bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological aspects of the surf-zone ichthyofauna of Itamambuca Beach, Ubatuba, SP
Authors: Gondolo Guilherme Fernandez , Mattox George Mendes Taliaferro , Cunningham Patricia Teresa Monteiro
Published: August 2011

Sandy beaches are among the most extensive environments in Brazil and are generally threatened by disorderly urban growth due to their location along the coast, where human populations tend to concentrate. This is especially true in southeastern Brazil, where the largest urban areas are located. Thus, better knowledge regarding these natural resources is of considerable importance. The surf zone of sandy beaches is inhabited by a number of fish species, including juveniles seeking both food and shelter from predators. An ecological survey was conducted in the surf zone of Itamambuca beach in the city of Ubatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil, in order to evaluate the composition, structure and dynamics of the fish fauna using community descriptors. Diurnal and nocturnal samples were taken with a beach seine at five oceanographic stations over a 12-month period. Water temperature and salinity were also recorded. A total of 2,147 individuals representing 34 species and 18 families were sampled. The main variation in fish fauna was detected on the diel level, followed by a spatial repartition possibly related to salinity. Seasonal variation was also observed. The five most important species in the overall context were Atherinella brasiliensis, Eucinostomus melanopterus, Mugil sp., Trachinotus goodei and Atherinella blackburni.
Anurofauna do noroeste paulista: lista de espécies e chave de identificação para adultos
Authors: Provete Diogo Borges , Garey Michel Varajão , Silva Fernando Rodrigues da , Rossa-Feres Denise de Cerqueira
Published: August 2011

A correta identificação de espécies normalmente é um obstáculo para estudos de conservação, manejo e licenciamento ambiental. Atualmente 37 espécies de cinco famílias de anfíbios anuros são registradas na área que abrange integralmente as Unidades de Gerenciamento dos Recursos Hídricos (UGRHIs) do Turvo-Grande e São José dos Dourados e parte das UGHRIs do Baixo Pardo, Baixo Tietê e Tietê-Batalha. Embora esta fauna venha sendo objeto de estudos quase ininterruptos desde a metade da década de 1960, nenhuma chave de identificação que incluísse todas as espécies reconhecidas na região estava disponível. Embora desenvolvida para uma anurofauna regional, esta chave tem ampla aplicação porque as espécies encontradas na área de abrangência do estudo são associadas à áreas abertas e apresentam ampla distribuição geográfica. Este estudo visa preencher esta lacuna e apresentar uma lista ilustrada e uma chave dicotômica artificial para as 37 espécies de anuros conhecidas para esta região.
Physic nut plants present high mycorrhizal dependency under conditions of low phosphate availability
Authors: Balota Elcio Liborio , Machineski Oswaldo , Viviane Truber Priscila , Scherer Alexandra , Souza Fabio Suano de
Published: August 2011

The physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) is a perennial tree that occurs naturally in the tropical and subtropical regions of Brazil. Fruits of physic nut present an oil content of 28% on a dry weight basis. Although the plant has adapted to diverse soil conditions such as low fertility, the correction of soil acidity and the addition of fertilizer are essential for highly productive plants. Thus, the response of the physic nut to different soil phosphorus levels (P) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation must be characterized. Hence, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the response of physic nut seedlings to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation at different levels of soil P. Experiment was carried out in a greenhouse encompassing AMF treatments (inoculation with Gigaspora margarita or Glomus clarum, and the non inoculated controls), and phosphorus treatments (0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1 added to soil). At low soil P levels, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation had a significant positive effect on plant growth, shoot and root dry matter content, plant height, number of leaves, total leaf area, leaf area per leaf and the Dickson quality index. The root:shoot ratio and the leaf area ratio were also affected by mycorrhizal inoculation and the level of P addition. Physic nut plants exhibited high mycorrhizal dependency at soil P additions up to 50 mg kg-1.
Correção cirúrgica de aneurismas saculares de fístula arteriovenosa para hemodiálise utilizando a técnica de aneurismorrafia
Authors: Moreira Ricardo Wagner da Costa , Carrilho David Domingos Rosado , Costa Kellen Micheline Alves Henrique , Pinheiro Rafaela Brito Bezerra
Published: August 2011

Uma das complicações mais frequentes da fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) para hemodiálise é o desenvolvimento de um aneurisma. A formação de aneurismas geralmente decorre de um enfraquecimento da parede venosa devido às repetidas punções, e sua rotura causa hemorragia intensa que pode levar à morte. Descrevemos o caso de uma paciente com dois aneurismas saculares de FAV, tratados através de aneurismorrafia, detalhando a técnica cirúrgica utilizada e a evolução pós-operatória. A técnica de rafia simples da parede constitui uma boa alternativa no reparo da parede da FAV quando o aneurisma é de curta extensão, evitando a colocação de um material protético e a confecção de duas anastomoses.
Conceituando o trabalho, o visível e o invisível
Authors: Schwartz Yves
Published: August 2011

