olivier Jolliet, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 109 South Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    The multidisciplinary socio-economic study of fisheries in the bordering part of the Danube River between Serbia and Croatia (at the following sites: Apatin, Bačka Palanka, Bačko Novo Selo, Bezdan, and Sombor) that was performed in order to investigate various aspects of fish resource utilization (management, policy of protection and exploitation of freshwater fishery resources, present fisheries legislation, catch statistics), was realized during 2004 and 2005. Data were collected via survey with a structured interview. Socio-economic circumstances, together with ecological factors, have had an influence on the fish stock and number of commercial fishermen. Awareness of the occurring problems, both economic and ecological ones, is apparent, regardless of whether it is assessed in the field of commercial or recreational fishing. Fishery sector in Serbia is in a prolonged process of transition, with the enforcement of fishing regulations, but also the lack of control that leaves space for illegal commercial fishing. The statements, consciousness, experience and behavior of commercial fishermen represent a good basis for planning the sustainable development of fishing in this section of the Danube River. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2140-5 Authors Marija Smederevac-Lalić, Institute for Multidisciplinary Research, Kneza Višeslava 1, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Radmilo Pešić, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia Slobodan Cvejić, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Čika Ljubina 18-20, Belgrade, Serbia Predrag Simonović, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 16, Belgrade, Serbia Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Heavy metals released from different sources in urban environment get adsorbed on respirable particulate matter less than 10 μm in size (PM 10 ) and are important from public health point of view causing morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the ambient air quality monitoring was carried out to study the temporal and special pattern in the distribution of PM 10 and associated heavy metal content in the atmosphere of Nagpur, Maharashtra State, India during 2001 as well as in 2006. PM 10 fraction was observed to exceed the stipulated standards in both years. It was also observed that minimum range of PM 10 was observed to be increased in 2006 indicating increase in human activity during nighttime also. Six heavy metals were analyzed and were observed to occur in the order Zn 〉 Fe 〉 Pb 〉 Ni 〉 Cd 〉 Cr in 2006, similar to the trend in other metro cities in India. Lead and Nickel were observed to be within the stipulated standards. Poor correlation coefficient ( R 2 ) between lead and PM 10 indicated that automobile exhaust is not the source of metals to air pollution. Commercial and industrial activity as well as geological composition may be the potential sources of heavy metal pollution. Total load of heavy metals was found to be increased in 2006 with prominent increase in zinc, lead, and nickel in the environment. Public health impacts of heavy metals as well as certain preventive measures to mitigate the impact of heavy metals on public health are also summarized. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2133-4 Authors Pramod R. Chaudhari, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 India Rakhi Gupta, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 India Daulat Ghilagi Gajghate, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 India Satish R. Wate, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The soils adjacent to an area of historical mining, ore processing and smelting activities reflects the historical background and a mixing of recent contamination sources. The main anthropogenic sources of metals can be connected with historical and recent mine wastes, direct atmospheric deposition from mining and smelting processes and dust particles originating from open tailings ponds. Contaminated agriculture and forest soil samples with mining and smelting related pollutants were collected at different distances from the source of emission in the Pb–Zn–Ag mining area near Olkusz, Upper Silesia to (a) compare the chemical speciation of metals in agriculture and forest soils situated at the same distance from the point source of pollution (paired sampling design), (b) to evaluate the relationship between the distance from the polluter and the retention of the metals in the soil, (c) to describe mineralogy transformation of anthropogenic soil particles in the soils, and (d) to assess the effect of deposited fly ash vs. dumped mining/smelting waste on the mobility and bioavailability of metals in the soil. Forest soils are much more affected with smelting processes than agriculture soils. However, agriculture soils suffer from the downward metal migration more than the forest soils. The maximum concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cd were detected in a forest soil profile near the smelter and reached about 25 g kg  − 1 , 20 g kg  − 1 and 200 mg kg  − 1 for Pb, Zn and Cd, respectively. The metal pollutants from smelting processes are less stable under slightly alkaline soil pH then acidic due to the metal carbonates precipitation. Metal mobility ranges in the studied forest soils are as follows: Pb 〉 Zn ≈ Cd for relatively circum-neutral soil pH (near the smelter), Cd 〉 Zn 〉 Pb for acidic soils (further from the smelter). Under relatively comparable pH conditions, the main soil properties influencing metal migration are total organic carbon and cation exchange capacity. The mobilization of Pb, Zn and Cd in soils depends on the persistence of the metal-containing particles in the atmosphere; the longer the time, the more abundant the stable forms. The dumped mining/smelting waste is less risk of easily mobilizable metal forms, however, downward metal migration especially due to the periodical leaching of the waste was observed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2135-2 Authors Vladislav Chrastný, Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, 152 00 Praha 5, Czech Republic Aleš Vaněk, Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic Leslaw Teper, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, 60 Będzińska St, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland Jerzy Cabala, Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, 60 Będzińska St, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland Jan Procházka, Applied Ecology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Libor Pechar, Applied Ecology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, Studentská 13, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic Petr Drahota, Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic Vít Penížek, Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic Michael Komárek, Department of Agro-Environmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic Martin Novák, Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, 152 00 Praha 5, Czech Republic Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The surface water qualities of Hussainsagar, an eutrophic urban lake in the midst of twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad (India) receiving large quantities of external inputs—both untreated municipal sewage containing industrial effluents, and treated sewage, a large number of annually immersed idols of God and Goddess, and intense boating activities were assessed in relation to the concentration of elements including heavy metals of the water along the necklace road of the lake. Elemental analyses of water using ICP-MS revealed 26 elements including heavy metals—As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Ba, Zn, Mo, V, Co, Ag, Sr, Rb, Mg, K, Ca, Al, Si, Sb, Na, Li, and B, in the surface water of the lake. Of these, the first 15 elements were found in elevated concentrations in the water at the outfall point of the untreated municipal sewage (site 3), which was the main dominating source of contamination of the lake water while Cu and Sb were recorded in higher concentrations at the outfall of treated effluent from Sewage Treatment Plant, and three elements (Ba, Si, and B) were in higher concentration at the sites of outfall of sewage flowing from an oxygenated pond (site 4), Ca, Zn, and Sr, at the site immersed with idols (site 1), and Pb, Ag, and Al at the center of the lake (site 5) with intense boating activities. Concentrations of most of these elements exceeded the maximum permissible limits of national (Indian Council Medical Research) standards for drinking water. The concentrations of most of the elemental contaminants showed significant positive correlations between them. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2094-7 Authors M. Vikram Reddy, Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, 605 014 India K. Sagar Babu, Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Pondicherry Central University, Pondicherry, 605 014 India V. Balaram, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, 500 606 Andhra Pradesh, India M. Satyanarayanan, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, 500 606 Andhra Pradesh, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The main objective of this study was to investigate the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in inter-tidal sediments of the Kenting coast, Taiwan, to assess the levels and origin of PAHs, and to provide useful information on the potential ecological risk of PAHs to benthic organisms. The total concentrations of 38 PAHs ranged from 0.2 to 493 ng/g dry weight. The high variation in total PAH concentrations was caused by the sand content of the sediment in the area. Compared with other coasts and bays in the world, the concentrations of PAHs in the inter-tidal surface sediment of the Kenting coast is low to moderate. Based on the sediment quality guidelines, the total PAH concentrations were below the effects range low value, indicating that the PAH levels in the Kenting area were within minimal effects ranges for benthic organisms. Principal component analysis and isomer ratios were analyzed to identify the contamination source in the inter-tidal surface sediment of the Kenting coast. The results of compounds’ pattern and origin analysis suggest that the source of PAHs in the inter-tidal surface sediment of the Kenting coast is the combustion of petroleum and biomass. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2202-8 Authors Jing-O Cheng, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan Fung-Chi Ko, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan Jan-Jung Li, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan Te-Hao Chen, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan Ying-Ming Cheng, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Pingtung, Taiwan Chon-Lin Lee, Department of Marine Environment and Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    This paper presents the implementation of a Geospatial approach for improving the Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal suitability site assessment in growing urban environment. The increasing trend of population growth and the absolute amounts of waste disposed of worldwide have increased substantially reflecting changes in consumption patterns, consequently worldwide. MSW is now a bigger problem than ever. Despite an increase in alternative techniques for disposing of waste, land-filling remains the primary means. In this context, the pressures and requirements placed on decision makers dealing with land-filling by government and society have increased, as they now have to make decisions taking into considerations environmental safety and economic practicality. The waste disposed by the municipal corporation in the Bhagalpur City (India) is thought to be different from the landfill waste where clearly scientific criterion for locating suitable disposal sites does not seem to exist. The location of disposal sites of Bhagalpur City represents the unconsciousness about the environmental and public health hazards arising from disposing of waste in improper location. Concerning about urban environment and health aspects of people, a good method of waste management and appropriate technologies needed for urban area of Bhagalpur city to improve this trend using Multi Criteria Geographical Information System and Remote Sensing for selection of suitable disposal sites. The purpose of GIS was to perform process to part restricted to highly suitable land followed by using chosen criteria. GIS modeling with overlay operation has been used to find the suitability site for MSW. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2127-2 Authors Prem Chandra Pandey, Department of Remote Sensing, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, 835215 Ranchi, India Laxmi Kant Sharma, Department of Remote Sensing, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, 835215 Ranchi, India Mahendra Singh Nathawat, Department of Remote Sensing, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, 835215 Ranchi, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The Floristic Quality Index (FQI) has been used as a tool for assessing the integrity of plant communities and for assessing restoration projects in many regions of the USA. Here, we develop a modified FQI (FQI mod ) for coastal Louisiana wetlands and verify it using 12 years of monitoring data from a coastal restoration project. Plant species that occur in coastal Louisiana were assigned a coefficient of conservatism (CC) score by a local group with expertise in Louisiana coastal vegetation. Species percent cover and both native and non-native species were included in the FQI mod which was scaled from 0–100. The FQI mod scores from the long-term monitoring project demonstrated the utility of this index for assessing wetland condition over time, including its sensitivity to a hurricane. Ultimately, the FQI developed for coastal Louisiana will be used in conjunction with other wetland indices (e.g., hydrology and soils) to assess wetland condition coastwide and these indices will aid managers in coastal restoration and management decisions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2125-4 Authors Kari F. Cretini, National Wetlands Research Center, Coastal Restoration Assessment Branch, U.S. Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA Jenneke M. Visser, Department of Renewable Resources and Institute for Coastal Ecology and Engineering, University of Louisiana Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA Ken W. Krauss, National Wetlands Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Lafayette, LA 70506, USA Gregory D. Steyer, National Wetlands Research Center, Coastal Restoration Assessment Branch, U.S. Geological Survey, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Heavy metals are dangerous to aquatic organisms and it can be bioaccumulated in the food chain leading to diseases in human. Cumulative effects of metals or chronic poisoning may occur as a result of long-term exposure even to low concentrations. The accumulation of heavy metals varies depending upon the species, environmental conditions, and inhibitory processes. Concentrations of zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium were determined in finfish and shellfish species in the Gangetic delta using a PerkinElmer Sciex ELAN 5000 ICP mass spectrometer and expressed as milligrams per kilogram of dry weight. In finfish and shellfish species the concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd were comparatively higher at stations 1 and 2 than the permissible level of WHO. The concentration of metals exhibited significant spatial variation and followed the order station 1 〉 station 2 〉 station 3 〉 station 4, which may be related to different degree of contamination in different location. The metal accumulation exhibited species specificity. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2111-x Authors Abhijit Mitra, Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35. B.C. Road, Kolkata, 700 019 India Ranju Chowdhury, Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35. B.C. Road, Kolkata, 700 019 India Kakoli Banerjee, Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35. B.C. Road, Kolkata, 700 019 India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effects in the gills of mussels Mytilus edulis , from the Baltic Sea areas close to the Būtingė oil terminal (Lithuania) before and after accidental oil spill in 31 January 2008 were studied. Mussels from the oil spillage zones were collected in 12 days, in 3 and 6 months after the spill to determine the effects of the spill. Mussels sampled in 2006–2007 were used for the assessment of the background levels of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in the Būtingė oil terminal area. Comparison of the responses in M. edulis before and after the oil spill revealed significant elevation of frequencies of micronuclei (MN), nuclear buds (NB) and fragmented-apoptotic (FA) cells. Environmental genotoxicity and cytotoxicity levels in mussels from the Palanga site before the accident (in June 2007) served as a reference. Six months after the accident, in July 2008, 5.6-fold increase of MN, 2.9-fold elevation of NB, and 8.8-fold elevation of FA cells were observed in mussels from the same site. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2100-0 Authors Janina Baršienė, Institute of Ecology of Nature Research Centre, Akademijos str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania Aleksandras Rybakovas, Institute of Ecology of Nature Research Centre, Akademijos str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania Galina Garnaga, Center of Marine Research, Taikos av. 26, 91149 Klaipėda, Lithuania Laura Andreikėnaitė, Institute of Ecology of Nature Research Centre, Akademijos str. 2, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Purpose   Offshoring of pulpwood production outside Europe is more and more common, which increases transport distances and also changes production technologies, raw material supply and energy production profiles. In this paper, we aim to compare the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of pulp production from Finnish boreal hardwood and from South American eucalyptus. Special emphasis was placed on analysing the contribution of transport to overall climate impacts. Materials and methods   A life cycle assessment (LCA) was used as the system modelling tool. The impact assessment was limited to climate change. Finnish and South American industrial data were combined with data from LCA databases in the life cycle inventory (LCI). Results and discussion   Based on the results, offshoring of pulp production would decrease the global greenhouse gas emissions of pulp production itself. However, transport to Europe outweighs the benefit even if transported by energy efficient ships. In this case study, transportation accounted for 27% of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of South American pulp shipped to Europe. Conclusions   Outsourcing of biomass production offers opportunities for emission reductions. Such a conclusion may be valid if the distances between biomass production and upgrading processes were relatively short. However, this study reveals that the offshoring of biomass production contributes to a significant growth of transport emissions. The trend of offshoring provides challenges for the implementation of emission trading since the responsibility of countries to transoceanic transport is still unclear. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0308-4 Authors Jáchym Judl, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Mechelininkatu 34a, 00251 Helsinki, Finland Sirkka Koskela, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Mechelininkatu 34a, 00251 Helsinki, Finland Tuomas Mattila, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Mechelininkatu 34a, 00251 Helsinki, Finland Timo Jouttijärvi, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Mechelininkatu 34a, 00251 Helsinki, Finland Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    A simple, sensitive and reliable HPLC-FLD method for the routine determination of 4-nonylphenol, 4-NP and 4- tert -octylphenol, 4- t -OP content in water samples was developed. The method consists in a liquid–liquid extraction of the target analytes with dichloromethane at pH  3.0–3.5 followed by the HPLC-FLD analysis of the organic extract using a Zorbax Eclipse XDB C8 column, isocratic elution with a mixed solvent acetonitrile/water 65:35, at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and applying a column temperature of 40°C. The method was validated and then applied with good results for the determination of 4-NP and 4- t -OP in Ialomiţa River water samples collected each month during 2006. The concentration levels of 4-NP and 4- t -OP vary between 0.08–0.17 μg/L with higher values of 0.24–0.37 μg/L in the summer months for 4-NP, and frequently 〈0.05 μg/L but also between 0.06–0.09 μg/L with higher values of 0.12–0.16 μg/L in July and August for 4- t -OP and were strongly influenced by sesonial and anthropic factors. The method was also applied on samples collected over 2 years 2007 and 2008 from urban wastewaters discharged into sewage or directly into the rivers by economic agents located in 30 Romanian towns. Good results were obtained when the method was used for analysis of effluents discharged into surface waters by 16 municipal wastewater treatment plants, during the year 2008. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2151-2 Authors Ioana Cruceru, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 2-14 Blvd Regina Elisabeta, 030018 Bucharest, Romania Vasile Iancu, National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 90-92 Sos. Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania Jana Petre, National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 90-92 Sos. Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania Irinel Adriana Badea, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 2-14 Blvd Regina Elisabeta, 030018 Bucharest, Romania Luminita Vladescu, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bucharest, 2-14 Blvd Regina Elisabeta, 030018 Bucharest, Romania Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Purpose   Raw material availability is a cause of concern for many industrial sectors. When addressing resource consumption in life cycle assessment (LCA), current characterisation models for depletion of abiotic resources provide characterisation factors based on (surplus) energy, exergy, or extraction–reserve ratios. However, all indicators presently available share a shortcoming as they neglect the fact that large amounts of raw materials can be stored in material cycles within the technosphere. These “anthropogenic stocks” represent a significant source and can change the material availability significantly. With new characterisation factors, resource consumption in LCA will be assessed by taking into account anthropogenic material stocks in addition to the lithospheric stocks. With these characterisation factors, the scarcity of resources should be reflected more realistically. Materials and methods   This study introduces new characterisation factors—the anthropogenic stock extended abiotic depletion potentials—for the impact category depletion of abiotic resources. The underlying characterisation model is based on the conventional model but substitutes ultimate reserves by resources and adds anthropogenic material stocks to the lithospheric stocks. Results and discussion   A fictional life cycle inventory, consisting of 1 kg of several metals, was evaluated using different characterisation factors for depletion of abiotic resources. Within this analysis it is revealed that materials with relatively large anthropogenic stocks, e.g. antimony and mercury , contribute comparatively less to abiotic depletion when using the new characterisation factors. Within a normalized comparison of characterisation factors, the impact of anthropogenic stock results in relative differences between −45% and +65%, indicating that anthropogenic stocks are significant. Conclusions   With the new parameterisation of the model, depletion of abiotic resources can be assessed in a meaningful way, enabling a more realistic material availability analysis within life cycle impact assessment. However, a larger set of characterisation factors and further research are needed to verify the applicability of the concept within LCA practice. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0313-7 Authors Laura Schneider, Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Environmental Technology, Chair of Sustainable Engineering, Office Z1, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany Markus Berger, Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Environmental Technology, Chair of Sustainable Engineering, Office Z1, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany Matthias Finkbeiner, Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Environmental Technology, Chair of Sustainable Engineering, Office Z1, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    Seasonal spatial and temporal changes of selected eco-chemical parameters in section of the Danube River flowing through Serbia were analyzed. Data for electrical conductivity (EC), dry and suspended matter, residue on ignition, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD-5), ultraviolet extinction, dissolved oxygen (DO), oxygen saturation, pH, nitrates, total phosphorus, and nitrogen were collected between 1992 and 2006. The use of monthly medians combined with linear regression and two-sided t test has been proven to be the best approach for resolving trends from natural variability of investigated parameters and for determining trend significance. Patterns of temporal changes between different months were examined. It was also determined that spatial trends of some parameters oscillate in predictable manner, increasing in one part of the year and declining in the other. Regression slope coefficients, an excellent indicator for determining when the water quality is changing the most along the course of the Danube, reach their maximum during summer for temperature ( t ), electric conductivity, nitrates, and total N, while in the same season suspended matter, COD, BOD-5, DO, and oxygen saturation coefficients reach their minimum. Correlations for used data sets of selected parameters were analyzed for better understanding of their behavior and mutual relations. It was observed that as Danube flows through Serbia, its general eco-chemical status either stagnates or improves, but the rate of river self-purification often depends on the season of the year. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-24 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2153-0 Authors Konstantin Ilijević, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Ivan Gržetić, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Ivan Živadinović, Srbijavode, Bulevar umetnosti 2, 11070 Novi Beograd, Serbia Aleksandar Popović, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The concentrations of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Fe) from suspended particulate matter (SPM) and biota in Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea) were studied in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the anthropogenic metals before building of Wastewater Treatment Plant. SPM samples were collected in wet and dry periods from Izmir Bay. Metal concentrations in SPM (Cu, 0.36–2.19; Mn, 0.07–11.3; Ni, 0.43–7.81; Zn, 7.33–269; Fe, 1.00–266 μgdm  − 3 ) were comparable to those reported for other moderately polluted bays. Maximum metal concentrations in SPM were observed during summer season. SPM metal concentrations displayed a clear spatial trend with values increasing with proximity to urban centers. Cu and Zn concentrations in SPM were especially high in the inner bay. SPM were found to be contaminated by Zn. The vertical profile of Mn, Zn, and Ni concentrations in SPM had a maximal value at the upper layer and decreased to minimal value at the bottom layer of the inner bay in summer, in contrast to the observed pattern of Fe and Cu. Maximum Cu concentrations were obtained in Penaeus kerathurus . Also, maximum Zn and Fe concentrations were found in Mytilus galloprovincialis . Relatively high Cu levels were found in Sardina pilcardus and Mullus barbatus than other fish species. Besides, Cu levels were lower in Diplodus annularis and Merluccius merluccius . Finally, metal levels in biota tissues were lower than the limits of European Dietary Standards and Guidelines. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2138-z Authors Aynur Kontas, Institute of Marine Sciences & Technology, Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti, 35340 Izmir, Turkey Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Dust from haul and transport roads are the major source of air pollution in opencast coal mining areas. Dust generated during mining operations pollutes air which causes different health problems. Various available techniques are implemented in the field to minimize and control dust in mining areas. However, they are not very effective because dust deposited on road surfaces are not removed by these techniques. For effective control of dust in opencast mining areas, it has to be regularly collected from road surfaces and may be converted into solid form, and subsequently can be used as a domestic fuel considering its physicochemical properties. The present paper describes a comparative study of qualitative and quantitative aspects of road dust samples of four coalfields of India. The pH of the dust was found to be in the range of 5.1–7.7. Moisture, ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon, water-holding capacity, bulk density, and specific gravity of dust samples were found to be in the range of 0.5–3.0%, 45–76%, 12.6–20.0%, 10.2–45.3%, 21.17–31.71%, 1.15–1.70, and 1.73–2.30 g cm −3 , respectively. Observing the overall generation and characteristics of coal dust, it is suggested that coal dust from haul and transport roads of mining areas can be effectively collected and used as domestic fuel. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2197-1 Authors K. Mandal, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826015 India A. Kumar, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826015 India N. Tripathi, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826015 India R. S. Singh, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826015 India S. K. Chaulya, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826015 India P. K. Mishra, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826015 India L. K. Bandyopadhyay, Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Barwa Road, Dhanbad, 826015 India Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The effect of wastewater exposure on scales and chromatophores of freshwater fish Channa punctatus was studied using wastewater dilutions (60–100%) from an international water channel Tung Dhab drain at an interval of 15 and 30 days. The exposed fish showed significant alterations such as uprooted and damaged lepidonts and dispersal of chromatophores. These observations strongly suggest that fish scales can be successfully employed as indicators of wastewater pollution. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2147-y Authors Rajbir Kaur, Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Guru Nanak Dev University Campus, Amritsar, Punjab, India Anish Dua, Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Guru Nanak Dev University Campus, Amritsar, Punjab, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Urban wetland parks are a new type of urban park that have developed rapidly in recent years and have caught the attention of multiple governmental departments. The objective of this paper was to describe the trophic states of creeks and their relationship to water levels in an urban wetland park in Xixi, China. The study was based on temporal and spatial data collected monthly between March 2009 and March 2010. The results indicated that: (1) water quality significantly changed from upstream to downstream in study creeks. From upstream to downstream, water quality of creeks I and III improved; however, the water quality of creek IV and V declined; (2) trophic states in Xixi creeks differed according to seasons. Overall, the nutrition in creeks was measured at the slight eutrophication level. Nutrition was highest in summer and lowest in winter; (3) the relationship between water quality and water level differed dramatically between creeks. Water quality and water level in creek I was significantly negatively correlated, while no obvious trends were observed in other creeks. In order to improve water quality in creeks, the valid technique is to strengthen the management of inflowing water quality and then control water levels. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2128-1 Authors Yufeng Li, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction, College of Geographical Science, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Hongyu Liu, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction, College of Geographical Science, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Jingfeng Hao, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction, College of Geographical Science, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Nan Zheng, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction, College of Geographical Science, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Xiao Cao, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Environmental Change and Ecological Construction, College of Geographical Science, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing, 210046 Jiangsu, China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Nonresponse caused by denied access and hazardous conditions are a concern for the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, whose mission is to quantify status and trends in forest resources across the USA. Any appreciable amount of nonresponse can cause bias in FIA’s estimates of population parameters. This paper will quantify the magnitude of nonresponse and describe the mechanisms that result in nonresponse, describe and qualitatively evaluate FIA’s assumptions regarding nonresponse, provide a recommendation concerning plot replacement strategies, and identify appropriate strategies to pursue that minimize bias. The nonresponse rates ranged from 0% to 21% and differed by land owner group; with denied access to private land the leading cause of nonresponse. Current FIA estimators assume that nonresponse occurs at random. Although in most cases this assumption appears tenable, a qualitative assessment indicates a few situations where the assumption is not tenable. In the short-term, we recommend that FIA use stratification schemes that make the missing at random assumption tenable. We recommend the examination of alternative estimation techniques that use appropriate weighting and auxiliary information to mitigate the effects of nonresponse. We recommend the replacement of nonresponse sample locations not be used. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2051-5 Authors Paul L. Patterson, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, 2150A Centre Ave, Suite 350, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA John W. Coulston, U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 4700 Old Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919, USA Francis A. Roesch, U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station, 200 WT Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC 28804-3454, USA James A. Westfall, U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 11 Campus Blvd, Suite 200, Newtown Square, PA 19073, USA Andrew D. Hill, U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station, 1992 Folwell Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Urban areas are continuously expanding today, extending their influence on an increasingly large proportion of woods and trees located in or nearby urban and urbanizing areas, the so-called urban forests. Although these forests have the potential for significantly improving the quality the urban environment and the well-being of the urban population, data to quantify the extent and characteristics of urban forests are still lacking or fragmentary on a large scale. In this regard, an expansion of the domain of multipurpose forest inventories like National Forest Inventories (NFIs) towards urban forests would be required. To this end, it would be convenient to exploit the same sampling scheme applied in NFIs to assess the basic features of urban forests. This paper considers approximately unbiased estimators of abundance and coverage of urban forests, together with estimators of the corresponding variances, which can be achieved from the first phase of most large-scale forest inventories. A simulation study is carried out in order to check the performance of the considered estimators under various situations involving the spatial distribution of the urban forests over the study area. An application is worked out on the data from the Italian NFI. