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Zwijnenburg W, Hochhauser D, Dewachi O, Sullivan R, Nguyen VK. Solving the jigsaw of conflict-related environmental damage: Utilizing open-source analysis to improve research into environmental health risks. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020; 42:e352-e360. [PMID: 31740928 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdz107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigation of the environmental impacts of armed conflict has been made easier in recent years with the development of new and improved methods for documenting and monitoring environmental damage and pollution. For decades, research into conflict-linked environmental damage and its links to human health have been overlooked and research underfunded, hindering a complete humanitarian response and effective post-conflict reconstruction. Recent developments in the field of open-source investigation have shown promising results due to the increased use of mobile phones, access to the internet and freely available methods for remote observation by satellite. Utilizing and analysing these sources of data can help us to understand how conflicts are associated with environmental damage, pollution and their negative impacts upon public health. Further research and development in this field will help to inform more effective humanitarian responses, mitigate risks to health and identify priorities for post-conflict reconstruction programs. Data-driven open-source research can also strengthen international discussions on state accountability for military activities and build a case for the responsibility of warring parties to protect the environment as well as the people who depend on it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Hochhauser
- Conflict & Health Research Group, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Sullivan
- Conflict & Health Research Group, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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de Vries P, Slijkerman DME, Kwadijk CJAF, Kotterman MJJ, Posthuma L, de Zwart D, Murk AJ, Foekema EM. The toxic exposure of flamingos to per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from firefighting foam applications in Bonaire. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2017; 124:102-111. [PMID: 28709525 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2010 an oil terminal next to nature reservation Saliña Goto (Bonaire) caught fire. Firefighting resulted in elevated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in the salt lake. Within months flamingo abundance in Goto dropped to near complete absence. After statistical analysis, rainfall was deemed an unlikely cause for this decline. Toxicological effects on abundance of prey are likely the main cause for the flamingo absence. This reduced PFAS exposure via food and thus risk towards flamingos during the first years after the fires. Although the sediment is still polluted with persistent PFAS, flamingos returned, and started to feed on organisms with PFAS levels that exceed safety thresholds, placing the birds and other wildlife at risk. Monitoring bird populations is advised to assess potential toxic effects on birds and their offspring. This case suggests that applying persistent chemicals to reduce incident impacts may be more harmful than the incident itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pepijn de Vries
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands.
| | - Diana M E Slijkerman
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Christiaan J A F Kwadijk
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel J J Kotterman
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands
| | - Leo Posthuma
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, RIVM, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands; Radboud University Nijmegen, Department of Environmental Science, P.O. Box 9010, 6500 GL, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dick de Zwart
- Centre for Sustainability, Environment and Health, RIVM, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Albertinka J Murk
- Wageningen University, Marine Animal Ecology group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin M Foekema
- Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen Marine Research, P.O. Box 57, 1780 AB Den Helder, The Netherlands; Wageningen University, Marine Animal Ecology group, P.O. Box 338, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Nascimento KRDS, Alencar MH. Management of risks in natural disasters: A systematic review of the literature on NATECH events. J Loss Prev Process Ind 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jlp.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tang C, Yi Y, Yang Z, Sun J. Risk analysis of emergent water pollution accidents based on a Bayesian Network. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2016; 165:199-205. [PMID: 26433361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
To guarantee the security of water quality in water transfer channels, especially in open channels, analysis of potential emergent pollution sources in the water transfer process is critical. It is also indispensable for forewarnings and protection from emergent pollution accidents. Bridges above open channels with large amounts of truck traffic are the main locations where emergent accidents could occur. A Bayesian Network model, which consists of six root nodes and three middle layer nodes, was developed in this paper, and was employed to identify the possibility of potential pollution risk. Dianbei Bridge is reviewed as a typical bridge on an open channel of the Middle Route of the South to North Water Transfer Project where emergent traffic accidents could occur. Risk of water pollutions caused by leakage of pollutants into water is focused in this study. The risk for potential traffic accidents at the Dianbei Bridge implies a risk for water pollution in the canal. Based on survey data, statistical analysis, and domain specialist knowledge, a Bayesian Network model was established. The human factor of emergent accidents has been considered in this model. Additionally, this model has been employed to describe the probability of accidents and the risk level. The sensitive reasons for pollution accidents have been deduced. The case has also been simulated that sensitive factors are in a state of most likely to lead to accidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Tang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Science, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yujun Yi
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Science, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Zhifeng Yang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Science, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Science, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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