Dissolved organic nitrogen as an indicator of livestock impacts on soil biochemical quality

Soil degradation in the Mediterranean and other arid and semi-arid regions of the world is caused mainly by cultivation and grazing. A consequence of de-vegetation due to overgrazing has been a decrease in organic matter (litter) input to soil and a decrease of aggregate size and stability making soils more susceptible to erosion and to organic matter losses. This study provided evidence linking the Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DON) export from river basins to livestock grazing intensity and the resulting decrease in vegetation. Koiliaris River Basin in Crete was selected to study the effects of livestock grazing on water quality because it offers a unique morphologic situation due to its karstic hydrogeology draining the upland grazing areas through karstic springs. Mass balance calculations of N loads indicated that organic N is behaving as a conservative substance. It is postulated that the two potential mechanisms of Mineralization–Immobilization-Turnover and Direct Uptake did not operate in the degraded soils of the karst and arguments are presented justifying the hypothesis. De-vegetated soils of the area had lower C and N content, the same bacterial count, but lower microbial activity, lower fungi counts and species richness and lower mineralizable N compared to naturally vegetated soils. DON was the predominant N species in both extracted soluble N pools. De-vegetated soils had lower decomposition potential compared to vegetated soils. Mineralization and plant uptake appeared to be restricted and leaching of soluble low aromaticity organic matter was favored. A linear relationship between DON export and livestock N load was obtained for five Greek basins suggesting a mechanism that operates on regional scales. The de-vegetation of grazing lands in Koiliaris River highland calcaric leptosols was shown to be a primary factor causing the decline of soil biochemical quality and DON can be used as a reliable indicator for livestock grazing impacts to soil biochemical quality.     

Evidence for Non-Conservative Behaviour of Chlorine in Humid Tropical Environments

The knowledge of the biogeochemical cycle of chlorine (Cl)is important since this element is used as a tracer of geochemical and hydrological processes in oceanic or continental environments. More specifically, Cl can be used to correct surface water composition from atmospheric contribution in order to calculate precise chemical weathering rates in watersheds. Beyond the problem of potential Cl sources in a given watershed, which is directly related to the lithology, vegetation, and industrial activities, the Cl normalization is based on the assumption that this element behaves conservatively during surface processes (e.g., chemical weathering, adsorption/desorption processes).The purpose of the present study is to forecast the geochemical behavior of Cl in a forested ecosystem located under humid tropical environment.For this reason, we have analyzed the Cl (and also Ca and Na) concentrations ofsurface waters (rainwater, groundwater, river water) over a two-year period in the Nsimi–Zoetele watershed (Cameroon).The Cl mass balance for the watershed appears to be equilibrated over the studied period (1995–1996) but Cl behavior in Mengong River draining the watershed suggests a non-conservative behavior. Indeed, Cl concentrationsin the Mengong River are low during dry seasons and high during wet seasons, which is the reverse tendency to what is usually observed taking into account dilution and evaporation processes. As Cl concentrations in the Mengong River are lower than those measured in all the feeding reservoirs, Cl should be adsorbed onto the soils of the watershed. However, as the Cl mass balance is equilibrated over the whole-year, Cl should be adsorbed and releasedat a seasonal scale. The results we obtained for this small watershed were not generalized for a larger studied basin (i.e., Nyong River basin). Even if these results should be followed by further investigations, this study suggests that Cl normalization should be used with caution to avoid under- or over-estimation of chemical weathering rates.     

Major and trace element geochemistry of superficial sediments and suspended particulate matter of shallow saline lakes in Eastern Austria

