Drinking water quality in the Ethiopian section of the East African Rift Valley I--data and health aspects

Drinking water samples were collected throughout the Ethiopian part of the Rift Valley, separated into water drawn from deep wells (deeper than 60 m), shallow wells (<60 m deep), hot springs (T>36 degrees C), springs (T<32 degrees C) and rivers. A total of 138 samples were analysed for 70 parameters (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, F, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ge, Hf, Hg, Ho, I, In, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Nd, Ni, NO(2), NO(3), Pb, Pr, Rb, Sb, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, SO(4), Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr, temperature, pH, conductivity and alkalinity) with ion chromatography (anions), spectrometry (ICP-OES and ICP-MS, cations) and parameter-specific (e.g. titration) techniques. In terms of European water directives and WHO guidelines, 86% of all wells yield water that fails to pass the quality standards set for drinking water. The most problematic element is fluoride (F), for which 33% of all samples returned values above 1.5 mg/l and up to 11.6 mg/l. The incidence of dental and skeletal fluorosis is well documented in the Rift Valley. Another problematic element may be uranium (U)-47% of all wells yield water with concentrations above the newly suggested WHO maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) of 2 microg/l. Fortunately, only 7% of the collected samples are above the 10 microg/l EU-MAC for As in drinking water.     

Biogeochemical cycles for the chemical elements in Nymphaea odorata ait. and the aphid Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (L.) living in Linsley Pond

A hydrogeochemical study to determine the abundance of the chemical elements in the water of Linsley Pond, North Branford, Conn., U.S.A., was initiated in 1965. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that the aquatic macrophytes, associated sediments, and the soils and rocks of the basin had to be examined chemically in order to elucidate the biogeochemical cycle of the elements in the water. This aspect of the study concerns the elemental chemical composition of Nymphaea odorata Ait. and the aphid Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (L.) feeding on its leaves. Thirty-five elements were detected in the water but fifty-four were found in this water-lily and its aphid. Those not encountered in lake water concentrated twenty-fold were Cs, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Ge, Zr, Hf, Th, As, Nb and Se. The water-lily, the aphid, the lake sediment and the soils and rocks of the basin all contained detectable quantities of the rare earths, though beyond Sm only those of even atomic number were encountered. The aphids contained more Na, Li, Cs, Ba, Zn, Al, Ga, Si, Ge, Pb, Ti, Hf, P, Bi, S, Se, Cr, Mo, I, Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Y, La, Ce, Pr and Sm than the leaves upon which they feed. The water-lily leaves contain more Ag, Ca, Mg, Cd, Hg, B, Sn, Zr, Th, Cl, Br, Nd and Sc than the aphids. The amount of Be, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, K, Rb, Cu, Sr, As, V and F is essentially the same in the insects as in the leaves which support them. Pertinent comparative data from other sources are also presented.     

Comparison of the element composition in several plant species and their substrate from a 1500000-km2 area in Northern Europe.

Leaves of 9 different plant species (terrestrial moss represented by: Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi; and 7 species of vascular plants: blueberry, Vaccinium myrtillus; cowberry, Vaccinium titis-idaea; crowberry, Empetrum nigrum; birch, Betula pubescens; willow, Salix spp.; pine, Pinus sylvestris and spruce, Picea abies) have been collected from up to 9 catchments (size 14-50 km2) spread over a 1500000 km2 area in Northern Europe. Soil samples were taken of the O-horizon and of the C-horizon at each plant sample site. All samples were analysed for 38 elements (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Th, Tl, U, V, Y, Zn and Zr) by ICP-MS, ICP-AES or CV-AAS (for Hg-analysis) techniques. The concentrations of some elements vary significantly between different plants (e.g. Cd, V, Co, Pb, Ba and Y). Other elements show surprisingly similar levels in all plants (e.g. Rb, S, Cu, K, Ca, P and Mg). Each group of plants (moss, shrubs, deciduous and conifers) shows a common behaviour for some elements. Each plant accumulates or excludes some selected elements. Compared to the C-horizon, a number of elements (S, K, B, Ca, P and Mn) are clearly enriched in plants. Elements showing very low plant/C-horizon ratios (e.g. Zr, Th, U, Y, Fe, Li and Al) can be used as an indicator of minerogenic dust. The plant/O-horizon and O-horizon/C-horizon ratios show that some elements are accumulated in the O-horizon (e.g. Pb, Bi, As, Ag, Sb). Airborne organic material attached to the leaves can thus, result in high values of these elements without any pollution source.     

