The theoretical part contains summary of the literature on the topic of succession, mining, human impacts on biodiversity, land reclamation and ecological requirements of reptiles and amphibians. The practical part contains the observations of these two model groups of animals and subsequent evaluation of their abundance and diversity. During the three years I made total 37 herpetological observation, during which I observed the occurrence of eight species of reptiles and amphibians on five locations. When observing reptiles and amphibians I used non-invasive methods of observation. The found species were Zootoca vivipara (507 individuals), Lacerta agilis (583 individuals), Pelophylax esculentus (976 individuals), Pelophylax ridibundus (710 individuals), Pelophylax lessonae (1,401 individuals), Lissotriton vulgaris (203 individuals), Natrix natrix (32 individuals) and Anguis fragilis (7 individuals). The values in the brackets represent the total number of individuals found during 3 seasons. Generically the richest site was "Jezírka" (8 species), species habitat poorest contrary, "Přesyp" (2 species). In all the years the abundance of two model groups (frogs and lizards) were significantly different (abundance of Pelophylax: Chí Square = 2764; d. f. = 4, p <0.001, Zootoca + Lacerta: Chí Square = 119; d. f. = 4, p <0.001. Pelophylax: Chí Square = 1573; d. f. = 4, p <0.001, Zootoca + Lacerta: Chí Square = 43; d. f. = 4, p <0.001. Pelophylax: Chí Square = 37; d. f. = 4, p <0.001, Zootoca + Lacerta: Chí Square = 741; d. f. = 4; p <0.001). The researchl lasted three vegetation seasons. They had distinctly different climatic conditions. The abundance of reptiles and amphibians in season of 2013 was significantly impacted by the spring floods. Season 2014 any major climatic fluctuations and therefore I considered it as a standard. Season 2015 was greatly influenced by the high summer temperatures and the lack of greater precipitation during the summer months. This fact influenced mainly amphibian populations.

AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OF ANDISIWE STUURMAN, for the Master of Science degree in Geography and Environmental Resources, presented on APRIL 10, 2015, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: AN ASSESSMENT OF ABANDONED MINE RECLAMATION IN SOUTH AFRICA USING A SURVEY OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPERTS MAJOR PROFESSOR: Dr. Silvia Secchi Abandoned mines are those in which mining activity has ceased and there is no entity or company that can be traced to take responsibility for their maintenance or reclamation. It has been reported that there are approximately 6,150 abandoned mines in South Africa and it is estimated that it will cost $US4.2 billion to rehabilitate these mines over a very long period of time. The South African Department of Mineral Resources has set a reclamation target of 12 abandoned mines per year. This low target is what led to the interest in understanding the dynamics of abandoned mine reclamation in South Africa. An online survey of environmental experts in South Africa was conducted from December 2014 to January 2015 to elicit their opinions on the public's perception of abandoned mine reclamation and to assess whether their views are aligned in terms the cost of reclamation, sources of funding, how to accelerate the process of reclamation and credible sources of information for environmental issues. A total of 54 responses were collected, with good representation of respondents from each province in South Africa although the majority came from Gauteng, Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal. The results of the survey revealed that there are several challenges that are slowing down the process of reclamation in South Africa including limited sources of funding, water resources at risk, and disproportionate ratio of experts between the private and public sector. About 80% of the respondents in the survey said that the public would not be willing to contribute towards a reclamation fund. A majority of the respondents who consider themselves experts in reclamation were of the opinion that the government and the mining industry should be primarily responsible for reclamation. After careful review of the results and other government reports related to reclamation in South Africa, it appears that the establishment of an abandoned mine reclamation fund would be a good policy for South Africa, as would be conducting studies to explore possible funding options, ring-fencing tax money for special purposes such as reclamation of abandoned mines, and developing guidelines and standards for abandoned mine reclamation or land reclamation.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013-03-01Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:05:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 giacomo_rg_dr_ilha.pdf: 4006343 bytes, checksum: 3561e4076a0306b161144df7cb76783e (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / No intuito de retornar com subprodutos advindos da extração da celulose, de forma sustentável à natureza, o objetivo desse trabalho foi testar a eficácia de um composto orgânico formado com estes resíduos, na recuperação de um solo degradado, a partir do plantio das espécies arbóreas Mabea fistulifera Mart. e Eucalyptus urograndis. O experimento foi implantado em fevereiro de 2010 na Fazenda de Ensino e Pesquisa, Campus de Ilha Solteira (UNESP), localizada no município de Selvíria-MS. