Sources of biocidal active substances (BAS) in common household products have been assessed in a new study from Germany. These could potentially be released into wastewater and may be toxic to wildlife and humans. The main household sources of BAS were found to be washing, cleaning and personal-care products, which together accounted for over 90% of the observations of BAS in the products found in homes surveyed by the researchers.

Glyphosate is a widely used herbicide, able to kill a broad range of plants ('weeds') that compete with crops. This study used a validated method to assess its presence in 10 German estuaries that lead to the Baltic Sea. All but one was contaminated with glyphosate, and all were contaminated with its metabolite AMPA. The researchers recommend risk assessments for these chemicals in the Baltic Sea and other marine environments.

Many toxic pesticides have been banned by the EU, however some can remain in the environment for many decades. Aquatic invertebrates are particularly vulnerable to pesticides, which can alter their feeding behaviour, growth and mobility. New research has found that persistent pesticides can increase toxicity in streams by up to 10 000 times compared to the residues of currently used pesticides. The researchers recommend these be taken into account when calculating overall toxicity.

Long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent chemicals with proven toxic effects. This study estimated the emissions and concentrations of two such chemicals, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), in 11 of Europe's most populated river catchments. Estimated emissions were lowest in the Thames and highest in the Rhine, while the EU environmental quality standard for PFOS was exceeded in all rivers. This study provides a picture of PFAAs contamination in rivers across Europe, and makes recommendations for achieving reductions.

Environmental pollution is putting amphibians and reptiles at risk, yet these animals are not included in regulations regarding the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of pesticides. The extent to which other species already used in pesticide toxicity assessment (including fish, birds and mammals) can serve as effective surrogates is currently under debate. This study conducts a systematic review of the available literature. The results reveal a positive correlation between toxicity recorded on fish and aquatic amphibians, but indicate that birds and mammals are generally not good surrogates for reptiles and terrestrial amphibians. Moreover, some chemical-dependent trends were detected, with a number of insecticides found to be more toxic to amphibians or reptiles than to potential surrogates. These findings highlight an urgent need for further research to reduce uncertainties and contribute to future policymaking regarding the protection of amphibians and reptiles from potentially harmful pesticides.

Parasitoid wasps (Trichogramma pretiosum) are increasingly being used as a biological control agent in agriculture. Since insecticides are often applied to the same crops, it is necessary to assess the effects of different insecticides on this insect. However, the majority of studies have focused on evaluating the lethal, but not sublethal, effects of insecticides. A new study has evaluated the sublethal effects on T. pretiosum of nine insecticides commonly used in soybean production in Brazil. Overall, just three of the nine insecticides tested did not appear to have any harmful sublethal effects on T. pretiosum. This study highlights the importance of considering sublethal, as well as lethal, effects when assessing insecticide selectivity.

Contamination of the aquatic environment by pharmaceutical drugs used in human and veterinary medicine is an emerging issue, as it can cause toxic effects in biological systems. This study explored how the marine organism Hediste diversicolor, a polychaete worm, responded to exposure to salicylic acid, a key component of aspirin. They found the species to adapt and respond in a way that minimised the effects of metabolising the contaminating compound, suggesting that the acid does not currently pose a threat to marine polychaetes.

Sulphur and nitrogen emissions have been significantly reduced across Europe in recent decades, but a recent study from Sweden finds that some forest soils are still struggling to recover from the acidifying effects of the pollutants. Some areas are also at risk of nitrogen leaching from soils into surface waters.

Strong acids formed from shipping emissions can produce seasonal ‘hot spots’ of ocean acidification, a recent study finds. These hot spots, in ocean areas close to busy shipping lanes, could have negative effects on local marine ecology and commercially farmed seafood species.

Back in 1999, a group of scientists predicted how changing air pollution levels would affect the acidity of lakes and rivers in Europe in 2010 using a computer model. A follow up study has now gathered actual measurements of these waters to see if the predictions came true. The observations show that most of the rivers and lakes did recover from acidification, as forecast by the model, and demonstrate the model’s value in predicting future water chemistry, the authors say.

