Search

Increasing research highlights the vulnerability of the alpine ski sector to climatic variability and change. The literature has focused predominantly on supply-side vulnerability, with limited insight into tourists’ behavioural response to marginal snow conditions and ski resort closures. Using an in-situ survey ( n =2448), this study examines how skiers in Ontario (Canada) would change their participation patterns if their preferred ski resort were closed due to a lack of snow. The survey focuses on current behavioural responses, rather than decisions based on future scenarios of climate change. Results show that substitution behaviours (i.e., spatial, temporal, activity) differ pending whether the resort is closed for the day, closed until mid-season or closed permanently, with differences ( p Management implications The behavioural response of skiers to changing climatic conditions will be a decisive factor in the vulnerability and sustainability of ski tourism. Fundamental to assessing the contemporary climate risk of the multi-billion dollar ski industry, as well as to estimate how future climate change could alter demand patterns in regional ski tourism marketplaces, is to understand skiers’ behavioural adaptation to inter-annual climate variability. As skiers engage in behavioural substitution (temporal, spatial, activity), a shift in ski demand patterns is likely. Skiers will concentrate at resorts that remain climatically operable, which will have important management implications with respect to individual resort capacity, visitor experience (e.g., crowding), and consequent impacts on surrounding ski area businesses and communities. Climatically advantaged ski areas and communities will need to prepare for development pressures, including investments in ski terrain expansion and infrastructure to increase snowmaking capacity (including water access and storage), as well as ease increased crowding on trails, in parking lots, inside chalets and lift lines. The results from this study offer decision support to ski resort operators and local tourism officials concerned about how their visitors will respond to changing climatic conditions and the implications for local economic development and real-estate.

Weather and climate directly influence ski season length, the quality of snow conditions, and skier visits. Inter-annual climate variability, which is expected to become more pronounced under future climate change, poses an increased risk for the ski tourism industry. Using a survey (n = 2448), this study examines where and how far skiers in Ontario (Canada) are willing to travel if their ski resort was to temporarily or permanently close due to a lack of snow. The majority of respondents (≥59%) would travel to five key resorts in Ontario, with the largest share (≥27%) selecting Blue Mountain Resort. An additional 11–15% of respondents would leave Ontario, opting to travel to Quebec or the state of New York. Overall, this paper presents the first empirical evidence on the geographical patterns skiers may engage in as a result of marginal snow conditions, in addition to providing information on travel distance and time thresholds. This research is fundamental for assessing contemporary climate risk and can inform how future climate change could alter demand patterns in regional ski marketplaces. Future research needs are identified to further appraise the consequences and future viability of individual ski resorts in Ontario and the ski industry more generally. La geographie de l'adaptation des skieurs aux conditions defavorables sur le marche du ski de l'Ontario Les phenomenes meteorologiques et climatiques exercent une influence majeure sur la duree de la saison de ski, la qualite des conditions de neige et la frequentation par les skieurs. La variabilite climatique interannuelle, que l'on prevoit etre plus marquee suite aux changements climatiques dans les prochaines annees, presente un risque accru pour l'industrie touristique du ski. Une enquete (n = 2448) a ete menee dans le cadre de cette etude afin d'explorer ou et jusqu'ou les skieurs de l'Ontario (Canada) etaient prets a se deplacer si leur station de ski devait cesser ses activites de facon temporaire ou permanente en raison d'un manque de neige. La majorite des repondants (≥59%) se rendraient a cinq des plus importantes stations ontariennes, et la plupart d'entre eux (≥27%) privilegieraient la station Blue Mountain. Quelques 11 a 15% des repondants quitteraient l'Ontario et se deplaceraient vers le Quebec ou l'etat de New York. Dans l'ensemble, cet article etablit pour le premiere fois les tendances geographiques des choix d'alternatives des skieurs qui doivent composer avec de mauvaises conditions de neige, en plus de fournir des informations sur la valeur des seuils de distance et de temps de deplacement. Cette recherche a realise une evaluation du risque climatique actuel et apporte un eclairage sur l'ampleur des changements climatiques futurs et de leur incidence sur les tendances de la demande dans les marches de ski regionaux. A l'avenir, il faudra mener des recherches afin de realiser des evaluations plus poussees sur les effets que ces changements entraineront sur chacune des stations de ski de l'Ontario et leur perennite et, de maniere plus generale, sur l'industrie du ski.

This review presents recent results about the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) and water assisted CVD. Modification of VACNTs by surface specific plasma treatments as well as by MnO2 electrodeposition, allows the optimization of the CNTs physico-chemical properties. Incorporation of oxygen and nitrogen functional groups by oxygen plasma, water plasma and nitrogen plasma are discussed in detail. The surface modification not only decorates the CNTs with desired functional groups, but also increases their surface area and makes them suitable for electrochemical, biological and environmental applications. In order to study the effects of surface functionalization on the CNTs properties, electrochemical and adsorption/desorption measurements were carried out. Both plasma treatments and manganese oxide electrodeposition improve the specific capacitance of the CNTs. Nanocomposites of CNTs/MnO2 show high specific capacitance values of up to 750 Fg−1. In addition, gas–surface interactions between functionalized and non-functionalized nanotubes, and volatile organic compounds, clearly show enhanced adsorption properties of the surface-modified nanotubes.

The 14th European Association of Chemical and Molecular Sciences (EuCheMS) International Conference on Chemistry and the Environment (ICCE 2013) took place on 25–28 June 2013 at the IEC and the WTC in Barcelona, Spain. The ICCE is a well-established biannual conference organized by the Division of Chemistry and the EuCheMS.

