Balanço hídrico de uma bacia hidrográfica localizada no oeste do estado do Paraná / Water balance of a river basin located in the west of the state of Paraná, Brazil

RESUMO Balanço hídrico é uma análise realizada com base em estudos sobre as entradas e saídas de água de uma bacia hidrográfica, e que tem grande importância por identificar o regime hidrológico e as possibilidades de utilização da bacia. Neste trabalho foi realizado o balanço hídrico de uma secção de bacia hidrográfica localizada no oeste do Paraná, em uma área de plantio de eucaliptos para corte, obtendo-se também os valores para o escoamento superficial por meio do método racional.

ABSTRACT Water balance consists in an analysis carried out based on studies on the inflows and outflows of a hydrographic basin, which is fundamental to identify the hydrological regime and the possibilities of using this basin. This study aims to verify the water balance of a section of a hydrographic basin located in Western Paraná, Brazil, in addition to obtaining the values for runoff by the rational method.

Avaliação do emprego de técnicas compensatórias na sub-bacia urbana Ribeirão do Santa Rita do município de Fernandópolis, São Paulo / Evaluation of the use of compensatory techniques in the Ribeirão do Santa Rita urban sub-basin in the municipality of Fernandópolis, São Paulo

RESUMO Com o crescimento da população urbana e consequente alteração do uso e da ocupação do solo nas bacias hidrográficas, as inundações têm ficado cada vez mais frequentes. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar os efeitos do emprego de técnicas compensatórias na sub-bacia hidrográfica Ribeirão do Santa Rita, localizada no município de Fernandópolis, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram analisados a vazão de pico e o tempo de resposta de diversos cenários, com o intuito de verificar o potencial de atenuação das inundações. A metodologia utilizada empregou o Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) para propagar o escoamento, e o software de Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) para obter as características da bacia em estudo e os locais de potencial emprego das técnicas. Foi simulada a instalação de diversas técnicas compensatórias, isoladamente e em conjunto, para a configuração urbana de 2017. Mediante os hidrogramas gerados por cada cenário, constatou-se que os melhores resultados ocorreram em eventos com tempo de retorno menor. A atenuação da vazão de pico chegou a 33,72% utilizando-se trincheiras de infiltração, 31,38% para pavimentos permeáveis, 31,08% empregando jardins de chuva e 12,20% com telhados verdes. O aumento no tempo de resposta foi de até 16 minutos. No cenário com todas as técnicas compensatórias, a redução foi de até 37,29% da vazão de pico e o aumento do tempo de resposta foi de 18 minutos. Portanto, as técnicas compensatórias podem reduzir a vazão de pico e aumentar o tempo de resposta da sub-bacia, mitigando as ocorrências de inundações.

ABSTRACT With the growth of the urban population and the consequent alteration of land use and occupation in the watersheds, floods have become more frequent. This paper aimed to verify the effects of the use of compensatory techniques in the watershed Ribeirão do Santa Rita, located in the city of Fernandópolis, São Paulo, Brazil. Peak flow and response time of various scenarios were analyzed in order to verify the potential for flood mitigation. The methodology used Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to propagate the flow, with the support of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to obtain the characteristics of the studied watersheed and the places of potential use of the techniques. The installation of several compensatory techniques was simulated, separately and together, for the 2017 urban configuration. Upon the hydrographs generated by each scenario, it was found that the best results occurred in events with shorter return time. Peak flow attenuation reached 33.72% using infiltration trenches, 31.38% for pours pavements, 31.08% using rain gardens, and 12.20% with green roofs. The increase in lag time was up to 16 minutes. In the scenario with all compensatory techniques, the reduction in peak flow was up to 37.29% and the response time increased by 18 minutes. Therefore, compensatory techniques can reduce peak flow and increase the response time of the sub-basin, consequently mitigating the occurrences of floods.

