201
|
Levaggi L, Levaggi R, Trecroci C. Decentralisation and waste flows: A welfare approach. J Environ Manage 2018; 217:969-979. [PMID: 29679918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We analyse incentives, equilibria and implications of the governance framework for the disposal of municipal solid waste in an N-Region model where waste mobility is allowed. The key decisions revolve around the flow of waste between regions and the externalities associated with its final disposal. Two different institutional settings are considered: a centralised framework where a central planner takes all the decisions and a decentralised model where each region decides on its waste flows. When the regions are characterised by different levels of efficiency in the final treatment of waste, a certain degree of mobility might allow to reap the benefits of higher efficiency. However, when coupled with decentralisation, waste flows may produce sub-optimal outcomes that undermine environmental protection. In the light of these results, we show how the regulator can use the transfer price and the proximity principle as welfare-improving tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Levaggi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Italy.
| | - Rosella Levaggi
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia, Italy.
| | - Carmine Trecroci
- Department of Economics and Management, University of Brescia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
202
|
Meng C, Liu H, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhou J, Zhou P, Liu X, Li Y, Wu J. Response of regional agricultural soil phosphorus status to net anthropogenic phosphorus input (NAPI) determined by soil pH value and organic matter content in subtropical China. Chemosphere 2018; 200:487-494. [PMID: 29501886 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.02.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Exploring the relationship between net anthropogenic phosphorus input (NAPI) and soil available P (SAP) content could inform applied issues related to environmental quality and agronomic productivity and increase our knowledge of element biogeochemical cycles. Here, the NAPI was estimated and the SAP content determined in eight counties in subtropical China from 1980 to 2010. It is suggested that the NAPI ranging 318-924 km-2 yr-1 in 1980 had increased substantially to 865-3601 km-2 yr-1 in 2010 across the eight counties, in which the P fertilizer application was estimated to represent the largest individual source of NAPI, accounting for an average of 36.1-74.6% of the NAPI. The NAPI in agricultural land (NAPIa) was the largest component of the NAPI, and 60.7-77.1% of the NAPIa accumulated in the upper 20 cm layer of agricultural soils, which significantly increased soil total-P (TP) and SAP contents. The increases in SAP, resulting from 10,000 kg P km-2 of the NAPIa (IOPNAPI), were estimated to be 1.61-4.36 mg P kg-1 in the counties. Both the correlation and variation partitioning analyses (VPAs) suggested that the soil pH and organic matter content (SOM) were the most important factors influencing the variations of IOPNAPI (determination coefficient: 72.5%). Therefore, the contribution of soil pH and SOM should be considered in enriching soil SAP levels and implementing optimal P management strategies to improving the agronomic effectiveness of P fertilization and further reduce the environmental risk of P loss in subtropical region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cen Meng
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10049, China
| | - Huanyao Liu
- College of Biological Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China.
| | - Yuyuan Li
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Jiaogen Zhou
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Xinliang Liu
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Yong Li
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| | - Jinshui Wu
- Changsha Research Station for Agricultural and Environmental Monitoring, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China; Key Laboratory of Agro-ecological Processes in Subtropical Regions, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
| |
Collapse
|
203
|
Kranjac AW, Kimbro RT, Denney JT, Osiecki KM, Moffett BS, Lopez KN. Comprehensive Neighborhood Portraits and Child Asthma Disparities. Matern Child Health J 2018; 21:1552-1562. [PMID: 28181157 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-017-2286-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Previous research has established links between child, family, and neighborhood disadvantages and child asthma. We add to this literature by first characterizing neighborhoods in Houston, TX by demographic, economic, and air quality characteristics to establish differences in pediatric asthma diagnoses across neighborhoods. Second, we identify the relative risk of social, economic, and environmental risk factors for child asthma diagnoses. Methods We geocoded and linked electronic pediatric medical records to neighborhood-level social and economic indicators. Using latent profile modeling techniques, we identified Advantaged, Middle-class, and Disadvantaged neighborhoods. We then used a modified version of the Blinder-Oaxaca regression decomposition method to examine differences in asthma diagnoses across children in these different neighborhoods. Results Both compositional (the characteristics of the children and the ambient air quality in the neighborhood) and associational (the relationship between child and air quality characteristics and asthma) differences within the distinctive neighborhood contexts influence asthma outcomes. For example, unequal exposure to PM2.5 and O3 among children in Disadvantaged and Middle-class neighborhoods contribute to asthma diagnosis disparities within these contexts. For children in Disadvantaged and Advantaged neighborhoods, associational differences between racial/ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics and asthma diagnoses explain a significant proportion of the gap. Conclusions for Practice Our results provide evidence that differential exposure to pollution and protective factors associated with non-Hispanic White children and children from affluent families contribute to asthma disparities between neighborhoods. Future researchers should consider social and racial inequalities as more proximate drivers, not merely as associated, with asthma disparities in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley W Kranjac
- Department of Sociology, Kinder Institute Urban Health Program, Rice University, 6500 Main Street #1020, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Rachel T Kimbro
- Department of Sociology, Kinder Institute Urban Health Program, Rice University, 6500 Main Street #1020, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Justin T Denney
- Department of Sociology, Kinder Institute Urban Health Program, Rice University, 6500 Main Street #1020, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kristin M Osiecki
- Department of Public Health, University of Illinois- Springfield, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Brady S Moffett
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keila N Lopez
- Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
204
|