Surface modification of carbon nanotubes with a simple and fast plasma treatment allows for the design of new nanomaterials with enhanced electrochemical properties. Both structural disorder and nitrogen concentration of the nanotubes increase after a nitrogen plasma treatment. The effect of plasma power and nitrogen pressure on the charge storage capability of the nanotubes has been investigated in detail. Depending on the plasma conditions, nitrogen functionalities such as quaternary nitrogen in the basal planes, and pyrrolic groups at the edges are introduced in the nanotubes structure. The potential difference between anodic and cathodic peaks of the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couple decreases from 102 mV down to 75.7 mV after the nitrogen plasma treatment, which accounts for an increased reversibility of the electron transfer process between nanotubes and electrolyte. Moreover, the treated nanotubes show a significant increase in their specific capacitance from 22 up to 55 F g−1 at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1 in a 0.1 M Na2SO4 solution. Pyridinic and pyrrolic functionalities are found to play an important role in enhancing the reversibility and specific capacitance of the obtained electrodes.

This paper presents a model which estimates current car fleet energy consumption in Andorra and forecasts such consumption as a reference scenario. The base-year model is built through a bottom-up methodology using vehicle registration and technical inspection data. The model forecasts energy consumption up to 2050, taking into account the fleet structure, the car survival profile, trends in activity of the various car categories, and the fuel price and income elasticities that affect car stock and total fleet activity. It provides an initial estimate of private car energy demand in Andorra and charts a baseline scenario that describes a hypothetical future based on historical trends. A local sensitivity analysis is conducted to determine the most sensitive input parameters and study the effect of its variability. In addition, the scenario analysis explores the most uncertain future aspects which can cause important variability in the results with respect to the Reference scenario and provides a broad estimate of potential energy savings related to different policy strategies

Correlation of long-term temperature variability and population density was investigated in an isolated mountain environment case study for the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries period. Andorra (Central Pyrenees) was chosen as a case study location due to its harsh environmental conditions and to its historical politically neutral position. Reconstructed temperatures for the eighteenth century, based on dendrochronological data, show strong statistical correlations with death inventories (rs = −0.359, p

In this work a methodology to fabricate carbon nanotube based electrodes using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition has been explored and defined. The final integrated microelectrode based devices should present specific properties that make them suitable for microelectrode arrays applications. The methodology studied has been focused on the preparation of highly regular and dense vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) mat compatible with the standard lithography used for microelectrode arrays technology.

The abundance, molecular composition and δ13C values of free sterols, n-alkanols (C14–C30) and phytol have been investigated in the particulate matter of the Ebro river estuary (NE Spain) in order to assess the origin and fate of organic matter in a salt-wedge estuary. Water samples were collected in June and October 2003 at different depths in two water regimes, with and without the presence of salt-wedge. An important contribution of autochthonous productivity to the particulate organic matter was found in June as indicated by a higher concentration of phytol and phytoplankton sterols and an enrichment in δ13C values. In contrast, lower productivity and higher decomposition processes were noticeable in the October campaign, as indicated by more depleted δ13C values and higher stanol/stenol ratios. Molecular markers also indicated a change in the freshwater phytoplankton composition between the two sampling campaigns and showed some inputs derived from aquatic/terrestrial plants, particularly in surface samples. In the absence of the salt-wedge, particulate organic matter derived from similar origins occurred throughout the water column but a higher presence of organic matter decay was observed in bottom waters. On the other hand, a general depletion in the concentrations of lipid molecular markers was observed in the salt-wedge. This trend was attributed to the flocculation and mixing of different kinds of suspended particles (mineral and organic) in the salt-wedge originated in an abrupt salinity change that occurs at the stratification interface. An accumulation of freshwater phytoplankton was observed at the interface sampled in June, where this material is more susceptible to degradation and decomposition. Compound-specific carbon isotope data showed the influence of marine organic matter in the salt-wedge, mixed with terrestrial material which sinks from the surface freshwater.

The optimization strategy for producing manganese oxide supercapacitors based on vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) deposited on large area electrodes is presented. A single sequential process of sputtering, annealing and plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) is applied to produce dense and uniform VACNTs electrodes. As dielectric layer of the supercapacitor, manganese oxide is electrodeposited lining the surface of the VACNTs electrodes. The control of the growing parameters such as catalyst thickness layer, temperature and deposition time for tuning the density, length and diameter of the VACNTs and their structure are found to be key points for the optimization of the MnO2 electrodeposition process in view to improve the efficiency of the supercapacitor devices. The electrochemical properties of the obtained electrodes are characterized using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge techniques. A specific capacitance of 642 Fg−1 is obtained for MnO2/VACNTs nanocomposite electrode at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1.

Photo-solid-phase microextraction (photo-SPME) has been employed to study the photolysis of three common indoor air pollutants: coumarin, butylated hydroxytoluene, 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene. Analytes were first extracted by SPME, and the fibre was subsequently exposed to an irradiation source (i.e. xenon arc or low-pressure mercury lamp) for the selected time (from 2 to 120 min). Analyses of the irradiated fibres were carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection. Photodecay kinetics exhibited a first-order behaviour and their rate constants and half-life times were estimated. Twenty-five photoproducts have been tentatively identified by means of their mass spectra. On the basis of the identified transformation compounds, some photodegradation pathways were proposed. The photoformation-photodecay kinetics of the identified by-products were also monitored by photo-SPME. To the best of our knowledge, photolytic routes for coumarin, butylated hydroxytoluene and 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene have not been previously investigated.

