Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
General surveillance of genetically modified plants : Possibilities for implementation in the Netherlands(Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu RIVM, 2012-03-28)European legislation stipulates that the commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops should be monitored (General Surveillance, GS) to check whether unexpected, adverse effects on the environment could occur. The general idea in the EU is that the focus of GS should be on aspects such as biodiversity and a healthy soil. Since unexpected effects are difficult to track, it has not been clear how GS should be set up. Therefore, initially, GS will make use of already existing monitoring networks. Suitable networks: Within this context, the RIVM investigated which networks could be used for the general surveillance of genetically modified crops in the Netherlands. These were the Ecological Monitoring Network that follows the development of flora and fauna in the Netherlands, and the Biological Indicator System of Soil Quality that keeps track of soil quality. In addition, satellite observations can be used to detect changes in vegetation. It is possible that GM crops will be cultivated on a commercial scale in the Netherlands in the near future. Research method: This research was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, and offers guidance with regard to existing networks. Firstly, existing networks in the Netherlands were systematically documented. Thereafter, they were examined based on criteria that ensures the long-term collection of reliable and relevant data for GS on biodiversity and soil quality. Subsequently, the possibilities of detecting unexpected environmental effects through GS was investigated. The report drawn up from this research can also be used to set up a GS system in other EU member states, or to come to an integrated European GS system.
-
Landelijk Meetnet Luchtkwaliteit. Meetresultaten 1994. Deel 2: Regio 4 Zuid-Holland, Regio 5 Noord-Holland(Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu RIVM, 1996-10-31)This report presents tabulated National Air Quality Monitoring Network results for the regions Zuid-Holland and Noord-Holland for the calendar year 1994, summer 1994, winter 1993-1994 and 1 April 1993 - 31 March 1994 (tropical year: EC reference period). The components monitored were: fine dust (PM10), CO, Ox (=NO2+O3), O3, NO2, NO, NOx (=NO2+NO), black smoke (= suspended matter measured by the black-smoke method) and SO2. The fine dust (PM10) measurements were corrected for a systematic underestimation caused by the sampler. In a check made at all stations in the network for exceedance of Dutch limit values in 1994, exceedances for black smoke, PM10 and O3 were observed. The limit values for SO2, NO2 and CO were not exceeded.<br>
-
The FAG FHT59S airborne gross-alpha/beta activity monitor applied to time-resolved measurements of Rn-222 progeny concentrations in air(1993-08-31)Automated monitors for the determination of airborne radioactivity are widely in use as 'early warning' systems for nuclear emergencies, but seldom applied in quantitative studies to the appearance of natural radioactivity (especially radon and short-lived decay-products). This report describes how a specific type of airborne gross-alpha/beta monitor (FAG FHT59S), which is used by the Dutch National Radioactivity Monitoring Network (NRM) for the surveillance of the inhalation pathway, can be applied for this purpose. The main focus is on the performance of the applied algorithm which recalculates actual air activity concentrations from primary measurements, especially for circumstances contradicting assumptions made by the manufacturer. Furthermore, a complete uncertainty analysis has been carried out. As a result, a formula has been derived which converts, within a reasonable degree of uncertainty, the monitor recordings to the equilibrium-equivalent decay-product concentration (EEDC) of Rn-222. NRM-data of Rn-222 (progeny) obtained in this way agree with results of previous radon surveys carried out in the Netherlands.
