Small Watercourses Research Articles

THE SELECTION OF A SMALL HYDRO POWER PLANT (SHPP) SOLUTION IN LINE WITH THE ECOSYSTEM

Population growth and new forms of energy use have the effect that the energy demand grows year after year. The harmful influence of the use of fossil and nuclear fuels has influenced the intensive development of renewable energy sources (solar energy, small hydro power plants, wind energy, bio-renewable sources - biomass, geothermal energy). This paper gives an overview of the choice of design solution, technical parameters and the efficiency of small hydro power plants (SHPP) on small watercourses. Special attention in these considerations is dedicated to harmonization of selected solutions with natural resources and protection of ecosystems. In order to define the technical solution of one small HPP on a small watercourse, the following analyzes and studies need to be done: Hydrological study; Analysis of the available hydro potential; Pre-feasibility study of the chosen technical solution; Study on Environmental Impact Assessment; Analysis of the investment value of the elements of the system and the system as a whole; Analysis of annual fees and expenses. In analyzing the available hydro potential, it is necessary to examine in detail the influence of the minimum sustainable flow rate in the watercourse (biological minimum) both from the aspect of environmental protection and from the aspect of the techno-economic justification for SHPP construction. On the basis of the "cross-cutting" of the results of these analyzes, one can see the techno-economically justified solution for the construction of SHPP in line with the ecosystem. The goal of all previous analyzes is to select a technical solution that maximizes the use of hydro power potential and ensures optimum use of renewable energy sources, while paying special attention to ecology, environmental protection and sustainable development.

AEROBIC BIOLOGICAL TREATABILITY STUDIES ON LANDFILL LEACHATE WITH NITRIFICATION AND DENITRIFICATION

Large pilot-scale treatment trials have examined the treatment of a leachate typical of those found at many closed landfill sites, containing approximately 200mg/l of ammoniacal-N. At such sites, treatment of these leachates with nitrification of ammoniacal-N alone, will not allow discharges of treated leachate to be made into sensitive surface watercourses, because of concerns about nitrate-N. The trials therefore included denitrification processes, by modification of an SBR process configuration, using the waste product glycerol, widely available as a by-product from the production of biodiesel, as the carbon source for denitrification. Initially a nitrification-only Stage 1 treatment trial treated strong, methanogenic leachate containing 2000mg/l of ammoniacal-N and 4000mg/l COD, completely nitrifying all ammoniacal-N to nitrate-N. Following the successful treatment of strong leachate through nitrification, the innovative combined nitrification and denitrification treatment system was constructed. Stage 2 of the treatability trial used this newly designed system to incorporate both aeration and anoxic phases within a single reactor; enabling full nitrification and denitrification of weaker leachate from a closed landfill, containing 150mg/l ammoniacal-N and 200mg/l COD. In particular, the development of an innovative, stable, robust and relatively simple combined nitrification and denitrification process will have wide application at many closed landfill sites, where a reliable and robust treatment process is required, whilst full denitrification of nitrate-N is essential if treated leachate is to be discharged locally into small watercourses. The relative simplicity of the new process, in a single tank, with readily-automated operation and few chemical additions, means that it can be used at remote closed landfills, to produce high quality effluents suitable for discharge into many surface watercourses.

External Loading of Phosphorus in Deep, Stratified Lake Affected with Drainage Water