In this review, recent methods developed for the determination of degradation intermediates of personal care products in environmental matrixes focusing on the extraction and determination steps are discussed. The five classes of personal care products evaluated are stimulants, fragrances, sunscreens, antimicrobials, and insect repellents. Methods are critically reviewed in terms of the analytical steps involved in the analysis, sample pretreatment, separation, and detection as well as the different confirmation strategies employed. Preconcentration from aqueous matrixes was performed by solid-phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, or solid-phase microextraction, allowing the simultaneous extraction of parent compounds and their degradation intermediates. Following the extraction and cleanup steps, the identification and quantification of degradation intermediates of personal care products at environmental levels (i.e., parts per trillion to parts per billion range) is usually performed by using mass spectrometry techniques such as single quadrupole mass spectrometry and more recently by time-of-flight mass spectrometry or tandem mass spectrometry. The main scope of this review is to critically evaluate the current state of the art of the analytical techniques used and to identify the research needs in the determination of degradation intermediates of personal care products in environmental matrixes. © 2008 Springer-Verlag., This work was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Education through the CONTWET (CTM2005–06457-CO5–04/TECNO) project. E.J. kindly acknowledges a postdoctoral Juan de la Cierva contract from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.

Phthalic acid and phthalate esters are of growing interest due to their significant usage and potential toxicity. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glass are both widely used materials for bottled drinking water. In this study, phthalic acid (PhA), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiisoBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) were analysed in a large number of Italian bottled water samples. These samples showed different concentrations of phthalates are nearly 20 times higher in samples bottled in PET than those from glass bottles with total levels of phthalates of 3.52 and 0.19 microg l(-1), respectively. However, the observed levels do not represent a significant exposure pathway when considering the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) reference dose (an estimate of a daily oral exposure to the human population, including sensitive subgroups, that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of deleterious effects during a lifetime). In addition, no significant correlation was found between the phthalate concentrations and the physicochemical properties of the different water samples, apart from the still/sparkling water parameter for the PET samples. In this instance, slightly higher concentrations were observed for the PET bottled still water samples than for the sparkling water samples, although no explanation has been found yet.

Several alkylnitriles are toxic to sensory systems, including the vestibular system, through yet undefined mechanisms. This study addressed the hypothesis that the vestibular toxicity of cis -crotononitrile depends on CYP2E1-mediated bioactivation. Wild-type (129S1) and CYP2E1-null female mice were exposed to cis -crotononitrile at 0, 2, 2.25 or 2.5 mmol/kg (p.o.) in either a baseline condition or following exposure to 1% acetone in drinking water to induce CYP2E1 expression. The exposed animals were assessed for vestibular toxicity using a behavioral test battery and through surface observation of the vestibular sensory epithelia by scanning electron microscopy. In parallel groups, concentrations of cis -crotononitrile and cyanide were assessed in whole blood. Contrary to our hypothesis, CYP2E1-null mice were slightly more susceptible to the vestibular toxicity of cis -crotononitrile than were control 129S1 mice. Similarly, rather than enhance vestibular toxicity, acetone pretreatment actually reduced it slightly in 129S1 controls, although not in CYP2E1-null mice. In addition, significant differences in mortality were recorded, with the greatest mortality occurring in 129S1 mice after acetone pretreatment. The highest mortality recorded in the 129S1 + acetone mice was associated with the lowest blood concentrations of cis -crotononitrile and the highest concentrations of cyanide at 6 h after nitrile exposure, the time when deaths were initially recorded. We conclude that cis -crotononitrile is a CYP2E1 substrate as hypothesized, but that CYP2E1-mediated metabolism of this nitrile is not necessary for vestibular toxicity; rather, this metabolism constitutes a major pathway for cyanide release and subsequent lethality.

More than 200 oil samples were collected along the Northern Spanish coast, from December 2002 to December 2003, as part of the extensive monitoring program carried out by the Spanish Marine Safety Agency after the Prestige heavy oil spill (November 13, 2002). The GC FPD/ FID and comprehensive GC x GC/TOFMS sample profiles revealed the main characteristics of the oil residues. Chemical fingerprinting of the aliphatic and aromatic fractions by GC/ MS was performed to determine the source of the oil as well as to follow its weathering at sea. The (n-C13 + n-C14)/(n-C25 + n-C26), n-C18/phytane, and methylnaphthalene [(N + N1)/N2] ratios were found to be useful for assessing the evaporation, biodegradation, and dissolution processes, respectively. Other indicators of more advanced degradation processes, including photo-oxidation, were unaltered, showing the low incidence of natural weathering processes on the spilled heavy oil 1 year after the accident. The survey also demonstrated the occurrence of continued discharges of ballast waters at sea and the need for a more stringent surveillance of the area, beyond accidental oil spills.

Contamination of Barcelona harbor sediments was assessed by the quantitative determination of butyltins (TBT, DBT and MBT) and surfactant intermediates, namely linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) and nonylphenols (NPs), as markers of urban and industrial wastewater contamination, respectively. Degradation indexes of TBT and LABs were calculated. Tributyltin predominated in the whole area over its degradation products, ranging from 98 to 4702 ng Sn/g. These elevated concentrations reveal a persistent historical contamination and a moderate degradation (BTdeg). Moreover, the high LAB concentrations (1.2–53.1 μg/g) compared to the relatively low NP levels (3.8–72.0 ng/g) suggest a predominance of urban over industrial wastewater inputs, although a significant correlation (r2=0.82, N=12, P=0.001) between LABs and NPs was found. Stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows (CSO) were likely the most possible sources for both surfactant intermediates. The high degradation index values obtained for LABs could indicate an improvement in the wastewater management reducing its recent discharge into the Barcelona harbor area. Keywords: Butyltin compounds, LABs, NPs, Sediments, Biodegradation index

A procedure for the determination of perfluorocarboxylic acids (i.e. PFC7–10A) in sediment by pressurized fluid extraction (PFE), derivatization, headspace solid-phase microextraction and GC–MS determination in the negative ion chemical ionisation mode was developed. The PFE extraction variables such as solvent composition, number and time per extraction cycle, and extraction temperature were optimised. In the optimum extraction conditions, recoveries exceeding 95% with a limit of detection and RSDs of 0.5–0.8 ng g−1 and 15.5–16.8%, respectively, were obtained. The developed analytical procedure was applied to harbour sediments where PFC8A and PFC10A were detected for the first time at low ppb concentrations (i.e. 8–11 ng g−1).