Perks MT, Warburton J, Bracken LJ, Reaney SM, Emery SB, Hirst S. Use of spatially distributed time-integrated sediment sampling networks and distributed fine sediment modelling to inform catchment management. J Environ Manage 2017; 202:469-478. [PMID: 28185700 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Under the EU Water Framework Directive, suspended sediment is omitted from environmental quality standards and compliance targets. This omission is partly explained by difficulties in assessing the complex dose-response of ecological communities. But equally, it is hindered by a lack of spatially distributed estimates of suspended sediment variability across catchments. In this paper, we demonstrate the inability of traditional, discrete sampling campaigns for assessing exposure to fine sediment. Sampling frequencies based on Environmental Quality Standard protocols, whilst reflecting typical manual sampling constraints, are unable to determine the magnitude of sediment exposure with an acceptable level of precision. Deviations from actual concentrations range between -35 and +20% based on the interquartile range of simulations. As an alternative, we assess the value of low-cost, suspended sediment sampling networks for quantifying suspended sediment transfer (SST). In this study of the 362 km2 upland Esk catchment we observe that spatial patterns of sediment flux are consistent over the two year monitoring period across a network of 17 monitoring sites. This enables the key contributing sub-catchments of Butter Beck (SST: 1141 t km2 yr-1) and Glaisdale Beck (SST: 841 t km2 yr-1) to be identified. The time-integrated samplers offer a feasible alternative to traditional infrequent and discrete sampling approaches for assessing spatio-temporal changes in contamination. In conjunction with a spatially distributed diffuse pollution model (SCIMAP), time-integrated sediment sampling is an effective means of identifying critical sediment source areas in the catchment, which can better inform sediment management strategies for pollution prevention and control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M T Perks
- School of Geography Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom.
| | - J Warburton
- Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - L J Bracken
- Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - S M Reaney
- Department of Geography, Durham University, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom
| | - S B Emery
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - S Hirst
- North York Moors National Park Authority, The Old Vicarage, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5BP, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
205
|
Buch AC, Brown GG, Correia MEF, Lourençato LF, Silva-Filho EV. Ecotoxicology of mercury in tropical forest soils: Impact on earthworms. Sci Total Environ 2017; 589:222-231. [PMID: 28258750 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.02.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic nonessential trace metals in the environment, with high persistence and bioaccumulation potential, and hence of serious concern to environmental quality and public health. Emitted to the atmosphere, this element can travel long distances, far from emission sources. Hg speciation can lead to Hg contamination of different ecosystem components, as well as biomagnification in trophic food webs. To evaluate the effects of atmospheric Hg deposition in tropical forests, we investigated Hg concentrations in earthworm tissues and soils of two Forest Conservation Units in State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Next, we performed a laboratory study of the biological responses (cast analysis and behavioral, acute, chronic and bioaccumulation ecotoxicological tests) of two earthworms species (Pontoscolex corethrurus and Eisenia andrei) to Hg contamination in tropical artificial soil (TAS) and two natural forest soils (NS) spiked with increasing concentration of HgCl2. Field results showed Hg concentrations up to 13 times higher in earthworm tissues than in forest soils, while in the laboratory Hg accumulation after 91-days of exposure was 25 times greater in spiked-soils with 128mgHgkg-1 (dry wt) than in control (unspiked) soils. In all the toxicity tests P. corethrurus showed a higher adaptability or resistance to mercury than E. andrei. The role of earthworms as environmental bioremediators was confirmed in this study, showing their ability to greatly bioaccumulate trace metals while reducing Hg availability in feces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Cristhy Buch
- Department of Environmental Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n., Centro, 24020-007 Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - George Gardner Brown
- Embrapa Forestry, Estrada da Ribeira km. 111, C.P. 319, 83411-000 Colombo, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Lúcio Fábio Lourençato
- Department of Environmental Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n., Centro, 24020-007 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Emmanoel Vieira Silva-Filho
- Department of Environmental Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University, Outeiro São João Baptista, s/n., Centro, 24020-007 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
206
|
de Morais L, de Oliveira Sanches B, Santos GB, Kaufmann PR, Hughes RM, Molozzi J, Callisto M. Assessment of disturbance at three spatial scales in two large tropical reservoirs. J Limnol 2017; 76:240-252. [PMID: 30058005 PMCID: PMC6060419 DOI: 10.4081/jlimnol.2016.1547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Large reservoirs are an increasingly common feature across tropical landscapes because of their importance for water supply, flood control and hydropower, but their ecological conditions are infrequently evaluated. Our objective was to assess the range of disturbances for two large tropical reservoirs and their influences on benthic macroinvertebrates. We tested three hypotheses: i) a wide variation in the level of environmental disturbance can be observed among sites in the reservoirs; ii) the two reservoirs would exhibit a different degree of disturbance level; and iii) the magnitude of disturbance would influence the structure and composition of benthic assemblages. For each reservoir, we assessed land use (macroscale), physical habitat structure (mesoscale), and water quality (microscale). We sampled 40 sites in the littoral zones of both Três Marias and São Simão Reservoirs (Minas Gerais, Brazil). At the macroscale, we measured cover percentages of land use categories in buffer areas at each site, where each buffer was a circular arc of 250 m. At the mesoscale, we assessed the presence of human disturbances in the riparian and drawdown zones at the local (site) scale. At the microscale, we assessed water quality at each macroinvertebrate sampling station using the Micro Disturbance Index (MDI). To evaluate anthropogenic disturbance of each site, we calculated an integrated disturbance index (IDI) from a buffer disturbance index (BDI) and a local disturbance index (LDI). For each site, we calculated richness and abundance of benthic macroinvertebrates, Chironomidae genera richness, abundance and percent Chironomidae individuals, abundance and percent EPT individuals, richness and percent EPT taxa, abundance and percent resistant individuals, and abundance and percent non-native individuals. We also evaluated the influence of disturbance on benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages at the entire-reservoir scale. The BDI, LDI and IDI had significantly greater average scores at São Simão than at Três Marias Reservoir. The significantly greater differences in IDI scores for São Simão Reservoir were reflected in 10 of the 13 Ekman-Birge dredge biotic metrics and in 5 of 13 of the kick-net biotic metrics. We also observed clear ranges of disturbances within both reservoirs at macro (BDI) and mesoscales (LDI) and in water quality, but an insignificant range in MDI results. However, we found no significant relationship between the benthic macroinvertebrate metrics and the BDI, LDI, and IDI among sites within a single reservoir. Hence, we believe that benthic macroinvertebrate distributions in those reservoirs were influenced by other factors or that reservoir macroinvertebrates (dominated by chironomids) were poor indicators of disturbance at the site scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letícia de Morais
