Aujourd'hui, la gestion des sites et sols pollués apparaît comme un enjeu majeur des politiques environnementales et sanitaires. Pour ce faire, des outils d'aide à la décision doivent être développés et validés afin de faciliter l'identification et la compréhension des risques induits. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif de cette étude est d'améliorer les connaissances quant aux liens existants entre la nature des contaminants, leurs comportements géochimiques, la nature des phases porteuses et la bioaccessibilité. In fine, de cette compréhension fine en découlera une évaluation plus spécifique des risques environnementaux et sanitaires leur étant imputable, et une remédiation plus cohérente. Pour ce faire, deux sites contaminés à la typologie différente (minier vs industriel) ont été étudiés mais à contamination semblable (As, Pb, Zn et Cd). Après un échantillonnage représentatif en adéquation au type de site et à sa géomorphologie, une caractérisation physico-chimique fine a été effectuée sur chaque échantillon avant de déterminer leur stabilité environnementale et physiologique (bioaccessibilité). Le couplage avec de la minéralogie environnementale a permis d’expliquer le comportement des éléments dans les différents milieux. Dans un second temps, afin de s'affranchir des contraintes d'un milieu complexe comme le sol et de définir l'impact réel de chaque phase porteuse sur les risques, des phases pures ont été synthétisé et soumises aux mêmes tests que les échantillons naturels. Un retour sur le solide est alors systématiquement effectué mettant en évidence les modifications minéralogiques subies par l'échantillon. Des mélanges ont également été effectué afin d’appréhender et de mieux comprendre les effets cocktails d’éléments métalliques et metalloïdes. Cette approche intégrée, multi-analytique et multi-échelle est alors la première étape d'un long processus de compréhension et de prédiction des risques basé sur le couplage géochimie et minéralogie environnementale. / Today, the management of polluted sites and soils appears to be a major challenge for environmental and health policies. To do this, decision support tools must be developed and validated to facilitate the identification and understanding of the risks involved. In this context, the objective of this study is to improve knowledge of the links between the nature of contaminants, their geochemical behavior, the nature of carrier phases and bioaccessibility. Ultimately, this understanding will lead to a more specific assessment of the environmental and health risks attributable to them, and to a more coherent remediation. To do this, two contaminated sites with different typologies (mining vs. industrial) were studied but with similar contamination (As, Pb, Zn and Cd). After a representative sampling in accordance with the type of site and its geomorphology, a fine physico-chemical characterization was carried out on each sample before determining their environmental and physiological stability (bioaccessibility). The coupling with environmental mineralogy made possible to explain the behavior of the elements in the various environments. In a second step, in order to overcome the constraints of a complex environment such as the soil and to define the real impact of each bearing phase on the risks, pure phases were synthesized and subjected to the same tests as the natural samples. A return to the solid is then systematically carried out, highlighting the mineralogical changes undergone by the sample. Mixtures have also been made to understand and better understand the cocktail effects of metallic and metalloid elements. This integrated, multi-analytical and multi-scale approach is then the first step in a long process of understanding and predicting risks based on geochemistry and environmental mineralogy coupling.

