scholarly journals A Multisource Approach to Verify a Forest as a Reference of Natural Conditions in an Intensively Used Rural Landscape (Uckermark, Ne Germany)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Wulf ◽  
Knut Kaiser ◽  
Almut Mrotzek ◽  
Lina Geiges-Erzgräber ◽  
Lars Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Site ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Rural Landscape ◽  
Natural State ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Tree Species Composition ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
Ne Germany ◽  
Historic Maps ◽  
Dynamics Of Vegetation

Abstract BackgroundThe sharp decline in near-natural areas worldwide is undisputed, but the consequences of this decline, apart from the loss of biodiversity, cannot be fully assessed. Biotic components of a landscape are usually more easily assessed than the abiotic components, since biotic components are often more easily detectable. A forest of (semi)natural stocking was selected in the northeastern part of Brandenburg (northeast Germany) to check whether it can serve as reference site for near-natural conditions or not. Analyses of archival sources and historic maps as well as field investigations were combined to reconstruct the dynamics of vegetation and soil as far back in time as possible.ResultsPalynological data from nearby sites provide evidence that the investigated area has been forested for several thousands of years and has hardly been structurally influenced by humans in the last 450 years. This evidence together with historical maps of tree species composition allows us to infer that the specific forest has been very close to a natural state for at least 250 years. Soil investigations support this conclusion, since a soil inventory, field studies on two catenas and corings at selected depressions rarely show signs of anthropogenic erosion and related colluviation. Parts of the area were cleared in prehistory, but near-natural soils have been preserved in other parts. ConclusionsThe area with these undisturbed parts is regarded as an ideal reference site. With this study, we show that using a multi-source approach it is possible to find potential reference sites and that such an approach is applicable in other regions.

scholarly journals A multisource approach helps to detect a forest as a reference site in an intensively used rural landscape (Uckermark, NE Germany)

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 426-436
Author(s):  
M Wulf ◽  
K Kaiser ◽  
A Mrotzek ◽  
L Geiges-Erzgräber ◽  
L Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reference Site ◽  
Rural Landscape ◽  
Ne Germany

Real-life Field Studies of the NOx Removing Properties of Photocatalytic Surfaces in Roskilde and Copenhagen Airport, Denmark

2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henrik Jensen ◽  
Pernille D. Pedersen
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
High Stability ◽  
Reference Site ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
The Real ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Parking Lot ◽  
Photocatalytic Concrete

Aims: To evaluate the real-life effect of photocatalytic surfaces on the air quality at two test-sites in Denmark. Background: Poor air quality is today one of the largest environmental issues, due to the adverse effects on human health associated with high levels of air pollution, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and lung cancer. NOx removal by TiO2 based photocatalysis is a tool to improve air quality locally in areas where people are exposed. Methods: Two test sites were constructed in Roskilde and Copenhage airport. In Roskilde, the existing asphalt at two parking lots was treated with TiO2 containing liquid and an in-situ ISO 22197-1 test setup was developed to enable in-situ evaluation of the activity of the asphalt. In CPH airport, photocatalytic concrete tiles were installed at the "kiss and fly" parking lot, and NOx levels were continuously monitored in 0.5 m by CLD at the active site and a comparable reference site before and after installation for a period of 2 years. Results: The Roskilde showed high stability of the photocatalytic coating with the activity being largely unchanged over a period of 2 years. The CPH airport study showed that the average NOx levels were decreased by 12 % comparing the before and after NOx concentrations at the active and reference site. Conclusion: The joined results of the two Danish demonstration projects illustrate a high stability of the photocatalytic coating as well as a high potential for improvements of the real-life air quality in polluted areas.

RATIONALE FOR MONITORING GROUNDWATER LEVELS IN THE REHABILITATED PEATLANDS OF PRIPYAT POLESIE

2020 ◽  
pp. 33-43
Author(s):  
Olga N. Ratnicava ◽  
Irina P. Lisitsyna ◽  
Inna V. Аgeichik
Keyword(s):  
Field Studies ◽  
Natural State ◽  
Groundwater Levels ◽  
Discharge Water ◽  
Peat Deposits ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Vegetation Maps ◽  
Relationship Of

Based on studies of geomorphology, stratigraphy, hydrology, various maps of Polesie, zones of influence of amelioration canals, vegetation maps, modern satellite images, as well as field studies of peatlands of Pripyat Polesie, two independent drainage systems have been identified, with a network of amelioration canals that intensively discharge water into the rivers Stwiga and Ybort`. Maps of key points were built In GIS-format, on which five sites were laid in the field within the Mezhch and Neresnya peat deposits for further long-term monitoring of GWL parameters. The locations of the sensors installation are based on the relationship of bog phytocenoses with the average annual GWL values and the amplitude of their fluctuations. Analysis of the GWL parameters before and after environmental rehabilitation measures will allow assessing the effectiveness of planned measures in disturbed areas and obtaining new data on areas of peat deposits in their natural state.

