Showing papers in "International Journal of Environmental Studies in 1984"
TL;DR: Experiments on frog tadpoles exposed to chromium (VI) revealed a marked teratogenic effect of the element and the toxicity of chromium also led to abnormal behavioral responses and death.
Abstract: Experiments on frog tadpoles exposed to chromium (VI) revealed a marked teratogenic effect of the element. The toxicity of chromium also led to abnormal behavioral responses and death. The results of this study support our earlier findings with Annelids that the permitted levels of chromium in irrigation waters are harmful to terrestrial and aquatic organisms.
59 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of river flooding on sediment quality in the case of the river Ystwyth in Wales was investigated and it was shown that sediment-associated concentrations of lead, copper and cadmium vary with the river's discharge, and the form in which they are bound to the sediment varies.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with the effect of river flooding on sediment quality in the case of the river Ystwyth in Wales. It is shown that sediment‐associated concentrations of lead, copper and cadmium vary with the river's discharge, and the form in which they are bound to the sediment varies. The ease with which metals can be removed from sediment influences the bioavailability of the metals.
41 citations
TL;DR: The vertical distribution of Al, Cu, Fe and Zn in the soil salt marsh of the river Sado estuary was studied in this article, and the results obtained by an acid digestion procedure, indicate that the mean values at the first sampling point (near the Atlantic Ocean and very close to a populous city) are lower when compared with those found at the other Stations (approximately 8.0 and 20.0 km upstream), where they are very similar.
Abstract: The vertical distribution of Al, Cu, Fe and Zn in the soil salt marsh of the river Sado estuary was studied. The results obtained by an acid digestion procedure, indicate that the mean values at the first sampling point (near the Atlantic Ocean and very close to a populous city) are lower when compared with those found at the other Stations (approximately 8.0 and 20.0 km upstream), where they are very similar. These findings are related to the different nature of the soil matrix (essentially sand at Station 1 and silt‐clay at Station 2 and 3), and the reduced availability of the sandy fraction to bind trace metals. A correlation analysis for all the metals in different soil cores indicate that the correlation values at Station 1 are, generally, not significant at a 0.05 significance level.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the relative contribution of marine and non-marine sources and the influence of wind direction and speed on precipitation chemistry were analysed to establish the relative contributions from marine and nonsmall sources and establish the rate of bulk deposition of solutes at the site.
Abstract: Bulk precipitation at an upland grassland catchment was monitored over a two year period using a continuously open collector. The data were analysed to establish the relative contributions from marine and non‐marine sources and the influence of wind direction and speed on precipitation chemistry. The precipitation is dilute, acidic and dominated by sea derived solutes. The relative contribution of marine‐derived solutes is related to weather conditions dominated by autumnal storms from the west and southwest, whereas periods of calm weather in spring with light easterly winds is an important control on the chemistry of non‐marine ions. An estimate of the rate of bulk deposition of solutes at the site is given, and the possible errors relating to the interpretation of this estimate for a catchment system are discussed.
25 citations
TL;DR: The abundances of these noble metals range from 96-460 ppb Au; 734 ppb•31 ppm Pt and 32 ppb−4 ppm Pd.
Abstract: The Au, Pt and Pd contents of the sediments of Ginsheimer‐Altrhine River, a channel of the Rhine river which drains one of the most industrialized regions of western Europe, have been determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The abundances of these noble metals range from 96–460 ppb Au; 734 ppb‐31 ppm Pt and 32 ppb‐4 ppm Pd. The extremely high concentrations, particulary those of Pt and Pd, are attributed to their use in industry and are due to the formation and concentration of metal‐organic complexes, mainly at the interface between an extremely reducing and an oxidizing aquatic environment. Differential thermal analyses of the polluted sediments in comparison to the pure humic acid and Fe‐humate complex show that humic and fulvic acids are of great importance in the transport of heavy metals in polluted stream sediments.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors proposed to plant millions of trees to solve the second energy crisis in the rural sector of the Third World, which contributes to deforestation, soil erosion and other factors related to ecoclimatic disasters.
