Ocean Cleanup device breaks down, well before ridding Pacific of plastics

From NBCNEWS Dutch inventor Boyan Slat said he still believed his $360 million plan could work. The Ocean Cleanup device floating in a lagoon in Alameda, California, in August 2018.The Ocean Cleanup via EPA Jan. 4, 2019 / 4:24 AM EST By James Rainey An ambitious project to clean up a vast tide of ocean…

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Revisiting the social cost of carbon after INDC implementation in Malaysia: 2050

Abstract

This article projects the social cost of carbon (SCC) and other related consequences of climate change by using Malaysia's intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) and climate vision 2040 (CV2040) by 2050. It compares the projections derived from the Dynamic Integrated Model of the Climate and Economy (DICME) based on the respective INDC and CV2040 scenario. The results reveal that industrial emissions would incur a substantial increase every 5 years under the scenario CV2040, while Malaysia would experience lower industrial emissions in the coming years under the scenario INDC. Emission intensity in Malaysia will be 0.61 and 0.59 tons/capita in 2030 for scenario CV2040 and scenario INDC respectively. Malaysia would face climate damage of MYR456 billion and MYR 49 billion by 2050 under CV2040 and INDC scenario respectively. However, climate damage could be much lower if the INDC regime were adopted, as this scenario would decrease climatic impacts over time. The estimated SSC per ton of CO2 varies between MYR74 and MYR97 for scenario CV2040 and MYR44 and MYR62 for scenario INDC in 2030 and 2050 respectively. Considering different aspects, including industrial emissions, damage cost, and social cost of carbon, INDC is the best policy compared to CV2040. Thus, Malaysia could achieve its emissions reduction target by implementing INDC by 2050.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2VugIcO

Several environmental endocrine disruptors in beverages from South China: occurrence and human exposure

Abstract

Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) in beverages may enter the human body by ingestion and thus may represent a potential health risk. In this study, phthalates, bisphenol A, and its analogues, parabens, benzophenone-type UV filters, and triclosan (TCS) were analyzed in beverage samples (n = 116) collected from local markets in Guangzhou, South China. Twelve of 30 target compounds were found in > 50% samples, and for the first time, TCS was found in a majority of beverages from China (~ 80%). Among all analytes, concentrations of total phthalates (median = 14.4 ng/mL) were generally two orders of magnitude higher than other target EEDs, and concentrations of total benzophenone-type UV filters (0.02 ng/mL) and TCS (0.01 ng/mL) were the lowest. Among all targets, phthalates were predominant, accounting for > 99% of the total EEDs, and dimethyl phthalate was frequently detected in beverages (> 60%). In addition, we estimated the daily intake (EDI) of EEDs for Chinese populations of different age groups based on the daily consumption of beverages. The EDIs of total EEDs were the highest for toddlers (mean = 14,200 ng/kg-bw/day) followed by children and teenagers (3420 ng/kg-bw/day), adults (1950 ng/kg-bw/day), the elderly (1740 ng/kg-bw/day), and infants (70 ng/kg-bw/day). Compared to all food categories, EEDs from beverage consumption accounted for ~ 0.1% (parabens) to 20% (phthalates) of total exposure from diet. However, intakes of phthalates, bisphenols, and TCS from beverages were comparable to those from other potential sources (food, dust, personal care products, cloth, and medicines). Furthermore, the cumulative risks of EEDs by beverage consumption were not high, which indicated that EEDs in beverages might not represent a potential human health risk for Chinese populations.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2QpJ4Bh

A comprehensive review on water-emulsified diesel fuel: chemistry, engine performance and exhaust emissions

Abstract

Increasing environmental concern, human health and the continuous upgradation in the stringent standards of vehicular emissions have shown much interest in cleaner diesel fuels. Out of various strategies to mitigate the diesel engine emissions, use of water blended diesel in the form of emulsion has grabbed sufficient attention of the fuel research community. Various researches have shown that water-emulsified diesel has sufficient potential to improve the engine performance simultaneously with a significant reduction in the levels of nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. Micro-explosion phenomenon of combustion in emulsion fuel helps to provide efficient and complete combustion which in turn improves brake thermal efficiency. The current study presents a comprehensive review of the usage of water-emulsified diesel fuel in CI engines. Focusing on the performance, combustion, and emission analysis, it also talks in detail about the principle and the chemistry involved in making of a stable and homogeneous water–diesel emulsion compatible for CI engine. The literature survey concludes two crucial points. First, the water-blended diesel emulsion serves as an economical, fuel efficient, and cleaner combustion technology. Second, the optimum blend ratio, emulsifier quantity, and proper process differs in almost all the research papers and hence needed to be standardized.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2LUUhcc

Adsorptive removal of anionic dye using calcined oyster shells: isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics

Abstract

Oyster shells are a type of biogenic materials with excellent characteristics in surface area, porosity, sorption capacity, and high concentration of CaCO₃ (up to 90 wt%), and can be easily converted into a calcium-based alkali adsorbent. In this research, oyster shells calcined at 900 °C were applied as an adsorbent for acid green 25 (AG25) removal from aqueous solutions. The adsorption performances were evaluated, and the FTIR, SEM, and BET techniques were employed to characterize this material. Results showed that AG25 removal performance depended on adsorbent dosage, pH, adsorption temperature, contact time, and initial concentration. Adsorption capacity was maximized at 34.1 mg g⁻¹ at pH of 11.0, an adsorbent dosage of 2.0 g L⁻¹, an AG25 concentration of 70 mg L⁻¹, and adsorption temperature of 40 °C. Both the Ho-McKay model and the pseudo-second-order model correlated with the adsorption kinetics well with the values of R² > 0.99 (closer to unity). The Langmuir isotherm showed an excellent correlation coefficient of R² > 0.99 with the equilibrium data. The thermodynamics study indicates that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. These results demonstrate that the calcined oyster shells has the potential to be used as an eco-friendly and low-cost effective adsorbent for anionic dye removal from water.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2sbP5If

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in the soil-water-rice system around the Xiazhuang uranium mine, China

Abstract

Heavy-metal pollutants in the soil and surface water of agricultural areas accumulate in rice and may have adverse effects on the health of consumers. In this study, we determined the levels of heavy-metal contamination in agricultural areas around the Xiazhuang uranium deposits in northern Guangdong Province, China, using equidistant sampling methods along a river near the mine tailings. The pH values of all the water samples were determined. The heavy-metal concentrations in water, bottom sludge, and rice were measured. The extent of contamination was evaluated by calculating Nemerow's pollution index, contamination factor, and hazard quotient. The result shows U transferred from mine to soil and rice with irrigation water. The main pollutants and their pollution indices in soil are U (6.31), Th (4.02), Pb (2.52), Cd (2.36), Zn (1.52), and Mn (1.39). The rice grain can hardly enrich U and Th but were susceptible to Cr and Ni. The contamination factors (CFs) of the pollutants in rice grain are Cr (1.98) and Ni (3.09). The hazard quotient (HQ) shows that Cu (HQ > 1) could pose potential risks for humans upon long-term consumption of the rice.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2LUUfB6

Sustainable choices on palm oil must be easier for consumers, says new study

Maybe they can add a #virtuesignal tag? ~ctm From EurekAlert! Public Release: 3-Jan-2019 Sustainable choices on palm oil must be easier for consumers, says new study IOP Publishing Consumer goods companies and retailers need to be upfront about where palm oil in their products comes from to relieve consumers of the burden of making sustainable…

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Investigate the impact of local iron–steel industrial emission on atmospheric mercury concentration in Yangtze River Delta, China

Abstract

Mercury is a global neurotoxic pollutant, which can be globally transported and bioaccumulated in the food chain. Iron–steel production is one of the most significant sources of anthropogenic atmospheric mercury emission, while information on this source is scarce. Hourly gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) and particle bound mercury (PBM) were studied inside (IP) and at the boundary (BP) of a typical iron–steel plant in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China from September 2016 to August 2017. The GEM concentrations were 0.97–503.1 and 0.05–112.6 ng/m³ at the IP and BP sites, respectively, while PBM concentrations were one to four orders of magnitude higher than urban and suburban ambient levels. Several lines of evidences indicated that PBM was mainly originated from the iron–steel manufacturing process, especially from sintering and coke-making processes in this iron–steel plant. However, a combined emission effect contributed to GEM variation. The receptor model of positive matrix factorization (PMF) showed that local direct emissions (coal combustion, industrial activity, vehicle exhaust, and secondary evaporation from polluted soil) contributed 51.3% of the total GEM concentration variation. Potential source contribution function (PSCF) and concentration weighted trajectory (CWT) models clearly showed that air masses moving from areas surrounding YRD had the highest concentrations of atmospheric mercury. These results provided evidence that iron–steel manufacturing emissions have a considerable effect on regional atmospheric mercury concentrations, especially PBM.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Qo0n5z

Using a modified soil quality index to evaluate densely tilled soils with different yields in Northeast China

