The framework for a Europe-wide biomonitoring programme has been established by a new study. The preliminary investigation of 17 European countries showed that monitored levels of toxic chemicals varied significantly between countries. Although the levels were mostly within recognised health-based guidance values, in a few cases these values were exceeded. The researchers suggest that a fully-fledged European biomonitoring programme would help to develop policies to avert public health risks presented by environmental chemicals.

Chemical risk assessment and governance can be integrated and harmonised, but only up to a limit, albeit a variable limit, finds new research. The study’s authors examined the socio-political processes and factors surrounding integrated risk assessment and governance associated with chemicals in the EU. The research suggests there are opportunities for improvement if different views and implications of risk integration are considered through open communication and negotiations.

Pesticide-related poisonings in EU Member States must be reported to the European Commission under current legislation, but there is no standard information collection and reporting system. A new system has been proposed, which harmonises data collection, categorisation and reporting, enabling exposure data to be compared among Member States. The new system would improve the monitoring of pesticides in Europe and aid the identification of emerging problems.

Poisoned bait is a major threat to endangered bird species in Europe. The LIFE+ VENENO project was set up to tackle this problem in Spain, developing an action plan for eradication of the illegal use of poison and protocols for law enforcement. As well as improving the prosecution of illegal poisoning in Spain, LIFE+ VENENO provides a useful model for other European countries.

Chemicals are everywhere and new substances are regularly being introduced to the market. However, only some pose a risk to the environment. How do we decide which of them to monitor? A new study using a database of chemicals found in fish in the Baltic Sea has assessed which chemicals are commonly monitored. The researchers suggest that monitoring is biased towards known, already regulated hazardous chemicals, and recommend changes to address other chemicals.

Researchers have developed a new approach to hierarchise pesticides based on their risk to or via the aquatic environment, which has been implemented in the Pinios River Basin of Central Greece. The analysis indicated that a number of pesticides were found in concentrations that could cause negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The results provide detailed information to inform decisions regarding the monitoring of pesticides in the Pinios River Basin and outline an approach that could be used in other watersheds.

Neonicotinoids are pesticides applied to plants to protect them from insects. The use of neonicotinoids may lead to contamination of aquatic environments through, among other routes, the input of contaminated plant material into waterways. While it is well established that direct exposure to contaminated water endangers aquatic invertebrates, scientists have now published findings indicating that dietary exposure through the consumption of contaminated plant material puts leaf-shredding species at increased risk. The researchers recommend that policymakers registering systemic insecticides (those whose active ingredients are transported throughout the plant tissues) consider dietary exposure, and its potential implications for ecosystem integrity, in addition to other exposure pathways.

The presence of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water is an emerging health concern. DBPs come in many classes and are chemically diverse, making them challenging to monitor. Swedish researchers have evaluated a new method for the simultaneous determination of a broader range of DBPs than typically possible using other available techniques. The method uses gas chromatography (a laboratory technique that separates and analyses vaporisable compounds in a mixture), together with a halogen-specific detector (XSD). Having been tested in real water samples from two municipal waterworks in Sweden, the method has been optimised for the simultaneous determination of a wide range of neutral DBPs.

Croatian researchers have developed new indicators that can be used to analyse photochemical pollution and smog caused by ozone. The indicators are based on simple mathematical formulae and could make it easier for those who monitor pollution levels to make meaningful comparisons between different sites.

House sparrows have the potential to become indicators of air quality, according to a recent Spanish study. The researchers demonstrated that small blood samples taken from the sparrows varied significantly depending on pollution levels in the birds’ habitat.

High levels of ammonia were observed at a Natura 2000 site nearly three kilometres upwind from an intensive poultry farm in a recent study. While downwind effects of ammonia emissions are to be expected, this study suggests that ammonia emissions could be a significant source of nitrogen pollution even upwind from the source.