Modelación dinámica del comportamiento hidrológico de un humedal urbano bajo condiciones del fenómeno ENSO / Dynamic modeling of the hydrological behavior of an urban wetland under conditions of ENSO phenomenon

RESUMEN El estado actual y las continuas alteraciones que aquejan a los humedales ubicados en la ciudad de Bogotá (Colombia), motiva el desarrollo de instrumentos y herramientas, que permitan explicar su comportamiento hidrológico bajo tensiones climáticas, como lo es el fenómeno ENSO. Este artículo presenta la formulación de un modelo de las condiciones hidrológicas del humedal urbano de Torca. La simulación, se realizó con el software Vensim® y la validación estadística del modelo, se efectuó mediante un análisis de sensibilidad multivariable (MVSS), a partir del método Montecarlo. Se evidenció que en los años de ocurrencia del fenómeno climatológico ENSO (2001) y (2011), el patrón de comportamiento de la precipitación y del flujo de entrada (Qi) de la cuenca aferente del humedal fueron paralelos. El tiempo hidráulico de retención (THR) sugirió un comportamiento inverso con relación a la precipitación. En efecto, la precipitación promedio mensual fue de 47,8mm y 158,7mm y el THR promedio fue de 55 días y 33 días, para los años El Niño y La Niña, respectivamente. El flujo de entrada y de salida presentaron un comportamiento paralelo durante el período de estudio, debido, probablemente, a que el cuerpo de agua se convirtió en un cauce de salida. Durante El Niño, cuatro meses registraron desbordamiento del humedal (junio, septiembre, octubre y diciembre), con volúmenes de agua superiores a 130.645m3. Durante La Niña, todos los meses registraron desbordamiento del humedal, a excepción de agosto y septiembre, en donde se observaron volúmenes de agua de 100.018m3 y 109.166m3, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT The current state and the continuous changes that affect the wetlands located in the city of Bogotá (Colombia), motivates the development of instruments and tools that illustrate their hydrological behavior under climatic stresses such as the ENSO phenomenon. This article presents the formulation of a model of the hydrological conditions of the urban wetland of Torca. The simulation was carried out with the Vensim® software and the statistical validation of the model was carried out by means of a multivariate sensitivity analysis (MVSS) using the Montecarlo method. It was evidenced that in the years of occurrence of the ENSO climatological phenomenon (2001) and (2011), the behavior pattern of precipitation and inflow (Qi) of the afferent basin of the wetland were parallel. Hydraulic retention time (THR) suggested an inverse behavior in relation to precipitation. Indeed, the average monthly rainfall was 47,8mm and 158,7mm, and the average THR was 55 days and 33 days for the El Niño and La Niña years, respectively. The inflow and outflow presented a parallel behavior during the study period, probably due to the fact that the body of water became an outlet channel. During El Niño, the wetland overflowed for four months (June, September, October and December), with volumes exceeding 130,645m3. During La Niña, the wetland overflowed every month; except for August and September, where volumes of 100.018m3 and 109.166m3 were observed, respectively.

Patrones de distribución y estructura de la vegetación en el gradiente de humedales costeros El Castaño, Chiapas, México

Introducción: Las características de los humedales costeros son resultado de las interacciones hidrogeomorfológicas entre el continente y el océano, que causan un gradiente ambiental, que resulta en diferentes tipos de vegetación como manglares, popales, tulares, selvas y palmares inundables. Objetivo: Caracterizar las variables del hidroperiodo y fisicoquímicas del agua y suelo para determinar la relación que existe en el patrón de distribución de la vegetación en el Sistema de Humedales El Castaño (SHC). Metodología: Se establecieron 11 unidades de muestreo (UM) permanentes por estrato definidos: cinco en el manglar, dos en selvas inundables, dos en tular y dos en pastizal inundable. De mayo 2016 a octubre 2017 se caracterizó la vegetación y se muestreó mensualmente los niveles de inundación y parámetros fisicoquímicos del agua (superficial, intersticial y subterránea): salinidad, conductividad y pH; y el suelo: densidad aparente, porcentaje de humedad y potencial redox. Resultados: El manglar es el más cercano al mar, tiene la menor diversidad (H:1.66) y especies registradas (14), está dominado por Laguncularia racemosa y Rhizophora mangle y tiene los valores más altos de salinidad intersticial y subterránea, mayores a 10.8 ups, se mantiene inundado de 4 a 12 meses, su potencial redox es de 14.57 mV. Seguido está el manglar, tierra adentro, se ubican los remanentes de la selva inundable, (H:2.18 y 18 especies), dominada por Pachiraaquatica, la salinidad intersticial y subterránea de 4.95 ups, permanece inundada de 0 a 6 meses y el potencial redox es de 119.07 mV. El tular, después de la selva, (H:1.92 y 16 especies), dominado por Typha domingensis, salinidad intersticial y subterránea de 6.1 ups, el tiempo de inundación es de 5 a 8 meses y potencial redox es de 125.9 mV. El pastizal inundable, con menor influencia marina, es un humedal herbáceo modificado para uso ganadero, presentó los valores más altos de diversidad (H:3.44 y 50 especies), Paspalum conjugatum es la especie dominante, la salinidad intersticial y subterránea es menor a 0.5 ups, se mantiene inundado de 5 a 9 meses y el potencial redox es de 151.23 mV. Conclusiones: En cada tipo de vegetación, la estructura, composición y diversidad es diferente, con un alto recambio de especies que indica un gradiente definido por la salinidad. La vegetación en el SHC sigue los patrones de organización típica de los humedales costeros tropicales, manglares, selvas inundables y humedales herbáceos, en este caso los tulares y pastizales inundables. El factor que define la distribución de la vegetación, es salinidad y el gradiente que se observa está en función de la dinámica hidrológica que depende de entradas de agua marina y de la bajada de agua dulce del interior del continente.