An antinomy is a contradiction between a principle and its opposite, where there is a compelling case for accepting both. This thesis adopts the antinomy of local-state government in Australia as its central conceptual theme, describing it with the following defensible, but contradictory principles that:¶ · Australian local governments are statutory agencies of Australia’s state governments, with no power or authority beyond that which is ascribed to them by the states (the outside-in principle); and¶ · Local governments in Australia are independent agencies whose authority and interests transcend their regulatory powers by nature of their attachment to their local area (the inside-out principle).¶ The central conceptual theme of the antinomy of local-state government shapes the overall thesis, as well as providing the focus for its introduction and conclusion. The thesis induces elements of the antinomy and structures much of its discussion around these key issues. It does not try to prove or resolve the antinomy. Instead the thesis uses the concept to explore and develop its second complex theme - the practical and applied experience of Australian local governments (LGs) as they attempt to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes. The great bulk of the substantive work presented in the thesis focuses on descriptions and analyses of LGs’ environmental work and the contexts within which they do it. The thesis contends that the local-state antinomy underpins many problems facing Australian LGs as they attempt to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes. Four research questions are addressed. They are:¶ · How can Australian LG capacity to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes be understood?¶ · Within this capacity, what are the environmental outcomes now being achieved by Australian LGs?¶ · How can Australian local government extend its capacity to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes? And¶ · What are the implications of the local-state antinomy on Australian LG capacity to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes?¶ This thesis reviews literature on Australian LG, LG environmental work, and the methods that are appropriate in investigating these questions. The overall thesis uses scientific, grounded theory and action research methods and draws on ideas from symbolic interactionism. Parts of the thesis also use environmental risk assessment, gap analysis techniques, case study and comparative analysis. The goal of generating grounded theories led to a strong focus on the development and exploration of analytical categories and the relationships between them. One such category summarises the relationship between LG and state government (SG), whereby LGs are identified as the inside sphere of government, while the SG is one of several outside spheres. Environmental efforts that impact between the spheres are described in relation to their source and impact, using this terminology, so that inside-out initiatives are driven by LGs but impact more broadly, and outside-in initiatives are driven by states but impact on local areas.¶ Two extensive studies are presented, each stemming primarily from one side of the local-state antinomy. The first is a quantitative, statewide study of local (and state) government implementation of the Queensland Environmental Protection Act. That process is considered a predominantly outside-in environmental initiative, in that LG interest and authority for that work stem directly from a SG statute. For simplicity, this is referred to as an outside-in study. That study involved the development and application of the Comparative Environmental Risk Assessment Method, that enabled the assessment of the environmental and other outcomes from the Queensland legislation.¶ The outside-in study is complimented by comparative case studies that mostly reflect inside-out environmental initiatives as they are defined and described by LGs. Again, this required the development of innovative research methods, specifically a comparative case study method. 34 case studies gathered from different types of LGs across Australia are presented, each representing an attempt by LG to deliver beneficial environmental outcomes.¶ In answer to the research questions, LG capacity to deliver environmental outcomes can be understood when the antinomy is examined through the research methods and analytical categories developed and presented here. LGs are delivering significant beneficial environmental outcomes, both as agents of SGs and through their own initiatives. Improving LG capacity to deliver environmental outcomes primarily requires a respect for LG perspectives, and for LG priorities, which inherently include a focus on their own local areas. State governments can build effective partnerships between the spheres and enhance LG environmental capacity by recognising and supporting LG’s own priorities, while assisting their engagement with broader strategic objectives.