Abstract: World use of firewood for energy amounts to some 10–12 × 1012 kilowatt hours. Over 95 percent of this total is used in developing countries. In Africa about 60 percent of the total energy consumed comes from firewood, and in the rural sector of India it accounts for about 93 percent. This firewood harvest contributes to deforestation, soil erosion and other factors related to ecoclimatic disasters. Firewood shortage, otherwise known as “the second energy crisis,” is severely affecting the poorer countries of the world. The lack of a suitable alternative fuel, however, means that wood must remain as a major source of domestic energy in the rural sector of the Third World. The best answer to this imbalance of demand and supply is to plant millions of trees; while this concept is simple, its implementation is not, but the solution can come through integrated action and community involvement.
13 citations
TL;DR: Current trends in the birthrates of underweight babies and the spontaneous fetal death‐rates in three districts in the Keihin industrial zone and one neighbouring district were investigated based on the data culled from the Japanese Vital Statistics.
Abstract: Current trends in the birthrates of underweight babies (under 2500 g) and the spontaneous fetal death‐rates in three districts in the Keihin industrial zone and one neighbouring district were investigated based on the data culled from the Japanese Vital Statistics. Spontaneous fetal deathrates correlated with the birthrates of underweight babies in the four districts. An analysis of 11 types of diseases showed that the above two types of fetal abnormalities correlated positively with the standardized mortality rates of lung cancer. Two spontaneous fetal deathrates and the birthrates of underweight babies, were also found to correlate with the regional levels of the NO2 and the SO2 concentrations in each of the four districts.
12 citations
TL;DR: The Gordon Franklin Dam issue has become a watershed in the Tasmanian socioeconomic and political system as discussed by the authors, and there are alternative options to hydroelectric dams to satisfy the present demands of electricity and employment generation.
Abstract: The Earth provides enough to satisfy every man's need but not for every man's greed. (Mahatma Gandhi) If the only tool you have is a hammer it's remarkable how everything starts to look like a nail. (Abraham Maslow) South‐West Tasmania is one of the last three great wilderness areas of the Southern temperate regions of the world. There are obvious justifiable reasons for the area to be kept preserved for posterity. Conservationists, scientists and anthropologists argue that the South‐West is not only for Tasmanians or Australians but for the whole human society of the world. Moreover, there are alternative options to hydroelectric dams to satisfy the present demands of electricity and employment generation. The present Gordon‐Franklin dam issue has become a watershed in the Tasmanian socio‐economic and political system.
11 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identified solid waste as the most important source of environmental deterioration in Nigerian cities and proposed a number of waste disposal methods for the disposal of the waste, such as composting and landfilling.
Abstract: Solid waste has been identified as the most important source of environmental deterioration in Nigerian cities. Leaf constitutes about one‐third of the total waste generated. However, there are significant relationships between some socio‐economic variables and the type of waste generated. Income and education are greatly associated with the production of paper and metal waste. On the other hand, modern building is negatively associated with the production of leaf waste. Composting and landfilling methods were suggested for the disposal of the waste.
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an attempt has been made to assess the feasibility of application of biological data to evaluate and monitor water pollution of the river Kapila, near Nanjangud, Karnataka Two pollution index factors, one at the generic level and another at species level of the Algae, have been computed Significant correlation between biological and some physico-chemical factors has been established The theme that algae serve as tools of pollution and that their index scores at the species level is a more reliable parameter for the evaluation of water quality have been established
Abstract: An attempt has been made to assess the feasibility of application of biological data to evaluate and monitor water pollution of the river Kapila, near Nanjangud, Karnataka Two pollution index factors, one at the generic level and another at species level of the Algae, have been computed Significant correlation between biological and some physico‐chemical factors has been established The theme that algae serve as tools of pollution and that their index scores at the species level is a more reliable parameter for the evaluation of water quality has been established
9 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the emissions trading statement, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the spring of 1982, and provide guidelines for air quality management regions to develop generic State Implementation Plan (SIP) provisions governing transactions in ERCS.
Abstract: In this paper the authors examine the Emissions Trading Statement, announced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the spring of 1982. The Statement consolidates in a common currency, called the Emission Reduction Credit (ERC), the emission reductions achieved and used through current administrative procedures for the bubble, netting, offset, and banking programs. The Statement provides guidelines for air quality management regions to develop generic State Implementation Plan (SIP) provisions governing transactions in ERCS. Section 1 of this paper describes the existing regulatory implementation incentive structure for stationary source dischargers. In Section 2 a discussion is provided of the evolution of the Statement as a logical extension of administrative procedures already in limited use by the EPA. Policy issues that may limit the cost‐effectiveness of the proposed changes in the current regulatory implementation incentive structure are discussed in Section 3. The author's summary of findi...