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2050-6 Authors Piermaria Corona, Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente Forestale e delle sue Risorse (DISAFRI), Università della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis, s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy Mariagrazia Agrimi, Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente Forestale e delle sue Risorse (DISAFRI), Università della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis, s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy Federica Baffetta, Dipartimento di Economia Politica e Statistica, Università di Siena, P.za S. Francesco 8, 53100 Siena, Italy Anna Barbati, Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente Forestale e delle sue Risorse (DISAFRI), Università della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis, s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy Maria Vincenza Chiriacò, Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente Forestale e delle sue Risorse (DISAFRI), Università della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis, s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy Lorenzo Fattorini, Dipartimento di Economia Politica e Statistica, Università di Siena, P.za S. Francesco 8, 53100 Siena, Italy Enrico Pompei, Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Inventario Nazionale delle Foreste e dei Serbatoi forestali di Carbonio (CFS-INFC), via Carducci 5, 00187 Rome, Italy Riccardo Valentini, Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente Forestale e delle sue Risorse (DISAFRI), Università della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis, s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy Walter Mattioli, Dipartimento di Scienze dell’Ambiente Forestale e delle sue Risorse (DISAFRI), Università della Tuscia, via San Camillo de Lellis, s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Air samples were collected in Beijing from June through August 2008, and concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in those samples are here discussed. This sampling was performed to increase understanding of the distributions of their compositions, illustrate the overall characteristics of different classes of VOCs, assess the ages of air masses, and apportion sources of VOCs using principal compound analysis/absolute principal component scores (PCA/APCS). During the sampling periods, the relative abundance of the four classes of VOCs as determined by the concentration-based method was different from that determined by the reactivity approach. Alkanes were found to be most abundant (44.3–50.1%) by the concentration-based method, but aromatic compounds were most abundant (38.2–44.5%) by the reactivity approach. Aromatics and alkenes contributed most (73–84%) to the ozone formation potential. Toluene was the most abundant compound (11.8–12.7%) during every sampling period. When the maximum incremental reactivity approach was used, propene, toluene, m,p-xylene, 1-butene, and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene were the five most abundant compounds during two sampling periods. X/B, T/B, and E/B ratios in this study were lower than those found in other cities, possibly due to the aging of the air mass at this site. Four components were extracted from application of PCA to the data. It was found that the contribution of vehicle exhaust to total VOCs accounted for 53% of VOCs, while emissions due to the solvent use contributed 33% of the total VOCs. Industrial sources contributed 3% and biogenic sources contributed 11%. The results showed that vehicle exhausts (i.e., unburned vehicle emissions + vehicle internal engine combustion) were dominant in VOC emissions during the experimental period. The solvent use made the second most significant contribution to ambient VOCs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2086-7 Authors An Jun-lin, Key Laboratory of Meteorological Disaster of Ministry of Education, School of Atmospheric Physics, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China Wang Yue-si, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, LAPC, Beijing, 100029 China Wu Fang-kun, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, LAPC, Beijing, 100029 China Zhu Bin, Key Laboratory of Meteorological Disaster of Ministry of Education, School of Atmospheric Physics, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing, 210044, China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Enteric methane (CH 4 ) emission in ruminants, which is produced via fermentation of feeds in the rumen and lower digestive tract by methanogenic archaea, represents a loss of 2% to 12% of gross energy of feeds and contributes to global greenhouse effects. Globally, about 80 million tonnes of CH 4 is produced annually from enteric fermentation mainly from ruminants. Therefore, CH 4 mitigation strategies in ruminants have focused to obtain economic as well as environmental benefits. Some mitigation options such as chemical inhibitors, defaunation, and ionophores inhibit methanogenesis directly or indirectly in the rumen, but they have not confirmed consistent effects for practical use. A variety of nutritional amendments such as increasing the amount of grains, inclusion of some leguminous forages containing condensed tannins and ionophore compounds in diets, supplementation of low-quality roughages with protein and readily fermentable carbohydrates, and addition of fats show promise for CH 4 mitigation. These nutritional amendments also increase the efficiency of feed utilization and, therefore, are most likely to be adopted by farmers. Several new potential technologies such as use of plant secondary metabolites, probiotics and propionate enhancers, stimulation of acetogens, immunization, CH 4 oxidation by methylotrophs, and genetic selection of low CH 4 -producing animals have emerged to decrease CH 4 production, but these require extensive research before they can be recommended to livestock producers. The use of bacteriocins, bacteriophages, and development of recombinant vaccines targeting archaeal-specific genes and cell surface proteins may be areas worthy of investigation for CH 4 mitigation as well. A combination of different CH 4 mitigation strategies should be adopted in farm levels to substantially decrease methane emission from ruminants. Evidently, comprehensive research is needed to explore proven and reliable CH 4 mitigation technologies that would be practically feasible and economically viable while improving ruminant production. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-24 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2090-y Authors Amlan Kumar Patra, Department of Animal Nutrition, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 37, K. B. Sarani, Belgachia, Kolkata, 700037 India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) partitioning among dissolved phase, suspended particulate matter, pore water, and sediment was studied in one moderately contaminated river (Yongding New River) and two highly contaminated drainage canals (South Drainage Canal and North Drainage Canal) of Tianjin, China. PAHs concentrations in sediment (ranged from 0.2 to 195 μg/g) showed positive relations with both total organic carbon contents (ranged from 0.7% to 31.1%, dw) and black carbon contents (ranged from 0.1% to 2.1%, dw) in the sediments. Moreover, most of the measured organic carbon normalized partition coefficients of PAHs in the three streams were 0.76 to 1.54 log units higher than the predicted values. These indicated that strong and nonlinear sorption of PAHs by carbonaceous geosorbents such as black carbon (BC) existed in the streams, and BC was an important part of the carbonaceous particles controlling the partitioning of PAHs in the sediments of this study. PAH component ratio analyses suggested that PAHs in the three streams, effluent samples from wastewater treatment plants, and soil samples by the riverbank had similar main sources, which is coal/petroleum combustion. We suggested the transportation and transformation of both carbonaceous particles and PAHs during wastewater treatment process, surface runoff, etc, should be studied further in order to make decisions on PAHs controlling measures. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2083-x Authors Weixiao Qi, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Jiuhui Qu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Huijuan Liu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Chengzhi Hu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Huachun Lan, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Huimin Ren, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Wei Xu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Two honey samples are taken from two parts of the same honeycomb: one that contacts to the surface of the wire and the other taken from the surface that does not contact the wires. Heavy metal contents of these two samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry). The Mo, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn contents of the honey in contact with wire is higher when compared to the other. Especially, Fe and Zn contents of honey in contact with wire is much higher than the non-contact one. These values are, respectively, 190.21 and 112.76 ppm. Besides, Ni content of honey in contact with wire is approximately 50% higher. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2123-6 Authors Mehmet Musa Özcan, Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, 42031 Konya, Turkey Fahad Y. AL Juhaimi, Department of Food Science & Nutrition, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The oxides of nitrogen—NO x (NO and NO 2 )—are an important constituent of the troposphere. The availability of relatively higher spatial (0.25° grid) and temporal (daily) resolution data from ozone monitoring instrument (OMI) onboard Aura helps us to better differentiate between the point sources such as thermal power plants from large cities and rural areas compared to previous sensors. The annual and seasonal (summer and winter) distributions shows very high mean tropospheric NO 2 in specific pockets over India especially over the Indo-Gangetic plains (up to 14.2 × 10 15 molecules/cm 2 ). These pockets correspond with the known locations of major thermal power plants. The tropospheric NO 2 over India show a large seasonal variability that is also observed in the ground NO 2 data. The multiple regression analysis show that the influence of a unit of power plant (in gigawatts) over tropospheric NO 2 (×10 15  molecules/cm 2 ) is around ten times compared to a unit of population (in millions) over India. The OMI data show that the NO 2 increases by 0.794 ± 0.12 (×10 15  molecules/cm 2 ; annual) per GW compared to a previous estimate of 0.014 (×10 15  molecules/cm 2 ) over India. The increase of tropospheric NO 2 per gigawatt is found to be 1.088 ± 0.18, 0.898 ± 0.14, and 0.395 ± 0.13 (×10 15  molecules/cm 2 ) during winter, summer, and monsoon seasons, respectively. The strong seasonal variation is attributed to the enhancement or suppression of NO 2 due to various controlling factors which is discussed here. The recent increasing trend (2005–2007) over rural thermal power plants pockets like Agori and Korba is due to recent large capacity additions in these regions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2087-6 Authors Anup K. Prasad, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Schmid College of Science, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA Ramesh P. Singh, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Schmid College of Science, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA Menas Kafatos, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Schmid College of Science, Chapman University, Orange, CA 92866, USA Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Pasture selection by livestock is an essential topic for rangeland management, especially in trace element-contaminated soils. We have studied the composition (nutrients and trace elements) of a grass-based diet from soils affected by a mine spill at different growth stages (October 2008 to May 2009). A diet based on other plants (mainly Compositae species) was also studied (May 2009) for comparison. Faeces and mane hair of horses feeding on these pastures were also analysed. Micronutrient (Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) and potentially toxic trace element (As, Cd, Pb, Tl) concentrations were below the maximum tolerable levels (MTL) for horses, except for Fe (at early growth of pastures) and Cd (in the diet based on ‘other’ plants). Values of potential ingestion of Fe by horses were higher than 10 mg kg body weight  − 1 day  − 1 . Cadmium concentrations in some pasture samples (those composed of Compositae species) were higher than 3 mg kg  − 1 . Potential toxicity of such Cd levels in pastures is uncertain, since a high disparity of criteria about MTL by cattle exists (between 0.5 and 10 mg kg  − 1 diet). Nutrient concentrations were adequate for horses, which could counteract possible harmful effects derived from trace element ingestion. The analyses of excreta and mane hair point to the low risk of toxicity derived from the consumption of these contaminated pastures. However, the ingestion of regenerating pastures (autumnal samples) should be avoided due to the greater risk of ingestion of contaminated soil attached to the plant material. Management of these pastures by grazing requires periodic monitoring. Special attention should be given to Fe and particularly Cd (non-essential element) which accumulates in animal organs, where it could provoke uncertain long-term effects. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2097-4 Authors Paula Madejón, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC., PO Box 1052, 41080 Sevilla, Spain Maria T. Domínguez, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC., PO Box 1052, 41080 Sevilla, Spain Jose M. Murillo, Instituto de Recursos Naturales y Agrobiología de Sevilla (IRNAS), CSIC., PO Box 1052, 41080 Sevilla, Spain Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The Korean government recently proposed expanding the number of soil-quality standards to 30 by 2015. The objectives of our study were to construct a reasonable protocol for screening priority soil contaminants for inclusion in the planned soil quality standard expansion. The chemical ranking system of soil pollution substances (CROSS) was first developed to serve as an analytical tool in chemical scoring and ranking of possible soil pollution substances. CROSS incorporates important parameters commonly used in several previous chemical ranking and scoring systems and the new soil pollution parameters. CROSS uses soil-related parameters in its algorithm, including information related to the soil environment, such as soil ecotoxicological data, the soil toxic release inventory (TRI), and soil partitioning coefficients. Soil TRI and monitoring data were incorporated as local specific parameters. In addition, CROSS scores the transportability of chemicals in soil because soil contamination may result in groundwater contamination. Dermal toxicity was used in CROSS only to consider contact with soil. CROSS uses a certainty score to incorporate data uncertainty. CROSS scores the importance of each candidate substance and assigns rankings on the basis of total scores. Cadmium was the most highly ranked. Generally, metals were ranked higher than other substances. Pentachlorophenol, phenol, dieldrin, and methyl tert-butyl ether were ranked the highest among chlorinated compounds, aromatic compounds, pesticides, and others, respectively. The priority substance list generated from CROSS will be used in selecting substances for possible inclusion in the Korean soil quality standard expansion; it will also provide important information for designing a soil-environment management scheme. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2109-4 Authors Seung-Woo Jeong, Department of Environmental Engineering, Kunsan National University, Kunsan, 573-701 South Korea Youn-Joo An, Department of Environmental Science, Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Purpose   The main purpose of this study has been to document the environmental performance of products based on autoline-caught cod and the distribution of environmental impacts in the value chain from fishing to retail. Another aim has been to document the performed environmental improvement analyses. Methods   Standard life cycle assessment methodology has been employed and the following impact categories studied: global warming potential (GWP), acidification, eutrophication, photochemical oxidant formation, ozone layer depletion and cumulative energy demand. Results and discussion   Products derived from autoline-caught cod have a GWP in the range of 0.16–7.6/1.7–4.4 kg CO2-eq/kg product delivered to consumer, using economic and mass allocation, respectively. The main impacts come from fuel consumption and release of refrigerants in the fishery. The products studied represent each of the four major processing outputs. The differences between the products can partly be attributed to differences in methodology (system borders, allocation), partly to actual physical differences. A comparison with published results from other studies indicates that seafood products sourced from Northeast Arctic cod fished with the autoline method has a relatively good environmental performance. A number of possible options for improving the environmental performance of the products were identified. The most internal improvement action was stopping leakages in fish freezers. Conclusions   This study has given a detailed overview of the environmental performance of seafood products sourced from Northeast Arctic cod from autoline fisheries in Norwegian territorial waters. This study has demonstrated the usefulness of such results in improving the environmental performance of the products. However, the usefulness of the results in communication to external actors is limited because few data exists on other products fulfilling the same functions and using the exact same methodology and assumptions. In order to achieve comparability between results from competing products, it is necessary to use a standardised and detailed calculation method. At the moment, no such method seems to be available. The literature study indicated that the environmental impact of Northeast Arctic cod products sourced from autoline fisheries compares well with other cod products on the market. Some cod stocks are sustainably managed, others not. Hence, it is recommended to break down results not only to species level but also fish stock level when the aim is to guide seafood customers towards making informed purchasing decisions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0298-2 Authors Erik Svanes, Ostfold Research, Gamle Bedding vei 2b, 1671 Kraakeroey, Norway Mie Vold, Ostfold Research, Gamle Bedding vei 2b, 1671 Kraakeroey, Norway Ole Jørgen Hanssen, Ostfold Research, Gamle Bedding vei 2b, 1671 Kraakeroey, Norway Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: LCA in New Zealand Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0299-1 Authors Barbara Nebel, LCANZ, 11 Rawhiti Road, Pukerua Bay 5026, Wellington, New Zealand Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   Few studies have examined differing interpretations of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) results between midpoints and endpoints for the same systems. This paper focuses on the LCIA of municipal solid waste (MSW) systems by taking both the midpoint and endpoint approaches and uses LIME (Life Cycle Impact Assessment Method based on Endpoint Modeling, version 2006). With respect to global and site-dependent factors, environmental impact categories were divided into global, regional, and local scales. Results are shown as net emissions consisting of system emissions and avoided emissions. Materials and methods   This study is divided into five segments. The first segment develops the LCIA framework and four MSW scenarios based on the current MSW composition and systems of Seoul, considering adaptable results from the hierarchy MSW systems. In addition, two systems are considered: main MSW systems and optional systems. Several “what if” scenarios are discussed, including various compositions and classifications of MSW. In the second segment, life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis is applied to define various inputs and outputs to and from MSW systems, including air (23 categories), water (28 categories) and land (waste) emissions, resource consumption, land use, recovered material, compost, landfill gas, biogas, and heat energy. The third segment, taking the midpoint approach, investigates the nine environmental impacts of the system and avoided emissions. In the fourth segment, this study, taking the endpoint approach, evaluates the damages, dividing the four safeguard subjects affected by 11 environmental impact categories of the system and avoided emissions. In these third and fourth segments, LCIA is applied to analyze various end-of-life scenarios for same MSW materials. The final segment defines the differences from the results in accordance with the two previous life cycle assessment methodologies (the LCIA and interpretations with respect to midpoints and endpoints). Results and discussion   With the respect to midpoints, Scenario 1 (S1) using 100% landfills (L) is the worst performer in terms of global (global warming and resource consumption), regional (acidification, human toxicity, and ecotoxicity), and local (waste: landfill volume) impacts. In terms of all impacts except global warming and waste, Scenario 2 (S2) using 64.2% L and 35.8% material recycling (MR) was found to be the most effective system. With respect to global-scale endpoints, S1 was the worst performer in terms of human health and social assets, whereas the other scenarios with MR were poor and bad performers in terms of biodiversity and primary production. With respect to regional- and local-scale endpoints, S1 was the worst performer in terms of human health, biodiversity, and primary production, whereas Scenario 4 (S4) using 4.2% L (only incombustibles), 35.8% MR, 28.5% biological treatment (BT), and 31.5% incineration (I) was the worst performer in terms of social assets. S4 was the best performer in terms of global-scale endpoints, whereas S2 and Scenario 3 (S3, using 35.7% L, 35.8% MR, and 28.5% BT) were the best on regional- and local-scale endpoints, respectively. With respect to the monetization analysis, which considered net emissions and integrated all endpoints, S3 was found to be “the most effective system,” indicating US $31.6 savings per ton-waste. Conclusions   The results of this study illustrate the differences in the LCIA outcomes and interpretations with respect to the midpoint and endpoint approaches. In addition, it would be possible to interpret the effect of each indicator on safeguard subjects by integrating separate midpoints. The LCIA results of each endpoint for the scenarios were generally consistent with those of each midpoint. However, the results changed dramatically when the main contributor was a new category not included in midpoint categories. The key advantage with respect to grouping impact categories in the midpoint and endpoint approaches can be described as “the simplification of midpoints and the segmentation of endpoints.” Recommendations and perspectives   This research raises many questions that warrant further research. This method does not provide an uncertainty evaluation of input data at the inventory level; it addresses only the main contributor for each impact category to four endpoints. In addition, it would be beneficial to investigate the suitability of midpoints and endpoints for different stakeholders with a low or high level of environmental expertise by comparing previous studies. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0297-3 Authors Sora Yi, Department of Urban Planning Research, Daejeon Development Institute, 160-20, Wolpyong-dong, Seo-Gu, Daejeon, 302-280 South Korea Kiyo H. Kurisu, Department of Urban Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656 Japan Keisuke Hanaki, Department of Urban Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8656 Japan Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   The purpose of the study was to compare three recent Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) models in prioritizing substances and products from national emission inventories. The focus was on ecotoxic and human toxic impacts. The aim was to test model output against expert judgment on chemical risk assessment. Materials and methods   An emission inventory was collected for Finland describing the year 2005. The inventory included publicly reported emissions to air and water and it was complemented by the emissions of tributyltin, benzene, and pesticides from research papers and statistics. The emissions were characterized with three LCIA models: IMPACT 2002+, ReCiPe, and USEtox and priority substances were identified. The results were connected to an environmentally extended input–output model to study priority products and supply chains. A comparison was made with two integrated assessments of the chemical status and human exposure in the Baltic region. Results and discussion   The three assessed models presented very different priorities. In ecotoxicity, IMPACT2002+ and USEtox highlighted heavy metals while ReCiPe focused on tributyltin. The integrated assessment identified both groups. In human toxicity, IMPACT2002+ and the integrated assessment focused on organic air pollutants while USEtox and ReCiPe identified mainly metals. Conclusions   LCIA models can be used for priority setting in chemical emission control and consumption based analyses. However the models give differing prioritizations so care must be taken in model selection. The studied models differed from expert assessment mostly in substances which are bioaccumulative. Further studies in including bioaccumulation to LCIA models of toxic impact are recommended. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0295-5 Authors Tuomas Mattila, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Mechelininkatu 34a, 00251 Helsinki, Finland Matti Verta, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Mechelininkatu 34a, 00251 Helsinki, Finland Jyri Seppälä, Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Mechelininkatu 34a, 00251 Helsinki, Finland Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   This paper is the second part of a two-paper series dealing with the sustainability evaluation of a new communicative packaging concept. The communicative packaging concept includes a device that allows changing the expiry date of the product as function of temperature during transport and storage: a flexible best-before-date (FBBD). Such device was analysed in a consumer unit consisting of a nanoclay-based polylactic acid tray filled with pork chops. Methods   An economic assessment was made through the use of life cycle costing (LCC) methodology proposed by Bovea and Vidal (Resources, Conservation and Recycling Volume 41, Issue 2, May 2004, Pages 133–145) where both internal and external costs were considered. Furthermore, the social aspects were analysed using a contingent valuation (CV) of the willingness to pay (WTP). The sustainability assessment of FBBD was made through the combination of life cycle assessment (LCA) and LCC results, together with the CV of the WTP according to the method proposed by Bovea and Vidal. It was assumed that the use of the FBBD minimizes the food losses from 3.5% to 0.5%. Results and discussion   LCC results show that internal costs related to pork chops and logistic supply chain life cycle represent more than 90% of life cycle cost. The use of FBBD communicative device could increase pork chop selling price between 0.01 and 0.1 € since the purchasing cost of this communicative device is included in this price. WTP results show that FBBD purchasing cost for consumer acceptance is estimated as 0.05 €/FBBD. Therefore, only pork chop selling price for scenarios 1 (0.05 €/device) and 3 (0.01 €/device) could be accepted by consumers. The most sustainable situation is reached when the cost of the FBBD is as less as possible (0.01 €). Conclusions   The use of FBBD communicative device has economic advantages for perishable products since it contributes to the increase in the economic savings due to the reduction of food losses. However, these economic savings represent a small percentage over pork chop selling price, and therefore, an FBBD price less than 0.02 €/device is required. If a lower price for the communicative device is reached, satisfying the WTP of consumers (0.05 €/FBBD), the communicative package will be much more sustainable. Recommendations   It is expected that the competitiveness of FBBD communicative device will be improved in the future. This might be accomplished by reducing FBBD production and distribution costs and increasing their social acceptance, providing more sustainable solutions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0291-9 Authors Antonio Dobon, Packaging, Transport and Logistics Research Center—ITENE, Parque Tecnológico, C/Albert Einstein 1, 46980 Paterna, Spain Pilar Cordero, Packaging, Transport and Logistics Research Center—ITENE, Parque Tecnológico, C/Albert Einstein 1, 46980 Paterna, Spain Fatima Kreft, Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, Bornsesteeg 59, 6708 PD Wageningen, Postbus 17, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands Søren R. Østergaard, Danish Technological Institute, Gregersensvej, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark Helle Antvorskov, Danish Technological Institute, Gregersensvej, 2630 Taastrup, Denmark Mats Robertsson, Acreo AB, 602 21 Norrköping, Sweden Maria Smolander, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, P.O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Finland Mercedes Hortal, Packaging, Transport and Logistics Research Center—ITENE, Parque Tecnológico, C/Albert Einstein 1, 46980 Paterna, Spain Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   The demand of PET bottles has increased rapidly in the past decades. The purpose of this study is to understand the environmental impact of PET recycling system, in which used bottles are recycled into both fibre and bottles, and to compare the recycling system with single-use PET. Methods   Consequential LCA modelling was applied to understand four change-oriented effects for the recycling system. These include the effect of multiple-recycling trips, the effect of changing the share of recycled PET pellets used to make bottles or fibre, the effect of changing the reference system and the effect of introducing bio-based PET. The functional unit of the baseline case was determined as 350 kg of bottles and 650 kg of fibre based on the current market demand of PET. The system boundary is cradle to grave excluding the use phase. We applied the “system expansion” method to open-loop recycling. The analysis compares the baseline recycling system, where PET is recycled once, with the reference system, where PET is not recycled. The environmental impacts assessed are non-renewable energy use and global warming. Results and discussion   The baseline recycling system reduces both impacts by 20% when compared to the reference system. Multiple-recycling trips can maximally reduce the impacts by 26% but the additional savings are negligible after three recycling trips. Bottle-to-fibre recycling offers more impact reduction than bottle-to-bottle recycling when more fibre is needed than bottles in a functional unit. The maximal impact reduction of 25% can be achieved when all recycled PET pellets are used to make fibre. If the functional unit is reversed, i.e. changed to 650 kg of bottles and 350 kg of fibre, 30% of the impact reduction can be achieved. Both impacts can be further reduced when the quantity of the recycled PET is maximised. The bio-based PET recycling system, offers at least 36% impact reduction, has the lowest impact among all systems studied. The sensitivity analyses show that the recycled PET content in a recycled bottle is not influential to the overall environmental performance. Conclusions   All PET recycling systems in this study show important impact reduction compared to the reference system. The impact savings are around 20–30% depends on the configurations of the recycling system. We conclude that the system’s environmental impact can be optimised by maximising the amount of recycled PET in the system and by using bio-based polymers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0296-4 Authors Li Shen, Department of Science, Technology and Society, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Evert Nieuwlaar, Department of Science, Technology and Society, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Ernst Worrell, Department of Innovation and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Geosciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Martin K. Patel, Department of Science, Technology and Society, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    Sediment samples were collected in two Polish ports of international significance—the Port of Gdańsk and the Port of Gdynia (Gulf of Gdańsk, Baltic Sea)—in order to assess their butyltin and phenyltin contamination; this was done in 2008, just after the total ban on using harmful organotins in antifouling paints on ships came into force. Altogether, 21 sampling stations were chosen to present a diversity of port sites: from port canals and shipyards to anchorages and dumping sites. The organic carbon content and grain size of all the sediment samples were determined, and some environmental parameters (oxygen content, salinity) were measured as well. Total concentrations of butyltin compounds in sediment samples were very different and ranged between 1 and 18,520 ng Sn g  − 1  d.w. Phenyltin contents were distinctly lower and ranged from below the limit of detection (most samples) to 660 ng Sn g  − 1  d.w. The highest concentrations of organotins were found in the shipyards, the maximum total organotin content (19,180 ng Sn g  − 1 d.w.) being found in the Gdańsk Ship Repair Yard ‘Remontowa’. Butyltin degradation indices indicate a recent tributyltin input into the port sediments. The results obtained from this work prove that the international ban on using organotins may not be enough to protect the marine environment. It is necessary to monitor organotin contamination in ports and establish concentration limits of these compounds for the disposal of dredged material at sea. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-1889-x Authors Anna Filipkowska, Marine Pollution Laboratory, Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland Grażyna Kowalewska, Marine Pollution Laboratory, Institute of Oceanology, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Powstańców Warszawy 55, 81-712 Sopot, Poland Bruno Pavoni, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Venice, Calle Larga S. Marta 2137, 30123 Venice, Italy Leszek Łęczyński, Department of Marine Geology, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Al. M. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Background, aim and scope   Nanostructured polymer particles are produced to be used in ball grid array (BGA) and chip scale packaging (CSP). The technology could replace conventional BGA and CSP metal balls, and the hypothesis is that the shift could be eco-efficient as polymer core particles increase the reliability. For the first time, these particles are environmentally evaluated. Materials and methods   The change in GWP100 and Eco-Indicator’99 (H) scores when replacing traditional component packaging, here quad flat pack to BGA/CSP, was explored both on component and printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) level. This was followed by comparisons between BGA packages using different types of metal-plated monodispersed polymer particle (MPP) balls and conventional balls, respectively. Results and discussion   For BGAs, the silicon (Si) die dominates CO 2 e emissions, but for Eco-Indicator’99(H), solder balls are not negligible. Excluding the Si die and component assembly, the LFBGA-84 to WCSP-64 would reduce CO 2 e by about 98% and Eco-Indicator’99 (H) by about 90%. Overall, for BGA–256 using same size balls, gold-plated MPP technology decreases the Eco-Indicator’99(H) score by about 25% compared to Pb-based or Pb-free balls. Gold production dominated GWP100 and Eco-Indicator’99 (H) for the gold-plated MPP. Each microsystem is unique, and new environmental impact estimations must be done for the sub-structures of each electronic device. Screening process-sum life cycle assessment (LCA) gives similar understanding of impacts as resource productivity methods. Even though the metal mass per ball is greatly reduced, it is a weak indicator of environmental impacts which are driven by each material’s specific environmental characteristics. Conclusions   The ball share of the BGA-256 GWP100 and Eco-Indicator’99 (H) score is small, and the BGA/CSP producers can marginally improve the environmental performance by focusing on the balls. On a comparable IC packaging basis, the introduction of WCSP packaging technology implies a significant environmental footprint reduction. On PCBA level, the contribution of BGA balls is negligible. Results for metal-plated MPP BGA balls suggest that gold usage is the key environmental performance indicator of interest. Recommendations and perspectives   Even though WCSP clearly reduces the component level impacts, the PCBA (board) level impact could increase as the CSP miniaturisation is paralleled with more PWB layers. This effect should be included in further system expansions. For LCA, in general, update of all LCIA methods, which include ozone depletion, with the latest results for dinitrogen monoxide is needed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0260-3 Authors Anders S. G. Andrae, Huawei Technologies Sweden AB, P.O. Box 54, 16494 Kista, Sweden Otto Andersen, Western Norway Research Institute, P.O. Box 163, 6851 Sogndal, Norway Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   There has been an increased interest in utilizing renewable energy sources in district heating systems. District heating systems are centralized systems that provide heat for residential and commercial buildings in a community. While various renewable and conventional energy sources can be used in such systems, many stakeholders are interested in choosing the feasible option with the least environmental impacts. This paper evaluates and compares environmental burdens of alternative energy source options for the base–load of a district heating center in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC) using the life cycle assessment method. The considered energy sources include natural gas, wood pellet, sewer heat, and ground heat. Methods   The life cycle stages considered in the LCA model cover all stages from fuel production, fuel transmission/transportation, construction, operation, and finally demolition of the district heating system. The impact categories were analyzed based on the IMPACT 2002+ method. Results and discussion   On a life-cycle basis, the global warming effect of renewable energy options were at least 200 kgeqCO2 less than that of the natural gas option per MWh of heat produced by the base–load system. It was concluded that less than 25% of the upstream global warming impact associated with the wood pellet energy source option was due to transportation activities and about 50% of that was resulted from wood pellet production processes. In comparison with other energy options, the wood pellets option has higher impacts on respiratory of inorganics, terrestrial ecotoxicity, acidification, and nutrification categories. Among renewable options, the global warming impact of heat pump options in the studied case in Vancouver, BC, were lower than the wood pellet option due to BC's low carbon electricity generation profile. Ozone layer depletion and mineral extraction were the highest for the heat pump options due to extensive construction required for these options. Conclusions   Natural gas utilization as the primary heat source for district heat production implies environmental complications beyond just the global warming impacts. Diffusing renewable energy sources for generating the base–load district heat would reduce human toxicity, ecosystem quality degradation, global warming, and resource depletion compared to the case of natural gas. Reducing fossil fuel dependency in various stages of wood pellet production can remarkably reduce the upstream global warming impact of using wood pellets for district heat generation. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0259-9 Authors Saeed Ghafghazi, Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, 2943–2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T-1Z4, Canada Taraneh Sowlati, Department of Wood Science, University of British Columbia, 2931–2424 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T-1Z4, Canada Shahab Sokhansanj, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada Xiaotao Bi, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada Staffan Melin, Delta Research Corporation, Delta, BC V4L 2L5, Canada Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   Information and communication technology (ICT) has been proposed as a means to facilitate environmental sustainability. Dematerialisation is one potential way of doing this. For books, this could be realized through using e-book readers, which share many of the qualities of printed media and have notably low-energy requirements during use. The main aim of this study was to analyse the environmental impacts of an e-book read on an e-book reader, and to identify key issues determining the magnitude of the impact. A second aim was to compare the e-book product system with a paper book product system using a life cycle perspective. Materials and methods   A screening LCA was performed on an e-book produced and read in Sweden. The e-book reader was assumed to be produced in China. The data used were general data from Ecoinvent 2.0 and site-specific data from companies participating in the study, whenever average data were not available. Results and discussion   The results showed that production of the e-book reader was the life cycle step contributing most to the environmental impact of the system studied, although data on the e-ink screen were lacking. The disposal phase leads to avoided impact as materials are recycled; however, these results are less certain due to limited data availability. When the e-book was compared with a paper book, the results indicated that the number of books read on the e-book reader during its lifetime was crucial when evaluating its environmental performance compared with paper books. The results indicate that there are impact categories and circumstances where paper books are preferable to e-books from an environmental perspective and vice versa. Conclusions   There is no single answer as to which book is better from an environmental perspective according to the results of the current study. To improve the e-book environmental performance, an e-book reader should be used frequently, the life time of the device should be prolonged, as far as possible, and when not in use anymore, the device should be disposed of in a proper way, making material recycling possible. In addition, the production of the e-reader should be energy efficient and striving towards minimisation of toxic and rare substances. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0255-0 Authors Åsa Moberg, Division of Environmental Strategies Research – fms, Department of Urban Planning and Environment, and Centre for Sustainable Communications – CESC, Drottning Kristinas väg 30, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden Clara Borggren, Division of Environmental Strategies Research – fms, Department of Urban Planning and Environment, and Centre for Sustainable Communications – CESC, Drottning Kristinas väg 30, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden Göran Finnveden, Division of Environmental Strategies Research – fms, Department of Urban Planning and Environment, and Centre for Sustainable Communications – CESC, Drottning Kristinas väg 30, 100 44 Stockholm, Sweden Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   The use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites is gaining momentum with the pressure to lightweight vehicles; however energy intensity and cost remain major barriers to the wide-scale adoption of this material for automotive applications. This study determines the relative life cycle benefits of two precursor types (conventional textile-type acrylic fibers and renewable-based lignin), part manufacturing technologies (conventional SMC and P4), and a fiber recycling technology. Materials and methods   A representative automotive part, i.e., a 30.8-kg steel floor pan having a 17% weight reduction potential with stringent crash performance requirements, has been considered for the life cycle energy and emissions analysis. Four scenarios—combinations of the precursor types and manufacturing technologies—are compared to the stamped steel baseline part. Results and discussion   The analysis finds the lignin-based part made through P4 technology to offer the greatest life cycle energy and CO 2 emissions benefits. Carbon fiber production is estimated to be about 14 times more energy-intensive than conventional steel production; however, life cycle primary energy use is estimated to be quite similar to the conventional part, i.e., 18,500 MJ/part, especially when considering the uncertainty in LCI data that exist from using numerous sources in the literature. Conclusions   The sensitivity analysis concludes that with a 20% reduction in energy use in the conversion of lignin to carbon fiber and no energy use incurred in lignin production since lignin is a by-product of ethanol and paper production, a 30% reduction in life cycle energy use could be obtained. A similar level of life cycle energy savings could also be obtained with a higher part weight reduction potential of 43%. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0264-z Authors Sujit Das, Energy and Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 2360 Cherahala Blvd, Knoxeville, TN 37934, USA Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    This book provides detailed information about comparative LCA of different solders used in electronics. As Life Cycle Impact Assessment, the Japanese LIME method is used. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0262-1 Authors Walter Klöpffer, LCA Consult & Review, Am Dachsberg 56E, 60435 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Methods   The main objective of this study is to combine the environmental evaluation of a basic wood box used to store wine bottles by means of the integration of two environmental methodologies: a quantitative methodology known as life cycle assessment (LCA) and a qualitative methodology which is useful in integrating environmental aspects into design, that is, the design for the environment (DfE). The LCA study covers the life cycle of wood box production from a cradle-to-gate perspective. A wood processing company located in Galicia (NW, Spain) was analysed in detail, dividing the process chain into five stages: cogeneration unit, material assembling, painting, packaging and distribution to clients. Results   Abiotic depletion (AD), acidification, eutrophication, global warming, ozone layer depletion (OD), photochemical oxidant formation (PO), human toxicity (HT) and toxicological impact categories (HT, fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity, marine aquatic ecotoxicity and terrestrial ecotoxicity) were the impact categories analysed in the LCA study. According to the environmental results, the assembling stage contributed more than 57% to all impact categories, followed by the cogeneration unit and packaging. Contributions from packaging are mainly due to transoceanic transport activities related to the rope distribution and wood-based materials production. In addition, it is interesting to remark that all energy requirements were produced by on-site cogeneration boilers using a non-renewable fossil fuel. Several processes were identified as hot spots in this study: medium density fibreboards (MDF) production (with large contribution to ecotoxicity categories), energy production (with contributions to AD, GW and OD) and finally, the transportation of jute fibres (the main contributor to all the impact categories). Concerning the results from the DfE, the proposed eco-design strategies were evaluated from a technological, economic and social point of view by an interdisciplinary team of researchers and enterprise’s workers. The results show that the strategies with more viability of improvement were: reduction of resources used, multifunctional design, substitution of MDF by plywood, substitution of jute fibres, alternatives to the ink, optimization of energy requirement, transport alternatives for the final product and inputs distribution and definition of a protocol for disassembling the product. Conclusions   The results obtained in this work allow forecasting the importance of the chosen raw materials as well as their origin for the environmental burdens associated with the wood-based box manufacture. Future work will focus on the manufacturing of a prototype eco-designed wood-based box. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0261-2 Authors Sara González-García, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Francisco Javier Silva, FINSA, Carretera N-550 km 57, 15890 Santiago de Compostela, Spain María Teresa Moreira, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Rosario Castilla Pascual, Innovation and Technology Area, CIS MADEIRA, Galician Park of Technology, Avenida de Galicia 5, San Cibrao das Viñas, 32901 Ourense, Spain Raúl García Lozano, SosteniPrA (UAB-IRTA-Inèdit), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), School of Engineering, Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain Xavier Gabarrell, SosteniPrA (UAB-IRTA-Inèdit), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), School of Engineering, Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain Joan Rieradevall i Pons, SosteniPrA (UAB-IRTA-Inèdit), Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), School of Engineering, Campus de la UAB, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Catalonia Spain Gumersindo Feijoo, Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    The analysis of heavy metals is very important for assessing the feasibility of the agricultural utilization for the municipal sludge. In this paper, a four-step sequential extraction method was applied to extract heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Ni) in municipal sludges from seven individual wastewater treatment plants located in Jilin and Heilongjiang Province, China, for estimating the mobility and bioavailability of the metal ions in the agricultural application. The total concentrations of heavy metals and their chemical fractions after the sequential extraction were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to analyze the relations of heavy metals fractions in the municipal sludges. Experimental results indicated that the total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni in all sludge samples were below the threshold values set out by the Chinese legislation (GB18918-2002). Specially, Zn had a high bioavailability and mobility, Cu and Cr had potential bioavailability, while Mn mainly existed in the residual fraction of municipal sludge. On the other hand, Ni had different mobility in different municipal sludge. PCA results were confirmed by the environmental behavior of heavy metals. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2067-x Authors Jiangcheng Tu, School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090 China Qingliang Zhao, State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resources and Environments (SKLUWRE), School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, P.O. Box 2603#, Harbin, 150090 China Liangliang Wei, School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090 China Qianqian Yang, School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150090 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Pore waters play an important role in phosphorus dynamics in aquatic ecosystems. Phosphorus concentrations in pore waters are much higher than above the bottom. This is confirmed by the results of this study concerning the hypereutrophic lake. Pore water was analyzed at 11 sampling stations in the upper layer of bottom sediments. This water was separated by centrifugation and phosphorus level was measured spectrophotometrically with ascorbic acid as a reducer. Total phosphorus concentration in pore waters ranged from 0.5 to 8.1 mgP l  − 1 (mean 3.2 mgP l  − 1 ). Mean phosphorus concentration in pore water samples of this lake was the highest in summer and the lowest in winter. High concentrations were observed in samples from the pelagial and low from the macrophyte zone. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2056-0 Authors Katarzyna Kowalczewska-Madura, Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland Ryszard Gołdyn, Department of Water Protection, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznań, Poland Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The heavy metal contamination in Lake Ohrid, a lake shared between Albania and Macedonia, was studied. Lake Ohrid is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in the world, with a large variety of endemic species. Different anthropogenic pressures, especially heavy metal influxes from mining activities, might have influenced the fragile equilibrium of the lake ecosystem. Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, emergent vegetation, and fish were investigated at selected sites of the lake and a study of the heavy metals in five tributaries was conducted. The lake surface water was found to have low levels of heavy metals, but sediments contained very high levels mostly near river mouths and mineral dump areas with concentrations reaching 1,501 mg/kg for Ni, 576 mg/kg for Cr, 116.8 mg/kg for Co and 64.8 g/kg for Fe. Sequential extraction of metals demonstrates that heavy metals in the sediment are mainly present in the residual fraction varying from 75% to 95% in different sites. High heavy metal levels (400 mg/kg Ni, 89 mg/kg Cr, and 39 mg/kg Co) were found in plants (stem of Phragmites australis ), but heavy metals could not be detected in fish tissue (gill, muscle, and liver of Salmo letnica and Salmothymus ohridanus ). Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2081-z Authors Egina Malaj, Department of Environmental Resources, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601DA Delft, The Netherlands Diederik P. L. Rousseau, Department of Environmental Resources, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601DA Delft, The Netherlands Gijs Du Laing, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Applied Ecochemistry, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium Piet N. L. Lens, Department of Environmental Resources, UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2601DA Delft, The Netherlands Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Previous studies have proposed that Pardosa astrigera L. Koch (Lycosidae) can be used as a biological indicator of heavy metal contamination in soil. In this study, we estimated the bioaccumulation levels and the bioconcentration factors (BCF) of four heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in adult female P. astrigera collected from various field sites according to heavy metal content gradient and broods. The relationship between heavy metal content in the soil and that in spiders was different depending on the heavy metals and the broods. However, heavy metal content in P. astrigera increased with increasing heavy metal content in the soil. While the heavy metal content in the soil was in the order of Zn 〉 Pb 〉 Cu 〉 Cd, its content in P. astrigera was in the order Zn 〉 Cu 〉 Cd 〉 Pb. The BCF for Cd in both of the broods was distinctly higher than those of the other heavy metals evaluated. These results indicate that P. astrigera may be useful as a biological indicator of Cd soil contamination. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2077-8 Authors Myung-Pyo Jung, Entomology Program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 599, Shillim 9-dong, Kwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-921 South Korea Joon-Ho Lee, Entomology Program, Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Kwanak-ro 599, Shillim 9-dong, Kwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-921 South Korea Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    A number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, toluene, ethylbenzene, m , p -xylene, styrene, and o - xylene released during food decaying processes were measured from three types of decaying food samples (Kimchi (KC), fresh fish (FF), and salted fish (SF)). To begin with, all the food samples were contained in a 100-mL throwaway syringe. These samples were then analyzed sequentially for up to a 14-day period. The patterns of VOC release contrasted sharply between two types of fish (FF and SF) and KC samples. A comparison of data in terms of total VOC showed that the mean values for the two fish types were in the similar magnitude with 280 ± 579 (FF) and 504 ± 1,089 ppmC (SF), while that for KC was much lower with 16.4 ± 7.6 ppmC. There were strong variations in VOC emission patterns during the food decaying processes between fishes and KC that are characterized most sensitively by such component as styrene. The overall results of this study indicate that concentration levels of the VOCs differed significantly between the food types and with the extent of decaying levels through time. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2070-2 Authors Nhu-Thuc Phan, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gun Ja Dong, Seoul, 143-747 South Korea Ki-Hyun Kim, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gun Ja Dong, Seoul, 143-747 South Korea Eui-Chan Jeon, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gun Ja Dong, Seoul, 143-747 South Korea Uk-Hun Kim, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gun Ja Dong, Seoul, 143-747 South Korea Jong Ryeul Sohn, Department of Environmental Health, Korea University, Seoul, 136-703 South Korea Sudhir Kumar Pandey, Department of Environment and Energy, Sejong University, 98 Gun Ja Dong, Seoul, 143-747 South Korea Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Frequent dust storms and recent environmental changes were found to affect the human health especially in residents of arid countries. Investigations on the PM 2.5 fugitive dust in six Kuwait Governorate areas using dispersion Gaussian plume modeling revealed significant relationship between low rate of pollutant emission, low wind velocity, and stable weather conditions’ matrix causing high rate of dust deposition in summer than in winter. The rate of dust deposition and trace metals levels in PM 2.5 were in the sequence of G-VI 〉 G-I 〉 G-II 〉 G-V 〉 G-III 〉 G-IV. Trace metals were observed in the sequence of Al 〉 Fe 〉 Zn 〉 Ni 〉 Pb 〉 Cd irrespective of the Governorate areas and the two seasons. The high rate of dust deposition and trace metals in PM 2.5 was reflected by the vast open area, wind velocity, and rapid industrialization besides natural and anthropogenic sources. A combination of air dispersion modeling and nephalometric and gravimetric studies of this kind not only determines the seasonal qualitative and quantitative analyses on the PM 2.5 dust deposition besides trace metals apportionment in six Kuwait Governorate areas, but also characterizes air pollution factors that could be used by environmentalist to deduce preventive measures. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2074-y Authors A. H. Bu-Olayan, Department of Chemistry, Kuwait University, POB 5969, Safat, 13060 Kuwait B. V. Thomas, Department of Chemistry, Kuwait University, POB 5969, Safat, 13060 Kuwait Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Concentration levels of six natural and anthropogenic origin steroid estrogens, namely, diethylstilbestrol (DES), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), ethinylestradiol (EE2), and estradiol-17-valerate (Ev), from different effluents in Beijing were assessed. Sampling sites include two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), a chemical plant, a hospital, a pharmaceutical factory, a hennery, and a fish pool. In general, concentrations of estrogens in the effluents varied from no detection (nd) to 11.1 ng/l, 0.7 to 1.2 × 10 3  ng/l, nd to 67.4 ng/l, nd to 4.1 × 10 3  ng/l, nd to 1.2 × 10 3  ng/l, and nd to 11.2 ng/l for DES, E1, E2, EE2, E3, and Ev, respectively. The concentration levels of steroid estrogens from different effluents decreased in the order of pharmaceutical factory and WWTP inlets 〉 hospital 〉 hennery 〉 chemical factory 〉 fish pool. This study indicated that natural estrogens E1, E2, and E3 and synthetic estrogen EE2 are the dominant steroid estrogens found in the different Beijing effluents. For source identification, an indicator (hE = E3/(E1 + E2 + E3)) was used to trace human estrogen excretion. Accordingly, hE in effluents from the hospital and WWTP inlets exceeded 0.4, while much smaller values were obtained for the other effluents. Human excretions were the major contributor of natural estrogens in municipal wastewater. Estimation results demonstrated that direct discharge was the major contributor of steroid estrogen pollution in receiving waters. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2073-z Authors Yiqi Zhou, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Jinmiao Zha, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Yiping Xu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Bingli Lei, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Zijian Wang, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic of China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Purpose   The goal of this paper is to describe the life cycle inventory (LCI) approach of energy produced by ArcelorMittal Steel Power Plant Poland (AMSPPP) in Krakow, Poland. The present LCI is representative for the reference year 2005 by application of ISO 14040: 2006. The system boundaries were labeled as gate-to-gate (it covered full process chain for energy production). Background data of inputs and outputs from the steel power plant have been inventoried as follows: consumption of energy and fuels, including: power coal (domestic), natural gas, blast furnace gas and coke oven gas, emission of air pollutants, emissions of particulate, air emissions from stockpiles, wastes, internal transport, and land use. Main feature   LCI energy generation was developed mainly on the basis of following sources: site-specific measured or calculated data, life cycle assessment (LCA) study carried out by Polish Academy of Science in Kraków, AMSPPP Environmental Impact Report, Company and literature information and expert consultations. The functional unit is represented by 977 MW of generated electric and heat energies, distributed to ArcelorMittal Steel Plant processes and to the Krakow’s grid. Time coverage is 2005. Operating parameters as well as air emissions associated with the power plant boilers were presented. The production data (steams: 9, 1.6, and 0.8 MPa, electric energy, degassing softening water, softening water heat, and blast furnace blow) were given. The emissions of SO 2 , NO x , CO, CH 4 , HCl, dust, heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Mn), pollution factors (BOD 5 , COD) of waste water released from ash, slag, and sludge disposals were estimated. Finally, emission of CO 2 was calculated. Continuous monitoring of air pollutant emissions conducted in two emitter units related to 977 MW energy produced in AMSPPP was discussed. Results and discussion   Related to 977 MW of energy production distributed by AMSPPP, the consumption of blast furnace gas, coke oven gas, and natural gas were 1,279.7, 47,441, and 2,080 Mm 3 /year, respectively. Other fuel consumption, power coal (domestic), was 315,680 Mg/year. The production data of steams: 9, 1.6, and 0.8 MPa were estimated at 3,689,640; 227,642; and 335,010 Mg, respectively. The volume of heat was about 1,529,610 GJ. Degassing softening water and softening water represented 1,066,674 and 2,124,466 m 3 . Electric energy amount was on the order 441,188 MWh, and resulting value of the blast furnace blow was 3,076,606,000 m 3 . Nominal powers of the power plant boilers ranged from 149 to 177 MW. Direct dust, SO 2 , NO 2 , and CO emissions into the air from seven boilers (Nos. 1–7) were 33, 159.9, 134, and 8 kg/h, and from boiler No. 8 (coal-only) were 17.70, 222.6, 112, and 1.11 kg/h, respectively. Total CO 2 emission was 1,802,902 Mg. Direct CO 2 emissions from burning of power coal, blast furnace gas, coke oven gas, and finally natural gas were 674,317, 1,084,797, 39,802, and 3,986 Mg, respectively. The amounts of SO 2 , NO x (expressed as NO 2 eq.) CO, CH 4 , HCl and dust emissions were 3,138.1, 2,648.5, 48.1, 575.08, 117.2, and 622.1 Mg, respectively. Contents of Mg, Cr, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Mn in ash were on the order of 19.4, 1.8, 60, 50, 45, and 475 mg/kg, respectively (max. values, 28.4, 2.3, 75, 68, 59, 682, respectively). COD and BOD 5 ranged 1.2 to 17 and 10.9 to 42.7 mg O 2 /dm 3 , respectively. Contribution of power coal stockpiles to heavy metal emissions was relatively small. The amounts of ash–sludge mixtures and carbon volatile ash during stock of power coal were 53,078.1 and 11,272 Mg, respectively. Data concerning pollutants into air from continuous monitoring were not included due to a limitation of the available data. The time coverage of the data collected from continuous monitoring is 2006. Conclusions   This is the first tentative study to express energy generation in industry in Poland in terms of LCA/LCI for the energy power in steel industry. The results of the study suggest that reduction of the amount of power coal leads to saving of primary resources and reduction of SO 2 emissions, decrease land occupation caused by power coal stockpiles, and increase recovery of the blast furnace gas, as well as, coke oven gas surplus. The results may help ArcelorMittal Steel Plant government make decisions in policy making. Presentation of the study in this paper is suitable for the energy production processes, as well as other industries. Recommendations and outlook   The LCI offers environmental information consisting on the list of environmental loads. The impact assessment phase aims the results from the inventory analysis to be more understandable and life cycle impact assessment will be the direction for future research. Another issue to discuss is integration of LCA and risk assessment for industrial processes. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0292-8 Authors Boguslaw Bieda, Management Department, AGH University of Science and Technology, ul. Gramatyka 10, Krakow, 30-067 Poland Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   There has been an increasing use of plastic motor car fuel tanks in recent decades with the expected benefits of lighter weight, shape flexibility and lower cost. In this paper, the environmental life cycle assessments of mild steel and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) car fuel tanks in Japan are compared for two cases, namely the current average processes (base case), and for the same processes with the maximum currently feasible pollution control technology installed. Materials and methods   Primarily, data from Japan are used for a life cycle inventory analysis, followed by an impact assessment based on the Life Cycle Impact Assessment Method Based on Endpoint Modelling and five other indicators. Results and discussion   Mild steel shows a notably higher inventory for resources iron, manganese, zinc, coking coal, combustion coal, dolomite, limestone; for the air pollutants nitrogen oxides (NOx) from mobile sources, PM 10 , sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons; and for solid waste (slag). HDPE has a higher inventory for resources liquefied natural gas reserves, oil reserves, for the air pollutants carbon dioxide, NO x from non-mobile sources and sulphur oxides. The base case environmental impact assessment results for six indicators show HDPE and steel to have similar impacts for all but one of the indicators. With pollution control, the feasible reductions in respective pollutant inventories range from 0% to 97%, while the corresponding impact assessment shows indicator values reduced by 0% to 29%, with slightly improved performance of mild steel relative to HDPE. Conclusions   Accounting for a 62-year period of use and recycling for the mild steel would show a further decrease in the impact of the mild steel relative to HDPE. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0277-7 Authors Ndumiso G. Dlamini, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606–8501 Japan Kenta Fujimura, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606–8501 Japan Eiji Yamasue, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606–8501 Japan Hideyuki Okumura, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606–8501 Japan Keiichi N. Ishihara, Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University, Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606–8501 Japan Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   As new alternative automotive fuels are being developed, life cycle assessment (LCA) is being used to assess the sustainability of these new options. A fuel LCA is commonly referred as a “Well To Wheels” analysis and calculates the environmental impacts of producing the fuel (the “Well To Tank” stage) and using it to move a car (the “Tank To Wheels” stage, TTW). The TTW environmental impacts are the main topic of this article. Materials and methods   Renault’s cars pollutant emissions are measured on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) to comply with Euro regulations. The results have been used to show the variability of the emissions in the TTW stage. Five E85 flex-fuel vehicles were also tested to check their compliance with Euro standards, enabling to show the effect of an alternative fuel such as ethanol on pollutant emissions. Finally, Euro standard emission thresholds were transposed into environmental impacts to see how they affect TTW results. Results and discussion   The TTW stage is very significant for the environmental impacts selected. The results show the unpredictable variability of the impacts between vehicles and when switching from gasoline to ethanol (E85). However, this variability is inferior compared with the differences between cars complying with different Euro standards. Conclusions   Measured emissions on a car on NEDC cycle may not be suitable as the input data for TTW calculations. Euro standards associated with average fuel consumptions may be used as the basis for TTW impacts and should be chosen carefully in order to be relevant with the scope of the study. This leads to a functional unit, which is defined as the quantity of fuel needed to move a car that is representative of the average fleet that uses the fuel on 1 km. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0273-y Authors Florent Querini, Institut Pprime CNRS - Université de Poitiers (IRIAF), ENSMA UPR 3346 Département Fluides, Thermique, Combustion, ENSMA - Téléport 2, 1 avenue Clément Ader, BP 40109, 86961 Futuroscope Chasseneuil Cedex, France Jean-Christophe Béziat, Technocentre Renault, 1 avenue du Golf, 78288 Guyancourt, France Stéphane Morel, Technocentre Renault, 1 avenue du Golf, 78288 Guyancourt, France Valérie Boch, Technocentre Renault, 1 avenue du Golf, 78288 Guyancourt, France Patrick Rousseaux, Institut Pprime CNRS - Université de Poitiers (IRIAF), ENSMA UPR 3346 Département Fluides, Thermique, Combustion, ENSMA - Téléport 2, 1 avenue Clément Ader, BP 40109, 86961 Futuroscope Chasseneuil Cedex, France Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   This paper describes part of the first detailed environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of Australian red meat (beef and sheep meat) production. The study was intended to assist the methodological development of life cycle impact assessment by examining the feasibility of new indicators for natural resource management (NRM) issues relevant to soil management in agricultural LCA. This paper is intended to describe the NRM indicators directly related to agricultural soil chemistry. Materials and methods   Three nutrient management indicators—nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) balances—were estimated on the basis of 1 kg of hot standard carcass weight (HSCW) for three grazing properties in Australia. We also examined a soil acidification indicator based on the effects of agricultural practices. Results and discussion   The N balance for the grazing properties varied from a loss of 28 g N/kg HSCW to an accumulation of 170 g N/kg HSCW. For comparison, the N content of cattle is about 24 g/kg liveweight. The main contributors to these changes were the growth of N-fixing pastures (or lack thereof) and the application of fertilisers. The P and the K balances showed similar results, varying from a 3.9-g loss to a 19-g accumulation of P and a 4-g loss to a 95-g accumulation of K per kilogram HSCW. Decisions about pasture management were also reflected in the results of the soil acidification indicator. We also identified that soil erosion at the grazing properties is a significant component of nutrient losses. Conclusions   The results suggest that reducing the leaching of soil N might be the best way to balance the N budget without causing acidification. The NRM indicators developed can be benchmarked against other production systems as the application of these indicators progresses. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0279-5 Authors Gregory M. Peters, Sustainability Assessment Program, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia Stephen Wiedemann, FSA Consulting, Toowoomba, QLD Australia Hazel V. Rowley, Sustainability Assessment Program, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia Robyn Tucker, FSA Consulting, Toowoomba, QLD Australia Andrew J. Feitz, Sustainability Assessment Program, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia Matthias Schulz, Sustainability Assessment Program, Water Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   Over the past two decades, consequential life cycle assessment (CLCA) has emerged as a modeling approach for capturing environmental impacts of product systems beyond physical relationships accounted for in attributional LCA (ALCA). Put simply, CLCA represents the convergence of LCA and economic modeling approaches. Method   In this study, a systematic literature review of CLCA is performed. Results   While initial efforts to integrate the two modeling methods relied on simple partial equilibrium (PE) modeling and a heuristic approach to determining affected technologies, more recent techniques incorporate sophisticated economic models for this purpose. In the last 3 years, Multi-Market, Multi-Regional PE Models and Computable General Equilibrium models have been used. Moreover, the incorporation of other economic notions into CLCA, such as rebound effects and experience curves, has been the focus of later research. Since economic modeling can play a prominent role in national policy-making and strategic/corporate environmental planning, developing the capacity to operate LCA concurrent to, or integrated with, these models is of growing importance. Conclusions   This paper outlines the historical development of such efforts in CLCA, discusses key methodological advancements, and characterizes previous literature on the topic. Based on this review, we provide an outlook for further research in CLCA. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0275-9 Authors J. Mason Earles, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA Anthony Halog, University of Maine, 5755 Nutting Hall, Orono, ME 04469, USA Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    When agricultural lands are no longer used for agriculture and allowed to recover its natural vegetation, soil organic carbon can accumulate in the soil. Measurements of soil organic carbon and aggregate stability changes under various forms of land use are needed for the development of sustainable systems. Therefore, comparison of soil samples taken from both agricultural and nearby area close to land-mined fields where no agricultural practices have been done since 1956 can be a good approach to evaluate the effects of tillage and agriculture on soil quality. The objective of this study was to compare tillage, cropping and no tillage effects on some soil-quality parameters. Four different locations along the Turkey–Syria border were selected to determine effects of tillage and cropping on soil quality. Each location was evaluated separately because of different soil type and treatments. Comparisons were made between non-tilled and non-cropped fallow since 1956 and adjacent restricted lands that were tilled about every 2 years but not planted (T) or adjacent lands tilled and planted with wheat and lentil (P). Three samples were taken from the depths of 0–20 and 20–40 cm each site. Soil organic carbon (SOC), pH ,electrical conductivity, water soluble Ca ++ , Mg ++ , and , extractable potassium (K + ) and sodium (Na + ), soil texture, ammonium ( –N) and nitrate (NO 3 –N), extractable phosphorous and soil aggregate stability were determined. While the SOC contents of continuous tillage without cropping and continuous tillage and cropping were 2.2 and 11.6 g kg −1 , respectively, it was 30 g kg −1 in non-tilled and non-planted site. Tillage of soil without the input of any plant material resulted in loss of carbon from the soil in all sites. Soil extractable NO 3 −N contents of non-tilled and non-cropped sites were greatest among all treatments. Agricultural practices increased phosphorus and potassium contents in the soil profile. P 2 O 5 contents of planted soils were approximately 20 to 39 times greater than those of non-tilled and non-cropped soils at different sites. FTIR spectra showed that never tilled sites had greater phenol, carboxylic acid, amide, aromatic compounds, polysaccharide and carbohydrates than other treatments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2066-y Authors Ali Rıza Ozturkmen, Agricultural Faculty, Soil Science Department, Harran University, 63000 Sanlıurfa, Turkey Yasemin Kavdir, Agricultural Faculty, Soil Science Department, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, 17020 Çanakkale, Turkey Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    In Taiwan, the immediate health care requirements of students and faculty members are satisfied by on-campus medical service centers. The air quality within these centers should comply with the guidelines laid down by the Taiwan Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Accordingly, this study performed an experimental investigation into the efficiency of various chlorine dioxide applications in disinfecting a local student health center (SHC). The air quality before and after disinfection were evaluated in terms of the bioaerosol levels of bacteria and fungi. The average background levels of bacteria and fungi before disinfection were found to be 1,142 ± 455.4 CFU/m 3 and 520 ± 442.4 CFU/m 3 , respectively. Chlorine dioxide (0.3 mg/m 3 ) was applied using three different methods, namely a single, one-off application, multiple applications within a single day, and regular (daily) applications. Among the three disinfection methods, the regular application method was found to yield a high disinfection efficiency for both bacteria and fungi, i.e., 6.5 ± 0.7% and 4.2 ± 0.3%, respectively. The average residual bacteria and fungi levels after regular daily interval disinfection were 318.8 ± 51.5 CFU/m 3 and 254.0 ± 43.8 CFU/m 3 , respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that the air quality guidelines prescribed by the Taiwan EPA for SHCs and other healthcare facilities can best be achieved by applying chlorine dioxide at regular (daily) intervals. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-1998-6 Authors Ching-Shan Hsu, Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71710 Taiwan Ming-Chun Lu, Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71710 Taiwan Da-Ji Huang, Department of Environmental Resource Management, Chia-Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, 71710 Taiwan Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The main purpose for this study is to observe the seasonal and monthly variations for arsenic (As) in total suspended particulates (TSP) concentration and dry deposition at five characteristic sampling sites during the years 2009 and 2010 in central Taiwan. The results show that the highest and lowest monthly average As concentrations in TSP occurred in January and May at Bei-shi (suburban/coastal) and Quan-xing (industrial) sampling sites. In addition, the results show that the highest and lowest monthly average As dry deposition occurred in October and May at Chang-hua (downtown) and Gao-mei (wetland) sampling sites. This study reflected that the mean highest As concentrations in TSP and mean highest As dry deposition occurred at Quan-xing (industrial). However, the mean lowest As concentrations in TSP and mean lowest As dry deposition also occurred at Gao-mei (wetland). Regarding seasonal variation, the results show that the As average seasonal concentration order in TSP was winter 〉 spring 〉 fall 〉 summer, respectively, at Chang-hua (downtown) and He-mei (residential) sampling sites. Finally, the order of As average seasonal dry deposition was fall 〉 winter 〉 spring 〉 summer, respectively, at Chang-hua (downtown), He-mei (residential), and Gao-mei (wetland) sampling sites. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-1997-7 Authors Guor-Cheng Fang, Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, HungKuang University, Sha-Lu Taichung, 433, Taiwan Yi-Liang Huang, Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, HungKuang University, Sha-Lu Taichung, 433, Taiwan Jun-Han Huang, Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, HungKuang University, Sha-Lu Taichung, 433, Taiwan Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Water crisis is one of the most serious problems faced by the world today. Phytoremediation is one of the serious efforts towards sustainability. Macrophyte-based wastewater treatment systems have several potential advantages compared with conventional treatment systems. Duckweeds ( Lemna spp., Spirodela spp., Wolffia spp.) are small, green freshwater, free-floating aquatic plants. The primary objective of this work was to analyze the role of duckweeds in organic waste and nutrient removal from domestic wastewater being generated from hostels of Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi (India). Interesting results were obtained in which the BOD value reduced by 94.45% and the level of orthophosphate at the end of the work was found to be reduced by 79.39%. The duckweeds flourished well during the experimental period in the pH range of 7 to 8; it can be said that, other factors remaining favorable, the optimum pH for duckweed growth ranges from 7 to 8. Therefore, it can be concluded that this treatment can be successfully carried out on a large scale. Also, it is a low-cost solution to wastewater treatment problems and could satisfy the discharge standards. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2265-6 Authors Anima Priya, Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal, India Kirti Avishek, Environmental Science & Engineering Group, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, 835215 Jharkhand, India Gopal Pathak, Environmental Science & Engineering Group, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, 835215 Jharkhand, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Despite California policies requiring assessment of ambient wetland condition and compensatory wetland mitigations, no intensive monitoring tools have been developed to evaluate freshwater wetlands within the state. Therefore, we developed standardized, wadeable field methods to sample macroinvertebrate communities and evaluated 40 wetlands across Northern California to develop a macroinvertebrate index of biotic integrity (IBI). A priori reference sites were selected with minimal urban impacts, representing a best-attainable condition. We screened 56 macroinvertebrate metrics for inclusion in the IBI based on responsiveness to percent urbanization. Eight final metrics were selected for inclusion in the IBI: percent three dominant taxa; scraper richness; percent Ephemeroptera, Odonata, and Trichoptera (EOT); EOT richness; percent Tanypodinae/Chironomidae; Oligochaeta richness; percent Coleoptera; and predator richness. The IBI (potential range 0–100) demonstrated significant discriminatory power between the reference (mean = 69) and impacted wetlands (mean = 28). It also declined with increasing percent urbanization ( R 2  = 0.53, p  〈 0.005) among wetlands in an independent validation dataset ( n  = 14). The IBI was robust in showing no significant bias with environmental gradients. This IBI is a functional tool to determine the ecological condition at urban (stormwater and flood control ponds), as well as rural freshwater wetlands (stockponds, seasonal wetlands, and natural ponds). Biological differences between perennial and non-perennial wetlands suggest that developing separate indicators for these wetland types may improve applicability, although the existing data set was not sufficient for exploring this option. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-22 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2214-4 Authors Kevin B. Lunde, Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall #3114, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Vincent H. Resh, Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, 130 Mulford Hall #3114, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Urbanization and the subsequent changes in land use/cover inevitably influence the quality and even the quantity of stream water. This issue is widely studied through evaluations on land-use change scenarios or comparisons among historical patterns at the same watershed. However, observational stream discharge changes through urbanization gradient have rarely been discussed. In this study, we analyzed 5-year discharge data from 13 gauges in the Danshui River network with a wide range of urbanization gradient to explore the impacts on observational hydrological characteristics in individual catchments. The results reveal that stream discharge in pristine watersheds is characterized by a larger proportion of baseflow and is less fluctuating. When the forest coverage is 〈90%, the discharge fluctuation almost doubles. Meanwhile, the baseflow fraction decreases gradually with the increase of paddy area, which may concomitantly result from the increasing irrigation. Such a drop in baseflow may threaten the maintenance of the minimum flow required for the stream aquatic ecosystem. Furthermore, we simulated the stream discharges by TOPMODEL with blind land-use-independent parameters. The results show that the simulated discharges are satisfactory, particularly for the pristine catchments, but not as fitting for the paddy-intensive watersheds perhaps due to the unexpected irrigation. On the whole, the calibrated parameters are dependent with the landscape characteristics. The landscape-based parameter estimations can be applied to simulate discharge well, meaning the potential to assess the ungauged watersheds. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2374-2 Authors Jr-Chuan Huang, Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Chun-Chiang Lin, Department of Health and Leisure Management, Lan Yang Institute of Technology, Ilan, Taiwan Shih-Chien Chan, Department of Geography, National Changhua University of Education, Changhua, Taiwan Tsung-Yu Lee, Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Shih-Chieh Hsu, Research Center for Environmental Changes, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan Cheing-Tung Lee, Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Jiun-Chuan Lin, Department of Geography, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Purpose   In general, pentachloroaniline (PCA) biodechlorination is specific to the conditions of a system; such conditions include the type and concentration of electron donors and oxidizing agents as well as nutrient availability, pH, and temperature. In the bioremediation of contaminated sediments and soil, most researchers have focused on the ability of various electron donors to remove target compounds. However, the amended electron donors and the byproduct of the anoxic/anaerobic systems may cause more environmental impact. Therefore, methods for consistently evaluating the environmental effects of such electron donors and byproducts are highly needed. Accordingly, life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out to estimate the environmental effect of PCA biodechlorination under acidogenic/methanogenic conditions through laboratory-scale experiments. Four scenarios, intended to assess the influence of electron donors on the environment and develop laboratory experimental research, were compared. In these scenarios, four compounds were used: acetate, lactate, methanol, and glucose + methanol. Materials and methods   The LCA was carried out using IMPACT2002+ to estimate the environmental impact of PCA biodechlorination under acidogenic/methanogenic conditions. To add credibility to the study, sensitivity analysis was also conducted. Results and discussion   In all scenarios, the technologies significantly contributed to respiratory inorganics, global warming, as well as increased the adverse impact of nonrenewable energy on the environment. Specifically, the emissions from the electron donor production processes played an important role in the scenarios. PCA dechlorination and methanogenic processes substantially contributed to the aquatic/terrestrial ecotoxicity and global warming, respectively. Optimizing the concentration of amended electron donors and increasing the population size of dechlorinating microorganisms are highly important in reducing the environmental burden by PCA bioremediation. Conclusions   Results showed that the methanol scenario was the most suitable option determined in this research. In addition, results indicate amended electron donors can cause fewer environmental impacts in carcinogens and noncarcinogens categories. By contrast, the amended electron donors can significantly increase environmental impacts in respiratory inorganics, global warming, and nonrenewable energy categories. Increasing the population size of dechlorinating microorganisms and optimizing the concentration of amended electron donors are highly recommended to reduce adverse environmental impacts. Content Type Journal Article Category LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0338-y Authors Jinglan Hong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 Shandong, People’s Republic of China Xiangzhi Li, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, 