Neste artigo discutimos, na perspectiva da ergologia, o conceito de trabalho. Situamos as definições dele ao longo da história por diferentes correntes de pensamento e polemizamos sobre o caráter inédito, invisível e visível do trabalho. O que ele pressupõe e o que ele permite inferir em termos de investimento humano pessoal e coletivo. O que ele revela em termos de continuidades de modos de fazer e o que ele omite em termos de saberes investidos. Procuramos retrabalhar a noção de trabalho, tentando explicar os impasses evocados. Ao final, sugerimos como esta reapreciação da noção de trabalho poderia reinterrogar também o trabalho do historiador.
Gestão do trabalho na perfuração de poços de petróleo: usos de si e 'a vida por toda a vida'
Authors: Figueiredo Marcelo , Alvarez Denise
Published: August 2011

Destacam-se no artigo os riscos potenciais à segurança e à saúde (especialmente a dimensão mental), associados às características do processo de trabalho e ao modelo de gestão do trabalho adotado pela empresa multinacional Schlumberger. Esses dois elementos aliados aos traços predominantes da indústria petrolífera tendem a expor seus trabalhadores a um aumento do custo psíquico (cognitivo, afetivo) em sua integridade biopsíquica (corpo-si). Indicam-se pistas para reflexão relativas à constatação das inadequações da organização do trabalho e do despreparo de muitos trabalhadores para lidarem com a intensidade das 'dramáticas do uso de si'. Questionam-se o alcance do 'sofrimento patogênico' presente na organização do trabalho, o comprometimento da possibilidade de sublimação e a possível conversão do sofrimento em criatividade (condição de 'possibilidade de circulações'). O referencial teórico-metodológico privilegia a ergonomia da atividade e a psicodinâmica do trabalho numa perspectiva ergológica. Os métodos operacionalizam um dispositivo dinâmico a três polos (DD3P) em 'encontros sobre o trabalho' e entrevistas semiestruturadas que valorizam a dialogia.
Publication of Noninferiority Clinical Trials: Changes Over a 20‐Year Interval
Authors: Suda Katie J. , Hurley Anne M. , McKibbin Trevor , Moroney Susannah E. Motl
Published: August 2011

Study Objectives. The primary objective was to evaluate the change in publication rate of noninferiority trials over a 20‐year interval (1989–2009). Secondary objectives were to analyze the frequency of noninferiority trials by therapeutic category, the frequency of noninferiority trial publication by journal, the impact factors of the publishing journals, any potential special advantages of the study drug over the control, the funding sources of the trials, pharmaceutical industry affiliation of the authors, and the use of ghostwriters in the creation of manuscripts.

Design. Retrospective literature review of 583 articles.

Data Sources. PubMed (January 1989‐December 2009) and EMBASE (first quarter 1989‐fourth quarter 2009) databases.

Measurements and Main Results. A total of 583 articles of the results of randomized controlled clinical trials with a noninferiority study design that evaluated drug therapies, published in English, between 1989 and 2009, were included in the analysis. A consistent increase was noted in their yearly publication rates, with no trials published in 1989 versus 133 in 2009. One hundred twenty‐six articles (21.6%) were in the therapeutic category of infectious diseases, followed by 78 (13.4%) in cardiology. Among the journals identified, The New England Journal of Medicine had the highest publication rate of trials with a noninferiority design, with 29 (5.0%) of the identified trials published in this journal. The median impact factor of the journals publishing noninferiority trials was 4.807 (interquartile range 3.064–7.5). The most common advantage of the study drug over the control was reduced duration of treatment or reduced pill burden (80 studies [22.9%]). A total of 425 trials (72.9%) listed the pharmaceutical industry as the only funding source. Among 369 trials with authors employed by the pharmaceutical industry, 101 (17.3%) disclosed an acknowledgment to an individual, other than those listed as authors, who contributed to writing the manuscript and who was affiliated with a medical information company and/or a pharmaceutical company (i.e., potential ghostwriters).

Conclusion. The publication of noninferiority trials increased during the 20 years from 1989 until 2009, particularly in the therapeutic areas of infectious diseases and cardiology. Because of this growth, clinicians and researchers need to be familiar with the caveats of the noninferiority study design to appropriately interpret and design these clinical studies.
Correlation of Bivalirudin Dose with Creatinine Clearance During Treatment of Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Runyan Courtney L. , Cabral Katherine P. , Riker Richard R. , Redding David , May Teresa , Seder David B. , Savic Marizela , Hedlund Jacqueline , Abramson Stuart , Fraser Gilles L.
Published: August 2011

Study Objectives. To evaluate steady‐state bivalirudin dosing requirements in patients with a wide range of kidney function who were being treated for heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)‐related disorders.

Design. Retrospective medical record review.

Setting. Academic medical center.

Patients. Sixty‐four adults with varying degrees of renal function who were receiving bivalirudin for at least 48 hours for HIT‐related disorders between March 2007 and May 2010.