Introduction: The characteristics of coastal wetlands are the result of hydrogeomorphological interactions between the continent and the ocean, which cause an environmental gradient, hat results in different vegetation types such as mangroves, freshwater marshes, swamp forests and palm swamps. Objective: To characterize the hydroperiod and physicochemical variables of water and soil and their effect on the distribution of vegetation in the Sistema de Humedales El Castaño. Methods: A total of 11 permanent sampling units (UM) were established by defined strata: five in the mangrove, two in swamp forest, two in freshwater marshes and two in the flooded pasture. From May 2016 to October 2017 the vegetation was characterized and the water levels and physicochemical parameters (superficial, interstitial and groundwater) were sampled monthly for: salinity, and pH; and the soil for: bulk density, humidity percentage, and redox potential. Results: Mangroves are the closest to the sea, have the lowest diversity (H: 1.66) and species richness (14), they are dominated by Laguncularia racemosa and Rhizophora mangle, have the highest values of interstitial and groundwater salinity, (> 10.8 ups), remain flooded for 4 to 12 months per year, and have a redox potential of 14.57 mV. Immediately, inland, there are remnants of the swamp forests (H: 2.18 and 18 species), dominated by Pachira aquatica, with 5 ups interstitial and groundwater salinity, flooded from 0 to 6 months per year, with a redox potential of 119.07 mV. These forests are followed inland by freshwater marshes (H: 1.92 and 16 species), dominated by Typha domingensis with 6.1 ups interstitial and groundwater salinity, flooded for 5 to 8 months per year and a redox potential of 125.9 mV. Finally, furthest inland is the flooded pasture, a modified herbaceous wetland for cattle grazing (H: 3.44 and 50 species) dominated by Paspalum conjugatum, where interstitial and groundwater salinity is less than 0.5 ups, it stays flooded for 5 to 9 months and the redox potential is 151.23 mV. Conclusions: In each type of vegetation, the structure, composition, and diversity are different, with a high turnover of species that indicates a gradient defined by salinity. The vegetation in the SHC follows the patterns of typical organization of the tropical coastal wetlands, mangroves, swamp forests and herbaceous wetlands, in this case the freshwater marshes and flooded pastures. The factor that define the distribution of the vegetation is the salinity and the gradient that is observed are a function of the hydrological dynamics that depends on the mixing of marine and freshwater.

Aquatic Oligochaete Communities in Amazonian Streams, Saracá-Taquera National Forest, Pará, Brazil / Comunidade de oligoquetos aquáticos em riachos amazônicos, Floresta Nacional Saracá-Taquera, Pará, Brasil