General geochemical parameters of water, superficial sediments, and suspended particulate matter (SPM) were determined from small shallow saline lakes (soda ponds) as well as from lake Neusiedlersee in eastern Austria. Additionally, instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to determine the distribution of major, rare earth and other trace elements in superficial sediments and SPM. Chemical results show remarkable differences in salinity and ionic strength between the investigated ponds. Anthropogenic effects, such as drawdown of ground water level and a loss of lake water due to drainage, are clearly reflected in obtained chemical and geological data. Due to a strong dependence of the complexation and scavenging behavior of the rare earth elements (REE) on ionic strength, a significant difference between REE concentrations in soda ponds with different anthropogenic impact was found. The content and composition of authigenic evaporitic minerals in superficial sediments and SPM clearly differ with a fluctuating water level and salt concentration. Furthermore, we determined the distribution of major and trace elements in superficial sediments of a nearby fluvial system. Our results show a clear correlation between REE superficial sediment concentrations in anthropogenically degraded soda ponds and fluvial system. Therefore, we assume that REE concentrations of sediments and SPM are suitable for the study of geochemical changes of inland saline lakes due to anthropogenic impacts on water balance.     

Relationship between the variation of water quality in rivers and the characteristics of watershed at Miyun,Beijing, China

Based on the characteristics of land use and drainage network of the upper watershed of the Miyun Res-ervoir, Beijing, 26 monitoring and sampling sites were selected in different sub-catchments. Temporal and spatial variations in nutrient loss were dealt with in this paper in terms of the monitoring data on the water quality of the main tributaries flowing into the Miyun Reservoir. In combination with the monitoring data on water quality, the impacts of watershed characteristics including land-use type, landscape pattern, and drainage density were assessed, The concentrations of nutrients in the rainy season are higher than those in other seasons, and the concentrations of NO3--N are linearly related to those of total N which is the main form of nitrogen present in the fiver water. The concentrations of nitrogen become higher toward the reservoir along the main rivers. The seasonal variation of ni-trogen in the watershed affected by intensive human activities is very obvious; in the watershed with steady or low water flow, the seasonal variation of nitrogen is less obvious. Forest land and grassland can trap and filter nitrogen effectively. Land-use pattern also has important impacts on the loss of nitrogen. The concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in the water bodies show great temporal and spatial variations. On a temporal scale, the concentrations of TN and TP in the rainy reason are higher than those in other seasons. On a spatial scale, the concentrations of TN and NO3--N in the Qingshui River and Chaohe River are highest all the time. The spatial variation of TP is distinct, being obvious at sampling sites near villages. The form of nitrogen and phosphorus loss varies in different hydrological seasons. Dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus are the main forms in streams in non-rainy seasons, the dissolved nitro-gen and total nitrogen decrease in percentage in the rainy season. Particulate nitrogen and phosphorus are the main forms in some rivers. The concentrations of TN and NO3--N from orchards and villages are high whereas those from forest land are lowest. Land-use pattern has impacts on TN and NO3--N losses, at the sampling sites near the source landscape, the concentrations are higher than those at the sampling sites near the sink landscape. Water quality of the rivers which flow into the Miyuan Reservior is influenced by the composition of adjacent soils.     

Identification of hotspots for potential pyrethroid runoff: a GIS modeling study in San Joaquin River Watershed of California, USA

This paper attempts to identify the high-risk areas for potential runoff of pyrethroid pesticides in the San Joaquin River Watershed. Pyrethroid pesticides have been detected in water and fluvial sediments in this watershed, creating concerns about potential negative impacts on water quality. However, little documentation exists regarding the distributions or the extent of the adverse effects caused by the use of pyrethroids. This study developed a geographic information systems (GIS) model to identify areas with high potential for pyrethroid runoff during the rainy season. The model was then validated using field-monitoring data. Nine factors were identified for the runoff risk assessment: amount of active ingredient used, soil erodibility factor, hydrologic group, surface layer depth, seasonal rainfall, seasonal number of rainy days, seasonal number of storm events, stream density, and land cover. The results indicated that high pyrethroid runoff risks were associated with basins such as the Stanislaus River Sub-basin, Newman Gustine Sub-basin and South Merced Sub-basin. This study demonstrated that the GIS model is capable of predicting high-risk areas of pyrethroid runoff at sub-basin scale. The model can be used to prioritize sites for water quality monitoring and guide implementations of best management practices. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