Measurements and Main Results. Steady‐state conditions were defined as a constant bivalirudin infusion dose for at least 12 hours, with serum creatinine concentration varying less than 20% for 48 hours (for patients not receiving renal replacement therapy) and at least two therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values (60–80 sec). Patients were assigned to five groups based on Cockcroft‐Gault‐estimated creatinine clearance (Clcr) of less than 30, 30–60, or greater than 60 ml/minute, or by type of renal replacement therapy—intermittent hemodialysis or continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). For Clcr greater than 60 ml/minute, the median bivalirudin dose was 0.15 mg/kg/hour (interquartile range [IQR] 0.11–0.15 mg/kg/hr), which was greater than median doses for Clcr 30–60 ml/minute (0.10 mg/kg/hr, IQR 0.06–0.13 mg/kg/hr, p=0.004), Clcr less than 30 ml/minute (0.08 mg/kg/hr, IQR 0.04–0.1 mg/kg/hr, p=0.001), CVVH (0.06 mg/kg/hr, IQR 0.03–0.10 mg/kg/hr, p=0.046), and hemodialysis (0.04 mg/kg/hr, IQR 0.03–0.05 mg/kg/hr, p=0.0001). Bivalirudin doses correlated with Clcr (Spearman r = 0.58, p<0.01). The median aPTT value of 70 seconds (IQR 63–74 sec) was similar in all groups. Thrombosis was present before bivalirudin therapy in 18 (28%) of 64 patients, and two patients (3%) developed thromboemboli during bivalirudin therapy. Clinically significant bleeding related to bivalirudin and leading to discontinuation of bivalirudin occurred in four patients (6%). The median international normalized ratio increased from 1.5 (IQR 1.3–1.7) before bivalirudin therapy to 1.9 (IQR 1.8–2.1) during bivalirudin therapy (p=0.002) in 11 patients who were not receiving warfarin.

Conclusion. Bivalirudin dosing requirements increased with increasing Clcr values. The high degree of variability suggests that dosing in individual patients will require careful titration to achieve adequate anticoagulation.
Fidaxomicin: A Macrocyclic Antibiotic for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Hardesty Jennifer S. , Juang Paul
Published: August 2011

Clostridium difficile is an emerging pathogen in certain health care systems and community‐based populations that is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality as well as increased costs for the health care system. As recurrence rates increase, new pharmacologic agents to treat C. difficile infection are needed. Fidaxomicin, a novel macrocyclic antibiotic, was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of C. difficile‐associated diarrhea. Originally isolated from fermentation broth of Dactylosporangium aurantiacum subspecies hamdenensis, the drug has a selective spectrum, distinctive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and a favorable adverse‐effect profile. Fidaxomicin has demonstrated similar clinical cure rates (i.e., resolution of diarrhea) compared with vancomycin, with lower recurrence rates and higher global cure rates (i.e., resolution of diarrhea without recurrence) in non‐restriction endonuclease analysis type BI, North American Pulsed Field type 1 (NAP1), polymerase chain reaction ribotype 027 (or non‐BI/NAP1/027) strains. Overall, fidaxomicin has been generally well tolerated, with the most common adverse effects reported as mild gastrointestinal complaints. Fidaxomicin appears to be a useful agent in the treatment of severe C. difficile infection, demonstrating decreased rates of recurrence.
Key Articles and Guidelines in the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Stacy Zachary A. , Dobesh Paul P. , Trujillo Toby C. , Dager William E. , Ripley Toni , Olson Kari L.
Published: August 2011

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects approximately 8 million people in the United States, with less than half of these patients experiencing symptoms. The frequent asymptomatic presentation, combined with a lack of disease awareness by patients and health care practitioners, may result in missed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Clinicians should recognize PAD as a marker of systemic atherosclerosis and appreciate the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with the disease. Furthermore, intermittent claudication can significantly affect the quality of life of patients with acute and chronic leg ischemia. Consequently, a comprehensive treatment approach is needed, targeting both cardiovascular risk reduction and treatment of claudication pain. Although peripheral atherosclerosis can affect arterial beds throughout the body, our focus is on the key articles and guidelines addressing lower limb disease. We hope this compilation will serve as a resource for pharmacists, physicians, nurses, residents, and students responsible for the care of patients with PAD.
Interaction of caisson foundations with a seismically rupturing normal fault: centrifuge testing versus numerical simulation
Authors: LOLI M. , BRANSBY M.F. , ANASTASOPOULOS I. , GAZETAS G.
Published: August 2011

Dramatic failures have occurred in recent earthquakes as a result of the interplay of surface structures with outcropping fault ruptures, highlighting the need to account for fault-induced loading in seismic design. Current research into the mechanisms of fault rupture–foundation–structure interaction has revealed a potentially favourable role of caissons in comparison with other foundation types. This paper explores the mechanisms of normal fault rupture interaction with rigid caisson foundations, with an integrated approach using both experiments and analysis. A series of centrifuge model tests were first conducted to study the response of a square (in plan) caisson foundation of dimensions 5 m × 5 m × 10 m, founded on a 15 m thick layer of dry dense sand. A non-linear three-dimensional numerical simulation of the problem was then developed, and adequately validated against centrifuge test results. Depending on its position relative to the fault, the caisson interacts with the fault rupture, sometimes modifying spectacularly the free field rupture path. Acting as a kinematic constraint, the caisson ‘forces' the rupture to divert on either one, or both, of its sides. The numerical study was subsequently extended to gain further insight into the effect of the exact position of the caisson relative to the fault outcrop. Different mechanisms taking place for different caisson positions are identified, and their effect on the response of the system is discussed.
Review of Airborne Emissions from Agricultural Fumigants: Design and Uncertainty Considerations for the Use of the Integrated Horizontal Flux Method
Authors: Sullivan D. A. , Ajwa* H. A.
Published: August 2011