Extraction selectivity of whole wool wax from raw wool by using ethanol-modified carbon dioxide at constant pressure (100 bar) and temperature (60°C) was studied. A kinetic study was carried out to optimize the percentage of ethanol and the extraction time. The modified carbon dioxide was decompressed in ethanol as a collection solvent, leading to the formation of two different fractions as a function of their solubility. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the lipid classes present in the collected fractions were performed by TLC coupled to an automated FID system (TLC-FID). Moreover, a detailed structural comparison was carried out between the aliphatic high-molecular-mass esters and the steryl ester patterns by means of subambient pressure GC-MS in both the EI and the ammonia positive Cl modes. Considerable differences in the lipid composition of the two wool wax fractions collected were observed by TLC-FID and GC-MS.

Steryl esters occurring in lanolin have been characterised by sub-ambient pressure gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Electron impact and chemical ionisation modes with different reagent gases have been evaluated in order to carry out unambiguous peak identification. Steryl esters with different sterol (i.e. cholesterol, lanosterol and dihydrolanosterol) and acid moieties either according to carbon number (i.e C10-C23) or isomeric forms (i.e. normal, iso and anteiso) have been identified. Identification of the sterol and acid moieties has been carried out by means of the mass spectral information obtained in the electron impact, chemical ionisation mode either in the positive or negative modes using methane, isobutane and ammonia as reagent gases. Isomeric identification has been achieved by chromatographic retention parameters (i.e. entire-chain length and fractional-chain length) and by the free fatty acid profile also present in lanolin.

A review of the existing methods for the separation, identification and quantification of fatty acids mainly by chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) techniques is presented. Moreover, a method for the simultaneous determination of the following lipidic classes, which are constituents of the wool wax, namely fatty acids, fatty alcohols, 2-hydroxy fatty acids and 2-hydroxy fatty alcohols have been developed. Every compound class consist of normal-, iso - and anteiso -branched chain isomers. The separation of all molecular species, in the range of carbon atom number C 8 –C 33 was achieved on a low polar capillary gas chromatograph (GC) column. Compound identification has been made by interpretation of mass spectra of mono- and di-tandem mass spectrometry (TMS) derivatives as well as on the basis of equivalent (ECL) and fractional chain length (FCL) retention parameters. The relative abundance of every compound class has been obtained as a function of carbon atom number.

One main argument for modeling socio-ecological systems is to advance the understanding of dynamic correlations among various human and environmental factors, including impacts and responses to environmental change. We explore the shift in skier distribution amongst ski resorts taking into account the behavioral adaptation of individuals due to the impact of climate change on snow conditions. This analysis is performed at a regional scale by means of a coupled gravity and georeferenced agentbased model. Four different scenarios are considered. Two scenarios assume an increase of winter mean temperature of +2°C and +4°C respectively, taking into account only natural snow conditions. Two additional scenarios add the effect of snowmaking to enhance the natural snow depth and extend the skiing season in the +2°C and +4°C base scenarios. Results show differing vulnerability levels, allowing the classification of ski resorts into three distinct groups: (1) highly vulnerable ski resorts with a strong reduction in visitors attendance for all climate change scenarios, characterized by unfavorable geographical and attractiveness conditions, making it difficult to ensure snow availability in the future; (2) low vulnerability ski resorts, with moderate reduction in season length during a high climate change scenario but no reduction (or even an increase) in a low one, characterized by ski resorts with a medium capacity and attractiveness to ensure enough snow conditions and capture skiers from other ski resorts; and (3) resilient ski resorts, with good conditions to ensure future snow-reliable seasons and outstanding attractiveness, allowing them to offer longer ski seasons than their competitors and potentially attracting skiers from other closed or marginal resorts. Ski resorts included in this last group increase their skier attenda nce in all climate change scenarios. Although similar studies in the literature foretell a significant reduction of the ski market in the near future, another probable effect outlined in this study is a redefinition of this market due to a redistribution of skiers, from vulnerable ski resorts to more resilient ones.