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CP. 486, CEP 30161-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Bárbara de Oliveira Sanches
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Avenida Dom José Gaspar, 500, 30.535-610, prédio 41, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Gilmar B Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Avenida Dom José Gaspar, 500, 30.535-610, prédio 41, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Philip R Kaufmann
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Robert M Hughes
- Amnis Opes Institute and Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, 200 SW 35th Street, Corvallis, OR 97333, USA
| | - Joseline Molozzi
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Departamento de Biologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba. Rua Baraúnas, 352, Bairro Universitário, CEP 58429-500, Campina Grande, PB, Brazil
| | - Marcos Callisto
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Bentos, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, CP. 486, CEP 30161-970, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
207
|
Chen H, Liu Y, Zhu Z, Li Z. Does where you live matter to your health? Investigating factors that influence the self-rated health of urban and rural Chinese residents: evidence drawn from Chinese General Social Survey data. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2017; 15:78. [PMID: 28431574 PMCID: PMC5401560 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-017-0658-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background China’s rapid urbanization over the past decades has exacerbated the problems of environmental degradation and health disparities. However, few studies have analysed the differences between urban and rural residents in relation to how environmental quality impacts health outcomes. This study examines the associations between Chinese people's perceptions of environmental quality and their self-rated health, particularly focusing on differences between rural and urban residents in environment-health relationships. Methods Using a logistic regression model and data from the 2013 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), a representative sample of data for 3,402 urban residents (46 ± 16 years) and 2,439 rural residents (48 ± 15 years) was analysed. The dependent variable used for the logistic regressions was whether or not respondents reported being healthy. Independent variables included respondents’ evaluations of the living environment, and how frequently they participated in physical activities. Interaction terms were employed to measure the moderating effects of physical exercise on the relationship between perceived environmental quality and health. Results The percentage of healthy urban residents was significantly larger than that of healthy rural respondents (70.87% versus 62.87%). Urban respondents living in areas with sufficient green space were more likely to report good health (OR = 0.749, CI = [0.628, 0.895]), while rural respondents without reliable access to fresh water were more likely to report poor health (OR = 0.762, CI = [0.612, 0.949]). Urban respondents who were exposed to green spaces and exercised frequently were 21.6 per cent more likely to report good health than those who exercised infrequently (OR = 1.216, CI = [1.047, 1.413]). Those who lived in areas with insufficient green space and exercised frequently were 19.1 per cent less likely to report good health than those who exercised infrequently (OR = 0.805, CI = [0.469, 1.381]). No evidence suggested that physical exercise exerted a moderating effect on the relationship between exposure to air pollution and health. Conclusions On average, urban residents have better health than rural residents. Among four indicators for low environmental quality (air pollution, lack of green spaces, water pollution, uncertain access to freshwater resources), green space was an important determinant of urban residents’ health status, while unreliable access to fresh water harmed rural residents’ health. Physical exercise moderated the effects of exposure to green spaces on urban residents’ health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongsheng Chen
- School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Ye Liu
- School of Geography and Planning, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Zhenjun Zhu
- School of Transportation, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- School of Urban Design, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
208
|
Dadi D, Stellmacher T, Senbeta F, Van Passel S, Azadi H. Environmental and health impacts of effluents from textile industries in Ethiopia: the case of Gelan and Dukem, Oromia Regional State. Environ Monit Assess 2017; 189:11. [PMID: 27933577 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-016-5694-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This study focuses on four textile industries (DH-GEDA, NOYA, ALMHADI, and ALSAR) established between 2005 and 2008 in the peri-urban areas of Dukem and Gelan. The objectives of the study were to generate baseline information regarding the concentration levels of selected pollutants and to analyze their effects on biophysical environments. This study also attempts to explore the level of exposure that humans and livestock have to polluted effluents and the effects thereof. The findings of this study are based on data empirically collected from two sources: laboratory analysis of sample effluents from the four selected textile plants and quantitative as well as qualitative socioeconomic data collection. As part of the latter, a household survey and focus group discussions (FGDs) with elderly and other focal persons were employed in the towns of Dukem and Gelan. The results of the study show that large concentrations of biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and pH were found in all the observed textile industries, at levels beyond the permissible discharge limit set by the national Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). Furthermore, sulfide (S2), R-phosphate (R-PO43), and Zn were found in large concentrations in DH-GEDA and ALMHADI, while high concentrations were also identified in samples taken from ALSAR and ALMHADI. In spite of the clear-cut legal tools, this study shows that the local environment, people, and their livestock are exposed to highly contaminated effluents. We therefore recommend that the respective federal and regional government bodies should reexamine the compliance to and actual implementation of the existing legal procedures and regulations and respond appropriately.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diriba Dadi
- College of Social Science and Humanities, Department of Geography, Madda Walabu University, Bale Robe, Ethiopia
| | - Till Stellmacher
- Center for Development Research (ZEF), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Feyera Senbeta
- College of Development Studies (CDS), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Steven Van Passel
- Department of Engineering Management, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Hossein Azadi
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium.