The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) requires from European countries to achieve environmental objectives. In relation to lakes, it is a good qualitative and quantitative status of all water bodies. Deep and stratified lakes resist anthropopressure for a long time, so they do not seem to require active protection. However, these types of ecosystems are also undergo a degradation processes. This is particularly true for lakes with tributaries - potential outbreaks of nutrients. Even small streams with visually “clean water” can carry loads of pollution exceeding the self-cleaning capacity of water bodies. Our paper presents the impact of anthropogenic watershed (agricultural and urban management) on the environmental conditions in small (deep (15.3m) stratified lake (Lake Święte in Obra, Wielkopolskie Lakeland, Poland). In the research, loads of biogenic pollutants feeding the reservoir from the main external sources were compared: drainage water supply (Pintus watercourse), atmospheric deposition, surface load from direct catchment, angling, and watering place. It has been shown that about 80% of the annual phosphorus load reaches the lake along with an inconspicuous watercourse (average flow 0.04 m3 s−1, phosphorus concentration 0.1 - 0.5 mgP l−1), to which drainage water from the surrounding area is discharged. The second major source of pollution is surface runoff. The total load of phosphorus contaminants was compared with the load discharged outside the ecosystem and the so-called critical level, calculated in accordance with the Vollenweider model (1976).The results of our research indicate that Świçte Lake is a trap for pollution transferred through a drainage and watercourses network. At the same time, the volume of external loading of phosphorus several times exceeds the critical level and indicates the scenario of further eutrophication of the lake. Unexpectedly for the local community and lake users, this pollution is primarily due to the inconspicuous mid-field stream. On the basis of the results obtained, a plan of protective measures was developed, the main element of which is the elimination of this source of pollution. The work also discusses the possible techniques of revitalizing the lake ecosystem.The research indicates the need to appreciate the role of small watercourses in the process of eutrophication of lakes and the role of early conservation measures taking place before the appearance of symptoms of ecosystem degradation, especially before the achievement by lakes of the turbid state - dominated by phytoplankton.

Geomorphological conditions of the location historical ironworks. A contribution to the research based on DEM analysis from LIDAR data

Abstract The aim of this study was to present the use of the natural elements of the relief of river valleys such as changes in the width of the valley bottom, landforms occurring in the bottom of the valley, differences in height of the valley terraces as favourable for the location of the dam partitioning the bottom of the valley and creating a water reservoir for the requirements of historic metallurgical centres. The research was carried out based on DEM analysis from LiDAR data. Features were chosen in river basins with a rich metallurgical legacy. Analysis of the location of the former ironworks was carried out using Surfer 12 software. Five centres were selected due to the fact that only these are the only centres suitable for research which have survived to this day. Using the shaded relief models and contour coloured maps absolute differences in height between valley levels and other forms of relief occurring in the valley were analyzed, as well as the distribution of individual terrain forms in the designated part of the valley and changes in the width of the valley bottom were analysed in the context of the location of former metallurgical centres. On the basis of the contours of the former water reservoir visible in the valley relief, and using a surface area measurement tool (Surfer software), the range of the area that the reservoir could cover was measured. On the basis of the results obtained, it can be seen that convenient geomorphological conditions were used for the placement of selected weirs and metallurgical ponds which facilitated the damming of the valley. Natural narrowing of the valley bottom, or dunes and hills directly adjacent to the valley floor, were utilised during the construction of the dam. The rivers on which the furnace ponds were constructed are relatively small watercourses, so the weirs created by the constructors are not impressive. Their height is generally in the range of about 2 to 3 metres and their length is from about 120 to 300 metres. Nevertheless, they were effective in allowing sufficient water retention and the creation of furnace ponds with a measured area of about 4.5 ha to about 25 ha.

Aquatic Bacterial Communities Associated With Land Use and Environmental Factors in Agricultural Landscapes Using a Metabarcoding Approach.