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze aquatic oligochaete distribution in relation to water column physicochemical variables, structural environmental variation, and predominant substrates in the preserved Amazonian streams of the Saracá-Taquera National Forest (FLONA Saracá-Taquera), northwest Pará, Brazil. Oligochaetes are widely used as bioindicators for monitoring aquatic environments as they are very sensitive to pollution and environmental changes. Physicochemical and structural variables were measured from 100 stream segments in order to understand the distribution of oligochaetes in Amazonian streams. Biotic samples were collected using Surber samplers in three of the most predominant substrate types in each segment. PERMANOVA testing showed that there was a significant difference in the oligochaete community among some substrates, potentially caused by a difference in the abundance of the most common taxa. Canonical Correspondence Analysis showed that physical variables drive the distribution of oligochaetes in preserved Amazonian streams, as they determine the formation of different substrates along the stream, from the source to the mouth; favoring the presence of oligochaetes with more specific ecological needs in low-order streams, and the presence of oligochaetes capable of colonizing various types of substrates and deeper zones in high-order streams. These results suggest that water depth and channel width are the main drivers of aquatic oligochaete distribution along Amazonian streams, determining the formation of unstable and low-quality substrates and, consequently, the low colonization by oligochaetes in high-order streams; and more diverse and stable substrate formation in low-order streams, favoring the colonization by diverse taxa of aquatic oligochaetes in low-order Amazonian streams.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a distribuição da comunidade de oligoquetos em relação às variáveis físico-químicas da coluna da água, variação estrutural do ambiente, e substratos predominantes em riachos amazônicos conservados na FLONA Saracá-Taquera, noroeste do Pará, Brasil. Oligochaetes são amplamente utilizados como bioindicadores para monitoramento de ambientes aquáticos, pois são muito sensíveis à poluição e às mudanças ambientais. Variáveis físico-químicas e estruturais de 100 trechos de riachos foram mensuradas para entender a distribuição de oligoquetos em riachos amazônicos. Amostras bióticas foram coletadas com amostrador Surber em três dos tipos de substratos mais predominantes em cada trecho. A PERMANOVA mostrou que há uma diferença significativa da comunidade de oligoquetos entre alguns substratos, possivelmente baseada nas diferenças no número do táxon mais comum. A Análise de Correspondência Canônica mostrou que as variáveis físicas controlam a distribuição da comunidade de oligoquetos em riachos amazônicos preservados, porque estas variáveis determinam a formação dos diferentes substratos ao longo do riacho, desde a nascente até a foz, favorecendo a presença de oligoquetos com necessidades ecológicas mais específicas em riachos de baixa ordem, e oligoquetos capazes de colonizar diferentes tipos de substrato e zonas mais profundas em riachos de ordem maior. Os resultados deste trabalho sugerem que a profundidade da água e a largura do canal são as variáveis que controlam a distribuição da comunidade de oligoquetos em riachos amazônicos, determinando a formação de substratos instáveis e de baixa qualidade, e consequentemente baixa colonização de oligoquetos, em riachos de ordem maior; e formação de substratos mais diversificados, mais estáveis e de qualidade em riachos de baixa ordem, favorecendo a colonização de diversos taxa de oligoquetos aquáticos em riachos amazônicos de baixa ordem.

Padrão sazonal dos casos de malária e a relação com a variabilidade hidrológica no Estado do Amazonas, Brasil / Seasonal pattern of malaria cases and the relationship with hydrologic variability in the Amazonas State, Brazil

RESUMO: Introdução: A malária é uma doença infecciosa de alta transmissão na região amazônica, porém sua dinâmica e distribuição espacial podem variar, dependendo da interação de fatores ambientais, socioculturais, econômicos e políticos e serviços de saúde. Objetivo: Verificar a existência de padrões de casos de malária em consonância com os regimes fluviométricos da bacia amazônica. Métodos: Foram utilizados métodos de estatística descritiva e inferencial nos dados de casos de malária e nível d'água para 35 municípios do estado do Amazonas, no período de 2003 a 2014. Resultados: A existência de uma tendência que module a sazonalidade dos casos de malária, devido a períodos distintos de inundação dos rios, foi demonstrada. Diferenças foram observadas na variabilidade hidrológica anual, acompanhada por diferentes padrões de casos de malária, mostrando uma tendência de remodelação do perfil epidemiológico em função do pulso de inundação. Conclusão: O estudo sugere a implementação de estratégias regionais e locais, considerando os regimes hidrológicos da Bacia Amazônica, possibilitando ações municipais de atenuação da malária no estado do Amazonas.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Malaria is an infectious disease of high transmission in the Amazon region, but its dynamics and spatial distribution may vary depending on the interaction of environmental, socio-cultural, economic, political and health services factors. Objective: To verify the existence of malaria case patterns in consonance with the fluviometric regimes in Amazon basin. Method: Methods of descriptive and inferential statistics were used in malaria and water level data for 35 municipalities in the Amazonas State, in the period from 2003 to 2014. Results: The existence of a tendency to modulate the seasonality of malaria cases due to distinct periods of rivers flooding has been demonstrated. Differences were observed in the annual hydrological variability accompanied by different patterns of malaria cases, showing a trend of remodeling of the epidemiological profile as a function of the flood pulse. Conclusion: The study suggests the implementation of regional and local strategies considering the hydrological regimes of the Amazon basin, enabling municipal actions to attenuate the malaria in the Amazonas State.