The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of slope aspect on the response of snowpack to climate warming in the Pyrenees. For this purpose, data available from five automatic weather stations were used to simulate the energy and mass balance of snowpack, assuming different magnitudes of an idealized climate warming (upward shifting of 1, 2 and 3 °C the temperature series). Snow energy and mass balance were simulated using the Cold Regions Hydrological Modelling platform (CRHM). CRHM was used to create a model that enabled correction of the all-wave incoming radiation fluxes from the observation sites for various slope aspects (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW,W,NW and flat areas), which enabled assessment of the differential impact of climate warming on snow processes on mountain slopes. The results showed that slope aspect was responsible for substantial variability in snow accumulation and the duration of the snowpack. Simulated variability markedly increased with warmer temperature conditions. Annual maximum snow accumulation (MSA) and annual snowpack duration (ASD) showed marked sensitivity to a warming of 1 °C. Thus, the sensitivity of the MSA in flat areas ranged from 11 to 17 % per degree C amongst the weather stations, and the ASD ranged from 11 to 20 days per degree C. There was a clear increase in the sensitivity of the snowpack to climate warming on those slopes that received intense solar radiation (S, SE and SW slopes) compared with those slopes where the incident radiation was more limited (N, NE and NW slopes). The sensitivity of the MSA and the ASD increased as the temperature increased, particularly on the most irradiated slopes. Large interannual variability was also observed. Thus, with more snow accumulation and longer duration the sensitivity of the snowpack to temperature decreased, especially on south-facing slopes., This work was supported by the research projects CGL2011-27536/HID: “Hidrologia nival en el Pirineo central español: variabilidad espacial, importancia hidrológica y su respuesta a la variabilidad y cambio climático”, financed by the Spanish Commission of Science and Technology, and FEDER; ACQWA (FP7-ENV- 2008-1-212250): “Efecto de los escenarios de cambio climático sobre la hidrología superficial y la gestión de embalses del Pirineo Aragonés”, financed by “Obra Social La Caixa”; and “Influencia del cambio climático en el turismo de nieve-CTTP1/10” and CTTP1/12 “Creación de un modelo de alta resolución espacial para cuantificar la esquiabilidad y la afluencia turística en el Pirineo bajo distintos escenarios de cambio climático”, financed by the Comunidad de Trabajo de los Pirineos, CTP. Financial contributions from the Canadian Rockies Snow and Ice Initiative supported by the IP3 Cold Regions Hydrology Network of the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Canada Research Chairs Programme are gratefully acknowledged.

The programmes offer a wide variety with regard to programme subjects and are hosted by a wide spectrum of faculties (or departments). The chemistry content in these programmes is significant: The majority of BSc programmes have less than 35 % of chemistry credits, while the share of chemistry at the MSc level is very different among programmes (4–100 %). A big share of the courses, more at the MSc than at the BSc level, is taught in English, which contributes to the Bologna goals. Nevertheless, this share should increase in order to facilitate mobility of students within the EU and across the continent.

Mountain regions have been identified as especially vulnerable areas to climate change. Changes in snowfall, glacier retreat and shifts in biodiversity amount and distribution are some examples of the sensitivity of mountain ecosystems. Moreover, in many mountain economies, reliable snow cover plays a key role as an important resource for the winter tourism industry, the main income source and driving force of local development in such regions. This study presents a georeferenced agent-based model to analyze the climate change impacts on the ski industry in Andorra and the effect of snowmaking as future adaptation strategy. The present study is the first attempt to analyze the ski industry in the Pyrenees region and will contribute to a better understanding of the vulnerability of Andorran ski resorts and the suitability of snowmaking as potential adaptation strategy to climate change. This study projects a reduction on the ski season length and the drop of the number of skiers especially in the lowest elevation ski resort of this region. Moreover, this work indicates that snowmaking cannot completely solve the problem of ensuring snow cover at low elevation ski resorts and should be considered as a suitable short-term strategy, but not as a sustainable long-term adaptation strategy. The resulting model can be used as a planning support tool to help local stakeholders understand the vulnerability and potential impacts of climate change and in the decision-making process of designing and developing appropriate sustainable adaptation strategies to future climate variability

We introduce a new measurement system called Nanopolar interferometer devoted to monitor and characterize single nanoparticles which is based on the interferometric phase modulated ellipsometry technique. The system collects the backscattered light by the particles in the solid angle subtended by a microscope objective and then analyses its frequency components. The results for the detection of 2 μm and 50 nm particles are explained in terms of a cross polarization effect of the polarization vectors when the beam converts from divergent to parallel in the microscope objective. This explanation is supported with the results of the optical modelling using the exact Mie theory for the light scattered by the particles.

A suite of benzothiazoles and benzotriazoles was analysed by comprehensive multi-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry in four different wastewater treatment systems. The selected wastewater treatment systems include one conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and for the first time, two constructed wetlands. Although benzothiazole (BT), 2-(methylthio)benzothiazole (MTBT), 2-hydroxybenzothiazole (OHBT) and benzotriazole (BTri) occurred in all the raw wastewater samples, 4- and 5-methylbenzotriazoles (4- and 5-TTri) were only detected in the industrially impacted wastewater. Concentrations of benzothiazoles and benzotriazoles in raw wastewater ranged from 0.2 to 2.2 microg L(-1) and from 0.06 to 36.2 microg L(-1), respectively. The benzothiazoles removal efficiencies ranged from zero to up to 80% in the conventional WWTP and from 83 to 90% in constructed wetlands. For BTri, removal efficiencies ranged from 65 to 70% and from 89 to 93% in conventional WWTP and constructed wetlands, respectively. The higher performance of CWs in the removal of these compounds might be attributed to the contribution of biodegradation, photodegradation and plant uptake.

The development of new sampling devices or strategies to assess the concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment has increased in the last two decades. In this study, a selective sampling device was used to evaluate the impact of potential local sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (dl-PCBs) emissions on the ambient air levels of such compounds in a town near an important industrial estate. Average concentrations of target compounds of up to 2.5 times for PCDD/Fs and 2 times for dl-PCBs were found to come from the industrial state confirming this area as the main responsible for the majority of such compounds reaching the town. This finding was supported by a PCDD/F and dl-PCB sample profile analysis and a principal component analysis (PCA), which established a direct link between the dioxin-like compounds found in the samples collected in the town and their source.

The distribution and potential sources of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment cores (, The research work was supported by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India [(Sanction No UGC/ 199/UPE/07] under the scheme of ‘‘University with Potential for Excellence’’ (Modern Biology Group). One of the authors (Md. A. Alam) is greatly indebted to UGC for awarding him a project fellowship.