Ground‐level area sources, such as those associated with the use of agricultural fumigants, waste disposal sites, wastewater lagoons, and other applications, present a challenge in terms of characterizing atmospheric flux as a function of time. Studies are costly in terms of field activities and laboratory analysis. The optimization of field study design, therefore, is essential to conduct cost‐effective research. The collection of on‐field profile data for airborne concentration, wind speed, and wind direction can be used in conjunction with the integrated horizontal flux (IHF) method to empirically compute complex source terms as a function of time. This paper focuses on complicating factors and field study design issues for the use of the IHF method. Insights and examples are drawn from five field research studies. The methods and results of characterizing the uncertainty and method precision in the emission fitting for the IHF method also are presented.
Measurement of Trace Gas Fluxes over an Unfertilized Agricultural Field Using the Flux‐gradient Technique
Authors: Myles LaToya , Kochendorfer John , Heuer Mark W. , Meyers Tilden P.
Published: August 2011

Trace gas fluxes exhibit extensive spatial and temporal variability that is dependent on a number of factors, including meteorology, ambient concentration, and emission source size. Previous studies have found that agricultural fertilization contributes to higher fluxes of certain gases. The magnitude of trace gas fluxes over unfertilized crops is still uncertain. In the present study, deposition of ammonia (NH3), nitric acid (HNO3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) was measured over unfertilized soybean using the flux‐gradient technique. The eddy diffusivity was estimated from eddy covariance measurements of temperature fluxes, resulting in KH of 0.64 ± 0.30 m2 s−1. Flux means and standard deviations were −0.14 ± 0.13, −0.22 ± 0.19, and −0.38 ± 0.54 μg m−2 s−1 for NH3, HNO3, and SO2, respectively. Low concentrations of NH3 and HNO3 increased the relative uncertainties in the deposition velocities estimated from measured fluxes. This contributed to dissimilarities between deposition velocities estimated from the resistance analogy and deposition velocities estimated from fluxes. However, wet canopy conditions during the study may have led to an underestimation of deposition by the resistance analogy because the resistance method does not accurately describe the enhanced deposition rates that occur after dew formation. Quantification of vegetation characteristics, such as leaf wetness and apoplast chemistry, would be beneficial in future studies to more accurately determine stomatal resistance and its influence on fluxes.
Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Emissions and Ozone Formation from Spraying Solvent‐based Pesticides
Authors: Kumar Anuj , Howard Cody J. , Derrick Doniche , Malkina Irina L. , Mitloehner Frank M. , Kleeman Michael J. , Alaimo Christopher P. , Flocchini Robert G. , Green Peter G.
Published: August 2011

Large‐scale agricultural activities have come under scrutiny for possible contributions to the emission of ozone precursors. The San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California is an area with intense agricultural activity that exceeds the federal ozone standards for more than 30 to 40 d yr−1 and the more stringent state standards for more than 100 d yr−1. Pesticides are used widely in both agricultural and residential subregions of the SJV, but the largest use, by weight of “active ingredient,” is in agriculture. The objective of the study was to determine the role of pesticide application on airborne volatile organic compounds (VOC) concentrations and ozone formation in the SJV. The ozone formation from the pesticide formulation sprayed on commercial orchards was studied using two transportable smog chambers at four application sites during the summers of 2007 and 2008. In addition to the direct measurements of ozone formation, airborne VOC concentrations were measured before and after pesticide spraying using canister and sorbent tube sampling techniques. Soil VOC concentrations were also measured to understand the distribution of VOCs between different environmental compartments. Numerous VOCs were detected in the air and soil samples throughout the experiment but higher molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbons were the primary compounds observed in elevated concentrations immediately after pesticide spraying. Measurements indicate that the ozone concentration formed by VOC downwind of the orchard may increase up to 15 ppb after pesticide application, with a return back to prespray levels after 1 to 2 d.
Emissions of Ammonia, Methane, Carbon Dioxide, and Nitrous Oxide from Dairy Cattle Housing and Manure Management Systems
Authors: Leytem April B. , Dungan Robert S. , Bjorneberg David L. , Koehn Anita C.
Published: August 2011

