title: Hexadecane mineralization activity in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils of Ross Sea region Antarctica may require nutrients and inoculation

authors: Aislabie, Jackie M.

subjects: enhancing alkane mineralization

abstract: Hydrocarbon spills on Antarctic soils occur mainly near settlements where fuel is stored and aircraft and vehicles are refuelled. To investigate those factors that may preclude hexadecane mineralization activity in long-term hydrocarbon-contaminated soils from the Ross Sea Region, samples were collected from Scott Base, the site of former bases (Cape Evans, Marble Point, Vanda Station), and two oil spill sites in the Wright Valley (Bull Pass and Loop Moraine). The soils had low levels of nitrogen (<0.1% total N) and a high C/N ratio (>24) reflecting hydrocarbon contamination. Following soil water adjustment to 10% (v/w), the influence of nutrient addition (250 mg/kg N added as monoammonium phosphate) and inoculation (spiking with Antarctic soil containing high numbers of hydrocarbon degraders) as required on hexadecane mineralization activity was determined. Hexadecane mineralization activity occurred in contaminated soils from Marble Point, Cape Evans and one sample from Vanda Station without nutrient addition. In contrast soils from Scott Base, Cape Evans, another sample from Vanda Station and Loop Moraine required nutrients, whereas Bull Pass soil required inoculation and nutrients before hexadecane mineralization proceeded. Hydrocarbon degrader numbers were highest in coastal soils from Scott Base and Marble Point (10⁷ per gram) and less prevalent in inland soils from Wright Valley (<10⁵ per gram). The bacterial community structure of the soils differed between sites, but soils from the same sites tended to cluster together more closely, except for those from Vanda Station. Addition of nutrients did not cause large shifts in the soil bacterial communities. Results from this study indicate that hydrocarbon degradation may occur at some sites in summer when water is available. Long-term hydrocarbon-contaminated Antarctic soils may provide a valuable resource of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria that can serve as inocula for more recent oil spills on land.

text: Hexadecane mineralization activity in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils of Ross Sea region Antarctica may require nutrients and inoculation Hydrocarbon spills on Antarctic soils occur mainly near settlements where fuel is stored and aircraft and vehicles are refuelled. To investigate those factors that may preclude hexadecane mineralization activity in long-term hydrocarbon-contaminated soils from the Ross Sea Region, samples were collected from Scott Base, the site of former bases (Cape Evans, Marble Point, Vanda Station), and two oil spill sites in the Wright Valley (Bull Pass and Loop Moraine). The soils had low levels of nitrogen (<0.1% total N) and a high C/N ratio (>24) reflecting hydrocarbon contamination. Following soil water adjustment to 10% (v/w), the influence of nutrient addition (250 mg/kg N added as monoammonium phosphate) and inoculation (spiking with Antarctic soil containing high numbers of hydrocarbon degraders) as required on hexadecane mineralization activity was determined. Hexadecane mineralization activity occurred in contaminated soils from Marble Point, Cape Evans and one sample from Vanda Station without nutrient addition. In contrast soils from Scott Base, Cape Evans, another sample from Vanda Station and Loop Moraine required nutrients, whereas Bull Pass soil required inoculation and nutrients before hexadecane mineralization proceeded. Hydrocarbon degrader numbers were highest in coastal soils from Scott Base and Marble Point (10⁷ per gram) and less prevalent in inland soils from Wright Valley (<10⁵ per gram). The bacterial community structure of the soils differed between sites, but soils from the same sites tended to cluster together more closely, except for those from Vanda Station. Addition of nutrients did not cause large shifts in the soil bacterial communities. Results from this study indicate that hydrocarbon degradation may occur at some sites in summer when water is available. Long-term hydrocarbon-contaminated Antarctic soils may provide a valuable resource of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria that can serve as inocula for more recent oil spills on land.

year: 2012-02

title: Mental healthcare access indicators for trans and non-binary people in Aotearoa/New Zealand

