Abstract: Precipitation is accompanied by the formation and migration of heterophase interfaces. Using the combined approach of advanced imaging and atomistic simulations, we studied the precipitate-matrix interfaces in various aluminium alloy systems, aiming to resolve their detailed atomic structures and illuminate their role in phase transformations.

Abstract: Sixty-two samples of total sediments and the separated clay/silt size fractions were analysed by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to evaluate the pollution level and the trends in samples collected along the Belgian coast over a period of 6 yr and at four stations located in the Scheldt estuary where two of these were sampled periodically for 4 yr. Three correction methods for grain size effects were applied, either to the bulk sediment samples or to the clay/silt size fractions, and the results were compared. Local variations on the concentrations in some of the elements determined were used to establish whether they result from an anthropogenic or natural origin. The level of pollution was assessed as a function of the location, sampling date, and depth.

Abstract: Diatoms represent the major component of phytoplankton and are responsible for about 2025% of global primary production. Hundreds of millions of years of evolution led to tens of thousands of species differing in dimensions and morphologies. In particular, diatom porous silica cell walls, the frustules, are characterized by an extraordinary, species-specific diversity. It is of great interest, among the marine biologists and geneticists community, to shed light on the origin and evolutionary advantage of this variability of dimensions, geometries and pore distributions. In the present article the main reported data related to frustule morphogenesis and functionalities with contributions from fundamental biology, genetics, mathematics, geometry and physics are reviewed.

Abstract: Automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis was used to characterize some 15 000 individual suspension particles from 50 samples of suspended matter collected from different depths at 18 stations throughout the Baltic Sea and the transient area to the North Sea. For each particle, 14 minor and major elements were determined and size information data were obtained. To process this huge amount of results, multivariate analysis techniques were invoked: the particles were classified into specific types and the abundance variations of these groups were studied. It appeared that 80% of all investigated particles contained mostly silicon, and seemed to consist of quartz, and K-rich and Fe-rich aluminosilicates. The abundance of BaSO4 particles averaged 5% throughout the Baltic Sea, but amounted to up to 44% at some stations. The abundance of the Fe-rich particles varied significantly with location and depth, and averaged ∼ 4%. They were often found to be associated with significant amounts of P. Both of these particle types and the Mn-rich particles are thought to be mainly authigenic. Calcium carbonate particles are more abundant towards the North Sea (which seems to act as a source). Principal component analysis of the data revealed that most of the compositional variability can be explained by differences between deep and surface waters and by the influences of inflowing North Sea waters. Additional information about the types and sources of the suspended matter in the Baltic Sea was gained from the comparison and correlation of the single particle results with different fractions of the bulk concentrations of elements such as Al, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn and Ba.

Abstract: The risk profile of Cr and Pb in urban road deposited sediment Exponential urbanisation and industrial growth occur on a global scale and result in an ecological burden, of which one important part is pollution. It is well known that the extent of air pollution has escalated over the past two decades in several parts of the world, despite mitigating measures and legislation. Current research points to the fact that air pollution in urban and industrial areas is substantially different from that found in rural areas. Road dust (RD) contributes up to 35% of airborne particulate matter due to resuspension thereof, and poses a health concern due to carcinogenic and toxic components potentially present in the micron-sized fractions. Although literature does report on the concentrations of trace, toxic metals and metalloids present in RD (Hooker and Nathanail 2006), the molecular make-up of particulates generated due to the resuspension of the RD is not well documented. In vitro and animal toxicological studies have confirmed that the chemical composition of inhaled particles plays a major role in its toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic mechanisms, but the component-specific toxic effects are still not understood. Transition metals binding to air particle matter can result in reactive oxygen species in the human body (particularly in the lungs), and this is a significant risk, especially for vulnerable population groups like elderly people, children and terminally ill patients. The characterisation of the molecular composition of the fine fraction is evidently of importance for public health. During an earlier study, road dust from an inner-city environment in the UK was collected and partially characterised (Barrett e.a. 2010). These same-size fractions were analysed for their elemental concentrations, using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRFS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, single-particle analysis was performed on the different fractions by means of Computer Controlled Electron Probe X-ray Micro Analysis (CC-EPXMA) and their molecular structure probed by studying elemental associations. These findings were correlated with Micro Raman Spectroscopy (MRS) results. It was found that the fine fraction (<38 μm) had the highest Pb (238 ppm) and Cr (171 ppm) concentrations. The CC-EPXMA data showed >50% association of Cr-rich particles with Pb and the MRS data showed that the Cr was mostly present as lead chromate and therefore in the Cr(VI) oxidation state. Concentrations of both Pb and Cr decreased substantially (279 (<38 mm) 13 ppm (<1mm); 171 (<38 mm) 91 ppm (<1mm) respectively) in the larger fractions. Apart from rather alarmingly high concentrations of oxidative stressors (Cu, Fe, Mn), the carcinogenic and toxic potential of the inhalable fraction is evident. Preliminary bioaccessibility data indicated that both Cr and Pb are readily