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de parcelas subdivididas em blocos ao acaso, com esquema em faixa, com 6 tratamentos e 4 repetições. Os 2 tratamentos nas parcelas principais foram representados pelos plantios do híbrido Eucalyptus urograndis (eucalipto - espécie exótica) e Mabea fistulifera (canudo-de-pito - espécie nativa). Nas subparcelas foram testadas doses do composto e também a comparação com adução mineral, sendo 6 tratamentos (SI – área sem intervenção; D0 – sem adubação; DAM – adubação mineral de acordo com a necessidade da cultura; D10 – adubação com composto de acordo com a necessidade da cultura (10 Mg ha-1 do composto); D15 e D20 (respectivamente 15 e 20 Mg ha-1 do composto). Foram analisados no laboratório os atributos físicos e químicos do solo, o desenvolvimento das espécies arbóreas, o aporte mensal de serapilheira e a devolução de nutrientes ao solo. Os resultados foram analisados efetuando-se a análise de variância, correlação simples, teste de Scott-Knott para comparação de médias e análise de regressão entre as doses. Foram detectadas melhorias na infiltração de água no solo e resistência à penetração do solo. Os maiores valores de nutrientes foram observados na dose de 20 Mg ha-1, porém, foi observada uma elevação acentuada nos valores de pH. O maior... / In order to return with byproducts arising from the extraction of cellulose, a sustainable nature, the objective of this study was to test the effectiveness of an organic compound formed with these wastes, the recovery of a degraded soil from the planting of tree species Mabea fistulifera Mart. and Eucalyptus urograndis. The experiment was carried in 2010, February out at the Teaching and Research Farm, Ilha Solteira Campus (UNESP), located in Selvíria-MS. The experimental design was used split plots in blocks, with layout on track, with 6 treatments and 4 replications. The 2 treatments in main plots were represented by plantations of Eucalyptus urograndis hybrid (Eucalipto - exotic species) and Mabea fistulifera (Canudo-de-pito - native species). Subplots were tested doses of the compound and also the comparison with mineral water supply, with 6 treatments (SI - area without intervention; D0 - without fertilization; DAM - mineral fertilizer according to crop need; D10 - composted manure according the crop needs (10 Mg ha-1 of compost); D15 and D20 (15 and 20 Mg ha-1 of compost, respectively). Were analyzed in the laboratory soil physical and chemical attributes, the development of tree species, the contribution monthly litter and returning nutrients to the soil. Results were analyzed by performing the analysis of variance single correlation Scott-Knott test for comparison of means and the regression analysis between the doses. Were detected improvements in infiltration of ground water and soil penetration resistance. The highest values of nutrients were observed at a dose of 20 Mg ha-1, however, there was a sharp increase in pH. The further development of the plant was in the area where the mineral fertilization was performed and the... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

This thesis is a landscape ethnography examining conflicting epistemologies and land use values in the Athabasca region of subarctic Canada. Based on 18 months of fieldwork in Fort McMurray, Alberta with the Fort McMurray Métis community and peatland scientists, I analyse oil sands reclamation as a site of encounter between Indigenous and settler peoples. I show how reclamation, a process of reconstructing ecological integrity of a post-extractive landscape for future use, is a historically contingent activity that centres on settler colonial ideologies of productivity. I argue that this ideology spurred a process that I call 'making productive land' which seeks to 'improve' upon or transform the Athabasca region from Indigenous homeland into settler territory or 'useful' land. Weaving archival documents with experiential material from ethnographic fieldwork, I analyse the Athabasca region as a multilocal and multivocal place to demonstrate that Indigenous communities such as the McMurray Métis hold their own definitions of land use that exist alongside, beyond, against, and entangled with settler notions of productivity. I conclude that, for Métis community members, reclaimed areas in fact represent a diminished experience of place or an unproductive landscape. For reclamation to be successful for Métis community members, I contend that reclamation policy and practice must expand beyond purely scientific and resource-based utility narratives to involve a relational element of healing and Métis notions of use that transcend settler colonial ideals of 'productive' land.

