Toxic metals in a highly urbanized industry-impacted estuary (Bahia Blanca Estuary,Argentina): spatio-temporal analysis based on GIS

Cadmium, chromium, nickel, and lead were evaluated in the particulate fraction at one of the most industrialized estuaries at the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, through Geographic Information System (GIS). Concentrations were analyzed at 21 stations during 2008–2010. The highest metal concentrations (Cd: 8,9; Cr: 256,49; Ni: 27,02; Pb: 78,43 µg g^??1 d. w.) were recorded at the stations located near industrial and urban discharges situated along the estuary. In addition, Pb presented a different seasonal and spatial behavior in comparison with Cd, Cr and Ni. Winter and spring presented the higher concentrations of Pb, and the inner stations presented the higher values. The estuary is considered a moderate to strongly polluted and significantly polluted according to the Index of geoaccumulation (I_geo) and the Enrichment Factor of Cd, respectively. The Multidimensional Scaling plot showed three groups of stations: the inner, associated to low levels of metals (G1), middle stations (G2) with intermediate levels and the outer (G3) with the highest ones. In addition, this work reveals the usefulness of the GIS-mapping techniques in the distribution of pollutants along an estuarine environment and the environmental quality assessment of estuarine systems.     

Women on wheels: Gender and cycling in Solo,Indonesia

This paper explores the question of how to promote cycling among women who face disproportionate mobility and accessibility barriers in rapidly urbanizing contexts by analyzing empirical findings from a multi‐method research study based in Solo, Indonesia. Building on and applying a combination of critical gender, geography, and development perspectives, it focuses on the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of women residing in low‐income neighbourhoods with little access to public transportation networks in Solo as an ‘indicator species for bike‐friendly cities’. Based on research and analytic findings, the paper further contemplates alternative policy and planning approaches to promoting cycling in more gender‐inclusive and responsive terms.