Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Metals conservation'

A selection of corroded, painted and lacquered metals have been subjected to high-powered, pulsed TEA C02-laser radiation to investigate self-limiting cleaning and treatment processes. Changes in the surface chemistry were observed and recorded using a variety of surface analysis techniques including X-ray Powder Diffraction, Auger Electron Spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Changes in surface appearance were recorded using colour macro-photography and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The effects of both plasma and sub-plasma laser fluences were investigated.

Electrochemical techniques have potential for use in conservation, both to evaluate the protectiveness of existing coatings on metal artefacts and to evaluate potential new conservation coatings. Three electrochemical methods have been examined in this study for their applicability to conservation problems. Corrosion Potential Measurement is simple but provides only minimal information on the corrosion processes occurring in an electrochemical system. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy provides both mechanistic and predictive information on coating performance, but the data are complex to interpret and measurements require equipment that is at present too bulky for effective on-site use and beyond the budget of most conservation laboratories. Electrochemical Noise Measurement can be performed using cheap, portable instrumentation and theoretically requires relatively simple statistical processing and interpretation, making it attractive for conservation applications. This project looks at the development of a simple, low cost electrochemical noise measurement system for conservation needs, and uses it to compare Electrochemical Noise Measurement with the other two techniques.

Amphibians are important bioindicators in environmental assessment. This highly diverse group of vertebrates is experiencing unprecedented declines worldwide due to a complex array of factors, including disease, habitat loss, invasive species, and environmental pollution. Heavy metals are especially problematic due to their persistence and ability to present a localized hazard even at sublethal levels. Northern Idaho has a long history of mining activity, and many watersheds have experienced heavy metal contamination. These streams contain many sensitive species, including the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog, (Ascaphus montanus). While tailed frog populations are known to be especially vulnerable to logging and road building, the effects of local mining have not been documented. In order to assess the vulnerability of this species to heavy metal contamination, tadpoles were collected from three distinct populations across the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Two sampling sites (Gold Creek and Beauty Creek) were characterized by abandoned mines in the headwaters of the streams, while a stream absent of any local historic mining (Bumblebee Creek) served as a reference site. Whole tadpoles were pooled and treated using EPA Method 3050B and analyzed for dissolved metal concentration (ug/g) using ICP-MS. We found the average metal concentrations in tadpoles (ug/g) at mining sites were generally higher than the reference site. Cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were significantly higher in tadpoles at Gold Creek when compared with the reference site. These results are consistent with other studies indicating metals from historic mining activity are still evident in these stream communities.

The effect of human activity on the natural world is increasingly shaping the evolution of species. The capacity of evolution to occur in individuals of a species, via natural selection acting on the genotypes of local populations through successive generations, is known as local adaptation. In southwest England, historical mining activity has resulted in a patchwork of highly metal-contaminated rivers across the region. Where the ecological diversity in many of these rivers has been decimated, metal-tolerant brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) populations seem to thrive. What are the mechanisms underlying this apparent metal-tolerance? And can it be attributed to processes of local adaptation? This thesis takes a multi-faceted approach in assessing this, by exploring the patterns and processes involved in metal-tolerance in brown trout populations in southwest England. A series of investigations were undertaken, including the use of neutral genetic markers (microsatellites), reduced representation genome sequencing (RAD-seq), common-garden exposure experiments, and genome-wide analysis of hepatic gene expression (RNA-seq). The microsatellite analysis illustrated that metal-tolerant trout have a different genetic architecture compared to fish in clean rivers and, using Bayesian analysis, these demographic differences were correlated with key periods of mining history. We then developed an approach to facilitate robust screening of genome-wide polymorphic loci through a method of parameter optimisation for RAD-seq. This approach formed the basis for identifying loci for investigating the genomic processes of local adaptation in metal-tolerant trout. We present genome-wide (RAD-seq) data highly indicative that neighbouring trout populations, differently impacted by unique ‘cocktails’ of metal pollutants have evolved both parallel and convergent mechanisms of metal tolerance. Through a common garden experiment, exposing metal-tolerant and metal-naïve fish to a mixture of metals, we were able to hone in on the physiological mechanisms underlying metal-tolerance. Finally, through RNA-seq, we observed that metal-tolerant fish showed little to no changes in hepatic gene expression when exposed to metals, pointing to innate mechanisms of metal handling. Together, the marriage of these various investigations showcases the remarkable ability of local adaptation in conferring metal-tolerance to brown trout populations in southwest England, and, importantly, the resilience of species’ in the face of human-altered environments.

This thesis focuses on the conservation of iron and copper objects that mostly belong to the Iron-Age sites of K2 and Mapungubwe (825-1290 AD), the two most prominent archaeological settlements in the middle Limpopo valley area of northern South Africa. For the purpose of conservation three main objectives were considered during this study which consisted of revealing the material and methods of fabrication, evaluating physical and chemical stability, and preservation. The selected objects were in four main categories, namely round wire, strip, plate and implements, and were in various states of preservation, from heavily to low corroded. This thesis consists of seven chapters that are based on these objectives. Chapter 1, introduction, provides a short introduction to the study, presents the study objectives, a brief history of the investigation of the sites, some archaeological interpretations and a discussion on the metallurgy of the objects made by the inhabitants. Chapter 2, methodology, contains analytical methods and principles which were used in gathering and management of the data. Chapters 3 and 4 present a discussion of the methods of manufacture of the selected artefacts as well as their physical stability. In these chapters the iron and copper artefacts were respectively studied by the use of non-destructive methods such as neutron tomography and microscopy. Here, a new quantitative technique in estimating the corrosion percentage by utilizing neutron tomograms and IMAGEJ software was introduced. Some of the objects with ambiguity in their fabrication, such as iron hoes or copper bangles with a central longitudinal void, were sampled destructively for metallography examination and further chemical analyses. In the case of the manufacture of native objects the outcomes confirmed the results of previous researches. Meanwhile new light was shed regarding signs of a new technique used in the production of some type of round wire on Mapungubwe Hill (strip-drawing). In the case of the round wires that were used in the manufacture of the bangles finding the definite method of manufacture was problematic. In Chapter 5 the chemical stability and the deterioration process of the artefacts were studied with consideration of both the corrosion composition as well as the effects of environmental conditions on their formation. It indicated hydroxyl (OH-) was the prominent ions in the corrosion of iron although a high amount of soluble chloride ions were detected in the burial environment in K2. In the case of copper artefacts, both chloride and hydroxyl ions were effective in corrosion and the objects were mostly subjected to severe bronze disease. This information was gathered using analytical techniques such as Raman spectroscopy, XRD and SEM-EDS. In Chapter 6 the suitable and practical conservation methods were presented. These methods consisted of both interventive and preventive conservation and were designed on the basis of the chemical and physical stability of the objects and environmental condition in the museum and in the storage facility. In chapter 7 (conclusion) a summary and the results of the study was presented which formed the final part of the thesis.
Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
Anthropology and Archaeology
DPhil
Unrestricted

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A intervenção arqueológica desenvolvida no âmbito do Programa Monumenta, na Residência Conselheiro Francisco Antunes Maciel (Pelotas-RS), caracteriza-se com problemáticas referentes a gestão arqueológica e conservacionista dos materiais arqueológicos. Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o estado de conservação dos artefatos metálicos arqueológicos resgatados do sítio arqueológico da Residência Conselheiro Francisco Antunes Maciel (Pelotas-RS), acondicionados no LEPAARQ (Laboratório de Ensino e Pesquisa em Antropologia e Arqueologia), com ênfase nos procedimentos de diagnóstico e propostas de conservação preventiva e conservação curativa à esses materiais. O estudo baseou-se em demonstrar a esfera da gestão de materiais arqueológicos, para que estes, posteriormente, possam ser musealizados e, assim, expostos para a comunidade dentro de um contexto histórico e social.
The archaeological intervention developed within the Monumenta Program in Residence Counselor Francisco Antunes Maciel (Pelotas) is characterized with issues related to archaeological management and conservation of archaeological materials. This study aimed to assess the state of conservation of archaeological metal artifacts recovered from the archaeological site of the Residence Counselor Francisco Antunes Maciel (Pelotas) put in LEPAARQ (Teaching and Research Laboratory for Anthropology and Archaeology), with emphasis on diagnostic procedures and proposals preventive conservation and curative conservation of these materials. The study was based on demonstrating the sphere of management of archaeological materials, for these can later be musealized and thus exposed to community within a social and historical context.

O Parque Estadual Marinho da Laje de Santos (PEMLS) é considerado um dos melhores pontos de mergulho do Brasil além de apresentar grande importância ecológica para a região. Está localizado a 40 km de uma das áreas costeiras mais contaminada do Brasil, o Sistema Estuarino de Santos e São Vicente (SESSV) que apresenta como principais fontes de contaminação as atividades industriais e o maior porto da América Latina. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o gradiente de contaminação por metais e hidrocarbonetos alifáticos (AH) e policíclicos aromáticos (HPA) nos sedimentos desde o SESSV até o PEMLS para identificar o grau de contaminação e as possíveis fontes dos contaminantes. Amostras de sedimento superficial foram coletadas em pontos distribuídos por todo SESSV, na baia de Santos, na zona marinha adjacente e no PEMLS. Os resultados foram comparados aos valores da qualidade dos sedimentos (VGQS) propostos na literatura para avaliar o grau de contaminação nos sedimentos. De acordo com os resultados, a contaminação por metais e hidrocarbonetos nos sedimentos do SESSV é elevada, acima dos limites estabelecidos nos VGQS, principalmente na porção interna do estuário próximo as atividades industriais. As principais fontes de emissão de contaminantes para o SESSV são os efluentes industriais e a queima de combustíveis fósseis. A zona marinha adjacente, onde está localizada a área de descarte do material dragado, apresentou, depois do estuário, as maiores concentrações de metais e hidrocarbonetos. Essas concentrações foram mais elevadas que as encontradas na baia de Santos. No PEMLS foram registrados indícios de contaminação por Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb e Zn, os quais tem origem de fontes localizadas na costa, que exportam os contaminantes até a região do PEMLS através das correntes marinhas e ainda fontes locais como barcos de operadoras de mergulho e o tráfego de navios. O Ni apresentou concentrações que estiveram acima dos limites do VGQS. Os hidrocarbonetos não apresentaram concentrações elevadas nos sedimentos do PEMLS. Sendo assim, é importante que seja realizado um controle de poluição no SESSV a fim de remediar as áreas mais contaminadas e um monitoramento continuo do gradiente de contaminação desde a zona de costa até o PEMLS para garantir a preservação desse ecossistema que já apresenta indícios de contaminação. A criação de um plano de manejo específico para o PEMLS auxiliaria na proteção dessa Unidade de Conservação.
The Marine State Park of Laje de Santos (MSPLS) is considered one of the best diving spots in Brazil and presents great ecological importance to the region. It is located 40 km from one of the most polluted coastal areas of Brazil, Santos and São VIcente Estuarine System (SSVES) which has as main sources of contamination industrial activities and the largest port in Latin America. The present study aimed to evaluate the gradient of metal and aliphatic hydrocarbons (AH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) contamination in sediments from the SSVES until MSPLS to identify the degree of contamination and the possible sources of contaminants. Sediment samples were collected at sites distributed around SSVES, in the bay of Santos, in the nearby seashore and PEMLS. The results were compared to the values of sediment quality (VGQS) proposed in the literature to assess the degree of contamination in sediments. According to the results, the contamination by metals and hydrocarbons in the sediments of SSVES is very high, above the limits established in the VGQS, mainly in the inner portion of the estuary near the industrial activities. The main sources of contaminants to the SSVES are industrial effluents and the burning of fossil fuels. In the zone nearby seashore between SSVES and MSPLS, where is located the area of disposal of dredged material presented after the estuary, the highest concentrations of metals and hydrocarbons higher than those recorded in the bay of Santos were found. In MSPLS were found evidence of contamination by Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn were found, which originated from sources located on the coast, the contaminants that export to the region MLSPS through ocean currents and even local sources as boats operators diving and vessel traffic. Therefore, it is important to establish a pollution control program in SSVES in order to remediate the contaminated areas and a continuous monitoring of the pollution gradient from the coast to the MSPLS to ensure the preservation of this ecosystem that is already showing signals of contamination. The creation of a management plan specific to the MSPLS will help the protection of this important Conservation Unit.

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O fertilizante fosfatado brasileiro é obtido pela reação por via úmida da rocha fosfática de origem ígnea com ácido sulfúrico concentrado, obtendo como produto final, o ácido fosfórico e como resíduo, o fosfogesso, que é estocado em pilhas, a céu aberto, junto às instalações produtoras. Parte do fosfogesso vem sendo utilizada na agricultura como condicionador de solos, devido a sua alta solubilidade, podendo melhorar a estrutura do solo, reduzir a erosão do solo, aumentar os níveis de enxofre e fósforo disponíveis e melhorar a composição dos fertilizantes. Mas a presença de radionuclídeos e metais no fosfogesso impõem restrições sobre o uso na agricultura. Para garantir uma utilização segura, é importante estimar a lixiviação dos radionuclídeos e metais presente no fosfogesso. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a disponibilidade dos radionuclídeos relevantes do ponto de vista radiológico (238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 228Ra, 210Pb e 210Po) e dos metais (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Se, Hg e Pb) presentes no fosfogesso de procedência brasileira, levando em consideração sua aplicação em solo agricultável. Para esta finalidade, foi desenvolvido um protocolo experimental em escala de laboratório, no qual colunas foram preenchidas com misturas de solos arenosos e argilosos típicos brasileiros condicionados com fosfogesso. A essas colunas foi adicionada água, a fim de se alcançar uma extração branda desses elementos. Foi implantado um procedimento analítico para a determinação sequencial dos radionuclídeos de interesse na solução obtida na lixiviação. As frações disponíveis foram obtidas utilizando-se a razão entre as concentrações dos radionuclídeos no lixiviado e as concentrações dos radionuclídeos nas amostras de solo, solo condicionado com fosfogesso e fosfogesso. Os valores de concentração dos radionuclídeos 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 228Ra, 210Pb e 210Po obtidos no fosfogesso das duas procedências variaram de 86 Bq kg-1 a 352 Bq kg-1. As concentrações de 226Ra e 228Ra obtidas no fosfogesso ficaram abaixo do limite máximo permitido pela resolução da Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear, atendendo às condições necessárias para o seu uso na agricultura. Os resultados obtidos para os metais As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se e Hg no fosfogesso foram inferiores ao limite máximo para condicionador de solo e para fertilizantes estabelecidos pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento, atendendo às condições necessárias para o seu uso na agricultura. Os radionuclídeos 226Ra, 210Pb, 210Po e 228Ra apresentaram frações disponíveis nos solos e solos condicionados com fosfogesso variando de 0,05% a 1,2%; para o 238U e 232Th as frações disponíveis apresentaram valores inferiores a 0,05%. Os metais apresentaram frações disponíveis nos solos e solos condicionados com fosfogesso variando de 0,05% a 1,07%. Os resultados obtidos para a fração disponível de metais e radionuclídeos no solo condicionado com fosfogesso demostraram que mesmo utilizando concentrações de fosfogesso dez vezes acima da dose recomendada, a disponibilização foi desprezível. Pode-se concluir que a utilização do fosfogesso como condicionador de solos é viável, no que concerne a disponibilidade dos metais e radionuclídeos estudados.
Tese (Doutorado em tecnologia Nuclear )
IPEN/D
Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

[For the Abstract, please see the PDF files below, namely "front.pdf"] CONTENTS. Chapter 1 Introduction. Chapter 2 Gross and microscopic visceral anatomy of the male Cape fur seal with reference to organ size and growth. Chapter 3 Age determination and growth in the male Cape fur seal: part one, external body. Chapter 4 Age determination and growth in the male Cape fur seal: part two, skull. Chapter 5 Age determination and growth in the male Cape fur seal: part three, baculum. Chapter 6 Suture age as an indicator of physiological age in the male Cape fur seal. Chapter 7 Sexual dimorphism in the adult Cape fur seal: standard body length and skull morphology. Chapter 8 Reproduction in the male Cape fur seal: age at puberty and annual cycle of the testis. Chapter 9 Diet and foraging behaviour of the Cape fur seal. Chapter 10(a) The Impact of the fur seal industry on the distribution and abundance of Cape fur seals. Chapter 10(b) South African Airforce wildlife rescue: Cape fur seal pups washed from Black Rocks, Algoa Bay, during heavy seas, December 1976. Chapter 11(a) Operational interactions between Cape fur seals and fisheries: part one, trawl fishing. Chapter 11(b) Operational interactions between Cape fur seals and fisheries: part two, squid jigging and line fishing. Chapter 11(c) Operational interactions between Cape fur seals and fisheries: part three, entanglement in man-made debris. Chapter 12 Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni & Zn) and organochlorine contaminants (PCBs, DDT, DDE & DDD) in the blubber of Cape fur seals. Chapter 13 Endoparasites of the Cape fur seal. Chapter 14(a) Preliminary investigations of shark predation on Cape fur seals. Chapter 14(b) Aggressive behaviour of an adult male Cape fur seal towards a great white shark Carcharodon carcharias. Chapter 15 Conclusions and future directions.