Abstract

Northeastern China has long-term densely tilled soils that supply approximately 20% of the annual total national grains. There are very few reports on the agricultural soil quality subjecting to the predatory tillage. Here, the soil quality index (SQI) of a brunisolic soil was calculated using the minimum data set (MDS) and integrated quality index (IQI). The topsoil layer was divided into plow layer (11.9 ± 1.9 cm) and plow pan (11.4 ± 2.6 cm) in fields of high yields (HYB), medium yields (MYB), and low yields (LYB). Our results showed that the MDS of the topsoil layer only contained chemical indicators. The bulk density (BD), as one of the most important soil quality indicators, was found of no significant differences in the topsoil layers. In different layers (i.e., the topsoil layer, plow layer, and plow pan), the value of SQI presented a consistent tendency of HYB > MYB > LYB (p < 0.05). The correlation between SQI and yield was higher in the plow layer (0.60) and plow pan (0.63) than the topsoil layer (0.47). This further verified the reasonability of using soil stratification for SQI calculation. Our findings indicate the potential of using soil quality assessments to examine soil productivity (e.g., fertilizer deficiency) in crop lands with soil stratification.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RzoOBL

Integrating supply and demand in cultural ecosystem services assessment: a case study of Cuihua Mountain (China)

Abstract

As human demand for ecosystem services (ES) continues to increase, ES assessments have gradually become a popular research topic. Among ES, cultural ES (CES) are often overlooked and are difficult to measure during research because of their invisibility. However, the importance and usage of CES increase with supply and demand, which is key to linking the ecosystem with human well-being. This paper quantitatively evaluates various cultural services and generates corresponding Value Index (VI) maps; it then further explores the current dynamics of supply and demand. We selected Cuihua Mountain (CM) as the study area, and we applied the Social Values of Ecosystem Services (SolVES) model to evaluate CES and generated five specific VI maps to indicate the potential service stock (ES capacity). The actual supply (ES supply) is based on the attribute of the visibility of observation points on leisure routes, and the visitors (ES demand) to the service come from socio-economic data as a measure of the rates of access to entertainment venues. The supply and demand relationship (ES budget) solves the significant problems related to the oversupply and shortage of ES in space. The results showed that the CES supply power of CM is greater than the actual demand; thus, there is great potential for future development. This study also provided a reference and guidance for environmental decision-making and development in other regions.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2VEUll8

Levels and temporal variations of urinary lead, cadmium, cobalt, and copper exposure in the general population of Taiwan

Abstract

Toxic metal contamination in food products and the environment is a public health concern. Therefore, understanding human exposure to cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) levels in the general population of Taiwan is necessary and urgent. We aimed to establish the human biomonitoring data of urine toxic metals, exposure profile changes, and factors associated with metal levels in the general population of Taiwan. We randomly selected 1601 participants older than 7 years of age (36.9 ± 18.7 years (7–84 years)) from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) conducted during 1993–1996 (93–96) and 2005–2008 (05–08) periods and measured the levels of four metals in the participants' urine samples using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The median (range) levels of urinary Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu in participants from the NAHSIT 93–96 (N = 821)/05–08 (N = 780) were 0.60 (ND–13.90)/0.72 (ND–7.44), 2.28 (ND–63.60)/1.09 (0.04–48.88), 0.91 (0.08–17.30)/1.05 (0.05–22.43), and 16.87 (2.62–158.28)/13.66 (1.67–189.70) μg/L, respectively. We found that the urinary median levels of Pb and Cu in our participants were significantly lower in the NAHSIT 05–08 (Pb 1.09 μg/L, Cu 13.66 μg/L) than in the NAHSIT 93–96 (Pb 2.28 μg/L, Cu 16.87 μg/L; P < 0.01), whereas those of Cd and Co were significantly higher in the NAHSIT 05–08 (Cd 0.72 μg/L, Co 1.05 μg/L; P < 0.01). Youths had higher exposure levels of Pb, Co, and Cu than adults. Participants with alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing, or cigarette smoking had significantly higher median levels of urinary Pb or Cu (P < 0.01) than those without. Principal components and cluster analysis revealed that sex had different exposure profiles of metals. We concluded that levels of urinary Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu exposure in the general Taiwanese varied by age, sex, and lifestyles.

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Kids Climate Case to be Appealed Before Trial

A monkey wrench in the Works.

Previous posts have followed the twists and turns of the lawsuit Juliana vs. US, initiated and funded by Our Children's Trust.  In November the Supreme Court signaled their desire that lower courts rein in the scope of the lawsuit.  The District Court backed off and now the Ninth Circuit Court will take up the appeal in advance of any trial activity.  The significance and implications are described in an article by Karen Savage at Climate Liability News Appeals Court OKs Pre-Trial Appeal of Kids Climate Case, Siding With Government  Excerpts in italics with my bolds.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has granted a petition by the Trump administration for a rare pre-trial appeal in the landmark constitutional climate lawsuit, Juliana v. United States. The appeals court agreed to the interlocutory appeal, which leaves the future progress of the case unclear.

Generally, interlocutory appeals consider certain aspects of a case while allowing other issues to proceed. The young plaintiffs in the case, 21 young people from around the country, have asked District Court Judge Ann Aiken to clarify how the case will move forward while the Ninth Circuit considers its appeal. They argue that they should be allowed to continue the discovery process and other pre-trial proceedings.

The Ninth Circuit's decision came as somewhat of a surprise because it had denied repeated attempts by the government to short-circuit the case before trial. A three-judge panel voted 2-1 to grant this request, while denying other motions, including the government's fourth writ of mandamus request. The writ of mandamus is even rarer than an interlocutory appeal because it requires the higher court to decide the lower court clearly abused its judicial power.

But granting the interlocutory appeal still throws the case into uncertainty.

Chief Judge Sidney Thomas and Circuit Judge Marsha Berzon voted for the government's motion while Circuit Judge Michelle Friedland dissented.

The Ninth Circuit Dec.26, 2018 ruling (here) states:

An interlocutory appeal under 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b) is authorized when a district court order "'involves a controlling question of law as to which there is substantial ground for difference of opinion' and where 'an immediate appeal from the order may materially advance the ultimate termination of the litigation.'" Reese v. BP Expl. (Alaska) Inc., 643 F.3d 681, 687–88 (9th Cir. 2011) (quoting 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b)). The district court properly concluded that the issues presented by this case satisfied the standard set forth in § 1292(b) and properly exercised its discretion in certifying this case for interlocutory appeal.

The petition for permission to appeal pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1292(b) is granted. Within 14 days after the date of this order, petitioners shall perfect the appeal in accordance with Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 5(d). All pending motions are denied as moot.

Previously, the petitioners (Our Children's Trust) have repeatedly argued for a 50 day trial first and then appeal afterward.

In a reply brief, the federal government pushed back, telling the justices that it had made every possible effort in the lower courts to avoid reaching this point, but had been unsuccessful. The government emphasized that what the plaintiffs are asking the federal courts to do is extraordinary, "nothing less than a complete transformation of the American energy system – including the abandonment of fossil fuels." Such a request, the government continued, "has no place in federal court," so that granting the government a reprieve from the upcoming trial would "preserve the judiciary's essential role under the Constitution."

The government added that, contrary to the plaintiffs' assurances, the prospect winning on appeal after an "extensive" trial had already taken place would provide little comfort to the government, because of the enormous amount of resources that would have to be devoted to pretrial preparations and the trial itself.

For background on the lawsuit see:  Supremes Kick Kids Lawsuit Down the Road

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Kerala Floods “Likely Due To Climate Variability, Not AGW”–New Study

By Paul Homewood

More fake climate disaster claims from Christian Aid:

 

https://mediacentre.christianaid.org.uk/download?id=4170&pn=21e38f435ea050ce63ac6b7e52c58d72-pdf

 

And the reality?

ABSTRACT

Flood is among the deadliest disasters in India, and the frequency of floods and extreme precipitation events is projected to increase under the warming climate. The frequency of floods in India varies geographically as some regions are more prone to floods than the others. The Kerala flood of 2018 caused enormous economic damage, affected millions of people, and resulted in the death of more than 400 people. Here we provide a hydroclimatological perspective on the Kerala flood of 2018. Using the observations and model simulations from the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model, we show that the 2018 extreme precipitation and runoff conditions that caused flooding were unprecedented in the record of the past 66 years (1951-2017). Our results show that mean monsoon precipitation has significantly declined while air temperature has significantly increased during 1951-2017 in Kerala. The drying and warming trends during the monsoon season resulted in a declined total runoff in large part of the state in the last 66 years. Apart from the mean hydroclimatic conditions, extreme precipitation, and extreme total runoff have also declined from 1951 to 2017. However, 1 and 2-day extreme precipitation and extreme runoff conditions in August 2018 exceeded substantially from the long-term 95^th percentiles recorded during 1951-2017. Since there is no increase in mean and extreme precipitation in Kerala over the last six decades, the extreme event during August 2018 is likely to be driven by anomalous atmospheric conditions due to climate variability rather anthropogenic climate warming. The severity of the Kerala flood of 2018 and the damage caused might be affected by several factors including land use/ land cover change, antecedent hydrologic conditions, reservoir storage and operations, encroachment of flood plains, and other natural factors. The impacts of key drivers (anthropogenic and natural) on flood severity need to be established to improve our understanding of floods and associated damage.

http://www.geosocindia.org/index.php/jgsi/article/view/137443

 

In short, extreme rainfall in Kerala has been declining over the years. It is likely that the heavy rainfall last August was nothing more than a weather event, and nothing to do with global warming.