Benzothiazoles, benzotriazoles and benzosulfonamides are high-production-volume chemicals found in various environmental aqueous samples that should be considered as emerging pollutants. This study examines the suitability of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC-TOF-MS) for the characterization of benzothiazoles, benzotriazoles and benzosulfonamides in aqueous matrices. Solid-phase extraction was optimized in order to ensure the proper preconcentration of these contaminants prior to their analysis. Column selection, in both the first and second dimensions, was optimized to ensure a good chromatographic separation of the target analytes and of the potential interfering compounds extracted from the matrix. Several column phases were tested. The combined power of two-dimensional separation was fully illustrated by identifying minor compounds and avoiding the overestimations usually made by one-dimensional systems. Finally, the suitability of GC x GC-TOF-MS to quantify the aforementioned emerging pollutants was proven by determining those pollutants in several real samples such as river water, effluent from a wastewater treatment plant, and raw sewage.

12 pages, 9 figures, 1 table.-- PMID: 18990727 [PubMed]., This study addressed the hypothesis that the vestibular or lethal toxicities of allylnitrile depend on CYP2E1-mediated bioactivation. Wild-type (129S1) and CYP2E1-null male mice were exposed to allylnitrile at doses of 0, 0.5, 0.75, or 1.0 mmol/kg (po), following exposure to drinking water with 0 or 1% acetone, which induces CYP2E1 expression. Induction of CYP2E1 activity by acetone in 129S1 mice and lack of activity in null mice was confirmed in liver microsomes. Vestibular toxicity was assessed using a behavioral test battery and illustrated by scanning electron microscopy observation of the sensory epithelia. In parallel groups, concentrations of allylnitrile and cyanide were assessed in blood after exposure to 0.75 mmol/kg of allylnitrile. Following allylnitrile exposure, mortality was lower in CYP2E1-null than in 129S1 mice, and increased after acetone pretreatment only in 129S1 mice. This increase was associated with higher blood concentrations of cyanide. In contrast, no consistent differences were recorded in vestibular toxicity between 129S1 and CYP2E1-null mice, and between animals pretreated with acetone or not. Additional experiments evaluated the effect on the toxicity of 1.0 mmol/kg allylnitrile of the nonselective P450 inhibitor, 1-aminobenzotriazole, the CYP2E1-inhibitor, diallylsulfide, and the CYP2A5 inhibitor, methoxsalen. In 129S1 mice, aminobenzotriazole decreased both mortality and vestibular toxicity, whereas diallylsulfide decreased mortality only. In CYP2E1-null mice, aminobenzotriazole and methoxsalen, but not diallylsulfide, blocked allylnitrile-induced vestibular toxicity. We conclude that CYP2E1-mediated metabolism of allylnitrile leads to cyanide release and acute mortality, probably through alpha-carbon hydroxylation, and hypothesize that epoxidation of the beta-gamma double bond by CYP2A5 mediates vestibular toxicity., Ministry of Science and Innovation (Spain)/Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (European Union) (grant numbers BFU2006-00343/BFI, CGL2005-02846/BOS); Generalitat of Catalonia (grant number 2005SGR00022); and Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (France) (grant number DAR2006/2007).

Simultaneous determination of cyanide and volatile alkylnitriles such as acetonitrile, cis- and trans-crotononitrile, allylnitrile and butyronitrile at low ppb concentration on whole blood (rat and mice) by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography (GC) with nitrogen phosphorus detection has been achieved for the first time. SPME extraction time and temperature were optimized using a star experimental design. Optimum conditions for cyanide extraction were chosen to analyze unspiked blood samples containing alkylnitriles as that analyte occurs at the lowest concentrations. For all analytes, the developed methodology yielded good quality parameters. In all cases, good reproducibility (relative standard deviation < or =12%), detection limits (

8 pages, 3 tables, 4 figures.-- PMID: 16962635 [PubMed].-- Online version available on Sep 14, 2006., A salt-wedge stratified microcosm, spiked with 31 target analytes, including PCBs, organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides, triazines, organophosphate flame retardants and caffeine (an urban wastewater molecular marker), was setup. Compound behaviour was monitored during a four week period, by sampling at six different levels of the water column, in order to understand the transport and loss processes of the different classes of chemical substances. Compound transport from one water body to the other has been positively correlated with diffusion via their molar volume. Target analytes loss has been positively correlated with evaporation via their K(H) and with degradation via their half-lives. From these two processes, evaporation was found to be predominant using a multiparametric regression., Research funding was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology REN2001-1117. A.I.G. and E.J. acknowledge to Government of Catalonia and the former Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology, respectively, for awarding Ph.D. fellowships.

8 pages, 3 tables, 4 figures.-- PMID: 17386547 [PubMed].-- Online version available Oct 5, 2006., The adsorption of dissolved organic contaminants on glass fibre filters throughout water dissolved/particulate phase decoupling studies was examined. A total of 49 different compounds were considered at low concentration levels (ng L−1), including PAHs, PCBs, organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides, triazines, thiocarbamates, pyrethroids, phosphate esters and caffeine. Their adsorption on the filters was positively correlated with their logKow and solubilities, indicating that filter adsorption increased with hydrophobicity. The influence of water properties (i.e. salinity and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content) was also studied by means of a star experimental design (n = 11). Salinity was the main factor in increasing the adsorption, due to the salting out effect. The influence of DOC suggested that part of the contaminant losses during water filtration may have been caused by the retention on the organic matter adsorbed on the filter surface. Nevertheless, a decrease in filter retention was observed for water with the highest DOC contents, which was probably due to an enhancement of the contaminant solubility in these conditions. Although several factors may control the adsorption process in naturally occurring waters, the extent of the retention of dissolved target analytes on the glass fibre filters should not be underestimated in the analysis of hydrophobic contaminants in marine and estuarine waters at very low concentrations (ppt level)., Authors wish to acknowledge R. Mas, D. Fanjul and R. Chaler for technical assistance. Research funding was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology REN 2001-1117. Two of us, AG and EJ wish to acknowledge the Government of Catalonia and the former Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology for awarding their respective PhD fellowships.