Malgré sa disponibilité, la biomasse de troisième génération est peu utilisée pour la production d’énergie en raison notamment de sa forte contamination en métaux lourds. Afin d’améliorer la compréhension du comportement et de l’éventuel rôle catalytique ou inhibiteur de ces métaux au cours de la pyro-gazéification, et optimiser ainsi la valorisation énergétique de la biomasse contaminée, une approche intégrée expérimentale et thermodynamique a été utilisée. Pour mener à bien ces travaux, une méthode d’insertion dans le bois du métal spécifiquement étudié pour son rôle catalytique, le nickel, a été développée. Cette méthode permet de maîtriser la composition et l’homogénéité des échantillons étudiés, sans altérer la structure du bois. Les essais de pyro-gazéification de bois brut et contaminés dans un réacteur à lit fixe, montrent que, même à faibles teneurs en nickel (entre 0,016 et 0,086 mol/ kg de bois), celui-ci a une activité catalytique importante. Les analyses des phases gaz et solides confirment que l’augmentation de la teneur en Ni dans le bois favorise les réactions de pyro-gazéification qui ont ainsi lieu à des températures plus basses (d’environ 100 °C). En parallèle, une étude thermodynamique a été réalisée afin de conforter les résultats expérimentaux et d’aider à mieux comprendre le comportement des métaux lourds présents dans le bois. Les calculs thermodynamiques, basés sur la minimisation de l’enthalpie libre de Gibbs d’un système constitué de 28 éléments (C, H, O, N et 24 éléments mineurs ou traces), fournissent la spéciation et la répartition dans les différentes phases (gaz, liquides et cendres) des métaux lourds, dont le Ni. Ces calculs, et des analyses spécifiques, ont notamment permis de déterminer la spéciation chimique et physique du nickel au cours de la pyro-gazéification et fournir ainsi une base théorique à son activité catalytique en fonction de la température
Despite its availability, contaminated biomass is not widely used for energy production due to its high contamination with heavy metals. Understanding the role and behavior of those heavy metals in the pyro-gasification process is a major scientific challenge for optimizing the thermochemical valorization of contaminated biomass. For this purpose, experimental and thermodynamic approaches were used. To carry out this work, a methodology for inserting the studied metal (nickel) in the wood matrix was developed without modifying its structure and controlling the composition and homogeneity of the studied samples. The pyro-gasification tests in a fixed bed reactor have shown that nickel has a catalytic performance even at low concentrations (between 0.016 and 0.086 mol / kg wood). The analysis of gas and solid products confirmed that the increase of Ni content in the wood generated a decrease in the samples pyro-gasification temperature by 100°C. In parallel, a thermodynamic study was conducted to confirm the experimental results and improve the understanding of heavy metals behaviors during pyro-gasification reactions. Thermodynamic calculations based on the Gibbs free energy minimization of a system consisting of 28 elements provide speciation and distribution in the different phases of heavy metals, including Ni. These calculations and specific analyses have made it possible to determine the chemical and physical speciation of nickel during pyro-gasification and thus provide a theoretical basis for its catalytic activity as a function of temperature

For decades, researchers have been working to better understand the effects of acid and metal toxicity to aquatic organisms and to develop ways to effectively mitigate these detrimental effects. Acid mine drainage (AMD) causes environmental pollution that affects many countries having historic or current mining industries. Both surface and underground mining have the potential to create AMD and therefore adversely affect the local and adjacent environments. Through malignant mining and farming practices, damming rivers and the changing climate, surface freshwater resources are rapidly being reduced in Australia. Mine pit lakes offer a large freshwater resource that if managed correctly may sustain significant environmental, social and economic benefits from selected end uses for the future. However, assessment of mine pit lakes needs to be achieved to validate end use options. The Collie Basin located in the southwest of Western Australia is a coal mining area with many abandoned open cast mines (OCM). Some of these OCM have filled with water forming mine pit lakes that are affected by AMD. The result is large freshwater bodies with moderate to high concentrations of metals and a low pH. High concentration of metals combined with low pH is of environmental concern to both the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem. Nevertheless, remediation techniques for AMD are available and applicable to these acidic lakes. However, the lakes in the Collie Basin are low in sulphatic compounds, therefore, restricting the use of the most common remediation treatment of bioremediation with sulphate reducing bacteria. Three remediation treatments were assessed for there efficacy in toxicity amelioration to three mine pit lakes. The treatments assessed were Limestone addition, phosphorus addition and a Rapid Catalytic Oxidation (RCO) treatment.
Toxicity assessment was achieved by means of comparing physico-chemical data to guideline trigger values and biological assessment. Biological assessment was achieved with three commonly used but ecologically and geographically relevant species. The bioassay species were the alga Chlorella protothecoides, the crustacean Ceriodaphnia cf dubia and the protozoa Tetrahymena thermophila. Aquaculture is being trialled adjacent to one of the pit lakes in limestone treated mine pit lake water. Therefore, the aquaculture fish species Bidyanus bidyanus early life stages were also used to assess residual toxicity from treated mine pit lake water. Limestone remediation of pit lake water demonstrated good reduction of dissolved metal concentrations with the exception of Zn and the ability to increase pH to circum-neutral. Biological assessment of limestone treated pit lake water showed that toxicity was removed to the three bioassay species and to the aquaculture species B. bidyanus early life stages. A larger field- scale mesocosm experiment with limestone treatment in situ is recommended. Assessment of the mesocosm experiment with biological and chemical analysis will confirm the efficacy of this treatment for full scale use.

This thesis focuses on the development and application of a discrete time random walk particle tracking model to the simulation of non-conservative transport in porous media. The model includes the simulation of solute transport, reversible bimolecular reactions, and sorption. The functionality of the discrete time random walk method is expanded to allow for the simulation of more complicated chemical systems than previously achieved. The bimolecular reaction simulation is based on a colocation probability function method. This reaction simulation method is analysed to investigate the effects of the controlling parameters on its behaviour. This knowledge is then used to inform a discussion of its application to the simulation of mixing limited reactive transport and comparison with other approaches. The reaction simulation method developed in the thesis possesses a greater flexibility than previously developed methods for the simulation of reactions using particle tracking. The developed model is also applied, in combination with a chemical speciation model, to enable the production of a reduced complexity model to simulate effects of an amendment scheme on soils contaminated with heavy metals. The effect of the soil amendment scheme on the partitioning of Pb between solution, soil surfaces, and dissolved organic matter is approximated by rules fitted as functions of concentrations of single components within the soil amendment. This allows for the simulation of complicated chemical systems using particle tracking methods. As well as expanding the functionality of particle tracking methods the issue of the computational expense is also addressed. A scheme for the optimization of the reaction simulation is presented and its effectiveness investigated. Together with the use of graphics processing units for code acceleration, the computational and temporal expense of the solution is reduced. The combination of the expansion in functionality and reduction in run time makes particle tracking a more attractive simulation method.

As áreas protegidas são consideradas pilares para estratégias de conservação da diversidade biológica. Presume-se que a distribuição destas áreas representa a proteção de espécies e ecossistemas. Dentre as 20 metas globais para a redução da perda de biodiversidade, a Meta 11 de áreas protegidas estabelece, dentre outros aspectos, que 17% das áreas terrestres devem ser cobertas por sistemas de áreas protegidas ecologicamente representativos, efetivos, conectados e integrados a paisagens terrestres mais amplas. Neste estudo avaliou-se a representatividade ecológica, a efetividade e a integração a paisagens mais amplas do sistema de unidades de conservação, e perspectivas para subsidiar a sua ampliação no bioma Pampa. Além das unidades de conservação stricto senso, em parte das análises também foram considerados os sistemas complementares de terras indígenas e mecanismos de preservação em propriedades rurais definidos pela Lei de Proteção da Vegetação Nativa. A avaliação da representatividade foi feita considerando o Pampa (nível nacional) e também os 11 sistemas ecológicos presentes no bioma (nível regional). Foram levantadas 53 unidades de conservação no Pampa, com cobertura total de 3,23% do bioma Os mecanismos de preservação em propriedades rurais têm potencial de ampliar o sistema de áreas protegidas para até 9,64%, porém ainda depende de validação do órgão ambiental. O percentual protegido por unidades de conservação nos sistemas ecológicos variou entre 0% e 17,76%, sendo que nove dos 11 sistemas possuem menos de 3% em unidades de conservação. Os dados indicaram que as unidades são relativamente efetivas, pois 64% delas mantiveram ou recuperaram sua cobertura de vegetação nativa. As análises sugerem ainda, que a efetividade associada à cobertura vegetal no interior das unidades possui uma relação com a dinâmica no seu entorno. De forma geral, as unidades sofrem influência das alterações no uso da terra em suas adjacências. Para manutenção da efetividade da unidade de conservação, a unidade deve ser manejada considerando essas influências do entorno. Na perspectiva de ampliação do sistema, o esforço para conservação deve ser centrado na criação de novas unidades de conservação e diversificação de categorias. Os dados aqui obtidos indicam que o Pampa dificilmente alcançará a meta de 17% em um sistema de áreas protegidas ecologicamente representativo até 2020.
Protected areas are considered cornerstones for biodiversity conservation strategies. It is presumed that the distribution of these areas represents the protection of species and ecosystems. Among the 20 global targets for reducing biodiversity loss, Target 11 establishes that 17% of land areas must be covered by ecologically representative, effective and connected systems integrated to wider terrestrial landscapes, among other aspects. This study assessed ecological representativeness, effectiveness, and integration of protected area system, into wider landscapes of the Pampa biome. Perspectives to subsidize protected area expansion were also considered here. The representativeness assessment was made by considering the Pampa (national level) and also the 11 ecological systems present in the biome (regional level). Complementary systems of indigenous lands and mechanisms of preservation in rural properties defined by the Law of Protection of Native Vegetation was considered for the national level. Fifty-three protected areas were found in Pampa, with a total coverage of 3.23% of the biome Preservation mechanisms on rural properties have the potential to extend Pampa protected area system to up to 9.64%, but still depend on the environmental agencies validation. The percentage protected by protected areas in ecological systems ranged from zero to 17.76%, and nine of the 11 systems have less than 3% in protected areas. Data indicated that protected areas are relatively effective since 64% of them maintained or recovered their native vegetation cover. Data also indicated that protected area effectiveness has a relation to the dynamics in its surroundings regarding land use and vegetation cover. It is possible to affirm that Pampa protected areas are influenced by changes in land use in their vicinity. Protected areas must be managed considering these environmental influences to maintain their effectiveness. In perspective of expansion of the protected area system, the effort for conservation should be centered on the establishment of new protected areas with the diversification of management categories and in ecological systems with low percentages of protected areas cover. Data obtained here indicates that Pampa is unlikely to reach the 17% target in an ecologically representative protected area system by 2020.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
The consumption of energy results in environmental costs, which include resource shortages, air pollution and radioactive wastes. Due to the economic cost associated, more and more Western industrial organisations are investing in innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption through improved thermal insulation of buildings, modifying equipment and by using energy-saving devices. The organisations are, however, not assured of any savings unless employees handle apparatus and equipment in a manner that conserves energy. Therefore, the important question to answer is how organisational behaviour can be changed to improve and enhance energy conservation efforts. Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has identified that it needs to change its operations to conserve energy, thus ultimately conserving the planet. The company has identified an internal goal of reducing its energy consumption by fifteen percent, without sacrificing output, over a period of ten years from 2004. Current (2011) energy consumption at the Rustenburg Base Metals Refinery (RBMR) facility indicates that the mentioned goal does not seem achievable in 2014 as anticipated. The proposition to this phenomenon is that the prevailing culture at RBMR is not conducive to a conservation culture as required to conserve energy. Organisational culture is the pattern of values, norms, beliefs, attitudes and assumptions that shape the ways in which people behave and things get done. This hypothesis was tested with a culture survey in the form of an environmental questionnaire. The findings from the questionnaire confirm cultural barriers to achieving centralised targets and goals. Responses to the questionnaire indicated that the organisation does not measure energy conservation efforts accurately and that the information on how to attain the required conservation is not sufficient. The respondents further indicated that they have very limited input into energy conservation efforts and that trust issues present themselves as barriers to achieving set goals and targets. The prevailing perception by the respondents is that inadequate recognition systems are in place to drive the required savings. A surprising finding of the research is that the level of education of the respondents showed no significance with regard to energy conservation and the environment in general. A second interesting finding was that most respondents felt that they could do something to conserve energy and thereby conserve the environment. The challenge facing Amplats is to transform this awareness into a vehicle that will produce significant and sustainable results. Clear and decisive action will be required to bring about cultural change.