There are of course thousands of places around the world where all sorts of new records can be set, particularly when historical data only goes back a few decades.

Every year, many such events will occur. But this does not mean that extreme weather is getting worse.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2R9q5A5

Loony Greens Demand Meat Tax

By Paul Homewood

  

h/t Patsy Lacey

  

From the Express:

A GREEN MP has called on Parliament to impose a tax on meat to cut greenhouse gas emissions and reduce climate change.

Caroline Lucas told delegates at the Oxford Farming Conference an overhaul of Britain's agri-industrial food system is needed because it is in "crisis" and is favouring consolidation at the expense of human health, ecology and the livelihoods of farmers. In a speech entitled 'A radical new vision for British agriculture' delivered on Friday, Ms Lucas set out her vision for farming which included greater attention to animal welfare, fewer pesticides, a reduction in food waste, and adopting a diet with less meat and dairy products. Half of all farmed animal emissions come from beef and lamb, according to research by scientists Joseph Poore and Thomas Nemecek.

Ms Lucas referred to MP Claire Perry, who said if the Cabinet ate less beef to set an example it would lead to the introduction of a "nanny state".

Ms Lucas said: "At the risk of incurring the wrath of the energy secretary in particular who said recently that encouraging people to eat less meat would be 'the worst sort of nanny state ever', I'd add that we need serious consideration of measures like a meat tax, particularly for beef.

"I accept that British sheep farming is one of the least intensive forms of livestock farming so perhaps a banded system according to production would help, offset for more sustainable meat producers through increased revenue from targeted agri-environment schemes."

But NFU vice president Stuart Roberts hit back at her demands, tweeting: "We all share the ambition to address climate change but taxing isn't the way.

"There's great potential for market based drivers and future agriculture policy to underpin our positive direction of travel without looking at regressive tax solution. Let's see market-based solutions."

Earlier in the week, Minettte Batters, president of the National Farmers' Union called for zero farming emissions by 2040.

Ms Lucas said she felt "encouraged" to hear her comments and hopes she can count on the NFU to support her amendment to the Agriculture Bill to achieve it.

During a speech at the conference this week, Ms Batters said: "Our aim must be ambitious: to get our industry to net zero across all greenhouse gas inventories by 2040 or before."

But critics argue that poor people will be hit hardest by a meat tax and say it will not bring greenhouse gas emissions down to safe levels.

Nick Allen, head of the British Meat Processors Association, said: "We have one of the best grass growing climate in the world. So we have the ability to turn good grass into good meat better than anyone else.

"I don't believe it would achieve the desired result."

Ms Lucas tweeted: "We need huge reduction in meat-eating to avoid climate breakdown. Better manure management and selection of feed can reduce farming emissions – but need to consider potential of #Meattax too."

One person tweeted back: "So a regressive #Meattax is the answer? Let's make meat a luxury item for the well-off, no @CarolineLucas. Don't blame ordinary people for climate change, lecturing them about what they eat."

Livestock accounts for five per cent of Britain's greenhouse gas emissions. 

https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1067573/meat-tax-green-party-caroline-lucas-climate-change

 

It would be helpful if the NFU and others stopped being a patsy for global warming dogma. For instance:

"But NFU vice president Stuart Roberts hit back at her demands, tweeting: "We all share the ambition to address climate change but taxing isn't the way.

Earlier in the week, Minettte Batters, president of the National Farmers' Union called for zero farming emissions by 2040. "

 

 

Isn't it time the NFU made it clear that whatever British farmers do, it will make bugger all difference to global emissions?

Or that much of the land used by pastoral farming is pretty useless for crops? The end result would inevitable be reduced food production and higher food prices. Does anybody sane really want that?

Let's not kid ourselves. There is one inevitable outcome from all of this. One we concede a meat tax, it will soon morph into a food tax. After all, arable farming is also carbon intensive, given all of the fertilisers, machinery and processing involved.

How long will it be be before eco-loons like Caroline Lucas are demanding that we all eat less, and that we need food taxes to enforce this?

And the poor? Let them eat cake.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2C3A0gk

Analysis of uranium removal capacity of anaerobic granular sludge bacterial communities under different initial pH conditions

Abstract

The bacterial community of an anaerobic granular sludge associated with uranium depletion was investigated following its exposure to uranium under different initial pH conditions (pH 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5). The highest uranium removal efficiency (98.1%) was obtained for the sample with an initial pH of 6.5, which also supported the highest bacterial community richness and diversity. Venn diagrams visualized the decrease in the number of genera present in both the inoculum and the uranium-exposed biomass as the initial pH decreased from 6.5 to 4.5. Compared with the inoculum, a significant increase in the abundances of the phyla Chloroflexi and Proteobacteria was observed following uranium exposure. At initial pH conditions of 6.5 to 4.5, the proportions of the taxa Anaerolineaceae, Chryseobacterium, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Sulfurovum increased significantly, likely contributing to the observed uranium removal. Uranium exposure induced a greater level of dynamic diversification of bacterial abundances than did the initial pH difference.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Vwe7iI

Ocasio-Cortez Demands 70% Tax to Pay for her Climate Change Policies

Guest essay by Eric Worrall Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez appears to take inspiration from past efforts to confiscate wealth. Ocasio-Cortez Says 70% Ultra-Rich Tax Could Pay for Climate Plan By Sahil Kapur 5 January 2019, 04:56 GMT+10 Progressive House Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for a sharp tax hike on the highest incomes in order to fund a…

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“Terrifying Sea-Level Prediction Now Looks Far Less Likely”… But “marine ice-cliff instability” is “just common sense”

Guest AEUHHH???? by David Middleton A Terrifying Sea-Level Prediction Now Looks Far Less Likely But experts warn that our overall picture of sea-level rise looks far scarier today than it did even five years ago. ROBINSON MEYER JAN 4, 2019 One of the scariest scenarios for near-term, disastrous sea-level rise may be off the table…

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2F8OHBI

China’s war on particulate air pollution is causing more severe ozone pollution

From Eurekalert! Public Release: 2-Jan-2019 PM 2.5 pollution is falling but ground-level ozone pollution is on the rise Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences In early 2013, the Chinese government declared a war on air pollution and began instituting stringent policies to regulate the emissions of fine particulate matter, a pollutant…

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Weekend Unthreaded

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CLIMATE MODELS FAIL: CLIMATE WARMING EXPERIMENT FINDS UNEXPECTED RESULTS

http://bit.ly/2LQ3HpF Emily Pontecorvo, American Geophysical Union Tropical forests store about a third of Earth's carbon and about two-thirds of its above-ground biomass. Most climate change models predict that as the world warms, all of that biomass will decompose more quickly, which would send a lot more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. But new research presented [...]

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Climate change: Democrats see Trump, GOP inaction as 2020 opportunity

http://bit.ly/2EVKLnM WASHINGTON –  Environmental advocates say now is the time for decisive action on climate change. Democrats won the House in November riding a platform that included a call to address the crisis. Global warming was blamed for intensifying natural disasters that killed dozens and cost billions of dollars across the country in 2018. A recent avalanche of evidence that the climate is already [...]

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2sa5MU6

Ecotoxicological effects of trace element contamination in talitrid amphipod Orchestia montagui Audouin, 1826

Abstract

This study deals with the evaluation of trace element bioaccumulation and histological alterations in the hepatopancreas of the supralittoral amphipod Orchestia montagui Audouin, 1826 due to the exposure to cadmium, copper, and zinc. Orchestia montagui individuals were maintained during 14 days in soils contaminated with different trace elements namely cadmium, copper, and zinc; a control was also prepared. Our results show that the mortality and the body mass vary according to the metal and the nominal concentration used. In general, the mortality increases from the seventh day. However, the body mass shows a decrease with cadmium exposure and an increase with copper and zinc exposures. Furthermore, the concentration factor highlights that this species is considered a macroconcentrator for copper and zinc. The hepatopancreas of unexposed and exposed animals were compared to detect histological changes. Our results show significant alterations in the hepatopancreas of the exposed animals after the experiment. The degree of these alterations was found to be dose-dependent. Among the histological changes in the hepatopancreas in O. montagui, a loss of cell structure was noted, especially cell remoteness and border lyses, the reduction of nuclear volume, an increase in the cytoplasm density with the presence of trace element deposits in both the nucleus and vacuoles, a disorganization and destruction of microvilli, and a condensation of the majority of cell organelles and mitochondria swelling. Through this study, we have confirmed that O. montagui can be a relevant model to assess trace metal element pollution in Tunisian coastal lagoons with the aim of using it in future biomonitoring programs.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Tx6LJW

An integrated multivariate statistical approach for the evaluation of spatial variations in groundwater quality near an unlined landfill

Abstract

Groundwater is a major resource for water supply in Canada, and 43 of 68 Saskatchewan municipalities rely on groundwater or combined groundwater and surface water sources. The Regina landfill is built on top of the Condie aquifer, without an engineered liner. Missing data and inconsistent sampling make a traditional groundwater assessment difficult. An integrated statistical approach using principle component analysis, correlation analysis, ion plots, and multiple linear regression is used to study groundwater contamination at the Regina landfill. Geological locations of the water samples were explicitly considered. The abundance of cations in the groundwater was Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ > Mn²⁺; and for anions SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > Cl⁻. Correlation analysis and ion plots pointed to gypsum and halite dissolution being the main factors affecting groundwater chemistry. Principal component analysis yielded three principal components, responsible for 80.7% of the total variance. For all monitoring well groups, the sodium absorption ratio was generally less than one. The variation in the ratio from monitoring well groups suggests possible groundwater contamination from landfill operation. Wilcox diagrams indicate groundwater near the landfill is unsuitable for irrigation. A two-step multiple linear regression was used to develop a model for total hardness prediction.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2CQfgdo

