The karst formations host complex aquifer systems, yet the knowledge of which needs further study. Karst aquifers are particularly vulnerable to pollution because of their hydrological behavior. The mapping of their vulnerability is one of the most simple and effective tools to protect them. This study aims at the investigation of the vulnerability of the karst aquifers hosted in the carbonate formations of Olonos-Pindos and Gavrovo-Tripolis units. For this purpose the COP method, which is an intrinsic vulnerability mapping method, was applied to study the vulnerability of Vouraikos catchment karst system. Based on the application of this method zones were defined that illustrate five vulnerability classes, including very high, high, moderate, low and very low vulnerability classes. The coverage areas of each class are (38.83%, 25.03%, 24.61%, 11.15% and 0.37% respectively). Keywords: Vulnerability methods; karstification; Gavrovo-Tripolis zone; Chelmos-Vouraikos Geopark

Submergible sensors based on in vivo measurements of photosynthetic pigments fluorescence enable real-time phytoplankton monitoring with high spatial and temporal resolution. Increasing use of such devices has raised a number of issues, particularly around interferences and calibration. A combination of chlorophyll a (CHL) and phycocyanin (PC) fluorescence sensors was used for phytoplankton quantification and differentiation. Comparison between fluorescence signal and biovolume of different laboratory cultures showed linear correlation. The high correlation of CHL and PC fluorescence signals with biovolume was also confirmed during the two-year monitoring in a natural pond environment (r=0.95, n=21 in 2014; r=0.92, n=18 in 2015) despite a seasonal succession of the phytoplankton. However, the variability of regression line slopes between different species indicates the need for sensor calibration in the natural water sample. Additionally, interferences affecting the sensor output were investigated. In particular, laboratory cultures and water bodies containing predominantly algae yielded false positive signals of the PC sensor, which reached up to 1 % of the intensity of the CHL signal. Taking this limitation into account combined use of PC and CHL fluorescence sensor enables quantification of cyanobacteria and green algae in the water bodies accurately, quickly, easily and economically. Keywords: cyanobacteria; in-vivo fluoroscopy; green algae; monitoring; pond

The U.S.-Mexico border is populated by resilient families and characterized by environmental, social, economic, cultural, and epidemiologic inequalities. Person-in-environment perspectives and the need to embrace a new concept of environment to improve well-being of individuals and eradicate social conditions that undermine health are vital. One of the most innovative and promising mechanisms to improve water safety in underserved communities is the use of nanotechnology devices. The manuscript exposes the water scarcity, contamination and the health and social impacts in the Southwest border region and explores the use of Nanotechnology Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT) devices an alternative for water purification. These technologies will be portable, use less water treatment chemicals (i.e., chlorine) and electricity by employing nanophotonics for processes such as solar desalination. Nanotechnology seems to have the potential to address some of the pressing water safety and environmental needs. Caution, however, should be used when implementing nanotechnology especially when done with members of vulnerable populations. Community-engagement is crucial to inform scientists and researchers about the social needs through the use of participatory action research methods like focus groups, in-depth interviews and forums. The NEWT Project is an interdisciplinary, multi-institution nanosytems-engineering research center, consisting of an interdisciplinary research team of engineers, chemists, psychologists, social workers and community partners. Keywords: Water, Social Justice, Community Engagement, Colonias, Nanotechnology, U.S.-Mexico Border.

Due to its impressive appearance, Inca masonry, which mostly consists of volcanic, silica containing rock material, has received much attention. A high level of understanding has consequently been reached of the diverse working steps and tools applied. An exception is the reddish mud, “llancac alpa” in the quechua language, and the “gold”, mentioned by early chroniclers as mortar which fitted the stones and later disappeared. Such techniques were related to folklore and not taken seriously. This study tries to understand them and the question was asked: did Inca builders have access to very acid mud? They did, and used the acid mud from their mines, which generated sulphuric acid through bacterial oxidation of pyrite (fools gold). It reaches an acidity of up to pH = 0.5, which is 104 times more acid than humic acid which is known to weather silica containing rocks via silica gel to the clay mineral kaolin. This acid mud allowed dissolving and softening the rock material superficially to a viscoelastic silica gel. The process could be further enhanced more than tenfold by addition of (oxalic acid containing) plant sap, a skill suggested from popular tradition. In special cases moderate heating of crushed pyrite in gaps between chiselled stones generated additional hot sulphuric acid. Where the stone to stone contact transmitted weight, pressure dissolution in the acidic environment removed material, and silica precipitation regenerated material in cracks and pores elsewhere. It is attempted to reconstruct how the Inca builders applied the silica gel technology for shaping stones, for polishing and fitting them. The appearance of shiny and glassy Inca stone junctions and interfaces is explained via solidification of in-situ generated or additionally added silica gel. Modern processes for conservation of stone monuments against environmental deterioration have independently developed similar silica gel based technology. Key words: Inca masonry; surface treatment; silicate dissolution; acid mine water; bacterial leaching; stone restoration; pyrite