In the spring of 2018, a prospection and subsequent research excavation of a previously unstudied area related to the rampart of the Viking age town of Birka, Sweden, was undertaken by students and professors from the archaeological science department affiliated with Stockholm University.The purpose of this paper is to examine and categorise the various excavated finds, the ensuing conservation and preservation of the metal objects as well as to investigate the context and possible function of the site regarding the spatial distribution of said finds.The main method used is that of metal conservation with the wet-chemical technique EDTA; a method that was deemed adequate for the treatment of the dry metal finds from the rampart excavation.The conservation and categorisation suggest that the metal posts consist of assorted metal objects, predominately rivets and nails as well as unidentified fragmented objects; the occasional slag fragment was evident. The material category of clay and ceramics contains assorted burnt clay and ceramic sherd fragments, some with decoration. Whetstone (or hone stone) and flint fragments make up most of the stone finds while the category of glass consists of a few bead fragments. The bulk of the osteological material consists of burnt and unburnt animal bones, some with slaughter marks in the form of cuts and hacks. Two human bone fragments were found; a humerus- and cranial fragment.Post holes and charcoal in the context of the rampart suggests the possibility of wooden supports and/or a superimposed wooden structure on the rampart itself that likely burnt at some point in time. The interpretation of the excavated area, based on the distribution of the finds and material categories, is that of a dumping site for discarded town refuse, most likely set against or near a walled construction; the rampart. The dating of the site is based on object similarities as well as stratigraphy and set to; Early to Late Viking Period, c. A.D. 820-1000(1150).The analyses, materials and the stratigraphy of the site together with a contextual analysis of the objects in question furthers the knowledge of Birka’s rampart and will enable future scientific inquiries into this specific rampart as well as similar fortification structures.

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O sistema lacustre da Zona Oeste do município do Rio de Janeiro, que compreende como Unidades de Conservação os Parques Naturais Municipais Chico Mendes (PNMCM) e Marapendi (PNMM), apresenta ocorrência do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo, Caiman latirostris. As áreas estudadas são um dos últimos refúgios onde ainda encontram-se populações remanescentes de C. latirostris. Foram realizados dez dias de capturas no período de um ano, de junho 2006 a maio de 2007. O jacaré-de-papo-amarelo apresenta grande variação na dieta relacionada a heterogeneidade ambiental em que pode ser encontrado. Os Parques estudados, apresentam ambientes distintos e interligados pelo Canal das Tachas. A dieta dos jacarés nas lagoas e no Canal das Tachas foi dividida em relação ao tamanho das classes de jacarés. Foi observado que os jacarés da lagoinha das Tachas no PNMCM, apresentam uma dieta mais pobre, composta predominantemente de hexápodas associados a ambientes poluídos, diferente dos jacarés encontrados na lagoa Marapendi que apresentam uma dieta mais diversa entre vertebrados e invertebrados, com predominância de peixes e crustáceos. Muitos dos animais estudados que residem no Canal das Tachas, são alimentados por moradores locais. C. latirostris não apresentou preferência por determinados tipos de presas, se alimentando de toda e qualquer presa disponível no ambiente, e nem especialidade de captura por qualquer tipo de presa. Este resultado sugere que, os itens-presa encontrados no conteúdo estomacal do jacaré-de-papo-amarelo podem ser o reflexo da diversidade de presas disponíveis no ambiente, o que indica uma grande capacidade adaptativa do animal a ambientes diversos. Devido a sua longevidade, jacarés e crocodilos estão sujeitos às modificações ambientais naturais e exposição às alterações antrópicas no ambiente. O mercúrio é considerado um elemento traço comum em ambientes lacustres, alagados e reservatórios, sendo de fácil acumulação no organismo e pode se disponibilizar na cadeia trófica devido a fatores ambientais. As taxas de mercúrio encontradas no sangue da espécie foram relativamente altas devido ao favorecimento da metilação mercurial por plantas aquáticas. A acumulação de mercúrio no músculo de C. latirostris se deve ao histórico alimentar e/ou contato prévio destes com presas previamente contaminadas, tendo sido maior na lagoinha das Tachas. Considerado um predador topo-de-cadeia, assim como os demais crocodilianos, e uma espécie-chave para os ambientes onde se inserem, pode ser utilizado como bioindicador de qualidade ambiental.
The freshwater system located at west area of Rio de Janeiro’s municipality is composed by two municipal natural parks: Parque Natural Municipal Chico Mendes (PNMCM) e Parque Natural Municipal Marapendi (PNMM), which are the occurrence areas of Caiman latirostris, a crocodilian species, inside municipal protection areas. These areas represent the last environments where Caiman latirostris populations still living at. Ten captures were made over a year, since June 2006 until May 2007. This species, Caiman latirostris, presents nonspecific diet, including several invertebrates and vertebrates, related to the great variability of environments where it can be found. Chico Mendes and Marapendi Natural Parks, located at Rio de Janeiro’s city, are distinct but interconnected. It was observed that alligators from Tachas’channel at Chico Mendes’ Park presented a poorer diet, composed by hexapods associated to polluted environments, than alligators from Marapendi’s pond, that include vertebrates and invertebrates organisms, mainly fishes and crustaceans, on their alimentation. The alligator’s diet at the two ponds and at Tachas’ channel was separated by length intervals. Most part of the studied animals from Tachas’ channel is fed by people that live nearby. In this study, C. latirostris didn’t show preferences on one specific prey, feeding on any possible prey available in the environment and neither any specificity on captures methods for any kind of prey. This result suggest that the prey items found in stomachal contents of C. latirostris could be a reflex of the prey’s diversity in the environment, which indicate a great adaptation capacity of this species. Due to its longevity, alligators and crocodiles are submitted to natural and anthropic environmental modifications. The species Caiman latirostris, as other crocodilians species, is considered as a top predator and key species in the environments where they live, being used as bioindicators of environmental quality. Mercury is a global pollutant and it is naturally present in aquatic ecosystems as lakes, rivers, wetlands and reservoirs. It may be available to biota and transferred throughout the trophic levels in the food chain. In this study were also evaluated mercury concentrations on blood and muscles of Caiman latirostris. Mercury concentrations in blood showed no differences among areas and among length intervals. Mercury accumulation on muscles of C. latirostris was different between areas, but no difference was found among length intervals. These differences found in those areas, may reflect distinct actual and past environmental conditions.

Protective coatings are commonly used to protect culturally significant works, such as outdoor sculptures and architectural elements. Given the valuable nature of such metalworks, there is a surprising lack of environmentally sustainable coatings available for their conservation. High performance clear coatings are not developed or thoroughly tested for compatibility and longevity on outdoor sculptures. This can make the implementation of both methods and materials, no matter how promising in a lab, a significant hurdle for the conservation science community. This dissertation work initially aims to replace high-VOC formulations such as acrylic lacquers and waxes currently used as protective coatings for bronze with a waterborne coating by investigating the film formation differences between coating types. Such differences likely have implications for initial film barrier properties as well as long-term performance. For coating any large-scale metal object, cost-effectiveness limits applicable coatings to commercially available resins with some minor adjustments. Additional requirements for protective coatings for artwork require they must also be transparent, reversible, easily applied and environmentally sustainable. The chemical and physical properties of polymeric coatings with nanoclays modifiers were investigated as they may offer superior weatherability and act as better barriers to water absorption than commonly used lacquers and waxes. This work ultimately finds that nanocomposites with poly(vinylidene fluoride) latex and chemically stabilized nanoclays significantly improved performance and may be a viable option in the protection of material cultural heritage. Protection of high value objects where aesthetics is also important, such as airplanes, buildings, and sculptures are among the possible applications for this research.

This dissertation offers a cultural history of the 1980s through an examination of one of the decade’s most memorable cultural forms – hair metal. The notion that hair metal musicians, and subsequently their fans, wanted “nothin’ but a good time,” shaped popular perceptions of the genre as shallow, hedonistic, and apolitical. Set against the backdrop of Reagan’s election and the rise of conservatism throughout the decade, hair metal’s transgressive nature embodied in the performers’ apparent obsession with partying and their absolute refusal to adopt the traditional values and trappings of “yuppies” or middle-class Americans, certainly appeared to be a strong reaction against conservatism; however, a closer examination of hair metal as a cultural form reveals a conservative subtext looming beneath the genre’s transgressive façade. In its embrace of traditional gender roles, free market capitalism, and American exceptionalism, hair metal upheld and worked to re-inscribe the key tenants of conservative ideology. Historians have only recently turned an analytical eye toward the 1980s and by and large their analyses have focused on the political and economic changes wrought by the Reagan Revolution that competed America’s conservative turn over the course of the decade. This study adds to historical understandings of the decade’s political history by telling us how non-political actors – musicians, producers, critics, and fans – shaped and were shaped by the currents of formal politics. Though heavy metal music and the rise of conservatism seem to share little common ground, by putting these two seemingly disparate historiographies into conversation with one another, we gain a clearer picture of the breadth and depth of conservatism’s reach in the 1980s.

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CAPEs
Neste estudo, sangue de fêmeas, cascas de ovos e sedimento do ninho de tartarugas Eretmochelys imbricata coletados durante o período reprodutivo, foram analisados por Fluorescência de Raios X para determinar a presença e as concentrações de Ni, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb e Cr e sua possíveis interferências em alguns aspectos reprodutivos. Todos os elementos foram detectados em baixas concentrações. O Ni foi o elemento encontrado em maiores concentrações nas três matrizes; enquanto o Hg foi encontrado em menores concentrações. As análises demonstraram relação positiva (p<0,05) entre o número de ovos que não eclodiram e a concentração de Cu e Pb no sangue. No entanto, os metais não tiveram influência na produção dos ovos nem na mortalidade dos neonatos; tampouco houve relação direta na transferência materna para as cascas. Assim, metais pesados podem ter alguma influência na reprodução da espécie, mesmo em baixas concentrações. Em concentrações maiores, estes poluentes podem ser importantes limitantes da reprodução de tartarugas marinhas.
In this study, blood, egg shells, and nest sediments of sea turtles Eretmochelys imbricate, collected during reproductive period, were analyzed by X- Ray fluorescence to determine the presence and concentrations of Ni, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb and Cr and their possible interference in some reproductive data. All elements were detected in low concentrations. Ni has been found in higher concentrations in three matrices; while Hg was found in lower concentrations. Our analyses demonstrated significant relationship (p < 0,05) between the unhatched eggs and blood concentrations of Cu and Pb. However, the metals did not have influence on egg production nor on newborn mortality; furthermore, no evidence of transference from mother to eggshells was found. Thus, heavy metals may have some influence on the reproduction of Eretmochelys imbricata, even at low concentrations. In higher concentrations, these pollutants may have important influence in reproduction of sea turtles.

Orientador: Marina Corrêa Côrtes
Resumo: A fragmentação dos ambientes naturais pode gerar consequências negativas para a diversidade genética, a evolução e a conservação da biodiversidade. Esses efeitos podem se tornar ameaças à relevância dos ecossistemas para conservação da biodiversidade ao longo prazo e podem impulsionar a ocorrência de fenômenos evolutivos como a adaptação local em populações isoladas. Consequências negativas resultantes da fragmentação podem ser amplificadas por outras pressões negativas comuns em ambientes isolados, incluindo a poluição por metais pesados. A primeira parte desta tese avalia importantes mecanismos evolutivos que promovem a adaptação de plantas a solos contaminados por metais pesados. Informações sobre ecologia populacional, genômica e identificação de genes importantes para adaptação à alta concentração de elementos tóxicos, incluindo Fe, Pb, Cu, Al e Zn, foram usadas para testar mecanismos evolutivos. O estudo revela estratégias ecológicas e genes importantes para o crescimento de Cattleya liliputana em solos contaminados. Melhores ferramentas para a gestão da paisagem e maior integração de áreas protegidas e paisagens produtivas são importantes para reverter a tendência global de fragmentação e uso insustentável dos recursos naturais. A segunda parte da tese fornece ferramentas e análises para promover a conectividade, a integração e o manejo efetivo da paisagem. No segundo capítulo, uma ferramenta de análise espacial de fácil utilização para apoiar projetos com objetivo de ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: The fragmentation of natural environments has pervasive consequences to genetic diversity, evolution and the conservation of biodiversity. These effects are important threats to the long-term relevance of ecosystems, and may drive evolutionary responses such as the local adaptation of isolated populations. Negative consequences resulting from fragmentation can be amplified by other common negative pressures in isolated environments, including pollution by heavy metals. Species that survive after contamination play an important role for restoration but face strong selective pressure for adaptation to the contaminants within an isolated environment. The first part of the thesis shed light on important evolutionary mechanisms that drive plant adaptation to soils contaminated by heavy metals. Information regarding population ecology, genomics, and identification of important genes for adaptation to the high concentration of toxic elements, including Fe, Pb, Cu, Al and Zn were used to test major evolutionary mechanisms. The study revealed ecological strategies and genes important for Cattleya liliputana adaptation to contaminated soils. Better tools for landscape management and enhanced integration of protected areas and production landscapes are important strategies to counter the global trend on fragmentation and unsustainable use of natural resources. The second part of the thesis provides tools and analysis to promote connectivity, integration and effective landscape managemen... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Doutor

Os desafios da agricultura e da pecuária mundial no início do século XXI são complexos: garantir a produção de alimentos suficiente para alimentar uma população mundial crescente e, ao mesmo tempo, reduzir a pressão sobre o ecossistema diminuindo a degradação do solo, a perda de biodiversidade, e as emissões de gases responsáveis pelo efeito estufa. No Brasil, observa-se um forte crescimento na adoção dos sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária (SIPA) com enfoques distintos e particulares em cada região do país. O subtrópico brasileiro caracteriza-se por ser grande produtor de grãos, carne e leite, com utilização intensiva do solo. Diversos estudos apontam que os SIPA’s além de intensificar o uso da terra e diversificar a produção, têm potencial para contribuir para a redução das emissões de gases de efeito estufa (GEE), por unidade de alimento produzido. Neste contexto, este trabalho tem como objetivo: (i) verificar como o manejo da altura do pasto determina diferentes estruturas e influenciam as emissões de GEE em SIPA; (ii) avaliar as emissões de GEE nos diferentes compartimentos do SIPA manejados sob diferentes alturas; (iii) avaliar o balanço global de carbono em SIPA. Para isso, um experimento foi conduzido durante os anos de 2013 e 2014, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, em um protocolo experimental de longo prazo iniciado em 2001. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em um delineamento de blocos completamente casualizados, com três repetições, e consistiram de diferentes alturas de pastejo por bovinos em pasto misto de azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) e aveita-preta (Avena strigosa Schreb.): (P10) 10 cm, (P20) 20 cm, (P30) 30 cm, (P40) 40 cm e ausência de pastejo (SP). Os animais do tratamento (P10) apresentaram menor emissão diária em valores absolutos comparado aos outros tratamentos. O tratamento P20 apresentou menor valor de intensidade de emissão não diferindo de P30 e P40 (P>0,05), com uma diferença cerca de 25% menor em relação ao tratamento P10. Em SIPA’s, os resultados obtidos demonstram que as emissões provenientes dos animais, participam em até 15% do total emitido pelo sistema de produção, desmistificando o papel do animal como grande responsável pelo aquecimento global no setor agropecuário.
The challenges of global agriculture and livestock at the beginning of the 21st century are complex: ensuring sufficient food production to feed a growing world population while reducing pressure on the ecosystem by reducing soil degradation, biodiversity loss and emissions responsible for greenhouse effect. In Brazil, there has been a strong growth in the adoption of integrated crop livestock system (ICLS) with distinct and particular approaches in each region of the country. The Brazilian subtropical is characterized by being a large producer of grains, meat and milk, with intensive use of the soil. Several studies point out that ICLS in addition to intensifying land use and diversifying production have the potential to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of feed produced. In this context, this work aims to: To verify how the management of pasture height determines different structures and influences GHG emissions in ICLS; (ii) to evaluate GHG emissions in the different ICLS compartments operated under different heights; (iii) assess the overall carbon balance in SIPA. For this, an experiment was conducted during the years of 2013 and 2014, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in a long-term experimental protocol initiated in 2001. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design with three repetitions and consisted of different pasture heights grazing by steers on Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) and black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb.) mixed pastures: (P10) 10 cm, (P20) 20 cm, (P30) 30 cm and (P40) 40 cm and no grazing (NG). The treatment (P20) presented lower emission intensity daily emission in absolute values compared to the other treatments. The P20 treatment had a lower emission intensity value not differing from P30 and P40 (P> 0.05), with a difference about 25% lower than P10 treatment. In ICLS's, the results show that the emissions from the animals participate in up to 15% of the total emitted by the production system, demystifying the animal's role as the main responsible for global warming in the agricultural sector.