Environmental impacts of a reduced flow stretch on hydropower plants / Impactos ambientais do trecho de vazão reduzida em usinas hidrelétricas

Abstract In Brazil, given its privileged hydrology, the unexplored economic use of water resources has many dimensions, such as hydroelectric power. This energy will face increasingly rigorous social and environmental impact assessments (40% of potential is located in the Amazon region). Hydropower inventory studies conducted over decades, with solutions such as ecological river flows, that flood smaller areas and reduce natural river flows modifications, are being reviewed. The river extension from dam to the point where the waters are returned after the powerhouse is known as the Reduced Flow Stretch (RFS). Even mega-projects, such as the 11.3 GW Belo Monte dam, are designed with deviating flows reaching an astounding 13,000 m 3/s (excavated material higher than Panama Canal). RFS requires to be carefully studied to achieve appropriate ecological flows, since RFS flows increased reduces the plant's electricity production to the same installed capacity. Balancing RFS requirements and hydroelectric power remains a challenge and, clearly, there is no consensus. Here, we performed an analysis of the main environmental impacts caused by RFS requirements, considering the multiple water use specific for each dam site. The natural variability of river flows provides diversity of habitats and maintains the richness and complexity of biological communities. Therefore, the present study has great ecological, social and economic relevance, since proper evaluation of the RFS requirements avoids potential destabilization of biological communities and even loss of biodiversity. This type of arrangement was more common in dams located in headwaters of rivers, as in the slopes of the Andes mountain range, and in regions like the Alps. There are many hydroelectric plants in South America and Europe that have this type of arrangement of engineering works. But the times are different and the environmental impacts have to be better evaluated. A final aspect also involves the maintenance of ecological flows downstream of dams. Regularization reservoirs need to keep downstream, even if they do not have a TVR, adequate flows that represent minimally the seasonality of the river, with floods and droughts, that propitiate the maintenance of the ecosystems downstream. There are cases such as the Sobradinho Plant in the São Francisco River that has been much questioned in this regard, especially when the climate is changing in the basin, with long periods of drought, and with increasing water use. So this is a very important and increasingly current issue.

Resumo No Brasil, dada a sua hidrologia privilegiada, o uso econômico dos recursos hídricos tem muitas dimensões, como a energia hidrelétrica, agricultura, abastecimento humano. A energia hidrelétrica tem enfrentado e enfrentará cada vez mais avaliações de impacto social e ambiental rigorosas (notadamente na região amazônica onde está localizado 40% do potencial). Os últimos estudos de inventário de para implantação de hidrelétricas por esse motivo tem sido feitos procurando soluções que minimizem a área de inundação e abandonando aquelas alternativas que propunham a modificação dos fluxos naturais dos rios, com a construção de reservatórios de regularização. Algumas dessas soluções de engenharia envolvem a proposição de um trecho de vazão reduzida, um trecho de rio que vai da barragem até o ponto em que as águas são devolvidas ao seu curso natural, após passar pelas turbinas, de forma a aproveitar a queda proporcionada pelo rio e pela barragem. Esse estirão fluvial é conhecido como trecho de fluxo ou vazão reduzida (TVR). Mesmo mega-projetos, como a represa de Belo Monte (11,3 GW), são projetados desta forma, com fluxos desviados por vales e canais laterais, escavados (nesse caso chegando a um surpreendente 13000 m3 (de material escavado superior ao do Canal do Panamá). Assim o TVR sofre um impacto severo e definitivo, local onde a vazão natural será diminuída e que precisa ser cuidadosamente estudado para se possa propor fluxos ecológicos adequados, uma vez que um aumento nos fluxos no TVR reduz a produção de eletricidade da planta para a mesma capacidade instalada. A forma de equilibrar os requisitos do TVR e a energia hidroelétrica continua a ser um desafio, e claramente não há consenso. Neste estudo, realizamos uma análise dos principais impactos ambientais causados pelos requisitos do TVR, considerando as múltiplas utilizações de água específicas para cada local da barragem. O estudo é relevante porque a variabilidade natural dos fluxos dos rios fornece diversidade de habitats e mantém a riqueza e a complexidade das comunidades biológicas. Se os requisitos do TVR não forem adequadamente avaliados, pode haver uma desestabilização de comunidades biológicas e até mesmo uma perda de biodiversidade. Esse tipo de arranjo era mais comum em barragens localizadas em cabeceiras de rios, como nas encostas da cordilheira dos Andes, e em regiões como os Alpes. Existem muitas hidrelétricas na América do Sul e na Europa que possuem esse tipo de arranjo de obras de engenharia. Mas os tempos são outros e os impactos ambientais tem que ser melhor avaliados. Um último aspecto também envolve a manutenção de fluxos ecológicos a jusante de barragens. Reservatórios de regularização precisam manter a jusante, mesmo que não tenham um TVR, fluxos adequados que representem minimamente a sazonalidade do rio, com cheias e estiagens, que propiciem a manutenção dos ecossistemas a jusante. Existem casos como o da Usina de Sobradinho no rio São Francisco que tem sido muito questionado nesse aspecto, notadamente quando o clima está mudando na bacia, com longos períodos de estiagem, e com crescimento dos conflitos de uso da água. Portanto esse é um tema importantíssimo e cada vez mais atual.

