ASL Environmental Sciences (Canada)

The Drawdown Hazard Index (DHI) method implements the rock engineering system introduced by Hudson in 1992 to quantify, through interaction matrices between the system variables, the potential for water inflow into a tunnel and the possible effect that this drainage may have on a spring, a groundwater-dependent ecosystem or a stream on the surface. The method is designed to identify and quantify these potential impacts and address the compensation measures from the early stages of the project. The method does not implement analytical or numerical calculations that require knowledge of precipitation, infiltration, and flows, but exploits the cause–effect relationships between the system variables to obtain the DHI index. This paper aims to complement previous papers that have presented DHI methods by providing all of the theoretical details of the method not covered previously, and by including recent updates, including the analysis of streams and groundwater-dependent ecosystem, in addition to the springs that are already included in the previous versions of the DHI method.

Climate change is causing significant losses of coastal foundation species globally, heightening the need for their restoration. Despite the urgency, it remains unclear if enhancing genetic diversity by using distant source populations will improve restoration outcomes, or if local sources will perform better regardless of their diversity. We conducted a reciprocal transplant with Giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) between a warm and cool microclimate 7 km apart in Barkley Sound, British Columbia, and tracked survivorship and growth over 6 months. We seeded kelp gametophyte cultures from the warm and cool site onto small rocks (i.e. “green gravel”) in a nursery, then outplanted them into experimental plots nearby the sites where the parents were collected. The number of parents used to make the cultures was also manipulated (two vs. 10) to simulate different levels of genetic diversity (average heterozygosity). Overall, we found inconsistent evidence for local adaptation between microclimates, and possibly signs of maladaptation in kelp from the warm site. Kelp from the more genetically diverse population at the cooler site survived 16% better and grew 8% larger regardless of the outplant site. Kelp grew up to 223% larger at the cool site but had higher mortality due to either urchin grazing or gravel turnover from swell. Surprisingly, kelp produced from two‐parent cultures survived 278% better than kelp from 10‐parent cultures at 6 months, despite higher observed rates of selfing. Our study provides new insights into factors influencing the restoration of these important temperate coastal foundation species.

This study examines the performance of single-layer and multilayer MXene nanosheets as nanofillers in poly(ether sulfone) (PES) nanofiltration membranes. The primary objective is to identify the optimal MXene morphology that enhances the membrane’s ability to effectively remove salts, heavy metals, dyes, and antibiotics from aqueous solutions, both individually and in complex mixtures. Single-layer and multilayer MXene nanosheets were synthesized using HCl/LiF and HF etching solutions, respectively. These nanosheets were then incorporated into the PES matrix by adding varying amounts (0.1–1%) of MXene nanosheets through the phase inversion method. The results showed that the single-layer 1% membrane was better than the multilayer membrane in most aspects except for mechanical strength. It achieved the highest pure water flux of 121.6 L/m2 h and a flux recovery rate of 90%. This membrane also had the highest removal rate for Na2SO4 (82.3%), Pb2+ (73.7%), RB198 (99.4%), and azithromycin (85%). The better performance of single-layer MXene nanosheets over their multilayer counterparts comes from their higher surface area and greater negative surface charge, which enhances membrane hydrophilicity and improves removal efficiency for negatively charged contaminants such as salts and anionic dyes through Donnan exclusion and electrostatic repulsion. Furthermore, the significant presence of single-layer MXene nanosheets in the modified membrane matrix enhances the active sites for the adsorption mechanisms used to remove heavy metals and antibiotics. Further, complementary testing, including 48 h of continuous filtration, multiple filtration–recovery cycles, competitive removal tests, and cyclic fouling evaluations, consistently demonstrated the superior performance of the single-layer 1% membrane compared to the multilayer counterpart. These findings indicate that modifying PES NF membranes with single-layer MXene nanosheets presents a promising approach for effectively treating wastewater. This study provides valuable insights for researchers and developers in selecting the appropriate method for modifying nanofiltration membranes with MXene nanosheets.