Kidney and liver levels of some major, minor and trace elements in two Ontario communities

The contents of Ag, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Sr, Th, Ti and Zn in 143 autopsied liver and kidney specimens from two Ontario communities (Kingston and Ottawa) were determined using the techniques of inductively-coupled plasma--atomic emission spectrometry, and electrothermal atomization--atomic absorption spectrometry coupled with hydride evolution (As, Se), reduction--aeration (Hg), or solvent extraction (Pb). The majority of samples came from individuals older than 50 y. In general, the data for the various elements were independent of age or sex but showed some dependence on location for elements such as Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Se and Zn. Despite these differences the elemental values of the liver and kidney samples from both the communities were within the normal range.     

Distribution of 23 elements in the kidney,liver and lungs of workers from a smeltery and refinery in north Sweden exposed to a number of elements and of a control group

The levels of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, caesium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, lanthanum, lead, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, phosphorus, rubidium, scandium, selenium, silver, tellurium, tin, tungsten and zinc in the kidney, liver and lungs of autopsy specimens from exposed workers in North Sweden, as well as from a control group, have been assayed quantitatively. The workers had been exposed to several elements and their compounds, e.g. lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium, for long periods in arsenic, lead or selenium plants and in a lead or copper smelter.The chemical analysis was by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Median levels of antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, lanthanum, lead or selenium in kidney, liver or lungs in the exposed worker group were found to be about 2 to 16 times as great as the corresponding levels for the control group. Long biological half-life values were observed for these elements, especially in lung tissue.     

Concentrations of heavy metals and plant nutrients in water, sediments and aquatic macrophytes of anthropogenic lakes (former open cut brown coal mines) differing in stage of acidification.

Concentration of heavy metals (Al, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) as well as macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) were measured in water, bottom sediments and plants from anthropogenic lakes in West Poland. The collected plants were: Phragmites australis, Potamogeton natans, Iris pseudoacorus, Juncus effusus, Drepanocladus aduncus, Juncus bulbosus, Phalaris arundinacea, Carex remota and Calamagrostis epigeios. Two reference lakes were sampled for Nymphaea alba, Phragmites australis, Schoenoplectus lacustris, Typha angustifolia and Polygonum hydropiper. These plants contained elevated levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu and Mn, and part of the plants contained in addition elevated levels of Mn, Fe, Pb, Ni and Zn. Analyses of water indicated pollution with sulfates, Cd, Co, Ni. Zn, Pb and Cu, and bottom sediments indicated that some of the examined lakes were polluted with Cd, Co and Cr. Strong positive correlations were found between concentrations of Co in water and in plants and between Zn in sediments and plants, indicating the potential of plants for pollution monitoring for this metal. Heavy metal accumulation seemed to be directly associated with the exclusion of Ca and Mg.     

The influence of a city on element contents of a terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens)

Forty terrestrial moss (Hylocomium splendens) samples were collected along a 120-km-long south-north transect running through Norway's largest city Oslo. Concentrations of 29 chemical elements (Ag, Al, Au, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Pt, S, Sb, Sr, Th, Ti, and Zn) and values for loss on ignition (475 degrees C) are reported. Silver (Ag), Al, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pt, Sb, Th, Ti, and Zn all show a characteristic Oslo peak when element concentrations are plotted against location of the sample site along the transect. Gold (Au) and Pt show the greatest relative enrichment of all elements in the city (ca. 10x "background"). Titanium (Ti), which is related to local minerogenic dust rather than anthropogenic emissions, shows a significant peak in Oslo. Loss on ignition, a measure of the amount of organic material in a sample, shows a negative peak in Oslo and at sites close to a known dust source. Input of fine dust thus appears to dominate many of the observed element concentrations in moss. The concentrations of Na are clearly influenced by the input of marine aerosols and show decreasing concentrations from south (near Oslo Fjord) to north (inland). The major plant nutrients Ca, K, Mg, P and S, as well as Hg, are the few elements displaying no spatial dependency along the transect. Element concentrations reach background variation levels at a distance of 20-40 km from the city centre.     

