Evaluation of semi-passive treatment technologies for septic lagoon capacity expansion

In Canada, increases in rural development has led to a growing need to effectively manage the resulting municipal and city sewage without the addition of significant cost- and energy- expending infrastructure. Storring Septic Service Limited is a family-owned, licensed wastewater treatment facility located in eastern Ontario. It makes use of a passive waste stabilization pond system to treat and dispose of waste and wastewater in an environmentally responsible manner. Storring Septic, like many other similar small-scale wastewater treatment facilities across Canada, has the potential to act as a sustainable eco-engineered facility that municipalities and service providers could utilize to manage and dispose of their wastewater. However, it is of concern that the substantial inclusion of third party material could be detrimental to the stability and robustness of the pond system. In order to augment the capacity of the current facility, and ensure it remains a self-sustaining system with the capacity to safely accept septage from other sewage haulers, it was hypothesized that pond effluent treatment could be further enhanced through the incorporation of one of three different technology solutions, which would allow the reduction of wastewater quality parameters below existing regulatory effluent discharge limits put in place by Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC). Two of these solutions make use of biofilm technologies in order to enhance the removal of wastewater parameters of interest, and the third utilizes the natural water filtration capabilities of zebra mussels. Pilot-scale testing investigated the effects of each of these technologies on treatment performance under both cold and warm weather operation. This research aimed to understand the important mechanisms behind biological filtration methods in order to choose and optimize the best treatment strategy for full-scale testing and implementation. In doing so, a recommendation matrix was elaborated provided with the potential to be used as a universal operational strategy for wastewater treatment facilities located in environments of similar climate and ecology.

European life project: a global strategy for the responsible use of a coastal lagoon: a case study from Portugal

Rin de Aveiro is a coastal lagoon located at the Central Region of Portugal subjected to the influence of the tides, resulting in a set of characteristic biotopes favouring anthropic and natural processes. Once managed and controlled correctly, each of these biotopes will allow simultaneously the biodiversity and integration in the making of the wetland landscape. In 1998, one of the final conclusions of the "MARIA" Demonstration Programme for the Integrated Management of Ria de Aveiro was that the poor current state of the environment area resulted from a set of interrelated factors. The Programme selected four (4) pilot-projects towards the integrated management of the lagoon biotopes as possible scenarios for an intervention. This selection was based in criteria related to environmental priorities and the maintenance of traditional economic activities in the region. The idea of choosing projects that would involve the whole geographic space of the Ria, without forgetting the other important themes interrelated with the Management Structure, emerged as a relevant aspect for their definition. Thus, and as a first test of this Management Structure functionality, the following task forces were put forward: Recovery and valorisation of the piers; Recovery of the former salt pans; Management of the agricultural fields of Baixo-Vouga; Implementation of measures for the classification of the Protected Landscape Area of the River Caster Mouth. This payer will report the main results of these pilot-projects attained during their first year period, especially the intervention strategies defined by the Partnership created for this aim.

The disappearing of palheiros in Aveiro lagoon

Palheiros are traditional timber constructions existing in the littoral centre region of Portugal. This is particularly the case of the Aveiro lagoon region where for many years many such constructions have existed. They were originally built to store working tools related with lagoon activity (fishing and sea salt extraction) and to give shelter for the fishermen during the fishing season. These constructions were built with superimposed veneers in vertical or horizontal directions. Since they are mostly located near the sea, they have started to be used as holiday houses and are often painted in vivid colours. Most of these buildings are being replaced by concrete constructions, since their preservation state is rather unsatisfactory or simply because there is a need to increase their size. Additionally, little knowledge about the possibilities of maintenance and building in timber structures exists. In some cases, although the structures were changed from timber to concrete, the exterior appearance of the palheiros remains the same, which might be interesting from the pictorial point of view but it isn’t certainly from a heritage preservation perspective. However in many other situations, they are being substituted by “modern” constructions that were not valuable in any of the previous viewpoints. Fortunately, there are also cases where palheiros have been preserved and remain in good condition. For how long these examples will remain is certainly the major question that must be answered since these are only on the dependence of owner’s will and not based on local authorities concern. A consciousness of local authorities and citizens is mandatory in order to preserve this heritage because it is perfectly possible to preserve the traditional constructions offering all the comfort of modern houses. Keywords: timber construction, vernacular construction, preservation.

