Environmental technology education: Models for international collaboration

International collaboration within environmental technology education is seen as one of the tools for an international dimension in the prevention and cure of environmental problems. Several different models for international collaboration have been found: researcher education, university-enterprise collaboration, summer universities, international organizations' activities, East-West and North-South university collaboration. International collaboration is found both within pollution prevention and pollution control. Tools found are: PhD programme, researcher course programme, student courses, student exchange, student-placement exchange in enterprise, university-university exchange, university-enterprise exchange, train-the-trainers activities, transfer of concepts, exchange of concepts, workshop and conferences, surveys and inventories, and working groups.     

Seabirds as indicators of aquatic ecosystem conditions: A case for gathering multiple proxies of seabird health

The use of seabirds as sentinels of the condition of aquatic ecosystems has been well-established. Large environmental perturbations to aquatic food webs (e.g., chemical contamination, overfishing, particulate pollution) have all been detected or monitored by tracking seabirds at colonies. However, seabirds may elicit more subtle, sublethal responses that can also be used to track ecosystem health, or the health of seabird populations. In this article, we advocate for field researchers to plan a priori to collect a broader suite of samples when handling seabirds, and to reach out for collaboration with specialists (e.g., parasitologists, wildlife veterinarians). Collectively, such efforts will greatly improve our ability to establish baseline physiological and chemical levels for seabirds, against which we can detect future changes in aquatic ecosystems.     

EUREKA industrial R&D projects for an improved environment

International collaboration is increasingly necessary in the field of environmental protection in relation to industrial research and development. The EUREKA initiative, launched in 1985, aims to increase industrial productivity and competitiveness in Europe by encouraging cross-border high technology research and development. The programme encompasses a number of ‘umbrella’ projects—EUROMAR, EUROCARE, EUROENVIRON, EUROTRAC and ENVINET. Each of these is designed to generate and support research and development projects. The paper gives examples of the projects and discusses the value of such large-scale international collaboration.     

Petrogenetic significance of high Fe/Mn ratios of the Cenozoic basalts from eastern China

The Cenozoic basalts from eastern China show commonly high Fe/Mn ratios (average = 68.6 ± 11.5) coupled with OIB-type trace element signature. The Cenozoic basalts form the northern margin and the southern margin of the North China Craton are studied in detail. Model calculations point out that the coupling feature of high Fe/Mn ratio with OIB-type trace element signature of these basalts cannot be produced by neither pyroxene/olivine crystallization nor remelting of previously melted mantle, but require partial melting of a garnet pyroxenite-rich mantle source. Combining these features of the Cenozoic basalts with the Phanerozoic lithospheric evolution of the eastern China, we suggest that the Cenozoic basalts were derived from a garnet pyroxenite-rich mantle source associated with continental crust delamination or oceanic crust subduction.     

Magnetohydrodynamics of stellar interiors

David Hughes, Robert Rosner and Nigel Weiss describe what was achieved during a programme on stellar magnetic fields at the Isaac Newton Institute in Cambridge. Over a four-month period more than 90 participants visited the Institute for a mixture of structured workshops and informal collaboration.     

A survey of free boundary value problems in the theory of fluid flow through porous media: variational inequality approach — Part I

A survey is presented of work done using variational inequalities in solving free-boundary problems arising in the filtration of liquids through porous materials. In 1971 Baiocchi proposed this new method for solving such problems. This method proved effective not only from the purely theoretical point of view, that is, for proving the existence and uniqueness of a solution, but also from the point of view of yielding new, simple and efficient numerical solution schemes. This new method was systematically and extensively developed by mathematicians at the Laboratory of Numerical Analysis at the National Research Centre in collaboration with the Institute of Hydraulics of the University of Pavia. The aim of this survey is to present the basic ideas of this method, its applications, and other problems to which various researchers have extended the method. Also, the paper is written in such a manner as to be understood by a more general audience other than mathematicians, who are the ones who have done the majority of work in this area.     