Cyclists with pollution monitors and GPS trackers attached to their bicycles have produced detailed maps of Antwerp’s air quality, as part of a recent study. Their data show that a gap of just a few metres between cycle lanes and cars significantly reduces cyclists’ risk of inhaling high levels of ultrafine particle pollution.

Levels of particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere are linked to ammonia emissions. However, reducing ammonia emissions only as far as targets set out by the Gothenburg Protocol will not necessarily ensure compliance with EU PM limits, according to a new study. Greater reductions in ammonia emissions would reduce the number of days when PM limit values are exceeded, the researchers found.

Emissions from well-regulated household waste incinerators do not reduce the quality of vegetables and milk produced nearby, a Dutch study suggests. Researchers found that levels of certain contaminants were similar whether vegetables and milk came from the area surrounding three incinerators, or from elsewhere in the Netherlands. They say biomonitoring programmes could offer a way to increase the understanding of the real impacts of waste incineration and to improve communication between waste management companies and local communities.

Ammonia released by nitrogen fertilisers in Spanish agriculture could be reduced by up to 82% with only a very minimal impact on crop yield, finds new research. This could be achieved by combining optimised management of manure with the use of non-urea synthetic fertilisers.

Researchers have identified plant fungi in the Ecuadorian rainforest that can digest plastic. The discovery hints that there may be a wide range of effective waste-consuming microbes in existence, according to the study, which found that several different fungi, including one called Pestalotiopsis microspora, can break down the widely used plastic, polyurethane.

It may be possible to use trees to monitor levels of air pollution in cities, new research suggests. A Belgian study found evidence that leaves of urban trees change both chemically and physiologically when exposed to different levels of air pollution. If these changes are carefully quantified, trees could provide cheap and widespread ‘bio-indicators’, the study’s authors suggest.

Seaweed may prove to be a valuable tool to monitor metal pollution in coastal waters, new research has found. Spiral wrack seaweed (Fucus spiralis), which is common to rocky coastlines across western Europe, was found to contain concentrations of metals that rose and fell in line with concentrations in the surrounding seawater. This makes it a good candidate for inclusion in the European environmental specimen banks as part of an environmental monitoring network under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Every year some of the world’s best young musicians would jet into London to audition for a bursary with the Southbank Sinfonia. Simon Over wanted to cut down on those thousands of air miles and hours in transit. He also didn’t want to miss out on youngsters who couldn’t afford the fare.

CBS San Antonio

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The post $50 million luxury hotel planned at iconic Barossa Valley winery appeared first on The Lead SA.

FAIRFAX, Va. - The left exit ramp from eastbound I-66 to both north and southbound I-495 Express Lanes is scheduled to close tonight, Tuesday,...

FAIRFAX - Drivers on I-66 between Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) and Route 243 (Nutley Street) should expect delays and plan to use alternate routes during...

SPRINGFIELD, Va. – Drivers along the Franconia-Springfield Parkway (Route 289) bridge over Accotink Creek now have better protection from oncoming...

SALEM – Throughout the afternoon and evening, crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation have been responding to the immediate concerns of downed trees, mudslides and high water throughout southwestern Virginia. Crews will continue to monitor roadways overnight. As of 10 p.m., roads in all 12 counties of the district have been affected by the heavy rainfall resulting in numerous closures of primary and secondary roads today. Some of the primary roads affected include portions of Interstate 81, Route 220 through Roanoke and Franklin County, Route 419 in Roanoke, Route 58 in Patrick County and Route 57 in Henry County. As streams and rivers swell and water recedes, conditions will continue to change, so motorists should drive with caution and check the latest road conditions before travelling tomorrow morning. The most up-to-date information about flooded roads is available at www.511Virginia.org . To access the list of flooded roads, look for the text views section of the site and search under road conditions.  VDOT encourages motorists to stay off the roads tonight, if possible, and not to drive through ponding water or around barricades.  As water recedes, VDOT will inspect structures and roadways before they can reopen or be repaired.  Some roads may require lengthy closures depending on the extent of damage and how soon repairs can be completed. To report downed trees or debris on state maintained roads, citizens can contact VDOT’s customer service center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD. For emergencies, dial 911. Follow us on Twitter at @VaDOTSalem and @511southwestva  for the latest updates on road conditions.