<p>The awareness of environmental issues has increased among the public the last decades. An environmental movement is occurring and companies are beginning to adapt themselves and their business activities to the changing view of environmental issues. Greater attention are turning to companies around the world due to the view that they have a responsibility concerning environmental and sustainability matters in their business operations. The development of environmental guidelines such as the Global Reporting Initiative and the presenting of separate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports illustrate the emerged demand of an environmental awareness from various stakeholders. Government regulations and inter-continental agreements of carbon taxes, emission trade rights and various environmental targets are influencing the operations and the environmental approach for the companies.</p><p>An important link in the information chain is the financial analysts and their role as information intermediaries. The characteristics of their profession combined with their expertise knowledge of evaluating companies are reasons behind their function in the investment value chain. Traditionally, the valuation of companies has been based on financial figures and the models derive from typical tangible assets such growth numbers, estimated future earnings and cash flow. Environmental issues have throughout the years been considered of secondary importance due to the specific kind of information it represents.</p><p>This study examines factors influencing the amount of environmental information presented in financial analyst reports. The amount of environmental information presented in annual reports, CSR reports and an environmental risk profile developed by GES Investment Services have been selected as predictor variables to determine the amount of environmental information in the financial analysts’ reports.</p><p>40 companies from the industrial sector have been included in the study and the results reveal that no or very little environmental information can be found in the financial analyst reports. The financial analysts’ seem to prioritize other kinds of information when evaluating companies and creating analyst reports. The study also reveals that companies with separate CSR reports seem to have a higher amount of environmental information presented in annual reports as well as a better environmental risk profile.</p>

The awareness of environmental issues has increased among the public the last decades. An environmental movement is occurring and companies are beginning to adapt themselves and their business activities to the changing view of environmental issues. Greater attention are turning to companies around the world due to the view that they have a responsibility concerning environmental and sustainability matters in their business operations. The development of environmental guidelines such as the Global Reporting Initiative and the presenting of separate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports illustrate the emerged demand of an environmental awareness from various stakeholders. Government regulations and inter-continental agreements of carbon taxes, emission trade rights and various environmental targets are influencing the operations and the environmental approach for the companies. An important link in the information chain is the financial analysts and their role as information intermediaries. The characteristics of their profession combined with their expertise knowledge of evaluating companies are reasons behind their function in the investment value chain. Traditionally, the valuation of companies has been based on financial figures and the models derive from typical tangible assets such growth numbers, estimated future earnings and cash flow. Environmental issues have throughout the years been considered of secondary importance due to the specific kind of information it represents. This study examines factors influencing the amount of environmental information presented in financial analyst reports. The amount of environmental information presented in annual reports, CSR reports and an environmental risk profile developed by GES Investment Services have been selected as predictor variables to determine the amount of environmental information in the financial analysts’ reports. 40 companies from the industrial sector have been included in the study and the results reveal that no or very little environmental information can be found in the financial analyst reports. The financial analysts’ seem to prioritize other kinds of information when evaluating companies and creating analyst reports. The study also reveals that companies with separate CSR reports seem to have a higher amount of environmental information presented in annual reports as well as a better environmental risk profile.