Motivated by the necessity to consider probabilistic approaches to future designs, the main objective of this thesis was to develop and characterize energy efficient probabilistic CMOS (PCMOS) circuits that can be used to implement low energy computing platforms. The simplest circuit characterized was a PCMOS inverter (switch). An analytical model relating the energy consumption per switching (E) of this switch to its probability of correctness, p was derived. This characterization can also be used to evaluate the energy and performance savings that are achieved by PCMOS switch based computing platforms. The characterization of a PCMOS inverter was also extended to larger circuits whose probabilistic behavior was analyzed by first developing probability models of primitive gates, which were then input to a graph-based model to find the probabilities of larger circuits. The analysis of larger probabilistic circuits provides a basis for analyzing probabilistic behaviors due to noise in future technologies, and can be used in probabilistic design and synthesis methods to improve circuit reliability. Another important design criterion is the speed of a PCMOS circuit. The trade-offs between the energy, speed, and p of PCMOS circuits were also analyzed. Based on this study, various methods were proposed to optimize energy delay product (EDP) and p under given constraints on p, performance, and EDP. The sensitivity of the analysis with respect to variations in temperature, supply voltage, and threshold voltage was also considered.

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Conservação e Restauro
This project involved the conservation of a 19th century portrait in oils from the Ecomuseu do Seixal (Portugal). The painting of “João Luiz Lourenço” was in very poor condition. Because of the range and severity of the problems presented, it offered an opportunity to explore important aspects of painting conservation in-depth. The approach to its treatment required an empirical investigation of a number of materials and techniques used in the field of conservation/restoration. Of additional interest, the painting exhibits widespread evidence of metal soap (lead carboxylate) aggregates protruding through the paint from the ground layer. The painting’s materials and the metal soaps aggregates were studied and characterised with different analytical techniques: μ-EDXRF (Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence), μ-Raman Spectroscopy, μ-FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and SEM-EDX (Electron Scanning Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy). Part 1: describes the study of the materials and the technique of the painting, and of the metal-soap aggregation within the painting’s ground layer. Observation with the Optical Microscope and with SEM-EDX of paint/ground cross-sections reveals the presence of two visually distinct lead carboxylate aggregates: one, completely white, and the other with a white centre surrounded by distinct red particles identified as red lead (minium: Pb3O4) by μ-Raman. The presence of these two types raises questions about whether there are different starting materials for the aggregates or whether they could be in different states of evolution. Part 2: describes the design and implementation of the conservation/restoration treatment. The treatment of the painting raised challenges and at various stages involved the exploration of non-traditional methods. At every stage during the treatment the consequences of an intervention was carefully considered in relation to the subsequent steps. All decisions were taken according to the painting’s intrinsic conservation problems and materials and with regard to the future environment of the painting.

Global environmental change fundamentally affects plants and their interactions with other species, and this has profound impacts on communities and ultimately ecosystems. In order to understand the mechanisms involved, we need to elaborate on the combined effects of different global change drivers on multiple levels of plant organization, including the biochemical level (production of defence compounds), the whole organism, the population, and the plant-herbivore interaction level. This thesis investigates (1) the combined effects of factors related to climate change and habitat fragmentation on Brassica nigra and (2) the effects of Zn soil pollution on the heavy metal hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens at these different levels. Common garden and greenhouse experiments with B. nigra applied drought stress and elevated CO₂ to examine climate change impacts, while crossing treatments (inbreeding and between-population outbreeding) were used to investigate habitat fragmentation effects. Heterosis was lost under drought stress, and there were several interactive effects of the experimental treatments that varied within and among populations. In a greenhouse experiment with N. caerulescens, plants were grown on soil with different amounts of zinc. Plants had greater herbivore resistance when grown on Zn-amended soil, and invested more in herbivore tolerance when grown on soil without added Zn. In general, the results indicate that factors related to global environmental change have complex and interactive effects on different levels of plant organization. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for ecology, evolution and conservation.

La province du Katanga est connue pour ses affleurements naturels de roches riches en cuivre et en cobalt. Plus d’une centaine de « collines de cuivre », isolées géographiquement et écologiquement possèdent une flore très originale qui comprend plus de 600 espèces dont 32 endémiques. Les métallophytes du Katanga sont des plantes fascinantes aux points de vue écologique, biogéographique, physiologique et évolutif. Elles restent très peu étudiées et leur conservation est très problématique compte tenu de l’extension des activités minières. L’objectif général de la thèse est de contribuer à une meilleure connaissance des métallophytes du Katanga, dans une perspective explicite de conservation de leur biodiversité.

Dans ce contexte, la thèse représente une des toutes premières approches de la biologie et l’écologie des populations de deux métallophytes apparentées. L’objectif est de préciser la distribution et la niche des deux taxons, et la variation de leur capacité d’accumuler et de tolérer les métaux lourds. Les résultats sont utilisés pour discuter la valeur conservatoire des cuprophytes du Katanga, leur vulnérabilité et envisager des stratégies de conservation.

Nous avons montré que les sols des affleurements de roche cuprocobaltifère se distinguer édaphiquement d’autres types de sols métallifères dans le monde. La révision phytogéographique et taxonomique a permis de valider 32 taxons endémiques et de mettre en évidence 23 couples de cuprophytes étroitement apparentés. La proportion élevée de couples de cuprophytes apparentés nous laisse suggérer que des événements de spéciation auraient existés au sein même des habitats cuprifères. Un isolement écologique pourrait s’exercer au niveau des zones les plus riches en cuivre. Ces couples d’espèces cuprophytes constitueraient un outil de recherche idéal pour l’étude de la spéciation.

Les propriétés hyperaccumulatrices de certaines espèces ont été exagérées, sans doute par suite de problèmes méthodologiques. L’accumulation du Cu ne se produit que dans des conditions édaphiques particulières, très difficiles à obtenir en culture. Cependant, nous avons montré que C. tenuis et C. perennis étaient hautement tolérantes au cuivre. Chez ces deux espèces, le cuivre provoquait une augmentation des performances de certaines populations métallicoles en milieux stérile. Ces populations posséderaient des besoins élevés en cuivre. Dans ce cas, la cuprophilie apparente de l’espèce in natura pourrait être expliquée par un coût de la tolérance au cuivre. Cette cuprophilie semble être un phénomène rare chez les espèces tolérantes au cuivre et confère ainsi à C. perennis et C. tenuis une valeur biologique remarquable.

Actuellement, parmi les 32 taxons endémiques stricts des habitats cuprifères du Katanga, 6% sont éteints (EX), 73% sont en danger critique d’extinction (CR), 9% sont en danger d’extinction (EN) et 3% sont vulnérables (VU). De plus, 18 taxons présentant une affinité particulièrement élevée pour les sols cuprifères, sans y être totalement confinés (fréquence sur Cu > 75%) sont réellement menacés d’extinction (22 % EN et 78% VU). Néanmoins, 18 % de ces endémiques menacées sont capables de coloniser les habitats métallifères anthropogènes. Comme C. perennis, certaines endémiques se développaient uniquement sur des sols perturbés par l’activité minière. C. tenuis possède aussi son optimum écologique sur les sols anthropogènes cuprifères. Cela indique que certaines espèces de la flore du cuivre du Katanga considérées en danger critique d’extinction sont en fait moins menacées parce qu’elles sont en mesure de se développer sur les habitats anthropogènes métallifères. L’exploitation minière est toujours destructive mais les habitats anthropogènes récents semblent avoir une valeur de conservation pour certains métallophytes rares. Une partie des déchets de l’exploitation minière et les sols contaminés pourraient être gérés de manière à fournir des habitats artificiels pour la colonisation ou la conservation ex situ de ces espèces. Dans la discussion, nous examinons les stratégies de conservation de ces espèces.

Doctorat en Sciences
info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

I convey my thoughts through art jewelry; making jewelry is my language of communication and commemoration. Inspired by historical Chinese art and contemporary jewelry, my practice pays attention to bring classical Chinese aesthetics of hazy poetic and ideal arrangement into the contemporary jewelry field. The attention to detail refers to the quiet contemplation and emotional experiences encouraged by each of my works. Through my research, I use metalsmithing language to communicate with non-precious materials finding my own way of expression and meditation. Meanwhile, I build environments that display jewelry off the body in order to construct a picturesque landscape. The research that lead to my thesis work, Through My Windows, which conveys the desire for mental escape. The Jewelry pieces become the keys to open the imagination and emotionally escape into an ideal state through making and viewing them.