250012 Shandong, People’s Republic of China Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description: Purpose   Best agricultural practices can be adopted to increase crop productivity and lower carbon footprint of grain products. The aims of this study were to provide a quantitative estimate of the carbon footprint of selected oilseed crops grown on the semiarid northern Great Plains and to determine the effects of N fertilization and environments on the carbon footprint. Materials and methods   Five oilseed crops, Brassica napus canola, Brassica rapa canola, Brassica juncea canola, B. juncea mustard, and Sinapis alba mustard, were grown under the N rates of 0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha −1 at eight environsites (location × year combinations) in Saskatchewan, Canada. Straw and root decomposition and various production inputs were used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints. Results and discussion   Emissions from the production, transportation, storage, and delivery of N fertilizer to farm gates accounted for 42% of the total greenhouse gas emissions, and the direct and indirect emission from the application of N fertilizer in oilseed production added another 31% to the total emission. Emissions from N fertilization were nine times the emission from the use of pesticides and 11 times that of farming operations. Straw and root decomposition emitted 120 kg CO 2 eq ha −1 , contributing 10% to the total emission. Carbon footprint increased slightly as N rates increased from 0 to 50 kg N ha −1 , but as N rates increased from 50 to 250 kg N ha −1 , carbon footprint increased substantially for all five oilseed crops evaluated. Oilseeds grown at the humid Melfort site emitted 1,355 kg CO 2 eq ha −1 , 30% greater than emissions at the drier sites of Scott and Swift Current. Oilseeds grown at Melfort had their carbon footprint of 0.52 kg CO 2 eq kg −1 of oilseed, 45% greater than that at Scott (0.45 kg CO 2 eq kg −1 of oilseed), and 25% greater than that at Swift Current (0.45 kg CO 2 eq kg −1 of oilseed). Conclusions   Carbon footprint of oilseeds was a function of the rate of N fertilizer, and the intensity of the functionality varied between environments. Key to lower carbon footprint in oilseeds is to improve N management practices. Content Type Journal Article Category CARBON FOOTPRINTING Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11367-011-0337-z Authors Yantai Gan, Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory for Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, People’s Republic of China Chang Liang, Pollutant Inventory and Reporting Division, Environment Canada, 9th floor, Fontaine Building, 200 Sacré-Coeur, Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3, Canada Gaobao Huang, Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory for Aridland Crop Science, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730070, People’s Republic of China Sukhdev S. Malhi, Research Farm, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, P.O. Box 1240, Melfort, SK S0E 1A0, Canada Stewart A. Brandt, Research Farm, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Box 10, Scott, SK S0K 4A0, Canada Felicitas Katepa-Mupondwa, Saskatoon Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 107 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X2, Canada Journal The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment Online ISSN 1614-7502 Print ISSN 0948-3349

Description:    The study assessed the radiological risks associated with the presence of natural and artificial radionuclides in the Bory Stobrawskie forests (PL). Using the conversion factors given by UNSCEAR and the measurements results of 232 Th series, 238 U series, 40 K, and 137 Cs specific activities in the 10-cm soil layer the values of absorbed dose ( D ) and the annual effective dose equivalent derived from terrestrial gamma radiation ( E ) were calculated. The calculated dose was compared with doses directly measured on the area studied. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2380-4 Authors Agnieszka Dołhańczuk-Śródka, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Opole University, ul. kard. B. Kominka 4, 45-032 Opole, Poland Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The dissipation of ethofenprox in cabbage and soil under open conditions was investigated at two primary cabbage-growing regions, Beijing and Kunming in China. Samples were extracted with acetonitrile and determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography with a single quadrupole detector. Dissipation of ethofenprox from cabbage and soil can be best explained by a first-order decay process. The half-lives of ethofenprox were 1.9 and 2.3 days in cabbage and 20.0 and 13.0 days in soil at Beijing and Kunming, respectively. The concentration of ethofenprox residue was reduced by 90% taking 7 and 60 days in cabbage and soil. Dissipation rates in cabbage and soil at two geographically separated experimental fields differed, suggesting that this was affected by complicated factors, such as local climate and soil characteristics. These data could provide guidance for the proper and safe use of this pesticide on cabbage in China. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2377-z Authors Dali Sun, Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Insect Toxicology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China Li Li, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Hongwu Liang, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Wei Li, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Ran Ji, Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Industry, SINOPEC, Beijing, 100013 China Yijun Wu, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China Chenglan Liu, Key Laboratory of Natural Pesticide and Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Laboratory of Insect Toxicology, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    This study was performed to elucidate the distribution, concentration trend and possible sources of total mercury (Hg T ) and methylmercury (MeHg) in sediment cores (〈63 μm particle size; n  = 75) of Sundarban mangrove wetland, northeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, India. Total mercury was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in a Leco AMA 254 instrument and MeHg by gas chromatography–atomic fluorescence spectrometry (GC-AFS). A wide range of variation in Hg T (0.032–0.196 μg g −1 dry wt.) as well as MeHg (0.04–0.13 ng g −1 dry wt.) concentrations revealed a slight local contamination. The prevalent low Hg T levels in sediments could be explained by sediment transport by the tidal Hugli (Ganges) River that would dilute the Hg T values via sediment mixing processes. A broader variation of MeHg proportions (%) were also observed in samples suggesting that other environmental variables such as organic carbon and microbial activity may play a major role in the methylation process. An overall elevated concentration of Hg T in surface layers (0–4 cm) of the core is due to remobilization of mercury from deeper sediments. Based on the index of geoaccumulation ( I geo ) and low effects-range (ER-L) values, it is considered that the sediment is less polluted by Hg T and there is less ecotoxicological risk. The paper provides the first information of MeHg in sediments from this wetland environment and the authors strongly recommend further examination of Hg T fluxes for the development of a detailed coastal MeHg model. This could provide more refine estimates of a total flux into the water column. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2336-8 Authors Mousumi Chatterjee, Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Road, Calcutta, India João Canário, IPIMAR/INRB IP, Av. Brasilia, 1499-006 Lisbon, Portugal Santosh Kumar Sarkar, Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Road, Calcutta, India Vasco Branco, IPIMAR/INRB IP, Av. Brasilia, 1499-006 Lisbon, Portugal Nallamuthu Godhantaraman, Academic Staff College, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai, 600025 India Bhaskar Deb Bhattacharya, Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Road, Calcutta, India Asokkumar Bhattacharya, Department of Marine Science, University of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Road, Calcutta, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Rock, sediment and water samples from areas characterised by hydrothermal alterations in the Sabatini and Vico Volcanic Districts, near Rome and the large city of Viterbo, respectively, were collected and analysed to determine the total fluorine (F) content and to understand the F geochemical background level in the volcanic districts of central Italy. Leaching and alteration processes controlling the high concentration of F in water were also investigated. Fluorine concentrations were directly determined (potentiometrically) by an F selective electrode in water samples, while the procedure for rock samples included preliminary F dissolution through alkaline fusion. F concentrations higher than 800 mg kg −1 were commonly found in the analysed rocks and sediments; the concentration depended on the lithology and on the distance from the alteration areas. A specific successive sampling campaign was conducted in three areas where the F content in sediments was particularly high; in the same areas, measurements of CO 2 flux were also performed to investigate the possible deep origin of F. To verify the relationships among the high F contents in rocks and sediments, the leaching processes involved and the presence of F in the aquifer, we also collected water samples in the western sector of the Sabatini Volcanic District, where hydrothermal manifestations and mineral springs are common. The data were processed using a GIS system in which the F distribution was combined with morphological and geological observations. The main results of our study are that (1) F concentrations are higher in volcanic and recently formed travertine (especially in hydrothermally altered sediments) than in sedimentary rocks and decrease with distance from hydrothermal alteration areas, (2) F is more easily leached from hydrothermally altered rocks and from travertine and (3) sediments enriched with F may indicate the presence of deep regional fractures that represent direct pathways of hydrothermal fluids from the crust to the surface. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2381-3 Authors Donatella De Rita, Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, L.go S.Leonardo Murialdo 1, I-00146 Rome, Italy Carlo Cremisini, Centro Ricerche ENEA Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, I-00060 Rome, Italy Alessandro Cinnirella, Università degli Studi di Roma Tre, L.go S.Leonardo Murialdo 1, I-00146 Rome, Italy Fabio Spaziani, Centro Ricerche ENEA Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, I-00060 Rome, Italy Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The impact of intensive aquifer exploitation has been observed in numerous places around the world. Mexico is a representative example of this problem. In 2010, 101 out of the 653 aquifers recognized in the country, showed negative social, economic, and environmental effects related to intensive exploitation. The environmental effects include, among others, groundwater level decline, subsidence, attenuation, and drying up of springs, decreased river flow, and deterioration of water quality. This study aimed at determining the hydrochemical changes produced by intensive aquifer exploitation and highlighting water quality modifications, taking as example the Valle de Toluca, Salamanca, and San Luis Potosi aquifers in Mexico’s highlands. There, elements such as fluoride, arsenic, iron, and manganese have been detected, resulting from the introduction of older groundwater with longer residence times and distinctive chemical composition (regional flows). High concentrations of other elements such as chloride, sulfate, nitrate, and vanadium, as well as pathogens, all related to anthropogenic pollution sources (wastewater infiltration, irrigation return flow, and atmospheric pollutants, among others) were also observed. Some of these elements (nitrate, fluoride, arsenic, iron, and manganese) have shown concentrations above Mexican and World Health Organization drinking water standards. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2376-0 Authors M. V. Esteller, Centro Interamericano de Recursos del Agua (CIRA), Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, Cerro Coatepec S/N, 50130 Toluca, Mexico R. Rodríguez, Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Exterior C.U., 04510 México, D.F., Mexico A. Cardona, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avda Manuel Nava 8, Zona Universidad, 78290 San Luis Potosi, Mexico L. Padilla-Sánchez, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Avda Manuel Nava 8, Zona Universidad, 78290 San Luis Potosi, Mexico Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Soil acidification, caused by elevated anthropogenic deposition, has led to concerns over nutrient imbalances in Ontario’s sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.) forests. In this study, soil chemistry, foliar chemistry, crown condition, and tree growth were measured at 36 sugar maple stands that included acidic (pH 〈 4.4), moderately acidic (4.4 ≤ pH 〈 5.4), and non-acidic (pH ≥ 5.4) soil groups. Acidic sites had significantly lower foliar P, Ca, and Mg concentrations, and the Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System indicated that P, rather than Ca or Mg, was the most limiting nutrient. This is in spite of widespread reports of net Ca losses from acidified soils. Mass balance studies in the region indicate that in acidic forest soils, P input from deposition is greater than stream export. Low foliar P is therefore most likely due to low P availability to trees resulting from accumulation in organic matter/biomass and/or adsorption to Fe and Al hydroxides which are more prevalent in acidic soils. Despite differences in foliar nutrition, there were no significant differences in crown condition or tree growth across the study region, suggesting that low P availability is not yet having a widespread detrimental effect on tree health. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2390-2 Authors N. J. Casson, Environmental and Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 7B8 M. C. Eimers, Department of Geography, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 7B8 S. A. Watmough, Environmental and Resource Studies, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 7B8 Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a policy tool used for evaluating a project proposal from physical and socioeconomic environmental perspectives. Its aim is to reduce the impact of development on environment, hence, ensuring environmental sustainability. It is mandatory to submit an Environmental Impact Statement before starting a mega project as required by Environmental Protection Act of 1997 and Environmental Policy of Pakistan. Public consultation plays a key role in an EIA system, identifying the likely aspects and impacts of a development activity. This aspect has been ignored in effective enactment of environmental legislation in Pakistan. Sufficient legislative instruments are there to support EIA system in the country but the agencies responsible for the enforcement of environmental regulations have failed to do so. The current research gives an insight into the actual status of EIA system in Pakistan along with the feedback of EIA specialists and university teachers of the concerned departments. A new index has been devised on the basis of questionnaire response to work out the overall performance of EIA system in Pakistan or any other country. The weaknesses and deficiencies of each EIA stage have been worked out for Pakistan and elaborated with the help of the controversial Zero point Interchange Project in the capital city of Pakistan. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2088-5 Authors Rashid Saeed, Department of Management Science, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Sahiwal Campus, 57000 Pakistan Ayesha Sattar, Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan Zafar Iqbal, Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan Muhammad Imran, Department of Environmental Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan Raziya Nadeem, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, 38040 Pakistan Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    A semi-continuous water-quality monitoring system was installed in Yunlin Offshore Industrial Park (YOIP), the largest industrial park in Taiwan, in 2007 to provide real-time water-quality information such as pH, water depth, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, and chlorophyll. To interpret the large quantities of high-frequency data generated by this system, information theory was applied for data analysis and extraction of useful information for further coastal water-quality management. Information theory is a branch of applied mathematics that involves the quantification of information. Shannon entropy is a key measure of information that was calculated in this study to reveal the inherent uncertainty of water-quality information. The applicability of Shannon entropy for signaling possible coastal pollution events in the YOIP was explored and results showed that it provides new insight into the inherent uncertainty or randomness of the original data. Specially, when Shannon entropy was high, multiple instable readings were observed for turbidity and salinity. This indicates that Shannon entropy may be a useful new tool for exploratory data analysis. It can be used as a supplementary indicator along with the original environmental data to signify some episodes of water-quality degradation. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2297-y Authors Ta-Kang Liu, Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan, Republic of China 70101 Jin-Li Yu, Tainan Hydraulics Laboratory, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan, Republic of China 70101 Chung-Ling Chen, Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan, Republic of China 70101 Ping-Sheng Wei, Institute of Ocean Technology and Marine Affairs, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan City, Taiwan, Republic of China 70101 Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369