In this thesis, I describe a series of studies of the prevalence, causes, and management of asthma in the Pacific. The core study of the thesis is Phase III of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). The ISAAC study is the largest worldwide epidemiological study on asthma prevalence and was established partly in response to the increases in asthma prevalence in most parts of the world over the last two to three decades. The ISAAC Phase I study found large variations in asthma prevalence globally, but no Pacific countries were involved. Thus, the situation in the Pacific was relatively unknown due to lack of standardised studies on prevalence and time trends. The burden and impact of other non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular and other metabolic disorder on the other hand have been the target of various studies in the Pacific for the past few decades The ISAAC Phase III study was therefore conducted in eight Pacific countries to address the above issues, as well as to enhance Pacific participation and contribution to international research on the causes and control of asthma. The collaboration also served the purpose of encouraging and strengthening health research capacity in the Pacific. The ISAAC Phase III study was followed by an asthma self-management intervention trial conducted in Tonga by the ISAAC Tonga study team. Methods The work presented in this thesis involved: (i) the conduct of the ISAAC Phase III study in the six Pacific islands of Tokelau, Samoa, Fiji Islands, Tonga, Niue and the Cook Islands, as well as the incorporation into the analysis of data that had already been collected in French Polynesia and New Caledonia; (ii) analysis of the data from an environmental asthma risk factor questionnaire which was included in the ISAAC survey in three countries (Samoa, Fiji and Tokelau); (iii) the conduct of the Tonga Asthma Self-management Study which was intended to assess whether the introduction of asthma education, including asthma self-management plans, would reduce morbidity from asthma. Results A total of 20,876 13-14 year olds, in the eight countries involved, participated in the ISAAC Phase III survey, with an overall response rate of 92%. The survey showed that there was considerable variation in the prevalence of asthma symptoms between the eight countries, ranging from 5.8% for current wheeze in Samoa to 16.2% in Tonga. Tokelau reported the highest prevalence (19.7%) for current wheeze, but the number of participants was relatively small. The prevalences of asthma symptoms among Pacific children in the Pacific were lower than those reported for Pacific, Māori and European children living in New Zealand from a previous study (ISAAC Phase I) conducted ten years earlier using the same methodology. The prevalence of 'asthma ever' in Pacific children living in the Pacific was also lower than that found among Pacific, Māaori and European children in New Zealand. The ISAAC Phase III environmental questionnaire data was collected in Samoa, Fiji and Tokelau. The analyses indicated that the major factors associated with current wheeze (across the three countries) were paracetamol use in the previous year (odds ratio (OR) = 1.36, 95% CI 1 15-1.61), the use of open fires for cooking (OR = 1.34,95% CI 1.13-1.58), lack of physical activity as indicated by television viewing more than 3 hours per day (OR = 1.24,95% CI 1.04-1.47), regular meat consumption (OR = 1.30,95% CI 1.09-1.54) and regular cereal consumption (OR = 1.29,95% CI 1.07-1.54). However, these risk factors were not particular strong, and did not account for a large proportion of asthma cases (i.e. they had relatively low population attributable risks). The asthma self-management plan intervention study resulted in significant improvements in asthma morbidity and the management of asthma among individuals and the service provision. The success of the introduction of the self-management plan, in the context of an asthma clinic, was reflected by improvement in measures of asthma morbidity, such as peak expiratory flow rates and nights woken with asthma or coughing. There was also a reduction in the requirement for acute medical treatment, indicated by a decrease in emergency department hospital visits for asthma and hospital admissions. The programme was so successful that the intervention study evolved into a full regular asthma clinic for the main island of Tonga. It is now intended that the asthma self-management programme will be extended throughout the rest of Tonga, through the primary health care system. Conclusions The ISAAC Phase IIII survey has shown that, although there is a significant level of morbidity, asthma prevalence in Pacific countries is lower than those among Pacific people in New Zealand. Together with the large variations in prevalence between the six Pacific countries that participated, this further lends support for the role of environmental risk factors in asthma. The