Mongolia is currently undergoing a rapid socioeconomic transition with extensive development driven by increased mineral resource extraction and large scale agriculture and pastoral expansion. There has also been unprecedented urbanisation and continued population growth that has placed added pressure on the ageing public infrastructure including power stations and waste water treatment plants. As a result, the country’s pristine landscapes, including its vast freshwater ecosystems, are now facing widespread degradation, contamination and species losses in the most impacted regions. The proposed large-scale dams and imminent climate change effects will further damage these fragile ecosystems. With a number of rivers and lakes deteriorating, resident aquatic communities, including unique fish species, have suffered significant population declines. However, a more substantial threat currently facing these fish populations is the rapid and largely unregulated rise in fishing activities within an emerging recreational fishery. Although historically fish capture and consumption has not been a traditional part of the Mongolian diet or culture, this is changing rapidly. Therefore a comprehensive set of research projects were developed and implemented across Mongolia, to gather essential information on this new fishery, while also addressing existing knowledge gaps regarding the spatial ecology and genetic structure of the main target species. In addition, a potential human health risk was evident due to the increased consumption of locally caught fish species from a heavily impacted river basin, and thus this was also investigated. Overall, the collective aim of this fisheries research was to increase the scientific understanding and knowledge across a range of issues and ultimately advise authorities on improving current management regulations and conservation strategies. It is hoped that the recommendations can assist in safeguarding the future sustainability and resilience of the threatened fish populations and the emerging recreational fishery across Mongolia for the future. A total of five fisheries related research projects were completed between 2011 and 2014, with the results from each used to formulate the conservation and management recommendations presented in this thesis. Due to the lack of knowledge regarding the emerging recreational fishery, roving creel surveys were conducted across three river basins and covered five key topics including angler demographics, fishing practices, current fishing trip data, fishing gear and costs, and angler knowledge and opinions. Fifty-eight fishing groups (n = 154 anglers) were interviewed and two angler types were identified: rural anglers with no or low incomes, who reside in the basin, fish alone or in smaller groups, fish frequently for shorter periods, and consumed fish more regularly; and urban anglers who have medium to high incomes, live in larger cities, spent more money on fishing gear / trips and fished for multiple days at a time. B. lenok was identified as the most targeted and caught species in the fishery. The results of the creel surveys confirmed increased fish consumption in the Kharaa River basin, which was identified as a potential human health risk due to the widespread heavy metal contamination from both past and present mining activities. Thus heavy metal contaminates in river water, sediment and five consumed fish species were examined at 11 sites across the basin. Heavy metals were evident in all five sampled species, with maximum muscle contents of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) detected in fish from the middle and lower reaches, while zinc (Zn) was highly elevated in B. lenok from the upper tributaries. Elevated median contents of Cr, copper (Cu), Hg and Pb increased with trophic level, with the bioaccumulation of Hg posing the greatest threat to human health with over 10 % of all fish sampled exceeded the internationally recommended threshold for Hg in consumable fish tissue (> 0.5 µg g-1 ww). This bioaccumulation in resident fish species could lead to chronic toxicity in people who consume them regularly and have additional exposure to other sources of contamination e.g. gold mining. A further two projects were conducted that utilised passive acoustic telemetry to describe the spatial and temporal autecology, habitat use and behaviour of B. lenok in the Eroo River and H. taimen in the Onon/Balj rivers under Mongolia’s extreme seasonal conditions. The maximum longitudinal movements (home ranges) detected were more extensive than previously reported for both species with 45.3 km for B. lenok and 126.1 km for H. taimen. Increased movements were recorded in spring and summer, with individuals entering surrounding tributaries and remaining there for between four and 85 days before returning to the main river channel. The results highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity and connectivity of tributary habitats for spawning, feeding and overwintering, as well as hydrological and thermal refuges, which will be increasingly important for these species in the region with the pending impacts of climate change. This increased knowledge relating to the spatial ecology of these threatened species can guide the design and implementation of new protective measures such as the introduction of Freshwater Protected Areas (FPAs) across Mongolia. Further research was conducted to gain a broader, multigenerational understanding of the interconnectedness between conspecific populations of H. taimen, B. lenok and T. baicalensis across the major river basins. Both molecular and nuclear markers were used to demarcate the population’s genetic structure and define Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) and priority populations for these species across their Mongolian distributions. Across all species, the most prominent pattern was a strong differentiation among major basins with low differentiation and weak patterns of isolation by distance within basins, which indicates high within-basin connectivity between populations, although exact patterns were not completely concordant among species. The extensive results produced from the current scientific research has facilitated the development of a comprehensive set of key recommendations for implementing new, and enhancing existing, management and conservation measures relating to Mongolia’s threatened salmonid species and its emerging recreational fishery. These recommendations include: 1. Establishing a series of Freshwater Protected Areas (FPAs) throughout Mongolia’s major river basins, with their design and location based upon the spatial ecology and genetic population structure determined by the current research results; 2. Shifting the opening date of the fishing season to encompass the entire spawning period of B. lenok (the fishery’s main target species), which appears to currently not be the case; 3. Adding the blunt-snouted lenok (B. sp.) to the prohibited species list, as it has been genetically proven to be an independent species and has a restricted distribution and low abundance in Mongolia; and 4. Introducing minimum (and potentially maximum) size limits for B. lenok and T. baicalensis, to better protect immature and pre-spawning individuals from being removed from the population. In addition, it is highly recommended to commence fisheries dependent and independent assessments in key river basins and conduct biomonitoring programs (using a bioindicator species) to track toxic heavy metal contamination and identify potential human health risks associated with consuming resident fish species from the more heavily impacted regions. The lack of knowledge of the current fishing regulations by anglers as well as the observed and reported widespread illegal fishing activities demands a wide-ranging angler education program to improve understanding and compliance within the fishery. The future survival of these threatened salmonids and the sustainability of the emerging recreational fishery in Mongolia currently hangs in the balance. However, if these scientifically based recommendations are implemented in full, and can be adequately enforced, then the responsible authorities can take a huge step forward towards reversing the current trends and preserving the country’s imperilled freshwater fish populations and their valuable aquatic ecosystems. Mongolia can be a model for freshwater species conservation and management throughout the region and the world.:DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY I TABLE OF CONTENTS II ACKNOWLEDGMENTS V LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS VI LIST OF FIGURES VII LIST OF TABLES VIII SUMMARY IX SUMMARY IN GERMAN / ZUSAMMENFASSUNG AUF DEUTSCH XII SUMMARY IN MONGOLIAN / ХУРААНГУЙ XVI INTRODUCTION 1 1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND HYPOTHESES 1 1.1 OVERALL THESIS OBJECTIVES 6 2 MONGOLIA’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 7 2.1 GEOGRAPHIC ECOREGIONS 7 2.2 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 7 2.3 HYDROLOGICAL NETWORKS 8 2.4 FRESHWATER FISH FAUNA 9 3 ANTHROPOGENIC FORCINGS 11 3.1 CURRENT SOCIOECONOMIC TRANSITIONS 11 3.2 INTENSIFYING FISHING ACTIVITIES 11 3.3 CONTAMINATION OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS 12 3.4 IMMINENT THREATS 15 RESEARCH CHAPTERS 17 4 AN EMERGING RECREATIONAL FISHERY IN MONGOLIA’S URBANISING SOCIETY: A THREAT TO ITS PRISTINE FISH STOCKS? 17 4.1 ABSTRACT 17 4.2 INTRODUCTION 18 4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 20 4.4 RESULTS 22 4.5 DISCUSSION 29 5 REGIONAL PATTERNS OF HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE AND CONTAMINATION IN THE FISH FAUNA OF THE KHARAA RIVER BASIN (MONGOLIA) 36 5.1 ABSTRACT 36 5.2 INTRODUCTION 37 5.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 39 5.4 RESULTS 43 5.5 DISCUSSION 49 6 MOVEMENTS AND BEHAVIOUR OF AN ARCHAIC TROUT, BRACHYMYSTAX LENOK (PALLAS, 1773) UNDER EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN MONGOLIA 57 6.1 ABSTRACT 57 6.2 INTRODUCTION 57 6.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 60 6.4 RESULTS 64 6.5 DISCUSSION 71 7 SEASONAL HOME RANGE SHIFTS OF THE SIBERIAN TAIMEN (HUCHO TAIMEN; PALLAS, 1773): EVIDENCE FROM PASSIVE ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY IN THE ONON RIVER AND BALJ TRIBUTARY (AMUR RIVER BASIN, MONGOLIA) 78 7.1 ABSTRACT 78 7.2 INTRODUCTION 79 7.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 81 7.4 RESULTS 84 7.5 DISCUSSION 88 8 FISH CONSERVATION IN THE LAND OF STEPPE AND SKY: EVOLUTIONARY SIGNIFICANT UNITS OF THREATENED SALMONID SPECIES IN MONGOLIA MIRROR MAJOR RIVER BASINS 95 8.1 ABSTRACT 95 8.2 INTRODUCTION 95 8.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 98 8.4 RESULTS 101 8.5 DISCUSSION 108 DISCUSSION 115 9 SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES IN MONGOLIA 115 9.1 OVERVIEW AND LINKAGES OF KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS 115 9.2 FRESHWATER FISH CONSERVATION IN A TRANSITIONAL SOCIETY 118 9.3 ADDRESSING MANAGEMENT SHORTFALLS TO CURB INTENSIFYING FISHING ACTIVITIES 119 9.4 BIOMONITORING TO MITIGATE HUMAN HEALTH RISKS 122 9.5 IMPROVING ANGLER COMPLIANCE WITH INCREASED EDUCATION 123 9.6 PRESERVING HYDROLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY AND RIVER INTEGRITY IN THE FACE OF IMMINENT THREATS 124 9.7 MANAGEMENT AVOIDANCES 127 9.8 TRANSFERABILITY OF RESEARCH METHODS, RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 127 9.9 FUTURE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES 129 10 REFERENCES 132 APPENDIX 1 I APPENDIX 2 II APPENDIX 3 VI APPENDIX 4 VIII APPENDIX 5 XXI APPENDIX 6 XXII APPENDIX 7 XXIV 11 REFERENCES TO OWN PUBLISHED / SUBMITTED MANUSCRIPT IN THE PRESENT THESIS XXV 12 INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CURRENT THESIS XXVI 13 NOTE ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE DOCTORAL PROCEDURE XXVIII 14 CURRICULUM VITAE XXIX 15 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS XXXI
Die Mongolei befindet sich derzeit in einem rasanten sozioökonomischen Übergang mit tiefgreifenden Veränderungen, die v.a. durch eine Zunahme bergbaulicher Aktivitäten sowie einen Ausbau ackerbaulicher Nutzungen wie auch der Viehwirtschaft angetrieben werden. Derzeit vollzieht sich eine noch nie dagewesene Urbanisierung und ein weiteres Bevölkerungswachstum, das auf die alternde öffentliche Infrastruktur, einschließlich Kraftwerke und Abwasserbehandlungsanlagen, einen zusätzlichen Druck ausübt. Infolgedessen zeigen sich in den weitgehend unberührten Landschaften des Landes, einschließlich seiner riesigen Süßwasser-Ökosysteme, deutliche Anzeichen von Übernutzung natürlicher Ressourcen, Umweltverschmutzung und Artenverlusten. Zukünftig geplante große Staudämme werden neben den bevorstehenden Auswirkungen des Klimawandels die Hydrologie deutlich verändern. So sind bereits deutliche Beeinträchtigungen der Fluss-und See-Ökosysteme erkennbar, insbesondere in Hinblick auf ihre aquatischen Lebensgemeinschaften. Einige der weltweit einzigartigen Fischarten haben bereits erhebliche Bevölkerungsrückgänge erlitten. Eine weitere existenzielle Bedrohung für diese Fischpopulationen ist der rasche und weitgehend un-regulierte Anstieg der Fischereitätigkeiten aus einer aufstrebenden Freizeitfischerei. Obwohl Fischfang und -konsum keine traditionellen Elemente der mongolischen Ernährung oder Kultur darstellen, vollziehen sich diesbezüglich derzeit tiefgreifende Veränderungen. Daher wurden in der Mongolei umfangreiche Forschungsprojekte geplant und durchgeführt, um wesentliche Informationen über diese neue Art der Fischerei zu sammeln und gleichzeitig bestehende Wissenslücken in Bezug auf die räumliche Ökologie und die Metapopulationsstruktur der wichtigsten Zielarten zu schließen. Darüber hinaus zeigten Untersuchungen, dass sich aufgrund des erhöhten Konsums von lokal gefangenen Fischarten aus einem stark beeinträchtigten Einzugsgebiet ein potenzielles Risiko für die menschliche Gesundheit ergibt. Insgesamt ist das übergeordnete Ziel dieser Fischereiforschung, das wissenschaftliche Verständnis und Wissen zu erweitern und letztlich die derzeitigen Managementinstrumente zu verbessern und neue Erhaltungsmaßnahmen zu ergreifen, um die Nachhaltigkeit und Widerstandsfähigkeit der bedrohten Fischartenpopulationen und die aufkommende Erholung zu sichern. Insgesamt wurden zwischen 2011 und 2014 insgesamt fünf fischereibiologische Forschungsprojekte abgeschlossen, wobei die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeiten in Erhaltungs- und Managementempfehlungen münden. Wegen des Mangels an Wissen über die aufkommende Freizeitfischerei wurden Anglerbefragungen in drei Einzugsgebieten durchgeführt, welche fünf wichtige Themen wie Angler-Demographie, Fischereipraktiken, Reisetätigkeiten, Fanggeräte und Kosten sowie Anglerwissen und Meinungen umfassten. Fünfundsechzig Angelgruppen (n = 154 Angler) wurden interviewt und zwei Anglertypen identifiziert: ländliche Angler ohne oder niedrige Einkommen, die in dem Becken wohnen, alleine oder in kleineren Gruppen fischen, häufig für kürzere Zeiten fischen und regelmäßig Fisch verzehren; und städtische Angler, die mittlere bis hohe Einkommen haben, in größeren Städten leben, mehr Geld für Fanggeräte / Ausflüge ausgegeben und typischerweise für mehrere Tage am Stück fischen. B. lenok wurde als die bevorzugte und am meisten gefangene Zielarten der Fischerei identifiziert. Die Ergebnisse der Anglerbefragungen bestätigten den erhöhten Fischkonsum im Kharaa-Einzugsgebiet, das aufgrund der weit verbreiteten Schwermetallverunreinigung aus der Vergangenheit und den gegenwärtigen Bergbauaktivitäten als potenzielles Risiko für die menschliche Gesundheit identifiziert wurde. So wurden Schwermetallverunreinigungen im Flusswasser, Sediment und fünf konsumierten Fischarten an 11 Standorten im Einzugsgebiet untersucht. Schwermetalle zeigten sich in allen fünf Stichprobenarten, wobei der maximale Muskelgehalt von Cr, As, Hg und Pb in Fischen aus dem Mittel- und Unterlauf festgestellt wurde, während Zn in B. lenok in den Oberlaufregionen stark erhöht war. Der erhöhte mediane Gehalt an Cr, Cu, Hg und Pb nahm mit trophischer Ebene zu, wobei die Bioakkumulation von Hg die größte Bedrohung für die menschliche Gesundheit darstellte, wobei über 10% aller Fischproben den international empfohlenen Schwellenwert für Hg im verzehrbaren Fischgewebe überstiegen (> 0,5 μg g-1 ww). Diese Bioakkumulation in residenten Fischarten könnte zu chronischen Intoxikationen bei Menschen führen, die sie regelmäßig konsumieren und zusätzliche Exposition gegenüber anderen Kontaminationsquellen haben, z.B. im Goldbergbau. Es wurden weitere zwei Projekte durchgeführt, die eine passive akustische Telemetrie zur Beschreibung der räumlichen und zeitlichen Autökologie, des Lebensraumnutzens und des Verhaltens von B. lenok im Eroo River und H. taimen in den Flüssen Onon und Balj unter den extremen Klimabedingungen der Mongolei verwendeten. Die maximalen Längsbewegungen (Heimatbereiche) wurden -umfangreicher als bisher angenommen- für beide Arten wurden auf 45,3 km für B. lenok und 126,1 km für H. taimen ermittelt. Im Frühjahr und Sommer wurden erhöhte Bewegungen aufgezeichnet, wobei die Individuen in die umliegenden Nebenflüsse eintraten und dort zwischen 4 und 85 Tagen verblieben, bevor sie zum Hauptfluss des Flusses zurückkehrten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Bedeutung der Aufrechterhaltung der Integrität und der Konnektivität von Nebenflüssen für Laichen, Nahrungssuche und Überwinterung sowie hydrologische und thermische Schutzräume, die für diese Arten in der Region mit den anstehenden Auswirkungen des Klimawandels zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnen werden. Die verbesserten Kenntnisse der räumlichen Ökologie dieser bedrohten Arten kann die Gestaltung und Umsetzung neuer Schutzmaßnahmen wie Süßwasser-Schutzgebiete in der Mongolei wissenschaftlich fundieren und leiten. Weitere Untersuchungen wurden durchgeführt, um ein breiteres, multigenerationales Verständnis der Zusammenhänge zwischen den konkreten Populationen von H. taimen, B. lenok und T. baicalensis über die großen Flusseinzugsgebiete zu gewinnen. Sowohl molekulare als auch nukleare Marker wurden verwendet, um die genetische Struktur abzugrenzen und definieren, so z.B. evolutionär signifikante Einheiten (ESUs) und eigenständige Populationen für diese Arten einschließlich ihrer räumlichen Verteilung in der Mongolei. Über alle Arten hinweg war das deutlichste Muster eine starke Differenzierung zwischen den großen Becken mit geringer Differenzierung. Dem gegenüber stehen schwache Muster der Isolation durch die Distanz in den Becken, die eine hohe einzugsgebietsinterne Konnektivität anzeigen, obwohl exakte Muster nicht vollständig unter allen Arten übereinstimmten. Die Prioritäten der Erhaltung müssen sich auf die Verbesserung des Schutzes der vorrangigen Bevölkerungsgruppen innerhalb jeder Art und ESU konzentrieren, um die begrenzten verfügbaren Ressourcen für die Arten- und Populations-Erhaltung und fischereiliche Bewirtschaftung in der Mongolei zu maximieren. Die umfangreichen Ergebnisse aus der aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Forschung ermöglichten die Ableitung umfassender Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung neuer und die Verbesserung der bestehenden Management- und Erhaltungsmaßnahmen in Bezug auf die bedrohten Lachsarten der Mongolei und die aufkommende Freizeitfischerei. Diese Empfehlungen beinhalten 1.die Gründung einer Reihe von Süßwasser-Schutzgebieten (FPA) in den großen Flussgebieten der Mongolei auf der Grundlage der räumlichen Ökologie und der genetischen Bevölkerungsstruktur, die durch die aktuellen Forschungsergebnisse untermauert wird; 2. Eine Verschiebung des Eröffnungstermins der Fangsaison, welche im Gegensatz zur aktuellen Praxis die gesamte Laichzeit von B. lenok (die Hauptzielspezies der Fischerei); umfassen sollte; 3. Hinzufügen des Stumpfschnauzen-Lenok (B. sp.) zur Liste der besonders geschützten Arten, da er sich als eine genetisch unabhängige Spezies erwiesen hat, welche eine begrenzte räumliche Verteilung und geringe Populationsdichte in der Mongolei hat; und 4. Einführung von minimalen (und potentiell maximalen) Körpergrößenbeschränkungen für B. lenok und T. baicalensis, um die unreifen und heranwachsenden Individuen besser vor menschlichen Einflüssen zu schützen. Darüber hinaus empfiehlt es sich dringend, in den wichtigsten Flussgebieten fischereilich genutzte und nicht genutzte Fischpopulationen zu erfassen und Biomonitoring-Programme (unter Verwendung von Bioindikator-Spezies) zu implementieren, um toxische Schwermetallverunreinigungen zu verfolgen und potenzielle Risiken für die menschliche Gesundheit zu identifizieren, die mit dem Verzehr Fischen aus beeinträchtigten Regionen einhergehen. Schließlich verlangt das Fehlen von Kenntnissen über die derzeitigen Fischereiverordnungen durch Angler sowie die beobachteten und gemeldeten weitverbreiteten illegalen Fischereitätigkeiten ein weitreichendes Angler-Bildungsprogramm, um das Verständnis und die Einhaltung fischereilicher Regelungen zu verbessern. Das künftige Überleben der bedrohten Salmoniden und die Nachhaltigkeit der aufkommenden Freizeitfischerei in der Mongolei sind eng miteinander verbunden. Sofern die hier dargestellten wissenschaftlich fundierten Empfehlungen in vollem Umfang umgesetzt werden und hinreichend kontrolliert werden können, würden die zuständigen Behörden einen großen Schritt in Richtung der Umkehrung der aktuellen Trends machen und die gefährdeten Süßwasserfischpopulationen des Landes und ihre wertvollen aquatischen Ökosysteme bewahren. Die Mongolei könnte dann ein Modell für die Erhaltung und Bewirtschaftung von Süßwasserarten in der ganzen Region und der Welt werden.:DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY I TABLE OF CONTENTS II ACKNOWLEDGMENTS V LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS VI LIST OF FIGURES VII LIST OF TABLES VIII SUMMARY IX SUMMARY IN GERMAN / ZUSAMMENFASSUNG AUF DEUTSCH XII SUMMARY IN MONGOLIAN / ХУРААНГУЙ XVI INTRODUCTION 1 1 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES AND HYPOTHESES 1 1.1 OVERALL THESIS OBJECTIVES 6 2 MONGOLIA’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 7 2.1 GEOGRAPHIC ECOREGIONS 7 2.2 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS 7 2.3 HYDROLOGICAL NETWORKS 8 2.4 FRESHWATER FISH FAUNA 9 3 ANTHROPOGENIC FORCINGS 11 3.1 CURRENT SOCIOECONOMIC TRANSITIONS 11 3.2 INTENSIFYING FISHING ACTIVITIES 11 3.3 CONTAMINATION OF AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS 12 3.4 IMMINENT THREATS 15 RESEARCH CHAPTERS 17 4 AN EMERGING RECREATIONAL FISHERY IN MONGOLIA’S URBANISING SOCIETY: A THREAT TO ITS PRISTINE FISH STOCKS? 17 4.1 ABSTRACT 17 4.2 INTRODUCTION 18 4.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 20 4.4 RESULTS 22 4.5 DISCUSSION 29 5 REGIONAL PATTERNS OF HEAVY METAL EXPOSURE AND CONTAMINATION IN THE FISH FAUNA OF THE KHARAA RIVER BASIN (MONGOLIA) 36 5.1 ABSTRACT 36 5.2 INTRODUCTION 37 5.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 39 5.4 RESULTS 43 5.5 DISCUSSION 49 6 MOVEMENTS AND BEHAVIOUR OF AN ARCHAIC TROUT, BRACHYMYSTAX LENOK (PALLAS, 1773) UNDER EXTREME ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IN MONGOLIA 57 6.1 ABSTRACT 57 6.2 INTRODUCTION 57 6.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 60 6.4 RESULTS 64 6.5 DISCUSSION 71 7 SEASONAL HOME RANGE SHIFTS OF THE SIBERIAN TAIMEN (HUCHO TAIMEN; PALLAS, 1773): EVIDENCE FROM PASSIVE ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY IN THE ONON RIVER AND BALJ TRIBUTARY (AMUR RIVER BASIN, MONGOLIA) 78 7.1 ABSTRACT 78 7.2 INTRODUCTION 79 7.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 81 7.4 RESULTS 84 7.5 DISCUSSION 88 8 FISH CONSERVATION IN THE LAND OF STEPPE AND SKY: EVOLUTIONARY SIGNIFICANT UNITS OF THREATENED SALMONID SPECIES IN MONGOLIA MIRROR MAJOR RIVER BASINS 95 8.1 ABSTRACT 95 8.2 INTRODUCTION 95 8.3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 98 8.4 RESULTS 101 8.5 DISCUSSION 108 DISCUSSION 115 9 SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES IN MONGOLIA 115 9.1 OVERVIEW AND LINKAGES OF KEY RESEARCH FINDINGS 115 9.2 FRESHWATER FISH CONSERVATION IN A TRANSITIONAL SOCIETY 118 9.3 ADDRESSING MANAGEMENT SHORTFALLS TO CURB INTENSIFYING FISHING ACTIVITIES 119 9.4 BIOMONITORING TO MITIGATE HUMAN HEALTH RISKS 122 9.5 IMPROVING ANGLER COMPLIANCE WITH INCREASED EDUCATION 123 9.6 PRESERVING HYDROLOGICAL CONNECTIVITY AND RIVER INTEGRITY IN THE FACE OF IMMINENT THREATS 124 9.7 MANAGEMENT AVOIDANCES 127 9.8 TRANSFERABILITY OF RESEARCH METHODS, RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 127 9.9 FUTURE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT PRIORITIES 129 10 REFERENCES 132 APPENDIX 1 I APPENDIX 2 II APPENDIX 3 VI APPENDIX 4 VIII APPENDIX 5 XXI APPENDIX 6 XXII APPENDIX 7 XXIV 11 REFERENCES TO OWN PUBLISHED / SUBMITTED MANUSCRIPT IN THE PRESENT THESIS XXV 12 INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE CURRENT THESIS XXVI 13 NOTE ON THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE DOCTORAL PROCEDURE XXVIII 14 CURRICULUM VITAE XXIX 15 LIST OF PUBLICATIONS XXXI

