Showing papers by "Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests published in 2009"

Recent changes in Imja Glacial Lake and its damming moraine in the Nepal Himalaya revealed by in situ surveys and multi-temporal ASTER imagery

Abstract: Changes in the area and bathymetry of Imja Glacial Lake and in the elevation of its damming moraine, Khumbu region, Nepal Himalaya are investigated. Previously reported changes in the lake area have been updated by multi-temporal ASTER images, which revealed a decreased expansion rate after 2000. A provisional expansion of the lake observed in 2004, from which some studies concluded an accelerated lake expansion due to global warming, has, from 2005, subsided to the glacier surface. Bathymetric changes for the period 1992–2002 that were first obtained for Himalayan glacial lakes suggest that the melting of debris-covered ice beneath the lake is insignificant in terms of the increase in lake volume, and that the retreat of a glacier in contact with the lake by calving is essential for the lake’s expansion. Changes in the height of a damming moraine for the period 2001–2007 suggest a continuous surface lowering near the lake, though the lowering rates are smaller than those for the period 1989–1994.

Low blood levels of lead and mercury and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity in children: A report of the children's health and environment research (CHEER)

Abstract: Background The goal of this study was to examine the association between low levels of lead and mercury in blood and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among Korean children. Methods One thousand seven hundred and seventy eight children at 10 elementary schools in six South Korea cities participated in this study. Parents and guardians administered a questionnaire including Conners’ parents rating ADHD scale to determine the presence of ADHD symptoms. In addition, clinical examinations of the children and determination of blood lead and mercury levels were included in the first Children's Health and Environment Research (CHEER) survey, which is now conducted annually in Korea. Results The risk for the appearance of ADHD symptoms was found to increase with the blood lead concentration. The mean blood lead concentration was low with a geometric mean of 1.8 μg/dl. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the presence of ADHD symptoms were 1.28 (0.57, 2.86), 1.32 (0.63, 2.74), 1.65 (0.77, 3.56), and 1.98 (0.76, 5.13) in children with blood lead levels of 1– 3.5 μg/dl, compared to those with blood lead levels of <1.0 μg/dl; these results statistically represented a borderline trend (p for trend: 0.07). The blood lead level showed a significant positive association with the Conners’ ADHD score (beta = 0.50, p < 0.0001). However, the blood mercury levels were not found to be significantly associated with ADHD symptoms in children. The geometric mean mercury concentration in the blood was 2.4 μg/l. Conclusions The observed association between blood lead concentration and the appearance of ADHD symptoms in Korean children suggests that lead, even at low concentrations, is a risk factor for ADHD.

Interaction between GSTM1/GSTT1 Polymorphism and Blood Mercury on Birth Weight

Abstract: BackgroundMercury (Hg) is toxic to both the reproductive and nervous systems. In addition, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), which conjugate glutathione to a variety of electrophilic compounds, ar...

Long-term declines in phosphorus export from forested catchments in south-central Ontario

Abstract: Total phosphorus (TP) levels in many Canadian Shield lakes in central Ontario have declined over recent decades, despite increases in human activity in most watersheds. To investigate the contribut...

Immunization of chickens with Newcastle disease virus expressing H5 hemagglutinin protects against highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses.

Abstract: Background Highly-pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) are the two most important poultry viruses in the world. Natural low-virulence NDV strains have been used as vaccines over the past 70 years with proven track records. We have previously developed a reverse genetics system to produce low-virulent NDV vaccine strain LaSota from cloned cDNA. This system allows us to use NDV as a vaccine vector for other avian pathogens.