青藏高原腹地各拉丹冬南北坡多年冻土考察初步结果

青藏高原唐古拉山南北两侧在地形地貌、地理和气候特征上存在显著差异,多年冻土的发育状况和特征也明显不同。受第二次青藏高原综合科学考察研究等项目资助,多年冻土对亚洲水塔的影响专题考察分队分别于2019年和2020年的10—11月对唐古拉山各拉丹冬南侧的色林错上游扎加藏布源区（简称“湖源区”）和北侧的长江上游沱沱河源区（简称“江源区”）进行了多年冻土野外考察。利用钻探、坑探、地球物理勘探等方法对多年冻土的分布边界、多年冻土剖面的地层、地下冰等特征进行了描述和取样,同步构建了多年冻土温度和活动层水热观测网络,为多年冻土对亚洲水塔影响的机理分析、数值模拟以及情景预估提供数据保障。对野外调查资料的初步分析认为,各拉丹冬南北两坡地层沉积类型和地下冰赋存状态存在明显差异,北坡多年冻土的热稳定性、地下冰含量、冰缘地貌类型多样性均高于南坡,但由于受到构造地热、河流融区等多种因素的影响,北坡的冻土分布形式更为复杂。江源区100 m钻孔剖面揭示了连续分布的、厚度大于50 m的地下冰;在该区域发现了多年生冻胀丘分布群,并利用钻探和地球物理勘探方法对该区域规模最大、结构最完整的冰核型冻胀丘进行了较为系统的勘察剖析。两次野外调查工作共采集钻孔岩心、表层土壤、冰水等各类样本近1.2万件,为后期区域冻土理化指标分析,冻土环境化学、古气候环境研究的开展奠定基础。     

Heavy load and high potential: anthropogenic pressures and their impacts on the water quality along a lowland river (Western Bug,Ukraine)

A pronounced pollution of surface water bodies in the Western Bug River Basin, Ukraine, has been caused by outdated or overloaded wastewater treatment plants, agriculture, industry and coal mining. These pressures have led to a generally poor state of both chemical and microbiological variables creating health risks of various kinds. The state of surface water quality for the Western Bug and five main tributaries was assessed by measuring physical, chemical and microbiological indicators during field campaigns in autumn 2009 and spring 2010. Longitudinal profiles were sampled to identify major sources of pollution and to reveal dominant processes of matter turnover. In addition, the occurrence of antibiotic resistant strains in isolates from stations along the Bug River was investigated. Results clearly underpin the negative impact of the Poltva River as a major source of pollution for the Bug River and further outline an elevated potential health risk from pathogenic bacteria originating from this source. Despite these devastating impacts, a high elimination potential of the Bug River with respect to primary organic loads as well as elimination of pathogenic bacteria was observed particularly at Dobrotvir Reservoir. Further downstream, pollution is kept high because of untreated waste effluents and phytoplankton mass developments due to high phosphorus concentrations.     

流域科学研究中的观测和模型系统建设

流域是地球系统的缩微,是自然界的基本单元。流域科学从基础研究角度可以被看作是地球系统科学研究方法在流域尺度上的具体体现;从流域综合管理的应用角度看,流域科学是在流域尺度上通过对自然资源和人类活动的优化配置而为可持续发展服务的应用科学。流域观测系统和模型系统的建设是发展流域科学的前提。提出了建立遥感—地面观测一体化的、覆盖流域能水和生物化学循环及社会经济活动的流域观测系统的设想,规划了系统各组成部分,以高效、高分辨率、高精度、多尺度、集成和现代化为流域观测系统的基本衡量准则。流域模型系统可概括为“水—土—气—生—人”集成模型的发展,[JP2]应该科学目标和流域管理目标并重,既要发展具有综合模拟能力的流域集成模型,也要建成流域水土资源和社会经济资源可持续利用决策支持系统。流域集成模型应由分布式水文模型、陆面过程模型、地下水模型、渠系模型、动态植被模型和社会经济模型构成。     