Geochronology of the volcanic rocks in the Lu-Zong basin and its significance

The Lu-Zong (Lujiang-Zongyang) basin is one of the most important volcanic basins in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River area, China. It comprises four shoshonitic volcanic units, which are, in an ascending order, the Longmenyuan, Zhuanqiao, Shuangmiao and Fushan Groups. The LA-ICP MS U-Pb zircon ages of the four units are: 134.8±1.8 Ma for the Longmenyuan Group, 134.1±1.6 Ma for the Zhuanqiao Group, 130.5±0.8 Ma for the Shuangmiao Group, and 127.1±1.2 Ma for the Fushan Group. The results indicate that all volcanic rocks in the Lu-Zong basin were formed in the Early Cretaceous from about 135 Ma to 127 Ma, lasting 8-10 Ma. There were no Jurassic volcanic activities in all the volcanic basins including the Lu-Zong basin in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River area. This work has provided new chronological results for the further study and understanding of the tec- tonic, magmatic and metallogenic processes of eastern China in the Mesozoic.     

A survey of free boundary value problems in the theory of fluid flow through porous media: variational inequality approach — Part II

A survey is presented of work done using variational inequalities in solving free-boundary problems arising in the filtration of liquids through porous materials. In 1971 Baiocchi proposed this new method for solving such problems. This method proved effective not only from the purely theoretical point of view, that is, for proving the existence and uniqueness of a solution, but also from the point of view of yielding new, simple and efficient numerical solution schemes. This new method was systematically and extensively developed by mathematicians at the Laboratory of Numerical Analysis at the National Research Centre in collaboration with the Institute of Hydraulics of the University of Pavia. The aim of this survey is to present the basic ideas of this method, its applications, and other problems to which various researchers have extended the method. Also, the paper is written in such a manner as to be understood by a more general audience other than mathematicians, who are the ones who have done the majority of work in this area.     

Integration of space geodesy: A US National Geodetic Observatory

In the interest of improving the performance and efficiency of space geodesy a diverse group in the US, in collaboration with IGGOS, has begun to establish a unified National Geodetic Observatory (NGO). To launch this effort an international team will conduct a multi-year program of research into the technical issues of integrating SLR, VLBI, and GPS geodesy to produce a unified set of global geodetic products. The goal is to improve measurement accuracy by up to an order of magnitude while lowering the cost to current sponsors. A secondary goal is to expand and diversify international sponsorship of space geodesy. Principal benefits will be to open new vistas of research in geodynamics and surface change while freeing scarce NASA funds for scientific studies. NGO will proceed in partnership with, and under the auspices of, the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) as an element of the Integrated Global Geodetic Observation System project. The collaboration will be conducted within, and will make full use of, the IAG's existing international services: the IGS, IVS, ILRS, and IERS. Seed funding for organizational activities and technical analysis will come from NASA's Solid Earth and Natural Hazards Program. Additional funds to develop an integrated geodetic data system known as Inter-service Data Integration for Geodetic Operations (INDIGO), will come from a separate NASA program in Earth science information technology. INDIGO will offer ready access to the full variety of NASA's space geodetic data and will extend the GPS Seamless Archive (GSAC) philosophy to all space geodetic data types.     

Environmental technology—Combining environmental improvement and industrial development

This paper briefly gives the Norwegian government's perspective and role in promoting developments in environmental technologies. These are necessary to create environmental improvements, and thus comply with environmental standards, against a background of increasing industrial demands and developments. The role of governments in promoting and increasing co-operation and collaboration with industry is discussed. For example, the European EUREKA programme aims to promote advanced technologies but against the present environmentally sound criteria.     

Effective communication tools to engage Torres Strait Islanders in scientific research

Often, research activities in Torres Strait have not delivered full benefit to Torres Strait Islanders due to a lack of consultation, ineffectual communication of research information and lack of empathy for the needs of Islander communities. As for other stakeholder groups, integration of Islanders into the research process through practical involvement in research may overcome these problems. Three case studies from research projects conducted in Torres Strait are discussed to highlight a variety of communication and engagement activities carried out by non-Indigenous researchers. How these communication and extension activities facilitate collaboration between Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous researchers provides insight in the importance of these activities to the relative success of research projects.     

Seismograph networks of the Institute of Geological Sciences,U.K.

The IGS operates an eight-station, 100-km aperture network linked by radio to a central recorder in Edinburgh. It has been an observatory station for eight years supplying a rapid data input service to world agencies. The importance of infrequent local and regional seismic vibrations has been recognized by engineers as well as scientists involved in the study of intra-plate tectonics. In cooperation with other groups the IGS has embarked on a programme of more detailed monitoring within the United Kingdom and is anticipating closer links with other European stations in order to improve knowledge of the seismicity of the North Sea. The latter is particularly important because of the level of economic activity in the area, the sparse historical record, and the recently demonstrated potential for significant local earthquakes.Overseas, the IGS has instrumented the 20-channel array (SAAS) in Brazil, which is operated in collaboration with the University of Brasilia, and is providing technical support for the Turkish-U.K. network (MARNET) to monitor seismicity in the Marmara Sea.     