This study applied a 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding approach to characterize bacterial community compositional and functional attributes for surface water samples collected within, primarily, agriculturally dominated watersheds in Ontario and Québec, Canada. Compositional heterogeneity was best explained by stream order, season, and watercourse discharge. Generally, community diversity was higher at agriculturally dominated lower order streams, compared to larger stream order systems such as small to large rivers. However, during times of lower relative water flow and cumulative 2-day rainfall, modestly higher relative diversity was found in the larger watercourses. Bacterial community assemblages were more sensitive to environmental/land use changes in the smaller watercourses, relative to small-to-large river systems, where the proximity of the sampled water column to bacteria reservoirs in the sediments and adjacent terrestrial environment was greater. Stream discharge was the environmental variable most significantly correlated (all positive) with bacterial functional groups, such as C/N cycling and plant pathogens. Comparison of the community structural similarity via network analyses helped to discriminate sources of bacteria in freshwater derived from, for example, wastewater treatment plant effluent and intensity and type of agricultural land uses (e.g., intensive swine production vs. dairy dominated cash/livestock cropping systems). When using metabarcoding approaches, bacterial community composition and coexisting pattern rather than individual taxonomic lineages, were better indicators of environmental/land use conditions (e.g., upstream land use) and bacterial sources in watershed settings. Overall, monitoring changes and differences in aquatic microbial communities at regional and local watershed scales has promise for enhancing environmental footprinting and for better understanding nutrient cycling and ecological function of aquatic systems impacted by a multitude of stressors and land uses.

Rheophilic Macrozoobenthos Communities of the Southern Himalayas

The regional diversity of rheophilic macrozoobenthos communities in North India and Nepal has been studied based on material collected from 450 original quantitative samples in 160 small and large watercourses within the altitude gradient of 200–2800 m above sea level. A total of 22 types of communities from 5 classes are identified: rhithral (hard substrates at rapid flow), crenal (mosaic substrates of small watercourses), pelal (soft sediments), phytal (macrophyte beds), and rhipal (mosaic substrates of river bank edge). Many of the community types occur in different altitudinal temperature zones, but their composition and structure vary as the study proceeds further into the mountains. It has been shown that oriental tropical taxa dominate the lowland tropical zone, endemic subtropical taxa dominate the mid-mountain zone, and Palearctic (Central Asian) groups dominate the high-mountain zone. The key features of tropical rheophilic communities are described in comparison with temperate zone communities. The application of the Ramensky–Grime classification of ecological strategies to macrozoobenthos communities is discussed.

Оценка и картографирование опасных экзогенных процессов Мондинской котловины на основе морфометрического ландшафтного анализа

The authors consider the application of geoinformation mapping in the analysis of hazardous processes using space images, digital terrain models, as well as comparative analysis of the landscape map and the map of hazardous exogenous processes. As a result, a large-scale map of hazardous processes within the Mondy depression was created. At the first stage, space images, physical and geographical conditions were analyzed, as well as the morphometric indicators of the territory. On the basis of that analysis classes of hazardous exogenous processes that affected the landscapes of the depression were identified. Further the classes of hazardous exogenous processes were compared with landscape facies, within the contours of which hazardous processes of different intensity are common. Calculation of hazardous exogenous processes using the data of morphometric indicators was made, the information on the long-term change in the main elements of the climate of the study area obtained. The method of spatial analysis in geographic information systems on a vector basis marked the main hazardous exogenous processes that have developed in the territory of the Mondy depression. The gravitational-slope class, represented by collapses and screes, is most widespread in the investigated area. Fluvial class of the dangerous exogenous processes is mostly indicated by mudflows in the valleys of small and temporary watercourses. Cryogenic class of these processes is least developed.

REPRODUCTION OF THE BROWN TROUT (SALMO TRUTTA L.) AND ATLANTIC SALMON (SALMO SALAR L.) IN SMALL RIVERS (WHITE SEA DRAINAGE BASIN)

Some aspects of the reproduction of salmonid fish in the small rivers Ol’khovka and Krivoy Ruchey (White Sea drainage basin, Tersky coast of the Kola peninsula), including downstream migration of brown trout and atlantic salmon smolts, as well as the distribution of juveniles of these species across these watercourses have been studied. Data are provided on the size-weight characteristics of the parr and smolts of both species, their sex and age composition. Correlation was revealed between the progress of downstream migration and mean daily water temperature. It was established that small rivers with mean annual discharge below 1.5 m 3 /s harbor spawning of not only brown trout but also atlantic salmon. although the number of spawners is low (less than 20 pairs), this nevertheless contributes to enlargement of the species biodiversity. It should be borne in mind that there are hundreds of small rivers in the White Sea drainage basin, which collectively make a significant contribution to the abundance of both brown trout and atlantic salmon. The approach to surveys and studies of small watercourses should therefore be revised.