Hydrological Modeling of the Paligad Watershed (India) Using HSPF Model

For hydrological studies, it is well known that each hydrological system behaves differently and in order to effectively manage those systems, it is necessary to understand their behavior. The hydrological component of Hydrological Simulation Program – FORTRAN (HSPF) model was set up and calibrated for Paligad watershed which is a sub-basin of Aglar watershed in the Uttarakhand state of India. The calibration of the model was done manually and an expert advice system called as HSPEXP+ was used to aid calibration. The values of evaluation indicators such as coefficient of determination (R2) Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, PBIAS and the mean error (RE) were found to be within acceptable range which also indicated good calibration and validation results. The validation results showed that the model nearly simulated the mean monthly runoff with the coefficient of determination (R2) as 0.83 for the year 2015-2016. The total observed annual runoff volume was 32.26 inches, where the value of annual simulated runoff volume was found to be 30.37 inches indicating an error of -5.84% in the estimation of total annual runoff volume. The effect of change in land use/ land cover of the catchment can be evaluated using this model. This study offers more scope on the management of watershed output in the form of runoff and the impact changes in land use/ land cover on the streamflow from the basin.

Ecosystem dynamics and services of a paired Neotropical montane forest and pine plantation / Dinámica y servicios del ecosistema en un bosque montano neotropical y un pinar sembrado

Abstract Montane forests are one of the most decimated of Neotropical biomes even though they provide a suite of valuable ecosystem services such as provision of water to lowland settlements and prevention of erosion and mudslides. In some instances, to restore these and other ecosystem services, degraded montane forests are replaced by exotic tree plantations, which cover sizeable areas in several countries. Despite their importance for assessment of ecological services and for intrinsic ecological value, comparative studies of paired native montane forest and conifer plantation are scarce along the Northern Andean Cordillera. Additionally, extrapolations are challenging because each pair of communities is highly site specific due to environmental setting, age and density of plantation, and reforestation species. Here, we assess and compare structure, biogeochemistry and ecosystem services provided by closely positioned native forest and pine plantation from a protected montane area in Venezuela. Soil nutrients and soil carbon content were 60 and 54 % respectively higher in the forest. As consequence of pine' growth form and leaf biochemistry, aboveground biomass and litter mass, as well as nutrient content and carbon stocks, were higher in the plantation. This results in the plantation storing 30 % more MgC ha-1 than the nearby forest. Canopy structure and litter properties influence the hydrology of both ecosystems through differences in rain throughfall. Most of the ecosystem services itemized are superior in the native forest, with exception that the younger plantation sequesters more carbon. An additional service provided by plantations might be that of ecological corridors that connect fragmented native forests. Our study, a specific case of nutrient and carbon cycling dynamics in paired montane forests and pine plantations, provides another set of data for the design of policy and management of considerable areas in the Neotropics with established conservation plantations.(AU)