Coastal wetland reclamation and the following cropping activities can dramatically affect soil physical-chemical properties. The tidal action builds up micro-relief (e.g., tidal creeks and flats) on a natural mudflat salt marsh. The micro-relief factors influence the edaphic process after reclamation, thus understanding and qualifying the effects of these factors (e.g. soil heterogeneity) is essential for the evaluation of environmental changes. This study adopts conventional statistical and geostatistical methods to determine the effects of typical micro-relief, which is broadly distributed on eastern coastal mudflat in China, on soil physical-chemical properties’ changes and heterogeneities in 17 years’ time. Seven typical soil properties including electrical conductivity, pH, soil bulk density, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorous and total potassium were tested to reveal the changes of soil physical-chemical properties after cultivation. The results indicated that cropping activities significantly decreased soil bulk density, salinity and alkalinity levels and meanwhile, improved the accumulation of soil organic matter, total nitrogen and total phosphorous. Compared to tidal flat areas, the soils of tidal creek areas were characterized by worse porosity, higher salinity-alkalinity ratios and lower nutrient levels, whereas total potassium did not show significant affected by cultivation or tidal creek. The affected range of soil pH extended around tidal creek areas, and it was the direct reason limiting soil nutrients’ accumulations instead of soil salinity. This result suggests that, besides cultivated time, micro-relief is also an important factor to hinder the edaphic process, and it should be taken into consideration in future development decisions. Keywords: Coastal salt marsh ,Reclamation, Micro-relief, Tidal creek area, Soil properties

Land use for energy development is a necessary component of human land use that is prevalent on many landscapes globally. To date, energy demands have primarily been met through the burning of fossil fuels and biofuels in both first and third world countries. Recently new forms of energy development such as wind, solar and geothermal have increased prevalence to meet the ever growing energy demands. In the U.S., energy demands are still primarily met through coal, oil, and gas extraction as well as wind energy in the Midwest and Intermountain West regions. Oil, gas, and wind energy infrastructure is often built at high densities within the Midwest and Intermountain west; and has been attributed to population declines of local wildlife. Due to the considerable overlap in species distribution with oil, gas, and wind energy development, grouse species of the Tympanuchus and Centrocercus genera have particularly impacted. Impacts include disruption to the acoustic environment that they rely on for communication fidelity, reduced brood, hen and nest survival, and reduced lek attendance. In addition, the vast network of energy infrastructure comprised of roads, power lines, turbines, and pump jacks has increased local fragmentation and habitat loss for all grouse species. As energy demands continue to increase, and with multiple species of grouse nominated for listing under provisions of the Endangered Species Act, negative impacts to grouse attributed to energy development are likely to continue across much of the continental U.S. In this work, we summarize key findings of previous research by; identifying areas of spatial overlap between energy development and grouse habitat, describing the observed direct and indirect impacts that energy development has on grouse and identifying knowledge gaps to be addressed in future research. Keywords: Avoidance, Energy Development, Fragmentation, Gas, Grasslands, Habitat, Impact, Oil, Prairie-Grouse, Sage-Grouse, Wind

The incorporation of women in the sustainable management and conservation of the natural resources on which they rely, illegal deforestation and other degrading practices may decrease, as local people have vested interests in forest resources to remain abundant in their local communities. The inclusion of women in the management of rainforest resources in Cameroon has not been effective enough. The reason for which this study is aimed at evaluating the challenges of women in the rainforest management programs in Buea municipality. The research data collection was done by administering two hundred and fifty questionnaires to a randomly selected population of women in the study area. The results revealed that women’s education has a positive correlation on the challenges faced by the women in rainforest management (R2 = 0.674, P<0.05). Also, the study has shown a significant association between profession and women’s contribution to the management of rainforest (X2 = 36.893 df=6, P<0.05). Moreover, the women’s educational level has shown a significant relationship to their contribution in the management of rainforest (X2 = 10.964 df=4, P<0.05). Age category has shown a significant link on the women’s reason for managing the rainforest (X2 = 22.952 df=4, P<0.05). Inaddition, the study has shown that the main reason women manage the rainforest in Buea municipality is for protection 62.55%. Moreover, a respondent score of 50.20% is recorded on women’s lack of interest in rainforest management participation. Furthermore, a respondent score of 32.67% is recorded on the strenuous rainforest conservation work programs. The incorporation of women at the level of community-based conservation programs would strengthen local governments, empower the poor, and reduce local conflicts through better rule compliance and cooperation.