Response of photosynthetic organisms to global change: an approach based on marker pigments

Report for the scientific sojourn carried out at the Department of Freshwater Ecology, National Environmetal Research Institute, Denmark, from 2006 to 2008. The main objective of the project was to reconstruct photosynthetic organism community composition using pigmentbased methods and to study their response to natural (e.g. climate) or anthropogenic (e.g. eutrophication) perturbations that took place in the system over time. We performed a study in different locations and at different temporal scales. We analysed the pigment composition in a short sediment record (46 cm sediment depth) of a volcanic lake (Lake Furnas) in the Azores Archipelago (Portugal). The lake has been affected during the last century by successive fish introductions. The specific objective was to reconstruct the lake���s trophic state history and to assess the role of land-use, climate and fish introductions in structuring the lake community. Results obtained suggested that whereas trophic cascade and changes in nutrient concentrations have some clear effects on algal and microbial assemblages, interpreting the effects of changes in climate are not straightforward. This is probably related with the rather constant precipitation in the Azores Islands during the studied period. We also analysed the pigment composition in a long sediment record (1800 cm sediment depth) of Lake Aborre (Denmark) covering ca. 8kyr of lake history. The specific objective was to describe changes in lake primary production and lake trophic state over the Holocene and to determine the photosynthetic organisms involved. Results suggested that external forcing (i.e. land use changes) was responsible of erosion and nutrient run off to the lake that contributed to the reported changes in lake primary production along most of the Holocene.

The Impact of Information Provision on Agglomeration Bonus Performance: An Experimental Study on Local Networks

The Agglomeration Bonus (AB) is a mechanism to induce adjacent landowners to spatially coordinate their land use for the delivery of ecosystem services from farmland. This paper uses laboratory experiments to explore the performance of the AB in achieving the socially optimal land management configuration in a local network environment where the information available to subjects varies. The AB poses a coordination problem between two Nash equilibria: a Pareto dominant and a risk dominant equilibrium. The experiments indicate that if subjects are informed about both their direct and indirect neighbors��� actions, they are more likely to coordinate on the Pareto dominant equilibrium relative to the case where subjects have information about their direct neighbors��� action only. However, the extra information can only delay ��� and not prevent ��� the transition to the socially inferior risk dominant Nash equilibrium. In the long run, the AB mechanism may only be partially effective in enhancing delivery of ecosystem services on farming landscapes featuring local networks.

Applications of the MuSIASEM approach to study changes in the metabolic pattern of Catalonia

This document presents an integrated analysis of the performance of Catalonia based on an analysis of how the energy consumption (measured at the societal level for the Catalan Society) is used within both the productive sectors of the economy and the household, to generate added value, jobs, and to guarantee a given level of material standard of living to the population. The trends found in Catalonia are compared to the trends of other European Countries to contextualize the performance of Catalonia with respect to other societies that have followed different paths of economic development. The first part of the document consists of the Multi-Scale Integrated Analysis of Societal and Ecosystem Metabolism (MuSIASEM) approach that has been used to provide this integrated analysis of Catalan Society across different scales (starting from an analysis of the specific sectors of the Catalan economy as an Autonomous Community and scaling up to an intra-regional (European Union 14) comparison) and across different dimensions of analyses of energy consumption coupled with added value generation. Within the scope of this study, we observe the various trajectories of changes in the metabolic pattern for Catalonia and the EU14 countries in the Paid Work Sectors composed of namely, the Agricultural Sector, the Productive Sector and the Services and Government Sector also in comparison with the changes in the household sector. The flow intensities of the exosomatic energy and the added value generated for each specific sector are defined per hour of human activity, thus characterized as exosomatic energy (MJ/hour) (or Exosomatic Metabolic Rate) and added value (���/hour) (Economic Labour Productivity) across multiple levels. Within the second part of the document, the possible usage of the MuSIASEM approach to land use analyses (using a multi-level matrix of categories of land use) has been conducted.