People's perception on household solid waste management in ojo local government area in nigeria

Abstract: The current work examined the structure of household waste management system, collection and disposal within the context of a wider research on integrated solid waste management in households. A sample of 30 households from eleven selected residential areas with a focus group of 60 respondents in Ojo Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria was used. The selected residential areas were divided into high, middle and low socio-economic strata. The research examined a range of environmental behaviours, attitude and perception of respondents on household solid waste management. The results established waste management behaviours among the respondents on solid waste management system, services, patronage of services and cost recovery methods. Public opinion and perception on solid waste management system is characterized with irregularity and inefficient collection system; with poor monitoring of the private waste service providers by the local authority. Willingness to pay for waste management services provided by the private service providers, the Private Sector Participation operators is higher among the middle and high income socio-economic groups than in the low income group. However, with the application of sustainable environmental education greater success ratio could be achieved. Level of patronage of solid waste management services is high across the three socio-economic groups but patronage is shared among the two operating service providers (formal and informal). The Private Sector Participation has the highest patronage level with 64.6% severity index while the informal sector (Cart pushers) have only 48.7% severity index both percentages translate to the agreed and neutral perception opinion ranges respectively. The paper advocates for improved solid waste management system through proper monitoring of the services of the Private Sector Participation operators by the Local Government Area for improved service efficiency. Finally the research suggests appropriate lines of action on sustainability of a private sector driven solid waste management scheme in the Local Government Area and in Lagos State in general.

The effects of black carbon and sulphate aerosols in China regions on East Asia monsoons

Abstract: In this paper, we examine the direct effects of sulphate and black carbon (BC) aerosols in China on East Asia monsoons and its precipitation processes by using the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) 3.0 model. It is demonstrated that sulphate and BC aerosols in China both have the effects to weaken East Asia monsoons in both summer and winter seasons. However, they certainly differ from each other in affecting vertical structures of temperature and atmospheric circulations. Their differences are expected because of their distinct optical properties, that is, scattering versus absorbing. Even for a single type of aerosol, its effects on temperature structures and atmospheric circulations are largely season-dependent. Applications of T-test on our results indicate that forcing from BC aerosols over China is relatively weak and limited. It is also evident from our results that the effects of synthetic aerosols (sulphate and BC together) on monsoons are not simply a linear summation between these two types of aerosols. Instead, they are determined by their integrated optical properties. Synthetic aerosols to a large degree resemble effects of sulphate aerosols. This implies a likely scattering property for the integration of BC and sulphate aerosols in China.

Understanding invasion history: genetic structure and diversity of two globally invasive plants and implications for their management

Abstract: Aim: Resolving the origin of invasive plant species is important for understanding the introduction histories of successful invaders and aiding strategies aimed at their management. This study aimed to infer the number and origin(s) of introduction for the globally invasive species, Macfadyena unguis-cati and Jatropha gossypiifolia using molecular data. Location: Native range: Neotropics; Invaded range: North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, Pacific Islands and Australia. Methods: We used chloroplast microsatellites (cpSSRs) to elucidate the origin(s) of introduced populations and calculated the genetic diversity in native and introduced regions. Results: Strong genetic structure was found within the native range of M. unguis-cati, but no genetic structuring was evident in the native range of J. gossypiifolia. Overall, 27 haplotypes were found in the native range of M. unguis-cati. Only four haplotypes were found in the introduced range, with more than 96% of introduced specimens matching a haplotype from Paraguay. In contrast, 15 haplotypes were found in the introduced range of J. gossypiifolia, with all invasive populations, except New Caledonia, comprising multiple haplotypes. Main conclusions: These data show that two invasive plant species from the same native range have had vastly different introduction histories in their non-native ranges. Invasive populations of M. unguis-cati probably came from a single or few independent introductions, whereas most invasive J. gossypiifolia populations arose from multiple introductions or alternatively from a representative sample of genetic diversity from a panmictic native range. As introduced M. unguis-cati populations are dominated by a single haplotype, locally adapted natural enemies should make the best control agents. However, invasive populations of J. gossypiifolia are genetically diverse and the selection of bio-control agents will be considerably more complex.