Cultivation modes and deficit irrigation strategies to improve 13 C carbon isotope, photosynthesis, and winter wheat productivity in semi-arid regions

Abstract

Determining the effect of ridge-furrow cultivation mode on ¹³C carbon isotope discrimination, photosynthetic capacity, and leaf gas exchange characteristics of winter wheat leaves will help to increase wheat production. To verify these effects of cultivation modes with deficit irrigation will provide scientific basis for determining water-saving strategy. Therefore, a mobile rainproof shelter was used to explore the potential benefit of two cultivation modes: (1) the ridge-furrow (RF) precipitation system and (2) traditional flat planting (TF) with two deficit irrigation levels (150, 75 mm) and three precipitation levels (275 mm, 200 mm, 125 mm) were tested in this study. Plastic film mulching on ridges had significant effects on rainwater collection and improved soil water retention. Analysis of the light-response curve showed that RF2₁₅₀ treatment significantly increased flag leaf net photosynthetic rate (P_n), stomatal conductance (G_s), intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i), transpiration rate (T_r), leaf WUE, and total contents of chlorophyll ab of wheat at flowering stage than that of TF planting. The RF system significantly increases maximum net photosynthetic rate (P_nmax) (16.2%), light saturation points (LSP) (6.7%), and P_n under CO₂-response curves compared to the TF cultivation across the two irrigation and three simulated rainfall levels. The RF system significantly increased Δ¹³C (0.7%) and caused a notable increase in the intercellular to ambient CO₂ concentration ratio (7.6%), dry matter translocation (54.9%), and grain yield plant⁻¹ (19%) compared to the TF planting. Furthermore, Δ¹³C was significantly positively correlated with P_n, G_s, C_i/C_a, C_i, T_r, P_nmax, LSP, and grain yield. This study suggested that the RF2₁₅₀ treatment was the best water-saving technique because it increased soil water content, Δ¹³C, biomass, grain yield, and leaf WUE.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Fcmomb

Characteristics of heavy metals in soils and grains of wheat and maize from farmland irrigated with sewage

Abstract

The farmland irrigation with the sewage is a common and better pathway to save the resource of groundwater in Northern China. The investigation was conducted in the farmland along the Fuhe River to explore characteristics of heavy metals in soils and grains of wheat and maize from a long-term sewage-irrigated area of Baoding region. The results showed that the topsoil with long-term sewage irrigation accumulated more Cd, Pb, and Hg compared with that of soil irrigated with groundwater and their corresponding natural background values. Cd concentrations in 48% of sewage-irrigated soil samples exceeded the Chinese safety limitation at 0.6 mg/kg, but less Cd accumulated in crop grains and did not pose the potential health risk. On the contrary, Pb levels in soils irrigated with sewage were lower than the safety limitation but Pb concentrations in 24% of wheat grain samples exceeded the Chinese national safety limit. Long-term sewage irrigation did not increase As, Cr, and Ni concentrations in soils or crop grains. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of heavy metals in edible grains of crops was selected to assess their risk to human health. Total THQ values were higher than 1.0 for the wheat samples from sewage-irrigated area and both sewage-irrigated and smelter-impacted areas, and As is the main contributor to the total THQ and posed the potential risk to human health. Therefore, the accumulation of Cd, Pb, Hg, and As in soils and crops in sewage-irrigated area should be monitored continuously to ensure food safety and security.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2F8cqCX

Tim Osborn Prefers Spin To Facts

By Paul Homewood

h/t Paul Matthews

 

https://twitter.com/TimOsbornClim/status/1081241842996396032

 

Tim Osborn, Director of the Climatic Research Unit at the UEA has taken great exception at the GWPF for publishing my latest post on UK Climate Trends:

 

https://www.thegwpf.com/uk-temperatures-unchanged-for-more-than-a-decade/

In particular, he seems to object to the public seeing the actual data. Apparently that is a "misleading interpretation" of the facts.

I've no doubt he would much prefer the blatant spin, which his chums at the Met Office like to use.

As I correctly predicted yesterday, we are now getting headlines prompted by the Met Office like these:

Britain enjoyed its seventh hottest and second sunniest year on record in 2018, new figures show.

The Met Office released its full round-up of weather statistics for the last 12 months on Friday, and the figures may come as a surprise considering much of the country was blanketed in snow and ice in the early part of the year.

February and March saw freezing average temperatures of 2.4C (36.3F) and 3.8C (38.8F) because of the arrival of the Beast from the East, but 2018 still ended up making the top ten hottest years ever.

The UK average across the whole year was 9.49C (49F) thanks to an extraordinarily hot summer and milder than usual temperatures during the autumn.

July was the hottest month, clocking in at an average of 17.3C (63.1F), and the amount of sunshine we enjoyed came within hours of topping what we were treated to in 2003.

That year recorded 1,587 hours of sunshine, compared to 1,581 in 2018.

Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre, said the heat and sunshine statistics were consistent with a general trend of our climate warming up.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/britain-had-seventh-hottest-second-sunniest-ever-2018-151700770.html

 

Last year was the seventh hottest and second sunniest on record in the UK, new figures show.

This means the ten hottest years all fall in the 21st Century, highlighting a general trend in the UK's climate warming, the Met Office said.

Dr Mark McCarthy, head of the Met Office National Climate Information Centre, said: "2018 adds to our picture of the warming climate in the UK.

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/2018-seventh-hottest-second-sunniest-130927890.html

Nowhere do the Met Office admit that temperatures have plateaued since the turn of the century. And nowhere do they even offer a graph, so as to let people decide for themselves.

Instead, McCarthy continues to peddle the false impression that the UK's climate is "still getting warmer".

Indeed, in a Met Office News Release on 27th December, he goes even further:

"The overall story for the year fits into the general warming trend we have seen in the century so far."

This is grossly misleading. It is obvious from the Met Office's own data that there has been no warming this century.

 

Tim Osborn complains that we should not be looking at such short periods of time, as this is mere weather. But as I pointed out in my post:

Of course, 10 years is far too short a period to be meaningful in terms of long term trends and projections. But exactly the same argument applies to that short burst of warming, which effectively began in 1989 and ended in 2006.

For some reason, Osborn has no objection to the Met Office attributing the short spell of warming in the 1990s to a general trend in the UK's climate warming.

He also thinks we should not be paying attention to UK temperatures, but to global ones instead. But the whole point of the post was to look at the UK scene. Don't people have the right to see facts? Or must they only be allowed to read the Met Office's highly biased interpretation?

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2VwltT6

BBC’s Want To Change Our Lifestyles

By Paul Homewood

 

h/t stewgreen

 

Yet more PR on the BBC "News" Channel:

 

Buy less meat and dairy. Walk, don't drive. Dry laundry on a rack.

They're all things we're told could help save the planet. But how far are any of us prepared to go? And what's stopping us from doing more?

We challenged three people to spend one week making as many changes as possible to live a greener life. Here's how they got on.

You can read the rest of the Yawnathon here.

 

Perhaps, if the BBC really are so concerned, they could start by sacking half their staff, shut down half their operations, stop sending staff half way round the world to film 5 minute snippets, ban the use of all private transport within the organisation, and stop using all fossil fuels.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2C03Z8R

Lousy Water Management, Not Climate Change, Leading To Ecological Disaster In Iran

Iran has a water problem. Although activists and alarmist scientists like to place the blame on climate change, Iran's water problems are due to public planning mismanagement.
=======================================================

Why Teheran is sinking dangerously

December 7, 2018, created by ph
(Press release translated/edited from the German by P. Gosselin)

Mahdi Motagh and Mahmud Haghshenas Haghighi of the Remote Sensing Section of the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) in Potsdam report on the subsidence of the earth's surface in the Teheran region in the journal Remote Sensing of Environment.

Sinking 25 cm per year

They found that between 2003 and 2017 three areas were sinking with velocities of which at times were more than 25 centimeters per year, and sank by a total of several meters. For the first time the study traces in detail and with precise measurements the temporal course of the subsidence in the region over a longer period of time.

Iran has a water problem

The reserves in many groundwater basins are heavily depleted. The country has been investing heavily in agricultural development for about forty years and strives to be independent in food supply. In order to meet the increased water demand, groundwater basins are being exploited to a considerable extent and hardly regulated by the state.

In addition, the government has built many dams to store water for specific purposes, especially in agriculture. However, these have constrained the natural inflow into the groundwater basins in the downstream areas, contributing to desertification and serious environmental problems, which include the ongoing drying of Lake Uri in northwestern Iran, the second largest salt lake in the world, and to frequent dust and sand storms in recent years in the province of Khuzestan in the southwest.