abstract: The influence of climate variability and reclaimed wastewater on the water supply necessitates improved understanding of the treatability of trace and bulk organic matter. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) mobilized during extreme weather events and in treated wastewater includes natural organic matter (NOM), contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The goal of my dissertation was to quantify the impacts of extreme weather events on DOM in surface water and downstream treatment processes, and to improve membrane filtration efficiency and CECs oxidation efficiency during water reclamation with ozone. Surface water quality, air quality and hydrologic flow rate data were used to quantify changes in DOM and turbidity following dust storms, flooding, or runoff from wildfire burn areas in central Arizona. The subsequent impacts to treatment processes and public perception of water quality were also discussed. Findings showed a correlation between dust storm events and change in surface water turbidity (R2=0.6), attenuation of increased DOM through reservoir systems, a 30-40% increase in organic carbon and a 120-600% increase in turbidity following severe flooding, and differing impacts of upland and lowland wildfires. The use of ozone to reduce membrane fouling caused by vesicles (a subcomponent of EPS) and oxidize CECs through increased hydroxyl radical (HO&#9679;) production was investigated. An "ozone dose threshold" was observed above which addition of hydrogen peroxide increased HO&#9679; production; indicating the presence of ambient promoters in wastewater. Ozonation of CECs in secondary effluent over titanium dioxide or activated carbon did not increase radial production. Vesicles fouled ultrafiltration membranes faster (20 times greater flux decline) than polysaccharides, fatty acids, or NOM. Based upon the estimated carbon distribution of secondary effluent, vesicles could be responsible for 20-60% of fouling during ultrafiltration and may play a vital role in other environmental processes as well. Ozone reduced vesicle-caused membrane fouling that, in conjunction with the presence of ambient promoters, helps to explain why low ozone dosages improve membrane flux during full-scale water reclamation. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Civil and Environmental Engineering 2014

Este estudo analisa os métodos e técnicas utilizadas na revegetação de áreas de mineração de areia, e avalia os resultados que vem sendo obtidos. Foram visitadas cinco minerações típicas do setor contendo áreas revegetadas, nas quais observou-se o conjunto das atividades de recuperação. De forma geral, a revegetação vêm cumprindo papel fundamental na recuperação das áreas mineradas. Para uma avaliação mais detalhada, numa segunda fase do estudo, selecionou-se duas minerações: Viterbo Machado – onde houve revegetação com espécies nativas em área de disposição de rejeito e; Cinco Lagos – onde foi executada revegetação em antiga área operacional visando a recuperação de mata ciliar. Para avaliar os resultados da revegetação, foram selecionados cinco indicadores de desempenho: aspecto visual da revegetação, densidade, altura média de plantas, número de espécies plantadas e mortalidade de mudas. Na Mineração Viterbo, as características do rejeito depositado (finos) dificultam o desenvolvimento normal das plantas. As práticas atuais de manejo amenizam o problema, mas ainda não são suficientes. O tipo de manutenção de uma área revegetada há cinco anos, ainda não permite a regeneração natural, e nem todas as espécies utilizadas estão adaptadas às condições do substrato. Outra área semeada há nove anos só com gramíneas, hoje em dia revela um processo de regeneração natural considerável, embora com número restrito de espécies e distribuição localizada. A revegetação na Mineração Cinco Lagos tem pouca diversidade de espécies, mas apresenta bons resultados de crescimento e regeneração natural, especialmente em área com distanciamento de 6x1m entre linhas e plantas, respectivamente. Alguns aspectos observados do manejo do solo precisam ser aprimorados, e a escolha das espécies deve considerar a adaptação local. O número de espécies usadas para implantação de mata nativa é muito restrito, mas a regeneração natural vem se mostrando decisiva na diversificação de espécies. A revegetação em bacias de decantação requer a incorporação de novas estratégias de manejo do solo e das plantas. O método de avaliação demonstrou-se válido desde que realizado mediante a aplicação de um conjunto de indicadores e tendo em conta as características intrínsecas de cada local. Pesquisas neste campo podem ser aprofundadas com aplicação de indicadores adicionais (por exemplo sobre o estado do solo), e com estudos do aprimoramento do manejo nas suas dimensões técnica e econômica. / This dissertation analyses the methods and techniques used to revegetate areas of sand mines and assess the results obtained. In the first phase of study, reclamation activities of five typical sand mines were observed. In general, revegetation in these mines plays a fundamental role in mined areas reclamation. Two mines were selected for a more detailed assessment, namely: Viterbo Machado Mine- where revegetation of decantation ponds has been carried out with native species; and Cinco Lagos Mine- where revegetation was performed in previous operational area aims to recover riparian vegetation. For assessing results, indicators were selected for collecting the following data: visual aspect of vegetation, plants density and number of species per hectare, plants height average and settled plant mortality. In Viterbo Mine, tailings characteristics make difficult the normal plant development. Current practices of soil management diminish this problem, but efforts have not shown to be enough to obtain satisfactory results. The type of maintenance of a five year plantation does not permit natural regeneration, and plant species chosen are not the best suitable. In a nine year grassland sown, nowadays there is a good natural regeneration process but with few number of species. Cinco Lagos Mine presents low planted species diversity but shows good conditions of vegetation growth and natural regeneration, mainly with 6mx1m grid between lines and plant respectively. Some aspects of soil management must be improved and the choice of species has to consider local adaptation. A low number of species are used for restoring natural vegetation, but natural regeneration process has been found is showing to be a decisive factor for diversification of vegetal species. Revegetation practice of decantation pond needs to add new soil and plant management strategies. Results assessment has been done through the application of a set of indicators. New research can be done to test the applicability of additional performance indicators (soil condition, for example).