- Economics and Rural Development, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- Department of Geography, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
209
|
Hao Y, Zhang ZY, Liao H, Wei YM, Wang S. Is CO 2 emission a side effect of financial development? An empirical analysis for China. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2016; 23:21041-21057. [PMID: 27488719 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7315-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Based on panel data for 29 Chinese provinces from 1995 to 2012, this paper explores the relationship between financial development and environmental quality in China. A comprehensive framework is utilized to estimate both the direct and indirect effects of financial development on CO2 emissions in China using a carefully designed two-stage regression model. The first-difference and orthogonal-deviation Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) methods are used to control for potential endogeneity and introduce dynamics. To ensure the robustness of the estimations, two indicators measuring financial development-financial depth and financial efficiency-are used. The empirical results indicate that the direct effects of financial depth and financial efficiency on environmental quality are positive and negative, respectively. The indirect effects of both indicators are U shaped and dominate the shape of the total effects. These findings suggest that the influences of the financial development on environment depend on the level of economic development. At the early stage of economic growth, financial development is environmentally friendly. When the economy is highly developed, a higher level of financial development is harmful to the environmental quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hao
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing, 100081, China.
| | - Zong-Yong Zhang
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Hua Liao
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yi-Ming Wei
- Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Electric Vehicles in Beijing, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- School of Management and Economics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, China
| |
Collapse
|
210
|
Jones BA, McDermott SM, Chermak JM. PLAN or get SLAM'ed: Optimal management of invasive species in the presence of indirect health externalities. J Environ Manage 2016; 180:538-550. [PMID: 27318589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2016.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper examines invasive species management when invasive species impact health outcomes indirectly through changes to environmental quality. For example, the emerald ash borer (EAB) has destroyed millions of ash trees throughout North America and has the potential to impact rates of cardiorespiratory mortality and morbidity through ash trees' ability to capture airborne pollutants. Optimal management inclusive of indirect health externalities may be different than status quo plans because the links between nature and health are complex, dynamic, and spatially heterogeneous. We produce a novel dynamic bioeconomic-health model to determine optimal EAB management in the face of such health effects. Our results show that including health increases net benefits of management substantially and that a "one size fits all" management approach is suboptimal given forest cover and demographic spatial heterogeneity. Net benefits to society are 873% higher and air pollution related mortality incidence is 82% lower when health externalities are included in management profiles using insecticide treatments and non-ash tree preemptive plantings without removal. Additionally, constrained managers optimally substitute toward preemptive tree plantings and away from insecticide use in the presence of indirect health externalities as a way to minimize disruptions to air quality. This paper has policy implications for the optimal management of environmental amenities.
Collapse
|
211
|
Yahaya A, Nor NM, Habibullah MS, Ghani JA, Noor ZM. How relevant is environmental quality to per capita health expenditures? Empirical evidence from panel of developing countries. Springerplus 2016; 5:925. [PMID: 27386369 PMCID: PMC4927551 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2505-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing countries have witnessed economic growth as their GDP keeps increasing steadily over the years. The growth led to higher energy consumption which eventually leads to increase in air pollutions that pose a danger to human health. People's healthcare demand, in turn, increase due to the changes in the socioeconomic life and improvement in the health technology. This study is an attempt to investigate the impact of environmental quality on per capital health expenditure in 125 developing countries within a panel cointegration framework from 1995 to 2012. RESULTS We found out that a long-run relationship exists between per capita health expenditure and all explanatory variables as they were panel cointegrated. The explanatory variables were found to be statistically significant in explaining the per capita health expenditure. The result further revealed that CO2 has the highest explanatory power on the per capita health expenditure. The impact of the explanatory power of the variables is greater in the long-run compared to the short-run. Based on this result, we conclude that environmental quality is a powerful determinant of health expenditure in developing countries. CONCLUSION Therefore, developing countries should as a matter of health care policy give provision of healthy air a priority via effective policy implementation on environmental management and control measures to lessen the pressure on health care expenditure. Moreover more environmental proxies with alternative methods should be considered in the future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adamu Yahaya
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Norashidah Mohamed Nor
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Muzafar Shah Habibullah
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Judhiana Abd Ghani
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Zaleha Mohd Noor
- Economics Department, Faculty of Economics and Management, University Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
212
|
Panagopoulos T, González Duque JA, Bostenaru Dan M. Urban planning with respect to environmental quality and human well-being. Environ Pollut 2016; 208:137-144. [PMID: 26243477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The cities of today present requirements that are dissimilar to those of the past. There are cities where the industrial and service sectors are in decline, and there are other cities that are just beginning their journey into the technological and industrial sectors. In general, the political and social realms have been restructured in terms of economics, which has resulted in an entirely different shape to the primitive structures of civilization. As people begin to understand the dynamic nature of landscapes, they stop seeing landscapes as a static scene. Sustainable cities must be simultaneously economically viable, socially just, politically well managed and ecologically sustainable to maximize human comfort. The present research suggests a multi-disciplinary approach for attaining a holistic understanding of urban environmental quality and human well-being in relation to sustainable urban development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Panagopoulos
- Centro de Investigação Sobre Espaço e Organizações (CIEO), Algarve University, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.