authors: Gonzalez Gutierrez, Sofia Marisol

subjects: trans

abstract: Access to mental healthcare (MHC) is one of the social determinants of mental health that underlies the large mental health disparities faced by trans and non-binary people (TNB). TNB people may seek MHC for reasons related specifically to gender-affirming needs or for general mental health needs, which also needs to be affirmative of their gender. The topic of general MHC access has received some research, but there are still gaps regarding examining specific MHC settings and demographic differences. Furthermore, research in Aotearoa/New Zealand is still scarce being composed mainly of the Counting Ourselves survey. This thesis aimed to describe the rates of different MHC access indicators for TNB people in Aotearoa/New Zealand, including utilisation, unmet needs, satisfaction levels, and barriers to access. Subsequently, to examine demographic differences in these indicators across age, gender/sex assigned at birth (SAAB), and ethnicity groups. Demographic differences were hypothesised based on existing inequities. Analyses of data from the Counting Ourselves 2022 study were performed, which employed a cross-sectional methodology. Measures included demographic data, use of different MHC providers, unmet need for MHC, satisfaction with different MHC providers, and general and trans-specific barriers to MHC. In total, 2,631 valid responses were analysed, with almost all participants (99.8%) completing the survey online. All participants lived in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and their ages ranged from 14 to 86, with an average age of 27.1. The most common gender/SAAB groups were non-binary AFAB (43.7%) and transgender women (22.1%), while the most frequent ethnicity groups were European (75.3%) and Māori (13.9%). Results showed that the majority (58.1%) of participants had accessed at least one MHC service in the past year, with private MHC professionals being the most frequently accessed provider. Younger participants and non-binary AFAB were more likely to use MHC services, while service use did not differ significantly by ethnicity. Most participants (59.6%) reported an unmet need for MHC in the past year, with younger participants and non-binary AFAB participants being more likely to report this. Satisfaction with MHC providers was relatively positive, but approximately one-third of participants expressed dissatisfaction. Older participants were more satisfied with MHC, and transgender women were more satisfied, only in comparison with transgender men. The most frequent barriers to accessing MHC that are shared with the general population were cost (57.4%) and lack of knowledge of services (44.8%). The most frequent trans-specific barriers were fear of professionals lacking understanding of TNB people (50.2%) and fear of pathologisation (48.9%). Participants reporting most trans-specific barriers were more likely to be younger, and non-binary AFAB participants were more likely to report fear of insufficient understanding and fear of misgendering from providers. These findings indicate that younger and AFAB TNB people may face additional barriers to accessing and being satisfied with MHC, suggesting a need for targeted interventions. Overall, ethnicity did not significantly predict MHC access indicators, suggesting that it might not be a strong predictor of these within this population. Nevertheless, ethnicity findings differ from patterns observed in the general population of Aotearoa/New Zealand, calling for more targeted research.  The high rates of use of MHC services as well as unmet needs and experienced barriers underscore the importance of addressing barriers and improving MHC accessibility and quality for TNB people. This should include improving MHC providers’ education and training, as well as implementing routine procedures to ensure a culturally safe and respectful environment.

text: Mental healthcare access indicators for trans and non-binary people in Aotearoa/New Zealand Access to mental healthcare (MHC) is one of the social determinants of mental health that underlies the large mental health disparities faced by trans and non-binary people (TNB). TNB people may seek MHC for reasons related specifically to gender-affirming needs or for general mental health needs, which also needs to be affirmative of their gender. The topic of general MHC access has received some research, but there are still gaps regarding examining specific MHC settings and demographic differences. Furthermore, research in Aotearoa/New Zealand is still scarce being composed mainly of the Counting Ourselves survey. This thesis aimed to describe the rates of different MHC access indicators for TNB people in Aotearoa/New Zealand, including utilisation, unmet needs, satisfaction levels, and barriers to access. Subsequently, to examine demographic differences in these indicators across age, gender/sex assigned at birth (SAAB), and ethnicity groups. Demographic differences were hypothesised based on existing inequities. Analyses of data from the Counting Ourselves 2022 study were performed, which employed a cross-sectional methodology. Measures included demographic data, use of different MHC providers, unmet need for MHC, satisfaction with different MHC providers, and general and trans-specific barriers to MHC. In total, 2,631 valid responses were analysed, with almost all participants (99.8%) completing the survey online. All participants lived in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and their ages ranged from 14 to 86, with an average age of 27.1. The most common gender/SAAB groups were non-binary AFAB (43.7%) and transgender women (22.1%), while the most frequent ethnicity groups were European (75.3%) and Māori (13.9%). Results showed that the majority (58.1%) of participants had accessed at least one MHC service in the past year, with private MHC professionals being the most frequently accessed provider. Younger participants and non-binary AFAB were more likely to use MHC services, while service use did not differ significantly by ethnicity. Most participants (59.6%) reported an unmet need for MHC in the past year, with younger participants and non-binary AFAB participants being more likely to report this. Satisfaction with MHC providers was relatively positive, but approximately one-third of participants expressed dissatisfaction. Older participants were more satisfied with MHC, and transgender women were more satisfied, only in comparison with transgender men. The most frequent barriers to accessing MHC that are shared with the general population were cost (57.4%) and lack of knowledge of services (44.8%). The most frequent trans-specific barriers were fear of professionals lacking understanding of TNB people (50.2%) and fear of pathologisation (48.9%). Participants reporting most trans-specific barriers were more likely to be younger, and non-binary AFAB participants were more likely to report fear of insufficient understanding and fear of misgendering from providers. These findings indicate that younger and AFAB TNB people may face additional barriers to accessing and being satisfied with MHC, suggesting a need for targeted interventions. Overall, ethnicity did not significantly predict MHC access indicators, suggesting that it might not be a strong predictor of these within this population. Nevertheless, ethnicity findings differ from patterns observed in the general population of Aotearoa/New Zealand, calling for more targeted research.  The high rates of use of MHC services as well as unmet needs and experienced barriers underscore the importance of addressing barriers and improving MHC accessibility and quality for TNB people. This should include improving MHC providers’ education and training, as well as implementing routine procedures to ensure a culturally safe and respectful environment.

