scholarly journals The Potential Influence of Forests and Climate Change on the Environmental Fates of Organic Compounds in Tropical Watersheds

2020 ◽  
pp. 41-54
Author(s):  
Kayon S. C. Barrett ◽  
Foday M. Jaward
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Organic Pollutants ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Environmental Distribution ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Adverse Health ◽  
Tropical Watersheds

This exploratory review synthesizes current knowledge on the use, exposures and environmental fates of PBDEs, dioxins and dioxin-like chemicals, and current-use pesticides, as well as purports the potential for forests and climate change to affect their fates at the catchment scale in tropical regions. Organic compounds such as these are under global scrutiny because of their widespread distribution and potential for adverse health impacts. PBDEs and current-use pesticides are produced for their beneficial services as flame retardants and pest controls, respectively, whereas dioxins and furans are the by-products of combustion events involving many organic compounds. However, these chemicals distribute to various environmental media and are associated with adverse health effects, including neurotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Previous studies have shown that temperate and boreal forests influence the environmental fates of some organic chemicals by transferring them from the atmosphere to the soils, therefore potentially reducing atmospheric exposure. Changing climate variables, such as temperature change, are also expected to be important in the environmental distribution of organic contaminants. However, the effect of these factors, forests and climate change, on the environmental fates of organic pollutants in tropical watersheds have not been adequately examined. Knowledge of the fates and impacts of organic pollutants in tropical regions is critical for environmental management and policy development therein, and this review therefore explores the potential influences of forests and climate change on contaminant fates in tropical regions. Finally, the areas where more research is needed to assist in these endeavors are elucidated.

Vulnerability of fish and macroinvertebrates to key threats in streams of the Kakadu region, northern Australia: assemblage dynamics, existing assessments and knowledge needs

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 1092 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris L. Humphrey ◽  
Keith A. Bishop ◽  
Peter L. Dostine
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Uranium Mine ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Patterns ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Ecological Processes ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Site Rehabilitation ◽  
Review Current

By 2100, it is predicted that streams in the Kakadu region in Northern Australia will be transforming in their coastal floodplains to saline environments because of sea-level rise. Potential impacts need to be assessed, together with existing threats, to manage future change. The fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages of the streams in the region are well researched and were used as indicators to assess centennial-scale changes to freshwaters. Spatial and temporal patterns in assemblage dynamics were described using data from different habitat types, and used as a framework to review current knowledge and assemblage vulnerability for likely conditions ≥100 years from present-day. Twenty threats within three broad classes were identified (climate change, invasive species, decommissioning and rehabilitation of Ranger uranium mine). Seven threatening processes were ranked as high risk to catchment-scale distributions of fish and macroinvertebrate taxa, with six being associated with climate change and one with mine-site rehabilitation. Habitat connectivities and dependencies were identified as key ecological processes for both groups, with saltwater intrusion to coastal floodplains being identified as the major process that will alter assemblage dynamics and system energy flow. Risks posed by climate change highlighted priority research and monitoring needs for management and protection of upland freshwater-refuge habitats.

Twelfth Century AD

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lonnie G. Thompson ◽  
Alan L. Kolata
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Sediment Cores ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Lake Titicaca ◽  
Independent Evidence ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Ice Cap ◽  
Paleoclimate Records ◽  
Past Climate Change

Climate is a fundamental and independent variable of human existence. Given that 50 percent of the Earth’s surface and much of its population exist between 30oN and 30oS, paleoenvironmental research in the Earth’s tropical regions is vital to our understanding of the world’s current and past climate change. Most of the solar energy that drives the climate system is absorbed in these regions. Paleoclimate records reveal that tropical processes, such as variations in the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), have affected the climate over much of the planet. Climatic variations, particularly in precipitation and temperature, play a critical role in the adaptations of agrarian cultures located in zones of environmental sensitivity, such as those of the coastal deserts, highlands, and altiplano of the Andean region. Paleoclimate records from the Quelccaya ice cap (5670 masl) in highland Peru that extend back ~1800 years show good correlation between precipitation and the rise and fall of pre-Hispanic civilizations in western Peru and Bolivia. Sediment cores extracted from Lake Titicaca provide independent evidence of this correspondence with particular reference to the history of the pre-Hispanic Tiwanaku state centered in the Andean altiplano. Here we explore, in particular, the impacts of climate change on the development and ultimate dissolution of this altiplano state.

scholarly journals Multi-Oxygenated Organic Compounds in Fine Particulate Matter Collected in the Western Mediterranean Area

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Esther Borrás ◽  
Luis Antonio Tortajada-Genaro ◽  
Francisco Sanz ◽  
Amalia Muñoz
Keyword(s):  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Carboxylic Acids ◽  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Organic Pollutants ◽  
Mediterranean Area ◽  
Western Mediterranean ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Industrial Emissions ◽  
Tetradecanoic Acid