| | - José Antonio González Duque
- Department of Agroforestry Science, Escuela Politécnica Superior, Huelva University, Campus de La Rábida, 21819 Palos de La Frontera, Huelva, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
213
|
Grace MA, Healy MG, Clifford E. Use of industrial by-products and natural media to adsorb nutrients, metals and organic carbon from drinking water. Sci Total Environ 2015; 518-519:491-497. [PMID: 25777954 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.02.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Filtration technology is well established in the water sector but is limited by inability to remove targeted contaminants, found in surface and groundwater, which can be damaging to human health. This study optimises the design of filters by examining the efficacy of seven media (fly ash, bottom ash, Bayer residue, granular blast furnace slag (GBS), pyritic fill, granular activated carbon (GAC) and zeolite), to adsorb nitrate, ammonium, total organic carbon (TOC), aluminium, copper (Cu) and phosphorus. Each medium and contaminant was modelled to a Langmuir, Freundlich or Temkin adsorption isotherm, and the impact of pH and temperature (ranging from 10 °C to 29 °C) on their performance was quantified. As retention time within water filters is important in contaminant removal, kinetic studies were carried out to observe the adsorption behaviour over a 24h period. Fly ash and Bayer residue had good TOC, nutrient and Cu adsorption capacity. Granular blast furnace slag and pyritic fill, previously un-investigated in water treatment, showed adsorption potential for all contaminants. In general, pH or temperature adjustment was not necessary to achieve effective adsorption. Kinetic studies showed that at least 60% of adsorption had occurred after 8h for all media. These media show potential for use in a multifunctional water treatment unit for the targeted treatment of specific contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maebh A Grace
- Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mark G Healy
- Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Eoghan Clifford
- Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Informatics, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
214
|
Lee JY, Lee MJ, Han M. A pilot study to evaluate runoff quantity from green roofs. J Environ Manage 2015; 152:171-176. [PMID: 25666437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of green roofs is gaining increased recognition in many countries as a solution that can be used to improve environmental quality and reduce runoff quantity. To achieve these goals, pilot-scale green roof assemblies have been constructed and operated in an urban setting. From a stormwater management perspective, green roofs are 42.8-60.8% effective in reducing runoff for 200 mm soil depth and 13.8-34.4% effective in reducing runoff for 150 mm soil depth. By using Spearman rank correlation analysis, high rainfall intensity was shown to have a negative relationship with delayed occurrence time, demonstrating that the soil media in green roofs do not efficiently retain rainwater. Increasing the number of antecedent dry days can help to improve water retention capacity and delay occurrence time. From the viewpoint of runoff water quality, green roofs are regarded as the best management practice by filtration and adsorption through growth media (soil).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju Young Lee
- KIST(Korea Institute of Science and Technology)-Natural Products Research Center, Gangnueng, 210-340, South Korea.
| | - Min Jung Lee
- LIFTRC(LED-IT Fusion Technology Research Center), Daegu, South Korea.
| | - Mooyoung Han
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University, 599 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-744, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
215
|
Gutiérrez JM, Villar S, Acuña Plavan A. Micronucleus test in fishes as indicators of environmental quality in subestuaries of the Río de la Plata (Uruguay). Mar Pollut Bull 2015; 91:518-523. [PMID: 25455785 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Genotoxic agents may exert damage that may be active through following generations. Micronuclei are cytoplasmic chromatin masses outside the main cell nucleus, indicators of chromosomal damage. This study applied micronuclei test to evaluate genetic damage of fish in three breeding and nursery areas of commercially important fishes exposed to differing degrees of anthropogenic impact: Pando, Solís Chico and Solís Grande sub-estuaries. The micronuclei test revealed differences in the presence and concentrations of genotoxic components in these sub-estuaries. Fish in the urban and industrialized Pando sub-estuary presented the highest percentages of micronuclei. The absence of seasonal changes in micronuclei in Pando fish could be explained by physical characteristics of the sub-estuary and by regional weather conditions. Odontesthes argentinensis (Valenciennes, 1835) was the species most susceptible to genotoxic components. It is recommended the use of a battery of biomarkers to better explain the health of organisms in that important nursery area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Gutiérrez
- Sección Oceanografía y Ecología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay; Servicio de MEB, Epifluorescencia y EDS, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Silvia Villar
- Servicio de MEB, Epifluorescencia y EDS, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Alicia Acuña Plavan
- Sección Oceanografía y Ecología Marina, Facultad de Ciencias, UdelaR, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
216
|
Schäfer S, Buchmeier G, Claus E, Duester L, Heininger P, Körner A, Mayer P, Paschke A, Rauert C, Reifferscheid G, Rüdel H, Schlechtriem C, Schröter-Kermani C, Schudoma D, Smedes F, Steffen D, Vietoris F. Bioaccumulation in aquatic systems: methodological approaches, monitoring and assessment. Environ Sci Eur 2015; 27:5. [PMID: 27752421 PMCID: PMC5044975 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-014-0036-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Bioaccumulation, the accumulation of a chemical in an organism relative to its level in the ambient medium, is of major environmental concern. Thus, monitoring chemical concentrations in biota are widely and increasingly used for assessing the chemical status of aquatic ecosystems. In this paper, various scientific and regulatory aspects of bioaccumulation in aquatic systems and the relevant critical issues are discussed. Monitoring chemical concentrations in biota can be used for compliance checking with regulatory directives, for identification of chemical sources or event-related environmental risk assessment. Assessing bioaccumulation in the field is challenging since many factors have to be considered that can affect the accumulation of a chemical in an organism. Passive sampling can complement biota monitoring since samplers with standardised partition properties can be used over a wide temporal and geographical range. Bioaccumulation is also assessed for regulation of chemicals of environmental concern whereby mainly data from laboratory studies on fish bioaccumulation are used. Field data can, however, provide additional important information for regulators. Strategies for bioaccumulation assessment still need to be harmonised for different regulations and groups of chemicals. To create awareness for critical issues and to mutually benefit from technical expertise and scientific findings, communication between risk assessment and monitoring communities needs to be improved. Scientists can support the establishment of new monitoring programs for bioaccumulation, e.g. in the frame of the amended European Environmental Quality Standard Directive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Schäfer