Concentrated animal feeding operations emit trace gases such as ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The implementation of air quality regulations in livestock‐producing states increases the need for accurate on‐farm determination of emission rates. The objective of this study was to determine the emission rates of NH3, CH4, CO2, and N2O from three source areas (open lots, wastewater pond, compost) on a commercial dairy located in southern Idaho. Gas concentrations and wind statistics were measured each month and used with an inverse dispersion model to calculate emission rates. Average emissions per cow per day from the open lots were 0.13 kg NH3, 0.49 kg CH4, 28.1 kg CO2, and 0.01 kg N2O. Average emissions from the wastewater pond (g m−2 d−1) were 2.0 g NH3, 103 g CH4, 637 g CO2, and 0.49 g N2O. Average emissions from the compost facility (g m−2 d−1) were 1.6 g NH3, 13.5 g CH4, 516 g CO2, and 0.90 g N2O. The combined emissions of NH3, CH4, CO2, and N2O from the lots, wastewater pond and compost averaged 0.15, 1.4, 30.0, and 0.02 kg cow−1 d−1, respectively. The open lot areas generated the greatest emissions of NH3, CO2, and N2O, contributing 78, 80, and 57%, respectively, to total farm emissions. Methane emissions were greatest from the lots in the spring (74% of total), after which the wastewater pond became the largest source of emissions (55% of total) for the remainder of the year. Data from this study can be used to develop trace gas emissions factors from open‐lot dairies in southern Idaho and potentially other open‐lot production systems in similar climatic regions.
Odorants and Malodors Associated with Land Application of Biosolids Stabilized with Lime and Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Laor Yael , Naor Moshe , Ravid Uzi , Fine Pinchas , Halachmi Ilan , Chen Yona , Baybikov Rima
Published: August 2011

Malodor emissions limit public acceptance of using municipal biosolids as natural organic resources in agricultural production. We aimed to identify major odorants and to evaluate odor concentrations associated with land application of anaerobically digested sewage sludges (Class B) and their alkaline (lime and coal fly ash)‐stabilized products (Class A). These two types of biosolids were applied at 12.6 tonnes ha−1(dry weight) to microplots of very fine clayey Vertisol in the Jezreel Valley, northern Israel. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the biosolids before and during alkaline stabilization and after incorporation into the soil were analyzed by headspace solid‐phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Odor concentrations at the plots were evaluated on site with a Nasal Ranger field olfactometer that sniffed over a defined land surface area through a static chamber. The odors emitted by anaerobically digested sewage sludges from three activated sludge water treatment plants had one characteristic chemical fingerprint. Alkaline stabilization emitted substantial odors associated with high concentrations of ammonia and release of nitrogen‐containing VOCs and did not effectively reduce the potential odor annoyance. Odorous VOCs could be generated within the soil after biosolids incorporation, presumably because of anaerobic conditions within soil–biosolids aggregates. We propose that dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl trisulfide, which seem to be most related to the odor concentrations of biosolids‐treated soil, be used as potential chemical markers for the odor annoyance associated with incorporation of anaerobically digested sewage sludges.
A Standardized Approach for Estimating the Permeability of Plastic Films to Soil Fumigants under Various Field and Environmental Conditions
Authors: Papiernik Sharon K. , Yates Scott R. , Chellemi Daniel O.
Published: August 2011

Minimizing atmospheric emissions of soil fumigants is critical for protecting human and environmental health. Covering the soil surface with a plastic tarp is a common approach to restrict fumigant emissions. The mass transfer of the fumigant vapors through the tarp is often the rate‐limiting factor in fumigant emissions. An approach for standardizing measurements of film permeability is proposed that is based on determining the resistance (R) of films to diffusion of fumigants. Using this approach, R values were determined for more than 200 film–chemical combinations under a range of temperature, relative humidity, and film handling conditions. Resistance to diffusion was specific for each fumigant/film combination, with the largest range of values observed for the fumigant chloropicrin. For each fumigant, R decreased with increasing temperature. Changes in film permeability due to increases in temperature or field installation were generally less than a factor of five. For one film, R values determined under conditions of very high relative humidity (∼100%) were at least 100 times lower than when humidity was very low (∼2%). This approach simplifies the selection of appropriate films for soil fumigation by providing rapid, reproducible, and precise measurements of their permeability to specific fumigants and application conditions.
A Minimum Data Set of Water Quality Parameters to Assess and Compare Treatment Efficiency of Stormwater Facilities
Authors: Ingvertsen Simon Toft , Jensen Marina Bergen , Magid Jakob
Published: August 2011

Urban stormwater runoff is often of poor quality, impacting aquatic ecosystems and limiting the use of stormwater runoff for recreational purposes. Several stormwater treatment facilities (STFs) are in operation or at the pilot testing stage, but their efficiencies are neither well documented nor easily compared due to the complex contaminant profile of stormwater and the highly variable runoff hydrograph. On the basis of a review of available data sets on urban stormwater quality and environmental contaminant behavior, we suggest a few carefully selected contaminant parameters (the minimum data set) to be obligatory when assessing and comparing the efficiency of STFs. Consistent use of the minimum data set in all future monitoring schemes for STFs will ensure broad‐spectrum testing at low costs and strengthen comparability among facilities. The proposed minimum data set includes: (i) fine fraction of suspended solids (<63 μm), (ii) total concentrations of zinc and copper, (iii) total concentrations of phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and benzo(b,k)fluoranthene, and (iv) total concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen. Indicator pathogens and other specific contaminants (i.e., chromium, pesticides, phenols) may be added if recreational or certain catchment‐scale objectives are to be met. Issues that need further investigation have been identified during the iterative process of developing the minimum data set.
Effects of pH and Manure on Transport of Sulfonamide Antibiotics in Soil
Authors: Strauss Claudia , Harter Thomas , Radke Michael
Published: August 2011