year: 2024-01-21

title: Lessons learned from the MV Rena: Reimagining maritime and resource management law

authors: Paul, Adrienne Joy

subjects: Resource Management Law - New Zealand

abstract: The main research question in this thesis is what lessons can Aotearoa New Zealand learn from the MV Rena grounding accident? This research is an historical account of the legal framework existing at the time of the MV Rena grounding. In addition, the thesis will outline the surrounding marine environment to examine the relevant regulatory system.
In the early morning of 5th October 2011, the MV Rena vessel struck Ōtāiti (Astrolabe Reef).  Initially, the accident concerned a response to the safety of the crew on board the MV Rena. However, the seriousness of the damage to the hull with part of Ōtāiti reef protruding through the keel, presented issues concerning the recovery strategy for the vessel and cargo from the coastal marine area.  The MV Rena grounding released oil, cargo, and equipment into the surrounding marine environment of Ōtāiti. The oil, cargo and equipment travelled by the ocean currents, spreading across large areas of the ocean. This caused environmental effects across the coastal marine area in the Bay of Plenty region. The grounding was the “worst maritime environmental disaster” Aotearoa New Zealand had ever seen. 

The government of the day and the MV Rena owner are committed to international obligations for preparing and responding to maritime disasters and marine pollution. However, the government of Aotearoa New Zealand was not a party to international obligations addressing groundings relative to bunker oil. In addition, when responding to environmental effects from the grounding the legal processes regulating the maritime and resource management system, caused distress to the local community in the Bay of Plenty region. Specifically, the people of Motiti Island (“Motiti”), relative to preserving and protecting their cultural and spiritual relationship with Ōtāiti and Motiti.

An analysis of maritime and resource management law at the international level and domestic level is explored in this thesis. Such as, marine pollution, and indigenous peoples’ rights (iwi Māori) in connection with the Maritime Transport Act 1994, the Resource Management Act 1991, the Waitangi Tribunal process and related planning and policy instruments.  The research concludes that, had the government of the day ratified relevant conventions prior to the MV Rena grounding incident, the outcome of the location of the ship may have been a completely different result, such as a full wreck removal, without opposition. Additionally, the research concludes that the gap in the laws regulating marine environments did not equip iwi Māori with protecting their interests, resulting in a spiritual injustice to the people of Motiti. This research reveals that maritime and resource management law still has a long way to go with supporting the indigenous people’s voice in Aotearoa New Zealand for sustainable marine solutions. This thesis conclude with recommendations directed at better maritime and resource management regulations and indigenous peoples’ involvement.

text: Lessons learned from the MV Rena: Reimagining maritime and resource management law The main research question in this thesis is what lessons can Aotearoa New Zealand learn from the MV Rena grounding accident? This research is an historical account of the legal framework existing at the time of the MV Rena grounding. In addition, the thesis will outline the surrounding marine environment to examine the relevant regulatory system.
In the early morning of 5th October 2011, the MV Rena vessel struck Ōtāiti (Astrolabe Reef).  Initially, the accident concerned a response to the safety of the crew on board the MV Rena. However, the seriousness of the damage to the hull with part of Ōtāiti reef protruding through the keel, presented issues concerning the recovery strategy for the vessel and cargo from the coastal marine area.  The MV Rena grounding released oil, cargo, and equipment into the surrounding marine environment of Ōtāiti. The oil, cargo and equipment travelled by the ocean currents, spreading across large areas of the ocean. This caused environmental effects across the coastal marine area in the Bay of Plenty region. The grounding was the “worst maritime environmental disaster” Aotearoa New Zealand had ever seen. 

The government of the day and the MV Rena owner are committed to international obligations for preparing and responding to maritime disasters and marine pollution. However, the government of Aotearoa New Zealand was not a party to international obligations addressing groundings relative to bunker oil. In addition, when responding to environmental effects from the grounding the legal processes regulating the maritime and resource management system, caused distress to the local community in the Bay of Plenty region. Specifically, the people of Motiti Island (“Motiti”), relative to preserving and protecting their cultural and spiritual relationship with Ōtāiti and Motiti.

An analysis of maritime and resource management law at the international level and domestic level is explored in this thesis. Such as, marine pollution, and indigenous peoples’ rights (iwi Māori) in connection with the Maritime Transport Act 1994, the Resource Management Act 1991, the Waitangi Tribunal process and related planning and policy instruments.  The research concludes that, had the government of the day ratified relevant conventions prior to the MV Rena grounding incident, the outcome of the location of the ship may have been a completely different result, such as a full wreck removal, without opposition. Additionally, the research concludes that the gap in the laws regulating marine environments did not equip iwi Māori with protecting their interests, resulting in a spiritual injustice to the people of Motiti. This research reveals that maritime and resource management law still has a long way to go with supporting the indigenous people’s voice in Aotearoa New Zealand for sustainable marine solutions. This thesis conclude with recommendations directed at better maritime and resource management regulations and indigenous peoples’ involvement.

year: 2022