Mongolia is currently undergoing a rapid socioeconomic transition with extensive development driven by increased mineral resource extraction and large scale agriculture and pastoral expansion. There has also been unprecedented urbanisation and continued population growth that has placed added pressure on the ageing public infrastructure including power stations and waste water treatment plants. As a result, the country’s pristine landscapes, including its vast freshwater ecosystems, are now facing widespread degradation, contamination and species losses in the most impacted regions. The proposed large-scale dams and imminent climate change effects will further damage these fragile ecosystems. With a number of rivers and lakes deteriorating, resident aquatic communities, including unique fish species, have suffered significant population declines. However, a more substantial threat currently facing these fish populations is the rapid and largely unregulated rise in fishing activities within an emerging recreational fishery. Although historically fish capture and consumption has not been a traditional part of the Mongolian diet or culture, this is changing rapidly. Therefore a comprehensive set of research projects were developed and implemented across Mongolia, to gather essential information on this new fishery, while also addressing existing knowledge gaps regarding the spatial ecology and genetic structure of the main target species. In addition, a potential human health risk was evident due to the increased consumption of locally caught fish species from a heavily impacted river basin, and thus this was also investigated. Overall, the collective aim of this fisheries research was to increase the scientific understanding and knowledge across a range of issues and ultimately advise authorities on improving current management regulations and conservation strategies. It is hoped that the recommendations can assist in safeguarding the future sustainability and resilience of the threatened fish populations and the emerging recreational fishery across Mongolia for the future. A total of five fisheries related research projects were completed between 2011 and 2014, with the results from each used to formulate the conservation and management recommendations presented in this thesis. Due to the lack of knowledge regarding the emerging recreational fishery, roving creel surveys were conducted across three river basins and covered five key topics including angler demographics, fishing practices, current fishing trip data, fishing gear and costs, and angler knowledge and opinions. Fifty-eight fishing groups (n = 154 anglers) were interviewed and two angler types were identified: rural anglers with no or low incomes, who reside in the basin, fish alone or in smaller groups, fish frequently for shorter periods, and consumed fish more regularly; and urban anglers who have medium to high incomes, live in larger cities, spent more money on fishing gear / trips and fished for multiple days at a time. B. lenok was identified as the most targeted and caught species in the fishery. The results of the creel surveys confirmed increased fish consumption in the Kharaa River basin, which was identified as a potential human health risk due to the widespread heavy metal contamination from both past and present mining activities. Thus heavy metal contaminates in river water, sediment and five consumed fish species were examined at 11 sites across the basin. Heavy metals were evident in all five sampled species, with maximum muscle contents of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) detected in fish from the middle and lower reaches, while zinc (Zn) was highly elevated in B. lenok from the upper tributaries. Elevated median contents of Cr, copper (Cu), Hg and Pb increased with trophic level, with the bioaccumulation of Hg posing the greatest threat to human health with over 10 % of all fish sampled exceeded the internationally recommended threshold for Hg in consumable fish tissue (> 0.5 µg g-1 ww). This bioaccumulation in resident fish species could lead to chronic toxicity in people who consume them regularly and have additional exposure to other sources of contamination e.g. gold mining. A further two projects were conducted that utilised passive acoustic telemetry to describe the spatial and temporal autecology, habitat use and behaviour of B. lenok in the Eroo River and H. taimen in the Onon/Balj rivers under Mongolia’s extreme seasonal conditions. The maximum longitudinal movements (home ranges) detected were more extensive than previously reported for both species with 45.3 km for B. lenok and 126.1 km for H. taimen. Increased movements were recorded in spring and summer, with individuals entering surrounding tributaries and remaining there for between four and 85 days before returning to the main river channel. The results highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity and connectivity of tributary habitats for spawning, feeding and overwintering, as well as hydrological and thermal refuges, which will be increasingly important for these species in the region with the pending impacts of climate change. This increased knowledge relating to the spatial ecology of these threatened species can guide the design and implementation of new protective measures such as the introduction of Freshwater Protected Areas (FPAs) across Mongolia. Further research was conducted to gain a broader, multigenerational understanding of the interconnectedness between conspecific populations of H. taimen, B. lenok and T. baicalensis across the major river basins. Both molecular and nuclear markers were used to demarcate the population’s genetic structure and define Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) and priority populations for these species across their Mongolian distributions. Across all species, the most prominent pattern was a strong differentiation among major basins with low differentiation and weak patterns of isolation by distance within basins, which indicates high within-basin connectivity between populations, although exact patterns were not completely concordant among species. The extensive results produced from the current scientific research has facilitated the development of a comprehensive set of key recommendations for implementing new, and enhancing existing, management and conservation measures relating to Mongolia’s threatened salmonid species and its emerging recreational fishery. These recommendations include: 1. Establishing a series of Freshwater Protected Areas (FPAs) throughout Mongolia’s major river basins, with their design and location based upon the spatial ecology and genetic population structure determined by the current research results; 2. Shifting the opening date of the fishing season to encompass the entire spawning period of B. lenok (the fishery’s main target species), which appears to currently not be the case; 3. Adding the blunt-snouted lenok (B. sp.) to the prohibited species list, as it has been genetically proven to be an independent species and has a restricted distribution and low abundance in Mongolia; and 4. Introducing minimum (and potentially maximum) size limits for B. lenok and T. baicalensis, to better protect immature and pre-spawning individuals from being removed from the population. In addition, it is highly recommended to commence fisheries dependent and independent assessments in key river basins and conduct biomonitoring programs (using a bioindicator species) to track toxic heavy metal contamination and identify potential human health risks associated with consuming resident fish species from the more heavily impacted regions. The lack of knowledge of the current fishing regulations by anglers as well as the observed and reported widespread illegal fishing activities demands a wide-ranging angler education program to improve understanding and compliance within the fishery. The future survival of these threatened salmonids and the sustainability of the emerging recreational fishery in Mongolia currently hangs in the balance. However, if these scientifically based recommendations are implemented in full, and can be adequately enforced, then the responsible authorities can take a huge step forward towards reversing the current trends and preserving the country’s imperilled freshwater fish populations and their valuable aquatic ecosystems. Mongolia can be a model for freshwater species conservation and management throughout the region and the world
Die Mongolei befindet sich derzeit in einem rasanten sozioökonomischen Übergang mit tiefgreifenden Veränderungen, die v.a. durch eine Zunahme bergbaulicher Aktivitäten sowie einen Ausbau ackerbaulicher Nutzungen wie auch der Viehwirtschaft angetrieben werden. Derzeit vollzieht sich eine noch nie dagewesene Urbanisierung und ein weiteres Bevölkerungswachstum, das auf die alternde öffentliche Infrastruktur, einschließlich Kraftwerke und Abwasserbehandlungsanlagen, einen zusätzlichen Druck ausübt. Infolgedessen zeigen sich in den weitgehend unberührten Landschaften des Landes, einschließlich seiner riesigen Süßwasser-Ökosysteme, deutliche Anzeichen von Übernutzung natürlicher Ressourcen, Umweltverschmutzung und Artenverlusten. Zukünftig geplante große Staudämme werden neben den bevorstehenden Auswirkungen des Klimawandels die Hydrologie deutlich verändern. So sind bereits deutliche Beeinträchtigungen der Fluss-und See-Ökosysteme erkennbar, insbesondere in Hinblick auf ihre aquatischen Lebensgemeinschaften. Einige der weltweit einzigartigen Fischarten haben bereits erhebliche Bevölkerungsrückgänge erlitten. Eine weitere existenzielle Bedrohung für diese Fischpopulationen ist der rasche und weitgehend un-regulierte Anstieg der Fischereitätigkeiten aus einer aufstrebenden Freizeitfischerei. Obwohl Fischfang und -konsum keine traditionellen Elemente der mongolischen Ernährung oder Kultur darstellen, vollziehen sich diesbezüglich derzeit tiefgreifende Veränderungen. Daher wurden in der Mongolei umfangreiche Forschungsprojekte geplant und durchgeführt, um wesentliche Informationen über diese neue Art der Fischerei zu sammeln und gleichzeitig bestehende Wissenslücken in Bezug auf die räumliche Ökologie und die Metapopulationsstruktur der wichtigsten Zielarten zu schließen. Darüber hinaus zeigten Untersuchungen, dass sich aufgrund des erhöhten Konsums von lokal gefangenen Fischarten aus einem stark beeinträchtigten Einzugsgebiet ein potenzielles Risiko für die menschliche Gesundheit ergibt. Insgesamt ist das übergeordnete Ziel dieser Fischereiforschung, das wissenschaftliche Verständnis und Wissen zu erweitern und letztlich die derzeitigen Managementinstrumente zu verbessern und neue Erhaltungsmaßnahmen zu ergreifen, um die Nachhaltigkeit und Widerstandsfähigkeit der bedrohten Fischartenpopulationen und die aufkommende Erholung zu sichern. Insgesamt wurden zwischen 2011 und 2014 insgesamt fünf fischereibiologische Forschungsprojekte abgeschlossen, wobei die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeiten in Erhaltungs- und Managementempfehlungen münden. Wegen des Mangels an Wissen über die aufkommende Freizeitfischerei wurden Anglerbefragungen in drei Einzugsgebieten durchgeführt, welche fünf wichtige Themen wie Angler-Demographie, Fischereipraktiken, Reisetätigkeiten, Fanggeräte und Kosten sowie Anglerwissen und Meinungen umfassten. Fünfundsechzig Angelgruppen (n = 154 Angler) wurden interviewt und zwei Anglertypen identifiziert: ländliche Angler ohne oder niedrige Einkommen, die in dem Becken wohnen, alleine oder in kleineren Gruppen fischen, häufig für kürzere Zeiten fischen und regelmäßig Fisch verzehren; und städtische Angler, die mittlere bis hohe Einkommen haben, in größeren Städten leben, mehr Geld für Fanggeräte / Ausflüge ausgegeben und typischerweise für mehrere Tage am Stück fischen. B. lenok wurde als die bevorzugte und am meisten gefangene Zielarten der Fischerei identifiziert. Die Ergebnisse der Anglerbefragungen bestätigten den erhöhten Fischkonsum im Kharaa-Einzugsgebiet, das aufgrund der weit verbreiteten Schwermetallverunreinigung aus der Vergangenheit und den gegenwärtigen Bergbauaktivitäten als potenzielles Risiko für die menschliche Gesundheit identifiziert wurde. So wurden Schwermetallverunreinigungen im Flusswasser, Sediment und fünf konsumierten Fischarten an 11 Standorten im Einzugsgebiet untersucht. Schwermetalle zeigten sich in allen fünf Stichprobenarten, wobei der maximale Muskelgehalt von Cr, As, Hg und Pb in Fischen aus dem Mittel- und Unterlauf festgestellt wurde, während Zn in B. lenok in den Oberlaufregionen stark erhöht war. Der erhöhte mediane Gehalt an Cr, Cu, Hg und Pb nahm mit trophischer Ebene zu, wobei die Bioakkumulation von Hg die größte Bedrohung für die menschliche Gesundheit darstellte, wobei über 10% aller Fischproben den international empfohlenen Schwellenwert für Hg im verzehrbaren Fischgewebe überstiegen (> 0,5 μg g-1 ww). Diese Bioakkumulation in residenten Fischarten könnte zu chronischen Intoxikationen bei Menschen führen, die sie regelmäßig konsumieren und zusätzliche Exposition gegenüber anderen Kontaminationsquellen haben, z.B. im Goldbergbau. Es wurden weitere zwei Projekte durchgeführt, die eine passive akustische Telemetrie zur Beschreibung der räumlichen und zeitlichen Autökologie, des Lebensraumnutzens und des Verhaltens von B. lenok im Eroo River und H. taimen in den Flüssen Onon und Balj unter den extremen Klimabedingungen der Mongolei verwendeten. Die maximalen Längsbewegungen (Heimatbereiche) wurden -umfangreicher als bisher angenommen- für beide Arten wurden auf 45,3 km für B. lenok und 126,1 km für H. taimen ermittelt. Im Frühjahr und Sommer wurden erhöhte Bewegungen aufgezeichnet, wobei die Individuen in die umliegenden Nebenflüsse eintraten und dort zwischen 4 und 85 Tagen verblieben, bevor sie zum Hauptfluss des Flusses zurückkehrten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Bedeutung der Aufrechterhaltung der Integrität und der Konnektivität von Nebenflüssen für Laichen, Nahrungssuche und Überwinterung sowie hydrologische und thermische Schutzräume, die für diese Arten in der Region mit den anstehenden Auswirkungen des Klimawandels zunehmend an Bedeutung gewinnen werden. Die verbesserten Kenntnisse der räumlichen Ökologie dieser bedrohten Arten kann die Gestaltung und Umsetzung neuer Schutzmaßnahmen wie Süßwasser-Schutzgebiete in der Mongolei wissenschaftlich fundieren und leiten. Weitere Untersuchungen wurden durchgeführt, um ein breiteres, multigenerationales Verständnis der Zusammenhänge zwischen den konkreten Populationen von H. taimen, B. lenok und T. baicalensis über die großen Flusseinzugsgebiete zu gewinnen. Sowohl molekulare als auch nukleare Marker wurden verwendet, um die genetische Struktur abzugrenzen und definieren, so z.B. evolutionär signifikante Einheiten (ESUs) und eigenständige Populationen für diese Arten einschließlich ihrer räumlichen Verteilung in der Mongolei. Über alle Arten hinweg war das deutlichste Muster eine starke Differenzierung zwischen den großen Becken mit geringer Differenzierung. Dem gegenüber stehen schwache Muster der Isolation durch die Distanz in den Becken, die eine hohe einzugsgebietsinterne Konnektivität anzeigen, obwohl exakte Muster nicht vollständig unter allen Arten übereinstimmten. Die Prioritäten der Erhaltung müssen sich auf die Verbesserung des Schutzes der vorrangigen Bevölkerungsgruppen innerhalb jeder Art und ESU konzentrieren, um die begrenzten verfügbaren Ressourcen für die Arten- und Populations-Erhaltung und fischereiliche Bewirtschaftung in der Mongolei zu maximieren. Die umfangreichen Ergebnisse aus der aktuellen wissenschaftlichen Forschung ermöglichten die Ableitung umfassender Empfehlungen für die Umsetzung neuer und die Verbesserung der bestehenden Management- und Erhaltungsmaßnahmen in Bezug auf die bedrohten Lachsarten der Mongolei und die aufkommende Freizeitfischerei. Diese Empfehlungen beinhalten 1.die Gründung einer Reihe von Süßwasser-Schutzgebieten (FPA) in den großen Flussgebieten der Mongolei auf der Grundlage der räumlichen Ökologie und der genetischen Bevölkerungsstruktur, die durch die aktuellen Forschungsergebnisse untermauert wird; 2. Eine Verschiebung des Eröffnungstermins der Fangsaison, welche im Gegensatz zur aktuellen Praxis die gesamte Laichzeit von B. lenok (die Hauptzielspezies der Fischerei); umfassen sollte; 3. Hinzufügen des Stumpfschnauzen-Lenok (B. sp.) zur Liste der besonders geschützten Arten, da er sich als eine genetisch unabhängige Spezies erwiesen hat, welche eine begrenzte räumliche Verteilung und geringe Populationsdichte in der Mongolei hat; und 4. Einführung von minimalen (und potentiell maximalen) Körpergrößenbeschränkungen für B. lenok und T. baicalensis, um die unreifen und heranwachsenden Individuen besser vor menschlichen Einflüssen zu schützen. Darüber hinaus empfiehlt es sich dringend, in den wichtigsten Flussgebieten fischereilich genutzte und nicht genutzte Fischpopulationen zu erfassen und Biomonitoring-Programme (unter Verwendung von Bioindikator-Spezies) zu implementieren, um toxische Schwermetallverunreinigungen zu verfolgen und potenzielle Risiken für die menschliche Gesundheit zu identifizieren, die mit dem Verzehr Fischen aus beeinträchtigten Regionen einhergehen. Schließlich verlangt das Fehlen von Kenntnissen über die derzeitigen Fischereiverordnungen durch Angler sowie die beobachteten und gemeldeten weitverbreiteten illegalen Fischereitätigkeiten ein weitreichendes Angler-Bildungsprogramm, um das Verständnis und die Einhaltung fischereilicher Regelungen zu verbessern. Das künftige Überleben der bedrohten Salmoniden und die Nachhaltigkeit der aufkommenden Freizeitfischerei in der Mongolei sind eng miteinander verbunden. Sofern die hier dargestellten wissenschaftlich fundierten Empfehlungen in vollem Umfang umgesetzt werden und hinreichend kontrolliert werden können, würden die zuständigen Behörden einen großen Schritt in Richtung der Umkehrung der aktuellen Trends machen und die gefährdeten Süßwasserfischpopulationen des Landes und ihre wertvollen aquatischen Ökosysteme bewahren. Die Mongolei könnte dann ein Modell für die Erhaltung und Bewirtschaftung von Süßwasserarten in der ganzen Region und der Welt werden