Sulfonamide antibiotics are a commonly used group of compounds in animal husbandry. They are excreted with manure, which is collected in a storage lagoon in certain types of confined animal feeding operations. Flood irrigation of forage fields with this liquid manure creates the potential risk of groundwater contamination in areas with shallow groundwater levels. We tested the hypothesis that—in addition to the soil characteristics—manure as cosolute and manure pH are two major parameters influencing sulfonamide transport in soils. Solute displacement experiments in repacked, saturated soil columns were performed with soil (loamy sand) and manure from a dairy farm in California. Breakthrough of nonreactive tracer and sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, and sulfamethoxazole at different solution pH (5, 6.5, 8.5) with and without manure was modeled using Hydrus–1D to infer transport and reaction parameters. Tracer and sulfonamide breakthrough curves were well explained by a model concept based on physical nonequilibrium transport, equilibrium sorption, and first‐order dissipation kinetics. Sorption of the antibiotics was low (Kd ≤ 0.7 L kg−1) and only weakly influenced by pH and manure. However, sulfonamide attenuation was significantly affected by both pH and manure. The mass recovery of sulfonamides decreased with decreasing pH, e.g., for sulfamethoxazole from 77 (pH 8.5) to 56% (pH 5). The sulfonamides were highly mobile under the studied conditions, but manure application increased their attenuation substantially. The observed attenuation was most likely caused by a combination of microbial transformation and irreversible sorption to the soil matrix.
A Novel Framework to Classify Marginal Land for Sustainable Biomass Feedstock Production
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Gayathri , Cristina Negri M. , Snyder Seth W.
Published: August 2011

To achieve food and energy security, sustainable bioenergy has become an important goal for many countries. The use of marginal lands to produce energy crops is one strategy for achieving this goal, but what is marginal land? Current definitions generally focus on a single criterion, primarily agroeconomic profitability. Herein, we present a framework that incorporates multiple criteria including profitability of current land use, soil health indicators (erosion, flooding, drainage, or high slopes), and environmental degradation resulting from contamination of surface water or groundwater resources. We tested this framework for classifying marginal land in the state of Nebraska and estimated the potential for using marginal land to produce biofuel crops. Our results indicate that approximately 1.6 million ha, or 4 million acres, of land (∼8% of total land area) could be classified as marginal on the basis of at least two criteria. Second‐generation lignocellulosic bioenergy crops such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), miscanthus (Miscanthus giganteus), native prairie grasses, and short‐rotation woody crops could be grown on this land in redesigned landscapes that meet energy and environmental needs, without significant impacts on food or feed production. Calculating tradeoffs between the economics of redesigned landscapes and current practices at the field scale is the next step for determining functional designs for integrating biofuel feedstock production into current land management practices.
The Effects of Multiple Beneficial Management Practices on Hydrology and Nutrient Losses in a Small Watershed in the Canadian Prairies
Authors: Li Sheng , Elliott Jane A. , Tiessen Kevin H. D. , Yarotski James , Lobb David A. , Flaten Don N.
Published: August 2011

Most beneficial management practices (BMPs) recommended for reducing nutrient losses from agricultural land have been established and tested in temperate and humid regions. Previous studies on the effects of these BMPs in cold‐climate regions, especially at the small watershed scale, are rare. In this study, runoff and water quality were monitored from 1999 to 2008 at the outlets of two subwatersheds in the South Tobacco Creek watershed in Manitoba, Canada. Five BMPs—a holding pond below a beef cattle overwintering feedlot, riparian zone and grassed waterway management, grazing restriction, perennial forage conversion, and nutrient management—were implemented in one of these two subwatersheds beginning in 2005. We determined that >80% of the N and P in runoff at the outlets of the two subwatersheds were lost in dissolved forms, ≈ 50% during snowmelt events and ≈ 33% during rainfall events. When all snowmelt‐ and rainfall‐induced runoff events were considered, the five BMPs collectively decreased total N (TN) and total P (TP) exports in runoff at the treatment subwatershed outlet by 41 and 38%, respectively. The corresponding reductions in flow‐weighted mean concentrations (FWMCs) were 43% for TN and 32% for TP. In most cases, similar reductions in exports and FWMCs were measured for both dissolved and particulate forms of N and P, and during both rainfall and snowmelt‐induced runoff events. Indirect assessment suggests that retention of nutrients in the holding pond could account for as much as 63 and 57%, respectively, of the BMP‐induced reductions in TN and TP exports at the treatment subwatershed outlet. The nutrient management BMP was estimated to have reduced N and P inputs on land by 36 and 59%, respectively, in part due to the lower rates of nutrient application to fields converted from annual crop to perennial forage. Overall, even though the proportional contributions of individual BMPs were not directly measured in this study, the collective reduction of nutrient losses from the five BMPs was substantial.
Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Wastewater Treatment and Water Reclamation Plants in Southern California
Authors: Townsend‐Small Amy , Pataki Diane E. , Tseng Linda Y. , Tsai Cheng‐Yao , Rosso Diego
Published: August 2011