山水林田湖草生态保护修复治理工程预算定额标准建设探析

20世纪90年代以来,我国经济持续高速增长,伴随而来的是对矿产、森林、土地、水资源等自然资源过度的开发利用,导致我国部分地区生态系统严重退化。为从根本解决生态退化问题,国家自2016年以来,在全国范围内选择25个试点省份,先后组织开展了一系列山水林田湖草生态保护修复系统治理工程,拟由原来的单项工程整治转变为以山水林田湖草等多种自然资源要素构成的自然生态恢复治理为导向的保护修复。然而,由于目前国家没有制定统一的山水林田湖草生态保护修复治理工程预算定额标准,导致在工程调查、勘查、设计、施工、监理、验收、绩效评价等多个环节出现无统一依据可循、工程预算编制不科学、项目推进迟缓、工程无法验收、绩效无法合理评价等一系列问题的出现。作者从参与该项工程的具体实践入手,对制定山水林田湖草生态保护修复治理工程预算定额标准进行深入分析,提出了尽快研制山水林田湖草生态保护修复治理工程预算定额标准的建议,以促进该工程尽快推进实施。     

Heavy metal pollution of soils affected by the Guadiamar toxic flood

Total heavy metal concentrations were determined in soil samples of seven selected areas along the Guadiamar river valley affected by the toxic flood, after removal of the deposited sludge. Mean total concentrations of nine elements (As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Tl and Zn) out of the 23 (As, Au, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, In, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sn, Th, Tl, U, V, Y and Zn) analysed were higher in sludge-covered soils than in unaffected soils. Mean values of total As, Au, Pb, Sb, Tl and Zn in sludge-affected soils were higher than the upper limits for normal soils world-wide. Mean concentrations of Bi, Cd and Cu were within these ranges, although some individual values exceeded the upper limits. In all sampling areas, severe heavy metal pollution was observed in the superficial layers (0-20 cm) of most of the affected soils, which decreased downward in the soil profile. Generally, in soils with more than 25% of clay, concentration of heavy metals below the 20-cm depth decreased to values close to those of the background level of the Guadiamar valley soils, while in coarser soils, heavy metal pollution penetrated below this depth, being noticeable down to a depth of at least 50-80 cm.     

Book reviews

ENVIRONMENTS AND HISTORICAL CHANGE — THE LINACRE LECTURES, edited by Paul Slack, Oxford University Press 1999, ISBN 0–19–823388–4, 196 pages (Hbk, £30).

ALTERED GENES — RECONSTRUCTING NATURE: THE DEBATE, edited by Richard Hindmarsh, Geoffrey Lawrence and Janet Norton, Allen and Unwin, 1998, ISBN 1 86448 795 X, 228 Pages (No price supplied).

ORGANIZATIONAL MASTERY WITH INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, CONTROLLING THE DRAGON, by Michael T. Noble, John Wiley & Sons, United States of America, 2000, IBSN 0–474–38928–5, pp. xvi + 310 index (Hbk, £55).

METHODOLOGICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ISSUES IN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE, A special Report of IPCC Working. Group III, Cambridge University Press, 2000, ISBN 0–521–80494–9, pp. xii + 466 (Pbk $35.95; Hbk, $100).

MANAGING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, by Michael Carley and Ian Christie, Earthscan, London, 2nd Edition, 2000, ISBN 1–85383–440–8; pp. xiv + 322, index (Pbk, £15.95).

LAND OF WATERS, EXPLORATIONS IN THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GUYANA, SOUTH AMERICA, edited by Ro McConnell, The Book Guide Ltd., Lewes. Sussex (UK), 2000, ISBN 1 85776 458 7; pp. xii + 389, index (Hbk, £18.50).

SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS — A HEALING EXPERIENCE, by Lisa Tenzin‐Dolma and Contributors, Quantum Publishers, London, 1997, ISBN 0–572–02364–2; p. 127 (Pbk, £6.99).

