title: From soil to groundwater:  Assessing the leaching potential of cadmium across gradients of soil types and land-uses

authors: Mohammadi, Amir

subjects: Fertiliser

abstract: The problem: The productivity of agriculture, the mainstay of New Zealand’ economy, relies on millions tons of fertiliser to maintain soil fertility. These fertilisers contain contaminants, including cadmium (Cd) which pose risks to the environment and human health. The assessment of the bioavailability, mobility, and fate of fertiliser-derived contaminants is therefore important in protecting the environment and human health. In order to manage fertiliser inputs accurately, authorities and protection agencies have struggled with tracing the Cd fluxes between fertilised soil, shallow groundwater and the biomass of plants. A number of analytical and experimental challenges hinder the application of conventional methods in these systems.

Proposed research: A realistic assessment of the environmental impact of fertiliser-derived contaminants requires non-perturbing and sensitive sampling techniques for detecting contaminants of interest. Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) is an established in-situ technique that can provide information on the concentrations and bioavailability of diverse contaminants in soil, sediment and groundwater. The DGT method has rarely been applied to relatively slowly moving groundwater systems, where the increased length of the diffusive boundary layer (DBL) needs to be taken into account. Three different DGT approaches were tested to overcome the limitations associated with the direct application of DGTs to groundwater systems a static DGT suspension, a DGT shaker, and a pumped flow-cell unit coined the “universal DGT monitoring system” (UDMS). The analysis of stable isotope ratios was used to investigate the Cd cycle in agricultural systems. The isotope data enabled us to trace fertiliser-derived Cd in soil−pasture−groundwater systems across gradients of soil types and land-uses. Additionally, the effects of farm management strategies (urine and farm dairy effluent) on the transport of metals and nutrients from soil to groundwater were determined through testing archived samples from the Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) lysimeter trial. The hydrogeochemical properties of soils and different treatments may enhance metal leaching and transport. Through a statistical analysis of the data, this study aimed to test the hypotheses that the leaching potential of metals and nutrients in soils varies depending on the type of soil and farm management strategies.

Research outcome: The Universal DGT Monitoring System (UDMS)-a pumped flow-cell setup was developed to overcome stagnant conditions and reducing diffusive boundary layer thicknesses by fourfold. The UDMS method is particularly suitable for monitoring low-level contaminants like Cd and conditions with frequent fluctuations in shallow aquifer concentrations. Coupling UDMS and stable isotope ratio methods demonstrated that Cd isotopes are significantly and systematically fractionated in groundwater, soil, and pasture systems. Fractionation patterns in these systems provide insight into hydrogeochemical processes controlling the mobilisation of contaminants in the subsurface. According to the results of the study, soil types and hydraulic properties of soils are probably more important factors than farm treatments and strategies for the leaching of metals and nutrients. The intrinsic degree of leaching, however, could not be determined without control treatments. To understand the driving factors of high mobilisation events, further study is necessary to determine how amended versus unamended soils differ.

text: From soil to groundwater:  Assessing the leaching potential of cadmium across gradients of soil types and land-uses The problem: The productivity of agriculture, the mainstay of New Zealand’ economy, relies on millions tons of fertiliser to maintain soil fertility. These fertilisers contain contaminants, including cadmium (Cd) which pose risks to the environment and human health. The assessment of the bioavailability, mobility, and fate of fertiliser-derived contaminants is therefore important in protecting the environment and human health. In order to manage fertiliser inputs accurately, authorities and protection agencies have struggled with tracing the Cd fluxes between fertilised soil, shallow groundwater and the biomass of plants. A number of analytical and experimental challenges hinder the application of conventional methods in these systems.

Proposed research: A realistic assessment of the environmental impact of fertiliser-derived contaminants requires non-perturbing and sensitive sampling techniques for detecting contaminants of interest. Diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) is an established in-situ technique that can provide information on the concentrations and bioavailability of diverse contaminants in soil, sediment and groundwater. The DGT method has rarely been applied to relatively slowly moving groundwater systems, where the increased length of the diffusive boundary layer (DBL) needs to be taken into account. Three different DGT approaches were tested to overcome the limitations associated with the direct application of DGTs to groundwater systems a static DGT suspension, a DGT shaker, and a pumped flow-cell unit coined the “universal DGT monitoring system” (UDMS). The analysis of stable isotope ratios was used to investigate the Cd cycle in agricultural systems. The isotope data enabled us to trace fertiliser-derived Cd in soil−pasture−groundwater systems across gradients of soil types and land-uses. Additionally, the effects of farm management strategies (urine and farm dairy effluent) on the transport of metals and nutrients from soil to groundwater were determined through testing archived samples from the Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF) lysimeter trial. The hydrogeochemical properties of soils and different treatments may enhance metal leaching and transport. Through a statistical analysis of the data, this study aimed to test the hypotheses that the leaching potential of metals and nutrients in soils varies depending on the type of soil and farm management strategies.

