ALBERT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Description:    Concern over steroid estrogens has increased rapidly in recent years due to their adverse health effects. Effluent discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is the main pollutant source for environmental water. To understand the pollutant level and fate of steroid estrogens in WWTPs, the occurrence of estrone (E1), 17-β-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), and 17-β-ethinylestradiol (EE2) was investigated in the Gaobeidian WWTP in Beijing, China. Water samples from influent as well as effluent from second sedimentation tanks and advanced treatment processes were taken monthly during 2006 to 2007. In influent, steroid estrogen concentrations varied from 11.6 to 1.1 × 10 2  ng/l, 3.7 to 1.4 × 10 2  ng/l, no detection (nd) to 7.6×10 2  ng/l and nd to 3.3 × 10 2  ng/l for E1, E2, E3, and EE2, respectively. Compared with documented values, the higher steroid estrogen concentrations in the WWTP influent may be due to higher population density, higher birthrate, less dilution, and different sampling time. Results revealed that a municipal WWTP with an activated sludge system incorporating anaerobic, anoxic, and aerobic processes could eliminate natural and synthetic estrogens effectively. The mean elimination efficiencies were 83.2%, 96.4%, 98.8%, and 93.0% for E1, E2, E3, and EE2, respectively. The major removal mechanism for natural estrogens and synthetic estrogen EE2 were biodegradation and sorption on the basis of mass balance in water, suspension particles, and sludge. In the WWTP effluent, however, the highest concentrations of E1, E2, E3, and EE2 attained were 74.2, 3.9, 5.1, and 4.6 ng/l, respectively. This is concerning as residual steroid estrogens in WWTP effluent could lead to pollution of the receiving water. Advanced flocculation treatment was applied in the WWTP and transformed the residual estrogen conjugates to free species, which were reduced further by filtration with removal shifting from 32% to 57% for natural estrogen, although no EE2 was removed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2459-y Authors Yiqi Zhou, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic China Jinmiao Zha, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic China Zijian Wang, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PO Box 2871, Beijing, 100085 People’s Republic China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Total suspended particle (TSP) collected at the fifth floor of House Dust in Hunan University, China, was analyzed in terms of microscopic morphology and chemical composition. The fine particles (50 nm–2 μm) in the TSP were analyzed by a high-resolution transmission electron microscope equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (HRTEM/EDS). Results showed that the particles were in shapes of plate, irregular and agglomerate. Based on EDS results, these fine particulate matter was primarily composed of Fe-rich (35.82–61.29%), Ca-rich (30.18–36.77%) and Si-rich (18.95–32.28%) particles. Other elements mainly including Mg (0.47–4.97%), Al (0.45–14.57%), S (0.45–4.73%), K (1.13–2.13%) and Zn (0.67–3.85%) were also observed. The sources analysis indicated that the HRTEM particles mainly originated from coal combustion, traffic emission, vehicles exhaust emission and fugitive soil or cement particulate matter. The coarse particles (4–50 μm) were detected by environmental scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray detector (ESEM/EDS). Based on a simple algorithm, ESEM particles were categorized into five groups: C-bearing (46.15%, 67% and 86.98%), Si + Ca-bearing (21.48 + 11.80%, 16.51 + 10.81% and 16.32 + 10.62%), Si + Al-bearing (20.06 + 12.40%, 20.16 + 11.22% and 15.31 + 11.25%), Si-bearing (34.40%, 26.92% and 27.15%) particles and aggregates, most of which exhibit obvious crystalline structure, and these ESEM particles mainly derived from vehicles exhaust emission, coal combustion, soil, and biomass burning, while the aggregates are indicative of atmospheric reaction progress. HRTEM/EDS and ESEM/EDS are mutual complementary in analyzing the characteristic and determining the sources of TSP. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2452-5 Authors Yunbo Zhai, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Zongmin Fu, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Lafang Wang, School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Changsha, 410079 People’s Republic of China Guangming Zeng, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Caiting Li, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Hongmei Chen, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Yuanming Lan, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Pei Lu, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Lake Taihu provides vital ecological services for humans in China; it receives a great deal of attention regarding its ecological and environmental conditions. In this study, the ecological risks of eight individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water were assessed using probabilistic distributions of the hazard quotient based on Monte Carlo simulation. The results show that the 95th percentile of the hazard quotients ranged from 0.00074 to 2.831, and the ecological risk of Flua was highest, followed by, in descending order of risk, B[a]P 〉 Pyr 〉 Ant 〉 Phe 〉 Flu 〉 Ace 〉 Chr. The probabilities of hazard quotients exceeding a decision criteria of 0.3 were 18.09%, 6.51%, 3.76%, and 2.85% for Flua, B[a]P, Pyr, and Ant, respectively, indicating their potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms. The spatial distribution of hazard quotients for these four individual PAHs with potential ecological risk were obtained using Geographic Information System (GIS), and similar spatial distribution patterns were also observed in the lake. The highest ecological risks of these four individual PAHs to aquatic organisms were found in Meiliang Bay, followed by Gonghu Bay and Xukou Bay. The uncertainty within the ecological risk assessment was also discussed. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2460-5 Authors Guanghui Guo, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China Fengchang Wu, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012 China Hongping He, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China Ruiqing Zhang, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640 China Chenglian Feng, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012 China Huixian Li, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012 China Ming Chang, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing, 100012 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    For many millennia humans and reptiles have interacted, but the attitude of humans towards these animals has depended on culture, environment, and personal experience. At least 719 reptile species are known to occur in Brazil and about 11% of this fauna has been exploited for many different purposes, including bushmeat, leather, ornamental and magic/religious uses, and as folk medicines. Brazil can therefore serve as an interesting case study for better understanding reptile use by human societies, and the present paper catalogues some of the reptile species being used in Brazil and discusses implications for their conservation. A literature review indicated that 81 reptile species are culturally important in this country, with 47 (58%) species having multiple uses, 54 being used for medicinal purposes, 38 as food, 28 for ornamental or decorative purposes, 20 used in magic/religious practices, 18 as pets, and 40 are commonly killed when they come into contact with humans. Regarding their conservation status, 30 (37.5%) are included on State's Red List, Brazilian Red List or the IUCN Red List. There are many forms of interaction between reptiles and humans in Brazil—although most of them are quite negative in terms of wildlife conservation—which reinforces the importance of understanding such uses and interactions in the context of protecting reptiles in Brazil. A better understanding of the cultural, social, and traditional roles of these reptiles is fundamental to establishing management plans for their sustainable use. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-25 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2465-0 Authors Rômulo Romeu Nóbrega Alves, Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Av. das Baraúnas, 351/Campus Universitário Bodocongó, 58109-753 Campina Grande, PB, Brazil Kleber Silva Vieira, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Animal, 58051-900 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil Gindomar Gomes Santana, Departamento de Botânica, Ecologia e Zoologia, Bolsista de Desenvolvimento Científico Regional (DCR/CNPq/FAPERN), Ecologia e Zoologia, Laboratório de Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade (LECOB), Centro de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Lagoa Nova, 59072-970 Natal, RN, Brazil Washington Luiz Silva Vieira, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Animal, 58051-900 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil Waltécio Oliveira Almeida, Departamento de Química Biológica Bolsista Produtividade da Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico—FUNCAP, Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Cel. Antônio Luiz 1161, CEP, 63100-000 Crato, CE, Brazil Wedson Medeiros Silva Souto, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Zoologia), Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Animal, 58051-900 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil Paulo Fernando Guedes Pereira Montenegro, Departamento de Sistemática e Ecologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Laboratório de Ecofisiologia Animal, 58051-900 João Pessoa, PB, Brazil Juarez Carlos Brito Pezzuti, Núcleo de Altos Estudos Amazônicos—NAEA, Universidade Federal do Pará—UFPA, Belem, Brazil Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Canopy cover is well known to influence the distribution of macroinvertebrates in temperate streams. Very little is known about how this factor influences stream communities in Afrotropical streams. The effects and possible interactions of environmental factors and canopy cover on macroinvertebrate community structure (abundance, richness, and diversity) were examined in four stations in Eriora River, southern Nigeria bimonthly from May to November 2010. The river supported diverse macroinvertebrates in which the upstream sampling stations with dense canopy cover were dominated by Decapoda, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Gastropoda, Trichoptera, and Coleoptera while Diptera and Coleoptera were the benthic organisms found predominant at downstream stations with less canopy cover. Some caddisfly species such as Agapetus agilis , Trichosetodes species and the stonefly Neoperla species were present upstream and were found to be potential bioindicators for a clean ecosystem. The blood worm Chironomus species and Tabanus sp. were abundant at the downstream of the river and are considered potential bioindicators for an organically degrading ecosystem. Some environmental factors varied temporally with significantly higher macroinvertebrate abundance and richness in May. We found out that canopy cover and environmental factors affected macroinvertebrates abundance, diversity, and richness and that the individual taxon had varying responses to these factors. These results help identify the mechanisms underlying the effects of canopy cover and other environmental factors on Afrotropical stream invertebrate communities. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2432-9 Authors Francis O. Arimoro, Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Delta State University, P.M.B. 1 Abraka, Nigeria Grace E. Obi-Iyeke, Department of Botany, Delta State University, P.M.B 1 Abraka, Nigeria Prince J. O. Obukeni, Department of Botany, Delta State University, P.M.B 1 Abraka, Nigeria Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Underground mining activities may potentially play a role on the initiation and reactivation of the slope movements. However, an adequate attention has not yet been paid to these problems; in this study, the possible influence of present and former mining activities on the selected set of model slope deformations in the Ostrava–Karviná Coalfield (Opliji, Repiste and Orlova Lazy District) was analysed and a methodology for their observation for application to similar conditions and influence was described. Isocatabase maps, terrain deformation parameters calculated for the point lying on the slope deformation surface, length measurement by zone extensometer and dilatometer measurement in cracks was also provided for evaluation of the underground mining impact. It was found that inclinations of both boreholes were evidence of underground mining impact, and localization of inclinometer measurement on boreholes in the active part as well as in the near vicinity was very important as an important result of this study. Analysis of underground mining activity influence on model localities in relation to performed mining operations, subsidence and other influences on the ground surface was also determined. Thus, the study will contribute to a more objective knowledge of these problems of interest for the professional public and also for the state administration to solve problems associated with the utilisation and settlement of such affected areas. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-25 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2453-4 Authors Marian Marschalko, Faculty of Mining and Geology, Institute of Geological Engineering, VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17 Listopadu 15, 708-33 Ostrava, Czech Republic Işık Yilmaz, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Geological Engineering, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey Martin Bednárik, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Engineering Geology, Comenius University, Mlynská Dolina, 842-15 Bratislava, Slovak Republic Karel Kubečka, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Department of Building Structures, VŠB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17 Listopadu 15, 708-33 Ostrava, Czech Republic Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    In the present study, the magnitude of contamination of vegetables with heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn) was determined in a long-term wastewater-irrigated agricultural land. Heavy metal concentrations in vegetables were several folds higher in wastewater-irrigated site compared to clean water-irrigated area. The wastewater-irrigated crops analysed in this study are heavily contaminated with heavy metals. Concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd and Cr in all the sewage-fed vegetables were beyond the safe limit of FAO/WHO and Indian standard. Contamination is at its highest level in radish and spinach. Daily intake values of Pb, Cd and Ni through consumption of sewage-fed vegetables exceeded the recommended oral dose of metal for both adult and children. The study concludes that wastewater irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables causing potential health risk to consumers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2450-7 Authors N. Gupta, Department of Environmental Science, Government Degree College Khumulwng, Tripura (West), Tripura, India D. K. Khan, Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, 741235 Nadia, West Bengal, India S. C. Santra, Department of Environmental Science, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, 741235 Nadia, West Bengal, India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The worldwide occurrence of cyanobacterial blooms makes it necessary to perform environmental risk assessment procedures to monitor the effects of microcytins on fish. Oxidative stress biomarkers are valuable tools in this regard. Considering that zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) is a common model species in fish toxicology and the zebrafish gill is potentially useful in screening waterborne pollutants, this study investigated the oxidative stress response in zebrafish gill exposed to