SALEM – The recent flooding and heavy rainfall has resulted in several slope and shoulder failures along Route 220 in Roanoke and Franklin Counties. During the next week, crews will be working to repair the damage and commuters and travelers will be impacted. Route 220 Southbound between Buck Mountain Road and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County The right lane of southbound Route 220 is closed due to a slope failure on the right shoulder of the road between Buck Mountain and Yellow Mountain Road in Roanoke County.  High water from the heavy rains caused a rock slide that impacted the shoulder of the roadway. The weight caused the shoulder to collapse resulting in the road being pushed out and giving way. The right lane closure will remain in place through Monday evening, weather permitting. Crews are developing a plan to repair the pipe and plan to begin work over the weekend.   Route 220 Southbound at Franklin County Line The left lane of southbound Route 220 has been closed due to a slope failure in the median just south of the Franklin County line. VDOT crews have been working to determine how a pipe under the road has failed and how to proceed with repairs. At this time, the ground continues to settle and move, therefore, the lane will remain closed through the weekend and into Monday . The lane closure is located approximately one mile prior to the Roanoke County and Franklin County line and just north of the intersection with Route 613 (Naff Road).  Route 220 Shoulder Repairs There will be alternating right and left lane closures on southbound and northbound Route 220 next week, weather permitting, to repair shoulders that have been damaged by the heavy rainfall. Drivers using Route 220 southbound and northbound should plan ahead for significant delays during this time until repairs can be made and lane closures are removed. Drivers should plan ahead accordingly. For updates on this lane closure, visit www.511Virginia.org .

000
WTCA43 TJSJ 291521
TCPSP3

Huracan Lorenzo Advertencia Numero 29
Centro Nacional de Huracanes Miami FL AL132019
Traduccion por el Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia San Juan PR
1100 AM AST domingo 29 de septiembre de 2019

...INTERESES EN AZORES DEBEN MONITOREAR EL PROGRESO DE LORENZO...
...VIGILANCIAS PUDIERAN SER EMITIDAS PARA ESAS ISLAS TARDE EN EL
DIA DE HOY O ESTA NOCHE...


RESUMEN DE LAS 1100 AM EDT...1500 UTC...INFORMACION
-------------------------------------------------------
LOCALIZACION...25.9 N 44.4 O
ALREDEDOR DE 1315 MI...2115 KM AL SO DE LOS AZORES
VIENTOS MAXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...145 MPH...230 KM/H
MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...NNE O 15 GRADOS A 10 MPH...17 KM/H
PRESION CENTRAL MINIMA...938 MILIBARES...27.70 PULGADAS


VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS
--------------------
No hay vigilancias o avisos costeros en efecto.

Intereses en los Azores deben monitorear el progres de Lorenzo.


DISCUSION Y PRONOSTICO
----------------------
A las 1100 AM AST (1500 UTC), el centro del Huracan Lorenzo estaba
localizado cerca de la latitud 25.9 norte, longitud 44.4 oeste.
Lorenzo se esta moviendo hacia el norte-noreste a cerca de 10 mph
(17 km/h) y se espera que este movimiento continue hasta esta noche.
Un giro hacia el noreste, en conjunto con un aumento en su velicidad
de traslacion deben ocurrir el lunes y continuar hasta el miercoles.

Los vientos maximos sostenidos estan cerca de 145 mph (260 km/h) con
rafagas mas fuertes. Lorenzo es un huracan categoria 4 en la escala
de vientos de huracan Saffir-Simpson. Se espera un debilitamiento
constante durante los proximos dias, pero se sigue esperando que
Lorenzo siga siendo un huracan potente para los proximos par de dias.