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a long‐lived and potent greenhouse gas produced during microbial nitrification and denitrification. In developed countries, centralized water reclamation plants often use these processes for N removal before effluent is used for irrigation or discharged to surface water, thus making this treatment a potentially large source of N2O in urban areas. In the arid but densely populated southwestern United States, water reclamation for irrigation is an important alternative to long‐distance water importation. We measured N2O concentrations and fluxes from several wastewater treatment processes in urban southern California. We found that N removal during water reclamation may lead to in situ N2O emission rates that are three or more times greater than traditional treatment processes (C oxidation only). In the water reclamation plants tested, N2O production was a greater percentage of total N removed (1.2%) than traditional treatment processes (C oxidation only) (0.4%). We also measured stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ18O) of emitted N2O and found distinct δ15N signatures of N2O from denitrification (0.0 ± 4.0‰) and nitrification reactors (−24.5 ± 2.2‰), respectively. These isotope data confirm that both nitrification and denitrification contribute to N2O emissions within the same treatment plant. Our estimates indicate that N2O emissions from biological N removal for water reclamation may be several orders of magnitude greater than N2O emissions from agricultural activities in highly urbanized southern California. Our results suggest that wastewater treatment that includes biological nitrogen removal can significantly increase urban N2O emissions.
Managing Agricultural Emissions to the Atmosphere: State of the Science, Fate and Mitigation, and Identifying Research Gaps
Authors: Yates S. R. , McConnell L. L. , Hapeman C. J. , Papiernik S. K. , Gao S. , Trabue S. L.
Published: August 2011

The impact of agriculture on regional air quality creates significant challenges to sustainability of food supplies and to the quality of national resources. Agricultural emissions to the atmosphere can lead to many nuisances, such as smog, haze, or offensive odors. They can also create more serious effects on human or environmental health, such as those posed by pesticides and other toxic industrial pollutants. It is recognized that deterioration of the atmosphere is undesirable, but the short‐ and long‐term impacts of specific agricultural activities on air quality are not well known or understood. These concerns led to the organization of the 2009 American Chemical Society Symposium titled Managing Agricultural Gas and Particle Emissions. An outcome of this symposium is this special collection of 14 research papers focusing on various issues associated with production agriculture and its effect on air quality. Topics included emissions from animal feeding operations, odors, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, mitigation, modeling, and risk assessment. These papers provide new research insights, identify gaps in current knowledge, and recommend important future research directions. As the scientific community gains a better understanding of the relationships between anthropogenic activities and their effects on environmental systems, technological advances should enable a reduction in adverse consequences on the environment.
Removal of methylene blue from water by γ-MnO2
Authors: Kuan W. H. , Chen C. Y. , Hu C. Y.
Published: August 2011

Methylene blue (MB) is a cationic dyestuff, which is particularly resistant to biodegradation. The molecular sieved γ-MnO2 was used as an adsorbent/oxidant to remove the MB at room temperature and in visible light. The removal efficiency was mainly evaluated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV–Vis spectrometer (UV–Vis), total organic carbon (TOC). The results revealed that the mechanisms of MB removal by γ-MnO2 are significantly influenced by the pH. In acidic conditions, hypsochromic effects (i.e. blue shifts of UV–Vis spectra) resulting from N-demethylation of the dimethylamino group in MB may occur concomitantly with oxidative degradation by γ-MnO2. However, the TOC in solution after γ-MnO2 treatment in acidic conditions did not show a dramatic decrease. At near neutral pH conditions, there was almost no UV–Vis absorption for the MB solution, however, only 50% TOC removal was observed. It indicated that MB was not only adsorbed onto γ-MnO2 but also partially oxidatively degraded to other organic compounds which were colourless for UV–Vis.
Urban flood risk assessment using sewer flooding databases
Authors: Caradot Nicolas , Granger Damien , Chapgier Jean , Cherqui Frédéric , Chocat Bernard
Published: August 2011

Sustainable water management is a global challenge for the 21st century. One key aspect remains protection against urban flooding. The main objective is to ensure or maintain an adequate level of service for all inhabitants. However, level of service is still difficult to assess and the high-risk locations difficult to identify. In this article, we propose a methodology, which (i) allows water managers to measure the service provided by the urban drainage system with regard to protection against urban flooding; and (ii) helps stakeholders to determine effective strategies for improving the service provided. One key aspect of this work is to use a database of sewer flood event records to assess flood risk. Our methodology helps urban water managers to assess the risk of sewer flooding; this approach does not seek to predict flooding but rather to inform decision makers on the current level of risk and on actions which need to be taken to reduce the risk. This work is based on a comprehensive definition of risk, including territorial vulnerability and perceptions of urban water stakeholders. This paper presents the results and the methodological contributions from implementing the methodology on two case studies: the cities of Lyon and Mulhouse.
GIS and ordination techniques for studying influence of watershed characteristics on river water quality
Authors: Ou Yang , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: August 2011