A gestão do processo de recuperação de uma área degradada pela mineração consiste em três etapas principais: planejamento; implementação das medidas de correção ou prevenção e implementação de gestão. Neste trabalho, foi desenvolvido um instrumento de avaliação que pode ser usado por órgãos públicos ou por empresas de mineração para auxiliar no controle e melhoria das práticas de recuperação ambiental. A avaliação é feita por meio da aplicação de um roteiro, fundamentado nas boas práticas internacionais e nacionais relacionadas à recuperação ambiental de minas. Para fins de teste e calibração, os roteiros foram aplicados em três minas de calcário, nas quais se verificou que as evidências - visuais, documentais e verbais (obtidas por meio de entrevistas) - coletadas devem ser interpretadas dentro de um contexto que envolva o entendimento das características ambientais e operacionais particulares de cada mina. As categorias de classificação da avaliação da eficácia de medidas de recuperação ambiental foram definidas em: eficaz, parcialmente eficaz, não eficaz e não se aplica. Ante aos resultados, foi possível identificar um \"cenário atual\" das práticas de recuperação ambiental empregadas em cada mina inspecionada e consequentemente recomendar ações visando a melhoria das práticas atuais e a redução de um futuro passivo ambiental. Diante destes resultados, conclui-se que o procedimento de avaliação da eficácia de medidas de recuperação ambiental desenvolvido nesta pesquisa é adequado, mas sua aplicação somente pode ser feita por um profissional que detenha alguma experiência no assunto, fator primordial para o julgamento e contextualização das evidências coletadas. O roteiro proposto nesta pesquisa ainda pode ser aplicado em outras minas de diferentes minerais e pedreiras. / The reclamation process management of an area degraded by mining activity consists of three main steps: planning. application of correction or prevention measures and monitoring. In this work, an assessment tool to be used by public bodies or by mining companies in order to support the control and improvement of environmental reclamation practices was developed. The assessment has been carried out with a script based on the national and international good practices regarding environmental reclamation in mines. For testing and calibration purposes, the scripts were applied in three limestone mines. The conclusion is that the evidences - visual, documental and verbal (interview) - must be analyzed in a context which involves the understanding of the environmental and operational characteristics in each mine. The categories for classification of the efficacy assessment of environmental reclamation measures have been defined as: efficacious, partially efficacious, non-efficacious and not applicable. Considering the results, it was possible to identify a \"current scenario\" of the environmental reclamation practices used in each inspected mine and consequently recommend actions to improve the current practices and reduce a future environmental liability. It was concluded that the procedure of the efficacy assessment of the environmental reclamation practices developed in this research is appropriate, but its application can only be made by a professional that presents some experience in the subject. It is a decisive factor for the evaluation and contextualization of the collected evidences. The proposed script for this research can still be applied in other mines with different minerals and quarries.