Abstract: The available scenarios of pollutant trends in Europe indicate that the effect of industrial, domestic and transport emissions on corrosion and soiling will continue to constitute a serious threat to Cultural Heritage. Such effects require improved methods for a more accurate diagnosis, monitoring and assessment of the damage. Within this framework, the monitoring methodology applied within the European project TeACH (Technologies and tools to prioritize assessment and diagnosis of air pollution impact on immovable and movable cultural heritage) (2008-2012) allows to assess the impact of the main pollutants on historic buildings. As a part of this approach, a new kit able to monitor the environmental parameters critical for the conservation of architectural surfaces and to evaluate the related damage in terms of surface color change was developed. The monitoring methodology described in the present paper has valuable application potential in the definition of preventive conservation strategies for a wide range of heritage assets.

Abstract: Recent studies indicate the necessity of addressing traffic-related air pollution in urban environments, as street canyons are known for their lack of natural ventilation and increased pollution levels. To address this issue, numerous studies have been conducted on different aspects (e.g. aspect ratio, orientation and height variation) and their impact on ventilation and pollution dispersion/dilution performance in street canyons. Despite the numerous studies, the information remains fragmented and the results and applications are fairly unknown in urban planning. Broad review studies on numerous street canyon aspects are also quite scarce. In this study, over 200 studies were collected and reviewed across various parameters and on different configuration levels (street canyon configuration / building configuration / in-canyon configuration). Hereby, the study aims to give a comprehensive overview and to formulate spatial guidelines to improve the application of the reviewed studies for the purpose of urban planning. In total, 19 general guidelines were formulated, and an implementation strategy for the purpose of urban planning was developed. Despite the usability of these guidelines for urban planning, a high number of limitations and variabilities were detected. The broad literature review also revealed knowledge gaps, indicating the potentials for further research.

Abstract: This study investigates farmers' preferences and willingness to pay for cropland attributes in Bahir Dar, north-west Ethiopia. A choice experiment is used to elicit farmers' preferences between different land use attributes, including a monetary attribute. The study was conducted in the croplands that are threatened by land expro-priation for urban expansion. A survey was undertaken with 144 farmers in four rural kebeles surrounding the city (Addis Alem, Weramit, Wereb and Zenzelima). In the survey, respondents were provided with hypothetical land purchasing decisions, with three alternatives (i.e., two hypothetical parcels and an opt-out option). A choice experiment was undertaken to measure farmers' interest in different types of croplands, which varies with respect to irrigability, number of trees per ha, soil erosion resistance and water holding capacity of the cropland. Estimation of two mixed logit models was carried out. The estimation results show that, although the farmers did not show strong preferences for each attribute of the cropland, many farmers in the area showed interest in the proposed alternative croplands. Farmers show more interest for the land that is irrigable, gentle slope and with medium water holding capacity. The results also indicate that farmers assign highest marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) (79.01 ETB per square meter) for irrigated land, followed by medium water holding capacity with MWTP of 52.13 ETB per square meter. We believe that the results of this study would help land use policy and decision makers in the study area to consider the various attributes of cropland in land use planning, including land expropriation programs, which assures the sustainability of ecosystem services.

Abstract: In Ethiopia, urban expansion happens at high rates and results in land expropriations often at the cost of agriculture and forests. The process of urban expansion does not include assessment of ecosystem services (ES). This has been causing unintended environmental problems. This study aims to uncover ES of three most important land use types (cropland, agroforestry, and grassland) that are threatened by land expropriation for urban expansion in Bahir Dar City. The study applied a participatory approach using community perception and expert judgments (N = 108). Respondents were asked to locate their perceptions on the use of 35 different ES, and then to evaluate the potential of the land use. Respondents were shown to have the ability to differentiate between ES and land use in terms of their potential to deliver ES. The results show that agroforestry is expected to have a high relevant potential to deliver 31% of all ES, but cropland 20% and grassland 14%. Food, fodder, timber, firewood, fresh water, energy, compost, climate regulation, erosion prevention, and water purification and treatment were identified as the ten most important services. It is not only the provisioning services that are being supplied by the land use types which are expropriated for urbanization, but also regulating, supporting and cultural services. To ensure sustainable urban land development, we suggest the consideration of the use of ES and the potential of the land use to supply ES when making land use decisions, including land expropriation for urban expansion.