Condicions socioecol��giques de la riera d'Arb��cies pel retorn de la ll��driga (Lutra lutra)

La ll��driga (Lutra lutra) va desapar��ixer de la conca de la Tordera a causa de la pressi�� humana sobre ella i el seu h��bitat. Recentment les seves poblacions s���estan recuperant a las conques nord de Catalunya. En aquest context es presenta els resultats dels an��lisis dels requeriments socioecol��gics de la ll��driga en l���afluent del riu Tordera de la riera d���Arb��cies: qualitat del bosc de ribera, valoraci�� de la contaminaci�� de l���aigua i l���an��lisi de les poblacions d���ictiofauna, a m��s de l���estimaci�� de l���esp��cie m��s abundant. L���evoluci�� de l�����s i cobertes del s��l del s��l mostren que existeix una tend��ncia augment en las masses forestals, zones urbanitzades i infraestructures; tamb�� una disminuci�� del camps de cultiu, fruiters i vinyes. La qualitat del bosc de ribera es va valorar a partir del l�����ndex QBR, obtenint que la m��xima qualitat es localitza en el tram alt, disminuint a mesura que s���apropa a la desembocadura al Tordera. La contaminaci�� de l���aigua a estat valorada, per una banda analitzant la qualitat biol��gica a partir dels ��ndexs IPS i BMWPC, obtenint que la qualitat de l���aigua disminueix a mesura que transcorre riu avall, segons l���IPS. Amb el BMWPC es troba que existeix una recuperaci�� de la qualitat de l���aigua en l�����ltim tram. Per altra banda s���han analitzat el compostos qu��mics que afecten a la ll��driga, obtenint que les concentracions d���aquest no s��n rellevants a l���aigua. S���ha analitzat l���estructura de la poblaci�� d���ictiofauna present, trobant que el Barbus meridionalis ��s l���esp��cie m��s abundant en tots el trams, a m��s d���augmentar en captures a mesura que l���aigua s���apropa al aiguabarreig amb la Tordera. S���ha estimat la biomassa present d���aquesta esp��cie, concloent que es suficient per mantenir una poblaci�� no gaire densa de ll��drigues, inferior a 0,15 individus per kil��metre de riu.

The Accessibility City. When Transport Infrastructure Matters in Urban Spatial Structure

Suburbanization is changing the urban spatial structure and less monocentric metropolitan regions are becoming the new urban reality. Focused only on centers, most works have studied these spatial changes neglecting the role of transport infrastructure and its related location model, the ���accessibility city���, in which employment and population concentrate in low-density settlements and close to transport infrastructure. For the case of Barcelona, we consider this location model and study the population spatial structure between 1991 and 2006. The results reveal a mix between polycentricity and the accessibility city, with movements away from the main centers, but close to the transport infrastructure.

Estudi energ��tic de les llars del barri de Ha��r (Senegal)

En el present estudi s���han analitzat quines s��n les fonts energ��tiques utilitzades a les llars de Ha��r, aix�� com les repercussions que aquestes tenen sobre el medi natural i socioecon��mic de les fam��lies. Per tal de poder identificar quines s��n aquestes fonts i els seus efectes, s���ha realitzat un inventari i una diagnosi energ��tica. S���ha estudiat l�����s de l���energia en dos ��mbits dom��stics principals: la il��luminaci�� i el cuinat, analitzant la freq����ncia d�����s i quantificant el consum energ��tic familiar. Les fonts energ��tiques detectades s��n: llenya, carb��, gas, queros��, piles i espelmes, de les quals, la llenya, el queros�� i el carb�� s��n les majorit��riament utilitzades. El consum energ��tic per c��pita ��s de 2.100 kWh/any. Per altra banda, l���obtenci�� d���algunes d���aquestes fonts energ��tiques, suposen un cost econ��mic molt elevat per les economies familiars, arribant a suposar un 60% dels ingressos. A partir de les dades obtingudes a la diagnosi, s���ha aplicat un indicador per tal de quantificar la magnitud de l���impacte sobre el medi produ��t pel model energ��tic seguit dins de les llars. L���indicador estudiat ha estat la petjada energ��tica, amb la qual s���ha tradu��t aquest consum en unitats de superf��cie biol��gicament productiva, requerida per absorbir el CO2 em��s. El resultat ha estat que una persona produeix anualment 2,09��10-2 tCO2, que requereix de 7,53��10-3 gha/persona de superf��cie forestal per ser absorbides. S���ha comparat aquest resultat amb la petjada energ��tica dom��stica calculada pel poble d���Ara��s, el qual, amb un model energ��tic totalment diferent, t�� una petjada energ��tica de 1,53 gha/persona. Un cop detectats els problemes o impactes causats pel model energ��tic actual, es proposa una alternativa energ��tica per tal de reempla��ar algunes fonts convencionals, principalment el queros�� dels quinqu��s. Aix�� doncs, mitjan��ant l���aprofitament de l���energia solar, es plantegen dos models fotovoltaics adaptats a dues tipologies de llars diferents, amb l���objectiu de minimitzar el cost i optimitzar els recursos energ��tics. Finalment es planteja una soluci�� financera per abordar el cost inicial de la instal��laci�� solar.