Evaluation of the nutrient inputs to a coastal lagoon: the case of the Ria de Aveiro, Portugal

The Ria de Aveiro estuary-coastal lagoon system of northern Portugal is estimated to currently receive mean annual influxes of total nitrogen (N) and total phosphorus (P) of c. 6118 t y−1 and 779 t y−1, respectively, from its influent rivers. In low summer flows the mean N and P fluxes decrease to c. 10% of the annual average. The sewage contribution to the inland-derived N load on an annual basis is c. 5% but, during the summer low flow conditions, the sewage component increases to c. 65% of the total river loading. The sewage contribution to the inland-derived P load on an annual basis is c. 11% but, during the dry season, it is 1.2 times larger than the river-derived flux. The construction of a regional sewer system linked to a submarine outfall, due for completion in 2005, is expected to lead to a reduction in nutrient fluxes from inland to the lagoon of c. 15% for N and c. 26% for P relative to the present values. While this system will reduce the nutrient loading in the upper reaches of the lagoon, an increase in nutrients derived from the ocean is anticipated, due to the proximity of the outfall to the inlet.

An evaluation of trace metal distribution, enrichment factors and risk in sediments of a coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro, Portugal)

This paper describes a sediment survey undertaken to unravel patterns of distribution and dispersion of trace metals in an Iberian Peninsula northwestern coastal lagoon (Ria de Aveiro). Cadmium, lead, chromium, copper and zinc were analyzed in bottom sediments. Geochemical normalization is performed and two different regression models for each metal versus aluminum are tested and compared using the respective enrichment factors (EF), an estimation of the relative importance of anthropogenic contributions to the studied sediments. Mean sediment quality guideline quotients (mSQGQ) are used to evaluate sediment quality and associated potential risk to biota with effects range low as empirical sediment quality guideline (SQG) in the basis for mSQGQ calculation. Additionally, the geoaccumulation index is calculated to compare studied sediment levels to global baseline levels. The application of SQGs revealed insufficient characterization capability, especially when contrasted to EF calculated from the regression methods. These pointed a mildly enriched system with localized “hot spot” areas. Therefore, it can be considered that bottom sediments in the Ria de Aveiro system are in their majority unpolluted, zinc being the only metal of concern, presenting enrichment in all four main channels. The major rivers outlets (Caster, Antuã, and Vouga) constitute point sources, thus presenting potential risk for biota. Yet, the strong tidal influence creates a damping effect by efficiently redistributing sediment bound metals.

Inputs from a mercury-contaminated lagoon: impact on the nearshore waters of the Atlantic Ocean

Ria de Aveiro, a Portuguese coastal lagoon that exchanges water with the Atlantic Ocean, received the effluent from a chlor-alkali industry for over 50 years; consequently several tons of mercury had been buried in the sediments of an inner basin. To assess the importance (and seasonal variation) of the lagoon waters as carriers of mercury to the nearby coastal area, we measured total mercury levels in several compartments: in surface sediments, in surface and deep waters (including dissolved and particulate matter!, and in biota. Dissolved (reactive and total) mercury concentrations both in surface and deep waters were low (<1 to 15 ng L '). Mean mercury values in suspended particulate matter varied hetween 0.2 and 0.6 jxg g ' and in sediments between 1 and 9 ng g '. Aquatic organisms displayed levels below regulatory limits but exhibited some bioaccumulation of mercury, with concentrations ranging from 0.05 to 0.8 ^ig g ' Idry weight (dw)|. No seasonal pattern was found in this study for mercury-related determinations. Levels found in the estuary mouth during ebb tide provide evidence for the transport of mercury to the coastal zone. No significant changes in the partition of mercury between dissolved and particulate phases were found in the coastal waters in comparison with the values found in the estuary mouth. In spite of the high levels of mercury found inside some areas of the lagoon, the wide web of islands and channels allows some spreading of contaminants before they reach the coastal waters. Moreover, the low efficiency of local marine sediments in trapping mercury contributes to a dilution of mercury transported in suspended particulate matter over a broader area, reducing the impact in the nearby manne coastal zone.