Research outcome: The Universal DGT Monitoring System (UDMS)-a pumped flow-cell setup was developed to overcome stagnant conditions and reducing diffusive boundary layer thicknesses by fourfold. The UDMS method is particularly suitable for monitoring low-level contaminants like Cd and conditions with frequent fluctuations in shallow aquifer concentrations. Coupling UDMS and stable isotope ratio methods demonstrated that Cd isotopes are significantly and systematically fractionated in groundwater, soil, and pasture systems. Fractionation patterns in these systems provide insight into hydrogeochemical processes controlling the mobilisation of contaminants in the subsurface. According to the results of the study, soil types and hydraulic properties of soils are probably more important factors than farm treatments and strategies for the leaching of metals and nutrients. The intrinsic degree of leaching, however, could not be determined without control treatments. To understand the driving factors of high mobilisation events, further study is necessary to determine how amended versus unamended soils differ.

year: 2022

title: Enhancing child development services for neurodivergent children in Waikato: A qualitative study

authors: Nobilo, Ashlie

subjects: Child Development Services

abstract: Background: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often face unmet needs, placing their well-being at risk. Effective healthcare delivery is important to enhance outcomes for these individuals. In New Zealand, limitations in funding and resources, compounded by escalating demand, have led to deficiencies in the provision of Child Development Services (CDS). This has resulted in prolonged waiting lists and children missing out on essential support.
Objective: This project aimed to develop a proposed service delivery model for the Child Development Centre (CDC) in the Waikato district by considering stakeholders' perspectives regarding support for neurodivergent children and ways to adapt service delivery to ensure improved health and social outcomes.

Participants: Stakeholders from health and education sectors, including CDC service users, clinicians, healthcare managers, education professionals, and policy representatives, were recruited using purposive sampling.

Methods: This qualitative project had two phases: The first involved 41 semi-structured interviews inspired by grounded theory principles to uncover current perspectives and improvement ideas. The second phase, guided by co-design principles, featured two focus groups to formulate a service delivery model grounded in participant insights and literature.

Findings: Findings revealed concerns about inadequate support, delayed CDC services, pathway navigation challenges, and inadequate infrastructure. Participants emphasised the need for improved collaboration, increased therapeutic support, age-spanning support, and a community-focused CDC integrated with schools. Findings are visually summarised in a proposed service delivery model.

Conclusion: Enhancing experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent children requires collaborative, integrated efforts across sectors. The proposed service delivery model serves as a tool for guiding systemic changes and policy development.

text: Enhancing child development services for neurodivergent children in Waikato: A qualitative study Background: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders often face unmet needs, placing their well-being at risk. Effective healthcare delivery is important to enhance outcomes for these individuals. In New Zealand, limitations in funding and resources, compounded by escalating demand, have led to deficiencies in the provision of Child Development Services (CDS). This has resulted in prolonged waiting lists and children missing out on essential support.
Objective: This project aimed to develop a proposed service delivery model for the Child Development Centre (CDC) in the Waikato district by considering stakeholders' perspectives regarding support for neurodivergent children and ways to adapt service delivery to ensure improved health and social outcomes.

Participants: Stakeholders from health and education sectors, including CDC service users, clinicians, healthcare managers, education professionals, and policy representatives, were recruited using purposive sampling.

Methods: This qualitative project had two phases: The first involved 41 semi-structured interviews inspired by grounded theory principles to uncover current perspectives and improvement ideas. The second phase, guided by co-design principles, featured two focus groups to formulate a service delivery model grounded in participant insights and literature.

Findings: Findings revealed concerns about inadequate support, delayed CDC services, pathway navigation challenges, and inadequate infrastructure. Participants emphasised the need for improved collaboration, increased therapeutic support, age-spanning support, and a community-focused CDC integrated with schools. Findings are visually summarised in a proposed service delivery model.