Thermal modification of consolidated oriented strandboards: effects on dimensional stability, mechanical properties, chemical composition and surface color

Abstract: The objective of this paper was to propose a thermal post-treatment to improve the dimensional stability of oriented strandboard (OSB). Commercial OSB panels were obtained from an industrial batch and thermally treated in a single opening hot-press at two temperature levels (190 and 220 °C) and three duration times (12, 16 and 20 min). Dimensional stability, mechanical properties, chemical composition and surface color were studied. The results pointed-out that the proposed treatment can be applied to significantly improve the OSB dimensional stability by reducing thickness swelling, water absorption, and equilibrium moisture content in comparison to the untreated board. The mechanical properties were partially affected with reduction in modulus of rupture and without any adverse effect on the other properties. Chemical degradation occurred, mainly in relation to hemicelluloses contents, reducing equilibrium moisture content. The board surface became darker and this characteristic was correlated with the observed properties improvement. Dimensional stability properties were affected by both temperature and duration of the treatment, while the others mainly by temperature. The proposed thermal treatment can be recommended as a post-treatment to improve the OSB performance.

Stem Cells, Multiorgan Failure in Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness: A U.S./European Consultation Workshop

Abstract: The concern of the public regarding terrorist actions involving nuclear emergencies resulted in the reopening of the discussion regarding the best ways to cope with the inevitable health impairments. Medical experts from the US and from Europe considered it of importance to harmonize at an international level the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches regarding the radiation-induced health impairments. The present contribution is the result of the first U.S./European Consultation Workshop addressing approaches to radiation emergency preparedness and assistance, which was held recently at Ulm University, Ulm, Germany. Discussions dealt with the assessment of the extent of damage after total body exposure and, in particular, the quantity and quality of the damage to the hematopoietic stem cell pool. Secondly, the pathogenesis of the multiorgan failure was considered because of the organ-to-organ interactions. Thirdly, approaches were considered to harmonize the "triage-methods" used on an international level using the "Response Category" approach as developed for the European Communities. These discussions lead to the conclusion that there is a strong need for continuing education of physicians, nurses, and support personnel to address the issues posed by the management of patients suffering from radiation syndromes. Finally, the discussions expressed the need for more international cooperation in research and development of more refined methods to treat patients with any type of radiation syndromes.

Wintering strategies by mountain goats in interior mountains

Abstract: As with many ungulates inhabiting areas with potentially deep snow, winter is an important season for mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus (de Blainville, 1816)) and is characterized by restricted m...

The role of flooding on inter‐annual and seasonal variability of lake water chemistry, phytoplankton diatom communities and macrophyte biomass in the Slave River Delta (Northwest Territories, Canada)

Abstract: Water chemistry, macrophyte biomass and planktonic diatom communities were monitored seasonally over 3 years (2003–2005) from six hydrologically diverse lakes to assess the role of river flooding on inter-annual and seasonal variability of conditions in lakes of the Slave River Delta, Northwest Territories, Canada. Results indicate that river flooding was the dominant hydrological process controlling the temporal dynamics of the physical and chemical conditions, planktonic diatom communities and macrophyte biomass in lakes of the Slave River Delta. In the absence of river flooding, lakes had relatively high concentrations of nutrients and low concentrations of most ions, but when flooded, concentrations of nutrients decreased and ions increased. The physical and chemical conditions in frequently flooded and non-flooded lakes were relatively stable from year to year, whereas lakes that were intermittently flooded fluctuated widely depending on whether or not they flooded. Spring flooding from the Slave River introduced planktonic, centric diatoms that persisted only for a few weeks in the water column before settling out. Non-flooded lakes lacked planktonic diatoms. River flooding also reduced water transparency, which decreased macrophyte biomass, while lakes that did not flood exhibited higher macrophyte biomass and clear waters. This research provides insights into the factors that control the hydroecological variability of northern deltaic landscapes, and further improves our understanding of the complex interactions among hydrology, limnology and aquatic ecology, ultimately contributing to an improved scientific basis for future resource management decisions in the Slave River Delta and analogous systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Watershed land use as a determinant of metal concentrations in freshwater systems