THE SULFUR PROBLEM CLEANING UP INDUSTRIAL FEED STOCKS, RSC Clean Technology Monographs, by Diane Stirling, The Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 2000. ISBN 0–85404–541–4; pp. x + 93, index (HbK, £55).

A CONSUMER'S GUIDE TO GM FOOD, Green genes and red herrings, by Alan McHughen, Oxford University Press, 2000 pp. viii+ 270 (Pbk, £9.99).

THE GREEN GUIDE TO BETTER LIVING, Take care of yourself, your family and the environment, by Ann and Terry Whitefield, Need2Know, Peterborough, England, 2000, ISBN 1–88144–041–3, p. 130 (Hbk, £12.99).

CLIMATE FOR CHANGE: NON‐STATE ACTORS AND THE GLOBAL POLITICS OF THE GREENHOUSE, by P. Newell, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge (UK) 2000, p. 222, ISBN 0–521–63250–1 (Hbk, $69.95).

PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE HELD IN STUTTGART (GERMANY) APRIL 6 and 7, 2000: [THE SEVILLA PROCESS — MOTOR FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL INDUSTRY], no editor named, Umweltbundeasamt, Berlin, F.R. Germany, 142 pp., softbound (D.M. 20.00).

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION'S INTER‐ORGANIZATION PROGRAMME FOR THE SOUND MANAGEMENT OF CHEMICALS.

CONCISE INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTS.

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION'S INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME ON CHEMICAL SAFETY. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CRITERIA.

READING ZOOS: REPRESENTATIONS OF ANIMALS AND CAPTIVITY, by R. Malamud, Macmillan Press, London, 1998, 377 pp. (pbk, £14.99).

PORT AND HARBOUR ENGINEERING, edited by Adeian Jarvis, Ashgate Publishing, London, 2000, 456 pp. (Hbk, $156.95).

OCEAN'S END; TRAVEL THROUGH ENDANGERED SEAS by C. Woodward, Perseus Books Group, New York, 2000, 300 pp. (Hbk, $26).

USING TODAY'S SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE FOR THE BLACK SEA AREA'S DEVELOPMENT TOMORROW, Proceedings of the IOI‐BSOC Leadership Seminar edited by A. S. Bologa and R. H. Charlier. International Ocean Institute. Black Sea Operational Centre, Published by Editura Dada, Constanta, Romania 2000, 210 pp., ill., color, contents 8 1/2 x 11 inches ISBN 973–993 12–9‐4 (Hbk, no price shown; suggestion: send $35 in banknotes, registered mail to A. Bologa, Scientific Director, Romaman Marine Research Institute, Blvd. Mamaia, RO‐3000 Constanta, Romania).     

Trace element concentrations in blood of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from the Wadden Sea

Concentrations of 23 elements (Be, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Pd, Cd, Sn, Pt, Pb) were evaluated in whole blood samples of live harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) from two different locations in the Wadden Sea, the Lorenzenplate in Germany, and the Danish island R?m?. Elemental blood levels were compared to data from literature of seals, other marine mammals and humans. While homeostatically controlled elements showed no differences, concentrations of As, Cr, Mn, Mo, Se, and V were higher than human levels. Furthermore, animals from both locations showed significant geographical differences in whole blood concentrations of Al, Mn, Cu, and Pt. These findings could be explained by differences in feeding areas. The element pattern was not affected by gender. In conclusion, these findings indicate an impact of the environment on biochemical blood parameters of the harbor seals. The significant differences of elements in blood samples of two groups of seals, which were associated with geographical variations of prey support the use of element pattern in blood as tool for investigation of environmental impact on seals.     

Elemental analysis of a tumor from a nocturnal prosimian with special emphasis on bromine.

