Regulations are needed to protect freshwater ecosystems from salinization

Anthropogenic activities such as mining, agriculture and industrial wastes have increased the rate of salinization of freshwater ecosystems around the world. Despite the known and probable consequences of freshwater salinization, few consequential regulatory standards and management procedures exist. Current regulations are generally inadequate because they are regionally inconsistent, lack legal consequences and have few ion-specific standards. The lack of ion-specific standards is problematic, because each anthropogenic source of freshwater salinization is associated with a distinct set of ions that can present unique social and economic costs. Additionally, the environmental and toxicological consequences of freshwater salinization are often dependent on the occurrence, concentration and ratios of specific ions. Therefore, to protect fresh waters from continued salinization, discrete, ion-specific management and regulatory strategies should be considered for each source of freshwater salinization, using data from standardized, ion-specific monitoring practices. To develop comprehensive monitoring, regulatory, and management guidelines, we recommend the use of co-adaptive, multi-stakeholder approaches that balance environmental, social, and economic costs and benefits associated with freshwater salinization. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects’.

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Behavioral Parameters of Planarians (Girardia tigrina) as Fast Screening, Integrative and Cumulative Biomarkers of Environmental Contamination: Preliminary Results

Water ◽

10.3390/w13081077 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1077

Author(s):

Ana M. Córdova López ◽

Althiéris de Souza Saraiva ◽

Carlos Gravato ◽

Amadeu M. V. M. Soares ◽

Renato Almeida Sarmento

Keyword(s):

Water Samples ◽

Feeding Rate ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Behavioral Responses ◽

Freshwater Ecosystems ◽

Sampling Point ◽

Total Chloride ◽

Fast Screening ◽

Sampling Points ◽

The Impact

The present study aims to use behavioral responses of the freshwater planarian Girardia tigrina to assess the impact of anthropogenic activities on the aquatic ecosystem of the watershed Araguaia-Tocantins (Tocantins, Brazil). Behavioral responses are integrative and cumulative tools that reflect changes in energy allocation in organisms. Thus, feeding rate and locomotion velocity (pLMV) were determined to assess the effects induced by the laboratory exposure of adult planarians to water samples collected in the region of Tocantins-Araguaia, identifying the sampling points affected by contaminants. Furthermore, physicochemical and microbiological parameters, as well as the presence of inorganic compounds (dissolved aluminum, total barium, total chloride, dissolved iron, total fluoride, total manganese, nitrates, nitric nitrogen, total sulfate, total zinc) and surfactants, were determined on each specific sampling point. The behavioral biomarkers (feeding rate and pLMV) of the freshwater planarians were significantly decreased when organisms were exposed to water samples from four municipalities (Formoso do Araguaia, Lagoa da Confusão, Gurupi and Porto Nacional), sites of the Tocantins-Araguaia hydrographic region—TAHR. Both behavioral biomarkers decreased up to ~37–39% compared to organisms in ASTM medium only. Our results showed that these behavioral biomarkers can be used for fast screening monitoring of environmental samples of freshwater ecosystems, since a decrease in feeding rate and locomotor activity was observed in sites impacted by anthropogenic activities. However, the absence of effects observed in some sampling points does not represent the absence of contamination, since several other classes of contaminants were not determined. In these negative results, the absence of deleterious effects on behavioral biomarkers might only be indicative that the potential presence of contaminants on such sites does not significantly affect the performance of planarians. This fast screening approach seems to be useful to determine contaminated sites in freshwater ecosystems for biomonitoring purposes. This knowledge will help to develop biomonitoring programs and to decide appropriate sampling sites and analysis.

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Multi-stakeholder initiatives and the divergent construction and implementation of sustainable agriculture in the USA

Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems ◽

10.1017/s1742170517000461 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 34 (04) ◽

pp. 293-303 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jason Konefal ◽

Maki Hatanaka ◽

Douglas H. Constance

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Agriculture ◽

Ecological Systems ◽

Agricultural Sustainability ◽

Power Relationships ◽

Specialty Crops ◽

Institutional Approach ◽

Governance Practices ◽

The Usa ◽

Using Data ◽

Multi Stakeholder

AbstractMulti-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) have emerged as a leading institutional approach for advancing sustainability globally. This paper examines three prominent MSIs that have developed sustainability metrics and a standard for US agriculture: Field to Market, the Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops and the National Sustainable Agricultural Standard Initiative. Using data from interviews and content analysis of initiative reports, two sets of analyses are presented. First, building on Paul Thompson's tri-partite theorization of sustainability, how each initiative is conceptualizing agricultural sustainability is analyzed. We find that two contrasting visions of sustainable agriculture for the USA have emerged from the three MSIs. One vision is a resource sufficiency approach focused on eco-efficiencies and the other vision is a functional integrity approach that emphasizes the maintenance of resilient agricultural and ecological systems. Second, we examine the governance practices of the MSIs to explain why such divergent conceptualizations of sustainability have been mapped out. We find that far from being a neutral forum, the internal dynamics of MSIs often reflect and reproduce existing power relationships among stakeholders. In concluding, we suggest that incremental improvements in sustainability can be achieved using MSIs, but more transformative changes may require other forms of governance.