In the region around the capital Tehran with its approximately eight million people, the demand for water has also risen sharply in the last forty years due to the influx of many inhabitants. The number of wells there rose from just under 4000 in 1968 to more than 32,000 in 2012. In addition, there is a lack of rain during periods of drought, which has become increasingly frequent in recent years. All this has led to a sharp drop in the groundwater level. In Tehran, for example, there was a drop of twelve meters between 1984 and 2011.

Crevices in the ground and cracks in building walls are, for example, consequences of the ground deformation, say Haghshenas Haghighi and Motagh. They also found that the groundwater basins in certain areas were irreversibly damaged by exploitation. In the future, they will no longer be able to store as much water as they used to. Scientifically based plans for water management could, however, help defuse the situation, the two researchers say. "To allow sustainable development, both science and research can assist Iranian administrations and governments revise their water management policies," says Motagh

Real-time data for geological risks

For their analysis Haghshenas Haghighi and Motagh used the radar interferometry method InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar). With this measurement method, high-precision radar signals recorded by satellites in the microwave range can be used to create an image of the topography of the earth's surface. To document surface changes, the researchers used nine data sets from the satellite systems Envisat ASAR, ALOS PALSAR, TerraSAR-X and Sentinel-1 from the years 2003 to 2017. They combined the data sets to investigate the short and long-term reactions of the Earth's surface to changes in groundwater levels.

Of particular importance were the satellite images from the Sentinel-1 mission, which has provided high-resolution radar images with an edge length of 250 kilometers from the Tehran region every 24 days since 2014, and every 12 days since 2016. "This makes it possible to analyze geological risks such as land subsidence almost in real time," says Motagh.

Next, the two researchers wish to expand the investigated area and also measure the subsidence of the country outside Tehran with Sentinel-1. "Such data on subsidence in large areas pose new challenges. We are developing software tools to analyze the huge amount of radar data," says Haghshenas Haghighi.

This research was supported by the Impulse and network fund of the Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft in der Helmholtz-Allianz "Remote Sensing and Earth System Dynamics".

Original study: Haghshenas Haghighi, M., Motagh M., 2018. Ground surface response to continuous compaction of aquifer system in Tehran, Iran: Results from a long-term multi-sensor InSAR analysis. Remote Sensing of Environment. DOI: 10.1016/j.rse.2018.11.003

Persons to contact:
Dr. Mahdi Motagh and Mahmud Haghshenas Haghighi
Sektion Fernerkundung
Helmholtz Center Potsdam
German GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ
Telegrafenberg
14473 Potsdam
Tel.: +49 331 288-1197
Email: mahdi.motagh@gfz-potsdam.de, mahmud@gfz-potsdam.de
Twitter: @MahdiMotagh, @Mahmudhh

Media contact:
Dipl.-Geogr. Josef Zens
Head of press and public relations
Helmholtz Center Potsdam
German GeoForschungsZentrum GFZ
Telegrafenberg
14473 Potsdam
Tel.: +49 331 288-1049
Email: josef.zens@gfz-potsdam.de
Twitter: @gfz_potsdam

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RCIK72

The long memory of the Pacific Ocean

The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt – blue = deep cold and saltier water current, red = shallower and warmer current
[credit: NWS / NOAA]

It's known, or at least believed, that transit times of some ocean waters can be as long as 1,000 years. The researchers are well aware that this exceeds the time since some well-known warming and cooling periods in the Earth's past, such as the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age.

Whereas most of the ocean is responding to modern warming, the deep Pacific may be cooling, say researchers.

The ocean has a long memory. When the water in today's deep Pacific Ocean last saw sunlight, Charlemagne was the Holy Roman Emperor, the Song Dynasty ruled China and Oxford University had just held its very first class.

During that time, between the 9th and 12th centuries, the earth's climate was generally warmer before the cold of the Little Ice Age settled in around the 16th century.

Now ocean surface temperatures are back on the rise but the question is, do the deepest parts of the ocean know that?

Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Harvard University have found that the deep Pacific Ocean lags a few centuries behind in terms of temperature and is still adjusting to the entry into the Little Ice Age.

Whereas most of the ocean is responding to modern warming, the deep Pacific may be cooling.

"These waters are so old and haven't been near the surface in so long, they still 'remember' what was going on hundreds of years ago when Europe experienced some of its coldest winters in history," said Jake Gebbie, a physical oceanographer at WHOI and lead author of the study published Jan. 4, 2019, in the journal Science.

"Climate varies across all timescales," adds Peter Huybers, Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard University and co-author of the paper. "Some regional warming and cooling patterns, like the Little Ice Age and the Medieval Warm Period, are well known. Our goal was to develop a model of how the interior properties of the ocean respond to changes in surface climate."

What that model showed was surprising.

Continued here.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2R9jVjj

Climate Models Fail: Climate Warming Experiment Finds Unexpected Results

Credit: klimatetochskogen.nu

Climate models are known to have their shortcomings, whether due to use of faulty theories or shortage of computing skills.

H/T The Global Warming Policy Forum (GWPF)

Tropical forests store about a third of Earth's carbon and about two-thirds of its above-ground biomass.

Most climate change models predict that as the world warms, all of that biomass will decompose more quickly, which would send a lot more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

But new research presented at the American Geophysical Union's 2018 Fall Meeting contradicts that theory.

Stephanie Roe, an ecology Ph.D. student at the University of Virginia, measured the rate of decomposition in artificially warmed plots of forest in Puerto Rico. She found biomass in the warmed plots broke down more slowly than samples from a control site that wasn't warmed.

Her results indicate that as the climate warms, forest litter could pile up on the ground, instead of breaking down into the soil. Less decomposition means less carbon dioxide released back into the atmosphere. But it also means less carbon taken up by the soil, where it's needed to fuel microbial processes that help plants grow.

"These results could have significant implications on the carbon cycle in a warmer future," Roe said.

Roe said there are few empirical studies of how tropical forests will respond to climate change. She set out to address this gap in June of 2017, when she and her research team travelled to El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. They landed at a site called TRACE—the Tropical Responses to Altered Climate Experiment.

TRACE is the first-ever long-term warming experiment conductedin a tropical forest. It was established by the US Forest Service in 2016 for research like Roe's. The site consists of three hexagonal plots of land enclosed by a ring of infrared heaters raised four meters above the ground, and three more plots enclosed by fake heaters that are used as the "control" forest.

Roe collected leaves from the plots, dried them out in the lab, and then returned them to the plots randomly. In addition to the native plants, she also included black and green tea, and popsicle sticks to represent woody biomass, to see how different materials would respond to the warming.

The heaters were programmed to continuously heat the plots to four degrees higher than the ambient temperature of the forest. The experiment was supposed to run for a full year, but at the beginning of October, Hurricane Maria swept across the island, destroying the TRACE sites.

Roe was back in Virginia when the storm struck. She had collected samples from the first few months of the experiment, and they were already showing signs of significant decomposition, so she decided to go ahead with the analysis based on what she had.

And the results were not what she thought they would be.

Continued here.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2CRqkXS

The Week In Doom — Religion Of Man Triumphant Edition

Item They're tightening the vise. As predicted, they're coming for your money. As one tweet down in the thread says (my emphasis): '"EU needs #digital single market. #Regulation should be based on what people want and need." says Mastercard to EU policymakers.' The evil company Mastercard says "cash is the enemy of inclusion."

1.) When Sargon of Akkad was banned from Patreon, it provoked an exodus to an alternative platform. SubscribeStar. It didn't last long, as their payment processing support was revoked. https://t.co/kl7G3kq4sY pic.twitter.com/WfTU0mDTPq

— Nick Monroe (@nickmon1112) December 27, 2018

Item A Texas Elementary School Speech Pathologist Refused to Sign a Pro-Israel Oath, Now Mandatory in Many States — so She Lost Her Job

A CHILDREN'S SPEECH PATHOLOGIST who has worked for the last nine years with developmentally disabled, autistic, and speech-impaired elementary school students in Austin, Texas, has been told that she can no longer work with the public school district, after she refused to sign an oath vowing that she "does not" and "will not" engage in a boycott of Israel or "otherwise tak[e] any action that is intended to inflict economic harm" on that foreign nation. A lawsuit on her behalf was filed early Monday morning in a federal court in the Western District of Texas, alleging a violation of her First Amendment right of free speech…

The language of the affirmation Amawi was told she must sign reads like Orwellian — or McCarthyite — self-parody, the classic political loyalty oath that every American should instinctively shudder upon reading:

Only racists would refuse to sign, of course. Or wait. Coincidentally, we also have this headline: Despite Netanyahu's Pressure, EU Doesn't Link anti-Semitism to anti-Zionism (from Israel's Haaretz). You have to admit it was a clever ploy to call any criticism of Israel anti-Jewish.

But signing an "oath" to support a foreign country?

Item Sen. Kyrsten Sinema Took Her Oath of Office on a Lawbook, Not the Bible

When Democrat Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona was sworn into the U.S. Senate today, she placed her left hand on an Arizona "lawbook" (to use Getty's terminology) instead of the Bible. It's precisely what you'd expect from the only officially "Unaffiliated" member of the new Congress.

***Update***: A spokesperson for Sinema told the Arizona Republic that the senator specifically used "a book from the Library of Congress containing the texts of the U.S. and Arizona constitutions."

I imagine Vice President Mike Pence, who administered the oath, died a little on the inside.