Très appréciés des consommateurs du fait de leur qualité nutritionnelle, les produits de la mer jouent un rôle important dans l'alimentation humaine. Toutefois, la confiance du consommateur vis-à-vis de leur qualité est affectée par les riques associés à une exposition aux contaminants chimiques et à la fraîcheur des produits. Si le premier aspect résulte de la pollution des eaux marines sous l'effet d'une forte anthropisation des littoraux, le second est lié à la haute périssabilité de ces produits. Évaluer les niveaux de contamination chimique et la qualité-fraîcheur des produits de la mer est plus qu'un besoin : c'est aujourd'hui une nécéssité. C'est dans ce contexte que les travaux de cette thèse ont été menés. Deux objectifs principaux ont été visés dans la présente étude. Le premier objectif de ce travail était de faire une évaluation spatiale et saisonnière des niveaux de contamination par les polluants métalliques et organiques (HAPs et PCBs) des zones côtières du Sénégal en s'intéressant aux teneurs en contaminants dans les organismes marins. Nous avons étudié 7 espèces marines représentatives des différents maillons de la chaîne trophique (une macroalgue verte, un mollusque bivalve, un crustacé et 4 espèces de poisson) prélevées le long du littoral au niveau de 5 sites présentant des degrés d'anthropisation différents. Les résultats de cette étude montrent que les teneurs en contaminants chimiques des organismes marins sont variables selon les espèces et soulignent ainsi la nécéssité de l'approche multi-espèces pour l'étude de la contamination chimique du milieu. Des variations inter-sites de la teneur en contaminants chimiques dans les organismes ont été mis en évidence. Les sites les plus anthropisés comme Soubédioune et Rusfisque sont ceux qui présentent les teneurs les plus élevées. Les niveaux de contamination métalliques et organiques dans les organismes marins du littoral sénégalais sont inférieurs ou du même ordre de grandeur que ceux mesurés dans d'autres régions d'Afrique de l'Ouest ou dans d'autres régions du monde. L'évaluation des risques associés à l'ingestion des produits de la mer analysés montre que les teneurs en contaminants chimiques sont faibles et inférieures aux limites maximales admissibles pour la consommation humaine (norme EU). Seuls les sites de Rufisque et Soumbédioune présentent quelques dépassements chez certaines espèces (moules, sardinelles). Le deuxième objectif de cette étude était de développer des méthodes permettant d'évaluer la fraîcheur des filets de poisson et de différencier des filets frais des filets décongelés. Les méthodes retenues sont basées sur la mesure de l'augmentation de la perméabilité cellulaire du muscle de poisson. La conservation des filets de poisson à 4°C va conduire à une perméabilisation des cellules dans le temps qui peut être apréhendée par la mesure de la libération d'enzymes intracytoplasmiques ou par l'augmentation de la perméabilité des cellules à des colorants fluorescents. La mesure de l'activité LDH est intéressante à double titre : elle va permettre d'une part de mesure le niveau de lyse cellulaire, donc le niveau d'altération, des filets de poisson dans le temps. Elle va permettre d'autre part grâce à sa sensibilité à la congélation de mieux cerner les conditions qui permettraient à terme de faire la distinction entre les filets frais et des filets congelés/décongelés
Much appreciated by consumers for its nutritional qualities, seafood plays an important role in human diet. Consumer confidence in the quality of these foodstuffs is nevertheless affected by concerns about risks associated with exposure to chemical contaminants and the freshness of these products. If the first of these is the result of pollution resulting from increasing human activities along coastlines, the second is linked to the highly perishable nature of these products. An evaluation of the levels of chemical contaminants in seafood and of its freshness is therefore a necessity. It is within this context that the work presented in this thesis was carried out. Two principal objectives were targeted in the present study. The first objective of this work was to evaluate the spatial and seasonal variability of seafood contamination by elements (including metals) and organic pollutants (PAHs and PCBs) along the Senegalese coast. We studied 7 marine species representative of different trophic level (a green macro algae, a bivalve mollusc, a crustacean and 4 species of fish) sampling them along the coastline at 5 sites representing different human activity pressur. The result of this study showed that contamination levels varied with species, underlining the importance of a multi-species approach to study contamination in the marine environment. Variations between sites were also observed. Sites with the greatest human activity, such as Soumbédioune and Rufisque, were also those where the highest levels of contaminants in seafood were found. The levels of contamination measured along the Senegalese coast, of both elements and organic pollutants, were inferior or of the same order of magnitude as those reported from other West African sites or from other regions of the globe. The risks associated with eating theseseafood products were low, with contaminant levels generally below the admissible limits (EU) for human consumption. Only a few samples of certain species (mussels, sardines) exceeded these limits at Soumbédioune and Rufisque. The second objective of this study was to develop methods to evaluate the freshness of fish fillets, and to distinguish fresh fillets from previously frozen ones. The methods developed were based upon a measure of cellular permeability within the fish muscle tissue. The conservation of fish fillets ar 4°C results in increased permeability of cells over time, measurable by studying the liberation of intra-cytoplasmic enzymes or the increasing permeability of cells to fluorescent colouring agents. The measurements of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is doubly interesting in this contex : on the one hand it enables a measure of cell lysis, and so the level of alteration of the fillets over time, to be established. It also, thanks to its sensitivity to freezing, to better distinguish fresh fillets from those that have been frozen then thawed

Working through methods of abstraction and comedic mimicry I choreograph awkwardly balanced sculpture with objects of adornment as a means to defuse personal sensitivities surrounding my experiences of gender, desire, and home. The research that follows is concerned with the adjacent, the in between, above and underneath, because I feel that this kind of looking means that you are, to some degree, aware of what lies at the edges. Maybe this is what Gertrude Stein means to act as though there is no use in a center—because this concerns a way of relating, though there are many things in the room. ‘A spectacle and nothing strange’ is an arrangement of gestures, of made difference, of kinships, of orientations and possible futures, sustained tension, coded adornment, big dyke energy, shifts in hardness, leaning softness, much more than flowers, ...and in any case there is sweetness and some of that.

The subject of the thesis is an architectural study of the reconstruction and extension of the "Centrum" department store in Brno. It is a dominant building designed by the famous czech architect Vladimir Karfík, which is located at the Urban Conservation Area Brno. Object wasn´t realized with the full extent of the original proposal, so in the project is planned a completion of it. The new solution respects the historical quality of Urban Conservation Area Brno with a concurrent view of the location on the lucrative land in the city center. The architectural concept is based on a return to the original idea of the architect and the addition of my own creative contribution within the extension of the new floors. Draft of the extension is intended so that the individual parts of an object communicate with each other, but they are easily recognizable as well. This idea was filled by both parts linked together visually by horizontal lines and ripple, which is used on balconies of the extension and behind the facade of the current building by shielding walls. However it is emphasized the contrast between an enclosed mass and a free-flowing space. The existing part of the building is used especialy as a leasable area of trade and services. On the upper floors there are areas of administration. Furthermore, there will be a restaurant and cafe with exhibition galleries and apartments are designed on the new added floors. The building is adapted to use by person with limited mobility. Newly added uses in the object will increase the attractiveness of the building and its surroundings.