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Deterring the development and use of nuclear weapons: a multi-level modeling approach

The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation Applications Methodology Technology ◽

10.1177/1548512917706768 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 15 (4) ◽

pp. 483-493

Author(s):

Kathleen M Carley ◽

Geoffrey P Morgan ◽

Michael J Lanham

Keyword(s):

Nuclear Weapons ◽

Dynamic Network ◽

Pacific Rim ◽

Country Level ◽

Dynamic Network Model ◽

The Pacific ◽

Stakeholder Model ◽

Using Data ◽

Multi Stakeholder ◽

The Impact

We describe a multi-country, multi-stakeholder model for the accrual and use of nuclear weapons and illustrate the model’s value for addressing nuclear weapon proliferation issues using a historic Pacific Rim scenario. We instantiate the agent-based dynamic network model for information and belief diffusion using data from subject matter experts and data mined from open source news documents. We present the techniques that supported model instantiation. A key feature of this model and these techniques is enabling rapid model re-use through the ability to instantiate at two levels: generically and for specific cases. We demonstrate these generic and specific cases using a scenario regarding North Korea’s interest in nuclear weapons and the resulting impact on the Pacific Rim circa 2014, that is, prior to the fourth and fifth nuclear weapons tests by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. A key feature of this model is that it uses two levels of network interaction, the country level and the stakeholder level, thus supporting the inclusion of non-state actors and the assessment of complex scenarios. Using this model, we conducted virtual experiments in which we assessed the impact of alternative courses of action on the overall force posture and desire to develop and use nuclear weapons.

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KARAKTERISTIK KONSENTRASI CH4 (METANA) DI BEBERAPA KOTA BESAR DAN KOTA KECIL DI INDONESIA

MAJALAH ILMIAH GLOBE ◽

10.24895/mig.2017.19-2.619 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 167

Author(s):

Indah Susanti ◽

Lilik Slamet S ◽

Waluyo Eko Cahyono

Keyword(s):

El Niño ◽

El Nino ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Small Towns ◽

Statistical Regression ◽

Friedman Test ◽

Large Cities ◽

Infra Red ◽

Level 3 ◽

Using Data

ABSTRAKKeberadaan konsentrasi CH4 di atmosfer berasal dari sumber emisi CH4 di permukaan bumi baik asal antropogenik maupun alami. Bobot molekul CH4 yang ringan mengakibatkan CH4 dapat bergerak vertikal sampai ke stratosfer. Konsentrasi CH4 yang tak terkendali berakibat pada pemanasan global dan perubahan iklim, sehingga perlu dipahami karakteristik CH4 terutama di beberapa kota besar (Jakarta, Medan, Makassar) dan kota kecil (Ambon, Biak Numfor, Pangkal Pinang) di Indonesia. Dengan menggunakan data Atmospheric Infra Red Soundings (AIRS) level 3 yang memiliki resolusi spasial satu derajat dan resolusi temporal bulanan, untuk periode waktu 2003-2015, dikaji kecenderungan konsentrasi CH4 di enam kota dan anomalinya pada beberapa ketinggian atmosfer serta analisis pengaruh kategori kota (kota besar dan kota kecil berdasarkan jumlah penduduk) terhadap konsentrasi CH4. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah analisis spasial horizontal dan vertical dengan bantuan Software Grads untuk mengetahui daerah mana dan pada level ketinggian mana terjadi perubahan konsentrasi CH4, serta ditunjang oleh analisis statistik regresi dan uji Friedman serta uji Tukey untuk mengetahui apakah ada pengaruh kategori kota terhadap konsentrasi CH4 di atmosfer. Hasilnya menunjukkan adanya penurunan konsentrasi CH4 terhadap ketinggian atmosfer dengan pola logaritmik (eksponensial) yang sebagian besar berasal dari kegiatan di permukaan bumi. Fluktuasi konsentrasi CH4 di atmosfer disebabkan salah satunya oleh El Nino Southern Oscilation (ENSO). Kondisi ini tampak dari kesamaan pola nilai indeks ENSO dan konsentrasi CH4. Berdasarkan penelitian dengan menggunakan uji Friedman dan uji Tukey dihasilkan bahwa klasifikasi kota menjadi kota besar dan kota kecil tidak berpengaruh pada konsentrasi CH4.Kata kunci: profil, metana, AIRS, statistik, klasifikasi, kotaABSTRACTConcentration of CH4 in the atmosphere comes from the source of CH4 emissions on the earth's surface either natural or anthropogenic activities. The light molecular weight resulting CH4 can move vertically up into the stratosphere. Unbridled CH4 concentration resulted in global warming and climate change. So, it’s important to understand CH4 characteristics, especially in large cities (Jakarta, Medan, Makassar) and small towns (Ambon, Biak Noemfoor, Pangkal Pinang) in Indonesia. Using data Atmospheric Infra Red Soundings (AIRS) level 3 which has a spatial resolution of one degree and monthly temporal resolution, for time period from 2003 to 2015, we analyzed the tendency of concentration of CH4 in 6 cities and its anomalies in some altitude atmosphere as well as analysis of the influence of the city category (cities and towns based on population) towards the CH4 concentration. The method used in this research is the analysis of spatial horizontal and vertical using Grads to know region and altitude levels which have change the concentration of CH4. In additon, supported by statistical regression analysis and Friedman test and Tukey test to determine whether there is any relation between city category against concentration of CH4 in the atmosphere. The results indicate a decrease in the height of atmospheric CH4 concentrations with the pattern of logarithmic (exponential) is mostly derived from activities in the Earth's surface. Fluctuations in the concentration of CH4 in the atmosphere caused among other is by El Nino Southern Oscilation (ENSO). This condition appears on the similarities of the ENSO index values and CH4 concentrations. Based on research by using the Friedman test and Tukey's test result that classification of cities and towns has no effect on the concentration of CH4.Keywords: profile, CH4, AIRS, statistic, classification, city

