ALBERT

Description:    The toxic substances, pesticides, and organic contaminants in effluents can potentially be causing damage that includes increased cancer risk; liver, kidney, stomach, nervous system, and immune system problems; reproductive difficulties; cataracts; and anemia. A quantitative structure–retention relationship (QSRR) was developed using the partial least square (PLS), kernel PLS (KPLS), and Levenberg–Marquardt artificial neural network (L–M ANN) approach for chemometrics study. The data which contained retention time (RT) of the 47 hazardous compounds in effluents were obtained by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Genetic algorithm was employed as a factor selection procedure for PLS and KPLS modeling methods. By comparing the results, GA-PLS descriptors are selected for L–M ANN. Finally, a model with a low prediction error and a good correlation coefficient was obtained by L–M ANN. The described model does not require experimental parameters and potentially provides useful prediction for RT of new compounds. This is the first research on the QSRR of hazardous compounds in effluents using the chemometrics models. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2568-2 Authors Hamzeh Karimi, Faculty of Sciences, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abbas Farmany, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran Hadi Noorizadeh, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Arak Branch, Islamic Azad University, Arak, Iran Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    A new approach, together with a new family of soft magnetic composites (SMCs), has been developed and optimized for power alternating-current applications. The different technological and economic restrictions needed to maximize a composite’s performance-to-cost ratio are presented. The experimental procedures to produce sintered lamellar SMCs are reported, together with magnetic results and the effects of different processing parameters on their performance. The present results are compared with corresponding data available for soft magnetic materials available on the market (laminations and composites). Data on the mechanical strength of these new SMC structures are also given. The new process results in magnetic and mechanical properties of different alloy systems that are better than those of any of the SMCs available. The present materials’ energetic losses can be under 2 W/kg at 60 Hz, at 1 T, whilst their permeability exceeds 2000, while maintaining maximum induction above 1.7 T. These properties are very close to the best results for standard laminations on the market. The present process has the potential to be very inexpensive, owing to its simplicity. Even though not fully isotropic, recent three-dimensional machine designs and process advantages conferred by powder metallurgy techniques can be applied to this new family of lamellar particle composites. Through theoretical calculations and modeling exercises, it is briefly shown that this new kind of material can result in an improvement to the transportation sector where weight and efficiency of newly emerging electrical and hybrid power-trains are of prime importance. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0262-z Authors Patrick Lemieux, IMFINE Corp., Ste-Julie, QC J3E 1W2, Canada Roderick Guthrie, Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill Metals Processing Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B2, Canada Mihaiela Isac, Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill Metals Processing Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B2, Canada Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Your Member Connection Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0278-4 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Laying the Foundation for the Clean Energy Age Content Type Journal Article Category Feature Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0279-3 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Items of Note from the Field, Profession, and Society Content Type Journal Article Category News & Update Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0276-6 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Characterizing a Great Scientist Content Type Journal Article Category End Notes Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0274-8 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Society Perspective: Getting the Word Out About the Importance of MSE Content Type Journal Article Category Feature Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0277-5 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: UPCOMING EDITORIAL TOPICS Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0281-9 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Meetings Calendar Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0282-8 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: 2011 Engineering Salaries: AAES Industry Survey Shows Where the Money Is Content Type Journal Article Category Feature Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0280-x Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: The 5th International Light Metal Technology Conference: An International Tradition Continues Content Type Journal Article Category Feature Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0273-9 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Classified Content Type Journal Article Category Department Pages 76-79 DOI 10.1007/BF03223252 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838 Journal Volume Volume 48 Journal Issue Volume 48, Number 11

Description: Meetings calendar Content Type Journal Article Category Department Pages 73-75 DOI 10.1007/BF03223250 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838 Journal Volume Volume 48 Journal Issue Volume 48, Number 11

Description: Consultants directory Content Type Journal Article Category Department Pages 76-76 DOI 10.1007/BF03223251 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838 Journal Volume Volume 48 Journal Issue Volume 48, Number 11

Description:    Solid-state diffusion bonding in conjunction with superplastic forming is a potential candidate for producing complex structural components from gamma-based titanium aluminides for aerospace applications. Solidstate diffusion bonding of TiAl was carried out with different bonding parameters within the superplastic temperature range. Defect-free sound bonds were achieved within the temperature range of 925–1,100 °C and the pressure range of 20–40 MPa. Microtensile tests were carried out to evaluate room-temperature tensile properties of the bonds for comparison of the bonding parameters. Content Type Journal Article Category Mechanical Properties Pages 66-68 DOI 10.1007/BF03223248 Authors G. Çam, GKSS Research Cente, Germany K. -H. Bohm, GKSS Research Cente, Germany J. Müllauer, GKSS Research Cente, Germany M. Koçak, GKSS Research Cente, Germany Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838 Journal Volume Volume 48 Journal Issue Volume 48, Number 11

Description: Annual Meeting Exhibition Preshow Report Content Type Journal Article Category Also in this Issue Pages A1-A32 DOI 10.1007/BF03223254 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838 Journal Volume Volume 48 Journal Issue Volume 48, Number 11

Description: TMS news Content Type Journal Article Category Also in this Issue Pages 69-71 DOI 10.1007/BF03223249 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838 Journal Volume Volume 48 Journal Issue Volume 48, Number 11

Description: Member Views of Materials News: 2011 Edition Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0255-y Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Get Involved: David Bahr, Public & Governmental Affairs Committee Content Type Journal Article Category End Notes Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0253-0 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: In Situ Observation of Solidification Phenomena Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0215-y Authors A. B. Phillion, School of Engineering, Okanagan Campus, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Perspective on Neutron Diffraction as a Tool for Characterizing Minerals, Metals, and Materials Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0227-7 Authors John S. Carpenter, Materials Science and Technology Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA Sven C. Vogel, Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Recent studies have shown the possibility of exploiting the eddy current (EC) method for nondestructive characterization of near-surface residual stresses in surface-treated nickel-base superalloy components. The method involves measuring swept frequency EC signals to obtain near-surface electrical conductivity depth profiles, which can be converted into residual stress profiles using the empirical piezoresistivity relationship. However, the relationship between EC responses and residual stress profiles appears to depend on the microstructure. This paper reports on a systematic study of microstructural effects on the EC responses and near-surface conductivity deviation profiles induced by shot peening, using a series of heat-treated Inconel 718 samples with different secondary phase contents and thus a variety of hardness levels. Calibrated EC signals from 100 kHz to 50 MHz were measured from aged and unaged samples, before and after shot peening at various Almen intensities. Strong dependence of the EC responses on the sample hardness and microstructure has been observed. A procedure is introduced to convert the EC signals into shot-peening-induced conductivity deviation profiles where the microstructure dependency is suppressed. The resulting estimates of the conductivity changes are larger than expected, indicating that characterization of shot-peening-induced residual stresses by EC requires further understanding of the material responses beyond the empirical piezoresistivity relationship. Other mechanisms that could contribute to the observed conductivity changes are discussed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0234-3 Authors R. Chandrasekar, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA A. M. Frishman, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA B. F. Larson, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA C. C. H. Lo, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA N. Nakagawa, Center for Nondestructive Evaluation, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The high-temperature components within conventional supercritical coal-fired power plants are manufactured from ferritic/martensitic steels. To reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, the efficiency of pulverized coal steam power plants must be increased to as high a temperature and pressure as feasible. The proposed steam temperature in the DOE/NETL Advanced Ultra Supercritical power plant is high enough (760°C) that ferritic/martensitic steels will not work for the majority of high-temperature components in the turbine or for pipes and tubes in the boiler due to temperature limitations of this class of materials. Thus, Ni-based superalloys are being considered for many of these components. Off-the-shelf forged nickel alloys have shown good promise at these temperatures, but further improvements can be made through experimentation within the nominal chemistry range as well as through thermomechanical processing and subsequent heat treatment. However, cast nickel-based superalloys, which possess high strength, creep resistance, and weldability, are typically not available, particularly those with good ductility and toughness that are weldable in thick sections. To address those issues related to thick casting for turbine casings, for example, cast analogs of selected wrought nickel-based superalloys such as alloy 263, Haynes 282, and Nimonic 105 have been produced. Alloy design criteria, melt processing experiences, and heat treatment are discussed with respect to the as-processed and heat-treated microstructures and selected mechanical properties. The discussion concludes with the prospects for full-scale development of a thick section casting for a steam turbine valve chest or rotor casing. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0241-4 Authors Paul D. Jablonski, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Albany, OR, USA Jeffery A. Hawk, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Albany, OR, USA Christopher J. Cowen, National Energy Technology Laboratory, Albany, OR, USA Philip J. Maziasz, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys containing 12 wt.% to 30 wt.% Si are discussed. The eutectic and primary silicon particles are nodulized by a designed modification practice followed by a solution heat treatment of 6 h to 8 h at 510°C to 520°C. Metallographic analysis was used to measure structural characteristics of the Si-rich structures. Spheroidization of silicon phase leads to an increase in tensile strength and ductility of alloys at room temperature and 300°C compared with commercial Al-Si alloy. Increasing Si concentration causes the ultimate tensile strength and elongation at room temperature to fall due to the appearance of coarse silicon particles, but the ultimate tensile strength at 300°C remains unchanged. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0251-2 Authors Ruyao Wang, Institute of Material Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 1882 West Yan An Rd, Shanghai, 200051 People’s Republic of China Weihua Lu, Institute of Material Science and Engineering, Donghua University, 1882 West Yan An Rd, Shanghai, 200051 People’s Republic of China Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Alloy 718 (UNS N07718) was developed for use in aircraft gas turbine engines, but its unique combination of room-temperature strength and aqueous corrosion resistance made it a candidate for oilfield fasteners, valves, drill tools, and completion equipment. As well environments became more severe, stress corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement failures in production equipment drove the evolution of the composition and microstructure that distinguish today’s oilfield-grade 718 from aerospace grades. This paper reviews the development of the grade and its applications and describes some of its unique characteristics, testing, and manufacturing methods as well as newer alloys designed for high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0238-z Authors John J. deBarbadillo, Special Metals Corporation, 3200 Riverside Drive, Huntington, WV 25705, USA Sarwan K. Mannan, Special Metals Corporation, 3200 Riverside Drive, Huntington, WV 25705, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The fabrication of hierarchical aluminum metal matrix composites (MMCs) begins with the cryomilling of inert gas-atomized AA5083 Al powders with B 4 C particles, which yields agglomerates of nanocrystalline (NC) Al grains containing a uniform dispersion of solidly bonded, submicron B 4 C particles. The cryomilled agglomerates are size classified, blended with coarse-grain Al (CG-Al) powders, vacuum degassed at an elevated temperature, and consolidated to form the bulk composite. This hierarchical Al MMCs have low weight and high strength/stiffness attributable to the (A) Hall–Petch strengthening from NC-Al (5083) grains, (B) Zener pinning effects from B 4 C particulate reinforcement and dispersoids in both the NC-Al and CG-Al, (C) the interface characteristics between the three constituents, and (D) a high dislocation density. The hierarchical Al MMCs exhibit good thermal stability and microstructural characteristics that deflect or blunt crack propagation. A significant change in the microstructure of the composite was observed after friction stir processing (FSP) in the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) due to the mechanical mixing, particularly in the advancing side of the stir zone (SZ). The NC-Al grains in the TMAZ grew during FSP. Evidence of CG-Al size reduction was also documented since CG-Al domain was absent by optical observation. Given the proper control of the microstructure, FSP has demonstrated its potential to increase both strength and ductility, and to create functionally tailored hierarchical MMCs through surface modification, graded structures, and other hybrid microstructural design. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0249-9 Authors Y. H. Sohn, Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, and Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA T. Patterson, Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, and Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA C. Hofmeister, Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, and Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA C. Kammerer, Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, and Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA W. Mohr, Edison Welding Institute, Columbus, OH 43221, USA M. van den Bergh, DWA Aluminum Composites, Chatsworth, CA 91311, USA M. Shaeffer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA J. Seaman, Edison Welding Institute, Columbus, OH 43221, USA K. Cho, Weapons and Materials Research Directorate, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21005, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    In situ tribometry, the study of real-time friction and wear processes occurring at “buried” sliding interfaces, was used to examine fundamental changes to structure and chemistry of solid lubricant and hard coatings. In situ techniques of optical microscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to observe interfacial sliding dynamics and identify near-surface structural/chemical changes, respectively. Third-body physical and chemical processes, such as thickening, thinning, loss of transfer films, generation of wear debris, and sliding-induced chemical changes, were identified for sapphire sliding against Ti-Si-C, nanocrystalline diamond (NCD), and titanium- and tungsten-doped diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings. These processes observed by in situ methods were also used to explain why friction and wear behavior changed with coating composition, properties or test conditions. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0229-5 Authors R. R. Chromik, Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B2, Canada H. W. Strauss, Department of Mining and Materials Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B2, Canada T. W. Scharf, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Over the last 20 years, time-resolved high-resolution x-ray imaging techniques have become established as methods of choice for in situ studies of solidification microstructure formation in metallic alloys. Using high-brilliance x-radiation delivered at modern synchrotrons, combined with the most recent advances in x-ray cameras and optics, it is now possible to capture real-time video sequences with projection image resolutions down to 100 nm at frame rates of 20 Hz. This article presents some illustrative examples of the current capabilities of in situ x-ray video microscopy in terms of radiographic and topographic imaging as a platform for studying microstructure pattern formation, growth dynamics, and other topics related to metallic alloy solidification. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0213-0 Authors R. H. Mathiesen, Department of Physics, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway L. Arnberg, Department of Materials Technology, NTNU, 7491 Trondheim, Norway H. Nguyen-Thi, Aix Marseille Université & CNRS, IM2NP UMR 6242, Campus Scientifique de Saint-Jérôme, Case 142, 13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France B. Billia, Aix Marseille Université & CNRS, IM2NP UMR 6242, Campus Scientifique de Saint-Jérôme, Case 142, 13397 Marseille Cedex 20, France Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Transparent metal-analog materials offer a great opportunity for in situ investigation of the morphological dynamics that govern the formation of microstructure in metallic alloys. There are, however, several experimental factors that must be controlled or considered for proper and reproducible interpretation. We examine some of these issues here, summarizing our recent findings related to the case of rod-type eutectic solidification, for which we examine the importance of ampoule geometry and initial conditions. Employing directional solidification experiments with thin-slab specimens, we look specifically at finite-size effects on growth morphology and the influence of initial structure on the mechanisms of eutectic onset. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0214-z Authors R. E. Napolitano, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA Melis Şerefoğlu, INSP, UPMC, CNRS UMR 7588, 4 Place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: The Super Materials of the Super Heroes Content Type Journal Article Category Materials in Action Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0256-x Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Diffuse scattering is a general phenomenon associated with various nanoscale disorders omnipresent in crystalline solids. While it contains rich information on structural disorders, interpretation and analysis of diffuse scattering pose a great challenge because it usually contains contributions from multiple types of disorders and their respective contributions are difficult to separate. In order to extract useful information from diffuse scattering, concerted efforts in high-quality diffuse scattering intensity measurement, quantitative data analysis, theoretical interpretation, and computer simulations are required. In this theoretical work, the diffuse scattering intensity distribution associated with static and dynamic atomic position fluctuations is formulated to effectively combine with our concurrent experimental and computational works. In particular, the theoretical formulation is used to interpret diffuse scattering originated from phonon softening in precursor state of a shape-memory alloy, and, as examples of static atomic position fluctuations, diffuse scattering phenomena of modulated phases and nanotwin microstructures are also discussed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0211-2 Authors Yongmei M. Jin, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA Yu U. Wang, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    This overview highlights very recent progress on the application of high-energy x-ray diffraction for in situ study of the phase transformation of shape-memory alloys. The advantages of the synchrotron-based high-energy x-ray diffraction method and the experimental setup for exploring the phase-transition behavior of single crystals or textured polycrystalline materials under multiple external fields are described. Experimental investigations on the influence of external stress, magnetic, and thermal fields on the phase-transformation behaviors of thermal and ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys, and nanowire-reinforced shape-memory composites are also summarized. Special attention is given to recent scientific issues related to the microscopic “memory” of martensite variants, transition kinetics, magnetic field-induced selection of variants, magnetic field-driven phase transition, and superelasticity. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0221-0 Authors Y. D. Wang, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China Z. H. Nie, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081 China Y. Ren, X-Ray Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA P. K. Liaw, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The position, velocity, and shape of the solid–liquid interface are key parameters for ensuring high crystal quality and good mechanical properties of solidifying metals, alloys, and semiconductors. The traditional techniques for measuring this interface online involve immersing sensors in the molten material, which directly interferes with the solidification process. Significant efforts have thus been made to design noninvasive measurement techniques to locate the growth interface. Their industrial implementation, however, has been challenging. In this paper, we review and discuss techniques that can overcome the encountered problems and hence enable monitoring of the solid–liquid boundary without disturbing the solidification process. These techniques are based on optics, x-ray radiography, ultrasound, and induced eddy currents. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0233-9 Authors K. Grujic, Teknova AS, Gimlemoen 19, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway T. Hegna, Teknova AS, Gimlemoen 19, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway K. M. Laundal, Teknova AS, Gimlemoen 19, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The metal injection molding process, used in the automotive, medical, and consumer markets for several decades, was investigated for application to superalloys for small, complex-shaped, aerospace components. With sufficient control on processing, inclusion risks, and chemistry, the process can successfully be applied to superalloy 718 components. Assessments included tensile and fatigue property evaluation, characterization of microstructure, and development of an AMS specification. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0246-z Authors Eric A. Ott, GE Aviation, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA Michael W. Peretti, GE Aviation, Cincinnati, OH 45241, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    A solid may undergo a phase transition due to internal interaction competition or external stimuli. It is increasingly recognized that the lattice degrees of freedom often play a crucial role, especially in the vicinity of competing phases, where many intriguing properties exist. A crystal structure transition is usually accompanied by a drastic change in the mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and other properties. In situ study of the microscopic structural information of materials during phase transformation is of ultimate importance not only in understanding fundamental mechanisms but also in developing and processing advanced materials for broad technological applications. The availability of synchrotron-generated high-flux and high-energy x-rays has significantly advanced the field of materials research because of the deep penetration and low absorption of high-energy x-rays. Synchrotron high-energy x-ray diffraction facilities provide great research opportunities, especially for probing structural phase transformations of bulk materials in real time and in realistic conditions. In this overview we present technical details and capabilities of a synchrotron high-energy x-ray facility and its applications to in situ structural investigations of phase transitions in advanced materials in research areas ranging from condensed-matter and materials science and engineering to energy science. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0218-8 Authors Yang Ren, X-ray Science Division, Advanced Photon Source, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    This paper reports the results of an investigation into the damage mechanisms that occur during straining of the aluminum alloy A356-T6 using in situ tensile experiments in a scanning electron microscope. Quantitative stereological analyses of the microstructure and in situ studies of the damage mechanisms have been used to characterize the Si particles and their eutectic distribution that ultimately controls ductility. In situ testing has revealed that, at increasing applied strain, the damage begins with brittle fractures of the Si particles due to cleavage. In this way, adjacent microcracks are created. Subsequently, the joining of the Si microcracks gives rise to the nucleation of a microcrack on the dendrite boundaries. The final damage stage involves the growth of the crack along the dendrite boundaries, until instability is reached. The investigations have shown that, by means of in situ mechanical testing, it is possible to obtain quantitative data of the damage mechanisms which are useful to predict the engineering characteristics of casting alloys. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0231-y Authors R. Doglione, Politecnico di Torino Unit, INSTM, c.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Turin, Italy Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Thermogravimetric analysis and dilatometry are two common in situ measurement techniques used in powder processing to obtain information regarding thermal debinding and sintering. However, these two techniques provide negligible information regarding critical phenomena such as distortion or cracking. This paper discusses newer characterization techniques used to measure in situ strength evolution to help understand defect generation during the thermal debinding process. The information obtained from these in situ measurement techniques assists in intelligent design of optimal thermal cycles and in selection of binders targeted at manufacturing dense sintered components with minimum defects and distortion. The paper discusses examples of applications developed based on the information provided by in situ characterization of strength and distortion. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0232-x Authors Ravi K. Enneti, Research and Development, Global Tungsten & Powders Corporation, Towanda, PA, USA Seong Jin Park, Division of Advanced Nuclear Engineering (DANE) and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Republic of Korea Randall M. German, Mechanical Engineering, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA Sundar V. Atre, Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    HAYNES ® NS-163 ® alloy is a new cobalt-base alloy that derives its exceptional high-temperature strength from a dispersion of fine-scale stable (Ti,Nb)N nitrides in the microstructure. In the present study, these nitrides were formed by means of a gas nitriding process. Resulting microstructures in the partially and fully nitrided conditions were examined. The nature and sequence of formation of the observed nitride compounds are rationalized by comparing their respective Gibbs free energies of formation. Nitride nucleation densities and morphologies are discussed in terms of the locally varying speed of the reaction front. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0239-y Authors M. Fahrmann, Haynes International, Inc., Kokomo, IN, USA S. K. Srivastava, Haynes International, Inc., Kokomo, IN, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Neutrons play a vital role as a powerful tool in basic science and applied research. In this article, the basic properties of neutrons, their generation and detection, as well as some fundamental aspects of neutron instrumentation are introduced. Neutron user facilities, at which the user may obtain more specific information and apply for beam time, are also discussed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0220-1 Authors Sven C. Vogel, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA John S. Carpenter, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The aim of this paper is to report recent results concerning the microstructure evolution observed by continuous in situ x-ray microtomography in Al-Cu alloys during various treatments. These treatments include solidification and tensile deformation in the semisolid state both in solidification and in isothermal conditions. During solidification, x-ray microtomography allows measurement of various microstructure parameters and characterization of the physical mechanisms occurring at the scale of the dendrites. During deformation, liquid flow towards the deformed zone can be observed and quantified together with pore and crack formation in liquid films. These observations are discussed with reference to the formation of defects during solidification. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0219-7 Authors Michel Suéry, Université de Grenoble, Saint-Martin d’Hères, France Sofiane Terzi, Université de Grenoble, Saint-Martin d’Hères, France Bastien Mireux, Université de Grenoble, Saint-Martin d’Hères, France Luc Salvo, Université de Grenoble, Saint-Martin d’Hères, France Jérôme Adrien, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne, France Eric Maire, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne, France Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The unique properties of neutron interaction with materials have long been applied to the study of geological materials, with Shull and Smart using them in 1949 to determine the antiferromagnetic structure of manganosite (MnO). Neutron diffraction provides an accurate method for crystal structure determination of hydrous phases, particularly ices, and investigations of cation ordering of elements that are adjacent in the Periodic Table, such as Al–Si in feldspars and zeolites. Both elastic and inelastic scattering have been used to determine the properties of fluids that are present in many sedimentary rocks, including shales that are often saturated with brines or hydrocarbons. Due to minimal absorption and deep sample penetration, neutron scattering has become a favorite tool for crystallographic preferred orientation (texture) analysis of rocks as well as destruction-free three-dimensional (3D) tomographic characterization of microstructures. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0223-y Authors H.-R. Wenk, Department of Earth and Planetary Science, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Based on worldwide works available in international literature, this paper describes the status of sewage sludge resulting from settleable solids in waste stabilisation ponds (WSP). This review presents, in detail, sludge characteristics, production and accumulation rates in order to provide background information to those who expect to advise or get involved with sewage disposal in situations where resources are limited. Knowing that several years are usually required for a sludge removal operation and that the long-term sustainability of WSP systems is dependent on the safe and effective management of their sludge, its cost must be estimated and taken into account in the annual maintenance costs of the processes. Thus, this paper intends to summarise desludging methods and their financial estimation. Even when ponds have been functioning for several years, most of the sediments are stabilised well, the final disposal is an issue in terms of risk due, for example, to their content in nematode eggs. More generally, the pathogen content in sludge from WSP ponds has to be known to define an appropriate management and to safeguard public health. Based on existing data, the rates and distribution of helminth eggs will be presented and practical treatment methods will be suggested. A number of sludge utilisation and disposal pathways will also be summarised. Sludge activity in terms of oxygen consumption is also discussed in order to gather more information to improve pond design and keep an economic and sustainable value of WSP. The objectives of the present review are to advance knowledge and gather scientific and technical information on all aspects of sludge management including production, characterisation, management, agricultural reuse and ultimate disposal. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2532-1 Authors Chéma Keffala, Sciences and Environmental Management Department, University of Liège, 185, Avenue de Longwy, 6700 Arlon, Belgium Casimir Harerimana, Sciences and Environmental Management Department, University of Liège, 185, Avenue de Longwy, 6700 Arlon, Belgium Jean-luc Vasel, Sciences and Environmental Management Department, University of Liège, 185, Avenue de Longwy, 6700 Arlon, Belgium Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Time-of-flight neutron diffraction is widely used in characterizing the microstructure and mechanical response of heterogeneous systems. Microstructural characterization techniques include spatial or temporal mapping of the phases and determination of grain size, dislocation structure, and grain orientations (texture) within these phases. Mechanical response analysis utilizes the crystallographic selectivity of the diffraction process to measure the partitioning of strain within the system. The microstructural and mechanical response information is then used to develop more realistic constitutive models. In this article we review some examples of such measurements, based on our experiences at the Lujan Center of Los Alamos National Laboratory. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11837-011-0119-x Authors Bjørn Clausen, LANSCE-LC, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA Donald W. Brown, Structure/Property Relations, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA I. C. Noyan, Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Continuous casting processes have been used successfully for more than 50 years to reduce the cost of manufacturing a variety of aluminum rolled products. Approximately 25% of North American flat-rolled sheet and foil is sourced from twin-roll cast or slab cast processes. Twin roll-casters provide a cost-effective solution for producing foil and light-gauge sheet from relatively low-alloyed aluminum (1xxx and 8xxx alloys). Slab casters, particularly Hazelett twin-belt machines, are well utilized in the production of 3xxx or 5xxx painted building products which require moderate strength and good corrosion resistance. Both foil and painted sheet are cost-sensitive commodity products with well-known metallurgical and quality requirements. There have been extensive trials and modest successes with continuous cast can stock and automotive sheet. However, they have not been widely adopted commercially due to generally lower levels of surface quality and formability compared with sheet produced from scalped direct chill (DC) cast ingot. The metallurgical requirements for can and auto sheet are considered in more detail with emphasis on the microstructural features which limit their application, e.g., particle distribution, grain size, and texture. Looking forward, slab casting offers the most viable opportunity for producing strong (i.e., higher alloy content), formable structural auto sheet with acceptable surface quality. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0247-y Authors Robert E. Sanders, Sanders Aluminum Consultilng, LLC, 114 Amy’s Point, Chapin, SC 29036, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Three diesel-dominated routes (DDRs) and three gasoline-dominated routes (GDRs) were chosen as the study sites. The total number of vehicles on GDRs (47,200) was much higher than that on DDRs (14,500). The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), elemental carbon, organic carbon, and metals from GDR roadsides was higher than that for DDRs. The diagnostic ratios (ANTHR/PHE + ANTHR, FLT/FLT + PYR, BaA/BaA + CHR, and IND/IND + BghiP + ANTHN) all indicated that the major PAH source on DDR and GDR was emissions from vehicle engine combustion. The marked diesel ratios of low molecular weight PAH 2.5 /T-PAH 2.5 , methyl-PAH 2.5 /T-PAH 2.5 , methyl-PHE/PHE, and Mo/PM 2.5 on DDRs were higher than those on GDRs. Significant correlations were found between the number of vehicles and the concentration of T-PAH 2.5 , Car-PAHs 2.5 , and BaP eq2.5 on DDRs and GDRs. The increase in the levels of T-PAH 2.5 , Car-PAHs 2.5 , and BaP eq2.5 per 100 vehicles on DDRs was about 3.3, 3.5, and 4.2 times higher than that on GDRs, respectively. The higher percentage of high-exhaust volume from the larger amount of diesel vehicles on DDRs than that on GDRs was the main factor leading to these results. The diagnostic ratios BaA 2.5 /CHR 2.5 and (BbF + BkF) 2.5 /BghiP 2.5 showed significant differences between the fine PAH sources emitted on DDRs and GDRs, whereas the diagnostic ratios Me-PAH 2.5 /T-PAH 2.5 and (BbF + BkF) 2.5 /BghiP 2.5 showed good correlations with the percentages of diesel exhaust volume in the total exhaust volume ( E diesel / E total ) on DDRs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2981-6 Authors Chung-Yih Kuo, Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China 40242 Po-Shan Chien, Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China 40242 Wan-Ching Kuo, Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China 40242 Chien-Tai Wei, Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China 40242 Jui-Yeh Rau, Department of Public Health, College of Health Care and Management, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China 40242 Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    In this study, we analyzed the relationship between buried archaeological remains (masonries, pavements, and ancient ruins) and spontaneous vegetation growing above them. We carried out several vegetation surveys in the Domitian’s Stadium at the archaeological site of the Palatine (Rome). Vegetation data were collected using the Braun-Blanquet approach and elaborated using statistical analyses (cluster analysis) to assess the similarity among surveys. Structural, chorological, and ecological features of the plant communities were analyzed. Results showed that the vegetation responds significantly to the presence of sub-emerging ancient remains. The plant bioindication of this phenomenon occurs through the following floristic-vegetation variations: phenological alterations in single individuals (reduction in height, displacement of flowering/fruiting period), increase of annual species and decrease of perennial ones, decrease of total plant coverage, reduction of maturity level of the vegetation which remains blocked at a pioneer evolutive stage. The presence of sub-surfacing ruins manifests itself through the dominant occurrence of xerophilous and not-nitrophilous species (e.g., Hypochaeris achyrophorus L., Aira elegantissima Schur, Trifolium scabrum L. ssp. scabrum , Trifolium stellatum L., Plantago lagopus L., Medicago minima (L.) L., and Catapodium rigidum (L.) C.E. Hubb. ex Dony ssp. rigidum ) and in a rarefaction of more mesophilous and nitrophilous species (e.g., Plantago lanceolata L., Trifolium pratense L. ssp. pratense , Trifolium repens L. ssp. repens , and Poa trivialis L.). Therefore, the vegetation can be used as bioindicator for the detection of buried ruins, contributing in the archaeological prospection for a general, fast, and inexpensive interpretation of the underground. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2947-8 Authors S. Ceschin, Department of Environmental Biology, University Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy G. Caneva, Department of Environmental Biology, University Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The United States has established that transient irradiation testing is needed to support advanced light water reactors fuel development. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated an effort to reestablish this capability. Restart of the Transient Testing Reactor (TREAT) facility located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is being considered for this purpose. This effort would also include the development of specialized test vehicles to support stagnant capsule and flowing loop tests as well as the enhancement of postirradiation examination capabilities and remote device assembly capabilities at the Hot Fuel Examination Facility. It is anticipated that the capability will be available to support testing by 2018, as required to meet the DOE goals for the development of accident-tolerant LWR fuel designs. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0482-2 Authors Daniel M. Wachs, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho Falls, ID 83415, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: TMS 2013 Convenes the Continuum of Materials Science and Engineering Content Type Journal Article Category Feature Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0492-0 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Heavy metal pollution was reported in commercially valuable freshwater edible fish in the Buriganga River, Bangladesh. The concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, and Cu were investigated in the muscle, gill, stomach, intestine, and liver of Heteropneustes fossilis caught at three stations to assess the degree of fish pollution by heavy metals. Significant differences in concentrations of analyzed elements were observed among different tissues, but not among the stations. The ranges of the measured concentrations (μg/g dry weight) in the tissues of H . fossilis were as follows: arsenic concentration was (0.2–0.4), (0.82–0.90), (3.29–3.99), (2.20–2.80), and (2.41–2.90), that of lead was (1.79–2.20), (4.95–6.55), (10.36–13.38), (5.74–9.70), and (18.20–18.79), that of cadmium was (0.3–0.4), (2.87–4.27), (1.03–1.63), (1.55–4.59), and (2.25–5.50), that of chromium was (1.40–1.70), (3.52–3.72), (2.28–5.29), (2.77–3.79), and (4.25–8.65), that of zinc was (24.47–28.82), (16.82–18.80), (20.22–22.20), (22.86–26.68), and (60.82–67.80), and that of copper was (7.80–8.50), (6.22–6.81), (38.21–44.25), (17.07–21.03), and (43.24–47.30) in the muscle, gill, stomach, intestine, and liver, respectively. This research showed that the liver appeared to be the main heavy metal storage tissue, while the muscle had the lowest levels of analyzed metals. The concentrations of metal in the muscles not exceeded the acceptable levels for a food source for human consumption. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2959-4 Authors Aleya Begum, Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000 Bangladesh Ahmed Ismail Mustafa, Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000 Bangladesh Md. Nurul Amin, Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000 Bangladesh Tasrina Rabia Chowdhury, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, 4 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh Shamshad Begum Quraishi, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, 4 Kazi Nazrul Islam Avenue, Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh Nasrin Banu, Department of Zoology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000 Bangladesh Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Vertical ozone and meteorological parameters were measured by tethered balloon in the boundary layer in the summer of 2009 in Beijing, China. A total of 77 tethersonde soundings were taken during the 27-day campaign. The surface ozone concentrations measured by ozonesondes and TEI 49C showed good agreement, albeit with temporal difference between the two instruments. Two case studies of nocturnal secondary ozone maxima are discussed in detail. The development of the low-level jet played a critical role leading to the observed ozone peak concentrations in nocturnal boundary layer (NBL). The maximum of surface ozone was 161.7 ppbv during the campaign, which could be attributed to abundant precursors storage near surface layer at nighttime. Vertical distribution of ozone was also measured utilizing conventional continuous analyzers on 325-m meteorological observation tower. The results showed the NBL height was between 47 and 280 m, which were consistent with the balloon data. Southerly air flow could bring ozone-rich air to Beijing, and the ozone concentrations exceeded the China’s hourly ozone standard (approximately 100 ppb) above 600 m for more than 12 h. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2958-5 Authors Zhiqiang Ma, Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100089 People’s Republic of China Honghui Xu, Zhejiang Institute of Meteorological Sciences, Hangzhou, 310017 People’s Republic of China Wei Meng, Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100089 People’s Republic of China Xiaoling Zhang, Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100089 People’s Republic of China Jing Xu, Institute of Urban Meteorology, China Meteorological Administration, Beijing, 100089 People’s Republic of China Quan Liu, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 People’s Republic of China Yuesi Wang, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 People’s Republic of China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The presence of pharmaceuticals in the environment is now a major concern given their potential adverse effects on organisms, particularly human beings. Because the feeding style and habitat of the crab Carcinus maenas make this species vulnerable to organic contaminants, it has been used previously in ecotoxicological studies. Lysosomal membrane stability (LMS) in crabs is a general indicator of cellular well-being and can be visualized by the neutral red retention (NRR) assay. LMS in crab hemolymph has been evaluated as a cellular biomarker of adverse effects produced by exposure to pharmaceutical compounds. Crabs were exposed in the laboratory to four different pharmaceuticals for 28 days in a semistatic 24-h renewal assay. Filtered seawater was spiked every 2 days with various concentrations (from 0.1 to 50 μg·L −1 ) of caffeine, ibuprofen, carbamazepine, and novobiocin. Results showed that NRR time, measured at day 28, was significantly reduced ( p  〈 0.05) after exposure to environmental concentrations of each pharmaceutical (caffeine = 15 μg·L −1 ; carbamazepine = 1 μg·L −1 ; ibuprofen = 5 μg·L −1 ; and novobiocin = 0.1 μg·L −1 ) when compared with control organisms. The predicted “no environmental effect” concentration/measured environmental concentration results showed that the selected pharmaceuticals are toxic at environmental concentrations and need further assessment. LMS monitoring in crabs is a sensitive tool for evaluating exposure to concentrations of selected drugs under laboratory conditions and provides a robust tier 1 testing approach (screening biomarker) for rapid assessment of marine pollution and environmental impact assessments for analyzing pharmaceutical contamination in aquatic environments. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2827-2 Authors G. V. Aguirre-Martínez, Cátedra UNESCO/UNITWIN/WiCop, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain S. Buratti, Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRSA), University of Bologna, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy E. Fabbri, Interdepartmental Centre for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRSA), University of Bologna, Via S. Alberto 163, 48123 Ravenna, Italy T. A. Del Valls, Cátedra UNESCO/UNITWIN/WiCop, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain M. L. Martín-Díaz, Cátedra UNESCO/UNITWIN/WiCop, Facultad de Ciencias del Mar y Ambientales, Universidad de Cádiz, Polígono Río San Pedro s/n, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Reservoirs in Taiwan are inundated with nutrients that result in algal growth, and thus also reservoir eutrophication. Controlling the phosphorus load has always been the most crucial issue for maintaining reservoir water quality. Numerous agricultural activities, especially the production of tea in riparian areas, are conducted in watersheds in Taiwan. Nutrients from such activities, including phosphorus, are typically flushed into rivers during flooding, when over 90 % of the yearly total amount of phosphorous enters reservoirs. Excessive or enhanced soil erosion from rainstorms can dramatically increase the river sediment load and the amount of particulate phosphorus flushed into rivers. When flow rates are high, particulate phosphorus is the dominant form of phosphorus, but sediment and discharge measurements are difficult during flooding, which makes estimating phosphorus flux in rivers difficult. This study determines total amounts of phosphorus transport by measuring flood discharge and phosphorous levels during flooding. Changes in particulate phosphorus, dissolved phosphorus, and their adsorption behavior during a 24-h period are analyzed owing to the fact that the time for particulate phosphorus adsorption and desorption approaching equilibrium is about 16 h. Erosion of the reservoir watershed was caused by adsorption and desorption of suspended solids in the river, a process which can be summarily described using the Lagmuir isotherm. A method for estimating the phosphorus flux in the Daiyujay Creek during Typhoon Bilis in 2006 is presented in this study. Both sediment and phosphorus are affected by the drastic discharge during flooding. Water quality data were collected during two flood events, flood in June 9, 2006 and Typhoon Bilis, to show the concentrations of suspended solids and total phosphorus during floods are much higher than normal stages. Therefore, the drastic changes of total phosphorus, particulate phosphorus, and dissolved phosphorus in rivers during flooding should be monitored to evaluate the loading of phosphorus more precisely. The results show that monitoring and controlling phosphorus transport during flooding can help prevent the eutrophication of a reservoir. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2974-5 Authors Yen-Chang Chen, Department of Civil Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan Jih-Hung Liu, Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Jan-Tai Kuo, Department of Civil Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Cheng-Fang Lin, Graduate Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Tributyltin chloride (TBTC)- and lead-resistant estuarine bacterium from Mandovi estuary, Goa, India was isolated and identified as Aeromonas caviae strain KS-1 based on biochemical characteristics and FAME analysis. It tolerates TBTC and lead up to 1.0 and 1.4 mM, respectively, in the minimal salt medium (MSM) supplemented with 0.4 % glucose. Scanning electron microscopy clearly revealed a unique morphological pattern in the form of long inter-connected chains of bacterial cells on exposure to 1 mM TBTC, whereas cells remained unaltered in presence of 1.4 mM Pb(NO 3 ) 2 but significant biosorption of lead (8 %) on the cell surface of this isolate was clearly revealed by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. SDS-PAGE analysis of whole-cell proteins of this lead-resistant isolate interestingly demonstrated three lead-induced proteins with molecular mass of 15.7, 16.9 and 32.4 kDa, respectively, when bacterial cells were grown under the stress of 1.4 mM Pb (NO 3 ) 2 . This clearly demonstrated their possible involvement exclusively in lead resistance. A. caviae strain KS-1 also showed tolerance to several other heavy metals, viz. zinc, cadmium, copper and mercury. Therefore, we can employ this TBTC and lead-resistant bacterial isolate for lead bioremediation and also for biomonitoring TBTC from lead and TBTC contaminated environment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2940-2 Authors Kashif Shamim, Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403206, India Milind Mohan Naik, Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403206, India Anju Pandey, Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403206, India Santosh Kumar Dubey, Laboratory of Bacterial Genetics and Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Microbiology, Goa University, Taleigao Plateau, Goa 403206, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 28 surface soils samples collected from Urumqi, northwest China, for examination of distributions, source contributions, and potential health effects. The results indicated that the sum of 16 PAHs concentration ranged from 331 to 15,799 μg kg −1 (dw) in soils, with a mean of 5,018 ± 4,896 μg kg −1 ( n  = 28). The sum of seven carPAHs concentration ranged from 4 to 1,879 μg kg −1 (dw; n  = 28). The highest ∑PAHs concentrations were found at roadsides and industrial sites, followed by those at parks, rural areas, and business/residential areas. Coal combustion, emission of diesel and gasoline from vehicles, and petroleum source were four sources of PAHs as determined by PMF analysis, which contributed 51.19, 19.02, 18.35, and 11.42 % to the PAH sources, respectively. Excellent coefficients of correlation between the measured and predicted PAHs concentrations suggested that the PMF model was very effective to estimate sources of PAHs in soils. Incremental lifetime cancer risk values at the 95th percentile due to human exposure to surface soils PAHs in Urumqi were 2.02 × 10 −6 for children and 2.72 × 10 −5 for adults. The results suggested that the current PAHs levels in soils from Urumqi were pervasive and moderately carcinogenic to children and adults. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2973-6 Authors Min Chen, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510275 China Ping Huang, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guang Zhou, 510275 China Li Chen, Institute of Plant Protection and Environmental Protection, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Science, Beijing, 100097 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The gas station attendants are exposed daily to chemical agents that compose gasoline, such as BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene), and the exposure to these agents can cause a variety of effects on the human health. Among the various possible cell alterations associated with these exposures are the formation of micronuclei and of binucleated cells which are used as indicators of clastogenic action. Benzene, the main carcinogenic agent, is metabolized to more soluble forms and easily excreted by isoenzymes of cytochrome P450, such as CYP1A1 . The CYP1A1 gene is highly polymorphic and one of its allele variations can be detected by the use of restriction endonucleasis Msp I and is originated by the transition of a thymine by a cytosine (3798T〉C), resulting in the polymorphic allele CYP1A1*2A . The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytogenetic damage induced by the exposure to BTEX and to associate it with the polymorphisms of the CYP1A1 and NR1I3 genes. Samples of exfoliated cells from the oral mucosa of 27 gas station attendants and from a control group were collected. The results found show that the group exposed to BTEX presents significantly higher alterations than those in the control group for micronuclei (MN; 6.85 ± 1.33 vs. 2.96 ± 1.91, P  〈 0.001) and for the total of nuclear alterations observed (MN + binucleated cells (BNC); 9.59 ± 4.73 vs. 5.07 ± 2.21, P  〈 0.001). When comparing the cytological alterations and the genotypes among the exposed individuals for the polymorphism 3798T〉C of the CYP1A1 gene, homozygotes TT present MN + BNC significantly higher than carriers of the allele C (10.88 ± 5.36 vs. 5.33 ± 2.52, P  = 0.028). No association was observed in the control group or for the NR1I3 gene. These results show that molecular and cytogenetic data can be used in the future as tools to monitor individuals exposed to such compounds. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2992-3 Authors João Carlos Fraga da Rosa, Laboratório de Mutagênese e Toxicologia, Centro Universitário Metodista—IPA, Rua Demetrio Ribeiro, 151 Apt 702, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Marilu Fiegenbaum, Laboratório de Mutagênese e Toxicologia, Centro Universitário Metodista—IPA, Rua Demetrio Ribeiro, 151 Apt 702, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Ane Lise Soledar, Laboratório de Mutagênese e Toxicologia, Centro Universitário Metodista—IPA, Rua Demetrio Ribeiro, 151 Apt 702, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Matheus Souza Claus, Laboratório de Mutagênese e Toxicologia, Centro Universitário Metodista—IPA, Rua Demetrio Ribeiro, 151 Apt 702, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Antonio Daniel de Souza Nunes, Laboratório Econsulting Projetos e Consultoria Ambiental Sociedade Simples Ltda, Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Valesca Veiga Cardoso, Laboratório de Mutagênese e Toxicologia, Centro Universitário Metodista—IPA, Rua Demetrio Ribeiro, 151 Apt 702, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    During production of primary and secondary aluminum, various amounts (in some cases up to 200 kg) of aluminum dross, a mixture consisting of molten aluminum metal and different oxide compounds (the nonmetallic phase), are skimmed per tonne of molten metal. To preserve the maximum aluminum content in hot dross for further extraction, it is necessary to cool the dross immediately after skimming. One way to do this is to press the skimmed hot dross in a press. In this process, the skimmed dross is transformed into so-called pressed skulls, with characteristic geometry convenient for storage, transport, or further in-house processing. Because of its high aluminum content—usually between 30% and 70%—pressed skulls represent a valuable source of aluminum and hence are in great demand in the aluminum recycling industry. Because pressed skulls are generally valued on a free-metal recovery basis, which is influenced by the yield of recovery, or in other words, by the quality of the recycling process, it was recognized as important and useful to develop a method of fast and cost-effective nondestructive measurement of the free aluminum content in pressed skulls, independent of the technology of pressed skulls recycling. In the model developed in this work, the aluminum content in pressed skulls was expressed as a function of the pressed skulls density, the density of the nonmetallic phase, and the volume fraction of closed pores. In addition, the model demonstrated that under precisely defined conditions (i.e., skulls from the dross of the same aluminum alloy and skimmed, transported, cooled, and pressed in the same way and under the same processing conditions), when other parameters except the pressed skulls density remain constant, the aluminum content in pressed skulls can be expressed as a linear function of the pressed skulls density. Following the theoretical considerations presented in this work, a practical industrial methodology was developed for nondestructive prediction of the amount of free aluminum in pressed skulls w Al , based on nondestructive measurement of the density ρ of the pressed skulls. The pressed skulls density is measured by a fully automatic gas displacement pyknometer with a working volume large enough to enable the insertion of the whole pressed skull sample. An additional integral part of this methodology is the set of experimentally determined linear graphs w Al - ρ , plotted in advance for all classes of pressed skulls existing in the plant, from the experimentally collected data on pressed skulls density and aluminum recovery by melting. After selecting the proper graph w Al - ρ , which is usually performed on an aluminum alloy basis, the pyknometric measured density of the pressed skulls can be routinely related to the aluminum content sought, within a relative error of ±5%. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0501-3 Authors Varuzan Kevorkijan, Betnavska Cesta 6, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia Srečo Davor Škapin, Advanced Materials Department, Jožef Štefan Institute, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia Uroš Kovačec, Impol Aluminum Industry, 2310 Slovenska Bistrica, Slovenia Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Gas-Alloy Interactions at Elevated Temperatures Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0478-y Authors Raymundo Arroyave, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Program, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA Michael Gao, URS Corporation at National Energy Technology Laboratory, Albany, OR 97321, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Materials Issues Related to the Use of Light Water Reactor Fuels Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0484-0 Authors Dennis D. Keiser Jr., Idaho National Laboratory, P. O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 83403-6188, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The local effects of stress from a mechanical indentation have been studied on a Ni 3 Al single crystal containing submicron inclusions of molybdenum fibers. X-ray microdiffraction (PXM) was used to measure elastic and plastic deformations near the indents. An analysis of freshly acquired massive sets of PXM data has been carried out over the Science Studio network using parallel processing software called FOXMAS. This network and the FOXMAS software have greatly improved the efficiency of the data processing task. The analysis was successfully applied to study lattice orientation distribution and strain tensor components for both the Ni 3 Al and the Mo phases, particularly around eight indents patterned at the longitudinal section of the alloy. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0496-9 Authors N. S. McIntyre, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada R. I. Barabash, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA J. Qin, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada M. Kunz, Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA N. Tamura, Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA H. Bei, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Produced ceramic-lined steel pipe using the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) method has found uses in many applications. A SHS-centrifugal machine was designed to produce a ceramic-lined steel pipe from ferric oxide and aluminum powder (thermite mixture) under high centrifugal acceleration. The obtained products are expected to be Al 2 O 3 ceramic in the innermost layer and a Fe layer in a region between the outer steel pipes. In the present work, specific regions of a pipe was particularly observed to investigate the stuck (dead) spaces at the pipe head because of its importance in further processes (joining, welding, etc.) which may affect the quality of the next operations. In this article, the product’s composition, phase separation, microhardness, and surface finish were studied on three zones of the pipe. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0498-7 Authors R. Mahmoodian, Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia R. G. Rahbari, Restorative Dentistry Department, Dentistry Faculty, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G1G6, Canada M. Hamdi, Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia M. A. Hassan, Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Processing (AMMP), University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Mahdi Sparham, Department of Engineering Design and Manufacture, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The evolution of deformation structures in individual grains embedded in polycrystalline copper specimens during strain path changes is observed in situ by high-resolution reciprocal space mapping with high-energy synchrotron radiation. A large number of individual subgrains is resolved; their behavior during the strain path change is revealed and complemented by the analysis of radial x-ray peak profiles for the entire grain. This allows distinction between two different regimes during the mechanically transient behavior following the strain path change: Below 0.3% strain, the number and orientation of the resolved subgrains change only slightly, while their elastic stresses are significantly altered. This indicates the existence of a microplastic regime during which only the subgrains deform plastically and no yielding of the dislocation walls occurs. After reloading above 0.3% strain, the elastic stresses of individual subgrains are about the same as in unidirectionally deformed reference specimens. They increase only slightly during further straining—accompanied by occasional emergence of new subgrains, abundant orientation changes, and disappearance of existing subgrains. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0504-0 Authors Christian Wejdemann, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Henning Friis Poulsen, Department of Physics, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Ulrich Lienert, DESY Photon Science, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, 22603 Hamburg, Germany Wolfgang Pantleon, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    As organisms are typically exposed to chemical mixtures over long periods of time, chronic mixture toxicity is the best way to perform an environmental risk assessment (ERA). However, it is difficult to obtain the chronic mixture toxicity data due to the high expense and the complexity of the data acquisition method. Therefore, an approach was proposed in this study to predict chronic mixture toxicity. The acute (15 min exposure) and chronic (24 h exposure) toxicity of eight antibiotics and trimethoprim to Vibrio fischeri were determined in both single and binary mixtures. The results indicated that the risk quotients (RQs) of antibiotics should be based on the chronic mixture toxicity. To predict the chronic mixture toxicity, a docking-based receptor library of antibiotics and the receptor-library-based quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model were developed. Application of the developed QSAR model to the ERA of antibiotic mixtures demonstrated that there was a close affinity between RQs based on the observed chronic toxicity and the corresponding RQs based on the predicted data. The average coefficients of variations were 46.26 and 34.93 % and the determination coefficients ( R 2 ) were 0.999 and 0.998 for the low concentration group and the high concentration group, respectively. This result convinced us that the receptor library would be a promising tool for predicting the chronic mixture toxicity of antibiotics and that it can be further applied in ERA. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2885-5 Authors Xiaoming Zou, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Xianghong Zhou, Department of Public Management, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Zhifen Lin, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Ziqing Deng, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Daqiang Yin, State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Organic acid has been related to nutrient mobilization, mainly in phosphorus (P) insoluble utilization, and therefore enhances P bioavailability. In this study, we examined the effect of low-molecular-weight organic acids (malic, citric, and oxalic acids) on P release of some calcareous soils from western Iran. Fractionation and speciation of P in the soil solution were studied at the initial and final P release. Significantly different quantities of P were extracted by the organic acids. On average the maximum (1,554.9 mg kg -1 ) and the minimum (1,260.5 mg kg -1 ) P were extracted by 10 mM oxalic and malic acid, respectively. Power equation described well P release. In the initial stage of P release, the solution samples in soils were supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite and β-TCP. At the end of P release, all solutions were undersaturated with phosphate minerals. The percentage of Fe-Al oxide fraction generally increased after P release, while carbonate and residual P fractions were decreased in all organic acids. Compared with the native soils, adding malic and citric acids had no effect on Fe-Al oxide fraction, but oxalic acid significantly reduced this fraction. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2960-y Authors M. Taghipour, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran M. Jalali, Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    A survey of the elemental contents of K, Mg, Mn, Na, Cl, Br, Cs, Co, Rb, Fe, Zn, Al, Ti, V, As, Ag, Au and Cd in liver, kidney and muscle was performed in specimens of Commerson’s dolphins ( Cephalorhynchus c. commersonii ) from subantarctic waters. The concentrations were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and the specimens derives from animals incidentally caught in artisanal fishing nets. Liver had the highest concentrations of Fe, 897(79) μg g −1 DW (dry weight) (average; standard deviation in parenthesis), kidney had the highest Cd, 35 (24) μg g −1 DW; Cl, 9,200 (1,700) μg g −1 DW; Na, 6,800 (1,100) μg g −1 DW and Br, 73(12) μg g −1 DW; and muscle the highest Mg 954 (71) μg g −1 DW. Potassium and Cs concentrations in muscle and kidney ranged in 12,510–13,020 and 0.230–0.252 μg g −1 DW, respectively; Zn and Mn concentrations were similar in liver and kidney (117–122.1 and 3.66–16.5 μg g −1 DW, respectively). Silver was high in liver 5.4(5.0) μg g −1 DW and kidney 1.2(2.7) μg g −1 DW. Gold, Rb, Co and As had no differences among tissues. Likewise, as in other odontocete species, the concentrations of essential elements showed little variation between the specimens analyzed, since they are regulated biochemically; however, heavy metals showed high variability. This study constitutes the first large description of the elemental composition in Commerson’s dolphins from subantarctic waters of the South Atlantic Ocean. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2952-y Authors Iris Cáceres-Saez, Laboratorio de Ecología, Comportamiento y Mamíferos Marinos (LECyMM), Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN-CONICET), Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR Buenos Aires, Argentina Sergio Ribeiro Guevara, Laboratorio de Análisis por Activación Neutrónica, Centro Atómico Bariloche - Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CAB-CNEA), Av. E. Bustillo 9500, 8400 Bariloche, Argentina Natalia A. Dellabianca, Museo Acatushún de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos Australes, Sarmiento 44, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina R. Natalie P. Goodall, Museo Acatushún de Aves y Mamíferos Marinos Australes, Sarmiento 44, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina H. Luis Cappozzo, Laboratorio de Ecología, Comportamiento y Mamíferos Marinos (LECyMM), Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia” (MACN-CONICET), Av. Ángel Gallardo 470, C1405DJR Buenos Aires, Argentina Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Defining “forest land” is a complex issue and has been discussed for decades. Today, a confusing multitude of definitions of forest land are in use making comparison of forest area figures difficult. But currently, comparability is receiving much attention when it comes to install market mechanisms for ecosystem services. Minimum crown cover is among the most frequently employed criteria of forest definitions. However, the size of the reference area on which the crown cover percent is to be measured is usually not defined. But how does a change of the size of the reference area affect the derived forest cover? In this study, we analyze the interactions of the crown cover threshold and the size of the reference area. We start with analyzing the interactions using a simple geometric model of the forest edge. Then, we extend the analysis by simulating artificial landscapes where we study how the interaction is affected by different degrees of forest fragmentation, crown cover proportion, and spatial resolution of the data source used. The simulation showed that large differences in forest cover (〉50 %) may result for a fixed crown cover threshold value, just by changing the size of the reference area, where the magnitude of this effect is a function of the chosen threshold value and the spatial configuration of the crowns. As a consequence of the findings, we see an urgent need to complete forest definitions by defining a reference area in order to reduce uncertainties of forest cover estimates. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2950-0 Authors Paul Magdon, Chair of Forest Inventory and Remote Sensing, Burckhardt-Institute, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Büsgenweg 5, Göttingen, 37077 Germany Christoph Kleinn, Chair of Forest Inventory and Remote Sensing, Burckhardt-Institute, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Büsgenweg 5, Göttingen, 37077 Germany Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Deforestation and fragmentation are important concerns in managing and conserving tropical forests and have global significance. In the Indian context, in the last one century, the forests have undergone significant changes due to several policies undertaken by government as well as increased population pressure. The present study has brought out spatiotemporal changes in forest cover and variation in forest type in the state of Odisha (Orissa), India, during the last 75 years period. The mapping for the period of 1924–1935, 1975, 1985, 1995 and 2010 indicates that the forest cover accounts for 81,785.6 km 2 (52.5 %), 56,661.1 km 2 (36.4 %), 51,642.3 km 2 (33.2 %), 49,773 km 2 (32 %) and 48,669.4 km 2 (31.3 %) of the study area, respectively. The study found the net forest cover decline as 40.5 % of the total forest and mean annual rate of deforestation as 0.69 % year −1 during 1935 to 2010. There is a decline in annual rate of deforestation during 1995 to 2010 which was estimated as 0.15 %. Forest type-wise quantitative loss of forest cover reveals large scale deforestation of dry deciduous forests. The landscape analysis shows that the number of forest patches (per 1,000) are 2.463 in 1935, 10.390 in 1975, 11.899 in 1985, 12.193 in 1995 and 15.102 in 2010, which indicates high anthropogenic pressure on the forests. The mean patch size (km 2 ) of forest decreased from 33.2 in 1935 to 5.5 in 1975 and reached to 3.2 by 2010. The study demonstrated that monitoring of long term forest changes, quantitative loss of forest types and landscape metrics provides critical inputs for management of forest resources. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2877-5 Authors C. Sudhakar Reddy, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500 625 India C. S. Jha, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500 625 India V. K. Dadhwal, National Remote Sensing Centre, ISRO, Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500 625 India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Molybdenite concentrates are usually treated by roasting, but low-concentration SO 2 pollution is an associated problem. A hydrometallurgical process with pressure oxidation leaching (POX) and solvent extraction (SX) was developed in recent years. During POX, the oxidation of molybdenum (Mo) is above 98%. More than 95% of the rhenium (Re) and 15% to 20% of the Mo are leached into solution. The sulfur in the concentrate is converted to H 2 SO 4 , which results in high acidity of the solution. SX was used to recover the Re and Mo from the solution. The extraction of Re and Mo were above 98%. The loaded organic reagent is stripped with ammonia. More than 98% of the Mo can be stripped from the organic phase. Compared with the roasting process, the total recovery of Mo increased from 93% to 97% and that of Re from 60% to 90% when POX and SX are utilized. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0457-3 Authors Kaixi Jiang, Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Building 23, Zone 18 of ABP, No. 188, South 4th Ring Road West, Beijing, 100160 China Yufang Wang, Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Building 23, Zone 18 of ABP, No. 188, South 4th Ring Road West, Beijing, 100160 China Xiaoping Zou, Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Building 23, Zone 18 of ABP, No. 188, South 4th Ring Road West, Beijing, 100160 China Lei Zhang, Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Building 23, Zone 18 of ABP, No. 188, South 4th Ring Road West, Beijing, 100160 China Sanping Liu, Beijing General Research Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Building 23, Zone 18 of ABP, No. 188, South 4th Ring Road West, Beijing, 100160 China Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    In the quest to achieve the highest metal recovery during the smelting of copper concentrates, this study has evaluated the minimum level of soluble copper in iron-silicate slags. The experimental work was performed under slag-cleaning conditions for different levels of Fe in the matte and for a range of Fe/SiO 2 ratios in the slag. All experiments were carried out under conditions where three phases were present (copper–matte–slag), which is the condition typically prevailing in many slag-cleaning electric furnaces. The %Fe in the electric furnace matte was varied between 0.5 wt.% and 11 wt.%, and two different Fe/SiO 2 ratios in the slag were used (targeted values were 1.4 and 1.6). All experiments were performed at 1200°C. From thermodynamic considerations, from industrial experience, and from the results obtained in this study, the minimum soluble copper content in the electric furnace slag is expected to be near 0.55 wt.% Cu. This level does not account for a portion of the copper present as mechanically entrained matte/metal droplets. Taking this into account, the current authors believe an overall copper level in discard slag between 0.7 wt.% and 0.8 wt.