Morfodinâmica do Banco das Três Marias – Barra do Rio Grande

Dados batimétricos detalhados obtidos na antepraia adjacente ao Molhe Oeste conhecida como banco das Três Marias, evidenciaram a presença de uma fossa junto a extremidade do molhe e um banco na forma de domo a SO da depressão. O banco tem sua base e crista respectivamente nas cotas de 8 e 6 m. A feição é aproximadamente oval, com o eixo maior semiparalelo à costa (sentido NNE – SSO) medindo aproximadamente 1600 m. O eixo menor, quase transversal à costa (sentido L-O), apresenta cerca de 1200 m de extensão. O banco representa o resquício do lobo terminal do delta de maré vazante (barra) da laguna formado durante a fixação de sua desembocadura. A fossa junto ao cabeço do molhe apresenta pendente íngreme, que inicia na isóbata de 8 m e alcança a isóbata dos 17 m, sendo provavelmente formada pela ação da corrente longitudinal de SO para NE. Foram coletadas também amostras de sedimento. Estes dados evidenciaram ao menos três subambientes refletindo diferentes níveis de energia. Do mais enérgico para o menos: o banco, onde o sedimento é mais grosso e melhor selecionado, a antepraia, com o sedimento pouco mais fino e a fossa, onde foi amostrada lama, mal selecionada.

Circulações locais no Rio Grande do Sul: brisas marítima/terrestre e sua interação com as brisas lacustres/terrestres

A região sul do Rio Grande do Sul está em localização favorável à formação de tipos de brisa bem caracterizados devido a sua proximidade com os sistemas lacustres e também o Oceano Atlântico. A diferença de vegetação e as temperaturas da superfície do mar, da laguna e do solo, são os principais impulsionadores das circulações locais. Uma das formas de analisar estas circulações locais é através de modelos que simulam a formação da brisa. Desta forma utilizou-se o modelo de mesoescala Weather Research and Forecasting para caracterizar as circulações locais na região sul do Brasil devido às influências do Oceano Atlântico e das lagoas presentes na região: Lagoa dos Patos, Lagoa Mangueira e Lagoa Mirim. Ao todo foram realizadas três simulações: uma para a validação do modelo e duas para simulação das brisas. O modelo apresentou correlações entre 0,7 e 0,9 para a temperatura do ar a dois metros e para a pressão atmosférica. As correlações para a umidade específica e para o vento a dez metros ficaram entre 0,3 e 0,8. Na simulação básica, a brisa lacustre apresentou intensidade máxima às 15 UTC (12 HL) sobre a Lagoa dos Patos e Mangueira e às 18 UTC (15 HL) sobre a Lagoa Mirim. Nos horários entre 0 UTC (21HL) e 9 UTC (6 HL), período em que a brisa terrestre está atuante, observou-se a rotação do vento no sentido anti-horário e também diminuição de intensidade. Para a simulação idealizada onde foi suprimido o efeito sinótico, a brisa marítima no início de sua formação sofreu um bloqueio pela brisa lacustre no horário das 15 UTC (12 HL). Esta oclusão permanece até às 18 UTC (15 HL). Após este período a brisa lacustre diminui a intensidade e dá lugar a brisa marítima que possui direção leste com intensidade menor do que a que foi observada na simulação básica. A brisa terrestre teve início às 0 UTC (21 HL) e seu valor máximo foi de 4 m/s as 9 UTC (6 HL). Para a validação do modelo concluiu-se que o mesmo é adequado para a avaliação das circulações locais. A brisa terrestre caracterizou-se melhor sem a presença do vento sinótico. As brisas Lacustres das Lagoas Mirins e dos Patos possuem influência maior do que a brisa gerada pela Lagoa Mangueira e em determinados períodos opõem-se ao avanço da brisa marítima. A associação do vento sinótico a brisa marítima intensifica a velocidade dos ventos, que por sua vez sobrepõem-se a brisa lacustre no final da tarde. A brisa terrestre formada durante a noite não é forte o suficiente para sobrepor o vento sinótico, mas reduz sua intensidade e altera sua direção.