Bi-rotor micro hydro power plant for energy supply to isolated consumers

This paper is dedicated to comparative analysis and description of a micro hydroelectric power plant with bi-rotor hydro generator. Based on the characteristics analysis, this paper describes a renewable energy source for a small watercourse; the feasibility of micro hydroelectric power plants with bi-rotor hydro generator is demonstrated. The features of their operation require in-depth research to substantiate parameters of such installations. This paper presents the analysis of the usage of micro hydroelectric solutions with bi-rotor hydro generator. The lattice theory problem was solved, which made it possible to determine the shape of the profile according to a given law of velocity distribution (pressure) on the contour. The experimental stand was developed, and the experiments were conducted to identify the dependence of the frequency of rotation from the flow and the dependence of the rotational frequencies of hydro turbines from various loads. Based on the results obtained, the optimum values of the rotational speed were identified. Presented results of experimental research are of significance and can be applied practically in design of micro hydroelectric power plants with bi-rotor hydro generator. Keywords: Bi-Rotor Hydro Generator; Differential Equation; Rotational Flows; Function; Hydraulic Models; Kinetic Energy; Renewable Energy Sources; Velocity Measurements. This paper is dedicated to comparative analysis and description of a micro hydroelectric power plant with bi-rotor hydro generator. Based on the characteristics analysis, this paper describes a renewable energy source for a small watercourse; the feasibility of micro hydroelectric power plants with bi-rotor hydro generator is demonstrated. The features of their operation require in-depth research to substantiate parameters of such installations. This paper presents the analysis of the usage of micro hydroelectric solutions with bi-rotor hydro generator. The lattice theory problem was solved, which made it possible to determine the shape of the profile according to a given law of velocity distribution (pressure) on the contour. The experimental stand was developed, and the experiments were conducted to identify the dependence of the frequency of rotation from the flow and the dependence of the rotational frequencies of hydro turbines from various loads. Based on the results obtained, the optimum values of the rotational speed were identified. Presented results of experimental research are of significance and can be applied practically in design of micro hydroelectric power plants with bi-rotor hydro generator.

Virulence profile of Escherichia coli O157 strains isolated from surface water in cattle breeding areas.

The challenge for the growing global demand for food is to find sustained production strategies without collateral effects. Intensive livestock operations generate large volumes of manure that can contaminate a finite resource, the water. This study shows how water contaminated by confined feeding operations can transport dangerous pathogens and warns to pay more attention to control and sanitation systems to prevent this type of pollution.

A project optimization for small watercourses restoration in the northern part of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain by the geoinformation and hydrodynamic modeling

The project of small watercourses restoration in the northern part of the Volga-Akhtuba floodplain is considered together with the aim of increasing the watering of the territory during small and medium floods. The topography irregularity, the complex structure of the floodplain valley consisting of large number of small watercourses, the presence of urbanized and agricultural areas require careful preliminary analysis of the hydrological safety and efficiency of geographically distributed project activities. Using the digital terrain and watercourses structure models of the floodplain, the hydrodynamic flood model, the analysis of the hydrological safety and efficiency of several project implementation strategies has been conducted. The objective function values have been obtained from the hydrodynamic calculations of the floodplain territory flooding for virtual digital terrain models simulating alternatives for the geographically distributed project activities. The comparative efficiency of several empirical strategies for the geographically distributed project activities, as well as a two-stage exact solution method for the optimization problem has been studied.

The snowmelt as a critical period for the quality of surface water in the agricultural catchment

The research on the quality of the water of a small watercourse was conducted in the agricultural catchment in north-eastern Poland. The water quality was analyzed in the hydrological year and in the period of increased discharge, which in these hydro-meteorological conditions occurs in the snowmelt period. Nutrients get from agricultural land to surface water during the snowmelt or precipitation period. Therefore, the chemical composition of the water of the studied watercourse was subject to intense seasonal fluctuations. The concentration of nitrates, phosphates and ammonium ions increased with discharge. The snowmelt lasted for several days. However, as research has shown, this is a critical period for the quality of surface water in the agricultural landscape. During this period, the water of a small watercourse transported about 36% of annual nitrate load, over 45% of phosphate load and as much as 66% of ammonium ions.