We all did. For the laws of Arizona and USA do not pretend to have divine sources, therefore she was sworn in under the religion of man. To imply that man is the best and brightest thing there is, given our dismal history, is to admit defeat. Sinema also openly embraces sexual perversion.

I think I saw on Pew that a greater proportion of politicians proclaim Christianity than do our citizens. Obviously it's because some think they (falsely) have to. Once it is realized that such false swearing is not necessary, the rates will reverse.

Item PEDOPHILES BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE A PART OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY

Pedophiles are rebranding themselves as "MAPs" or "Minor Attracted Persons" in an effort to gain acceptance and be included into the LGBT community, according to several reports from LGBT news sites…

These pedophiles seek to be a part of the LGBT+ community, even going so far as to make a "Pride" flag for Gay Pride Month.

The "MAP/NOMAP community" tries to pull at people's heartstrings by claiming that pedophiles are misunderstood marginalized people, and that as long as their attraction to children is not acted upon — or in some cases when they get permission from the child — that they should not be villainized.

Sites such as "The Prevention Project" claim to be aimed at helping children, posting quotes like the one below, reminiscent of testimonials of struggling gay youth, under headlines like "everyone needs support".

Golly. It's not like we haven't predicted this many, many, many times.

If you believe your revulsion is enough to stop this, you clearly do not remember the history of the normalization, and then superiority-ization, of sodomy.

Item A thorny history of race-based statistics

Twenty-six years ago, a staff inspector by the name of Julian Fantino — future Toronto police chief — sat in a small committee room and delivered a slew of explosive race-based crime statistics focused on the Jane-Finch neighbourhood.

Fantino, then head of 31 Division, told North York's committee on community, race and ethnic relations that, while blacks made up 6 per cent of the Jane-Finch population, they accounted for 82 per cent of robberies and muggings, 55 per cent of purse-snatchings and 51 per cent of drug offences in the previous year.

The Star's Royson James was apparently the only reporter present. He duly filed a story that appeared on the next day's front page. All hell broke loose.

Police in Ontario were forbidden to compile race-based crime statistics. Solicitor-General Joan Smith, responsible for law enforcement in the province, castigated Fantino for collecting and releasing data that "accomplishes nothing useful." Black activist groups and social agencies condemned Fantino for fueling existing prejudices. Police chief Jack Marks insisted the force did not keep race stats.

When hate facts are hate crimes. If you do not speak of hate facts, the thinking appears to go, they disappear. This is the same strategy used by children who pull blankets over their eyes, believing if they do not see the evil, the evil does not exist.

Item Apple CEO Tim Cook: It's A 'Sin' To Not Ban Bad People From Tech Platforms

Apple CEO Tim Cook said Monday night that not using one's judgement to kick certain people off of tech platforms is a sin. While accepting the first-ever "Courage Against Hate" award from the Anti-Defamation League in New York City, Cook said that Apple is proud of exercising its judgement to kick certain people off of its platforms.

"At Apple, we're not afraid to say our values drive our curation decisions," he said. "And why should we be?"

"We only have one message for those who seek to push hate, division, and violence: You have no place on our platforms," Cook said. "You have no home here."

This story is a month old, but I wanted to wait to see if Cook practiced what he preached. Alas, he did not. Apps supporting sexual perversion are still allowed.

Item The culmination of Doom: PissEarth 2025.

Item The it's-much-worse-than-you-thought thread.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2LSRT5P

Occurrence and removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives in an ecological wastewater treatment plant in South China and effluent impact to the receiving river

Abstract

Ecological wastewater treatment plant (EWWTP), a kind of emerging wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in recent years, combined microbiology with botany which is efficient for the removal of nitrogen and organic matter, as well as deodorization. The occurrence and removal of micro-organic pollutants in EWWTPs were still not well known. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their typical derivatives (SPAHs) including the oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), chlorinated PAHs (ClPAHs), and methyl PAHs (MPAHs) were investigated in an EWWTP in Guangdong Province, China. The concentrations of the Σ6 OPAHs (114–384 ng/L) were higher than the Σ16 PAHs (92–250 ng/L), and much higher than the Σ4 MPAHs (13–64 ng/L) and Σ9 ClPAHs (2–3 ng/L) in the EWWTP and the effluent receiving river. The total removal efficiencies of the PAHs, OPAHs, MPAHs, and ClPAHs in the EWWTP (43 ± 14%, 41 ± 7%, 55 ± 16%, and 18 ± 4%) were lower than the traditional WWTPs, probably due to the lower concentration of the sludge in the ecological treatment. The advanced treatment process (microfiltration and UV disinfection treatment) contributed much less (0–20%) to the whole removal efficiency than the ecological treatment (80–100%). The effluent from the EWWTP slightly reduced the PAHs and SPAHs concentrations in the receiving river. The high concentrations of the PAHs and SPAHs in the receiving river were similar to the influent of the EWWTP, indicating that some untreated wastewater was directly discharged to the river, especially in the upstream.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Az3aUv

Impacts of leachate of landfill on the groundwater hydrochemistry and size distributions and heavy metal components of colloids: a case study in NE China

Abstract

Colloids associated with heavy metals are ubiquitous in contaminated groundwater; waste accumulation at imperfectly sealed landfills can produce large amounts of leachate with colloids and heavy metal contaminants, which can pollute the downstream groundwater. In this study, three sites in a landfill were sampled to reveal heavy metal particle size distributions and their chemical compositions. The > 220 nm particle sizes were the predominant size in the downstream groundwater, while the < 10 nm particle sizes were the predominant size in the upstream groundwater. Total Fe increased from 35.5 μg/L in the upstream groundwater to 107 μg/L in the downstream groundwater. This increase was attributed to the enhanced migration and accumulation of colloids in the aqueous phase. The elements and the colloid size distribution in the landfill indirectly reflected the composition and degradation of the waste. Colloids played a key role in distribution of both solid particles and aqueous contaminants in the landfill. The results of this study will contribute to the knowledge of the effect of different contaminants in the vicinity of landfills without appropriate sealing systems.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2SDQhzo

Storage wars

From EurekAlert! UC Santa Barbara researcher conducts first-ever global-scale evaluation of the role of soil minerals in carbon storage University of California – Santa Barbara One answer to our greenhouse gas challenges may be right under our feet: Soil scientists Oliver Chadwick of UC Santa Barbara and Marc Kramer of Washington State University have found…

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2TplhDe

Bioconcentration, behavioral, and biochemical effects of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac in Daphnia magna

Abstract

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac is one of the most frequently studied as well as controversially discussed pharmaceutically active drug on the subject of its relevance to the environment. This study was conducted to assess the bioconcentration potential of diclofenac and its behavioral and biochemical effects in Daphnia magna. The bioconcentration factors of diclofenac determined after 48 h of aqueous exposure in Daphnia magna were 70.94 and 8.02 for the nominal exposure concentrations of 5 and 100 μg/L, respectively. Diclofenac exposure obviously decreased the filtration and ingestion rates of the daphnids. A significant increase of the acetylcholinesterase activity that was observed in this study indicates that diclofenac might not have neurobehavioral toxicity in Daphnia magna. Significant induction of malondialdehyde content is an indication of overproduction of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative damage in daphnids after diclofenac exposure. Moreover, significant inhibition of the superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities implies that the antioxidant defense system of Daphnia magna was overwhelmed. Also, significant inhibition of glutathione s-transferase activity might point to the fact that the enzyme was not capable to detoxify diclofenac in Daphnia magna. These findings indicate that diclofenac can accumulate and consequently stimulate behavioral and biochemical disturbances in Daphnia magna.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Rz0ZtM

Mercury chloride toxicity in human erythrocytes: enhanced generation of ROS and RNS, hemoglobin oxidation, impaired antioxidant power, and inhibition of plasma membrane redox system

Abstract

Mercury is among the most toxic heavy metals and a widespread environmental pollutant. Mercury chloride (HgCl₂) is an inorganic compound of mercury which is easily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and then enters the blood where it can interact with erythrocytes. In this study, the effect of HgCl₂ on human erythrocytes was studied under in vitro conditions. Erythrocytes were treated with different concentrations of HgCl₂ (1–100 μM) for 1 h at 37 °C. Cell lysates were prepared and assayed for several biochemical parameters. HgCl₂ treatment resulted in oxidation of ferrous iron of hemoglobin to ferric form giving methemoglobin which is inactive as an oxygen transporter. However, the activity of methemoglobin reductase was increased. Hemoglobin oxidation was accompanied by heme degradation and the release of free iron. Protein oxidation was greatly increased with a simultaneous decrease in free amino and sulfhydryl groups and glutathione content. The antioxidant power of HgCl₂-treated erythrocytes was impaired resulting in lowered metal reducing and free radical quenching ability of these cells. This suggests that HgCl₂ induces oxidative stress in human erythrocytes. This was confirmed when superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, and nitric oxide generation were found to be dose-dependently increased in HgCl₂-treated erythrocytes. Glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway, the two major pathways of glucose metabolism in erythrocytes, were also inhibited. HgCl₂ treatment also inhibited the plasma membrane redox system while the activities of AMP deaminase and glyoxalase-I were increased. These results show that HgCl₂ induces oxidative and nitrosative stress, oxidizes hemoglobin, impairs the antioxidant defense mechanism, and alters metabolic pathways in human erythrocytes.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Awe90V