Few natrually occurring tumors have been reported in primates. A spherical mass was noticed on the medial aspect of the thigh and caudal abdomen of a 15-year old female Perodicticus potto. The mass was surgically removed and the recovery was uneventful. Histological examination provided the diagnosis of myeloliposarcoma. Thirty-two elements were detected by chemical analysis. These are Na, K, Rb, Cs, Li, Cu, Ag, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Zn, Cd, Hg, B, Al, Ga, Si, Sn, Ti, P, Bi, V, S, Se, Mo, F, Cl, Br, Fe, Co and Ni. It has been proposed by some that tumor tissue tends to be chemically similar to embryonic tissue. Bromine is unexpectedly high in the potto tumor, in other tumor analyses reported in the literature, as well as in the only available embryonic tissue from the female potto, a placenta. Data are presented that lend credence to the speculation that Br may have a hitherto unexpected function in reproduction.     

高分子材料微观结构现代仪器表征方法进展

高分子材料结构决定性能,只有通过对其微观结构精准表征,才有利于探索高分子及其复合材料在聚合、修饰、复配、成型加工等实际应用各阶段微观结构变化及相关机理研究,获知结构与性能关系,有利于开发新功能高分子材料。结合现代仪器分析技术前沿,综述了FTIR、RS、UVS、MLA、NMR、XRF、XRD、SAXS、XAFS、XPS、MS、PGC、CE、TEM、SEM、STM等现代仪器分析技术在高分子材料结构表征中的实际应用,阐述了这些方法的分析原理、实验手段、应用范围和特点。     

广州人民公园使用状况评价报告

从使用者的角度出发,采用相关文献收集、现场观察、绘制草图、分析功能分区、收集管理部门的信息、记录使用者的活动和痕迹、对典型使用者进行访谈、数据整理等方法,对人民公园的使用做出系统评价,包括位置、尺度、视觉、使用和活动、微气候、入口和边界、交通、种植材料、场地家具等,从中归纳总结出广州人民公园改建使用后的状况.并在分析使用状况的基础上找出公园存在的问题和矛盾,就每个问题提出适当的设计或管理的改进意见并提交意向设计方案.     

浙江省燕山期花岗岩化学元素丰度及特征

本研究从浙江省87个燕山期花岗岩体中系统采集了189件样品,采用等离子体光谱法等11种分析方法,获得了Ag、As、Au、B、Ba、Be、Bi、Br、Cd、Cl、Co、Cr、Cs、Cu、F、Ga、Ge、Hf、Hg、I、In、Li、Mn、Mo、N、Nb、Ni、P、Pb、Rb、S、Sb、Sc、Se、Sn、Sr、Ta、Te、Th、Ti、Tl、U、V、W、Zn、Zr、La、Ce、Pr、Nd、Sm、Eu、Gd、Tb、Dy、Ho、Er、Tm、Yb、Lu、Y、SiO₂、Al₂O₃、TFe₂O₃、MgO、CaO、K₂O、Na₂O共68项主量、微量、稀土元素值以及TC、pH的实测数据,计算了扬子板块东缘与华南造山带燕山期花岗岩的化学元素丰度。岩石地球化学特征显示,这些花岗岩为高硅、富碱、弱过铝质的高钾钙碱性花岗岩,具有较强的Eu负异常,富集Rb、Th、U、K,亏损Sr、Ba、P、Ti、Nb、Ta等元素的特征,其普遍富铝和低MgO含量的岩石化学特征,指示它们的岩浆源区以壳源为主。     

建筑的代码(下)

本文通过建筑编码形成时间句法、空间句法、绘画、建筑混合系统,以及戏剧舞蹈、建筑、能所指关系构成同系结构的大文化系统,甚至占卜、堪舆和阴阳等原始的仪式,来解释出现在中国古建筑里的符号意义,正是这种不同层面的叠加构成了建筑、音乐、仪式、神话、天体的、数字的、星相占卜、风水建筑术、政治、血缘伦理、修辞等等多义重叠,从而构成了复杂的建筑编码系统。     

Metal concentrations in a shallow groundwater aquifer underneath petrochemical complex

