Determining the variation in anthropogenic microfiber pollution in the Richland Creek watershed in Nashville, TN

Anthropogenic microfibers including microplastics have been suggested to pose a threat to both wildlife and humans when they are present in freshwater ecosystems. However, there have been relatively few studies that have examined how these microfibers vary in presence and abundance in most streams and tributaries. In this study, we examined how the presence and abundance of anthropogenic microfibers varied in 6 tributaries of Richland Creek, which is an important body of water that runs into the Cumberland River in Nashville, TN. To do this we collected grab samples of surface water at four time points from six locations. Overall, we found that all of our sites had microfibers present, but that there was significant variation in the amounts over time. Collectively, we hope that our findings represent an important first step in documenting this form of pollution and help us to begin to source where these microfibers are coming from

The Effect of Greenroof Growing Substrate on Edible Drought-Tolerant and Drought-Sensitive Plants

Instead of normal soil, growing substrate must be used on green roofs because of its reduced weight. Growing substrate does not retain water as well as soil nor contain as many nutrients. Our experiment addresses whether the more drought-tolerant blackberry plant will thrive better and live longer in the growing medium on the green roof than the drought-sensitive raspberry plant. To test this, we planted two blackberry and three raspberry plants in a 1.5m x 2m plot on the green roof on the JAAC. We expect the blackberries to survive longer due to their drought-resistant qualities. Our research has the potential to help guide the choices made by future green roof planters when selecting edible plants

The impact of land use change on C turnover in soils

Measurements of CO2 flux, soil temperature, and moisture content of selected natural and disturbed soils in central California were made on a monthly basis from August 1994 to October 1995 in an attempt to detect the effects of temperature, moisture, and land use change on CO2 production in soils. Soil CO2 flux displayed a strong negative correlation with soil temperature and a positive correlation with soil moisture at the natural site. However, at the disturbed site, the linear correlation between CO2 flux and temperature/moisture was insignificant. The negative correlation between soil CO2 flux and soil temperature is in contrast to what has been observed in other ecosystems but is typical for Mediterranean ecosystems in which grasses are biologically active only during cool months. Comparison of carbon (C) inventories of paired natural and disturbed soils indicates that both cultivation and logging have resulted in a significant decrease in total soil C content. The reduction in soil C storage is about 26% for the cultivated soil and around 30% for the logged soil. Most of the C loss is from the upper horizons. Radiocarbon (C-14) measurements of both recent and archived soil samples demonstrate large differences in C input rate and turnover time between natural and disturbed soils. The average turnover times of organic matter are longer in disturbed soils than in the corresponding natural soils as a result of preferential loss of C from "active" soil C pools. In both natural and disturbed soils, the average turnover times of organic matter increase with depth from decades or less in shallow horizons to hundreds of years or even thousands of years in deeper horizons. Our results show that land use change can have significant impact on soil C cycle and that shallow soil horizons are most susceptible to disturbance because of shorter turnover times of organic C in these horizons

Profile of paediatric occupational therapy practice in Australia

Background: The purpose of the present study was to describe a profile of Australian paediatric occupational therapy practice in terms of theories, assessments and interventions used with the most frequently seen client groups. Methods: An ex post facto survey design was utilised. A purpose-designed survey was mailed to 600 occupational therapists identified by OT Australia as working in paediatrics. Results: The response rate was 55% (n = 330). Respondents in the sample worked chiefly with children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, neurological impairments, and infants/toddlers. Theoretical models used by paediatric clinicians that were common to the most frequently seen client groups focused on sensory integration/multisensory approaches, occupational performance, and client-centred practice. Assessment tools most frequently used were the Test of Visual Motor Integration, Sensory Profile, Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Handwriting Speed Test, and Motor-Free Visual Perception Test. The most often used treatment methods across the four most frequently seen client groups were parent/caregiver education, sensory integration/stimulation techniques, and managing activities of daily living. Conclusions: Paediatric occupational therapists appeared to draw on a range of theoretical models. With the exception of the Sensory Profile, the assessment and treatment methods most frequently used are not congruent with the most commonly used theoretical models. It is critical that the assessment and treatment methods used are conceptually consistent with the theoretical models that guide practice. Occupational therapists need to examine the evidence and determine whether their clinical practice is grounded in the best contemporary theoretical models, assessments and interventions