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Strategies and Approaches Towards Environmental Biomonitoring of Freshwater Ecosystems in Philippines

Nature Environment and Pollution Technology ◽

10.46488/nept.2021.v20i04.016 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

Author(s):

J. S. Berame ◽

M. B. Hojilla ◽

E. Trinidad ◽

N. L. Lawsin ◽

J. A. Orozco ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Aquatic Ecosystems ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Low Cost ◽

Action Plan ◽

The Philippines ◽

Freshwater Ecosystems ◽

Current Status ◽

Biochemical Alterations ◽

Pollution Levels ◽

Environmental Biomonitoring

The Philippines, like many other Asian countries, is struggling to combat the current widespread aquatic pollution levels caused by anthropogenic activities. Environmental biomonitoring is an efficient tool to detect and monitor the fluctuating toxicity levels in a dynamic ecosystem using bioindicators like algae, macrophytes, zooplankton, insect, bivalve mollusks, gastropod, fish, amphibians, and others to assess the extent and levels of pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The present review deliberates on the biomonitoring techniques such as bioaccumulation, biochemical alterations, population, and community-level approaches to evaluate the current status with respect to the extent and levels of pollution in the aquatic ecosystems in the Philippines which also is one of the biodiversity hotspots. Therefore, the potential applications for biomonitoring are proposed to mainly include evaluation of actual aquatic pollutions, bioremediation, toxicology prediction, and research on toxicological mechanisms. The purpose of such evaluations is to critically analyze and help stakeholders to come up with a strategic action plan with recommendations on a low-cost, sensitive, and effective bioindicator for rapid and efficient environmental biomonitoring.

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Multi-Stakeholder Impact Environmental Indexes: The Case of NeXt

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su132212364 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (22) ◽

pp. 12364

Author(s):

Leonardo Becchetti ◽

Maristella Cacciapaglia ◽

Piergiuseppe Morone ◽

Luca Raffaele ◽

Lorenzo Semplici

Keyword(s):

Sustainable Development ◽

Social Indicators ◽

Policy Implications ◽

Community Based ◽

Firm Level ◽

Self Evaluation ◽

Regulatory Standards ◽

Development Goals ◽

Policy Measures ◽

Multi Stakeholder

The design of proper environmental and social indicators is one of the most critical challenges when monitoring and implementing corporate and government policy measures toward ecological transitions and sustainable development. In our paper we outline and discuss the characteristics of a new vintage of “living” multi-stakeholder community-based indicators based on the principles of self-evaluation, dialogue and simplification with a specific focus on the NeXt index. We explain the main differences between them and the opposite extreme of static expert-based indicators, how they integrate firm-level scores with compliance with macro multidimensional wellbeing indicators (such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals) and how they complement with ongoing regulatory standards currently under development. As well, we discuss caveats, policy implications and impact in terms of subjective wellbeing.