Exposure to gaseous and particulate matter pollution have been found to increase the immediate risk of stroke, a review of medical studies has shown. The increased risk is most pronounced the same day as the exposure, and for fine particles the increased risk persists over several days. The authors hope information from this study will help policymakers to develop suitable controls to limit the risks posed by these harmful air pollutants.

Small streams are important refuges for biodiversity, yet knowledge of the effects of agricultural pesticides on these freshwater bodies is limited. Researchers have used national monitoring data to determine the number of small streams in Germany where regulatory acceptable concentrations (RACs) of pesticides are exceeded. An analysis of data covering almost 500 pesticides and over 2 000 small streams suggests that agricultural land use is a major contributor of pesticides to streams. Overall, RACs were exceeded at 26% of sampled streams, and exceedances were 3.7 times more likely if a stream was near agricultural land. This finding may have implications for environmental monitoring and agri-environmental measures.

New research suggests that feral oilseed rape poses little risk of contaminating crops, but if the oilseed is genetically modified (GM), it could be a minor source of GM traits in weeds. Throughout Europe, feral oilseed rape is now widespread on waysides and wasteland, making it potentially more problematic than some other crops, such as maize, which do not easily establish feral populations.

Disease-fighting microbes, insect-eating predators and mating-disrupting pheromones are among the tools listed in a new review of methods that can be used to reduce synthetic pesticide use on grapevines in Europe. Using these alternative methods can reduce the environmental and health risks associated with chemical pesticides, but further development is required to make them attractive to growers.

Myke holds an event, Grey experiences open offices, and they both had a VR experience.

The post Pets help stop elderly suicide appeared first on The Lead SA.

000
WTCA44 TJSJ 170242
TCPSP4

BOLETIN
Huracan Humberto Advertencia Numero 18
CENTRO NACIONAL DE HURACANES MIAMI FL AL092019
TRADUCIDO POR EL SERVICIO NACIONAL DE METEOROLOGIA SAN JUAN PR
1100 PM EDT lunes 16 de septiembre de 2019

...SE ESPERA QUE HUMBERTO SE FORTALEZCA DURANTE EL PROXIMO DIA
O MAS...


RESUMEN DE LAS 1100 PM EDT...0300 UTC...INFORMACION
---------------------------------------------------
LOCALIZACION...30.3 NORTE 75.1 OESTE
ALREDEDOR DE 625 MI...1000 KM O DE BERMUDA
VIENTOS MAXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...90 MPH...150 KM/H
MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...ENE O 75 GRADOS A 8 MPH...13 KM/H
PRESION MINIMA CENTRAL...966 MB...28.53 PULGADAS


VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS
--------------------
CAMBIOS CON ESTA ADVERTENCIA:

Ninguno.

RESUMEN DE VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS EN EFECTO:

Una vigilancia de Tormenta Tropical esta en efecto para...
* Bermuda

Una Vigilancia de Tormenta Tropical significa que se esperan
condiciones de tormenta tropical dentro del area bajo vigilancia,
generalmente dentro de 48 horas.

Para informacion especifica para su area, favor monitorear los producots
emitidos por su oficina de servicio nacional meteorologico.


DISCUSION Y PRONOSTICO
----------------------
A las 1100 PM EDT (0300 UTC), el ojo del Huracan Humberto
estaba localizado cerca de la latitud 30.3 norte, longitud 75.1 oeste.
Humberto se mueve hacia el este-noreste a cerca de 8 mph (13 km/h).
Se espera este movimiento general con un aumento en la velocidad de
traslacion hasta temprano el jueves. En el pronostico de
trayectoria, se espera que el centro de Humberto se acerque a
Bermuda tarde el miercoles en la noche.

Los vientos maximos sostenidos han aumentado a cerca de 90 mph (150
km/h) con rafagas mas altas. Se pronostica fortalecimiento adicional
durante las proximas 48 horas, y Humberto pudiera convertirse en
huracan mayor en la noche del martes o miercoles en la manana.

Los vientos con fuerza de huracan se extienden hasta 30 millas (45
km) del centro y los vientos con fuerza de tormenta tropical se
extienden a 150 millas (240 km).