Abstract Changes in vegetation cover and its relationship with climate factors are crucial for ecosystem stability, especially in arid and semiarid regions like Pakistan. However, the impact of temperature and precipitation fluctuations on vegetation dynamics in these regions remains uncertain. Pakistan's unique ecology and complex climate-vegetation relationships make it an ideal location for studying vegetation changes. This study examines changes in vegetation coverage and its response to climatic factors (temperature and precipitation) from 2001 to 2021. This study utilized satellite data from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) at a 250m spatial resolution and statistical analyses, including correlation calculations and multiple linear regression. We aimed to practically investigate whether and why vegetation distributes imbalanced along the entire country,is essential for adaptation to global climate change. The findings highlight (1) a notable upward trend in mean Normalized Different Vegetation Index (NDVI) over the past 21 years, with a significant increase from 0.19 to 0.33, indicating an overall enhancement; (2) the NDVI analysis reveals that about 32% of area exhibits an increasing trend, with high vegetation health, while other areas show a declining trend; (3) the results indicate that NDVI increased across Pakistan's. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Kashmir showed increasing NDVI, with 27% slight development and 9% dramatic development. In contrast, Baluchistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Sindh experienced NDVI degradation, with 63% slight degradation and 1% dramatic degradation; (4) the results show that precipitation is the main driver of vegetation growth in Pakistan, accounting for 70% of variability, while temperature contributes around 30%. Overall, this study improves our understanding of Pakistan's changing vegetation, identifying key factors and informing strategies for sustainable ecosystem management and climate change adaptation.

Human resources management (HRM) plays a critical role in achieving the goals of any organization. It is the real capital of any organization, as it possesses the ability to innovate and create, which helps the organization to face challenges and adapt to changes. It also has the ability to learn and develop, which helps the organization to keep pace with technological and scientific developments. The human element can become more committed and motivated when it feels appreciated and respected. It also participates in teamwork to achieve the goals of the organization.The impact of the human element on achieving the goals of the organization depends on several factors that affect their performance and productivity. The efficiency of HRM contributes to attracting, developing, and motivating employees. The culture of the organization affects the behavior of employees, and the organizational environment affects the employees' sense of satisfaction and comfort.Therefore, developing the performance of HRM is essential to achieve the goals of any organization. Instead of abandoning the human element and replacing it, it is necessary to develop its performance and abandon the idea that it is a cost item that must be reduced. We must provide it with the experience and skills to manage business effectively (Hassan 2002-2003). Management is a strategic partner in the overall planning of the organization, as explained by (Alaqi, Madani Abdel Qader 2000).This research uses the descriptive method, where data is collected through a questionnaire and interviews with a sample of employees of the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.The research aims to reach results that contribute to developing the performance of HRM in the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.

Marine phytoplankton are essential to ocean biogeochemical cycles. However, our understanding of changes in phytoplankton rely largely on satellite data, which can only assess changes in surface phytoplankton. How climate variability is impacting their vertical structure remains unclear. Here we use 33 years’ worth of data from the Sargasso Sea to show distinct seasonal and long-term phytoplankton climate responses in the surface mixed layer compared with the subsurface. Seasonally, the surface community alters their carbon-to-chlorophyll ratio without changing their carbon biomass, whereas the chlorophyll a and carbon of the subsurface community covaries with no change in their carbon-to-chlorophyll ratio. Over the last decade, the subsurface phytoplankton biomass has increased in response to warming, whereas the surface phytoplankton have altered their carbon-to-chlorophyll ratio with minimal change in their carbon biomass. Given that satellites can only view the surface ocean, sustained subsurface monitoring is required to provide a full understanding of how phytoplankton are responding to climate change.

The process of choosing ground motions typically relies on assembling a collection of ground motions that match a desired spectrum. This selection process is guided by specific seismological criteria, including factors like earthquake magnitude, distance from the epicenter, site soil type, and the range of spectral periods that need to fit with the target spectrum. The selection algorithm and the available dataset of waveforms obviously play significant roles in this process. In many engineering and site response applications, it is essential that the input ground motion is representative for the shaking at the free surface of the Earth, and at times also a specific soil type may be required. However, real waveform databases often lack sufficient and/or consistent metadata related to the installation type and soil characterization of recording stations, as well as to the earthquake seismological parameters. This deficiency can lead to the selection of inappropriate waveforms, such as those recorded by stations situated within manmade structures (buildings, bridges, dams) or on a soil type different than the intended one. To address this issue, our approach for creating an appropriate waveform database applicable to Switzerland starts with the computation of seismic hazard disaggregation for return periods of 475 and 975 years. This computation helps identifying the magnitude-distance scenarios most relevant for the five seismic hazard zones defined in the Swiss building code. Once these magnitude-distance ranges are identified, we adhere to established standards regarding the quality control of three-component waveforms and their associated metadata. We assemble a database of waveforms by collating and homogenizing data from available global databases. In the interest of comprehensiveness, we also incorporate data obtained from 3D physics-based numerical simulations of strong-motion near the seismic source. Finally, we employ an algorithm that integrates the Eurocode 8 waveform selection criteria. This algorithm allows us to select and scale waveforms suitable for microzonation and structural analysis studies within each of Switzerland’s five seismic hazard zones. Selecting waveforms compatible with the target design spectra proves to be challenging due to the stringent criteria imposed by Eurocode 8. This challenge arises from the scarcity of recorded waveforms with verified metadata and precise site characterization in the desired magnitude-distance ranges.