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Budget Process of North Lombok Regency: Investigating Administration of Social Assistance

International Research Journal of Management IT and Social Sciences ◽

10.21744/irjmis.v5i2.600 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 9

Author(s):

Eka Yuli Kurniawati ◽

Budi Santoso ◽

Lalu Hamdani Husnan

Keyword(s):

Social Assistance ◽

Standard Operating Procedure ◽

Budget Process ◽

Regional Government ◽

Study Approach ◽

Social Risks ◽

Management Procedures ◽

The Difference ◽

Communication And Coordination ◽

Using Data

Social assistance is the provision of donations in the form of money/goods from the regional government to individuals, families, groups, and communities that are not continuously and selectively to protect against possible social risks. This study aims to evaluate the implementation and identify factors causing social assistance problems in BPKAD Lombok Utara Regency budget year 2015. A research method in this study using qualitative methods with case study approach. Research data obtained through interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis is done interactively using data reduction stages, presenting data, and drawing conclusions or verification. The result of the research shows that (1) the lack of communication and coordination among social assistance management officers in financial administration so that the disbursement of social assistance funds is inconsistent as it is based on the Decree of the Regent of Lombok Utara Regency that is not by the APBD 2015. (2) The difference of understanding of the verifier in the process of administering finance to social assistance management procedures. And (3) the absence of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of social assistance management in Lombok Utara Regency. So hopefully in the process of administration of social assistance then BPKAD Lombok Utara Regency needs to improve coordination and thoroughness with the parties concerned and make SOP about social assistance management.

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Freshwater salinisation: a global challenge with multiple causes and drastic consequences

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-710 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Miguel Cañedo-Argüelles

Keyword(s):

Health Risks ◽

Freshwater Ecosystems ◽

Effective Management ◽

Economic Costs ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Global Challenge ◽

Human Health Risks ◽

The World ◽

Societal Impacts ◽

Societal Challenge

Freshwater salinisation (FS) can be defined as the alteration of the salt concentrations and ion ratios in freshwater ecosystems. As evidence of the economic, environmental and societal impacts of FS mounts, the issue is receiving increasing attention from researchers, water managers and policy makers. A general consensus is emerging that FS is a global ecological and societal challenge that urgently requires effective management. However, there are still many unanswered questions that hamper our ability to make progress. In this talk I will tackle some of these questions. For example: Which human activities are contributing the most to FS in different regions of the world? How does FS interacts with other stressors (including climate change)? What is the effect of FS on trophic interactions and ecosystem functioning? Which are the economic costs and human health risks associated with FS? How should we monitor FS? Which technical and nature-based solutions are available to prevent and mitigate FS and to restore salinised ecosystems?

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Tropical freshwater ecosystems, biota and anthropogenic activities with reference to South-East Asia.

Climate change and infectious fish diseases ◽

10.1079/9781789243277.0019 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 19-43

Author(s):

Jia Huan Liew ◽

Rayson B. H. Lim ◽

Bi Wei Low ◽

Maxine A. D. Mowe ◽

Ting Hui Ng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

East Asia ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Freshwater Ecosystems ◽

South East Asia ◽

Tropical Freshwater

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Novel ‘chemical cocktails' in inland waters are a consequence of the freshwater salinization syndrome

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences ◽

10.1098/rstb.2018.0017 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 374 (1764) ◽

pp. 20180017 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Sujay S. Kaushal ◽

Gene E. Likens ◽

Michael L. Pace ◽

Shahan Haq ◽

Kelsey L. Wood ◽

...

Keyword(s):

North America ◽

Base Cation ◽

Specific Conductance ◽

Inland Waters ◽

Accelerated Weathering ◽

Chemical Mixtures ◽

Metropolitan Regions ◽

The Usa ◽

Using Data ◽

Freshwater Salinization

Widespread changes in water temperatures, salinity, alkalinity and pH have been documented in inland waters in North America, which influence ion exchange, weathering rates, chemical solubility and contaminant toxicity. Increasing major ion concentrations from pollution, human-accelerated weathering and saltwater intrusion contribute to multiple ecological stressors such as changing ionic strength and pH and mobilization of chemical mixtures resulting in the freshwater salinization syndrome (FSS). Here, we explore novel combinations of elements, which are transported together as chemical mixtures containing salts, nutrients and metals as a consequence of FSS. First, we show that base cation concentrations have increased in regions primarily in North America and Europe over 100 years. Second, we show interactions between specific conductance, pH, nitrate and metals using data from greater than 20 streams located in different regions of the USA. Finally, salinization experiments and routine monitoring demonstrate mobilization of chemical mixtures of cations, metals and nutrients in 10 streams draining the Washington, DC–Baltimore, MD metropolitan regions. Freshwater salinization mobilizes diverse chemical mixtures influencing drinking water quality, infrastructure corrosion, freshwater CO 2 concentrations and biodiversity. Most regulations currently target individual contaminants, but FSS requires managing mobilization of multiple chemical mixtures and interacting ecological stressors as consequences of freshwater salinization. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects’.

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