availability of data on eight countries using a standardised methodology also provides useful information on the burden of asthma in the Pacific that is comparable to other countries regionally and internationally as well as forming a basis for ascertaining trends in the future. The crucial role of asthma self-management plans in asthma management is supported by the findings of the Tonga study, and its implementation is essential in the resource-scarce Pacific health setting. The collaborative nature of ISAAC in the Pacific has further raised awareness of the need for capacity building and creating networks and environments that enhance health research in areas other than asthma. The study has also nurtured an environment and network that encourages and strengthens the establishment of health research as one of the vital tools for achieving better health.

Thesis (M. Sc. (Environmental Science))--Rhodes University, 2006.

Submitted by Adilson Ferreira Da Silva (adilsonf.s@hotmail.com) on 2018-07-11T14:55:33Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2017_Tese (original).pdf: 1523896 bytes, checksum: 9e172878f24bf0a58df8cbdd39ba369e (MD5) / Rejected by Neli Silvia Pereira null (nelisps@fcav.unesp.br), reason: Solicitamos que realize correções na submissão seguindo as orientações abaixo: 1 - Não consta a ficha catalográfica que atrás da página de rosto. 2 - Não consta certificado de aprovação da defesa logo após a ficha catalográfica. 3 - Entrar com uma palavra chave de cada vez no sistema. Agradecemos a compreensão. on 2018-07-12T12:43:00Z (GMT) / Submitted by Adilson Ferreira Da Silva (adilsonf.s@hotmail.com) on 2018-10-05T11:16:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2018_Tese (Adilson Ferreira da Silva)_Agronomia (Produção Vegetal)_biblioteca_indexaçao.pdf: 2117899 bytes, checksum: febdcf793e564c233f039fb515c1868e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Neli Silvia Pereira null (nelisps@fcav.unesp.br) on 2018-10-08T17:23:51Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_af_dr_jabo.pdf: 2117899 bytes, checksum: febdcf793e564c233f039fb515c1868e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-08T17:23:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_af_dr_jabo.pdf: 2117899 bytes, checksum: febdcf793e564c233f039fb515c1868e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-04-11 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / As colonizações monoespecíficas ou pouco diversificadas de macrófitas e algas nos ambientes aquáticos, promovem impactos negativos ambientais, sociais e econômicos, com necessidade do uso de estratégias de manejo e, o químico tem se mostrado muito eficiente. Dentre as moléculas existente no mercado o uso do herbicida penoxsulam e dos compostos algicidas hidróxido de cobre, cloro (dicloro isocianurato de sódio di-hidratado) e peróxido de hidrogênio no controle das algas filamentosa Spirogyra e Pithophora sp. e seus efeitos para os organismos não alvos (Hyphessobrycon eques, Pomacea canaliculata, Lemna minor e Azolla caroliniana). Assim como a eficácia de produtosmencionados isolados e em mistura (penoxsulam+0,2% de hidróxido de cobre; penoxsulam+0,1% de cloro e penoxsulam+0,2% de peróxido de hidrogênio), no controle dasmacrófitas Ceratophyllum demersum, Egeria najas, Egeria densa e Hydrilla verticillatatem sido o objetivo desta pesquisa. O peróxido de hidrogênio foi o produto que promoveu a maior eficácia no controle das algas filamentosa (Spirogyra e Pithophora sp.) e médio risco ecotoxicológicopara os organismos não alvos. O hidróxido de cobre, cloro e peróxido de hidrogênio foram mais eficazes no controle do C. demersum, E. najas e E. najas, enquanto o penoxsulam isolado e em mistura (penoxsulam+0,1% de cloro) foram os promoveram maior controle da H. verticillata em condição de bioensaio. Enquanto o uso da mistura penoxsulam+0,2% de peróxido de hidrogênio em condição de mesocosmos não foi eficaz no controle do C. demersum, E. najas, E. densa e H. verticillata, porém reduziu a germinação de tubérculos da H. verticillata. / The monospecific or poorly diversified colonies of macrophytes and algae in aquatic environments, promote negative environmental, social and economic impacts, with the need to use management strategies, and the chemical has been very efficient. Among the molecules on the market the use of the herbicide penoxsulam and the algicide compounds copper hydroxide, chlorine (sodium dichloro isocyanurate dihydrate) and hydrogen peroxide in the control of filamentous algae Spirogyra and Pithophora sp. and its effects on non-target organisms (Hyphessobrycon eques, Pomacea canaliculata, Lemna minor and Azolla caroliniana). As well as the efficacy of the mentioned products isolated and in mixture (penoxsulam + 0.2% of copper hydroxide, penoxsulam + 0.1% of chlorine and penoxsulam + 0,2% of hydrogen peroxide), in the control of macrophytes Ceratophyllum demersum, Egeria najas, Egeria densa and Hydrilla