La presion minima central estimada por el Avion Caza huracanes de
la Fuerza Aerea es de 966 mb (28.53 pulgadas).


PELIGROS AFECTANDO TIERRA
-------------------------
VIENTO: Condiciones de tormenta tropical son posibles sobre Bermuda
tarde el miercoles.

LLUVIA: Humberto puede resultar en lluvia fuerte sobre Bermuda comenzando
tarde el martes.

RESACAS: Las marejadas grandes generadas por Humberto aumentaran a lo
largo de la costa de Bermuda en la noche del martes.

Las marejadas afectaran el noroeste de las Bahamas y la costa
sureste de Estados Unidos desde el este central de Florida hasta
Carolina del Norte durante los proximos dias.

Estas marejadas pudieran causar resacas fuertes amenazantes a vida y
corrientes marinas peligrosas. Favor referirse a los productos
emitidos por su oficina local de meteorologia en Bermuda.


PROXIMA ADVERTENCIA
-------------------
Proxima advertencia intermedia a las 200 AM EDT.
Proxima advertencia completa a las 500 AM EDT.

$$

Pronosticador Pasch
Traduccion RVazquez

000
WTCA45 TJSJ 221030
TCPSP5

BOLETIN
Tormenta Tropical Sebastien Advertencia Numero 12
Centro Nacional de Huracanes Miami FL AL202019
Traducido por el Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia San Juan PR
500 AM AST viernes 22 de noviembre de 2019

...NO SE ESPERA QUE SEBASTIEN SE FORTALEZCA...


RESUMEN DE LAS 500 AM AST...0900 UTC...INFORMACION
-------------------------------------------------------
LOCALIZACION...24.8 NORTE 57.0 OESTE
CERCA DE 600 MILLAS...965 KM NE DEL NORTE DE LAS ISLAS SOTAVENTO
VIENTOS MAXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...60 MPH...95 KM/H
MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...ENE O 65 GRADOS A 15 MPH...24 KM/H
PRESION CENTRAL MINIMA...999 MB...29.50 PULGADAS


VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS
----------------------
No existen vigilancias o avisos costers en efecto.


DISCUSION Y PERSPECTIVA
------------------------
A las 500 AM AST (0900 UTC), el centro de la Tormenta Tropical
Sebastien estaba localizado cerca de la latitud 24.8 norte, longitud
57.0 oeste. Sebastien esta moviendose hacia el este-noreste a cerca de
15 mph (24 km/h). Se espera un movimiento hacia el este-noreste a noreste
durante los proximos dias.

Los vientos maximos sostenidos estan cerca de 60 mph (95 km/h) con
rafagas mas fuertes. Algo de fortalecimiento se espera durante las
proximas 24 horas y Sebastien pudiera convertirse en ciclon post-
tropical este fin de semana.

Los vientos de Tormenta Tropical se extienden hasta 160 millas (260
km) del centro.

La presion minima central estimada es de 999 mb (29.50 pulgadas)


PELIGROS AFECTANDO TIERRA
-------------------------
NINGUNO


PROXIMA ADVERTENCIA
-------------------
Proxima advertencia completa a las 1100 AM AST.

$$

Pronosticador Cangialosi
Traduccion RVazquez

000
WTCA42 TJSJ 260313 RRA
TCPSP2

BOLETIN
Pos-Tropical Ciclon Olga Advertencia Numero 3
Centro Nacional de Huracanes Miami FL AL172019
Traducido por el Servicio Nacional de Meteorologia San Juan PR
1000 PM CDT viernes 25 de 2019

...OLGA SE CONVIERTE POS-TROPICAL...
...SE ESPERA QUE PRODUZCA LLUVIA FUERTE Y CONDICIONES SEVERIAS A
TRAVES DE LA COSTA CENTRO DEL GOLFO Y EL LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALEY
EL SABADO...