Abstract: Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, dissolved organic matter (DOM), and pH were synthesized from 30 publications to determine the factors regulating concentrations and behavior of metals in freshwater systems. Results from the review suggest that contrasting watershed land use can directly (erosion and runoff) and indirectly (in-lake processes including metal-DOM-pH interactions) affect the metal concentrations in freshwater systems. Among the watershed land uses considered here, concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Cu were observed in the following order: arctic lakes 5). Additionally, at pH < 5, metal concentrations were significantly correlated with DOM due to metal-DOM complexation. High ratios of metal: DOM occur only at low DOM concentrations. Collectively, two general conclusions can be drawn from this review. First, lakes, rivers, and streams with urbanized watersheds are the most susceptible to increased concentrations of metals. Secondly, these results also suggest that regardless of high or low DOM in the water column, pH would affect metal concentrations in freshwater systems. Nonetheless, free metal ions would be higher in freshwater systems with acidic water and low DOM.

Predicting introduction, establishment and potential impacts of smallmouth bass

Abstract: Aim The introduction of non-indigenous species has resulted in wide-ranging ecological and economic impacts. Predictive modelling of the introduction and establishment of non-indigenous species is imperative to identify areas at high risk of invasion to effectively manage non-indigenous species and conserve native populations. Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), a warm water fish species native to central North America has negatively impacted native fish communities, including cyprinids and salmonid populations, as a result of intentional introductions. We predicted the introduction risk; species establishment based on habitat suitability; identified lakes at high risk of invasion; and finally assessed the consequential impacts on native salmon, trout and cyprinid populations. Location Ontario and British Columbia, Canada. Methods Classification tree and logistic regression models were developed and validated to predict the introduction and establishment of smallmouth bass for thousands of lakes. Results Densely human populated areas and larger lake surface areas successfully identify lakes associated with the introduction of smallmouth bass (introduction model) in British Columbia. Climate, lake morphology and water chemistry variables were the driving environmental parameters to define suitable smallmouth bass habitat (establishment model). A combination of the introduction and establishment model identified 138 lakes that are currently at risk in British Columbia to the introduction and establishment of smallmouth bass. Of these 138 high-risk lakes, 95% of them contain at least one species of salmon, trout or cyprinid, thereby increasing the potential impact of an invasion by smallmouth bass. Main conclusions Our framework can be applied to other terrestrial and aquatic species to obtain a better understanding of the potential risk posed by a non-indigenous species to an ecosystem. Furthermore, our methodology can be used to focus management efforts on areas at higher risk (e.g. number of potential releases, more favourable habitats) to control future introductions of non-indigenous species, thereby conserving native populations.

Environmental effects of maritime traffic on the İstanbul Strait

Abstract: The Istanbul Strait, which separates the European and the Asian parts of Istanbul, is one of the narrowest straits in the world that is used for international shipping. The Strait has very special ecological conditions in terms of marine environment (atmospheric/oceanographic conditions, plant and animal diversity) and terrestrial environment. It also has roles as biological corridor and biological barrier between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea and form an acclimatization zone for migrating species. Due to being the only maritime access for the neighboring Black Sea states and the Central Asian Turki Republics, the Istanbul Strait has been exposed to dense marine traffic for centuries and substantial increase has occurred in size and tonnage of the ships passing through the Strait with hazardous cargo varieties and amounts they carry. Increase in the number of vessels that navigates on the Strait and being on the transportation way of hazardous and dangerous materials pose serious environmental and safety hazards for the Istanbul Strait, Marmara Sea and the surrounding residential areas. Geographic and oceanographic features of the Istanbul Strait makes the navigation on the Strait rather difficult and consequently the Strait has faced many casualties that caused severe environmental problems due to thousands tons of oil spill occurring in recent decades.

Hydrological impacts of climate change predicted for an inland lake catchment in Ontario by using monthly water balance analyses.