沈阳地区河水及沿岸地下水中卤代烃的污染特征

选择沈阳地区主要河流(浑河、蒲河、细河、沈抚灌渠)地表水及其沿岸地下水进行卤代烃的定量分析,研究并探讨了卤代脂肪烃和卤代单环芳烃的污染分布特征。浑河和蒲河河水中卤代烃检出率较低,以二氯甲烷为主,检出率为33.3%。检出率高值区主要在细河和沈抚灌渠,13种卤代烃被检出。在30个站点地表水样品中有6个站点卤代烃个别化合物浓度超过我国生活饮用水卫生标准。在13个监测井中,有1个井水的1,2-二氯乙烷浓度(101.1μg/L)超标。卤代烃污染以细河上游和中游以及沈抚灌渠上游最为突出。在细河上游大于镇和中游彰驿镇河水中卤代烃的含量较高,可能与沿岸化工企业有关。沿岸土壤层中砂层为受污染的河水对浅层地下水的补给提供了条件,造成浅层地下水污染,对当地生态系统和人类健康构成潜在的威胁。     

Distribution,behavior, and transport of inorganic and methylmercury in a high gradient stream

Concentrations of Hg remain elevated in physical and biological media of the South River (Virginia, USA), despite the cessation of the industrial use of Hg in its watershed nearly six decades ago, and physical characteristics that would not seem to favor Hg(II)-methylation. A 3-a study of inorganic Hg (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) was conducted in physical media (soil, sediment, surface water, porewater and soil/sediment extracts) to identify non-point sources, transport mechanisms, and potential controls on Hg(II)-methylation. Data collected from surface water and sediment indicate that the majority of the non-point sources of IHg to the South River are within the first 14 km downstream from the historic point source. Partitioning data indicate that particle bound IHg is introduced in this reach, releasing dissolved and colloidal bound IHg, which is transported downstream. Extraction experiments revealed that floodplain soils released a higher fraction of their IHg content in aqueous extractions than fine-grained sediment (FGS). Based on ultrafiltration [<5000 nominal molecular weight cutoff (NMWC)] the majority of soil IHg released was colloidal in nature, providing evidence for the continued evolution of IHg for Hg(II)-methylation from soil. Strong seasonal patterns in MeHg concentrations were observed in surface water and sediment. The highest concentrations of MeHg in surface water were observed at moderate temperatures, suggesting that other factors limit net Hg(II)-methylation. Seasonal changes in sediment organic content and the fraction of 1 N KOH-extractable THg were also observed and may be important factors in controlling net Hg(II)-methylation rates. Sulfate concentrations in surface water are low and the evidence suggests that Fe reduction may be an important Hg(II)-methylation process. The highest sediment MeHg concentrations were observed in habitats with large amounts of FGS, which are more prevalent in the upper half of the study area due to the lower hydrologic gradient and agricultural impacts. Past and present land use practices and other geomorphologic controls contribute to the erosion of banks and accumulation of fine-grained sediment in this section of the river, acting as sources of IHg.     

A study on the hydrogeology and hydrogeochemistry of groundwater from different depths in a coastal aquifer: Annamalai Nagar,Tamilnadu, India

Chemical characterization of groundwater is essential to bring out its nature and utility. Samples from shallow and deep ground water of the same location were collected and studied for their geochemical characteristics following standard procedures (APHA 1998). Sediment samples from different depths were collected and analysed for minerals using FTIR and SEM. Resisitivity logging was carried out in the bore well to understand the variations in depth to fresh water potential. The shallow ground water is dominated by Na–Cl–HCO₃–SO₄ and deeper groundwater by Na–HCO₃–SO₄–Cl types. It is observed that there is a significant ionic variation with depth. The ionic strength of the deeper samples is lesser than in the shallower samples. Wide pH variations in the shallow water samples are due to ion exchange process. Thermodynamic stability plot was used to identify the state of stability. It is inferred that there is no major significant difference in the thermodynamic state of stability in the shallow and the deeper aquifers as the aquifer matrix for the shallow and deeper aquifers are almost similar. Saturation index of Gibbsite, Kaolinite, Calcite, Dolomite and anhydrite, were studied for shallow and deep aquifers, to identify the difference in hydro chemical signatures. The Si/Al ratios of shallow samples are less when compared with the deeper samples. Leaching of secondary salts was the chief mechanism controlling the ground water chemistry of the region.     