Application of polyaniline-based adsorbents for dye removal from water and wastewater—a review

Abstract

Several industries release varying concentration of dye-laden effluent with substantial negative consequences for any receiving environmental compartment. The control of water pollution and tighter restriction on wastewater discharge directly into the environment to reduce the potential ecotoxicological effect of dyes is forcing processors to retreat and reuse process water and chemicals. Among the different available technologies, the adsorption process has been recognized to be one of the finest and cost-effective wastewater treatment technologies. Various adsorbents have been utilized to remove toxic dyes from water and wastewater. Here, we review the application of polyaniline-based polymeric adsorbent for the adsorption of dyes which have been received considerable attention. To date, various modifications of polyaniline have been explored to improve the adsorption properties. Review on the application of polyaniline for adsorption of dyes has not been present till date. This article provides relevant literature on the application of various polyaniline composites for removing dyes, and their adsorption capacities with their experimental conditions have been compiled. It is evident from the literature survey that polyaniline provides a better opportunity for scientists for the effective removal of various dye.

from Climate Change Skeptic Blogs via hj on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Ttc9Og

Toxicity of exogenous antimony to the soil-dwelling springtail Folsomia candida

Abstract

Antimony (Sb) is a toxic pollutant, but data for Sb toxicity to springtails in soil are limited, and the effects of Sb speciation, soil physiochemical properties, and aging time on Sb toxicity have not been investigated. To address this, the effects of Sb on Folsomia candida were evaluated in laboratory studies. The results demonstrated that compared with Sb(III), no significant change in mortality was observed in Sb(V)-treated soil, but the EC₅₀ value for the reproduction was 28-fold higher than that of Sb(III). Sb(III) toxicity was very different in four soils. The LC₅₀ values for the survival were 2325–5107 mg kg⁻¹ in the acute test and 605–2682 mg kg⁻¹ in the chronic test, and the EC₅₀ values for the reproduction were 293–2317 mg kg⁻¹. The toxicity discrepancies were associated with the variations in oxidation potential and sorption capacity among corresponding soils. Toxicity significantly positively correlated with the clay and amorphous iron content but significantly negatively correlated with pH. Long-term aging markedly decreased Sb(III) toxicity, and the EC₅₀ and LC₅₀ values were unexpectedly higher than the highest test concentration in soil aged for 180 days. Sb(III) toxicity was probably modified more by oxidation than by changes in the available Sb fraction during aging.

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The potential modulatory role of herbal additives against Cd toxicity in human, animal, and poultry: a review

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy and toxic metal and easily absorbed by animals and plants; subsequently, it is an environmental risk factor with several toxic effects in humans and animals. The main pathway of human or animal exposure to Cd is through its ingestion by water or food and by particles or fume inhalation during industrial processes. With continuous exposure to small levels of cadmium, it is being deposited in different tissues day after day, causing toxic effects on the liver, kidney, and testes. Long-term exposure to this toxic metal resulted in inflammatory infiltration, necrosis of hepatocytes, degenerative changes in testis tissues, reduction in spermatocytes, degeneration in renal tubules, and hypertrophy of renal epithelium. Therefore, we need an effective treatment to overcome cadmium poisoning. Thus, in the current review, we try to provide compiled reports and summarize information about the toxicological effects of Cd in human, animals, and poultry. This review also provides updated information about the protective actions of herbs and herbal extracts and their role as an effective strategy in reducing or preventing serious health problems and tissue damage in response to Cd toxicity.

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Assessing nitrogen and phosphorus removal potential of five plant species in floating treatment wetlands receiving simulated nursery runoff

Abstract

The feasibility of using floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) to treat runoff typical of commercial nurseries was investigated using two 8-week trials with replicated mesocosms. Plants were supported by Beemat rafts. Five monoculture treatments of Agrostis alba (red top), Canna × generalis 'Firebird' (canna lily), Carex stricta (tussock sedge), Iris ensata 'Rising Sun' (Japanese water iris), Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), two mixed species treatments, and an unplanted control were assessed. These plant species are used for ornamental, wetland, and biofuel purposes. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removals were evaluated after a 7-day hydraulic retention time (HRT). N removal (sum of ammonium-N, nitrate-N, and nitrite-N) from FTW treatments ranged from 0.255 to 0.738 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹ (38.9 to 82.4% removal) and 0.147 to 0.656 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹ (12.9 to 59.6% removal) for trials 1 and 2, respectively. P removal (phosphate-P) ranged from 0.052 to 0.128 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹ (26.1 to 64.7% removal) for trial 1, and 0.074 to 0.194 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹ (26.8 to 63.2% removal) for trial 2. Panicum virgatum removed more N and P than any other FTW treatment and the control in both trials. Results show that species selection and timing of FTW harvest impact the rate and mass of nutrient remediation. FTWs can effectively remove N and P from runoff from commercial nurseries.

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Acute oral toxicity study on Wistar rats fed microalgal protein hydrolysates from Bellerochea malleus

Abstract

Protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides from various protein sources have demonstrated their effectiveness for the prevention of illness and the improvement of symptoms from several diseases. In particular, the use of microalgae to generate bioactive peptides has received a growing interest because of their potential to be cultivated on non-arable land and high nutritional value. However, scant research is available on the toxicity of peptide-based preparations. The present study aims to evaluate the toxicity of microalgal protein hydrolysates (MPH) from one marine species of microalgae (Bellerochea malleus) to determine the feasibility of their use for functional food applications. Results showed that the oral administration of MPH at three doses (D1, 100 mg kg⁻¹ BW; D2, 400 mg kg⁻¹ BW; and D3, 2000 mg kg⁻¹ BW) to male Wistar rats did not induce any adverse effects or mortality up to13 days of treatment. Data analysis of relative organ weights and biochemical and hematological parameters did not show any significant differences between control and treated groups at the three doses investigated. Data from histopathological observations did not reveal any signs of major toxicity at the doses D1 and D2. However, mild signs of inflammation and necrosis were observed in the kidney of rats fed MPH at D3. All together, these results reveal the overall safety of MPH and provide new evidence for advocating their use for functional food or nutraceutical applications.

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Plot-scale spatiotemporal variations of CO 2 concentration and flux across water–air interfaces at aquaculture shrimp ponds in a subtropical estuary

Abstract

Human activities have increased anthropogenic CO₂ emissions, which are believed to play important roles in global warming. The spatiotemporal variations of CO₂ concentration and flux at fine spatial scales in aquaculture ponds remain unclear, particularly in China, the country with the largest aquaculture. In this study, the plot-scale spatiotemporal variations of water CO₂ concentration and flux, both within and among ponds, were researched in shrimp ponds in Shanyutan Wetland, Min River Estuary, Southeast China. The average water CO₂ concentration and flux across the water–air interface in the shrimp ponds over the shrimp farming period varied from 22.79 ± 0.54 to 186.66 ± 8.71 μmol L⁻¹ and from − 0.50 ± 0.04 to 2.87 ± 0.78 mol m⁻² day⁻¹, respectively. There was no remarkable difference in CO₂ concentration and flux within the ponds, but significantly spatiotemporal differences in CO₂ flux were observed between shrimp ponds. Chlorophyll a, pH, salinity, air temperature, and morphometry were the important factors driving the spatiotemporal patterns of CO₂ flux in the shrimp ponds. Our findings highlighted the importance and spatiotemporal variations of CO₂ flux in the important coastal ecosystems.

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Combination with catalyzed Fe(0)-carbon microelectrolysis and activated carbon adsorption for advanced reclaimed water treatment: simultaneous nitrate and biorefractory organics removal

Abstract

A process combining catalyzed Fe(0)-carbon microelectrolysis (IC-ME) with activated carbon (AC) adsorption was developed for advanced reclaimed water treatment. Simultaneous nitrate reduction and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal were achieved, and the effects of composite catalyst (CC) addition, AC addition, and initial pH were investigated. The reaction kinetics and reaction mechanisms were calculated and analyzed. The results showed that CC addition could enhance the reduction rate of nitrate and effectively inhibit the production of ammonia. Moreover, AC addition increased the adsorption capacity of biorefractory organic compounds (BROs) and enhanced the degradation of BRO. The reduction of NO₃⁻–N at different pH values was consistently greater than 96.9%, and NH₄⁺–N was suppressed by high pH. The presence of CC ensured the reaction rate of IC-ME at high pH. The reaction kinetics orders and constants were calculated. Catalyzed iron scrap (IS)-AC showed much better nitrate reduction and BRO degradation performances than IS-AC and AC. The IC-ME showed great potential for application to nitrate and BRO reduction in reclaimed water.

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Steady-state modeling of the biodegradation performance of a multistage moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) used for on-site greywater treatment

Abstract

In this study, the Activated Sludge Model No. 3 (ASM3) was applied for the simulation of the removal of organics and nitrogen in a multistage moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) used for biological greywater treatment. The data related to the characterization of the greywater were collected over a period of 5 months to be investigated in the model. The reactor showed a high performance for the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), biological oxygen demand (BOD₅), ammonia (NH₄-N), and total nitrogen (TN) with a removal efficiency of 93%, 80.7%, 99%, 89%, and 77%, respectively. The results of modeling showed a good correlation between simulated and experimental concentrations of COD issued from different reactors of the MBBR system. The adaptability of the ASM3 model to fit other parameters such as TN, NH₄-N, total suspended solids (TSS), and the dissolved oxygen (DO) was also investigated for two selected reactors: reactor (R1) and the reactor (R5). The simulation results showed an acceptable correlation regarding the evolution of the investigated parameters in R1 and R5 and in the effluent except for total nitrogen TN. The adjustment of the stoichiometric parameters led to a satisfactory simulation of TN concentrations.

