V o l u m e 1 5 / N u m b e r 1 2 / D e c e m b e r 1984
Water Research Research into water movement has proved highly successful and despite changing economic climates future prospects for hydrological research seem secure. These were some of the statements made by Dr Jim McCulloch in his opening review of a report published by the Institute of Hydrology Research in Oxfordshire, UK. Dr McCulloch, Director of the Institute, also states that university-based research is expanding. One example of this is the setting up of a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) sponsored unit at Newcastle upon Tyne University, in the North of England. And a new professional society has been founded, for hydrologists and the consolidation of UK links with international hydrology through the world Meteorological Organisation, UNESCO and the International Association for Hydrological Sciences. The report looks at major projects carried out in the past 3 years, such as climatic changes in the Amazon Basin due to extensive deforestation, and flood studies in Indonesia. Copies of the report can be obtained from the Institute of Hydrology, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK.
Portable Water De-Ionizer A new portable de-ionizer has given a boost to research connected with the effects of acid rain on certain freshwater fish. The Houseman 24HD de-ionizer--used by the British CEGB Marine Biology Unit--provides pure water for research purposes. It has a mixed bed cartridge unit, sited in a mobile toxicity laboratory, and since it is portable it can monitor water quality without a mains electrical supply. The 24HD model provides pure, low pH water--similar to that of mountain streams and lakes. Additives such as calcium and acid can be incorporated into some of the water for various types of experimental research, but the
Marine Pollution Bulletin, Vol. 15, No. 12, pp. 425-426, 1984 Printed in Great Britain
water can be recycled in the unit to restore its purity, and used again. The unit has an economy flow of 2501.h-l, with a maximum output of 5001.h-l.And since it does not need any time-consuming regeneration, it is always ready to dispense water.
Round-the-World News Egypt Plans to build a tunnel linking the Mediterranean Sea and the Qattera Depression, in the Western Desert, have been postponed because scientists fear it could have serious environmental consequences. The £1 billion Egyptian scheme is to funnel sea-water into the depression, generating hydroelectricity at the same time. However Egyptian scientists are worried that sea-water flowing into the 14 000 km 2 natural depression--lying 100 km inland and 130 m below sea level--could crack underlying rocks, contaminating fresh water, even running the risk of earthquakes. Greece
A major educational programme aimed at the prevention of marine pollution has been launched by the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA). I-IELMEPA was formed 2 years ago by the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation and the Greek shipping industry, when it was felt that laws alone were insufficient to alleviate ship-generated marine pollution problems. Now, with the help of sponsoring environmental organizations, they have launched an educational programme 'To Save the Seas--Declaration of Voluntary Commitment'. Its prime goal is to reinforce environmental consciousness of all Greeks connected with the seas.
0025-326X/84 S3.00+0.00 Pergamon Press Ltd.
An occasional series on the current activities of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution.
through the Administrative Secretary of GESAMP, International Maritime Organization, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR) or through other sponsoring organizations. The annual session was attended by 21 scientists and chaired by Dr Alasdair Mclntyre. The Group considered The I M O / F A O / U N E S C O / W M O / W H O / I A E A / U N / the outcome of intersessional work carried out by six UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of GESAMP Working Groups as summarized in the followMarine Pollution (GESAMP) held its fourteenth session in ing paragraphs. Vienna from 26 to 30 March 1984. The report of the fourThe Working Group on the Review of Potentially Harmteenth session has now been published as GESAMP ful Substances had finalized the evaluation of cadmium, Reports and Studies No. 21 (available free of charge lead and tin. It was agreed that pending a final inter-
Fourteenth Session of GESAMP
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