A recipe for why and how to set up and sustain an experimental catchment

Experimental catchments are fundamental elements in hydrological sciences as they provide key data for putting forward and testing hypotheses, developing theories, constraining models, and making predictions. Significant progress in catchment hydrology stemmed from field measurements but increasing costs and risks associated with field work and the availability of big data based on remote sensing, machine learning, and a plethora of models, as well as observations deriving from previous and current sites, raises questions on whether running an experimental catchment still provides individual and community benefits as in the past. In this commentary, I highlight the advantages of keeping experimental catchments alive and propose a personal 10-step “recipe” to set up a new experimental catchment and manage and sustain it in the long term. These suggestions can be useful both to young and less young researchers who are open to facing the challenge of measuring processes in the field and are willing to offer the scientific community new experimental evidence for advancing our current knowledge in catchment hydrology.     

A need for incentivizing field hydrology,especially in an era of open data: discussion of “The role of experimental work in hydrological sciences – insights from a community survey”*

The sharing of data and collection of new data are both essential, but they are not inherently complementary. When data are openly available, researchers may be motivated to use those data rather than collect more because field work has costs and risks. The competitive advantage to those who do not put resources towards fieldwork may discourage field hydrology. Allocating efforts towards generating field data, which benefits hydrological sciences, is not necessarily best for individual hydrologists, especially in an era of open data. The objective of this work is to open a conversation on whether individuals’ best interests may contrast with the community’s desire for new observations. If the community wants new field observations, there is a need to consider the shifting balance of incentives and disincentives for pursuing field studies in hydrology.     

Ten best practices to strengthen stewardship and sharing of water science data in Canada

Water science data are a valuable asset that both underpins the original research project and bolsters new research questions, particularly in view of the increasingly complex water issues facing Canada and the world. Whilst there is general support for making data more broadly accessible, and a number of water science journals and funding agencies have adopted policies that require researchers to share data in accordance with the findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable (FAIR) principles, there are still questions about effective management of data to protect their usefulness over time. Incorporating data management practices and standards at the outset of a water science research project will enable researchers to efficiently locate, analyse and use data throughout the project lifecycle, and will ensure the data maintain their value after the project has ended. Here, some common misconceptions about data management are highlighted, along with insights and practical advice to assist established and early career water science researchers as they integrate data management best practices and tools into their research. Freely available tools and training opportunities made available in Canada through Global Water Futures, The Gordon Foundation DataStream, the Digital Research Alliance of Canada Portage Network, Compute Canada, and university libraries, among others are compiled. These include webinars, training videos, and individual support for the water science community that together enable researchers to protect their data assets and meet the expectations of journals and funders. The perspectives shared here have been developed as part of the Global Water Futures programme's efforts to improve data management and promote the use of common data practices and standards in the context of water science in Canada. Ten best practices are proposed that may be broadly applicable to other disciplines in the natural sciences and can be adopted and adapted globally.     

A need for incentivizing field hydrology,especially in an era of open data: discussion of “The role of experimental work in hydrological sciences – insights from a community survey”*

ABSTRACT

The sharing of data and collection of new data are both essential, but they are not inherently complementary. When data are openly available, researchers may be motivated to use those data rather than collect more because field work has costs and risks. The competitive advantage to those who do not put resources towards fieldwork may discourage field hydrology. Allocating efforts towards generating field data, which benefits hydrological sciences, is not necessarily best for individual hydrologists, especially in an era of open data. The objective of this work is to open a conversation on whether individuals’ best interests may contrast with the community’s desire for new observations. If the community wants new field observations, there is a need to consider the shifting balance of incentives and disincentives for pursuing field studies in hydrology.     