verticillata have been the objective of this research. Hydrogen peroxide was the product that promoted the highest effectiveness in the control of filamentous algae (Spirogyra and Pithophora sp.) and medium ecotoxicological risk for non-target organisms. Copper hydroxide, chlorine and hydrogen peroxide were more effective in the control of C. demersum, E. najas and E. najas, while penoxsulam alone and in the mixture (penoxsulam + 0.1% of chlorine) were the ones that promoted greater control of H. verticillata in bioassay condition. While the use of the penoxsulam + 0.2% of hydrogen peroxide mixture in the condition of mesocosmos was not effective in the control of C. demersum, E. najas, E. densa and H. verticillata, but it reduced the germination of H. verticillata. / 153723/2014-9

A bacia hidrográfica do Rio Mãe Luzia está localizada dentro da bacia carbonífera catarinense, no sul do estado de Santa Catarina, em uma região muito impactada em termos ambientais, principalmente pela geração de Drenagem Ácida de Mina (DAM), o principal aspecto ambiental a ser considerado para o gerenciamento de recursos hídricos subterrâneos e superficiais. A indústria carbonífera, com a explotação do carvão mineral há mais de um século, contribuiu muito para a degradação da qualidade das águas superficiais da região. Ao contrário da poluição das águas superficiais, a poluição das águas subterrâneas é de difícil detecção, de difícil controle e ainda pode persistir por anos, décadas e até mesmo séculos. Nesse sentido, justifica-se a realização de estudos visando à proteção dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos e evitar a sua deterioração. O presente estudo tem como objetivo mapear a vulnerabilidade natural à contaminação dos aqüíferos e realizar a avaliação de risco de contaminação das águas subterrâneas nas áreas degradadas pela extração de carvão. Para o estudo da vulnerabilidade utilizou-se a metodologia GOD que consiste na combinação de três parâmetros físicos: o tipo de ocorrência do aqüífero, descrição da zona não saturada e profundidade do nível freático. Para a avaliação de risco, foram combinados mapas de vulnerabilidade e da cobertura do solo atual das áreas impactadas pela atividade carbonífera, que nos fornece a informação onde o rejeito e o estéril foram isolados cessando a oxidação da pirita, evitando a geração da DAM. O Mapa de Vulnerabilidade evidenciou as áreas mais suscetíveis para contaminação (localizadas ao norte da bacia, em uma região não degradada pela extração de carvão), enquanto que o Mapa de Risco mostrou regiões onde podem ser priorizados os trabalhos de pesquisa e recuperação das áreas degradadas devido ao risco elevado associado a estas áreas. / The Mãe Luzia river watershed is located inside the Santa Catarina coal basin in the southern of Santa Catarina state, a region very environmentally impacted mostly by the generation of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), the main environmental aspects to be considered for the management of groundwater and surface water. The coal industry, with the exploitation of coal for more than a century, contributed much to the degradation of the quality of surface waters in the region. Unlike the surface water pollution, pollution of groundwater is difficult to detect, difficult to control and still may persist for years, decades and even centuries. In this sense, it justifies studies aimed the protection of groundwater resources and prevent deterioration. The present study aims to map the natural vulnerability of aquifers to contamination and perform a risk assessment of groundwater contamination in areas degraded by coal mining. The vulnerability was studied using the GOD methodology, which is the combination of three physical parameters: Groundwater occurrence, Overall litology of aquiperm or aquitard and Depth to groundwater table. For risk assessment were combined the vulnerability map and the current soil cover in the areas impacted by the coal industry, which give us the information where the waste/tailing were isolated, ceasing the oxidation of pyrite, avoiding AMD generation. The Vulnerability Map showed the area most susceptible to contamination (located north of the watershed, in a region not degraded by coal mining), while the Risk Map shows areas where works of search and recovery of degraded areas can be prioritized due to the high risk associated with these regions.