TL;DR: In this article, the total plate count at 22°C and at 37°C, total coliforms (TC), faecal coliform (FC), and Faecal streptococci (FS) have been examined over a one year period at fifteen sampling sites in a little lake of central Italy (Piediluco Lake), together with chemical indices of both organic pollution (BOD5 and COD) and water mineral content (NNH3 Total inorganic nitrogen; Cl−; Dissolved Solids; Conductivity; PO4 ‐
Abstract: The total plate count at 22°C and at 37°C, total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS) have been examined over a one year period at fifteen sampling sites in a little lake of central Italy (Piediluco Lake), together with chemical indices of both organic pollution (BOD5 and COD) and water mineral content (N‐NH3 Total inorganic nitrogen; Cl‐; Dissolved Solids; Conductivity; PO4 ‐3). The statistical treatment of data demonstrated an incomplete uniformity in pollutant distribution and particularly in the distribution of TC, FC, FS. The correlation between parameters has also been considered.
TL;DR: The studied plasma lipid profiles of the human subjects increased significantly at high altitude in comparison to the moderate altitude, and in the event of the process of acclimatization of the subjects from the high to themoderate altitude, the studied Plasma lipid patterns reverted to the values observed at the initial moderate altitude condition.
Abstract: Studies have been carried out on plasma cholesterol, LDL—cholesterol, triglyceride, free fatty acids and phospholipids of fifteen male Indian students at a moderate altitude (2200 m) and at a high altitude (5100 m). The studied plasma lipid profiles of the human subjects increased significantly at high altitude in comparison to the moderate altitude. In the event of the process of acclimatization of the subjects from the high to the moderate altitude, the studied plasma lipid patterns reverted to the values observed at the initial moderate altitude condition.
TL;DR: Though research work on selenium in soil, plants and animal system was started a decade ago, the findings are significant and are critically reviewed in this paper.
Abstract: The research work on selenium in soils, plants and animals is of recent origin in India. Since milch cattle suffer due to selenium deficiency or toxicity through fodder, a systematic study of selenium was undertaken. Though research work on selenium in soil, plants and animal system was started a decade ago, the findings are significant and are critically reviewed in this paper.
TL;DR: In this article, a model which applies current ecological succession theory to land-use management is presented, and the five steps of the management model, designed disturbance, selective colonization, inhibitory persistence, removal, and regeneration, are described.
Abstract: A model is presented which applies current ecological succession theory to land‐use management. A brief history of succession theory is followed by a more detailed summary of the recently developed facilitation, tolerance and inhibition succession models. The five steps of the management model, designed disturbance, selective colonization, inhibitory persistence, removal, and regeneration, are described. Application of the model for land‐use planning is given through specific examples of techniques that manipulate successional processes. It is concluded that successional sequences and rates of replacement can be regulated to develop biotic communities that meet conservation needs.
TL;DR: In this article, water samples from four stations of the river Cauvery, representing different degrees of pollution, were investigated hydrobiologically to find dependable criteria for pollution levels, and the relative proportion of the constituent algal class in the phytoplankton could be used for evaluating the quality of water.
Abstract: Phytoplankton and water samples from four stations of the river Cauvery, representing different degrees of pollution, were investigated hydrobiologically to find dependable criteria for pollution levels. Comparatively more number of green algae and diatoms were observed at the unpolluted station. Species encountered at different stations have been enumerated and their relative tolerance to various physico‐chemical factors have been assessed. It is concluded that the relative proportion of the constituent algal class in the phytoplankton could be used for evaluating the quality of water.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine whether environment has become a political issue in developing countries and what effects does it have on the environmental policy outputs and find that although environment as an issue appears on institutional agenda in a number of developing countries, it has failed to come on the social agenda.