Lorenzo es un huracan grande, con vientos con fuerza de huracan
extendiendose hasta 80 millas (135 km) del centro y los vientos con
fuerza de tormenta tropical se extienden hasta 275 millas (445 km)
del centro.

La presion central minima estimada es de 938 mb (27.70 pulgadas).


PELIGROS AFECTANDO TIERRA ADENTRO
---------------------------------

LLUVIA: Se espera que Lorenzo produzca un total de acumulacion de
lluvia de 3 a 6 pulgadas sobre la mayoria del oeste de Azores y de 1
a 2 pulgadas sobre el centro de Azores el martes y miercoles. Esta
lluvia pudiera causar inundaciones repentinas que amenacen la vida
en el oeste de Azores.

RESACAS: Marejadas generada por Lorenzo se estan desplazando a
traves de la mayoria de la cuenca del Atlantico. Estas marejadas son
muy probables que caucen condiciones de resacas y corrientes marinas
que amenacen la vida. Favor de consultar los productos de su oficina
local de meteorologia.


PROXIMA ADVERTENCIA
-------------------
Proxima advertencia completa a las 500 PM AST.

$$

Pronosticador Latto
Traduccion FRamos

...

An international research team jointly led by NTU Singapore, the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory and Germany's Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) has for the first time observed the ultrafast formation and then breakdown of the water ion that is created when water is exposed to ionising radiation....

Acoustic Data has developed a remote downhole monitoring deployment model that overcomes travel restrictions tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

000
WTNT25 KNHC 250231
TCMAT5

POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE SEBASTIEN FORECAST/ADVISORY NUMBER 23
NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL AL202019
0300 UTC MON NOV 25 2019

THERE ARE NO COASTAL WATCHES OR WARNINGS IN EFFECT.

INTERESTS IN THE AZORES SHOULD MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF
POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE SEBASTIEN.

POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE CENTER LOCATED NEAR 41.0N 28.9W AT 25/0300Z
POSITION ACCURATE WITHIN 60 NM

PRESENT MOVEMENT TOWARD THE NORTHEAST OR 55 DEGREES AT 35 KT

ESTIMATED MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE 993 MB
MAX SUSTAINED WINDS 50 KT WITH GUSTS TO 60 KT.
50 KT....... 0NE 50SE 0SW 0NW.
34 KT....... 90NE 170SE 190SW 90NW.
12 FT SEAS.. 90NE 240SE 420SW 150NW.
WINDS AND SEAS VARY GREATLY IN EACH QUADRANT. RADII IN NAUTICAL
MILES ARE THE LARGEST RADII EXPECTED ANYWHERE IN THAT QUADRANT.

REPEAT...CENTER LOCATED NEAR 41.0N 28.9W AT 25/0300Z
AT 25/0000Z CENTER WAS LOCATED NEAR 40.0N 30.8W

FORECAST VALID 25/1200Z 43.6N 22.7W...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
MAX WIND 50 KT...GUSTS 60 KT.
50 KT... 0NE 50SE 0SW 0NW.
34 KT... 90NE 170SE 190SW 90NW.

FORECAST VALID 26/0000Z 48.1N 14.2W...POST-TROP/EXTRATROP
MAX WIND 50 KT...GUSTS 60 KT.
50 KT... 0NE 50SE 0SW 0NW.
34 KT...110NE 190SE 190SW 70NW.

FORECAST VALID 26/1200Z...MERGED WITH ANOTHER LOW

REQUEST FOR 3 HOURLY SHIP REPORTS WITHIN 300 MILES OF 41.0N 28.9W

THIS IS THE LAST FORECAST/ADVISORY ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL HURRICANE
CENTER ON SEBASTIEN. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS SYSTEM CAN BE
FOUND IN HIGH SEAS FORECASTS ISSUED BY METEO FRANCE UNDER WMO HEADER
FQNT50 LFPW.

$$
FORECASTER LATTO

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