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Chromium (VI) remediation in aqueous solution by waste products (peel and seed) of mango ( Mangifera indica L.) cultivars

Abstract

The surface group characteristics of mango cultivar peels and seeds were evaluated by infrared spectra, PZC, and functional group composition. The adsorption/reduction of chromium (VI) in aqueous solutions was investigated by varying pH, contact time, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and adsorbent amount. The results show that both peel and seed powders of the mango cultivars showed significant adsorption/reduction capacity for Cr(VI) and that the desorption process obeys pseudo-second-order kinetics. Optimal adsorption occurred at pH 1.0, using a Cr(VI) concentration of 100 mg/L. On average, at pH 1.0, and a concentration of 3 g/L, the maximum adsorption/reduction capacity of Cr(VI) was 83% (peels 76%, seeds 90%). Of the mango powders tested, the most efficient were Tommy seed (100%) and Coite peel (98%) followed by Coite seed (96%) and Tommy peel powders (95%). The adsorption/reduction of Cr(VI) was complete (100%) by the mango seed, in comparison to the peel powders (97%) after 180 min. The data indicates that mango waste products, such as seed and peel powders, are both excellent candidates for the remediation of Cr(VI) from aqueous systems and due to the higher concentration of gallates and galloyl glucosides, the mango seed powders should be the powders of choice for future remediation projects.

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Characterizing interactions of socioeconomic development and environmental impact at a watershed scale

Abstract

Worldwide socioeconomic development has resulted in huge irretrievable environmental problems in various ecosystems. This study employed seven coastal watersheds in two provinces, Zhejiang and Fujian, China forming a gradient to testify the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) interactions between socioeconomic development and environmental impact at a watershed scale. Annual socioeconomic indicators, including gross domestic product (GDP) and its components, registered population (agricultural and non-agricultural population), and electricity consumption, and annual discharges of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium were collected at a county level, and land use pattern to generate watershed level dataset in the period of 2011–2016. Results indicated that non-agricultural GDP per capita of the non-agricultural population and discharge of COD or ammonium per unit of total GDP were top-ranked pair-indicators significantly fitting the EKC model instead of the classic GDP per capita and pollutants. The development of seven selected watersheds have passed the turning point of the EKC and entered impact-reducing development stages along the EKC, i.e., the three Zhejiang watersheds are at the low-impact development stage, the Huotong Stream watershed from Fujian province was at impact-declining development stage right, and other three Fujian watersheds were at medium-impact development stage. In term of the environmental impact indicator, pollutant discharge per unit of total GDP serves as a development impact indictor per se. These findings might provide an EKC-based approach to support and strategize the watershed management for sustainable development in the world.

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Water pollution and observation of acquired antibiotic resistance in Bayou Lafourche, a major drinking water source in Southeast Louisiana, USA

Abstract

Antibiotics are known to enter the environment, not only by human excretion but also through livestock/aquaculture, healthcare facilities, and pharmaceutical industry waste. Once in the environment, antibiotics have the ability to provide a selective pressure in microbial communities thus selecting for resistance. Bayou Lafourche of Southeastern Louisiana serves as the raw source of drinking water for 300,000 people in the region and has previously been shown to receive high amounts of fecal contamination. Four sites along the bayou and one site from its input source on the Mississippi River were monitored for water chemistry, total and fecal coliform estimates, and presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) for a period of 1 year. Four waste-associated bacterial isolates were tested for resistance to antibiotics (tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, cefoxitin, meropenem, imipenem, erythromycin, and vancomycin). Resistant bacteria were further examined with PCR/electrophoresis to confirm the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (Sul1, tet(A), tet(W), tet(X), IMP, KPC, and OXA-48). The bayou appears to meet the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) criteria for water chemistry, yet fecal coliforms were consistently higher than LDEQ thresholds, thus indicating fecal contamination. Enterobacteriaceae isolates showed 13.6%, 10.9%, and 19.8% resistant to tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and cefoxitin, respectively, and 11 isolates were confirmed for presence of either tet(A) or Sul1 resistance genes. High fecal coliforms and presence of ARB/ARG may both indicate a presence of anthropogenic or agricultural source of fecal contamination.

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Effects of a shipwreck on the zooplankton community in a port region of the Amazon

Abstract

The port regions of the Amazon are subject to environmental impacts high shipping traffic. In October 2015, a cargo ship containing 5000 oxen sank in the Port of Vila do Conde, northern Brazil, releasing large amounts of organic matter and diesel oil into the aquatic environment. We evaluated the consequences of this shipwreck on the zooplankton community. Sampling was carried out using a phytoplankton net (64 μm) at two locations close to the port. We calculated the frequency of occurrence, relative abundance, and trophic state index and performed a canonical redundancy analysis of zooplankton in this area. Total density values ranged from 371 to 8600 organisms/m³, with minimum values being recorded during the period of the shipwreck and maximum values after the shipwreck. The areas categorized as super eutrophic had the lowest density values. The most abundant species/groups were nauplii and copepodites of the orders Cyclopoida and Calanoida. Of the environmental variables, only biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, and total dissolved solids were selected by the redundancy canonical analysis. The environmental conditions of the region and the ongoing environmental impacts might substantially influence the structure of the zooplankton community. The predominance of these organisms, in addition to the high densities of nauplii and copepodites, was likely related to the large amounts of nutrients generated by the shipwreck.

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Bioaccumulation dynamics and gene regulation in a freshwater bivalve after aqueous and dietary exposures to gold nanoparticles and ionic gold

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are being developed and produced for a wide variety of industrial and biomedical applications, which raises the concern about their release and potential effects in the environment. In this study, we aim to assess the effects of PEGylated AuNPs and ionic gold on the freshwater bivalve Corbicula fluminea. As NP bioavailability is conditioned by many factors of variability, we focused on the determination of biodynamic parameters which control AuNP uptake and elimination in bivalves. Three experiments were conducted: (1) a waterborne exposure (0–24 mg/L for AuNPs and 0–12 mg/L for ionic gold), (2) a dietborne exposure (0–48 mg/L for AuNPs and 0–24 mg/L for ionic gold), and (3) an elimination phase (after waterborne exposure to 12 mg/L for AuNPs and 24 mg/L for ionic gold), to calculate rate constants for uptake from water(kuw), from food (kuf), and for the physiological elimination (ke) for AuNPs and AuCl(OH)₃⁻. Jointly, the relative expression of several genes was investigated in the hemolymph cells to relate AuNPs and gold ion exposures to detoxification, oxidative stress, immune, and apoptosis responses in C. fluminea. Results show that kuw and kuf were around 10 and 30 times higher for AuNPs compared to AuCl(OH)₃⁻, respectively. The ke was also faster in clams exposed to AuNPs meaning that they also had greater excretion capacities in comparison to gold ions. Water seems to be the main exposure pathway for C. fluminea according to kuw and kuf values for AuNPs and AuCl(OH)₃⁻ (kuw = 0.28 and 0.03, kuf = 0.009 and 0.001, respectively). The gene analyses pointed out important responses against oxidative stress, strong activations of genes of the immunity, and apoptosis after the waterborne exposure to AuNPs and to a lesser extent after exposure to gold ions. Very few responses were observed after the dietary exposure to both forms of gold, probably due to valve closure in response to contamination. While some studies suggest that the toxicity of nanoparticles may come from the release of metal ions, our results showed that the AuNPs we used were very stable (less than 1% of ion release) and generated more effects at the gene level than ionic gold. Therefore these results highlight the strong potential of toxicity of AuNPs compared to ionic gold and raise new concerns about the toxicity inherent to NPs in the environment.

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Occurrence, fate, and transport of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in an alkaline rhizosphere soil-plant (Maize, Zea mays L. ) system: the role of Bacillus subtilis

Abstract

Utilization of microbes is one of the most promising methods to remediate potentially toxic metals (PTMs) from soil. In this study, a systematic investigation was conducted to study the influence of Bacillus subtilis on PTMs occurrence, fractionation, translocation, and accumulation in the rhizosphere soil of Maize (Zea mays L.) in pot experiments. B. subtilis showed strong effects on the fate and mobility of Pb, Sb, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Cr, and it also affected PTMs' distribution in the rhizosphere soil, maize growth, and microbial community structure. Results showed that it was easier for Zn to accumulate in maize roots than other PTMs. According to chemical fractionation, B. subtilis tended to immobilize Pb, Sb, Ni, Zn, and Cu in the rhizosphere soil. Compared with other PTMs, Cr tended to be more available and more mobile, which indicated a higher health risk to the eco-environment. These findings suggested that B. subtilis could be used as a geomicrobiological stabilizer to immobilize PTMs (Pb, Sb, Ni, Cu, Zn) in alkaline soils and decrease their uptake by plants, thus reducing the risks of a potential transfer into the food chain.

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