The effect of organic matter on chemical weathering: study of a small tropical watershed: nsimi-zoétélé site,cameroon

The effect of organic matter during soil/water interaction is still a debated issue on the controls of chemical weathering in a tropical environment. In order to study this effect in detail, we focused on the weathering processes occurring in a small tropical watershed (Nsimi-Zoetélé, South Cameroon). This site offers an unique opportunity to study weathering mechanisms in a lateritic system within a small basin by coupling soil and water chemistry.The lateritic cover in this site can reach up to 40 m in depth and show two pedological distinct zones: unsaturated slope soils on the hills and/or elevated areas; and water-saturated soils in the swamp zone which represent 20% of the basin surface. The study present chemical analysis performed on water samples collected monthly from different localities between 1994–1997 and on soil samples taken during a well drilling in December 1997. The results suggest the existence of chemical and spatial heterogeneities of waters in the basin: colored waters flooding the swamp zone have much higher concentrations of both organic matter (i.e., DOC) and inorganic ions (e.g., Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Th, Zr) than those from springs and groundwater from the hills. Nevertheless, these organic-rich waters present cation concentrations (Na, Ca, Mg, K) which are among the lowest compared to that of most world rivers. The main minerals in the soils are secondary kaolinite, iron oxi-hydroxides, quartz, and accessory minerals (e.g., zircon, rutile). We mainly focused on the mineralogical and geochemical study of the swamp zone soils and showed through SEM observations the textural characterization of weathered minerals such as kaolinite, zircon, rutile, and the secondary recrystallization of kaolinite microcrystals within the soil profile. Water chemistry and mineralogical observations suggest that hydromorphic soils of the swamp zone are responsible for almost all chemical weathering in the basin. Thus, in order to explain the increase of element concentration in the organic-rich waters, we suggest that organic acids enhance dissolution of minerals such as kaolinite, goethite, and zircon and also favors the transport of insoluble elements such as Al, Fe, Ti, Zr, and REE by chemical complexation. SiO₂(aq) concentrations in these waters are above saturation with respect to quartz. Dissolution of phytholithes (amorphous silica) may be responsible for this relatively high SiO₂(aq.) concentration. Al/Mg ratios obtained for the soil and the Mengong river waters show that a significant amount of Al does not leave the system due to kaolinite recrystallisation in the swamp zone soils. Geochemical data obtained for this watershed show the important contribution of vegetation and organic matter on chemical weathering in the swamp zone. Quantitatively we propose that the increasing amount in total dissolved solid (TDS) due to organic matter and vegetation effect is about 35%. In summary, this interaction between soils and waters occurs mostly in soils that are very depleted in soluble elements. Thus, the low concentration of major elements in these water is a direct consequence of the depleted nature of the soils.     

Movement of manganese contamination through the Critical Zone

Humans have transferred large quantities of metals from the lithosphere to the Earth’s surface, drastically altering the natural flow of these elements. The geographic dispersal of many metals and their impacts on the environment are unknown. Here, existing datasets are compiled to assess how anthropogenic inputs of Mn to the air have altered soil and water chemistry over time. Although levels of Mn in the air have declined in recent decades, soils throughout the USA and Europe are enriched in Mn, revealing past contamination near zones of industrial input. Examination of river chemistry indicates a similar decline in Mn and can be used to evaluate the removal of Mn from soils. We use a small watershed, the Susquehanna/Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory, as a focus site to investigate geochemical mass balance models and find that rapid biocycling contributes to the retention of Mn in this affected ecosystem.     