A definição adequada da lâmina para lixiviação de sais e recuperação de solos salinos depende da qualidade dos resultados obtidos por meio das diversas equações disponíveis para esse fim. Sabendo disso, objetivou-se, com este trabalho: a) avaliar a eficiência de equações empíricas utilizadas para determinar a lâmina de água necessária à recuperação de solos salinos, bem como, b) a caracterização da mobilidade e distribuição do íon sódio em colunas de solo usando dados experimentais e simulados no modelo computacional MIDI. O estudo constou de etapas experimentais e de simulação e foi conduzido nas dependências do Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas da Escola Superior de Agricultura \"Luiz de Queiroz\" - ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba - SP. O experimento em casa de vegetação consistiu na aplicação de três lâminas de lixiviação para lavagem e recuperação de dois materiais de solos, armazenados em 36 colunas. Anteriormente, cada solo foi artificialmente salinizado, por meio da aplicação de cloreto de sódio, elevando-se a condutividade elétrica da solução do solo para valores aproximados de 3,0 e 6,0 dS m-1. Assim, os tratamentos, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, corresponderam a um fatorial de 3 x 2 x 2, decorrente das combinações de três lâminas de lixiviação com dois tipos de solo e dois níveis de salinidade. As lâminas, calculadas a partir do volume de poros de cada solo, foram aplicadas por meio de um sistema de irrigação (gotejamento) a uma vazão de 8 L h-1. Após a aplicação das lâminas, a solução do solo de cada coluna foi extraída e levada ao laboratório para se determinar a condutividade elétrica e concentração de sódio. Nesta etapa foram avaliadas as alterações nas características químicas do solo, em resposta à aplicação das lâminas. Em seguida, equações empíricas foram utilizadas para estimar as concentrações de sais remanescentes na solução do solo, em função das lâminas de lixiviação aplicadas; enquanto que o modelo MIDI foi empregado para simular a distribuição do sódio no perfil do solo. Os cenários teóricos gerados a partir do uso das equações e do modelo MIDI foram comparados com os resultados experimentais, observados nos ensaios com as colunas de solos instaladas na casa de vegetação. As concentrações de sódio e, consequentemente, os valores de condutividade elétrica da solução do solo reduziram de maneira inversamente proporcional com a aplicação das lâminas de lixiviação; sendo os melhores resultados observados no solo arenoso, em função da maior mobilidade do sódio neste material. De maneira geral, as equações testadas foram mais eficientes no solo arenoso e, dentre elas, a proposta de Cordeiro (2001) foi a que apresentou respostas mais coerentes com os resultados obtidos experimentalmente. / The method to properly determine salt leaching water depth and recovery of saline soils depends on the quality of the results obtained by various equations available for this purpose. The objectives of this research were: a) to evaluate the efficiency of empirical equations used to determine the water depth required for saline soils reclamation and b) to characterize the mobility and distribution of sodium in soil columns using experimental and simulated data via the MIDI model. The study consisted of experimental and simulated steps and was carried out at the Department of Biosystems Engineering (\"Luiz de Queiroz\" College of Agriculture - ESALQ/USP), in Piracicaba, SP. The greenhouse experiment began by applying three leaching water depth for washing and reclaiming two soil types stored in 36 columns. Previously each soil sample was artificially salinized by applying sodium chloride, increasing electrical conductivity (EC) in the soil solution to approximate values of 3.0 and 6.0 dS m-1. Thus, the treatments in random block design, with three replications, corresponded to a factorial 3 x 2 x 2, arisen from the combinations of three water depth with two soils types and two levels of salinity. The water depth was calculated based on the pore volume of each soil type, were applied by drip irrigation system at a flow rate of 8 L h-1. After the water depth application, the soil solution of each column was extracted and taken to the laboratory to determine the EC and sodium concentration. The changes in soil chemical properties in response to application of the water depths were then evaluated. Empirical equations were used to estimate the remaining sodium concentrations in the soil solution according to the applied water depth; while the MIDI model was used to simulate the sodium ion distribution in the soil profile. The theoretical scenarios generated from the use of the equations along with the MIDI model were compared with the experimental results observed in tests with soil columns installed in the greenhouse. The sodium concentrations and the values of EC in the soil solution were reduced inversely proportional to the application of leaching water depth. The best results were observed in sandy soil, owing to the greater mobility of sodium in this material. In general, the equations tested in sandy soil were more efficient and, among them, the one proposed by Cordeiro (2001) was the most accurate when compared to results obtained experimentally.

M.Sc.

Kyoto University (京都大学) / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第16388号 / 工博第3469号 / 新制||工||1524(附属図書館) / 29019 / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市環境工学専攻 / (主査)教授 田中 宏明, 教授 清水 芳久, 教授 藤井 滋穂 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当