Desencontros legais e morais na pesca artesanal: a Educação Ambiental política para a transformação socioambiental em Rio Grande/RS e São José do Norte/RS

A dissertação intitulada “Desencontros legais e morais na pesca artesanal: a Educação Ambiental política para a transformação socioambiental em Rio Grande/RS e São José do Norte/RS” busca analisar a compreensão das comunidades de pescadores artesanais do Rio Grande e de São José do Norte acerca de aspectos do desencontro entre as normas legais pesqueiras e as normas morais daqueles atores sociais, e os reflexos na conservação do meio ambiente e no exercício da cidadania ambiental, a fim de colaborar, por intermédio da Educação Ambiental, com o fortalecimento dos pescadores para a reversão do atual quadro de crise social e ambiental vivenciada na pesca artesanal da região, bem como para refletir sobre a ineficiência das regras legais aplicáveis no estuário da Lagoa dos Patos. Para tanto os objetivos foram estruturados de forma a investigar os aspectos do desencontro mencionado; analisar seus reflexos no declínio da conservação dos recursos renováveis e no exercício da cidadania pelos pescadores artesanais; e apresentar alternativas possíveis pela e para a Educação Ambiental, enquanto educação política, visando a proporcionar a transformação socioambiental dos pescadores para a garantia de sua participação cidadã nas esferas de decisão relativas à sua vida social e profissional. A pesquisa teve uma abordagem qualitativa, com enfoque teórico-metodológico nas representações coletivas dos pescadores. O trabalho foi composto de levantamento bibliográfico e documental, que serviu de apoio para a obtenção das representações mediante a realização de grupos focais junto a quatro comunidades de pescadores nas cidades pesquisadas. Esse corpus de pesquisa foi analisado com base na metodologia Análise Textual Discursiva. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que a crise instaurada na pesca ultrapassa a dicotomia existente entre as leis ambientais e as normas morais dos pescadores artesanais, emergindo o aspecto da necessidade financeira e de sobrevivência de pescadores e de suas famílias. Verificou-se, outrossim, que o desencontro pesquisado refletiu negativamente na conservação dos recursos naturais, na medida em que gerou a falta de efetividade de leis relacionadas àquela atividade profissional, repercutindo desfavoravelmente no exercício da cidadania ambiental pelos pescadores. Concluiu-se que a Educação Ambiental política possui um papel fundamental para o empoderamento dos pescadores artesanais em busca de sua participação ativa nos processos de gestão dos recursos pesqueiros estuarinos, numa verdadeira governança participativa, voltada à conservação ambiental e edificação do bem coletivo.

β-N-methylamino-l-alanine (BMAA) and isomers: Distribution in different food web compartments of Thau lagoon, French Mediterranean Sea

The neurotoxin BMAA (β-N-methylamino-l-alanine) and its isomer DAB (2,4-diaminobutyric acid) have been detected in seafood worldwide, including in Thau lagoon (French Mediterranean Sea). A cluster of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease associated with BMAA, has also been observed in this region. Mussels, periphyton (i.e. biofilms attached to mussels) and plankton were sampled between July 2013 and October 2014, and analyzed using HILIC-MS/MS. BMAA, DAB and AEG (N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine) were found in almost all the samples of the lagoon. BMAA and DAB were present at 0.58 and 0.83, 2.6 and 3.3, 4.0 and 7.2 μg g−1 dry weight in plankton collected with nets, periphyton and mussels, respectively. Synechococcus sp., Ostreococcus tauri, Alexandrium catenella and eight species of diatoms were cultured and screened for BMAA and analogs. While Synechococcus sp., O. tauri and A. catenella did not produce BMAA under our culture conditions, four diatoms species contained both BMAA and DAB. Hence, diatoms may be a source of BMAA for mussels. Unlike other toxins produced by microalgae, BMAA and DAB were detected in significant amounts in tissues other than digestive glands in mussels.