Conclusion: Enhancing experiences and outcomes for neurodivergent children requires collaborative, integrated efforts across sectors. The proposed service delivery model serves as a tool for guiding systemic changes and policy development.

year: 2024

title: Caregiver Health Related Quality of Life and Burden When Caring for Children with Traumatic Brain Injury

authors: Rose, Wallis

subjects: Caregiver Burden

abstract: Often family members take on the responsibility of caregiver when another family member sustains a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The caregiving role is a stressful task which may impact negatively upon caregivers’ psychological and physical health. Variables which may contribute to caregiver burden include: caregiver age, educational attainment, income, gender, ethnicity, marital status, supports, time post-injury, and child clinical variables: TBI severity, behavioural functioning and adaptive functioning. The literature varies in its reporting of which areas of health are most affected, and the degree to which sociodemographic and child variables impact upon negative health related quality of life (HRQoL) and burden. To address this the current study explored health outcomes for TBI caregivers using a battery of measures (Medical Study Short Form-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, DSM-IV Depression Diagnostic Scale, BAKAS Caregiving Outcomes Scale); questionnaires were also used to collect sociodemographic information and information relating to supports and services used in the rehabilitation of the TBI child. The Behavioural Assessment System for Children was used to collect behavioural and adaptability information from the caregivers about the child. Assessments were carried out at baseline, 1-month, 6-months and 12-months post TBI from a sample of 94 TBI caregivers and at baseline from a sample of 43 Control caregivers.

TBI caregivers experienced poorer overall health and higher levels of depression and were less likely to report positive life changes compared to Control caregivers. Older age and higher income predicted positive life changes. In addition to this higher income predicted better physical and overall health. Ethnicity was found to predict depression with the Māori/‘other ethnicity’ group suffering higher levels of depression. Children’s dysfunctional behaviour was found to predict poorer caregiver health outcomes across several domains; these include physical health, overall health, and depression; while the child’s adaptive functioning was not found to be a predictive factor in any caregiver health domains. New Zealand European and Māori TBI caregivers experienced similar health outcomes and received similar levels of support. However, Māori experienced more positive life changes than New Zealand Europeans. Caregivers’ physical and psychological well-being was found to improve over time, these changes were the greatest between the 1-month and 12-month period.
As a high percentage of children’s TBI’s occur in the home and at school, education aimed at schools and parents to inform of the effects of TBI upon children and families will bring an awareness which may encourage families to seek medical help. In doing so will offer the opportunity to receive or seek support in the initial period post TBI in the hope of reducing the burden for caregivers and producing better health outcomes. Bringing these families into contact with medical services may also help in identifying caregivers at higher risk of poorer health outcomes. Findings of more positive life changes for Māori may suggest cultural ideology is a protective factor in caregiver burden, further investigation may be necessary to understand these cultural differences and how they impact upon the caregiving role.

text: Caregiver Health Related Quality of Life and Burden When Caring for Children with Traumatic Brain Injury Often family members take on the responsibility of caregiver when another family member sustains a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The caregiving role is a stressful task which may impact negatively upon caregivers’ psychological and physical health. Variables which may contribute to caregiver burden include: caregiver age, educational attainment, income, gender, ethnicity, marital status, supports, time post-injury, and child clinical variables: TBI severity, behavioural functioning and adaptive functioning. The literature varies in its reporting of which areas of health are most affected, and the degree to which sociodemographic and child variables impact upon negative health related quality of life (HRQoL) and burden. To address this the current study explored health outcomes for TBI caregivers using a battery of measures (Medical Study Short Form-36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, DSM-IV Depression Diagnostic Scale, BAKAS Caregiving Outcomes Scale); questionnaires were also used to collect sociodemographic information and information relating to supports and services used in the rehabilitation of the TBI child. The Behavioural Assessment System for Children was used to collect behavioural and adaptability information from the caregivers about the child. Assessments were carried out at baseline, 1-month, 6-months and 12-months post TBI from a sample of 94 TBI caregivers and at baseline from a sample of 43 Control caregivers.

TBI caregivers experienced poorer overall health and higher levels of depression and were less likely to report positive life changes compared to Control caregivers. Older age and higher income predicted positive life changes. In addition to this higher income predicted better physical and overall health. Ethnicity was found to predict depression with the Māori/‘other ethnicity’ group suffering higher levels of depression. Children’s dysfunctional behaviour was found to predict poorer caregiver health outcomes across several domains; these include physical health, overall health, and depression; while the child’s adaptive functioning was not found to be a predictive factor in any caregiver health domains. New Zealand European and Māori TBI caregivers experienced similar health outcomes and received similar levels of support. However, Māori experienced more positive life changes than New Zealand Europeans. Caregivers’ physical and psychological well-being was found to improve over time, these changes were the greatest between the 1-month and 12-month period.
As a high percentage of children’s TBI’s occur in the home and at school, education aimed at schools and parents to inform of the effects of TBI upon children and families will bring an awareness which may encourage families to seek medical help. In doing so will offer the opportunity to receive or seek support in the initial period post TBI in the hope of reducing the burden for caregivers and producing better health outcomes. Bringing these families into contact with medical services may also help in identifying caregivers at higher risk of poorer health outcomes. Findings of more positive life changes for Māori may suggest cultural ideology is a protective factor in caregiver burden, further investigation may be necessary to understand these cultural differences and how they impact upon the caregiving role.

year: 2012