13 pages, 6 figures.-- PMID: 16616295 [PubMed].-- Printed version published Oct 2006., Annual input estimates for several organic contaminants from the Ebro River into the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea were carried out on the basis of monthly sampling from November 2002 to October 2003. Some organochlorine compounds (DDT and its degradation products, DDD and DDE, PCBs (9 congeners), HCB and γ-HCH) were selected due to their reported occurrence in the river. Furthermore, some polar pesticides used in the Ebro Delta were also determined (atrazine, simazine, diazinon, fenitrothion and molinate). Concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 19.5 ng l−1 for the organochlorine compounds (sum of particulate and dissolved phases) and from not detected (ND) to 170 ng l−1 for the more polar pesticides, which were only found in the dissolved phase. The sum of PCB congeners (mean 8.9 ng l−1) showed the highest concentrations among the organochlorine compounds and atrazine (mean 82 ng l−1) among the polar pesticides. Based on the contaminant concentrations and on hydrological data, contaminant discharges into the sea were estimated amounting in total to 167 and 1258 kg year−1 of organochlorine compounds and polar pesticides, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that PCBs, DDTs and HCB inputs were basically influenced by spate periods due to an increase in suspended particulate matter associated to runoff and sediment resuspension. Whereas for more water soluble contaminants, such as the agrochemicals, their seasonal use had a higher incidence in contaminant fluxes. Bulk chemical parameters such as SPM, DOC, POC, %OC, %ON and C/N ratio provided additional information on the organic matter sources. This provides a better understanding of the temporal variability of the contaminant concentrations., Research funding was obtained from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology REN2001-1117. A.I.G. and E.J.C. acknowledge the Government of Catalonia and the former Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology for awarding PhD fellowships.

8 pages, 1 figure, 3 tables.-- PMID: 16766021 [PubMed].-- Printed version published Oct 1, 2006., Exposure to mercury species was assessed in the hair of 130 Spanish children (age 4) from the general population in two areas. Both areas are exposed to different sources of mercury: a point source in Ribera d'Ebre (northeastern Spain) and a diffuse source on the island of Menorca (northwestern Mediterranean). The median MeHg values in the hair of children from Ribera d'Ebre (RE) were nearly twice (0.631 μg/g vs. 0.370 μg/g) those of children from Menorca (MC) (p < 0.05). Total Hg showed a similar trend (RE-median: 0.720 μg/g vs. MC-median: 0.476 μg/g). Nevertheless, inorganic mercury levels were similar in the two groups of children (RE-median: 0.186 μg/g vs. MC-median: 0.210 μg/g). Two subgroups of the Ribera d'Ebre group were defined: children living in Flix (a village near a chlor-alkali plant) (RE1) and children living on the outskirts of Flix with no clear, direct influence of the plant (RE2). The mercury concentrations in RE1 were also significantly higher than those in Menorca, but no significant differences were found between Menorca and the RE2 subgroup. We evaluated the fish consumption of RE1, RE2 and MC and found that the Menorcan children consumed significantly less fish (p < 0.05) than the other two subgroups. Children who consumed fish more than three times a week had higher MeHg concentrations (β(SE) = 0.991(0.279) than those who ate it less than once a week. Nevertheless, the differences in MeHg levels between children from Ribera d'Ebre and Menorca remained statistically significant after adjustment for fish intake and other variables (β(SE) = 0.779(0.203) for children from RE1). In conclusion, local sources other than seafood contribute significantly to MeHg content in hair in the two Ribera d'Ebre subgroups., Funding was obtained from the Ministry of Health through the INMA Spanish network. S. D. acknowledges Spanish Ministry of Education and Science for his "Ramón y Cajal" Contract. Technical assistance in the GC-CV AFS setup given by Ms. Rosa Mas is kindly acknowledged.

A detailed characterization of lipids present in a wool-wax extract, obtained by supercritical fluid extraction, is presented. Thin-layer chromatography coupled to a flame ionization detector (TLC-FID) has been used as a screening technique to identify the different chemical classes of complex mixtures. Furthermore, to confirm peak identification obtained by TLC-FID and to check its suitability as a quality control technique, preparative TLC fractionation has been carried out by re-analyzing the different fractions obtained by TLC-FID and by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in the electron impact and in the chemical ionization modes. By means of this comparative study, the TLC-FID identification has been confirmed. Also, the complementarity of the different techniques used confirmed the identification of different lipid classes, namely fatty acids, alcohols, sterols, sterane diol, stanone, steryl sulphate, hydroxyacids, alkane diols, aliphatic and steryl esters, hydroxy steryl esters, triacylglycerol, diesters, and ceramides types II and VI.