Análise benefício custo da pesca do camarão-rosa no estuário da Lagoa dos Patos

A Lagoa dos patos está localizada no extremo sul do Brasil, e se caracteriza por ser o principal recurso hídrico da região. No estuário da lagoa dos patos é realizada a pesca de diversas espécies de peixes e crustáceos, entre eles, o camarão-rosa (Farfantepenaeuspaulensis) se destacapor ser o principal gerador de renda ao longo do ano para os pescadores artesanais da região. As artes de pesca utilizadas na captura deste crustáceo são divididas em ativas e passivas. As estruturas de pesca que mais se verificaram na região são: Botes com motor de potência de 12,01 a 18 hp, 7,23 metros de comprimento, com tonelagem de arqueação bruta de 2,3 toneladas por barco e todos os equipamentos verificados possíveis e Caícos com motor de 7,8 hp, 5,03 metros de comprimento, com tonelagem de arqueação bruta de 0,62 toneladas e com todos os equipamentos verificados possíveis a bordo. Ao fim, concluímos que entre a possibilidade de exercer a atividade em questão utilizando um bote ou um caíco, o caíco se mostrou a opção mais viável.

Effect of Inorganic and Organic Carbon Enrichments (DIC and DOC) on the Photosynthesis and Calcification Rates of Two Calcifying Green Algae from a Caribbean Reef Lagoon

Coral reefs worldwide are affected by increasing dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and organic carbon (DOC) concentrations due to ocean acidification (OA) and coastal eutrophication. These two stressors can occur simultaneously, particularly in near-shore reef environments with increasing anthropogenic pressure. However, experimental studies on how elevated DIC and DOC interact are scarce and fundamental to understanding potential synergistic effects and foreseeing future changes in coral reef function. Using an open mesocosm experiment, the present study investigated the impact of elevated DIC (pHNBS: 8.2 and 7.8; pCO2: 377 and 1076 μatm) and DOC (added as 833 μmol L-1 of glucose) on calcification and photosynthesis rates of two common calcifying green algae, Halimeda incrassata and Udotea flabellum, in a shallow reef environment. Our results revealed that under elevated DIC, algal photosynthesis decreased similarly for both species, but calcification was more affected in H. incrassata, which also showed carbonate dissolution rates. Elevated DOC reduced photosynthesis and calcification rates in H. incrassata, while in U. flabellum photosynthesis was unaffected and thalus calcification was severely impaired. The combined treatment showed an antagonistic effect of elevated DIC and DOC on the photosynthesis and calcification rates of H. incrassata, and an additive effect in U. flabellum. We conclude that the dominant sand dweller H. incrassata is more negatively affected by both DIC and DOC enrichments, but that their impact could be mitigated when they occur simultaneously. In contrast, U. flabellum can be less affected in coastal eutrophic waters by elevated DIC, but its contribution to reef carbonate sediment production could be further reduced. Accordingly, while the capacity of environmental eutrophication to exacerbate the impact of OA on algal-derived carbonate sand production seems to be species-specific, significant reductions can be expected under future OA scenarios, with important consequences for beach erosion and coastal sediment dynamics.

Cedar Point Lagoon

In this image, guests are readying for a boat trip in the Cedar Point lagoon circa 1910. The statue at right was one of a number of statues owner George a Boeckling purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. He installed them throughout the Cedar Point grounds. Some are still on display in the park. Note the electric transmission poles to the left in the picture.