Field Investigations on Sediment Occurrence and Behaviour in Brussels Combined Sewers

1992 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 71-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Verbanck
Keyword(s):  
Drainage System ◽  
Solid Material ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Main Trunk ◽  
Limited Mobility ◽  
Sediment Bed ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
Dry Spells ◽  
Receiving Waters

Although sewer sediments are now widely recognized as a major source of misfunction of urban drainage systems (for both hydraulic and environmental considerations), it is still too infrequent that priority of research activities in this area is given to field studies. The measuring campaigns conducted since 1986 in the drainage system of Brussels-North have been focused on sedimentation processes in the major sewer lines. There is an obvious distinction to be made between solids constituting the sediment bed of a man-entry sewer, which are relevant for its hydraulic capacity, and the ones contributing to the pollutional impact of CSOs upon receiving waters. The material which is removed several times a year from the main trunk sewer of Brussels is coarse, granular and has a low environmental impact, notably because of its limited mobility. This appears to be due to a very efficient granulometric grading, as a result firstly of the retention of the coarsest solids in highly selective gully-pot inlets, and secondly of an elutriation process removing from the sediment bed all fine organic-rich particles during daily peak flows. There is evidence to show that the build-up of the sediment bed in these large-sized sewers is driven by a bed-load process (active even during dry spells), while the solid material responsible for the detrimental effects of CSOs (which is much finer) is primarily transported through wash-load and suspended-load.

scholarly journals Regional assessment of forest effect on watershed hydrology: Slovakia as a case study  405

2013 ◽  
Vol 59 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 405-415
Author(s):  
HlásnyT ◽  
SitkováZ ◽  
I. Barka
Keyword(s):  
Water Regime ◽  
Forest Cover ◽  
Stand Density ◽  
Watershed Hydrology ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Tree Species Composition ◽  
Weak Limits ◽  
Spring Area ◽  
Regulatory Capacity

Recently, the importance of forest effect on watershed hydrology has been increasingly recognized due to an elevated threat of floods and expected alterations of water regime in watersheds induced by climate change. We assessed the trade-off between natural conditions of 61 basic watersheds in Slovakia and expected water-regulatory capacity of forest in these watersheds. A multi-criteria decision-making scheme was proposed to calculate a coefficient for each watershed indicating the need to regulate its water regime as given by natural conditions, and another coefficient indicating the magnitude of forest water-regulatory capacity given by forest structure and distribution. Factors indicating the forest water-regulatory capacity were extent of forest cover, forest fragmentation and distribution in watersheds relative to the spring area, forest stand density and vertical structure, and tree species composition. The results indicate that the present structure and distribution of forests in Slovakia has potential to moderately regulate the water regime at the scale of basic watersheds. We identified critical watersheds where natural conditions imply the unfavourable water regime and/or the forest water-regulatory capacity is weak. Limits of forest effect on watershed hydrology and caveats for interpreting the presented findings are discussed. 

The engineering significance of Pleistocene stratigraphy in the Saskatoon area, Saskatchewan, Canada

1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. B. MacDonald ◽  
E. Karl Sauer
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Engineering Properties ◽  
Shear Strength Parameters ◽  
Tunnel Excavation ◽  
Glacial Sediments ◽  
Stratigraphic Analysis ◽  
Field Investigations ◽  
Stratigraphic Framework ◽  
Engineering Significance

It was recognized that repeated stages and substages of glaciation in Saskatchewan during the Pleistocene Epoch produced a series of overlapping sediments. It was shown that these sediments could be analyzed for engineering purposes within a three-dimensional stratigraphic framework. Preliminary field investigations indicated that a stratigraphic analysis could be related to construction problems found on highway embankment construction, gravel location, and tunnel excavation. Field studies established that it is practical for the field engineer to analyze and interpret the stratigraphy in the field. Furthermore, laboratory studies indicated that there were significant differences in the engineering properties of different drift-stratigraphic units. It was shown that the behavior of the till units during construction could be explained in terms of the fundamental engineering properties of soils such as shear strength parameters and compressibility. Finally, it appeared to be probable that the basic concepts developed in this study would apply to other areas covered by glacial sediments.

scholarly journals Environmental factors determining growth of salamander larvae: A field study

2015 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Limongi ◽  
Gentile Francesco Ficetola ◽  
Giuseppe Romeo ◽  
Raoul Manenti
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Development Rate ◽  
Biotic Factors ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Fire Salamander ◽  
Salamander Larvae

Abstract Larval growth and survival of organisms are strongly influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, as demonstrated by experimental studies performed under controlled laboratory or semi-natural conditions. Even if they have many advantages, experiments cannot cover the full complexity of natural conditions and field studies are needed for a better understanding of how environmental variation determines growth and development rate. Fire salamander Salamandra salamandra females give birth to larvae in a variety of habitats, both epigean and subterranean. In caves, salamander larvae successfully grow and metamorphose, but their growth is more than three times longer than in epigean streams and factors determining these differences require investigation. We performed a field study to understand the factors related to the growth of fire salamander larvae in different environmental conditions, evaluating the relationship between environmental features and larval growth and differences between caves and epigean spring habitats. Both caves and epigean larvae successfully grew. Capture-mark-recapture allowed to individually track individuals along their whole development, and measure their performance. Growth rate was significantly affected by environmental variables: larvae grew faster in environments with abundant invertebrates and few conspecifics. Taking into account the effect of environmental variables, larval growth was significantly lower in caves. Food availability plays a different effect in the two environments. Larval growth was positively related to the availability of invertebrates in epigean sites only. The development rate of hypogeous populations of salamanders is slower because of multiple parameters, but biotic factors play a much stronger role than the abiotic ones.