Investigation of the activity of Rn-222 along a small stream in the Representative Basin of Juatuba - MG

ABSTRACT For thousands of years, water has been the focus of experimentation toward solving the challenges associated with human water supply, navigation, irrigation, and sanitation. The use of tracers to study water resources is an efficient approach that can facilitate the modeling of many hydrological scenarios. The goal of this paper is to show results of research that tracked the presence of Rn-222, a natural tracer, in the surface waters of a small watercourse in southeastern part of Brazil. RAD 7, which is an electronic and portable radon detector, was the main instrument used in this survey. We analyzed 117 water samples and converted the radon activity results to effective radiation doses with respect to the hypothetical human consumption of these waters. We also analyzed the sediments of the watercourse. The obtained data showed that the radon activity in the studied waters varies between 0.52-76.96 Bq/m3. We determined the effective dose of all samples to be less than 1 mSv y−1, and its consumption to present no risk to human health. The existence of connections between surface and subsurface waters in the stream is possible, and radon peaks may indicate the existence of discharge zones into the surface water body.

Contamination of small watercourses with heavy metals depending on distance from emission sources: Lesser Poland case study

AbstractDespite the size of small watercourses, their contamination is a major environmental problem. The Małopolska Upland and the adjacent Silesian‐Cracow Upland, situated in the Lesser Poland region, are two good examples of an area with many small rivers and creeks, which are highly susceptible to contamination. The study reports the condition of small watercourses in terms of their contamination with zinc, lead and cadmium. Both water and sediments were studied. The atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method was used to determine the concentrations of metallic elements. The analytical results showed that despite the decreasing impact of the local industry, levels of concentration of all the studied metals in sediments are significantly elevated in the distance range approximately up to 20 km from the emitters. However, analysing the changes of metallic contaminants content with increasing distance one can state that watercourses located further than 30 km from the emitters are safe for aquatic organisms.

Hydrological and hydraulic analysis of a small lowland watercourse flow capacity and its functioning in the region of Silesian Lowlands in the context of rainfall water management

Abstract Hydrological and hydraulic analysis of a small lowland watercourse flow capacity and its functioning in the region of Silesian Lowlands in the context of rainfall water management. The built-up areas in the catchments of small lowland watercourses faced with the risk of particularly devastating natural hazards. This risk is especially prevalent in the mouth reaches. The increasingly intense extreme natural phenomena, such as violent floods and long lasting droughts, increase the importance of irrigation, drainage and hydraulic structures. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive hydrological and hydraulic analysis of the functioning of a small lowland watercourse flow capacity in the context of water management in its catchment. The case study discussed below is a proposal that could be used by both the specialists and the designers working in the field of water management. Methods are proposed for the determination of heavy rainfall in small ungauged agricultural catchments for the purpose of rainfall water management. The area under study consists of the lower reaches of R-4, a watercourse located in the agricultural village of Dobrzeń Wielki in the Opolskie province, the Upper Odra river basin. The authors have assessed the flow capacity of R-4 based on EN 752:2008 and carried out hydrological calculations for the area being analysed as well as hydraulic calculations for R-4. It was concluded, that the small lowland watercourse and the communication structures (culverts and pipelines) on its way indicated low flow capacity. Consequently, a rainfall water management concept was proposed for the water flowing in the watercourse. A small retention reservoir with a total capacity of 3,132 m3 and a surface area of 2,088 m2 was also proposed to be constructed. In order to calculate the water inflow to the reservoir the Bogdanowicz and Stachy formula was used. This model was selected because the maximum rainfall on agricultural land calculated from this formula meets the requirements of EN 752:2008. Moreover, this formula produced the highest runoff values compared to other models. The research carried out is in line with the goals of water management in rural areas, where the management model has changed.