Duplicate groundwater samples were collected from 104 monitoring wells (piezometers) from shallow aquifers underneath an industrial city in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and pH were determined in these samples. Analysis of variance showed significantly (p < 0.05) wide variations in the concentrations of the above parameters. The contour maps of metal concentrations indicated that these variations were related to important landmarks in the study area. The results of correlation analyses suggest that geographical as well as chemical factors may influence metal distribution in the groundwater samples. To investigate the geographical effects, the analytical data were normalized (element/Cl ratios were calculated) for chemical variability. As expected, contour mapping of the ratio data of element/Cl of Na, Ca, Mg, K, SO₄, alkalinity, salinity, total dissolved salts, and Sr vary in a relatively small range and did not show a particular geographical trend. The groundwater sample from the industrial-dust area contained higher ratios between concentrations of Cl and Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn. These observations clearly suggest an extraneous contamination source, probably industrial dust, in the area. Another geographical area where metal (As, Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Ti,and V)/Cl ratios were found to be large was in the vicinity of an oil-refinery. Groundwater samples collected from the vicinity of a fertilizer plant and green-belt area contained relatively higher ratios of Al, Cd, Cr, Co, and Ni. The results of this study suggest that leachate from the industrial dust, leakage from the oil refinery and fertilizer plant, and drainage of irrigation water are some of the important pollution sources in the industrial city.     

Long-term variations in dissolved trace elements in the Sagami River and its tributaries (upstream area), Japan

We investigated long-term variations in dissolved chemical species in water sampled from the Sagami River and its tributaries, Japan. The samples were taken monthly from May 1993 to April 2000 at 28 sampling sites in the Sagami River system. In this paper, we concentrate on 17 sites in the upper catchment. Twenty-four major to trace elements (Li, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, W, Tl, Pb, U) were determined by using conventional Q-pole ICP-MS with direct nebulizalion. Water flux was measured from 1995. The data for most species were subjected to fast Fourier transformation (FFT) to extract dominant periodicities, their magnitudes, and their phases. Clear seasonal variations were observed for Al, V, As, Rb and Cs at some sampling points, especially in the tributaries. The seasonal variations may be due to either anthropogenic causes, such as irrigation or wastewater discharge, or natural causes, such as water temperature, pH, redox condition, water flux, or activity of microorganisms. We found no correlation with pH. Water temperature may not be a main controlling factor, although the seasonal variability would be correlated with it. Hydrologic factors may have only minor effects. We suggest that most of the seasonal variation might be correlated with the irrigation of rice paddies. It was difficult to identify all the causes of the seasonal variability. To investigate interannual trends, we used centered 12-month moving averages to eliminate seasonal variations. The water quality of the uppermost streams was generally constant, being controlled by springs on Mt. Fuji. However, in 1993 and 1998, V, As, Rb, Cs and U were depleted briefly, possibly by dilution by overflow from Lakes Kawaguchi and Yamanaka. Hydrologic factors may be more important for interannual variability than seasonal variability. Some heavy trace elements (Zn, Ni, Cd and Sb) showed very irregular variations with high concentration peaks. These elements were discharged from either factories or abandoned mine tailings.     

The elemental composition and sources of house dust and street dust

The elemental compositions of house dust, street dust and soil have been determined for 26 elements on material collected in Christchurch, New Zealand. The elements Hf, Th, Sc, Sm, Ce, La, Mn, Na, K, V, Al and Fe may be considered to be soil-based and contribute about 45–50% to house dust and 87% to street dust. The elements which are enriched (>3 times) in the dusts relative to the levels found in local soils, are Br, Cu, Cl, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ca, Co, As and Sb in house dust, and Zn, Cr, Cu and Pb in street dust.     

Conference news

RESOURCES: ENVIRONMENT AND POLICY, by John Fernie and Alan Pitkethly, Harper and Row, London, 1985, 338 pp. (#bp12.95, paperback)

THE ECONOMICS OF FORESTRY AND NATURAL RESOURCES, by Per‐Olov Johansson and Karl‐Gustaf Lofgren, Basil Blackwell, Oxford, 1985, 292 pp. (#bp29.50, hardback only)

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: STANDARDS, COMPLIANCE AND COSTS, edited by T. J. Lack, J. Wiley &; Son, Chichester, 1984, 329 pp. (#bp30, hardback)

ENVIRONMENT AND ENFORCEMENT: REGULATION AND THE SOCIAL DEFINITION OF POLLUTION, by K. Hawkins, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1984, 253 pp. (#bp15 hardback; #bp6.95, paperback)