Ra isotopes and Rn as a tool for the water management resources: the Alberquillas aquifer (M��laga-Granada)

The aim of this project is to evaluate the importance of submarine groundwater discharge sector in order to improve the water balance in M��laga-Granada region. The approach of this study arose from the the geology and the aquifers that indicate that there could be some discharge to the sea between Maro (M��laga) and Almu����car (Granada) and the Andalusian���s Government and its Water Agence were really interested in evaluating it because there is a lot of population and few water available and the magnitude of groundwater discharge has generated controversy. Is well known that water is a scarce resource in this area and it���s very important for the society and for the environment. The legislation, the water policies, the knowledge of the aquifer and the geology, the water dynamics, the land use and the water perception in the society might help the management of this resource not just in Andalusia but in all the Mediterranean basin. The main objective is to evaluate the submarine groundwater discharge from the Alberquillas Aqufier to the sea by measuring 222Rn and Ra isotopes. Specific objectives have been established to achieve the main objective: A) Reveal the importance of water resources in the Mediterranean basin; B) Learn radiometric techniques for the study of groundwater discharge to the sea; C) Learn of sampling techniques of water samples for the measurement of Ra and Rn; D) Learn the techniques for measuring Ra (RaDeCC) and Rn (RAD7); E) Interpretation and discussion of results. During this semester, and in addition of the present study in M��laga- Granada region, the author has participated in the initial phase (sampling, analysis and interpretation of preliminary results) of other research projects focused on the study of submarine groundwater discharges through the use of Ra isotopes and 222Rn. These studies have been developed in different areas, including Alt Empord�� (Roses and Sant Pere Pescador), Maresme with CMIMA���s group (Mediterranean Center for Marine and Environmental Research), Delta de l���Ebre, Pe����scola and Mallorca with the IMEDEA���s group (Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies).

An��lisi de la qualitat de l'aigua: estudi dels impactes humans sobre la qualitat de l'aigua en pous i basses del Parc del Garraf i rodalies

Amb la finalitat de con��ixer l���estat de qualitat de les aig��es de les basses i pous del Parc del Garraf, s���analitzen una s��rie de par��metres fisico-qu��mics en 17 estacions de mostreig pr��viament seleccionades, distribu��des en zones amb diferents tipologies d�����s del s��l. La base de l���an��lisi ha estat la integraci�� d���informaci�� provinent de diferents fonts. Mitjan��ant l���elaboraci�� de taules i gr��fics, la generaci�� de cartografia i el tractament estad��stic de les dades, s���ha procedit a la tria de punts de mostreig i s���ha obtingut un inventari que ha perm��s la interpretaci�� global dels resultats, facilitant la diagnosi. El proc��s de tractament de dades inclou la confecci�� d���un ��ndex de qualitat de les aig��es (ICA) propi, no vinculant, a partir de f��rmules gen��riques de normalitzaci�� i ponderaci�� de valors. Durant la realitzaci�� de la diagnosi s���han detectat pertorbacions puntuals en determinats par��metres corresponents a contaminacions locals, en diferents estacions de mostreig. Aquestes pertorbacions s���han relacionat amb la situaci�� dels pous i les basses al Garraf i les tipologies d�����s del s��l de cada zona. El diagn��stic de pertorbacions ha orientat les propostes de millora aplicables que s���han dividit en tres classes segons el nivell d���actuaci��. Aquestes incideixen principalment, en la millora de la informaci�� disponible, l���aplicaci�� de l���agricultura ecol��gica, l���explotaci�� sostenible dels aq����fers i la realitzaci�� d���estudis globals i/o locals, m��s complets i exhaustius.