A preservação de coleções científicas apresenta uma larga escala de novos desafios ao profissional de conservação e restauro. Entre os principais, estão incluídos: a diversidade de materiais; as dimensões, a funcionalidade, a realização de substituições e réplicas, no domínio da ação prática da intervenção. Correlacionados aos anteriores, porém, referentes à sua dimensão simbólica, estão os critérios metodológicos e deontológicos, adequados à conservação do património científico e tecnológico. Por conseguinte, o presente relatório de estágio apresenta o trabalho desenvolvido durante o estágio do mestrado em conservação e restauro de bens culturais, na Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Porto) e, efetuado no Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra. A intervenção de conservação e restauro incidiu na coleção dos modelos das invenções de Leonardo da Vinci, envolvendo toda ela, um complexo processo teórico e prático que culminou com a sua exposição, em Coimbra, a 1 de Março. Este estudo permitiu a contextualização histórica da coleção, a identificação dos materiais e técnicas dos modelos, bem como da sua função e utilidade para a época em que terão sido criadas por da Vinci, informações essenciais para um futuro tratamento adequado. Ademais, todas as informações recolhidas, motivaram a concretização de fichas de inventário detalhadas e referentes a cada modelo. Visando a obtenção de competências na área da conservação e restauro do património móvel, um dos objetivos principais deste plano de estudos foi o aprofundamento dos conhecimentos adquiridos durante a licenciatura e mestrado, para a aquisição de maior autonomia num processo de investigação, conservação e restauro.
The preservation of scientific collections presents a wide range of new challenges for conservation and restoration professionals. Among the main ones, we highlight: the diversity of materials; dimensions, functionality, substitutions and replicas. Directly related to the previous ones, but referring to their symbolic dimension, are the proper methodological and deontological criteria to be considered within the conservation of scientific and technological heritage. Therefore, the internship report aims to present the work developed during the master's degree in conservation and restoration of cultural assets, in the Catholic University of Portugal (Porto) and carried out at the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra. The conservation and restoration intervention focused on the collection of models of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, involving the whole of it, a complex theoretical and practical process that culminated with its exhibition in Coimbra. Accordingly, we carried out the historical contextualization of the collection, the identification of the materials and techniques of the models, as well as their function and use at the time in which they will have been created by da Vinci, towards to a later appropriate treatment. In addition, all the information collected, In addition, all the information collected, was registered in new inventory sheets concerning each model. Aiming at obtain skills in the area of conservation of mobile heritage, one of the main objectives of this study plan was to deepen the knowledge acquired during the undergraduate and master's degrees, for the acquisition of greater autonomy in a research, conservation and restoration process.

The study was done in Adaa district which is one of the 12 districts in East Shoa zone in Oromia regional state of Ethiopia. It is located southeast of Addis Ababa at 38o51’ 43.63’’ to 39o04’ 58.59’’ E and 8o46’ 16.20’’ to 8o59’ 16.38’’ N, on the western margin of the Great East African Rift Valley. The altitude ranges from 1 500 to ≥ 2 000 meters above sea level. The district has a high potential for mixed livestock and crop production systems. The purpose of this study was to make up for the paucity of information on livestock and environment interaction by assessing the relationship of livestock, soil, water, land, climate and crops under mixed crop-livestock production systems in central Ethiopian highlands. The objectives of the study were: (a) to assess the effect of change in land management on carbon storage and the contribution of livestock to carbon storage; (b) to examine the impact of livestock on natural resources and the environment; (c) to assess the effects of the change in traditional agricultural practices, expansion of factories, slaughter houses, greenhouses and flower farms on water and soil quality; (d) to evaluate the effect of climate change on livestock production under small-scale agriculture; and (e) to recommend options for mitigation and adaptation to environmental changes. The research design was non-experimental and did not involve the manipulation of the situation, circumstances or experiences of the interviewees. The design was comparative research that compared two or more groups on one or more variables, such as the effect of agricultural land use management, tillage type etc. on carbon storage in the soil. This research also applied a longitudinal design that examined variables such as the performance exhibited by groups over time. Purposive sampling was often used to measure the effect of agricultural, industrial effluent and human interferences on the environment by measuring nutrient contents at sources in the soil, water and manure. Biological data were complemented by key socio-economic survey by interviewing individual farmers and focus groups from sampling sites. Secondary data were also reviewed to measure soil degradation and run-off attributed to livestock. Results showed that animal waste and farmyard manure had the highest contribution in the addition of carbon in the soil. This implied that for most of carbon inputs livestock products and by-products had a greater place in the carbon sink. Therefore, livestock production could be considered as one of the major agricultural production systems in soil carbon storage. Similarly, livestock production systems also play an important role in maintaining the eco-system balance through nutrient recycling. On the average, the number of livestock per household for most species increased during the Derge regime in the 1990s compared to the Haile Sellassie regime in the 1970s when people did not own land; and then the number declined in the 2000s except for equines, crossbreeds and oxen. The change to crop intensification led to the change in the purpose for livestock keeping. Farmers started keeping certain types of animals for specific purposes unlike before when livestock was kept for prestige and economic security. The major drive for the change of attitude towards the purpose of keeping livestock was scarcity of resources, mainly feed and water. Equine ownership has significantly increased due to their low off-take rate and their feeding habits which allowed them to survive in harsh environments where feed resources were extremely scarce. There was a significant difference in crop response to manure application. Vegetables produced higher yields with manure than chemical fertilizers. Cereals on the other hand responded more to chemical fertilizers than to manure. Therefore, combining manure and chemical fertilizers was the best option for the sustainability of crop production in the study area. Some of the limitations to the use of manure as an organic fertilizer were inadequate manure production, high labour cost, bulkiness and high cost of transport to the fields and weed infestation. Manure management systems in the study area were affected by livestock husbandry practices. Only crossbred cattle (5%) were zero-grazed and used; and manure was stored in pits as slurry. Indigenous cattle were grazed outdoors in the fields during the day and at night they were kept in kraals near homesteads. There was a substantial loss of nutrients during the day when animals were grazing in the fields through leaching and trampling of dung and urine patches. Indoor or zero grazing of livestock could reduce nutrient losses. The use of manure as fuel in the study area had no significant effect on CO2 emissions at household or local level, but had a negative impact on soil organic carbon storage and soil fertility. Therefore, for improved yield and balanced eco-systems manure burning has to be replaced by other alternative energy sources such as bio-gas and kerosene. The largest carbon equivalent emissions were from CH4 (72.6%), N2O (24%) and CO2 (3.4%) which indicated the need to improve livestock and manure management systems under smallholder agriculture. Overall, there was an indication of a decline in water resources on per capita basis. The major contributing factors were combined pressure of human and animal population on natural resources that led to excessive deforestation, loss of biological diversity, overgrazing, soil degradation and various forms of pollution and contamination. The global climate change also played a role in the decline in water resources due to the decrease in annual precipitation and increasing temperatures. Urbanization and economic growth increased the demand for milk and meat, which required additional water use for each unit of increased animal protein. The demand for milk and meat is expected to double in the next 20 years with an annual growth rate of between 2.5 to 4%. From the sixty-year meteorological data (1951-2009) there was an established increase in rainfall by 2% per annum; and maximum and minimum temperature by 0.08oC per decade, which amounted to a cumulative temperature increase of 0.5oC in the last decade. The increase in precipitation and temperature favoured the adaption of lowland crops like maize and sorghum to highland agro-ecology. Climate prediction models forecasted that most of the highlands in Ethiopia will remain suitable for cereals like wheat and Teff for the next 50 to100 years. However, the perception of farmers indicated that they felt more heat and warm weather than they have experienced before. They reported that rainfall is now more erratic or comes late and stops earlier before plants completed their vegetative growth.
Environmental Sciences
D. Litt. et Phil. (Environmental Science)

Ph.D.
South Africa has the highest biodiversity of tortoises in the world with possibly an equivalent diversity of apicomplexan haematozoans, which to date have not been adequately researched. Prior to this study, five apicomplexans had been recorded infecting southern African tortoises, including two haemogregarines, Haemogregarina fitzsimonsi and Haemogregarina parvula, and three haemoproteids, Haemoproteus testudinalis, Haemoproteus balazuci and Haemoproteus sp. A. The taxonomy of all of these species was questionable, and therefore one goal of this study was to examine at least some in great detail with the view to resolving taxonomic issues. This involved using a number of techniques such as light microscopy and image analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and molecular analysis. Outcomes were the transfer of one Haemogregarina species (Haemogregarina fitzsimonsi) to the genus Hepatozoon, the suggestion that the genus Hemolivia might be more appropriate for another haemogregarine (Haemogregarina parvula), the synonymisation of two known species of Haemoproteus (Haemoproteus balazuci with Haemoproteus testudinalis), and the naming of a third haemoproteid (Haemoproteus natalensis Cook, Smit and Davies, 2010). In addition, a likely new species of haemogregarine (Haemogregarina sp. A.) was described. To achieve all this, 367 tortoises were collected representing 62% of the species and all five genera, of South African tortoises. Tortoises were both wild (287) and captive (80), with these being both live (270) and dead (97) when taken. They were located in four different provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern and the Western Cape, and in four different biomes (semi-arid grassland, Kalahari desert, subtropical thorn bushveld, and coastal endemic fynbos). Light photomicroscopy examination of Giemsa stained peripheral blood smears prepared from the subcarapacial vessels of live tortoises allowed for descriptions and comparisons of the observed haematozoans. Of the live tortoises, 14.8% had haemogregarines, including 13.3% with H. fitzsimonsi, 0.7% with H. parvula, and 0.7% with a previously unknown, intraleucocytic, Haemogregarina sp. A. A further 1.1% had haemoproteids, including 0.7% with Hp. testudinalis/Hp. balazuci and 0.4% with Haemoproteus sp. A. The host and locality records of previously described haematozoan species were increased and records for likely new species provided. Subtropical areas (KwaZulu-Natal) compared to arid regions (Northern Cape) presented with a higher diversity of apicomplexans, along with a higher prevalence of ticks, possible vectors of the tortoise blood parasites. Overall, male tortoises had the highest haematozoan and tick prevalences compared to females and juveniles,

碩士
國立臺南藝術大學
博物館學與古物維護研究所
101
Sculpture was blooming and a lot of theme parks were built in Taiwan. Among all the Taiwan’s museums, Ju- Ming Museum in northeastern Taiwan collects a large of metal sculptures, especially the brass-based arts. Sculptures in Taiwan were suffering serious corrosions because the weather in Taiwan was always raining and hot. For preserving and conserving these sculptures, we chose the accelerated corrosion’s test and control the length of time to observe color and weight on the sculptures in kinds of environments about high humidity, salt spray, wet sulfur dioxide and sulfur dioxide, etc. For studying methodically，we took advantage of Scientific Instruments such as microscopy, XRD analysis and surface 3D-scans to evaluate the results of accelerated corrosions test and organized basic data of climate reasons from different areas in Taiwan. Finally, the analytic results had told us the truths, the chief reason of metal sculptures’ corrosion in Taiwan was high humidity. We should dry the water on the metal’s surface diligently.

Anthropogenic activities generate waste products that pollute the environment with bacteria and heavy metals. This research assessed pollution of the Kahwa River, Bukavu Town, DRC with cadmium and lead (HMs) and bacterial enteropathogens. A survey of businesses, households and healthcare facilities showed general use of the river to remove effluent and waste. Indicator organisms were cultured at over 200 cfu/100 ml showing faecal contamination of the river water. Antibiotic resistance was shown by enteropathogenic Vibrio cholerae and Salmonella typhi to ampicillin and cotrimoxazole with some sensitivity shown to ciprofloxacin. River water contained HMs at around 40 times the World Health Organisation limit for drinking water. The bacteria, particularly from river sediment, tolerated HMs up to a concentration of 1.5 mg/ml. The presence in the Kahwa River of antibiotic-resistant pathogens showing tolerance to HMs has serious public health implications
Environmental Management
M.Sc. (Environmental management)

This study investigates the complex issues surrounding the preservation of historic, single-lane, metal truss bridges. Essentially functionally obsolete, these structures are targeted for replacement due to current government transportation policies, funding requirements, and safety concerns. After these issues are discussed, a series of case studies from Hunterdon County, New Jersey, will highlight multiple bridge rehabilitation projects in which designs and plans were modified to suit the unique situations and conditions of each of these structures, without compromising historic integrity and improving safety. These bridges have important cultural value, and although in some cases the original structure may be lost or wholly reconstructed, the historic character of the bridge and area is retained. This thesis illuminates the difficulties that need to be overcome in attempting to successfully preserve historic, single-lane bridges and their rural context (while maintaining transportation functionality), and illustrates the important role of community involvement in the preservation process.
Department of Architecture

Mercury accumulation of upper trophic level marine fishes is a growing concern for human consumers. Diet is the primary source of mercury bioaccumulation in both fish and humans and yet remains unexamined in many intensely fished regions such as southern New England (SNE). The feeding ecology and mercury concentrations of recreationally caught albacore (Thunnus alalunga) and yellowfin (T. albacares) tunas, shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) and common thresher (Alopias vulpinus) sharks and dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) were evaluated. Important prey were identified and also measured for total mercury content. Seventy percent of the predator fishes sampled in this study had mercury concentrations greater than the EPA recommended 0.3ppm, and included shortfin makos (2.65 ± 1.16ppm), threshers (0.87 ± 0.71ppm) and albacore (0.45 ± 0.14ppm). Mercury concentrations were lowest in dolphinfish (0.20 ± 0.17ppm) and yellowfin (0.32 ± 0.09ppm). Length was positively correlated with mercury content and bioaccumulation rates were linear for tunas and dolphinfish, while exponential for both shark species. Small schooling fishes (Pomatomus saltatrix, 0.110 ± 0.102ppm) were the primary prey of shortfin makos. Shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus, 0.028 ± 0.005ppm) was a principal and consistent dietary component of both tunas and dolphinfish diets. The diets of SNE dolphinfish and yellowfin tuna were more invertebrate dominated than other regions previously examined. Though the method of sample collection for this study biases toward larger individuals, these are the sizes of fish targeted by anglers, generally for human consumption.

M.Sc. (Aquatic Health)
Yellowfish and specifically Labeobarbus marequensis are a charismatic species targeted by anglers throughout South Africa. Their population are limited to the north-western parts of the country including the lower reaches of the Crocodile River that flows through the Kruger National Park (KNP). Despite conservation efforts the Crocodile River in the KNP is still highly impacted. The effect of these impacts on the ecosystem is largely unknown. The main aim of the study was to determine the influence of changing water quantity and quality in the Crocodile River on adult L. marequensis. This was achieved by evaluating altered flows (discharge) on the behaviour of adult L. marequensis in the Crocodile River using biotelemetry over a two year period. The influence of altered water quality was assessed using metal bioaccumulation as an indicator of metal exposure in L. marequensis, Clarias gariepinus and Hydrocynus vittatus in the Crocodile and Sabie Rivers during a high and low flow season. Biotelemetry was used on 16 L. marequensis and 12 H. vittatus to determine the habitat use and movement responses of the species. Fish were tagged with Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) and Wireless Wildlife (WW) tags and tracked remotely and manually. Home ranges were determined using Arc GIS ®, Habitat uses were analyzed using Windows Excel (© 2011, Microsoft inc.). Environment variables recorded were scored as primary and secondary and then combined with a weighting variable 2:1 ratio (primary variable: secondary variable). A mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach with a random co-efficients model and Akaike’s information criteria (AIC) were used to test for significance. Analyses were conducted using SAS version 9 (SAS institute, Cary, NC)...

The Passing Show, examines the interface between contemplative practices and the destabilizing effect of the carnivalesque. A repurposed early 20th century merry-go- round is reconfigured as a conceptual vehicle for renewing our attention to removing hindrances. The site-specific installation, titled Vimoksha, is viewed through the lens of the radical imaginary, investigating notions of karmic inheritance through a heuristic approach to material processes, personal history, kinetics and sound.