Ecological Engineering

Abstract The capability of the microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (Cv) for biomass production and nutrients removal under different wastewater quality has been studied. Cv was cultivated in a standard medium ( Marine labs American society of microbiology-derived medium , MLA) blended with primary wastewater ( P WW ), secondary wastewater ( S WW ) and petroleum effluent ( P E ) in different volume ratios. Macro and micro nutrients were characterized in each solution, and the impact on the rate of biomass growth (specific growth rate, μ ) and removal efficiency (RE) determined for the bulk nutrients (total nitrogen TN and total phosphorus TP ) along with a range of macro- and micro-nutrients. P WW , S WW and P E media were found to provide an appropriate quantity and balance of nutrients to promote significantly more rapid algal growth than the standard medium MLA, with high nutrient RE achieved at the end of cultivation period. Over a 13-day period the highest biomass concentration X max of 1.6 g L −1 was attained for P WW with corresponding values of 1.2 d −1 , 80% and 100% for μ , and TN and TP RE respectively. μ decreased to 0.75 d −1 for a 75%:25% blend of P WW with MLA and to 0.54 d −1 on further decreasing the blend ratio to 25:75  P WW : MLA, with corresponding TN removal efficiencies of 85% and 76% respectively; 100% removal of TP was obtained throughout. There was a slight increase in X max , μ and TN removal of 1.16 g L −1 , 0.62 d −1 and 83% respectively for S WW . The lowest X max of 0.64 g L −1 in P E was recorded was associated with values of 0.31 d −1 , 79% and 100% for μ, and removal efficiencies of TN and TP respectively.

Given the current decline of natural wetlands worldwide and the consequent negative impacts on amphibians, wetlands constructed for the treatment of wastewaters have the potential to play a role in the protection of these animals. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the value of constructed wetlands (CWs) to amphibians, particularly relating to the terrestrial phase of their life-cycle. This study compares the terrestrial habitats of natural wetlands (NWs) and CWs as refuges for the smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris, [L., 1758]) with the aim of developing recommendations for CWs (both new and existing) to enhance their usefulness as newt-friendly habitats. Terrestrial habitats surrounding NWs and CWs were mapped using ArcGIS. Potential barriers to newt movement in addition to the presence of features such as wood or stone which could act as potential newt refuges were also mapped. Natural wetlands had significantly more terrestrial habitat types than CWs and while w...

This article presents a scientific overview of the processes and the impact of environmental degradation of coastal waters due to human activities on the adjoining land. The direct effects range from eutrophication, harmful algae blooms, to hypoxia and anoxia. The indirect effects are more subtle and can also lead to the collapse of the ecosystem; such is the case of coral reefs. Engineering solutions alone are not available to prevent this degradation that can only be reversed, or prevented, using a basin-wide ecohydrology approach.

Greening roofs or walls to cool down city areas during summer, to capture storm water, to abate pollution, and to increase human well-being while enhancing biodiversity: nature-based solutions (NBS) refer to the sustainable management and use of nature for tackling societal challenges. Building on and complementing traditional biodiversity conservation and management strategies, NBS integrate science, policy, and practice and create biodiversity benefits in terms of diverse, well-managed ecosystems. Nature-based Solutions: New Influence for Environmental Management and Research in Europe | GAIA 24/4 (2015): 243 – 248