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, VOLUME 1: ELEMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS, by George Tolley, Philip Graves and Glenn Blomquist, Ballinger, Cambridge, Mass, and Harper and Row, London, 1981. (#bp27.50, hardback)

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY, VOLUME 4: SOLID WASTES, by George Tolley, Jospeh Havlicek and Robert Fabian, Ballinger, Cambridge, Mass. and Harper and Row, London, 1985. (#bp44.00, hardback)

World Health Organisation, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL IN RELATION TO DEVELOPMENT, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Technical Report Series, 718, 1985, 63 pp.

TRANSPORT IS FOR PEOPLE: NINTH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON THEORY AND PRACTICE IN TRANSPORT ECONOMICS, European Conference of Ministers of Transport, 1983, Paris (#bp15.00)

RECREATION MANAGEMENT AND PRICING, by A. G. Bovaird, M. J. Tricker and R. Stoakes, Gower Press, Aldershot, 1984, 182 pp. (#bp15, hardback)

URBAN LAND AND SHELTER FOR THE POOR, by Patrick McAuslan, Earthscan#shInternational Institute for Environment and Development, London, 1985, 145 pp.

CARING FOR THE UNEMPLOYED. Prepared for the Association of Metro‐polital Authorities by Susan Balloch, Chris Hume, Brian Jones and Peter Westland. Publishers: Bedford Square Press, London, 1985, for the National Council for Voluntary Organisations.

THE LONG‐TERM UNEMPLOYED. ACTION FOR A FORGOTTEN MILLION, by Peter Ashby (Head, NVCO Policy Analysis Unit). An NCVO Policy Discussion document, Bedford Square Press, London (1985).

ANTHROPOGENIC COMPOUNDS: Volume 3 Part C of The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, edited by O. Hutzinger, Springer‐Verlag, Germany, 248 pp. 1986. (DM 188.00)

HEAVY METALS IN NATURAL WATERS: APPLIED MONITORING AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT, by James W. Moore and S. Ramamoorthy, Springer‐Verlag, U.S.A. and Germany, viii #pl 268 pages, index, 1984. (DM 108.00)

DESTRUCTION AND DISPOSAL OF PCBs BY THERMAL AND NON‐THERMAL METHODS, by D. G. Ackerman, L. L. Scinto, P. S. Bakshi, R. G. Delumyea, R. J. Johnson, G. Richard, A. M. Takata and E. M. Sworzyn. Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, New Jersey, 1983, xiv #pl 417 pages (no index). (#dl48.00)

ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATOR MANUAL (Pollution Technology Review No. 91), by Jack R. McDonald and Alan H. Dean, Noyes Data Corporation, U.S.A., 1982. (#dl48.00)

PATTY'S INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE AND TOXICOLOGY, edited by Lewis J. Cralley and Lester V. Cralley, Volume 3 (2nd Edition)—Theory and Rationale of Industrial Hygiene Practice: (i) Volume 3A—The Work Environment (#bp97.20); (ii) Volume 3B—Biological Responses (#bp92.00) J. Wiley and Sons Ltd., Chichester U.K. 1985.

SAFE DRINKING WATER. THE IMPACT OF CHEMICALS ON A LIMITED RESOURCE, edited by R. G. Rice, J. Wiley and Sons, Chichester, U.K., Lewis Publishers Inc. Chelsea MI, 1985. (#bp36.00)

PLANTS FOR ARID LANDS. (Proceedings of the Kew International Conference on Economic Plants for Arid Lands held in the Jodrell Laboratory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, England, 23‐27 July 1984), edited by G. E. Wickens, J. R. Goodwin and D. V. Field. George Allen and Unwin, London, 1985. (#bp30.00)

REGULATED RIVERS, edited by A. Lillehammer and S. J. Saltveit, Univer‐sitetsforlaget AS, Oslo, 1984. (#bp47.50)

NUTRIENT CYCLING IN TROPICAL FOREST ECOSYSTEMS, by C. F. Jordan, Wiley, Chichester, 1985. (#bp13.45)