Abstract: This paper is an attempt to examine (1) whether environment has become a political issue in developing countries and (2) what effects does it have on the environmental policy outputs. It is realized that although environment as an issue appears on institutional agenda in a number of developing countries, it has failed to come on the social agenda. The issue has not achieved as much “politicization,” as it is needed to show significant positive outcomes of environmental policies in most developing countries. The study of environmental pollution issue in India indicates that lack of public involvement had resulted into symbolism in country's environment policy.
TL;DR: In this article, the determination of total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the ambient air of Delhi was done for a period of six months at five sampling stations.
Abstract: This investigation is concerned with the determination of total polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the ambient air of Delhi. Air sampling was done for a period of six months at five sampling stations. PAH was determined by the quinine sulphate method. A city average profile was obtained; seasonal variation of PAH concentration, as well as its correlation with total suspended particulates (TSP) and wind‐velocity, were ascertained.
TL;DR: In this paper, the dispersion of the emissions of a municipal solid waste incinerator in eastern Helsinki has been studied by analysing birch leaf (Betula pubescent) and grass (mainly couchgrass, Elymys repens) samples collected from the neighbourhood of the incinerator.
Abstract: The dispersion of the emissions of a municipal solid waste incinerator in eastern Helsinki has been studied by analysing birch leaf (Betula pubescent) and grass (mainly couch‐grass, Elymys repens) samples collected from the neighbourhood of the incinerator. The elemental concentrations of 17 elements were analyzed by the PIXE method. The incinerator was closed down in March 1983 because of the then measured high emissions. In the birch leaf samples collected in September 1982 (before the shut‐down) elemental concentrations of 11 elements varied strongly as a function of distance from the incinerator. In the respective samples collected in September 1983 (after the shut‐down) no clear distance versus concentration dependence was obtained for any elements.
TL;DR: Plasma T3, T4, TSH and cortisol levels of the subjects increased significantly at the second day at high altitude in comparison to the moderate altitude and reverted to the values as observed at a moderate altitude.
Abstract: Studies have been carried out on plasma T3, T4, TSH and cortisol levels of 15 male Indian sea level dwelling students at a moderate altitude (2200 m) and at high altitude (5100 m) Plasma T3, T4 and cortisol levels of the subjects increased significantly at the second day at high altitude in comparison to the moderate altitude Plasma TSH level at high altitude remained unchanged in comparison to the moderate altitude base data On acclimatization of the subjects from a high to a moderate altitude, the studied plasma T3, T4 and cortisol levels of the subjects reverted to the values as observed at a moderate altitude
TL;DR: For the assessment of toxicity of selected heavy metals (mercury, cadium), herbicides (bladex, planavin) and fertilizers (urea, potash and superphosphate) on soil respiration, metals in the range of 10-1000 ppm (by weight) and herbicides in the ranges of 3.6-8.4 Kg acre−1 were mixed in soil samples as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: For the assessment of toxicity of selected heavy metals (mercury, cadium), herbicides (bladex, planavin) and fertilizers (urea, potash and superphosphate) on soil respiration, metals in the range of 10–1000 ppm (by weight) and herbicides in the range of 3.6–8.4 Kg acre‐1 were mixed in soil samples. Rates of soil respiration were measured and higher concentrations of contaminants were found remarkably toxic. Mercury was the most toxic of all the chemicals tested. Fertilizers produced an increase in soil respiration at low concentrations followed by a decreasing trend with increasing concentrations.
TL;DR: In this article, a method is suggested for finding the best candidates for climatic reference stations in the U.S.A., so that from these a good database can result.
Abstract: Environmental data, including climatic data, are often being used to an accuracy for which they were not intended. This is becoming more apparent with the use of sophisticated statistical techniques in which computers play a major role. The example of data used in large‐scale secular temperature changes is given here because our studies have cast doubt on the representativeness and reliability of the data used. A method is suggested for finding the best candidates for climatic reference stations in the U.S.A., so that from these a good database can result.
TL;DR: Many interesting abnormalities, including diplochromatic structure, grouping, stickiness, beadedness, erosion, fragmentation and bridge formation of chromosomes and granulation of the interphase nucleus were observed under the influence of these cobalt (III) complexes.