Simulating the Impact of Sectorial Productivity Gains on Two Regional Economies: Key Sectors from a Supply Side Perspective

In this paper we simulate and analyse the economic impact that sectorial productivity gains have on two regional Spanish economies (Catalonia and Extremadura). In particular we study the quantitative effect that each sector���s productivity gain has on household welfare (real disposable income and equivalent variation), on the consumption price indices and factor relative prices, on real production (GDP) and on the government���s net income (net taxation revenues of social transfers to households). The analytical approach consists of a computable general equilibrium model, in which we assume perfect competition and cleared markets, including factor markets. All the parameters and exogenous variables of the model are calibrated by means of two social accounting matrices, one for each region under study. The results allow us to identify those sectors with the greatest impact on consumer welfare as the key sectors in the regional economies. Keywords: Productivity gains, key sectors, computable general equilibrium

Information systems for water resources management improvement in developing countries

Water resources management, as also water service provision projects in developing countries have difficulties to take adequate decisions due to scarce reliable information, and a lack of proper information managing. Some appropriate tools need to be developed in order to improve decision making to improve water management and access of the poorest, through the design of Decision Support Systems (DSS). On the one side, a DSS for developing co-operation projects on water access improvement has been developed. Such a tool has specific context constrains (structure of the system, software requirements) and needs (Logical Framework Approach monitoring, organizational-learning, accountability and evaluation) that shall be considered for its design. Key aspects for its successful implementation have appeared to be a participatory design of the system and support of the managerial positions at the inception phase. A case study in Tanzania was conducted, together with the Spanish NGO ONGAWA ��� Ingenier��a para el Desarrollo. On the other side, DSS are required also to improve decision making on water management resources in order to achieve a sustainable development that not only improves the living conditions of the population in developing countries, but that also does not hinder opportunities of the poorest on those context. A DSS made to fulfil these requirements shall be using information from water resources modelling, as also on the environment and the social context. Through the research, a case study has been conducted in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia, an endhorreic basin 160 km south of Addis Ababa. There, water has been modelled using ArcSWAT, a physically based model which can assess the impact of land management practices on large complex watersheds with varying soils, land use and management conditions over long periods of time. Moreover, governance on water and environment as also the socioeconomic context have been studied.

Air pollution exposure during pregnancy and reduced birth size: a prospective birth cohort study in Valencia, Spain

Background Maternal exposure to air pollution has been related to fetal growth in a number of recent scientific studies. The objective of this study was to assess the association between exposure to air pollution during pregnancy and anthropometric measures at birth in a cohort in Valencia, Spain. Methods Seven hundred and eighty-five pregnant women and their singleton newborns participated in the study. Exposure to ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was estimated by means of land use regression. NO2 spatial estimations were adjusted to correspond to relevant pregnancy periods (whole pregnancy and trimesters) for each woman. Outcome variables were birth weight, length, and head circumference (HC), along with being small for gestational age (SGA). The association between exposure to residential outdoor NO2 and outcomes was assessed controlling for potential confounders and examining the shape of the relationship using generalized additive models (GAM). Results For continuous anthropometric measures, GAM indicated a change in slope at NO2 concentrations of around 40 ��g/m3. NO2 exposure >40 ��g/m3 during the first trimester was associated with a change in birth length of -0.27 cm (95% CI: -0.51 to -0.03) and with a change in birth weight of -40.3 grams (-96.3 to 15.6); the same exposure throughout the whole pregnancy was associated with a change in birth HC of -0.17 cm (-0.34 to -0.003). The shape of the relation was seen to be roughly linear for the risk of being SGA. A 10 ��g/m3 increase in NO2 during the second trimester was associated with being SGA-weight, odds ratio (OR): 1.37 (1.01-1.85). For SGA-length the estimate for the same comparison was OR: 1.42 (0.89-2.25). Conclusions Prenatal exposure to traffic-related air pollution may reduce fetal growth. Findings from this study provide further evidence of the need for developing strategies to reduce air pollution in order to prevent risks to fetal health and development.