Landscape characteristics of twenty-eight sub-catchments within the Miyun reservoir watershed in Miyun County, northeast Beijing of China were examined to identify relationships with stream water chemistry. The influences of the entire catchment and 300 m buffer zone on water quality were compared using multiple regression analysis and redundancy analysis during three seasons. Results showed that strong seasonal differences in nitrate, nitrite and ammonium are observed whereas no difference in total phosphorus and conductivity. Landscape factors were significantly correlated to stream water quality. Residential area and stream density contributed markedly to river condition variability. Water quality was better explained by interactions with the landscape during and after rainy season. There was also a seasonal shift in the landscape factors that were the dominant explanatory variables. The relationships between landscape attributes and water quality on watershed scale were slightly different from those on riparian scale; however, landscape attributes may have stronger influences on water chemistry.
Reuse of treated wastewater and sewage sludge for fertilization and irrigation
Authors: Sousa Gonçalo , Fangueiro David , Duarte Elizabeth , Vasconcelos Ernesto
Published: August 2011

The objective of the present work was to assess the short term potential of treated wastewater and sewage sludge for ornamental lawn fertilization and irrigation. A field experiment was performed and the following treatments were considered: sewage sludge application + irrigation with public water; sewage sludge application + irrigation with treated wastewater; irrigation with public water; irrigation with treated wastewater (TW). Irrigation with treated wastewater showed a positive effect on lawn installation through higher growth of grass (1,667 cm) and higher dry matter yield (18,147 g m−2). These results represent a significant increase in the grass yield compared with public water irrigation. The grass height (2,606 cm) and dry matter yield (23,177 g m−2) increased even more, when sewage sludge produced in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was applied to soil, which proves once more its benefits as an organic fertilizer. At the end of the experiment, an increase of some soil parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, Ca2+, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and NH4+) was observed, indicating that treated wastewater irrigation can cause a soil sodization. This short term study indicated that use of treated wastewater and sewage sludge for ornamental lawn fertilization and irrigation is an environmentally sustainable option for re-use of the WWTP by-products.
Enhancement of a UASB-septic tank performance for decentralised treatment of strong domestic sewage
Authors: Mahmoud Nidal , van Lier Jules B.
Published: August 2011

The possibility of enhancing the process performance of the UASB-septic tank for treating strong sewage in Palestine by means of inoculating the reactor with well adapted anaerobic sludge and/or adding a packing media to the upper part of the reactor, creating an anaerobic hybrid (AH)-septic tank, was investigated. To achieve these objectives, two community onsite UASB-septic tank and AH-septic tank were operated in parallel at 2 days HRT for around 8 months overlapping the cold and hot periods of the year in Palestine. The achieved removal efficiencies of CODtot in the UASB-septic tank and AH-septic tank during the first months of operation, coinciding with the cold period and the subsequent hot period, were respectively 50(±15)% and 48(±15)% and 66(±8)% and 55(±8)%. This shows that the UASB-septic tank performed significantly better (p < 0.05) than the AH-septic tank after rather long periods of operation. The difference in the CODtot removal efficiency was mainly due to the better CODss removal efficiencies in the UASB-septic tank. The removal efficiencies over the last 50 days of operation for CODtot, CODsus, CODcol and CODdis were 70, 72, 77 and 55% and 53, 54, 78 and 45% for the UASB-septic tank and AH-septic tank, respectively. Comparing the here achieved COD removal efficiencies with previously reported efficiencies of UASB-septic tanks operated in Palestine shows that the reactor performance in terms of COD removal and conversion, during the first 8 months of operation, has improved substantially by being started with well adapted anaerobic sludge, simulating and predicting long-term performance. Adding packing media did not lead to an improvement.
Biofilm development during the start-up of a sulfate-reducing down-flow fluidized bed reactor at different COD/SO42− ratios and HRT
Authors: Piña-Salazar E. Z. , Cervantes F. J. , Meraz M. , Celis L. B.
Published: August 2011

In sulfate-reducing reactors, it has been reported that the sulfate removal efficiency increases when the COD/SO42− ratio is increased. The start-up of a down-flow fluidized bed reactor constitutes an important step to establish a microbial community in the biofilm able to survive under the operational bioreactor conditions in order to achieve effective removal of both sulfate and organic matter. In this work the influence of COD/SO42− ratio and HRT in the development of a biofilm during reactor start-up (35 days) was studied. The reactor was inoculated with 1.6 g VSS/L of granular sludge, ground low density polyethylene was used as support material; the feed consisted of mineral medium at pH 5.5 containing 1 g COD/L (acetate:lactate, 70:30) and sodium sulfate. Four experiments were conducted at HRT of 1 or 2 days and COD/SO42− ratio of 0.67 or 2.5. The results obtained indicated that a COD/SO42− ratio of 2.5 and HRT 2 days allowed high sulfate and COD removal (66.1 and 69.8%, respectively), whereas maximum amount of attached biomass (1.9 g SVI/L support) and highest sulfate reducing biofilm activity (10.1 g COD-H2S/g VSS-d) was achieved at HRT of 1 day and at COD/sulfate ratios of 0.67 and 2.5, respectively, which suggests that suspended biomass also played a key role in the performance of the reactors.