Abstract: Cytological effects of two newly synthesized Cobalt (III) complexes, namely, [Co(BSOP)(NH3)2] [NO3], (1) and [Co(BSOP)(PY)2] [NO3], (2) (where, BSOP = dianion of N, N‐orthophenylenebis (salicylal‐dimine), Py = pyridine) were studied on Allium Cepa root tip cells. Many interesting abnormalities, including diplochromatic structure, grouping, stickiness, beadedness, erosion, fragmentation and bridge formation of chromosomes and granulation of the interphase nucleus were observed under the influence of these cobalt (III) complexes. The mitotic index had been simulated at threshold concentrations, but affected at higher concentrations and prolonged treatment. The inhibitory action in prolonged treatment may be due to an accumulation effect. Mechanisms of such effects have been discussed qualitatively and are described as a non‐delayed type.
TL;DR: The colonisation of china clay tips with particular reference to the role of the pioneer alga Zygogonium ericetorum is considered and the morphology appears to be affected by the availability of water and by the presence of runoff from dung depositions.
Abstract: The colonisation of china clay tips with particular reference to the role of the pioneer alga Zygogonium ericetorum is considered. The alga forms a mat over china clay waste and is particularly well developed on flat and damp areas. Steep slopes are subject to sheet and gully erosion and four principal categories of slope are recognised with regard to the colonising ability of the alga. The morphology of the alga appears to be affected by the availability of water and by the presence of runoff from dung depositions. The algal cover is destroyed by urine and by heavy trampling from animals. The presence of a fungal pathogen of the genus Chloridium is reported from Z. ericetorum.
TL;DR: Les eaux usees deversees dans cette riviere affectent dramatiquement the structure de la biocenose d'insectes and, indirectement, the production de poissons as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Les eaux usees deversees dans cette riviere affectent dramatiquement la structure de la biocenose d'insectes et, indirectement, la production de poissons
TL;DR: The abundance of the pathogen, both in terms of the number of plants affected and the degree of damage, decreased markedly with increasing altitude on Skaftafellsheidi.
Abstract: Rhytisma salicinum (Pers.) Fr. was found to be an extremely common fungal pathogen of Salix spp. in the Skaftafellsheidi region of Southern Iceland. This region lies to the west of the glacier Skaftafellsjokull and constitutes an important National Park. The abundance of the pathogen, both in terms of the number of plants affected and the degree of damage, decreased markedly with increasing altitude on Skaftafellsheidi.
TL;DR: The only reasonable hope for the foreseeable future seems to lie in voluntary action by industries prompted, perhaps, by gentle persuasion by public-spirited individuals or groups as mentioned in this paper, who seem to be unable to establish water quality standards.
Abstract: Many developing countries seem to be unable to establish water quality standards. The only reasonable hope for the foreseeable future seems to lie in voluntary action by industries prompted, perhaps, by gentle persuasion by public‐spirited individuals or groups. This paper reports an effort in this direction, involving an interplay of data collection and analysis, and dialogue.
TL;DR: The conceptual working aspects of environmental information, together with those characteristics that render it suitable for inclusion in a modern computer‐based system are discussed.
Abstract: Factual databanks can make an important contribution to environmental management. They help considerably with the difficult processes of integrating the various scientific languages used, and also with the development of valid methods for interdisciplinary research. In the planning the Aeolian project (a multidisciplinary study of an Archipelago north of Sicily), it was considered useful to include a group of workers on methodology and computer science. The hope is that they will help to facilitate the exchange of data and thus contribute to a better understanding of the various phenomena occurring on the islands. This paper discusses the conceptual working aspects of environmental information, together with those characteristics that render it suitable for inclusion in a modern computer‐based system.
TL;DR: While the benefits of coal mining are substantial, the actual expenditure on surface mine rehabilitation are inconsequential in both absolute and operating terms as discussed by the authors, whereas the performance of the existing rehabilitation program is questionable, a range of long term rehabilitation problems threaten profound environmental damage.
Abstract: Surface coal mining portends to change forever the very economic, as well as environmental fabric, of the Hunter region of NSW. While the benefits of coal mining are substantial, the actual expenditure on surface mine rehabilitation are inconsequential in both absolute and operating terms. Whereas the performance of the existing rehabilitation program is questionable, a range of long term rehabilitation problems threaten profound environmental damage. In this setting the state government would do well to consider the cost impacts of surface mining on other sectors of the community within the region.