The chemical characterization of aerosols, especially fine organic fraction, is a relevant atmospheric challenge because their composition highly depends on localization. Herein, we studied the concentration of multi-oxygenated organic compounds in the western Mediterranean area, focusing on sources and the effect of air patterns. The organic aerosol fraction ranged 3–22% of the total organic mass in particulate matter (PM)2.5. Seventy multi-oxygenated organic pollutants were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, including n-alkanones, n-alcohols, anhydrosugars, monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, and keto-derivatives. The highest concentrations were found for carboxylic acids, such as linoleic acid, tetradecanoic acid and, palmitic acid. Biomarkers for vegetation sources, such as levoglucosan and some fatty acids were detected at most locations. In addition, carboxylic acids from anthropogenic sources—mainly traffic and cooking—have been identified. The results indicate that the organic PM fraction in this region is formed mainly from biogenic pollutants, emitted directly by vegetation, and from the degradation products of anthropogenic and biogenic volatile organic pollutants. Moreover, the chemical profile suggested that this area is interesting for aerosol studies because several processes such as local costal breezes, industrial emissions, and desert intrusions affect fine PM composition.

scholarly journals Projections for Mexico’s Tropical Rainforests Considering Ecological Niche and Climate Change

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 119
Author(s):  
Antonio Fidel Santos-Hernández ◽  
Alejandro Ismael Monterroso-Rivas ◽  
Diódoro Granados-Sánchez ◽  
Antonio Villanueva-Morales ◽  
Malinali Santacruz-Carrillo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Ecological Niche ◽  
Potential Distribution ◽  
Tropical Rainforest ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Climate Change Scenarios ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Temperature And Precipitation ◽  
Ecological Importance

The tropical rainforest is one of the lushest and most important plant communities in Mexico’s tropical regions, yet its potential distribution has not been studied in current and future climate conditions. The aim of this paper was to propose priority areas for conservation based on ecological niche and species distribution modeling of 22 species with the greatest ecological importance at the climax stage. Geographic records were correlated with bioclimatic temperature and precipitation variables using Maxent and Kuenm software for each species. The best Maxent models were chosen based on statistical significance, complexity and predictive power, and current potential distributions were obtained from these models. Future potential distributions were projected with two climate change scenarios: HADGEM2_ES and GFDL_CM3 models and RCP 8.5 W/m2 by 2075–2099. All potential distributions for each scenario were then assembled for further analysis. We found that 14 tropical rainforest species have the potential for distribution in 97.4% of the landscape currently occupied by climax vegetation (0.6% of the country). Both climate change scenarios showed a 3.5% reduction in their potential distribution and possible displacement to higher elevation regions. Areas are proposed for tropical rainforest conservation where suitable bioclimatic conditions are expected to prevail.

scholarly journals Temperate Fruit Trees under Climate Change: Challenges for Dormancy and Chilling Requirements in Warm Winter Regions

Horticulturae ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 86
Author(s):  
Abdel-Moety Salama ◽  
Ahmed Ezzat ◽  
Hassan El-Ramady ◽  
Shamel M. Alam-Eldein ◽  
Sameh Okba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Organic Compounds ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Fruit Tree ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Dormancy Breaking ◽  
Warm Winter ◽  
Winter Chill ◽  
Chilling Requirements ◽  
The Tropics

Adequate chill is of great importance for successful production of deciduous fruit trees. However, temperate fruit trees grown under tropical and subtropical regions may face insufficient winter chill, which has a crucial role in dormancy and productivity. The objective of this review is to discuss the challenges for dormancy and chilling requirements of temperate fruit trees, especially in warm winter regions, under climate change conditions. After defining climate change and dormancy, the effects of climate change on various parameters of temperate fruit trees are described. Then, dormancy breaking chemicals and organic compounds, as well as some aspects of the mechanism of dormancy breaking, are demonstrated. After this, the relationships between dormancy and chilling requirements are delineated and challenging aspects of chilling requirements in climate change conditions and in warm winter environments are demonstrated. Experts have sought to develop models for estimating chilling requirements and dormancy breaking in order to improve the adaption of temperate fruit trees under tropical and subtropical environments. Some of these models and their uses are described in the final section of this review. In conclusion, global warming has led to chill deficit during winter, which may become a limiting factor in the near future for the growth of temperate fruit trees in the tropics and subtropics. With the increasing rate of climate change, improvements in some managing tools (e.g., discovering new, more effective dormancy breaking organic compounds; breeding new, climate-smart cultivars in order to solve problems associated with dormancy and chilling requirements; and improving dormancy and chilling forecasting models) have the potential to solve the challenges of dormancy and chilling requirements for temperate fruit tree production in warm winter fruit tree growing regions.

scholarly journals Challenges and Opportunities of a Forthcoming Strategic Assessment of the Implications of International Climate Change Mitigation Commitments for Individual Undertakings in Canada

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 3747
Author(s):  
Robert Gibson ◽  
Karine Péloffy ◽  
Meinhard Doelle
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Climate Change Mitigation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Policy Interpretation ◽  
Strategic Assessment ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Strategic Role ◽  
International Climate ◽  
Change Mitigation