A twin GC × GC system has been designed which enables the analysis of a sample by means of two different and independent column combinations simultaneously. Both combinations are incorporated in the same oven, using the same temperature programme, and are fed using a 50:50 column-entrance-split. It is demonstrated that, employing combinations of a conventional non-polar × polar and a reversed-type polar × non-polar column set, the information content is as high, and the analytical performance is as good as when using two separate GC × GC systems. That is, there is an appreciable gain of time and a reduction of costs without any loss of quality. The general usefulness of performing, and comparing two mutually different GC × GC runs is further illustrated with FAMEs in olive oil, and pollutants in a sediment sample. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Most lipids are a complex mixture of classes of compounds such as fatty acids, fatty alcohols, diols, sterols and hydroxy acids. In this study, the suitability of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a time-of-light mass spectrometer is studied for lipid characterization in complex samples. With lanolin, a refined wool wax, as test sample, it is demonstrated that combined methylation plus silylation is the preferred derivatization procedure to achieve (i) high-quality GC × GC separation and (ii) easily recognizable ordered structures in lipid analysis. Optimization of the GC × GC column combination, the influence of the temperature programme on the quality of the separation, and the potential and limitations of automated TOF-MS-based identification are discussed. The combined power of a 2D separation, ordered structures and MS detection is illustrated by the identification of several minor sample constituents. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

5 pages, 3 figures.-- PMID: 14753673 [PubMed].-- Available online Nov 21, 2003.-- Issue title: "ExTech 2003 - The 5th International Symposium on Advances in Extraction Technologies " (St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA, Mar 5-7, 2003)., Improvements in the methylmercury extraction from human hair by solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to cold-vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (GC-CVAFS) have been carried out. They consisted in the optimisation of the digestion step prior to the aqueous-phase ethylation and in the GC-CVAFS interface set-up. The main digestion parameters such as acid type, concentration, temperature and time have been optimised for hair sample analysis, thereby avoiding methylmercury degradation. Moreover, the stability of the digested samples was evaluated to improve the sample throughput.

A methodology for multi-class pesticide determination at trace level in lanolin is presented. Gel permeation chromatography on a Bio-Beads SX-3 column followed by a dual GC chromatographic determination has been developed. The effluent of the analytical column (50% diphenyl-methyl- or 14% cyanopropyl-phenylpolysiloxane) was split into an electron-capture and a nitrogen-phosphorus detection system. The chromatographic system was optimised for 28 pesticides commonly used to control sheep pests and corresponding to organochlorine, organophosphorus and pyretroid classes. Identification has been carried out by gas chromatography coupled to negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. Recoveries ranged from 72 to 94% and the detection limits from 20 to 97 ng/g depending on the pesticide class, the RSDs were below 10%. Finally, the developed analytical methodology has been successfully applied to the determination of pesticides in several lanolin samples.

Multiwall carbon nanotubes grown by plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition were functionalized by H(2)O plasma treatment. Through a controlled functionalization process of the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) we were able to modify and tune their chemical reactivity, expanding the range of potential applications in the field of energy and environment. In particular, different oxygen groups were attached to the surfaces of the nanotubes (e.g. carboxyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl), which changed their physicochemical properties. In order to optimize the main operational parameters of the H(2)O plasma treatment, pressure and power, a Box-Wilson experimental design was adopted. Analysis of the morphology, electrochemical properties and functional groups attached to the surfaces of the CNTs allowed us to determine which treatment conditions were suitable for different applications. After water plasma treatment the specific capacitance of the nanotubes increased from 23 up to 68 F g(-1) at a scan rate of 10 mV s(-1).

This paper analyses transport energy consumption of conventional and electric vehicles in mountainous roads. A standard round trip in Andorra has been modelled in order to characterise vehicle dynamics in hilly regions. Two conventional diesel vehicles and their electric-equivalent models have been simulated and their performances have been compared. Six scenarios have been simulated to study the effects of factors such as orography, traffic congestion and driving style. The European fuel consumption and emissions test and Artemis urban driving cycles, representative of European driving cycles, have also been included in the comparative analysis. The results show that road grade has a major impact on fuel economy, although it affects consumption in different levels depending on the technology analysed. Electric vehicles are less affected by this factor as opposed to conventional vehicles, increasing the potential energy savings in a hypothetical electrification of the car fleet. However, electric vehicle range in mountainous terrains is lower compared to that estimated by manufacturers, a fact that could adversely affect a massive adoption of electric cars in the short term.

Winter tourism is the main source of income and the driving force of local development in many mountain areas. However, in recent years, the industry has been identified as being extremely vulnerable to future climate change. Although the Pyrenees has the largest ski area in Europe after the Alps, there are few detailed climate change vulnerability assessments on the ski resorts based in this region. This paper analyzes the vulnerability of the Pyrenean ski resorts to projected changes in the snowpack under various future climate scenarios. In addition, the study analyzes the sustainability of the snowmaking systems to offset the climate variability of natural snow cover. On average, the study predicts a shorter ski-season length, especially in low-altitude ski resorts in a moderate climate change scenario and for all ski resorts in a more intensive climate change scenario. However, a significant regional variability has been identified for the projected impacts at very short geographical distances within the studied area. Moreover, this paper shows that snowmaking cannot completely solve the problem for all ski resorts in the Pyrenees, as the measure can only act as a robust adaptation strategy in the region provided climate change is limited to +2 °C snowmaking. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht., This work was supported by the research projects Hidrología nival en el Pirineo Central Español: Variabilidad espacial, importancia hidrológica y respuesta a la variabilidad y cambio climático (CGL2011-27536/HID, Hidronieve), financed by the Spanish Commission of Science and Technology and FEDER, the CTTP1/12 “Creació d’ un model d’ alta resolució espacial per quantificar l’esquiabilitat i l’afluència turística al Pirineu sota diferents escenaris de canvio climàtic,” financed by the Governmet of Aragon and ACTP011-AND/2010 and ACTP017-AND/2012 projects financed by the Government of Andorra in the framework of the research grants of Working Community of the Pyrenees. The first author acknowledges also a predoctoral grant from the Andorran Government [BTC2010/2013-0006-AND].