Groundwater and surface-water interactions and impacts of human activities in the Hailiutu catchment,northwest China

The interactions between groundwater and surface water have been significantly affected by human activities in the semi-arid Hailiutu catchment, northwest China. Several methods were used to investigate the spatial and temporal interactions between groundwater and surface water. Isotopic and chemical analyses of water samples determined that groundwater discharges to the Hailiutu River, and mass balance equations were employed to estimate groundwater seepage rates along the river using chemical profiles. The hydrograph separation method was used to estimate temporal variations of groundwater discharges to the river. A numerical groundwater model was constructed to simulate groundwater discharges along the river and to analyze effects of water use in the catchment. The simulated seepage rates along the river compare reasonably well with the seepage estimates derived from a chemical profile in 2012. The impacts of human activities (river-water diversion and groundwater abstraction) on the river discharge were analyzed by calculating the differences between the simulated natural groundwater discharge and the measured river discharge. Water use associated with the Hailiutu River increased from 1986 to 1991, reached its highest level from 1992 to 2000, and decreased from 2001 onwards. The reduction of river discharge might have negative impacts on the riparian ecosystem and the water availability for downstream users. The interactions between groundwater and surface water as well as the consequences of human activities should be taken into account when implementing sustainable water resources management in the Hailiutu catchment.     

Factors controlling As and U in shallow ground water,southern Carson Desert,Nevada

Unusually high As and U concentrations (>100 μg/L) are widespread in shallow ground water beneath the southern Carson Desert. The high concentrations, which locally exceed 1000 μg/L, are of concern from a human health standpoint because the shallow ground water is used for domestic supply. Possible affects on wildlife are also of concern because the ground water flows into shallow lakes and marshes within wildlife refuges.Arsenic and U concentrations in ground water of the southern Carson Desert appear to be affected by evaporative concentration, redox reactions, and adsorption. The relation of these elements with Cl suggest that most of the high concentrations can be attributed to evaporative concentration of Carson River water, the primary source of recharge.Some ground water contains higher As and U concentrations that cannot be explained by evaporative concentration alone. Oxidation-reduction reactions, involving metal oxides and sedimentary-organic matter, appear to contribute As, U, inorganic C, Fe and Mn to the ground water. Arsenic in Fe-oxide was confirmed by chemical extraction and is consistent with laboratory adsorption studies. Uranium in both sedimentary-organic C and Fe-oxide coatings has been confirmed by fission tracks and petrographic examination.Arsenic concentrations in the ground water and chemical extracts of aquifer sediments are broadly consistent with adsorption as a control on some dissolved As concentrations. An apparent loss of As from some ground water as evaporative concentration proceeds is consistent with adsorption as a control on As. However, evidence for adsorption should be viewed with caution, because the adsorption model used values for the adsorbent that have not been shown to be valid for the aquifer sediments throughout the southern Carson Desert.Hydrologic and geochemical conditions in the Carson Desert are similar to other areas with high As and U concentrations in ground water, including the Salton Sea basin and southern San Joaquin Valley of California. Hydrologic and geochemical conditions that produced some sandstone-type U-ore deposits, including those in the non-marine, closed-basin sediments of the Morrison Formation near Grants, New Mexico, suggest that the Carson Desert may be a modern analog for those systems.     

数字黑河的思考与实践4:流域观测系统

数字化的流域观测系统是数字流域的重要组成部分.①首先介绍了水循环卫星遥感和地面观测的最新进展,以及航空遥感在流域观测中的重要作用.②介绍了对于流域观测系统的构想.认为流域观测系统应兼顾陆面过程、水文、生态观测的不同空间尺度和时间尺度,监测与控制试验并重,地面与遥感配合,重视采样设计,重视新兴观测手段,与信息系统扣模型高度集成,科学目标导向,模型需求驱动.③黑河流域观测系统由位于流域上中下游不同景观带的野外研究站、综合观测试验以及气象水文业务化观测网络组成,在流域内先后开展了HEIFE实验、金塔试验和黑河综合遥感联合试验.④介绍了对于流域观测系统的进一步构想:增强遥感观测能力是关键,集成遥感、地面观测和模型模拟才能更好地定量估计水循环,流域观测系统应和信息系统、综合模型等共同构成流域科学研究的信息基础设施,更好地为流域科学服务.     