- Department of Qualitative Hydrology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Georgia Buchmeier
- Department of Aquatic Toxicology, Pathology, Bavarian Environment Agency, Demollstr. 31, 82407 Wielenbach, Germany
| | - Evelyn Claus
- Department of Qualitative Hydrology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Lars Duester
- Department of Qualitative Hydrology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Peter Heininger
- Department of Qualitative Hydrology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Andrea Körner
- German Federal Environment Agency, Am Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau, Germany
| | - Philipp Mayer
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Albrecht Paschke
- Department of Ecological Chemistry, UFZ-Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Caren Rauert
- German Federal Environment Agency, Am Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau, Germany
| | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Department of Qualitative Hydrology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Am Mainzer Tor 1, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Department of the Environmental Specimen Bank and Elemental Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Christian Schlechtriem
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology (IME), Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392 Schmallenberg, Germany
| | | | - Dieter Schudoma
- German Federal Environment Agency, Am Wörlitzer Platz 1, 06844 Dessau, Germany
| | - Foppe Smedes
- Deltares, PO Box 85467, , 3508 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Masaryk University, Recetox, Kamenice 753/5-A29, 62 500 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dieter Steffen
- Lower Saxony Water Management, Coastal Defence and Nature Conservation Agency, An der Scharlake 39, 31135 Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Friederike Vietoris
- Department of Questions of Principle of Water Management, Water Quality of Surface and Ground Water, Water Supply, Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Agriculture, Nature Conservation and Consumer Protection of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia, Schwannstraße 3, 40476 Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
217
|
Cardoso PG, Pereira E, Duarte AC, Azeiteiro UM. Temporal characterization of mercury accumulation at different trophic levels and implications for metal biomagnification along a coastal food web. Mar Pollut Bull 2014; 87:39-47. [PMID: 25172612 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The main goal of this study was to assess temporal mercury variations along an estuarine food web to evaluate the mercury contamination level of the system and the risks that humans are exposed to, due to mercury biomagnification. The highest mercury concentrations in the sediments and primary producers (macrophytes) were observed during winter sampling. Instead, the highest mercury concentrations in the water, suspended particulate matter as well as in the zooplanktonic and suprabenthic communities were observed during summer sampling. Evidences of mercury biomagnification along the food web were corroborated by the positive biomagnification factors, particularly for omnivorous macrobenthic species. Comparing the mercury levels at distinct components with several environmental quality criteria it suggests that sediments, water and edible species (e.g., bivalve Scrobicularia plana and the crustacean Carcinus maenas) presented higher mercury levels than the values accepted by legislation which represent a matter of concern for the environment and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P G Cardoso
- MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - E Pereira
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - A C Duarte
- CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - U M Azeiteiro
- CFE - Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, PO Box 3046, 3001-401 Coimbra, Portugal; Universidade Aberta, Department of Sciences and Technology, P-4200-055 Oporto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
218
|
Rudd MA, Ankley GT, Boxall ABA, Brooks BW. International scientists' priorities for research on pharmaceutical and personal care products in the environment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014; 10:576-87. [PMID: 24954797 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.1551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are widely discharged into the environment via diverse pathways. The effects of PPCPs in the environment have potentially important human and ecosystem health implications, so credible, salient, and legitimate scientific evidence is needed to inform regulatory and policy responses that address potential risks. A recent "big questions" exercise with participants largely from North America identified 22 important research questions around the risks of PPCP in the environment that would help address the most pressing knowledge gaps over the next decade. To expand that analysis, we developed a survey that was completed by 535 environmental scientists from 57 countries, of whom 49% identified environmental or analytical chemistry as their primary disciplinary background. They ranked the 22 original research questions and submitted 171 additional candidate research questions they felt were also of high priority. Of the original questions, the 3 perceived to be of highest importance related to: 1) the effects of long-term exposure to low concentrations of PPCP mixtures on nontarget organisms, 2) effluent treatment methods that can reduce the effects of PPCPs in the environment while not increasing the toxicity of whole effluents, and 3) the assessment of the environmental risks of metabolites and environmental transformation products of PPCPs. A question regarding the role of cultural perspectives in PPCP risk assessment was ranked as the lowest priority. There were significant