Abstract: Potential hydrological impacts of climate change on long-term water balances were analysed for Harp Lake and its catchment. Harp Lake is located in the boreal ecozone of Ontario, Canada. Two climate change scenarios were used. One was based on extrapolation of long-term trends of monthly temperature and precipitation from a 129-year data record, and another was based on a Canadian general circulation model (GCM) predictions. A monthly water balance model was calibrated using 26 years of hydrological and meteorological data, and the model was used to calculate hydrological impact under two climate change scenarios. The first scenario with a warmer and wetter climate predicted a smaller magnitude of change than the second scenario. The first scenario showed an increase in evaporation each month, an increase in catchment runoff in summer, fall and winter, but a decrease in spring, resulting in a slight increase in lake level. Annual runoff and lake level would increase because the precipitation change overrides evaporation change. The second scenario with a warmer, drier climate predicted a greater change, and indicated that evaporation would increase each month, runoff would increase in many months, but would decrease in spring, causing the lake level to decrease slightly. Annual runoff and lake level would decrease because evaporation change overrides precipitation change. In both scenarios, the water balance changes in winter and spring are pronounced. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Nesting Behavior of Gorilla gorilla diehli at Kagwene Mountain, Cameroon: Implications for Assessing Group Size and Density

Abstract: We recorded nesting data at 569 fresh night nest sites, comprising 7032 individual nests, of Cross River gorillas inhabiting the Kagwene Mountain in western Cameroon. The mean night nest group size was 12.4. Overall, 55% of night nests were constructed on the ground and 45% in trees. Significantly more arboreal nests were constructed in the wet season (69%), vs. the dry season (19%). Day nest construction was common at Kagwene (n = 260 nest sites, mean nest group size = 5.98) and we encountered significantly more day nest sites in the wet season. Nest site reuse was also common (35%), though not related to season. Our results of nesting habits concur with those from other western gorilla studies, in which rainfall influences arboreal nesting. However, we encountered wet season arboreal nesting, day nest construction, and overall nest site reuse more frequently than reported for other sites. Our observations have considerable implications when estimating group size and density using traditional nest count data. The gorillas at Kagwene inhabit the highest altitudinal range of all Cross River gorilla subpopulations and rainfall is also high; therefore other subpopulations may demonstrate different nesting characteristics. However, one should consider our findings when attempting to estimate Cross River gorilla density at other localities through nest site data.

Implications of closed ecosystem conservation management: the decline of Rothschild’s giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) in Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya

Abstract: Giraffe were historically free-ranging across most of sub-Saharan Africa but are now most often confined to national parks, conservation areas, or private ranches. Five viable populations of Rothschild’s giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) remain in protected areas in Kenya and Uganda. The viable population in Uganda is Murchison Falls National Park and the four populations in Kenya are Lake Nakuru National Park (LNNP), Ruma National Park, Giraffe Manor, and Mwea Natural Reserve. The Kenya Wildlife Service queried a rapid decline in LNNP giraffe numbers falling from 153 individuals (1995) to 62 individuals (2002) and the failure of that population to recruit young in those years. Significantly reduced browse options, inbreeding depression and preferential lion predation were considered as potential reasons for this trend. Population genetic parameter estimates derived from multilocus genotype analyses suggest that the LNNP population was in good genetic health with respect to the likelihood of inbreeding depression. The population decline coincided with the drought attributed to the 1994 El Nino. Possible dietary complications from highly concentrated tannin levels because of forced over consumption of the park’s declining acacia trees may have compromised young giraffe, making them easy and opportunistic prey for the park’s lion population.

Following-up in strategic environmental assessment: a case study of 20-year forest management planning in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Abstract: The concept of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) has received considerable attention in recent years; however, the focus has been on the pre-decision stages of policies, plans and programs with much less attention to post-decision follow-up and monitoring. In those instances where SEA follow-up has been addressed, it has been done so much more from a conceptual than a practical perspective. As a result, the principles and concept of SEA follow-up are moving forward but we know little of the practice itself. This paper explores the practice and utility of SEA follow-up for twenty-year forest management planning and assessment in Saskatchewan, Canada. To do this, we develop and implement an analytical framework consisting of the necessary strategic, design and procedural, and institutional principles to enable ‘good’ SEA follow-up. The overall objective is to identify opportunities to learn from experience and to help advance SEA follow-up from concept to practice.