<b>Prediction of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient for small watercourses

Longitudinal dispersion coefficient (DL) is considered an essential physical parameter to water quality modeling in rivers. Therefore, the estimation of this parameter with high accuracy guarantees the reliability of the results of a water quality model. In this study, the observed values of longitudinal dispersion coefficient are determined for natural streams (with discharge less than 2.84 m3s-1), based on sets of measured data from stimulus-response tests using sodium chloride as a tracer. Additionally, a semi-empirical equation for prediction of DL is derived using dimensional analysis and multiple linear regression technique. The performance of the produced equation was compared to five empirical prediction equations of DL selected from literature. It presented correlation coefficient r2 = 0.87, suggesting that this equation is suitable for the estimation of DL in streams. It also presented better results for predicting the DL than the five equations from literature, showing an accuracy of 71%.

Time and place changes concentration of nitrite nitrogen in the southwestern part of the Slovak Republic

Received: 2016-10-24 | Accepted: 2017-04-19 | Available online: 2017-06-20 http://dx.doi.org/10.15414/afz.2017.20.01.41-44 Concentrations of nitrite nitrogen in the water flow Caradice brook were evaluated in the years 2005-2010. Caradice brook springs in the mountains of Pohronský Inovec in the southern foot of Drienka hill and it is the right tributary of the Hron River, into which mouth near the village Kozarovce. Its length is 11.1 km. Samples of the water in longitudinal profile of the watercourse were carried out from six sampling sites, on a regular basis, in the second decade of the month. The places of taking samples were localized to include all real sources causing the pollution of watercourse. The average concentration of nitrite nitrogen during the whole period represented a value of 0.05 mg dm -3 . Its share in total inorganic forms of nitrogen (N-NO 3 - , N-NH 4 + , N-NO 2 - ) represented 1.98%. Depending on the time of sampling the lowest average concentration for the whole period was recorded in February (0.032 mg dm -3 ). Its highest average concentration was detected in May (0.065 mg dm -3 ). Seasonal dynamics regularity of concentrations of nitrite nitrogen during the whole monitored period is not reflected. Effect of sampling sites on the nitrite nitrogen concentration in the water flow was as significant as the influence of the month. In the longitudinal profile of the watercourse, we generally observed a tendency of gradual increase in the concentration from the first to the last sampling site. The lowest average concentration of nitrite nitrogen (0.025 mg dm -3 ) was found in the sampling site, which was located under the forest ecosystem and the highest (0.066 mg dm -3 ) in the sampling point located below the village Kozarovce. The most significant increase in the average concentration was found in the sampling site located under Caradice municipalities and Kozarovce, which may indicate contamination of sewage water flow. In the regulation of the Government of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll. the recommended value for nitrite nitrogen is 0.02 mg dm -3 . Calculated values of 90-th percentile (P90) of this indicator in all sampling sites were lower than the recommended value of government regulations. Keywords: nitrite nitrogen, water flow, water quality References ABER, J.D. et al. (2002) Is Nitrogen Deposition Altering the Nitrogen Status of Northeastern Forests. American Geophysical Union . Vol. 31, 6 pp. BABOSOVA, M. and NOSKOVIC, J. (2014) The quality of atmospheric precipitation in the area of Nitra - Lower Malanta . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. 64 p. Barancikova, G. et al. (2009) Environmental Chemistry . Presov: Presov University. 251 p. BUDAY, J. (2002) Intensification of the process of removing nitrogen from sewage - substrate and product inhibition of nitrification. Bratislava, pp. 92. KABELKOVA-JANCARKOVA, I. (2002) Nitrification dynamics in a small watercourse. Water management , vol. 52, no. 8, pp. 221 – 224. Konecný, V. (1998) Geological map of the Stiavnicke hills and Pohronsky Inovec . VEDA: Bratislava. LICHVAROVA, M. et al. (2006) Properties of water. Project KEGA 3/3004/05. GOVERNMENT DECREE of the Slovak Republic No. 269/2010 Coll. NOSKOVIC, J. et al. (2010) Zitavsky luh – abiotic components . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. 157 p. NOSKOVIC, J. et al. (2011) Nature Reserve Aluvium Žitava water quality . Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. 105 p. PITTER, P. (1999) Hydrochemie. Prague, pp. 568. PITTER, P. (2009) Hydrochemie. 4 th ed. Prague, pp. 568. SEBIŇ, M., PEKAROVA, P. and MIKLANEK, P. (2007) Evaluation and indirect estimation of nitrate losses from the agricultural microbasin Rybarik. Biologia , vol. 62, no. 5, pp. 569-572. VALENT, P. et al. (2011) Analysis of nitrate concentrations using nonlinear time series models. Journal of Hydrology and Hydrochemics , vol. 59, no. 3, pp. 157 – 170. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10098-011-0013-9