Brazil’s highway network holds an extension of approximately 1.72 million kilometers, being regarded, thus, as the fourth longest one in the world, only behind the USA, India and China. It holds around 67% of the volume of transported loads in the Brazilian territory, which comes to be the main agricultural and industrial outflow system found yet - hazardous products and materials here included. Due to this expressive reality, accidents involving vehicles transporting chemical products have represented the greatest part of emergency services conducted by environmental agencies. For this reason, the subject here approached may serve as an instrument for the diagnosis of critical areas, which are subject to such kind of event in the range of five kilometers in the surroundings of BR 101 (highway) of Alagoas, which comprises 27 counties along a 237.066,70 hectares area where the combination of human, physical and environmental factors are present, which are causes for accidents involving dangerous loads being transported along this stretch and that also suffer because of them. From a geographical perspective, the present research deals with an unprecedented issue, once considered the shortage of scientific researches in the State of Alagoas. Before such context, aided by geoprocessing techniques and through the study of the investigative method of differentiation of areas, diffused by Richard Hartshorne and Alfred Hettner, whose premise is based on the chorographic perspective of the environment, integrating their constituent elements and getting to a synoptic view of reality, the main aim of this research revolved around creating a conceptual model of assessment and spatial analysis for the level of environmental risks to events that establish relation with accidents involving hazardous chemical products. For such, the algebra of maps, as a technique of integration of data, was used, based on the weighted average algorithm, which can be expressed by assigning weights and numerical grades to the information plans and their respective categories. The maps formulated for the integration were organized according to their thematic correlations in such a way that they would be molded unto the three components of the risk areas: hazard factors, vulnerability factors and exposed elements. As a final result, three risk classes were obtained: Low Risk (grades 3 and 4); Moderate Risk (grades 5 and 6) and High Risk (grades 7 and 8). The first one takes 13.24% of the analyzed area, whereas the second one claims a 76.28% portion of it, while the third one holds 10.45% of the whole analyzed area. By having these numbers linked to their locations, this research offers basic information support for the development of politics which aim at preventing and lightening damage to the environment. / A malha rodoviária do Brasil possui uma extensão de aproximadamente 1,72 milhão de quilômetros, sendo, portanto, considerada a quarta maior do mundo, ficando atrás apenas dos EUA, Índia e China. Ela concentra cerca de 67% do volume de cargas transportadas no território brasileiro, tornando-se assim no principal sistema de escoamento da produção agropecuário e industrial, incluindo os produtos perigosos. Em virtude dessa expressiva realidade, os acidentes envolvendo veículos transportadores de produtos químicos tem representado a maior parte dos atendimentos às emergências por parte dos órgãos ambientais. Por este motivo, o tema em questão se propõe servir como um instrumento de diagnóstico das áreas críticas sujeitas a esse tipo de evento em faixa de cinco quilômetros no entorno do trecho alagoano da rodovia BR-101, que abrange 27 municípios e abrange uma área de 237.066,70 hectares, identificando a combinação dos fatores físicos, humanos e ambientais que causam e sofrem, respectivamente, com a ocorrência de sinistros com cargas perigosas rodotransportadas. O estudo trata de um tema inédito a partir da ótica geográfica, dada a exiguidade de trabalhos científicos no Estado de Alagoas. Neste contexto, o objetivo principal da pesquisa foi elaborar um modelo conceitual de avaliação e análise espaciais dos graus de risco ambiental aos eventos relacionados com sinistros envolvendo produtos químicos perigosos, auxiliado por técnicas de geoprocessamento, avaliando o método investigativo de diferenciação de áreas difundido por Richard Hartshorne e Alfred Hettner, que tem por premissa a visão corográfica do meio, integrando os seus elementos constituintes, chegando a uma visão sinótica da realidade. Para isto, utilizou-se como técnica de integração de dados a álgebra de mapas, baseada no algoritmo da média ponderada, o qual se expressa através da atribuição de pesos e notas aos planos de informação e suas categorias, respectivamente. Os dados elaborados para a integração foram organizados de acordo com as suas correlações temáticas, de forma que fossem moldados aos três componentes das áreas de risco: fatores de periculosidade, fatores de vulnerabilidade e elementos expostos. Como resultado final obteve-se três classes de risco: Baixo Risco (notas 3 e 4); Médio Risco (notas 5 e 6) e Alto Risco (notas 7 e 8). A primeira, ocupa 13,24% da área estudada, enquanto que a segunda categoria abrange 76,28% e a terceira classe, apenas 10,45% da área total analisada. Com esses números associados as suas localizações, este estudo oferece subsídio com informações básicas para o desenvolvimento de políticas que visem a prevenção e a mitigação de prejuízos à saúde ambiental.