La transformaci�� del paisatge del delta de la Tordera en els darrers cent cinquanta anys : una an��lisi per mitj�� dels canvis en els usos i les cobertes del s��l

This article compares the mid-nineteenth century landscape of the River Tordera delta with the present day landscape, based, above all, on the changes that have occurred in land use and land cover. The mid 19th century landscape was reconstructed using data obtained from the amillaraments (land inventories) and other historical documents. Present-day land use and cover was established through photo interpretation and field work. The most important changes detected concern the almost complete disappearance of certain crops, such as vineyards, which were very important in the 19th century; the expansion of forest in place of abandoned tilled land and the increase in built up areas, which, taken together, produce a highly fragmented landscape pattern

Candida parapsilosis complex water isolates from a haemodialysis unit: biofilm production and in vitro evaluation of the use of clinical antifungals

Candida parapsilosis, currently divided into three distinct species, proliferates in glucose-rich solutions and has been associated with infections resulting from the use of medical devices made of plastic, an environment common in dialysis centres. The aims of this study were (i) to screen for Candida orthopsilosis and Candida metapsilosis (100 environmental isolates previously identified as C. parapsilosis), (ii) to test the ability of these isolates to form biofilm and (iii) to investigate the in vitro susceptibility of Candida spp biofilms to the antifungal agents, fluconazole (FLC) and amphotericin B (AMB). Isolates were obtained from a hydraulic circuit collected from a haemodialysis unit. Based on molecular criteria, 47 strains were re-identified as C. orthopsilosis and 53 as C. parapsilosis. Analyses using a formazan salt reduction assay and total viable count, together with microscopy studies, revealed that 72 strains were able to form biofilm that was structurally similar, but with minor differences in morphology. A microtitre-based colorimetric assay used to test the susceptibility of fungal biofilms to AMB and FLC demonstrated that the C. parapsilosis complex displayed an increased resistance to these antifungal agents. The results from these analyses may provide a basis for implementing quality controls and monitoring to ensure the microbiological purity of dialysis water, including the presence of yeast.

Biodi��sel: impacte en origen del biodi��sel consumit a Catalunya i a Espanya

Actualment la situaci�� del mercat espanyol i catal�� del biodi��sel es caracteritza per les grans importacions d���oli de palma africana. Per a produir aquesta mat��ria primera s���estan establint plantacions a gran escala d���Elaeis guineensis (palma africana) a Indon��sia. El monocultiu d���Elaeis guineensis i la producci�� de l���oli tenen associats grans impactes ambientals i socials. Per una banda, els impactes ambientals s��n principalment la desforestaci��, el canvi d�����s del s��l, la p��rdua de biodiversitat, l���erosi�� del s��l i la contaminaci�� de l���aire, del s��l de l���aigua. Per altra banda, els impactes socials m��s destacats s��n la violaci�� dels drets humans dels pobles ind��genes, els conflictes d���adquisici�� de terres i que es compromet la seguretat aliment��ria del pa��s. Per tant, l�����s del biodi��sel produ��t amb oli de palma africana redueix les emissions de GEH a Espanya i a Catalunya provocant un gran impacte ambiental i social a Indon��sia.

Tree line shifts in the Swiss Alps: Climate change or land abandonment?

Questions: Did the forest area in the Swiss Alps increase between 1985 and 1997? Does the forest expansion near the tree line represent an invasion into abandoned grasslands (ingrowth) or a true upward shift of the local tree line? What land cover / land use classes did primarily regenerate to forest, and what forest structural types did primarily regenerate? And, what are possible drivers of forest regeneration in the tree line ecotone, climate and/or land use change? Location: Swiss Alps. Methods: Forest expansion was quantified using data from the repeated Swiss land use statistics GEOSTAT. A moving window algorithm was developed to distinguish between forest ingrowth and upward shift. To test a possible climate change influence, the resulting upward shifts were compared to a potential regional tree line. Results: A significant increase of forest cover was found between 1650 to and 2450 m. Above 1650 m, 10% of the new forest areas were identified as true upward shifts whereas 90% represented ingrowth, and we identified both land use and climate change as likely drivers. Most upward shift activities were found to occur within a band of 300 m below the potential regional tree line, indicating land use as the most likely driver. Only 4% of the upward shifts were identified to rise above the potential regional tree line, thus indicating climate change. Conclusions: Land abandonment was the most dominant driver for the establishment of new forest areas, even at the tree line ecotone. However, a small fraction of upwards shift can be attributed to the recent climate warming, a fraction that is likely to increase further if climate continues to warm, and with a longer time-span between warming and measurement of forest cover.