Laboratory- and full-scale studies on the removal of pharmaceuticals in an aerated constructed wetland: effects of aeration and hydraulic retention time on the removal efficiency and assessment of the aquatic risk.

Pharmaceutical residues in wastewater pose a challenge to wastewater treatment technologies. Constructed wetlands (CWs) are common wastewater treatment systems in rural areas and they discharge often in small water courses in which the ecology can be adversely affected by the discharged pharmaceuticals. Hence, there is a need for studies aiming to improve the removal of pharmaceuticals in CWs. In this study, the performance of a full-scale aerated sub-surface flow hybrid CW treating wastewater from a healthcare facility was studied in terms of common water parameters and pharmaceutical removal. In addition, a preliminary aquatic risk assessment based on hazard quotients was performed to estimate the likelihood of adverse effects on aquatic organisms in the forest creek where this CW discharges. The (combined) effect of aeration and hydraulic retention time (HRT) was evaluated in a laboratory-scale batch experiment. Excellent removal of the targeted pharmaceuticals was obtained in the full-scale CW (>90%) and, as a result, the aquatic risk was estimated low. The removal efficiency of only a few of the targeted pharmaceuticals was found to be dependent on the applied aeration (namely gabapentin, metformin and sotalol). Longer and the HRT increased the removal of carbamazepine, diclofenac and tramadol.

Flood hazards in the headwaters area: lessons learned from a survey of households in the upper Myjava basin, Slovakia

Abstract The aims of this paper are to present knowledge about the threat of flooding in the upper basins of the Myjava River, obtained using a questionnaire, and to identify the potential lessons for flood risk management. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about households' experience with flooding, including the type of floods experienced, the locations of flooding, the exacerbating factors contributing to flood risk that they considered to be important and their proposals to minimise the occurrence of flooding. Findings obtained using the questionnaire suggest that: (i) in the upper basins, sheetwash flooding is as important as river flooding and the assessment of flood hazards should include all significant types of flood hazard; (ii) flood risk management in the upper basins should primarily focus on the systematic maintenance of small watercourses and on eliminating local factors that increase the risk of all types of flooding. The building of structures for flood defence should be seen as a last resort when other options are not effective.

Plantago trinitatis Rahn (Plantaginaceae): New sites of occurrence and altitudinal variation at Trindade Island, Brazil

Plantago trinitatis, endemic plant of Trindade Island, a small oceanic island (9.28 km2) apart about 1,140 km from the coast of the city of Vitoria (Espirito Santo, southeastern Brazil), until now had only been located on the island at altitudes greater than 500 meters, in a dry environment and rocky soil. In April 2013, we observed several individuals of the species at altitudes varying from 80 to 240 meters, along a small watercourse in the northeast portion of the island. This record, in addition to confirming the occurrence of the species at lower altitudes than 500 meters, also confirms the recovery of the species, which, until 1998, was considered extinct.Keywords: endemism, oceanic island, Plantaginaceae, altitudinal variation.