Gene flow from imidazolinone-resistant domesticated sunflower to wild relatives

Weed Science ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 854-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael A. Massinga ◽  
Kassim Al-Khatib ◽  
Paul St. Amand ◽  
Jerry F. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Wild Species ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Wild Relatives ◽  
Natural Conditions ◽  
Resistant Gene ◽  
Concentric Circles ◽  
Moderately Resistant ◽  
Resistant Progeny ◽  
Domesticated Sunflower

Gene flow from imidazolinone (IMI)-resistant domestic sunflower to IMI-susceptible common sunflower and prairie sunflower was studied. Under greenhouse conditions, pollen from IMI-resistant domesticated sunflower was applied to flower heads of IMI-susceptible common and prairie sunflower. In addition, field studies were conducted in 2000 and 2001 near Manhattan, KS, to evaluate IMI-resistant gene flow from IMI-resistant domesticated sunflower to common and prairie sunflower under natural conditions. Common and prairie sunflower were planted in concentric circles at distances of 2.5, 5, 15, and 30 m around a densely planted IMI-resistant domesticated sunflower species. For both greenhouse and field studies, IMI-resistant gene flow was determined by treating the progeny of both wild species with 40 g ai ha−1of imazamox. Greenhouse crosses made by hand showed that 94% of common sunflower and 79% of prairie sunflower were resistant or moderately resistant. The resistant plants were allowed to grow in the greenhouse and were backcrossed with the corresponding susceptible wild parents. Progeny of the backcross showed a 1:1 ratio of resistant to susceptible plants. In the field, gene flow was detected up to 30 m from the pollen source for both species, and it decreased as distance from the pollen source increased. In 2000, 11 to 22% of the progeny were resistant at 2.5 m from the pollen source and 0.3 to 5% were resistant at 30 m. In 2001, the number of resistant progeny did not exceed 7 and 2% at 2.5 and 30 m from the pollen source, respectively. The results of this study showed that IMI-resistant domesticated sunflower outcrosses with common and prairie sunflower over distances typically encountered near production fields. Also, backcrosses of resistant hybrids with wild parents are successful, further increasing the potential for the spread of IMI-resistant feral sunflowers.

scholarly journals ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCE ON NATURAL COMPLEXES CARPATHIAN NATIONAL NATURE PARK

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 86-93
Author(s):  
B. Boychuk ◽  
A. Kuzyk ◽  
L. Sysa
Keyword(s):  
Anthropogenic Pollution ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Natural State ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressures ◽  
Resource Potential ◽  
Hiking Trails ◽  
Hydrochemical Studies ◽  
Numerical Indicator ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Prut River

Abstract. Introduction. Under the influence of anthropogenic pressures, as well as natural conditions, tourist facilities are gradually losing valuable recreational properties. To preserve and restore them requires a set of measures, which, in our opinion, is hardly possible without identifying the recreational opportunities of individual resources. The main numerical indicator of such opportunities is considered to be the recreational resource potential (RRP) of a separate territory. The purpose of this work is to determine the degree of anthropogenic impact on the recreational and resource potential of a particular area (upper reaches of the Prut River), taking into account the results of field and laboratory surveys. Methods. The method of RRP detection is based on detailed field studies. Precipitation samples were taken in the form of rain and snow. A set of hydrochemical studies was also conducted to assess the anthropogenic load on the selected area.Research results. For one of the most popular hiking trails (route to Hoverla) in the comfortable period of the year the number of vacationers increases significantly and is, respectively: May - 83.5 people / day, June - 124.4 people / day, July - 206 , 8 people / day, August - 132.4 people / day and September - 40.5 people / day. Although in the park precipitation is formed in conditions relatively clean of anthropogenic pollution, there is a noticeable tendency to their acidification. In 2018, precipitation belonging to acidic and weakly acidic accounted for 30% of the samples taken, and in 2019 - 33.3%. The pH ranged from 3.9 to 5.6 units. Almost all hydrochemical parameters of the Prut River in the study area are within acceptable limits. However, there is a clear increase in the total mineralization in the areas below the wastewater discharges, compared with the background areas. A similar pattern is observed with the nitrogen group.Conclusions. Due to good aeration of water in the Prut River, all biological, physicochemical and biochemical processes are very intensive and, accordingly, the process of self-cleaning of the reservoir is very fast, so the water quality in it remains stable and close to the natural state of the reservoir. As a result, it is shown that it is necessary to effectively implement measures for the protection and restoration of tourist resources, as well as to identify ways to rationally use them.

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