This thesis looks at risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic, degenerative autoimmune disease which is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50 years. It is estimated to affect over 100,000 people in the UK. The research setting was Orkney and Shetland, two archipelagos situated north of mainland Scotland, and both of which have very high MS prevalence as do other countries at high latitudes. I examine genetic and environmental risk factors in Orkney and Shetland using multiple methods over four studies. I also review the vitamin D and UV exposure literatures as these are risk factors pertinent to MS in Orkney and Shetland. After devoting three chapters to introducing the purpose of the thesis, MS, and Orkney and Shetland, in the fourth chapter, I aim to establish whether the birthplace of cases show any spatial, temporal, or spatiotemporal clustering. Evidence of these kinds of clustering may indicate that there are environmental risk factors present in some areas or that were present over particular periods, which raise risk of developing MS. Although I find statistically significant temporal, spatial, and spatiotemporal clustering in Orkney, and a spatial cluster in Shetland, for multiple reasons these results need to be interpreted with caution. I conclude that the clusters are very likely to be artefacts. Furthermore, there are multiple possible alternative explanations for such clusters that could not be explored by the available data. Chapter 5 examines the heritability of MS in Orkney and Shetland to estimate the proportion of phenotypic variance attributable to additive genetic effects. I also look at the birthplaces of ancestors of cases and controls to see if any locations contribute a greater amount of ancestral DNA to the gene pool of modern MS cases, which I term ‘genetic clustering’. In Orkney I obtained a heritability estimate of 0.36 (95% CI -0.26, 0.98); in Shetland this estimate was 0.20 (95% CI -1.88, 2.28). These modest estimates are consistent with the heritability literature. The genetic clustering analyses highlight two Orkney registration districts, Kirkwall and Westray, which earlier studies identified as areas of MS clustering. I also identify three Shetland registration districts, however these locations had not shown any evidence of clustering in earlier studies. Again, I advise caution in interpreting results, particularly as all the error bars across registration districts overlap. Chapter 6 presents a scoping review to map the literature and identify evidence of an association between vitamin D and UV exposure with MS. In methodically searching the literature, I identify a large and heterogeneous evidence base comprising multiple observational, intervention, and genetic studies. Overall, many studies support an association between vitamin D deficiency and MS. There is also evidence for an association between UV exposure and MS, although UV exposure is considerably less explored than vitamin D. I finally identify gaps in the literature and make suggestions for future research. In Chapter 7 I aim to compare vitamin D levels in Orkney and mainland Scotland, and establish the determinants of vitamin D status in Orkney. I firstly compare mean vitamin D and prevalence of deficiency in cross-sectional data from studies in Orkney and mainland Scotland. I secondly use multivariable regression to identify factors associated with vitamin D levels in Orkney. I find that mean (standard deviation) vitamin D is significantly higher in Orkney compared to mainland Scotland (35.3 (18.0) and 31.7 (21.2), respectively), and prevalence of severe deficiency is lower in Orkney (6.6% to 16.2% p = 1.1 x 10-15). Factors associated with higher vitamin D in Orkney include older age, farming occupations and foreign holidays. I conclude that although mean vitamin D levels are higher in Orkney compared to mainland Scotland, there is substantial variation within the Orkney population which may influence MS risk. Chapter 8 examines the correlates and determinants of UVB exposure in Shetland. I firstly construct correlation matrices to visualise how 1) personal characteristics such as sex, occupation, and skin type, 2) physical activity, and 3) body weight and fat, correlate with UVB exposure. I then use multivariable regression to identify factors associated with UVB exposure in Shetland. I run two multivariable models. The first includes the full sample size where activity data were measured by questionnaires. The second includes both questionnaire physical activity data and step-count data from pedometers, however as only a subset of participants had been supplied with pedometers, this analysis comprises a smaller sample size. I find that the amount of skin exposed was most strongly correlated with UVB exposure. Step count and activity minutes were also moderately positively correlated, and indoor occupations moderately negatively correlated, with UVB exposure. The regression analysis using the full sample with questionnaire activity data found that factors associated with greater UVB exposure were age and ambient UVB, while working indoors was significantly associated with lower UVB exposure. The model including the pedometer data found that found that age, total steps, and the amount of ambient UVB were significantly associated with greater UVB exposure. I conclude that atmospheric conditions, working outdoors and older age are important factors in UVB exposure in Shetland. It remains to be seen how UVB exposure translates to vitamin D levels in Shetland. I found evidence for environmental and genetic risk factors for MS in Orkney and Shetland. The two environmental risk factors, vitamin D deficiency and reduced UV exposure, are more likely to affect the younger population who are still within their lifetime risk of developing MS.