% can be obtained with optimal operating conditions. For these conditions, the copper losses in the slag are roughly 75% as dissolved copper and 25% as entrained matte and copper. Such conditions include operating the electric furnace at metallic copper saturation, maintaining the %Fe in the electric furnace matte between 6 wt.% and 9 wt.%, not exceeding a slag temperature of 1250°C, and controlling the Fe/SiO 2 ratio in the smelting furnace slag at ≤1.5. In addition, magnetite reduction needs to be performed efficiently during the slag-cleaning cycle so as to maintain a total magnetite content of ≤7 wt.% in the discard slag. The authors further consider that under exceptionally well-controlled conditions, a copper content in electric furnace discard slag between 0.55 wt.% and 0.7 wt.% can be obtained, by minimizing entrained matte and copper solubility in the discard slag. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0454-6 Authors Pascal Coursol, Barrick Gold Corporation, Toronto, ON, Canada Nubia Cardona Valencia, Kingston Process Metallurgy, Kingston, ON, Canada Phillip Mackey, P. J. Mackey Technology Inc., Kirkland, QC, Canada Stacy Bell, Kingston Process Metallurgy, Kingston, ON, Canada Boyd Davis, Kingston Process Metallurgy, Kingston, ON, Canada Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    The baked anode quality control strategy currently used by most carbon plants based on testing anode core samples in the laboratory is inadequate for facing increased raw material variability. The low core sampling rate limited by lab capacity and the common practice of reporting averaged properties based on some anode population mask a significant amount of individual anode variability. In addition, lab results are typically available a few weeks after production and the anodes are often already set in the reduction cells preventing early remedial actions when necessary. A database approach is proposed in this work to develop a soft-sensor for predicting individual baked anode properties at the end of baking cycle. A large historical database including raw material properties, process operating parameters and anode core data was collected from a modern Alcoa plant. A multivariate latent variable PLS regression method was used for analyzing the large database and building the soft-sensor model. It is shown that the general low frequency trends in most anode physical and mechanical properties driven by raw material changes are very well captured by the model. Improvements in the data infrastructure (instrumentation, sampling frequency and location) will be necessary for predicting higher frequency variations in individual baked anode properties. This paper also demonstrates how multivariate latent variable models can be interpreted against process knowledge and used for real-time process monitoring of carbon plants, and detection of faults and abnormal operation. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0433-y Authors Julien Lauzon-Gauthier, Aluminium Research Center-REGAL, Chemical Engineering Department, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada Carl Duchesne, Aluminium Research Center-REGAL, Chemical Engineering Department, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada Jayson Tessier, Alcoa Inc., Global Primary Metals, Center of Excellence, Deschambault, QC G0A 1S0, Canada Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Since the 16th century, the Inca site of Curamba, in southern Peru, has been interpreted as a metallurgical center for processing silver ore. Yet, aside from the many shallow pits, interpreted as hornos for smelting silver, there was no physical evidence for the use of huayras or tocochimbos , which were the structures traditionally used for precontact silver smelting in the ancient Andes. Geochemical analyses (inductively coupled plasma) of scoria excavated from the hornos at Curamba indicate low Ag (〈0.3 ppm to 0.4 ppm), Au (〈2 ppm), and Cu (18 ppm to 31 ppm) contents, whereas Pb (155 ppm to 234 ppm) and Zn (125 ppm to 259 ppm) contents were high. This suggests that nonargentiferous galena (PbS) was smelted to obtain lead. A lead-zinc signature is also indicated by the presence of As, Ba, Fe, Mn, and V, yet no ore minerals such as PbS or sphalerite [(Zn,Fe)S] have been found at the site. Several precontact lead artifacts from ancient Peru have been described as bars ( lingotes ) or weights ( pesos ). However, alternatively, these artifacts might be more accurately described as: (a) biconic to ovoid (30 mm to 60 mm, 30 g to 40 g) or (b) spherical (35 mm, 80 g to 160 g); therefore, in composition, dimensions, form, and weight, these ancient Peruvian lead artifacts from the north coast are strikingly similar to ancient Roman and Celtic lead sling ammunition from first-century BC battle sites, and are herein interpreted to have served a similar function in ancient Andean warfare. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0456-4 Authors William E. Brooks, Reston, VA 20191, USA Luisa Vetter Parodi, Estudios Andinos, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Lima, Peru Armando V. Farfán, History Department, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA David Dykstra, Lopez, Metales, Museo Larco, Lima, Peru Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: MATERIALS RESOURCE CENTER: Positions Available Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0470-6 Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of the leachates originally from the different types of landfill sites was studied based on the data measured using the two manometric methods. The measurements of BOD using the dilution method were carried out to assess the typical physicochemical and biological characteristics of the leachates together with some other parameters. The linear regression analysis was used to predict rate constants for biochemical reactions and ultimate BOD values of the different leachates. The rate of a biochemical reaction implicated in microbial biodegradation of pollutants depends on the leachate characteristics, mass of contaminant in the leachate, and nature of the leachate. Character of leachate samples for BOD analysis of using the different methods may differ significantly during the experimental period, resulting in different BOD values. This work intends to verify effect of the different dilutions for the manometric method tests on the BOD concentrations of the leachate samples to contribute to the assessment of reaction rate and microbial consumption of oxygen. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2899-z Authors Mohamad Ali Fulazzaky, Institute of Environmental and Water Resources Management, Water Research Alliance, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia 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 source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River and the Moson Danube branch. A total of 217 samples (water and sediments) were collected from four different sampling sites in the period of 2001–2010 and analysed for the 16 priority US Environmental Protection Agency PAHs. Concentrations of total 16 PAHs (∑PAHs) in water samples ranged from 25 to 1,208 ng/L, which were predominated by two- and three-ring PAHs. The ∑PAH concentrations in sediments ranged from 8.3 to 1,202.5 ng/g dry weight. Four-ring PAHs including fluoranthene and pyrene were the dominant species in sediment samples. A selected number of concentration ratios of specific PAH compounds were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAH contamination. The ratios reflected a pattern of pyrogenic input as a major source of PAHs. The levels of PAHs determined were compared with other sections of the Danube and other regions of the world. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2892-6 Authors Andrea Szabó Nagy, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Széchenyi István University, Egyetem square 1., 9026 Győr, Hungary Gábor Simon, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Széchenyi István University, Egyetem square 1., 9026 Győr, Hungary János Szabó, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Széchenyi István University, Egyetem square 1., 9026 Győr, Hungary István Vass, North Transdanubian Regional Environmental Protection, Nature Conservation and Water Management Inspectorate Laboratory, Török Ignác Street 68., 9028 Győr, Hungary Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    A data matrix, obtained during a 3-year monitoring period (2007–2009) from 45 sampling sites in Hong Kong marine, was subjected to determine the spatial characterization and identify the sources of main pollutants. Indicator analyses indicated that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nickel, manganese, and arsenic (As) were at safe levels. Five heavy metals (zinc, lead, cupper, cadmium, chromium (Cr)) were moderate to severe enrichment at some sites. Inner Deep Bay and Victoria Harbor were considered as hot spots for PAHs and the heavy metals, while Tolo Harbor was highly polluted by the heavy metals. Cluster analysis classified the 45 sampling sites into three groups, representing different pollution levels. Principal component analysis/factor analysis identified four principal components (PCs) and explained 84.9 % of the total variances, standing for persistent pollution, N factor, P and Cr factor, and As factor, respectively. Group A was highly polluted by persistent pollution, group B was the less polluted group, and subgroup B1 was less affected by PC3 and PC4 than subgroup B2. Group C, considered as the moderately polluted group, was greatly affected by N factor or persistent pollution, while subgroup C2 received more N pollution than subgroup C1. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2897-1 Authors Xuan Zhang, Key Laboratory of Cleaner Production and Industrial Wastes Recycling and Resourcization, Shandong Polytechnic University, Jinan, 250353 People’s Republic of China Honglei Jiang, School of Light Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Polytechnic University, Jinan, 250353 People’s Republic of China Yaozong Zhang, Tangshan Municipal Drainage Co. Ltd., Tangshan, 063000 People’s Republic of China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    A simple, sensitive, and accurate UV spectrophotometric method has been developed for the determination of nickel in synthetic mixture and water samples. The method is based on the complexation reaction of nickel ion with cefixime, thus leading to the formation of Ni–cefixime complex in ethanol-distilled water medium at room temperature. The complex showed the maximum absorption wavelength at 332 nm. Beer’s law is obeyed in the working concentration range of 0.447–4.019 μg mL −1 with apparent molar absorptivity of 7.314 × 10 3  L mol −1  cm −1 and Sandell’s sensitivity of 0.008 μg/cm 2 /0.001 absorbance unit. The limits of detection and quantitation for the proposed method are 0.016 and 0.054 μg mL −1 , respectively. The factors such as cefixime concentration and solvent affecting the complexation reaction were carefully studied and optimized. The method is validated as per the International Conference on Harmonisation guideline. The method is successfully applied to the determination of Ni(II) in synthetic mixture and wadi water samples collected from Al Rustaq. The same water samples are also analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Both methods determined the amount of Ni(II) in water sample and found to be approximately the same. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2894-4 Authors Syed Najmul Hejaz Azmi, Department of Applied Sciences, Chemistry Section, Higher College of Technology, Al-Khuwair-133, P. O. Box 74, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Bashir Iqbal, Department of Applied Sciences, Chemistry Section, Higher College of Technology, Al-Khuwair-133, P. O. Box 74, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Reem Saif Al Khanbashi, Department of Applied Sciences, Chemistry Section, Higher College of Technology, Al-Khuwair-133, P. O. Box 74, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Nadia Humaid Al Hamhami, Department of Applied Sciences, Chemistry Section, Higher College of Technology, Al-Khuwair-133, P. O. Box 74, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Nafisur Rahman, Department of Chemistry, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, 202002 Uttar Pradesh, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Identification and quantification of dissolved oxygen (DO) profiles of river is one of the primary concerns for water resources managers. In this research, an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to simulate the DO concentrations in the Heihe River, Northwestern China. A three-layer back-propagation ANN was used with the Bayesian regularization training algorithm. The input variables of the neural network were pH, electrical conductivity, chloride (Cl − ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), total alkalinity, total hardness, nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 -N), and ammonical nitrogen (NH 4 -N). The ANN structure with 14 hidden neurons obtained the best selection. By making comparison between the results of the ANN model and the measured data on the basis of correlation coefficient ( r ) and root mean square error (RMSE), a good model-fitting DO values indicated the effectiveness of neural network model. It is found that the coefficient of correlation ( r ) values for the training, validation, and test sets were 0.9654, 0.9841, and 0.9680, respectively, and the respective values of RMSE for the training, validation, and test sets were 0.4272, 0.3667, and 0.4570, respectively. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine the influence of input variables on the dependent variable. The most effective inputs were determined as pH, NO 3 -N, NH 4 -N, and Ca 2+ . Cl − was found to be least effective variables on the proposed model. The identified ANN model can be used to simulate the water quality parameters. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2874-8 Authors Xiaohu Wen, Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chunhui Rd 17, Yantai, 264003 Shandong Province, China Jing Fang, Cold and Arid Regions Environmental and Engineering Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, West Donggang Rd 320, Lanzhou, 730000 Gansu Province, China Meina Diao, Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chunhui Rd 17, Yantai, 264003 Shandong Province, China Chuanqi Zhang, Key Laboratory of Coastal Zone Environmental Processes, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chunhui Rd 17, Yantai, 264003 Shandong Province, China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The pristine waters of Kashmir Himalaya are showing signs of deterioration due to multiple reasons. This study researches the causes of deteriorating water quality in the Lidder River, one of the main tributaries of Jhelum River in Kashmir Himalaya. The land use and land cover of the Lidder catchment were generated using multi-spectral, bi-seasonal IRS LISS III (October 2005 and May 2006) satellite data to identify the extent of agriculture and horticulture lands that are the main non-point sources of pollution at the catchment scale. A total of 12 water quality parameters were analyzed over a period of 1 year. Water sampling was done at eight different sampling sites, each with a varied topography and distinct land use/land cover, along the length of Lidder River. It was observed that water quality deteriorated during the months of June–August that coincides with the peak tourist flow and maximal agricultural/horticultural activity. Total phosphorus, orthophosphate phosphorus, nitrate nitrogen, and ammoniacal nitrogen showed higher concentration in the months of July and August, while the concentration of dissolved oxygen decreased in the same period, resulting in deterioration in water quality. Moreover, tourism influx in the Lidder Valley shows a drastic increase through the years, and particularly, the number of tourists visiting the valley has increased in the summer months from June to September, which is also responsible for deteriorating the water quality of Lidder River. In addition to this, the extensive use of fertilizers and pesticides in the agriculture and horticulture lands during the growing season (June–August) is also responsible for the deteriorating water quality of Lidder River. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2898-0 Authors Irfan Rashid, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir 190006, India Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Department of Earth Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Kashmir 190006, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description: Erratum to: Monitoring of heavy metals uptake and allocation in Pinus sylvestris organs in alkalised soil Content Type Journal Article Category Erratum Pages 1-1 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2878-4 Authors Malle Mandre, Department of Ecophysiology, Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Viljandi mnt 18B, 11216 Tallinn, Estonia Katri Ots, Department of Ecophysiology, Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Viljandi mnt 18B, 11216 Tallinn, Estonia Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    During the last decade, important improvements have been made in the application of thermodynamic models for studying the molten cryolite system used in the Hall–Heroult process. This approach allows a better understanding and paves the way for furthering developments in bath chemistry and molten metal processing. In this article, thermodynamic modeling is used to explore the operating windows in the reduction of alumina in molten cryolite. The impact of a range of concentrations of AlF 3 , CaF 2 , and Al 2 O 3 in conventional or “lithium-free” baths is also discussed. Subsequently, the model was also used to evaluate the impact of additions of lithium fluoride to the bath. Conditions allowing an operation at lower cell voltages and lower bath temperatures were identified. The modeling approach described in this article is considered as an important innovation to revisit fundamentals, to constantly re-examine paradigms, and to identify potential modifications in bath chemistry for improving energy efficiency and productivity of modern prebaked Hall–Heroult cells. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0426-x Authors Pascal Coursol, Aluminerie Alouette, Sept-Iles, QC, Canada Gilles Dufour, Aluminerie Alouette, Sept-Iles, QC, Canada Jules Coté, Aluminerie Alouette, Sept-Iles, QC, Canada Patrice Chartrand, Département de génie chimique, École Polytechnique, Centre de Recherche en Calcul Thermochimique, Montréal, QC, Canada Phillip Mackey, P.J. Mackey Technology, Kirkland, QC, Canada Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    New electrorefining technology utilizes a novel manifold electrolyte inlet, which allows improving productivity and production in new and existing tankhouses at high current efficiency and very good cathode quality. Two installation examples—Montanwerke Brixlegg AG, Brixlegg, Austria (upgrade existing tankhouse) and Xiangguang Copper, Yanggu, China (new tankhouse)—demonstrate the use of current densities above 400 A/m 2 at very high current efficiency in electrorefining. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0459-1 Authors Andreas Filzwieser, METTOP GmbH, Leoben, Austria Iris Filzwieser, METTOP GmbH, Leoben, Austria Stefan Konetschnik, METTOP GmbH, Leoben, Austria Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description: Innovations in Hydrometallurgical and Electrometallurgical Processing: A TMS2012 Symposium Sampling Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-2 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0460-8 Authors Michael L. Free, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA Shijie Wang, Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    This study identifies and quantifies the spatial variations of metal contamination in water, sediment and biota: the common cockle ( Cerastoderma edule ) and the Mermaid’s glove sponge ( Haliclona oculata ), within a heavily anthropogenically impacted semi-enclosed estuarine–coastal area with a low ability to disperse and flush contaminants (Poole Harbour, UK). The results showed that metal contamination was detected in all environmental compartments. Water was polluted with As, and Hg sediment metals were mostly within “the possible effect range” in which adverse effects occasionally occurs. Cockles had considerable concentrations of Ni, Ag and Hg in areas close to pollution sources, and sponges accumulate Cu and Zn with very high magnitude. A systematic monitoring approach that includes biological monitoring techniques, which covers all embayments, is needed, and an integrated management of the semi-enclosed coastal zones should be based on the overall hydrological characteristics of these sensitive areas and their ability to self‐restore which is different than open coastal zones. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-17 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2837-0 Authors Walid Aly, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ UK Ian D. Williams, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ UK Malcolm D. Hudson, Centre for Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton, Hampshire, SO17 1BJ UK Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Nonylphenol is an endocrine disruptor with harmful effects including feminization and carcinogenesis on various organisms. This study aims to investigate the distribution and ecological risks of nonylphenol in the Daliao River Estuary, China. Nonylphenol, together with other phenolic endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A, 4- t -butylphenol, 4- t -octylphenol, and 2,4-dichlorophenol), was detected in surface water and sediment on three cruises in May 2009, June 2010, and August 2010, respectively. A large flooding occurred during our sampling campaign in August and its effect on nonylphenol concentrations and fluxes in the estuary was therefore evaluated. The results showed that nonylphenol with a concentration range between 83.6–777 ng l −1 and 1.5–456 ng g −1 dw in surface water and sediment was the most abundant among the phenolic compounds, accounting for 59.1–81.0 and 79.9–92.1 % of the total phenolic concentration in surface water and sediment, respectively. The concentrations recorded in May and June were comparable, whereas those in August were considerably higher, mainly due to the flush of flooding. The flooding also caused a 50 times increase in nonylphenol flux from the estuary into the adjacent Bohai Sea. Nonylphenol concentrations in the estuary have exceeded the threshold level of undesirable effects with a potential risk of harm to local species, especially benthic organisms. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2938-9 Authors Zhengyan Li, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 238 Songling Road, Qingdao, 266100 People ’s Republic of China Mark Gibson, Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science, Dalhousie University, Sexton Campus, 1360 Barrington St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3J 2X4, Canada Chang Liu, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 238 Songling Road, Qingdao, 266100 People ’s Republic of China Hong Hu, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, 238 Songling Road, Qingdao, 266100 People ’s Republic of China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Antioxidant capacity, total phenol and mineral contents of aerial parts of sage belonging to some Salvia species were established. The lowest and highest antioxidant values of Salvia dichroantha Stapf and Salvia heldreichiana Boiss. ex Benth. extracts were found as 73.855 and 80.207 mg GAE/g, respectively. While the highest total phenol was established in Salvia tomentosa Mil. (13.316 mg GAE/100 ml), the lowest level was found in Salvia halophila Hedge (6.168 mg GAE/100 ml). While K contents of plants changed between 14,518 and 24,171 mg/kg, Ca contents ranged between 12,402 and 18,553 mg/kg. P and Mg contents were found low compared with K and P values of plants. Mg content was changed between 2,118 and 2,914 mg/kg; the mean was calculated as 2,496 mg/kg. P contents of plants were determined between 1,385 to 1,910 mg/kg. As a microelement, Fe was found at the highest level. Fe contents of plants were found between 179 and 782 mg/kg. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2935-z Authors Melek Er, Konya, Turkey Osman Tugay, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey Mehmet Musa Özcan, Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Selcuk, 42031 Konya, Turkey Deniz Ulukuş, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey Fahad AL-Juhaimi, Department of Food Science and 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:    A review of the metal–hydrogen systems modeled or investigated with the CALPHAD method is presented. The specific features of metal–hydrogen systems in relation with the CALPHAD modeling are detailed, and the problems and needs related to the description of such systems are highlighted. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s11837-012-0462-6 Authors J.-M. Joubert, Chimie Métallurgique des Terres Rares (CMTR), Institut de Chimie et des Matériaux Paris-Est (ICMPE), CNRS, Université Paris-Est Créteil, 94320 Thiais Cedex, France Journal JOM Journal of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society Online ISSN 1543-1851 Print ISSN 1047-4838

Description:    This paper gives an account of the implementation of a decision support system for assessing aquifer pollution hazard and prioritizing subwatersheds for groundwater resources management in the southeastern Pampa plain of Argentina. The use of this system is demonstrated with an example from Dulce Stream Basin (1,000 km 2 encompassing 27 subwatersheds), which has high level of agricultural activities and extensive available data regarding aquifer geology. In the logic model, aquifer pollution hazard is assessed as a function of two primary topics: groundwater and soil conditions. This logic model shows the state of each evaluated landscape with respect to aquifer pollution hazard based mainly on the parameters of the DRASTIC and GOD models. The decision model allows prioritizing subwatersheds for groundwater resources management according to three main criteria including farming activities, agrochemical application, and irrigation use. Stakeholder participation, through interviews, in combination with expert judgment was used to select and weight each criterion. The resulting subwatershed priority map, by combining the logic and decision models, allowed identifying five subwatersheds in the upper and middle basin as the main aquifer protection areas. The results reasonably fit the natural conditions of the basin, identifying those subwatersheds with shallow water depth, loam–loam silt texture soil media and pasture land cover in the middle basin, and others with intensive agricultural activity, coinciding with the natural recharge area to the aquifer system. Major difficulties and some recommendations of applying this methodology in real-world situations are discussed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2930-4 Authors M. Lourdes Lima, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras National, Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina Asunción Romanelli, Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras National, Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina Héctor E. Massone, Instituto de Geología de Costas y del Cuaternario, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, 3350 Funes St., Level 1, 7600 Mar del Plata, Argentina Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Mass bleaching events resulting in coral mortality are among the greatest threats to coral reefs, and are projected to increase in frequency and intensity with global warming. Achieving a better understanding of the consistency of the response of coral assemblages to thermal stress, both spatially and temporally, is essential to determine which reefs are more able to tolerate climate change. We compared variations in spatial and taxonomic patterns between two bleaching events at the scale of an island (Moorea Island, French Polynesia). Despite similar thermal stress and light conditions, bleaching intensity was significantly lower in 2007 (approximately 37 % of colonies showed signs of bleaching) than in 2002, when 55 % of the colonies bleached. Variations in the spatial patterns of bleaching intensity were consistent between the two events. Among nine sampling stations at three locations and three depths, the stations at which the bleaching response was lowest in 2002 were those that showed the lowest levels of bleaching in 2007. The taxonomic patterns of susceptibility to bleaching were also consistent between the two events. These findings have important implications for conservation because they indicate that corals are capable of acclimatization and/or adaptation and that, even at small spatial scales, some areas are consistently more susceptible to bleaching than others. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2923-3 Authors Lucie Penin, Laboratoire ECOMAR, Faculté des Sciences, Université de La Réunion, BP 7151, 97715 Saint-Denis Cedex 09, Reunion Island, France Jeremie Vidal-Dupiol, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Avenue Saint-Martin, 98000 Monaco, Principauté de Monaco, Monaco Mehdi Adjeroud, Laboratoire d’Excellence “CORAIL”, Perpignan, France Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    This study reports the results from the analyses of a 30-year (1974–2004) river water quality monitoring dataset for NO x –N (NO 3 –N + NO 2 –N), NH 4 –N, PO 4 –P and SiO 2 –Si at the tidal limit of the River Tamar (SW England), an agriculturally dominated and sparsely populated catchment. Annual mean concentrations of NH 4 –N, PO 4 –P and SiO 2 –Si were similar to other rural UK rivers, while annual mean concentrations of NO x –N were clearly lower. Estimated values for the 1940s were much lower than for those of post-1974, at least for NO 3 –N and PO 4 –P. Flow-weighted mean concentrations of PO 4 –P decreased by approximately 60 % between 1974 and 2004, although this change cannot be unequivocally ascribed to either PO 4 –P stripping from sewage treatment work effluents or reductions in phosphate fertiliser applications. Lower-resolution sampling (to once per month) in the late 1990s may also have led to the apparent decline; a similar trend was also seen for NH 4 –N. There were no temporal trends in the mean concentrations of NO x –N, emphasising the continuing difficulty in controlling diffuse pollution from agriculture. Concentrations of SiO 2 –Si and NO x –N were significantly and positively correlated with river flows ≤15 m 3  s −1 , showing that diffuse inputs from the catchment were important, particularly during the wet winter periods. In contrast, concentrations of PO 4 –P and NH 4 –N did not correlate across any flow window, despite the apparent importance of diffuse inputs for these constituents. This observation, coupled with the absence of a seasonal (monthly) cycle for these nutrients, indicates that, for PO 4 –P and NH 4 –N, there were no dominant sources and/or both undergo extensive within-catchment processing. Analyses of nutrient fluxes reveal net losses for NO 3 –N and SiO 2 –Si during the non-winter months; for NO 3 –N, this may be due to denitrification. Areal fluxes of NO x –N from the catchment were towards the higher end of the range for the UK, while NH 4 –N and PO 4 –P were closer to the lower end of the ranges for these nutrients. These data, taken together with information on sestonic chlorophyll a , suggest that water quality in the lower River Tamar is satisfactory with respect to nutrients. Analyses of these monitoring data, which were collected at considerable logistical and monetary cost, have revealed unique insights into the environmental behaviour of key nutrients within the Tamar catchment over a 30-year period. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-28 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2905-5 Authors Alan D. Tappin, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA England, UK Utra Mankasingh, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA England, UK Ian D. McKelvie, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA England, UK Paul J. Worsfold, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA England, UK Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    This paper quantifies the allocation of ecosystem services value (ESV) associated with land use pattern and qualitatively examined impacts of land use changes and socio-economic factors on spatiotemporal variation of ESV in the Natural Wetland Distribution Area (NWDA), Fuzhou city, China. The results showed that total ESV of the study area decreased from 4,332.16 × 10 6 RMB Yuan in 1989 to 3,697.42 × 10 6 RMB Yuan in 2009, mainly due to the remarkable decreases in cropland (decreased by 55.3 %) and wetland (decreased by 74.2 %). Forest, water, and wetland played major roles in providing ecosystem services, accounting for over 90 % of the total ESV. Based on time series Landsat TM/ETM+ imagery, geographic information system, and historical data, analysis of the spatiotemporal variation of ESV from 1989 to 2009 was performed. It indicated that rapid expansion of urban areas along the Minjiang River resulted in significant changes in land use types, leading to a dramatic decline in ecosystem services. Meanwhile, because of land scarcity and unique ecosystem functions, the emergency of wetland and cropland protection in built-up area has become an urgent task of local authorities to the local government. Furthermore, there was still a significant negative correlation between ESV of cropland and wetland and the GDP. The results suggest that future planning of land use pattern should control encroachment of urban areas into cropland and wetland in addition to scientific and rational policies towards minimizing the adverse effects of urbanization. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2929-x Authors Yuan-Bin Cai, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 200433 China Hao Zhang, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 200433 China Wen-Bin Pan, College of Environment and Resources, Fuzhou University, 523 Gongye Road, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China Yan-Hong Chen, Zhichen College, Fuzhou University, 50 Yangqiao Road, 350002 Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China Xiang-Rong Wang, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, 220 Handan Road, Shanghai, 200433 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Urban road dust samples were collected from different land use areas in Suzhou, Wuxi, and Nantong, Yangtze River Delta, China. The dust samples were analyzed for the levels and compositional profiles of deca-polybrominated diphenyl ethers (Deca-BDE), 22 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The levels of BDE-209, ∑OCPs, and ∑PAHs in samples ranged from 4.01–1,439 μg/kg, 3.15–615 μg/kg, and 2.24–58.2 mg/kg, respectively. PAHs were the predominant target compounds in road dust samples, comprising on average 97.7 % of total compounds. The spatial gradient of the pollutants (commercial/residential area〉 industrial area 〉 urban park concentrations) was observed in the present study. The results indicated that the levels of BDE-209, OCPs, and PAHs observed in road dust were usually linked to anthropogenic activities in the urban environment. In addition, there might be a reflection of current usage or emissions of OCPs in urban environment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2910-8 Authors Shuangxin Shi, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurements, Dioxin Pollution Control Key Laboratory, State Environmental Protection Administration, Beijing, 100029 China Yeru Huang, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurements, Dioxin Pollution Control Key Laboratory, State Environmental Protection Administration, Beijing, 100029 China Li Zhou, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurements, Dioxin Pollution Control Key Laboratory, State Environmental Protection Administration, Beijing, 100029 China Wenlong Yang, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurements, Dioxin Pollution Control Key Laboratory, State Environmental Protection Administration, Beijing, 100029 China Liang Dong, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurements, Dioxin Pollution Control Key Laboratory, State Environmental Protection Administration, Beijing, 100029 China Lifei Zhang, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurements, Dioxin Pollution Control Key Laboratory, State Environmental Protection Administration, Beijing, 100029 China Xiulan Zhang, National Research Center for Environmental Analysis and Measurements, Dioxin Pollution Control Key Laboratory, State Environmental Protection Administration, Beijing, 100029 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Anthropogenic (aquaculture) changes in environment nutrient concentrations may affect phytoplankton (biomass and taxa composition) in marine coastal waters off the Chilean Patagonia. The effects of adding nitrate (NO 3 − ) to natural phytoplankton assemblages were evaluated considering biomass, cell abundance, and taxonomic composition. Microcosm experiments were performed in the spring, summer, and winter in the Comau Fjord located in Subantarctic Patagonia. At the end of the experiments, NO 3 − decreased rapidly and was undetectable in treatments, indicating a strong NO 3 − deficiency associated with an exponential increase in Chl- a concentrations, particulate organic nitrogen, and carbon in these treatments. Moreover, given the depleted nitrate concentrations of the spring and summer experiments, the micro-phytoplankton taxa structure shifted from mixed diatom and dinoflagellate assemblages ( Ceratium spp., Dinophysis spp., Coscinodiscus sp., Rhizosolenia pungens ) to assemblages dominated by blooms of the classic chain-forming diatoms found in temperate and cold waters such as Chaetoceros spp., Skeletonema spp., and Thalassiosira spp. Thus, nitrogen sources (i.e., nitrate, ammonia) may influence phytoplankton abundance and biomass accumulation dynamics in the northern section of Patagonia. It also emphasizes the importance of diatom taxa in regards to the short-term response of phytoplankton to changing environmental nutrient conditions due to natural (decreasing freshwater stream flow) and anthropogenic (aquaculture) events. This situation may be one of the future scenarios in the Patagonian fjords, thus stressing the needs for active environmental monitoring and impact assessment. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2925-1 Authors José Luis Iriarte, Instituto de Acuicultura and Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia-CIEP, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile Silvio Pantoja, COPAS Sur-Austral, Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica en el Pacífico Sur-oriental, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile Humberto E. González, COPAS Sur-Austral, Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica en el Pacífico Sur-oriental, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile Gabriela Silva, Instituto de Acuicultura and Centro de Investigación en Ecosistemas de la Patagonia-CIEP, Universidad Austral de Chile, Puerto Montt, Chile Hector Paves, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile Pamela Labbé, Departamento de Oceanografía, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile Lorena Rebolledo, Instituto de Ciencias Marinas y Limnológicas, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile Murat Van Ardelan, Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway V. Häussermann, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Facultad de Recursos Naturales, Escuela de Ciencias del Mar, Avda. Brazil 2950, Valparaíso, Chile Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The coastal zone is one of the nation’s greatest environmental and economic assets. The present research aims at studying the shoreline changes along Vedaranyam coast using conventional and modern techniques including field sampling, remote sensing, and geographical information system (GIS). The study area was divided into three zones. Dynamic Land/Sea polygon analysis was performed to obtain the shore line changes at different time periods between 1930 and 2005. From the multidate shoreline maps, the rate of shoreline change was computed using linear regression rate and end point rate. Further, the shoreline was classified into eroding, accreting, and stable regions through GIS analysis. The eroding, accreting, and stable coastal stretch along Vedaranyam is observed as 18 %, 80.5 %, and 1.5 %, respectively. Net shoreline movement is seaward, i.e., the coast is progressive with an average rate of 5 m/year. A maximum shoreline displacement of 1.3 km towards the sea is observed near Point Calimere. During the Asian Tsunami 2004, the eastern part of the study area showed high erosion. Sediment transport paths derived from the grain size analysis of beach sediments collected during different seasons help to identify the major sediment source and sinks. Point Calimere acts as the major sink for sediments whereas Agastiyampalli and Kodiakkarai are found to be the major sources for the sediment supply along the Vedaranyam coast. Shoreline change study from field and satellite data using GIS analysis confirms that Vedaranyam coast is accreting in nature. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2928-y Authors Usha Natesan, Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 India N. Thulasiraman, Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 India K. Deepthi, Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 India K. Kathiravan, Centre for Water Resources, Anna University, Chennai, 600 025 India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of total aflatoxin (AF), ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA), and fumonisin (FB) in dairy cattle, beef cattle, and lamb–calf feeds. A total of 180 dairy cattle, beef cattle, and lamb–calf feeds (60 samples each) were randomly collected from farms, feed mills, and villages in Burdur province, between September 2006 and August 2007. All samples were analyzed by the competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The most frequent mycotoxin detected was total AF, which was found in 108 samples (60 %) in concentrations ranging from 3.82 to 116.83 μg kg −1 , followed by DON that was detected in 87 samples (48.3 %), in concentrations ranging from 18.50 to 500 μg kg −1 . Ochratoxin A (OTA), T-2 toxin, ZEA, and FB were found in 84 (46.7 %), 85 (47.2 %), 57 (31.7 %), and 19 (10.6 %) samples, respectively, in concentrations of 1.01 to 15.85 μg kg −1 for OTA, 3.85 to 52.36 μg kg −1 for T-2 toxin, 2.10 to 29.30 μg kg −1 for ZEA, and 2.69 to 4.96 mg kg −1 for FB. It was concluded that feed samples in Burdur province were contaminated by mycotoxins, and the levels of total aflatoxin in the samples were considered a risk to animal health. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2915-3 Authors Fatma Sahindokuyucu Kocasari, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, 15030 Burdur, Turkey Firdevs Mor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, 15030 Burdur, Turkey Mustafa Numan Oguz, Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Dieseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, 15030 Burdur, Turkey Fatma Karakas Oguz, Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Dieseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mehmet Akif Ersoy, 15030 Burdur, Turkey Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Advancing land degradation in the irrigated areas of Central Asia hinders sustainable development of this predominantly agricultural region. To support decisions on mitigating cropland degradation, this study combines linear trend analysis and spatial logistic regression modeling to expose a land degradation trend in the Khorezm region, Uzbekistan, and to analyze the causes. Time series of the 250-m MODIS NDVI, summed over the growing seasons of 2000–2010, were used to derive areas with an apparent negative vegetation trend; this was interpreted as an indicator of land degradation. About one third (161,000 ha) of the region’s area experienced negative trends of different magnitude. The vegetation decline was particularly evident on the low-fertility lands bordering on the natural sandy desert, suggesting that these areas should be prioritized in mitigation planning. The results of logistic modeling indicate that the spatial pattern of the observed trend is mainly associated with the level of the groundwater table (odds = 330 %), land-use intensity (odds = 103 %), low soil quality (odds = 49 %), slope (odds = 29 %), and salinity of the groundwater (odds = 26 %). Areas, threatened by land degradation, were mapped by fitting the estimated model parameters to available data. The elaborated approach, combining remote-sensing and GIS, can form the basis for developing a common tool for monitoring land degradation trends in irrigated croplands of Central Asia. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2904-6 Authors Olena Dubovyk, Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany Gunter Menz, Remote Sensing Research Group, Department of Geography, University of Bonn, Meckenheimer Allee, 166, 53115 Bonn, Germany Christopher Conrad, Remote Sensing Unit, Institute of Geography, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany Elena Kan, ZEF/UNESCO Project, Urgench State University, Khamid Alimjan str., 14, 220100 Urgench, Uzbekistan Miriam Machwitz, Remote Sensing Unit, Institute of Geography, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany Asia Khamzina, Center for Development Research, University of Bonn, Walter-Flex Str. 3, 53113 Bonn, Germany Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The geochemistry of the suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected during the monsoon was determined to identify the sources of SPM and to understand the physicochemical processes in the Mandovi and Zuari river estuaries. The concentrations of SPM decrease seaward in both estuaries, but are relatively high at bay stations. Kaolinite is the most dominant clay mineral in the upstream of both rivers. Smectite increases seaward in both estuaries and is abundant in the bay. Upstream stations of Mandovi, where ore deposits are stored on the shore, exhibit high Fe, Mn, total rare earth elements (∑REE), and middle REE- and heavy REE-enriched patterns. Channel stations of both estuaries exhibit middle REE- and light REE-enriched patterns, which gradually changed seaward to middle REE- and heavy REE-enriched patterns. Canal stations exhibit the highest concentrations of major and trace metals. High metal/Al ratios occur at stations in the upstream of Zuari and at the confluence of canals in the Mandovi estuary. Enrichment factors of metals indicate that Mn is significantly polluted while other metals are moderately polluted. The δ 13 C and δ 15 N of organic matter indicate that the terrigenous organic matter at the upstream is diluted seaward by marine organic matter. Organic matter at bay stations is largely marine and altered-type. The compositions of SPM are controlled by the particulates from ore dust, the geology of the drainage basins, and the physicochemical processes in the estuaries. Particulates resuspended from the bay are dominated by ore dust, which are advected into the channels of both estuaries during the lull periods of the monsoon. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-20 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-2883-7 Authors Pratima M. Kessarkar, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, 403 004 Goa, India R. Shynu, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, 403 004 Goa, India V. Purnachandra Rao, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, 403 004 Goa, India Feng Chong, State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 3663 Zhongshan Road North, Shanghai, 200062, People’s Republic of China Tanuja Narvekar, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, 403 004 Goa, India Jing Zhang, State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, 3663 Zhongshan Road North, Shanghai, 200062, People’s Republic of China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369