Spatial variability of fluorine in agricultural soils around Sidhi District,Central India

The systematic and comprehensive geochemical analysis of fluoride (F) in twenty agricultural soil samples was carried out to understand spatial variability, mechanism of retention and release, and the areas of potential risk due to high concentrations of F in soil around Sidhi District, Central India. The spatial variations in physico-chemical parameters revealed significant difference in the methods of cultivation due to geomorphological constraints, availability of surface water and ground water etc., in the study area. The north and small pocket in central Sidhi were rich in fertile soils due to availability of surface and ground water. The southern and eastern Sidhi were rainfed areas, hence, the monocropping system by traditional methods showed less impact on the soil physico-chemical parameters. The soil F varied from 366.94 to 1178 mg/kg and 2-4 times greater than the background soil value (320 mg/kg) of the world. The pollution indexes were > 1 indicating prevalence of elevated soil fluorine.     

Assessing the environmental status and identifying the dominant pressures of a trans-boundary river catchment,to facilitate efficient management and mitigation practices

Implementing efficient water resources management plans at trans-boundary river catchments is a difficult task that requires strong international cooperation, intensive monitoring programs, and common understanding of the impacts imposed on water resources by human pressures. Evros River, which flows through Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey, is an ecologically important water body, protected by international legislation but nevertheless it is susceptible to numerous significant pollution sources that may lead to the deterioration of its environmental status. In this study, a water monitoring program was applied, incorporating chemical and biological parameters to assess the environmental status in the Greek part of the river and identify the associated pollution pressures. For this purpose, seasonal water sampling occurred in 13 sites along the longitudinal course of the river and a series of parameters were recorded including nutrients, heavy metals, microbiological loads, macroinvertebrate, and fish assemblages and abundance. The results indicated that the water quality of Evros River illustrate substantial spatiotemporal fluctuations, which can be well related to specific human activities and associated pressures. Therefore, a trans-boundary monitoring program should be initiated that will provide continuous information for the development and revision of the catchment’s adaptive management plan in order to restrict pollution impacts and achieve a good ecological status as required by the Water Framework Directive 2000/60EC.     

Water table characterization for environmental hydrogeologic monitoring in fault zones: examples from California, potential applications in Chile

Potentially contaminating activities such as mining and waste disposal, which require environmental hydrogeologic monitoring, may be located in or above fault zones. Two case studies of ground water monitoring at waste disposal sites in California illustrate the effect such fault zones may have on water tables. A fault gouge area in the Garlock fault zone has a potentiometric surface (a conceptual surface plotted using water elevations in monitoring wells and springs) which intersects the ground surface. The planar Kern Bluff fault produces a stepped water tabel. It is suggested that due to geologic and other environmental similarities, studies of environmental impacts of projects along the Ataca fault zone and Pocuro fault zone in Chile may encounter similar hydrogeologic phenomena.     

Experience and goals of geochemical mapping for environmental protection in Lithuania

Since 1980 the main goal of geochemical investigations in Lithuania has been the estimation of technogene changes of microelements in the earth's surface sediments. For this purpose the geochemical mapping at various scales has been employed: at regional scale (1:2,500,000-1:500,000), at large scale (1:50,000-1:25,000), and at local scales 1:10,000-1:1000. The most important tasks are to determine and to establish the geochemical background for technogene changes in the topsoil layer and in the water reservoir bottom sediments. When mapping the zones of increased technogenical load the increase of concentration for most microelements in soils (ground) and in water reservoirs were established. Zn, Pb, Cu, Sn. Ag, Cr and Ni are the main elements-pollutants of these zones, concentrations of which exceed the background values from a few up to a dozen times. In certain cases their concentrations and the concentrations of specific elements, such as Sb, Bi. Ce, La, exceed thousands times the background value. At such zones the danger of pollution is increased due to the occurrence of mobile and potentially mobile toxic elements. During the soil mapping within the towns and factories not only the concentration of elements and the associations of elements-pollutants have been ascertained, but also the approximate contamination dangerous for biota -the total index of contamination (Z_s) — has been calculated. The additional index that shows dangerous pollution is the maximum permissible by general sanitary concentration of chemical elements in soil (MPLC_s) used in Lithuania. At some extremely contaminated zones (Z_s > 128) the migration forms of toxic elements were determined by AAS-ES (gradual extraction using reagents of various acidity). The geochemical mapping data are used for the land-use, for the selection of geochemical monitoring polygons, hydrochemical. ecomedical and other investigations.