differences in research orientation between scientists who completed English and Chinese language versions of the survey. We found that the Chinese respondents were strongly orientated to issues of managing risk profiles, effluent treatment, residue bioavailability, and regional assessment. Among English language respondents, further differences in research orientation were associated with respondents' level of consistency when ranking the survey's 15 comparisons. There was increasing emphasis on the role of various other stressors relative to PPCPs and on risk prioritization as internal decision making consistency increased. Respondents' consistency in their ranking choices was significantly and positively correlated with SETAC membership, authors' number of publications, and longer survey completion times. Our research highlighted international scientists' research priorities and should help inform decisions about the type of hazard and risk-based research needed to best inform decisions regarding PPCPs in the environment. Disciplinary training of a scientist or engineer appears to strongly influence preferences for research priorities to understand PPCPs in the environment. Selection of participants and the depth and breadth of research prioritization efforts thus have potential effects on the outcomes of research prioritization exercises. Further elucidation of how patterns of research priority vary between academic and government scientists and between scientists and other government and stakeholders would be useful in the future and provide information that helps focus scientific effort on socially relevant challenges relating to PPCPs in the environment. It also suggests the potential for future collaborative research between industry, government, and academia on environmental contaminants beyond PPCPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Murray A Rudd
- Environment Department, University of York, Heslington, York, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
219
|
Centner TJ, O'Connell LK. Unfinished business in the regulation of shale gas production in the United States. Sci Total Environ 2014; 476-477:359-367. [PMID: 24476976 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.12.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 12/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
With increased drilling for natural gas, toxic chemicals used to fracture wells have been introduced into the environment accompanied by allegations of injuries. This article evaluates laws and regulations governing shale gas production to disclose ideas for offering further protection to people and the environment. The aim of the study is to offer state governments ideas for addressing contractual obligations of drilling operators, discerning health risks, disclosing toxic chemicals, and reporting sufficient information to detect problems and enforce regulations. The discussion suggests opportunities for state regulators to become more supportive of public health through greater oversight of shale gas extraction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terence J Centner
- Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Laura Kathryn O'Connell
- Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
220
|
Wagner M, Scherer C, Alvarez-Muñoz D, Brennholt N, Bourrain X, Buchinger S, Fries E, Grosbois C, Klasmeier J, Marti T, Rodriguez-Mozaz S, Urbatzka R, Vethaak AD, Winther-Nielsen M, Reifferscheid G. Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know. Environ Sci Eur 2014. [PMID: 28936382 DOI: 10.1186/2190-4715-26-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the use of plastic materials has generated huge societal benefits, the 'plastic age' comes with downsides: One issue of emerging concern is the accumulation of plastics in the aquatic environment. Here, so-called microplastics (MP), fragments smaller than 5 mm, are of special concern because they can be ingested throughout the food web more readily than larger particles. Focusing on freshwater MP, we briefly review the state of the science to identify gaps of knowledge and deduce research needs. STATE OF THE SCIENCE Environmental scientists started investigating marine (micro)plastics in the early 2000s. Today, a wealth of studies demonstrates that MP have ubiquitously permeated the marine ecosystem, including the polar regions and the deep sea. MP ingestion has been documented for an increasing number of marine species. However, to date, only few studies investigate their biological effects. The majority of marine plastics are considered to originate from land-based sources, including surface waters. Although they may be important transport pathways of MP, data from freshwater ecosystems is scarce. So far, only few studies provide evidence for the presence of MP in rivers and lakes. Data on MP uptake by freshwater invertebrates and fish is very limited. KNOWLEDGE GAPS While the research on marine MP is more advanced, there are immense gaps of knowledge regarding freshwater MP. Data on their abundance is fragmentary for large and absent for small surface waters. Likewise, relevant sources and the environmental fate remain to be investigated. Data on the biological effects of MP in freshwater species is completely lacking. The accumulation of other freshwater contaminants on MP is of special interest because ingestion might increase the chemical exposure. Again, data is unavailable on this important issue. CONCLUSIONS MP represent freshwater contaminants of emerging concern. However, to assess the environmental risk associated with MP, comprehensive data on their abundance, fate, sources, and biological effects in freshwater ecosystems are needed. Establishing such data critically depends on a collaborative effort by environmental scientists from diverse disciplines (chemistry, hydrology, ecotoxicology, etc.) and, unsurprisingly, on the allocation of sufficient public funding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wagner
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, 60438 Germany
| | - Christian Scherer
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, 60438 Germany
| | | | - Nicole Brennholt
- Department Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, 56002 Germany
| | - Xavier Bourrain
- Service Etat des Eaux Evaluation Ecologique, Agence de l'Eau Loire-Bretagne, Ploufragan, 22440 France
| | - Sebastian Buchinger
- Department Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, 56002 Germany
| | - Elke Fries
- Water, Environment and Eco-technologies Division, Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM), Orléans, 45100 France
| | - Cécile Grosbois
- GéoHydrosystèmes Continentaux (GéHCO), Université Francois Rabelais de Tours, Tours, 37000 France
| | - Jörg Klasmeier
- Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück, 49074 Germany
| | - Teresa Marti
- Investigación y Proyectos Medio Ambiente S.L. (IPROMA), Castellón de la Plana, 12005 Spain