Canada is preparing to initiate a challenging, but potentially ground-breaking, strategic assessment on the implications of its climate change mitigation commitments for project assessments. The strategic assessment is immediately needed to provide project-level guidance for decision makers who will be required under new federal legislation to consider the extent to which each assessed project “contributes to sustainability” and “hinders or contributes to” meeting Canada’s climate commitments. However, Canada, like many other countries, has not yet translated its Paris Agreement climate commitments into an adequate suite of specific policies, pathways, budgets, and other directives for compliance. Consequently, the climate commitments’ strategic assessment will need to play a fully strategic role—in policy development as well as policy interpretation and elaboration for assessment purposes. This paper outlines the key considerations and required steps for a strategic assessment that fills the policy gap between Paris and projects, and develops guidance centred on a suite of tests for evaluating proposed major projects that may have important effects on Canada’s prospects for meeting its climate commitments.

scholarly journals Rhodoliths in Brazil: Current knowledge and potential impacts of climate change

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (spe2) ◽  
pp. 117-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Antunes Horta ◽  
Pablo Riul ◽  
Gilberto M. Amado Filho ◽  
Carlos Frederico D. Gurgel ◽  
Flávio Berchez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Global Change ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Heat Waves ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Coastal Pollution ◽  
Brazil Current ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Benthic Ecosystems ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Abstract Rhodolith beds are important marine benthic ecosystems, representing oases of high biodiversity among sedimentary seabed environments. They are found frequently and abundantly, acting as major carbonate 'factories' and playing a key role in the biogeochemical cycling of carbonates in the South Atlantic. Rhodoliths are under threat due to global change (mainly related to ocean acidification and global warming) and local stressors, such as fishing and coastal run-off. Here, we review different aspects of the biology of these organisms, highlighting the predicted effects of global change, considering the additional impact of local stressors. Ocean acidification (OA) represents a particular threat that can reduce calcification or even promote the decalcification of these bioengineers, thus increasing the eco-physiological imbalance between calcareous and fleshy algae. OA should be considered, but this together with extreme events such as heat waves and storms, as main stressors of these ecosystems at the present time, will worsen in the future, especially if possible interactions with local stressors like coastal pollution are taken into consideration. Thus, in Brazil there is a serious need for starting monitoring programs and promote innovative experimental infrastructure in order to improve our knowledge of these rich environments, optimize management efforts and enhance the needed conservation initiatives.

scholarly journals Hydrology of inland tropical lowlands: the Kapuas and Mahakam wetlands

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 2579-2594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidayat Hidayat ◽  
Adriaan J. Teuling ◽  
Bart Vermeulen ◽  
Muh Taufik ◽  
Karl Kastner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Groundwater Recharge ◽  
Potential Evapotranspiration ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Phase Array ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Rainfall Estimates

Abstract. Wetlands are important reservoirs of water, carbon and biodiversity. They are typical landscapes of lowland regions that have high potential for water retention. However, the hydrology of these wetlands in tropical regions is often studied in isolation from the processes taking place at the catchment scale. Our main objective is to study the hydrological dynamics of one of the largest tropical rainforest regions on an island using a combination of satellite remote sensing and novel observations from dedicated field campaigns. This contribution offers a comprehensive analysis of the hydrological dynamics of two neighbouring poorly gauged tropical basins; the Kapuas basin (98 700 km2) in West Kalimantan and the Mahakam basin (77 100 km2) in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Both basins are characterised by vast areas of inland lowlands. Hereby, we put specific emphasis on key hydrological variables and indicators such as discharge and flood extent. The hydroclimatological data described herein were obtained during fieldwork campaigns carried out in the Kapuas over the period 2013–2015 and in the Mahakam over the period 2008–2010. Additionally, we used the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall estimates over the period 1998–2015 to analyse the distribution of rainfall and the influence of El-Niño – Southern Oscillation. Flood occurrence maps were obtained from the analysis of the Phase Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) images from 2007 to 2010. Drought events were derived from time series of simulated groundwater recharge using time series of TRMM rainfall estimates, potential evapotranspiration estimates and the threshold level approach. The Kapuas and the Mahakam lake regions are vast reservoirs of water of about 1000 and 1500 km2 that can store as much as 3 and 6.5 billion m3 of water, respectively. These storage capacity values can be doubled considering the area of flooding under vegetation cover. Discharge time series show that backwater effects are highly influential in the wetland regions, which can be partly explained by inundation dynamics shown by flood occurrence maps obtained from PALSAR images. In contrast to their nature as wetlands, both lowland areas have frequent periods with low soil moisture conditions and low groundwater recharge. The Mahakam wetland area regularly exhibits low groundwater recharge, which may lead to prolonged drought events that can last up to 13 months. It appears that the Mahakam lowland is more vulnerable to hydrological drought, leading to more frequent fire occurrences than in the Kapuas basin.

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