History of the Sole Source Aquifer Program: A Community-Based Approach for Protecting Aquifers Used for Drinking Water Supply

The Sole Source Aquifer Program has helped prevent contamination of many community drinking water supplies. If an aquifer supplies the sole or principal source of a community's drinking water, a local ground water user may petition the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Safe Drinking Water Act for its designation and protection as a "sole source aquifer." Since 1974, residents and officials of 65 communities and multi-community areas have petitioned and received assistance from the EPA to prevent contamination of their local ground water source of drinking water. This designation means that EPA may review federal financially assisted projects to determine if they would contaminate the aquifer and cause a public health hazard. If they could cause contamination, EPA can request that the project be modified or stopped. The significance of this program in terms of population served and funds affected has been substantial, indicating the Sole Source Aquifer Program has been an important local tool for protecting ground water used as a source of drinking water. Information is given on three different examples of sole source aquifer designations protected under this program: the New Jersey Coastal Plain Aquifer System, the Great Miami River Buried Valley Aquifer System (Ohio), and the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer (Idaho), serving populations of 543,000, 921,000, and 275,000, respectively. In all three examples, preventing ground water contamination through the Sole Source Aquifer Program has protected the community drinking water supply.     

A Paddock to reef monitoring and modelling framework for the Great Barrier Reef: Paddock and catchment component

Targets for improvements in water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) have been set through the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan). To measure and report on progress towards the targets set a program has been established that combines monitoring and modelling at paddock through to catchment and reef scales; the Paddock to Reef Integrated Monitoring, Modelling and Reporting Program (Paddock to Reef Program). This program aims to provide evidence of links between land management activities, water quality and reef health. Five lines of evidence are used: the effectiveness of management practices to improve water quality; the prevalence of management practice adoption and change in catchment indicators; long-term monitoring of catchment water quality; paddock & catchment modelling to provide a relative assessment of progress towards meeting targets; and finally marine monitoring of GBR water quality and reef ecosystem health. This paper outlines the first four lines of evidence.     

Early experiences in monitoring the effects of Hong Kong's new generation of sewage outfalls on the marine environment

The rapid post war development of Hong Kong as a centre of population, industry and commerce far outstripped the provision of sewers, wastewater treatment and disposal facilities. A legacy of marine pollution remains; the Government is now addressing this problem through the implementation of an ambitious sewage strategy. At the core of the strategy lies a major sewerage programme and the construction of new sewage treatment plants and marine disposal outfalls. The authors outline the background to recent sewerage and related infrastructure development in Hong Kong and discuss the scope and role of an outfall performance verification monitoring programme. This monitoring programme also is intended to identify the need for future improvements to the system in order to ensure that statutory Water Quality Objectives can be achieved and maintained. This work is seen as an essential element in the strategy for providing a cost effective treatment and disposal system. The early stages of a programme to measure the effects of major sewage outfalls on coastal waters is described. Initial work in the north-west New Territories of Hong Kong has focused on understanding the dilution and dispersion of sewage plumes. Ongoing and recently completed plume tracking work, which has made use of innovative tools such as radio-isotope tracers, dye fluorescence, ADCP and other water quality sensors multiplexed to three dimensional positional recording systems is reviewed. The subsequent interpretation of these results and their value in assessing outfall performance is considered. The success of this work is discussed and the lessons for future monitoring programmes are identified.     

Risk tolerance measure for decision-making in fuzzy analysis: a health risk assessment perspective

In risk assessment studies it is important to determine how uncertain and imprecise knowledge should be included into the simulation and assessment models. Thus, proper evaluation of uncertainties has become a major concern in environmental and health risk assessment studies. Previously, researchers have used probability theory, more commonly Monte Carlo analysis, to incorporate uncertainty analysis in health risk assessment studies. However, in conducting probabilistic health risk assessment, risk analyst often suffers from lack of data or the presence of imperfect or incomplete knowledge about the process modeled and also the process parameters. Fuzzy set theory is a tool that has been used in propagating imperfect and incomplete information in health risk assessment studies. Such analysis result in fuzzy risks which are associated with membership functions. Since possibilistic health risk assessment studies are relatively new, standard procedures for decision-making about the acceptability of the resulting fuzzy risk with respect to a crisp standard set by the regulatory agency are not fully established. In this paper, we are providing a review of several available approaches which may be used in decision-making. These approaches involve defuzzification techniques, the possibility and the necessity measures. In this study, we also propose a new measure, the risk tolerance measure, which can be used in decision making. The risk tolerance measure provides an effective metric for evaluating the acceptability of a fuzzy risk with respect to a crisp compliance criterion. Fuzzy risks with different membership functions are evaluated with respect to a crisp compliance criterion by using the possibility, the necessity, and the risk tolerance measures and the results are discussed comparatively.