Abstract Intensive resource extraction activity in the oil sands of Canada alters the quantity, structure and distribution of native ecosystems, which in turn creates substantive challenges for conservation, land management and habitat reclamation. Progressive reclamation occurs on active mine sites in the Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR) of Canada, along with concurrent assessments of reclamation effectiveness. Yet, little is known about the ability of reclaimed habitats to mitigate for the short‐ and long‐term impacts associated with open‐pit mines and provide functional habitat for wildlife. We used a robust quasi‐experiment that combined camera trap data from an observational study with an innovative occupancy model to assess the effectiveness of upland reclamation to provide habitat for wildlife in the AOSR. The dynamic occupancy models were applied to 15 years of camera trap data to assess wildlife usage patterns of nine species of wildlife over seven types of habitats. The habitats sampled ranged from mining‐disturbed habitats reclaimed to upland forest ecosites common in the region, habitats disturbed by natural (fire) and human disturbances (clear‐cut logging), with comparisons to mostly intact mature forests. Our results indicate that the nine species of wildlife assessed used habitats in a manner consistent with expectations: some preferred disturbance‐dominated habitats while others used mature forest to a higher degree. We demonstrate that the application of dynamic occupancy models to camera trap data reliably discerned these trends, providing the means to predict wildlife usage patterns in an ever‐changing landscape, including one containing bitumen extraction as a contributor to landscape‐level modifications. Practical implication : Our work illustrates how continued monitoring of wildlife using camera traps contributes to assessments of reclamation effectiveness with respect to wildlife occurrence, distribution and usage patterns in anthropogenically and naturally disturbed landscapes. Evaluating the effectiveness of reclamation is especially important given the expected increase in habitat reclamation on active oil sands mines over the next several decades, coupled with the need to ensure that disturbed habitats regain ecological function able to sustain wildlife in the future.

Abstract Objective The Fraser River in British Columbia, Canada, historically supported productive Indigenous, recreational, and commercial fisheries for Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus. Although Eulachon spend most of their lives in the marine environment, they spawn in freshwater and it is hypothesized that habitat degradation in the Fraser River has contributed to population decline. A greater understanding of Eulachon life history strategies is necessary to develop species recovery strategies. The purpose of this study was to provide insight into population demographics, migration timing, residence time, travel speed and distance, and movement patterns of Eulachon traveling in the Fraser River by conducting index netting and acoustic telemetry. Methods In total, 244 Eulachon were acoustically tagged at the mouth of the Fraser River, and their movements were monitored using acoustic receivers in the lowermost 70 km of the Fraser River and in the Pitt River (a tributary to the Fraser River) over a 2-year period. Result Tagged Eulachon displayed heterogeneous movement behaviors and a protracted migration period between February and May. Eulachon index gill netting revealed three discrete migration groups matching traditional ecological knowledge from Indigenous knowledge holders. There were shifts in population demographics, with sex ratios changing from predominately males to females throughout the migration. Residence time within the estuarine salt wedge and river was short. Upstream travel speeds varied significantly between sexes and slowed as fish traveled upstream. Conclusion Overall, Eulachon travel speeds, travel distances, and residence times, along with size and sex effects, provided insights into movement patterns. These results will increase our understanding of sex-specific risks related to instream disturbance, harvest, and predation and will inform management decisions regarding protection of critical habitats. The observed patterns highlight the need for stock assessment methods to consider all discrete migration groups and will assist in prioritizing species recovery efforts.

As we enter the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, the need to engage in restoration activities has never been greater. Included within this need is a requirement for clear communication between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, stakeholders, and community members. To facilitate the discussion and assessment of restorative activities, we propose two decision trees to differentiate between key restoration terms (Reclamation, Rehabilitation, Ecological Restoration, Rewilding, Landscape Restoration, Intra-Ecosystem Restoration, Reference Condition Restoration, and Ecological Reclamation) and to clarify how they relate to each other, based upon project scope and desired/intended project outcomes. Continued use of unclear terminology impedes practitioners or researchers from using the literature efficiently, to find precedents that could assist their current efforts. As such, increasing clarity of communications will ensure restoration is discussed within a framework of well-defined and agreed upon terms. It is our hope that this suggested framework will contribute to the ongoing and much needed terminology debate and help enhance cohesion on the use of key terms within the restoration focused literature. Given the increased focus upon restoration projects of any kind, especially during the UN's decade of ecosystem restoration, it is more important than ever that restoration practitioners speak the same language.