| | | | - Ralph Urbatzka
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), Porto, 4050-123 Portugal
| | - A Dick Vethaak
- Unit Marine and Coastal Systems, Deltares and Institute for Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081 The Netherlands
| | | | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Department Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, 56002 Germany
| |
Collapse
|
221
|
Wagner M, Scherer C, Alvarez-Muñoz D, Brennholt N, Bourrain X, Buchinger S, Fries E, Grosbois C, Klasmeier J, Marti T, Rodriguez-Mozaz S, Urbatzka R, Vethaak AD, Winther-Nielsen M, Reifferscheid G. Microplastics in freshwater ecosystems: what we know and what we need to know. Environ Sci Eur 2014; 26:12. [PMID: 28936382 PMCID: PMC5566174 DOI: 10.1186/s12302-014-0012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 589] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the use of plastic materials has generated huge societal benefits, the 'plastic age' comes with downsides: One issue of emerging concern is the accumulation of plastics in the aquatic environment. Here, so-called microplastics (MP), fragments smaller than 5 mm, are of special concern because they can be ingested throughout the food web more readily than larger particles. Focusing on freshwater MP, we briefly review the state of the science to identify gaps of knowledge and deduce research needs. STATE OF THE SCIENCE Environmental scientists started investigating marine (micro)plastics in the early 2000s. Today, a wealth of studies demonstrates that MP have ubiquitously permeated the marine ecosystem, including the polar regions and the deep sea. MP ingestion has been documented for an increasing number of marine species. However, to date, only few studies investigate their biological effects. The majority of marine plastics are considered to originate from land-based sources, including surface waters. Although they may be important transport pathways of MP, data from freshwater ecosystems is scarce. So far, only few studies provide evidence for the presence of MP in rivers and lakes. Data on MP uptake by freshwater invertebrates and fish is very limited. KNOWLEDGE GAPS While the research on marine MP is more advanced, there are immense gaps of knowledge regarding freshwater MP. Data on their abundance is fragmentary for large and absent for small surface waters. Likewise, relevant sources and the environmental fate remain to be investigated. Data on the biological effects of MP in freshwater species is completely lacking. The accumulation of other freshwater contaminants on MP is of special interest because ingestion might increase the chemical exposure. Again, data is unavailable on this important issue. CONCLUSIONS MP represent freshwater contaminants of emerging concern. However, to assess the environmental risk associated with MP, comprehensive data on their abundance, fate, sources, and biological effects in freshwater ecosystems are needed. Establishing such data critically depends on a collaborative effort by environmental scientists from diverse disciplines (chemistry, hydrology, ecotoxicology, etc.) and, unsurprisingly, on the allocation of sufficient public funding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wagner
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, 60438 Germany
| | - Christian Scherer
- Department of Aquatic Ecotoxicology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Max-von-Laue-Str. 13, Frankfurt, 60438 Germany
| | | | - Nicole Brennholt
- Department Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, 56002 Germany
| | - Xavier Bourrain
- Service Etat des Eaux Evaluation Ecologique, Agence de l’Eau
Loire-Bretagne, Ploufragan, 22440 France
| | - Sebastian Buchinger
- Department Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, 56002 Germany
| | - Elke Fries
- Water, Environment and Eco-technologies Division, Bureau de Recherches
Géologiques et Minières (BRGM), Orléans, 45100 France
| | - Cécile Grosbois
- GéoHydrosystèmes Continentaux (GéHCO), Université Francois Rabelais de Tours, Tours, 37000 France
| | - Jörg Klasmeier
- Institute of Environmental Systems Research, Universität Osnabrück, Osnabrück, 49074 Germany
| | - Teresa Marti
- Investigación y Proyectos Medio Ambiente S.L. (IPROMA), Castellón de la Plana, 12005 Spain
| | | | - Ralph Urbatzka
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research
(CIIMAR), Porto, 4050-123 Portugal
| | - A Dick Vethaak
- Unit Marine and Coastal Systems, Deltares and Institute for
Environmental Studies, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081 The Netherlands
| | | | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Department Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, Federal Institute of Hydrology, Koblenz, 56002 Germany
| |
Collapse
|
222
|
Wong SK, Wai-Chung Lai L, Ho DCW, Chau KW, Lo-Kuen Lam C, Hung-Fai Ng C. Sick building syndrome and perceived indoor environmental quality: A survey of apartment buildings in Hong Kong. Habitat Int 2009; 33:463-471. [PMID: 32287695 PMCID: PMC7124323 DOI: 10.1016/j.habitatint.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of a highly communicable disease, SARS, in Asia in 2003 has revealed the health risk of living in a high-density environment. To show the important connection between human health and environmental quality, this study surveys the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) among apartment residents and their evaluation of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Based on a sample of 748 households living in Hong Kong, two interesting findings are revealed: (1) nasal discomfort was the commonest home-related SBS symptom despite the absence of any central ventilation system in apartment buildings; (2) noise, rather than ventilation, was the major IEQ problem perceived by residents. Our statistical analysis further showed that residents with SBS symptoms were less satisfied with their IEQ than those without. That is, despite a positive evaluation of specific IEQ criteria with respect to the building residents lived in, if they reported feeling SBS related symptoms, the overall IEQ evaluation of their building could still be negative. This perception bias gives rise to a sample selection problem in measuring perceived IEQ, which has implications on housing management practices and the formulation of a healthy housing policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siu-Kei Wong
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Lawrence Wai-Chung Lai
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel Chi-Wing Ho
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Kwong-Wing Chau
- Department of Real Estate and Construction, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
| | - Cindy Lo-Kuen Lam
- Family Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chris Hung-Fai Ng
- Development Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|