Reanalysis Data Underestimate Significant Changes in Growing Season Weather in Kazakhstan

Abstract: We present time series analyses of recently compiled climate station data which allowed us to assess contemporary trends in growing season weather across Kazakhstan as drivers of a significant decline in growing season normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) recently observed by satellite remote sensing across much of Central Asia. We used a robust nonparametric time series analysis method, the seasonal Kendall trend test to analyze georeferenced time series of accumulated growing season precipitation (APPT) and accumulated growing degree-days (AGDD). Over the period 2000–2006 we found geographically extensive, statistically significant (p<0.05) decreasing trends in APPT and increasing trends in AGDD. The temperature trends were especially apparent during the warm season and coincided with precipitation decreases in northwest Kazakhstan, indicating that pervasive drought conditions and higher temperature excursions were the likely drivers of NDVI declines observed in Kazakhstan over the same period. We also compared the APPT and AGDD trends at individual stations with results from trend analysis of gridded monthly precipitation data from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) Full Data Reanalysis v4 and gridded daily near surface air temperature from the National Centers for Climate Prediction Reanalysis v2 (NCEP R2). We found substantial deviation between the station and the reanalysis trends, suggesting that GPCC and NCEP data substantially underestimate the geographic extent of recent drought in Kazakhstan. Although gridded climate products offer many advantages in ease of use and complete coverage, our findings for Kazakhstan should serve as a caveat against uncritical use of GPCC and NCEP reanalysis data and demonstrate the importance of compiling and standardizing daily climate data from data-sparse regions like Central Asia.

Rainfall Analysis for the Northern Wadis of United Arab Emirates: A Case Study

Abstract: The rainfall distribution in space and time, its consistency, probability of occurrences, and drought conditions in three selected wadis in the northern area of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been investigated. Like other arid and semi-arid regions, rainfall in the selected wadis is limited, scattered, and random. The standard deviation and coefficient of asymmetry of the rainfall patterns are relatively high. The three wadis have similar rainfall patterns based on the monthly, annual, and 24-h maximum rainfalls. Empirical equations were developed to estimate the annual and 24-h maximum rainfalls. A probability analysis is carried out for the annual and 24-h maximum rainfalls and probability graphs are developed with a confidence level of 95%. Intensity–duration–frequency curves are developed for the three wadis. A conceptual model is used in drought characterization. The available rainfall data of the three wadis are analyzed for drought intensity, duration, and frequency. Based on the drought chara...

Impact of soaking and phytase treatments on phytic acid, calcium, iron and zinc in faba bean fractions

Abstract: Summary With the aim to maximise phytic acid removal and minimise losses of dry matter and minerals (Ca, Fe, Zn) in faba bean, fractions of faba beans (whole faba beans, dehulled faba beans, hulls) and flours, were soaked in demineralised water at 10 °C (SDW), NaAc buffer of pH 3.5 at 10 °C (SAB), and 500 U L−1 phytase of pH 5.5 at 50 °C (SPS). In whole seeds and flour, SAB removed 20–51% phytic acid from seeds, and SPS 100% from flour depending upon different preheating treatments; dry matter, Ca, Fe, and Zn losses were 1.8–18%, 20–61%, 33–61% and 8–51%. In dehulled seeds flour, phytic acid could be removed 100% by SPS treatments. In dehulled seeds and flour, losses of dry matter, Ca, Fe were 2.4–18.6%, 12–63%, 11–43%, and Zn apparent gain was 12–73% respectively. In hulls flour, SPS removed 80–82% phytic acid, and SAB 48–50% depending upon different preheating treatments; dry matter, Ca, Zn losses were 6.4–28.7%, 16–46%, 60–72%, and Fe apparent gain was 2–73%, respectively. Phytase application is an effective method to rapidly remove phytic acid while preserving relatively more dry matter and minerals than other soaking approaches in faba bean fractions.