RESUMEN DE LAS 1000 PM CDT...0300 UTC...INFORMACION
---------------------------------------------------
LOCALIZACION....27.8 NORTE 92.2 OESTE
ALREDEDOR DE 170 MI...275 KM AL SSE DE LAKE CHARLES LOUISIANA
VIENTOS MAXIMOS SOSTENIDOS...50 MPH...85 KM/H
MOVIMIENTO ACTUAL...NE O 40 GRADOS A 17 MPH...28 KM/H
PRESION MINIMA CENTRAL...999 MB...29.50 PULGADAS


RESUMEN DE VIGILANCIAS Y AVISOS EN EFECTO:
------------------------------------------
No hay vigilancias o aviso costeros de ciclon tropical
en efecto.

Favor referirse a Pronosticos de Alto Oleaje emitidos por el
Servicio Nacional y los productos emitidos por el Servicio
Nacional de Meteorologa para informacion sobre vigilancias y
avisos no-tropical asociados a este sistema.


DISCUSION Y PRONOSTICO
-----------------------
A las 1000 PM CDT (0300 UTC), el centro de Pos-Tropical Ciclon Olga
estaba localizada en la latitud 27.8 norte, longitud 92.2 oeste. La
pos-tropical ciclon esta moviendose hacia el noreste a cerca de 17
mph (28 km/h) Se pronostica que Olga se mueva rapidamente hacia el
norte a norte-noreste el sabado y despues girarse hacia el noreste
tarde el sabado o doming. En la trayectoria pronosticada, el centro
del ciclon pos-tropical debe moverse a traves del Mississippi Valley
manana y hacis los Great Lakes mas tarde el fin de semana.

Los vientos maximos sostenidos estan cerca de 50 mph (85 km/h) con
rafagas mas fuertes. Se espera que Olga se debilite despues que el
sistema se mueva sobre tierra el sabado por la manana.

Vientos con fuerza de tormenta tropical se extienden hasta 140
millas (220 km) del centro.

La presion minima central estimada basado sobre los datos anteriores
reportado por el Avion Cazahuracan y observaciones de la superficie
sobre el norte del Golfo de Mexico es de 999 mb (29.50 pulgadas).


PELIGROS AFECTANDO TIERRA
-------------------------
VIENTO: Vientos con fuerza de galerna asociado con Olga y sus remenantes
deben extenderse sobre sectores de la costa norte del Golfo esta noche y
sabado.

LLUVIA: El ciclon pos-tropical, y lluvia frente al sistema a lo
largo y al norte de la zona frontal a traves de la costa del Golfo
Central deben producir acumulaciones totales de lluvia de 3 a 6
pulgadas con totales maximos de 8 pulgadas a traves de la costa del
Golfo Central hasta sectores del Lower Mississippi Valley y el oeste
del Tennessee Valley hasta el sabado en la manana. Estas lluvias
pudieran producir inundaciones repentinas a traves de la costa del
Golfo Central hacia Lower Mississippi Valley y y el oeste del
Tennessee Valley.

INUNDACIONES COSTERAS: Mareas sobre lo normal e inundaciones costeras
asociadas son posibles a traves de sectores de la costa norte del
Golfo. Favor ver los productos emitidos por el Servicio Nacional de
Meteorologia local para mayor informacion.

TORNADOS: Tornados aislados son posible esta noche hasta el sabado
por la manana a traves de sectores del sureste de Louisiana, sur de
Mississippi, y el oeste de Alabama.


PROXIMA ADVERTENCIA
-------------------
Este es la ultima advertencia publico emitado por el Servicio
Nacional Huracanes sobre este sistema. Para mas informacion
adicional sobre este sistema se puede ser encontrados en los
pronosticos de alta mar emitidos por el Servicio Nacional de
Meteorologia, debajo del encabezado NFDHSFAT1 de AWIPS, encabezado
FZNT01 KWBC, y en la web a ocean.weather.gov/shtml/NFDHSFAT1.php

Informacion adicional sobre lluvias fuertes y vientos en rafgas
pudiera ser encontrados en los productos de los resumens de
tormentas emitidos por el Centro de Prediccion de Meteorologia en
www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc3.html

$$

Pronosticador Zelinsky
Traduccion JPena

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