Unexpected anthropogenic emission decreases explain recent atmospheric mercury concentration declines

Anthropogenic activities emit ~2,000 Mg y−1 of the toxic pollutant mercury (Hg) into the atmosphere, leading to long-range transport and deposition to remote ecosystems. Global anthropogenic emission inventories report increases in Northern Hemispheric (NH) Hg emissions during the last three decades, in contradiction with the observed decline in atmospheric Hg concentrations at NH measurement stations. Many factors can obscure the link between anthropogenic emissions and atmospheric Hg concentrations, including trends in the reemissions of previously released anthropogenic (“legacy”) Hg, atmospheric sink variability, and spatial heterogeneity of monitoring data. Here, we assess the observed trends in gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) in the NH and apply biogeochemical box modeling and chemical transport modeling to understand the trend drivers. Using linear mixed effects modeling of observational data from 51 stations, we find negative Hg0 trends in most NH regions, with an overall trend for 2005 to 2020 of −0.011 ± 0.006 ng m−3 y−1 (±2 SD). In contrast to existing emission inventories, our modeling analysis suggests that annual NH anthropogenic emissions must have declined by at least 140 Mg between the years 2005 and 2020 to be consistent with observed trends. Faster declines in 95th percentile Hg0 values than median values in Europe, North America, and East Asian measurement stations corroborate that the likely cause is a decline in nearby anthropogenic emissions rather than background legacy reemissions. Our results are relevant for evaluating the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, demonstrating that existing emission inventories are incompatible with the observed Hg0 declines

“Lucrece this night I must enjoy thee”: A narcissistic reading of The Rape of Lucrece

The circumstances under which acts of rape are committed, and the relationship between power and sexual aggression, may seem to be distinctly modern concerns, yet Shakespeare explores them in The Rape of Lucrece (1594). This study seeks to analyse sexual aggression in The Rape of Lucrece using the narcissistic reactance theory of rape, challenging standard readings of the poem. The theory suggests that deprivation of sex will cause some men, especially those who wield power, to desire it all the more and to reclaim it by force. The article uses this theory to examine Tarquin the aggressor’s moral choices, his use of both physical violence and violent language, and his sense of sexual entitlement

Socio-economic challenges of unaccompanied minors seeking to cross Zimbabwe-South Africa border

The study sought to explore the socio-economic challenges of unaccompanied child migrants in Zimbabwe’s Beitbridge district. The study examined factors that force children to illegally cross/ seek to cross the Zimbabwe- South Africa border without guidance and it also examined challenges faced by the child migrants during their transit. Micheal Ungar’s resilience across cultures theory informed the study. The study adopted a qualitative research approach where in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and key informant interviews were triangulated to collect data. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that children leave their homes due to poverty, abuse and neglect among other reasons. These determinants were identified as the major factors that push children away from home in search of better opportunities in other countries. The study also revealed that on their way to South Africa children face abuse from transporters and there is spread of diseases due to sexual abuse. The study recommends that the government of Zimbabwe as the leading agent for the welfare of children should devise measures that strengthen families so that they contain children even in cases of life shocks. The study also recommends for closer collaboration between the government and private partners in improving the economic base of families. Social workers and other helping professions were also recommended to train parents on some good parenting strategies that help to improve the welfare of their children

South African natives’ conduct towards illegal migrants : a human rights approach

South Africa has the largest number of migrant populations in Africa due to its relatively stable economy as compared to other African countries. A considerable number of these migrants are living in the country without proper documentation. This study sought to determine how migrants are treated by native South African citizens. Data for this body of work was collected following the COVID-19 regulations by way of focus group and semi-structured individual interviews. Five African-born foreigners from Southern Africa were interviewed in a focus group to solicit the treatment that they receive from South African citizens and authorities. A further two foreigners were individually interviewed to obtain their experiences. A thematic analysis was utilised to analyse data obtained from the participants. It emerged from the themes that undocumented migrants tend to live in isolation. This stems from a lack of trust by locals. The status of foreign nationals in the country makes it difficult for them to access basic services such as healthcare, safety and security services, and education. This obstacle makes it challenging for migrants to enjoy good quality life, which is an inherent human right. There is a need to protect human rights of foreign-born nationals, including undocumented migrants

The impact and recovery of asteroid 2018 LA

The June 2, 2018, impact of asteroid 2018 LA over Botswana is only the second asteroid detected in space prior to impacting over land. Here, we report on the successful recovery of meteorites. Additional astrometric data refine the approach orbit and define the spin period and shape of the asteroid. Video observations of the fireball constrain the asteroid's position in its orbit and were used to triangulate the location of the fireball's main flare over the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. 23 meteorites were recovered. A consortium study of eight of these classifies Motopi Pan as a HED polymict breccia derived from howardite, cumulate and basaltic eucrite, and diogenite lithologies. Before impact, 2018 LA was a solid rock of ~156 cm diameter with high bulk density ~2.85 g/cm3, a relatively low albedo pv ~ 0.25, no significant opposition effect on the asteroid brightness, and an impact kinetic energy of ~0.2 kt. The orbit of 2018 LA is consistent with an origin at Vesta (or its Vestoids) and delivery into an Earth-impacting orbit via the v6 resonance. The impact that ejected 2018 LA in an orbit towards Earth occurred 22.8 ± 3.8 Ma ago. Zircons record a concordant U-Pb age of 4563 ± 11 Ma and a consistent 207Pb/206Pb age of 4563 ± 6 Ma. A much younger Pb-Pb phosphate resetting age of 4234 ± 41 Ma was found. From this impact chronology, we discuss what is the possible source crater of Motopi Pan and the age of Vesta's Veneneia impact basin

The impact and recovery of asteroid 2018 LA

International audienceThe June 2, 2018 impact of asteroid 2018 LA over Botswana is only the second asteroid detected in space prior to impacting over land. Here, we report on the successful recovery of meteorites. Additional astrometric data refine the approach orbit and define the spin period and shape of the asteroid. Video observations of the fireball constrain the asteroid's position in its orbit and were used to triangulate the location of the fireball's main flare over the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Twenty three meteorites were recovered. A consortium study of eight of these classifies Motopi Pan as an HED polymict breccia derived from howardite, cumulate and basaltic eucrite, and diogenite lithologies. Before impact, 2018 LA was a solid rock of ~156 cm diameter with high bulk density ~2.85 g cm−3, a relatively low albedo pV ~ 0.25, no significant opposition effect on the asteroid brightness, and an impact kinetic energy of ~0.2 kt. The orbit of 2018 LA is consistent with an origin at Vesta (or its Vestoids) and delivery into an Earth impacting orbit via the ν6 resonance. The impact that ejected 2018 LA in an orbit toward Earth occurred 22.8 ± 3.8 Ma ago. Zircons record a concordant U Pb age of 4563 ± 11 Ma and a consistent 207Pb/206Pb age of 4563 ± 6 Ma. A much younger Pb Pb phosphate resetting age of 4234 ± 41 Ma was found. From this impact chronology, we discuss what is the possible source crater of Motopi Pan and the age of Vesta's Veneneia impact basin