subchronic microcystin-LR (MCLR) concentrations (2 or 20 μg/l) via measurement of toxin accumulation, protein phosphatase (PP) activity, and the antioxidant parameters (glutathione- S -transferase—GST; glutathione—GSH; superoxide dismutase—SOD; catalase—CAT; glutathione peroxide—GPx; glutathione reductase—GR), as well as levels of hydroxyl radical (OH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). The results showed that after 30 days exposure, MCLR accumulated in zebrafish gill and MCLR exposure induced PP activity in gill. A linear inhibition of GST activity and GSH content was observed in the gills, revealing that they were involved in the first step of MCLR detoxification. The 2 μg/l MCLR treatment neglectably affected OH content and the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR), however oxidative stress was induced under the 20 μg/l MCLR treatment in which an enhanced OH content and alterations of the antioxidant enzymes were observed in the treated gills, although both treatments exerted little effect on LPO level. The principal component analysis results indicated that the most sensitive biomarkers of MCLR exposure were GST and GSH in zebrafish gill. So, D. rerio could be regarded as a suitable bioindicator of MCLR exposure by measuring CAT, GR, GST, and GSH as biomarkers. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2457-0 Authors Yao Chen, Xiamen Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Xiamen, 361008 China Song-Fu Zeng, Xiamen Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Xiamen, 361008 China Yu-Feng Cao, Xiamen Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Xiamen, 361008 China Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    Bacteria play a significant role in water contamination. Chemicals are mostly used for the treatment of bacteriologically contaminated water. The use of bacterial interactions is a new approach to limit the pathogens' growth. Detection of antimicrobial substances produced by lactic acid bacteria against the waterborne pathogens is the objective of this work. Microbiological and biochemical methods were used to identify lactic acid bacteria having an antimicrobial activity. Evaluation of antimicrobial activity with growth kinetic measurements was performed. Four isolates of lactic acid bacteria obtained from whey and curd were identified. The predominant species belonging to the Lactobacillus genera are: Lactobacillus rhamnosus , Lactobacillus sakei , Lactobacillus paracasei , and Lactobacillus paraplantarum . The present study revealed that the Lactobacillus consortium is able to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus 's growth along with Escherichia coli and Vibrio species. In mixed culture, after 24 h, the Lactobacillus consortium reduces the growth of S. aureus by 2.03 log; moreover, the growth of the latter bacteria totally ceased after 72 h of incubation. The protein produced by the Lactobacillus consortium was responsible for arresting the growth of S. aureus . Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2447-2 Authors Ghyandeep L. Gaikwad, EIRA Division, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 India Prateksha Gupta, EIRA Division, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 India Satish R. Wate, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440020 India Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

Description:    The concentration of mercury was determined in samples of the lichen Hypogymnia physodes , the moss Pleurozium schreberi , and the soil humus collected in Polish and Czech Euroregions Praded and Glacensis. The sampling sites were located in Bory Stobrawskie, Bory Niemodlińskie and Kotlina Kłodzka in Poland, and in Jeseniki and Gory Orlickie in the Czech Republic. The mean concentrations of mercury accumulated in the lichen (0.129 mg g −1 ), in the moss (0.094 mg g −1 ) and in soil (0.286 mg g −1 ) were fairly close to the corresponding concentrations in other low-industrialized regions. The highest concentrations of mercury were observed in the lichen and the moss samples from Kotlina Kłodzka. The primary deposition of mercury was evaluated using the comparison factor, defined as the ratio of a difference between the concentrations of a bioavailable analyte in lichens and in mosses, to the arithmetic mean of these concentrations. Content Type Journal Article Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s10661-011-2456-1 Authors Andrzej Kłos, Chair of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, University of Opole, 4 kard. B. Kominka Str., 45-032 Opole, Poland Małgorzata Rajfur, Chair of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, University of Opole, 4 kard. B. Kominka Str., 45-032 Opole, Poland Ivo Šrámek, Health Institute in Hradec Králové (ZÚHK), Habrmanova 154, 501-01 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic Maria Wacławek, Chair of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, University of Opole, 4 kard. B. Kominka Str., 45-032 Opole, Poland Journal Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Online ISSN 1573-2959 Print ISSN 0167-6369

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:    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:    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:    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:    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:    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