Resumen Los bosques montanos son uno de los biomas más devastados del Neotrópico aunque proporcionan valiosos servicios ecológicos al suministrar agua a los asentamientos humanos y proteger contra la erosión y los deslaves. En algunas instancias, para mantener esos servicios ecológicos, los bosques destruidos son reemplazados por plantaciones forestales en áreas considerables de varios países. Aunque existen unos pocos estudios comparativos en a lo largo del norte de la Cordillera Andina, las extrapolaciones son difíciles debido a que estos son altamente específicos debido al entorno ambiental, edad de las plantaciones, y a la especie de conífera dominante. Nosotros analizamos y comparamos la diversidad y estructura de la vegetación, la biogeoquímica y los servicios ecológicos proporcionados por un bosque montano y una plantación de pino adyacente en un área protegida de Venezuela. Los suelos del bosque nativo contienen 60 % más de nitrógeno y 54 % más de carbono que los de la plantación. Como consecuencia de la forma de vida de los pinos y de su composición foliar, la biomasa aérea y el contenido de nutrientes en la hojarasca seca son mayores en la plantación dando como resultado que la plantación contiene 30 % MgC ha-1 más que el bosque. La estructura del dosel influencia la hidrología de ambos ecosistemas mediante diferencias en la penetración del agua de lluvia. La mayoría de los servicios son de menor valor ecológico en la plantación de pino. Sin embargo, esta ofrece servicios que no existirían en su ausencia. En regiones montañosas, las plantaciones de coníferas fueron establecidas para mejorar la provisión de agua y estabilizar los suelos. Sin embargo, nuestros resultados sugieren que las plantaciones pueden proporcionar corredores ecológicos que conecten bosques nativos fragmentados. Nuestro estudio, al proveer un ejemplo adicional de dinámica ecológica comparada, expone las diferencias en servicios ecológicos proporcionados por un bosque montano y una plantación de pino y proporciona información para establecer políticas de conservación y manejo de recursos naturales en extensas áreas neotropicales.(AU)

Variabilidade dos casos de malária e sua relação com a precipitação e nível d'água dos rios no Estado do Amazonas, Brasil / Variabilidad de los casos de malaria y su relación con las precipitaciones y nivel del agua de los ríos en el estado del Amazonas, Brasil / Variability in malaria cases and the association with rainfall and rivers water levels in Amazonas State, Brazil

O entendimento das relações entre as variáveis de precipitação e nível d'água dos rios com os casos de malária podem fornecer indícios importantes da modulação da doença no contexto da variabilidade climática local. No intuito de demonstrar como essas relações variam no mesmo espaço endêmico, realizou-se a análise de coerência e fase de ondeletas entre as variáveis ambientais e epidemiológica no período de 2003 a 2010 para 8 municípios do Estado do Amazonas (Barcelos, Borba, Canutama, Carauari, Coari, Eirunepé, Humaitá e São Gabriel da Cachoeira). Os resultados indicam coerências significativas principalmente na escala de variabilidade anual, contudo, escalas menores que 1 ano e bienal também foram encontradas. As análises mostram que casos de malária apresentam pico com aproximadamente 1 mês e meio antes ou depois dos picos de chuva, e em média 1-4 meses após o pico dos rios para grande parte dos municípios estudados. Foi notado que cada variável ambiental apresentou atuação local distinta no tempo e no espaço, sugerindo que outras variáveis locais (a topografia é um exemplo) possam controlar as condições ambientais favorecendo uma atuação diferenciada em cada município, porém, quando as análises são feitas em conjunto é possível ver uma ordem não aleatória destas relações acontecerem. Embora os fatores ambientais e climáticos denotem certa influência sobre a dinâmica da malária, questões de vigilância, prevenção e controle não devem ser desprezadas, significando que as atuações governamentais de saúde podem mascarar possíveis relações com as condições hidrológicas e climáticas locais.

La comprensión de las relaciones entre las variables de precipitaciones y el nivel de agua de los ríos con los casos de malaria pueden proporcionar indicios importantes sobre la modulación de la enfermedad en el contexto de la variabilidad climática local. Con el fin de demonstrar cómo varían esas relaciones en el mismo espacio endémico, se realizó un análisis de coherencia y fase de ondeletas entre las variables ambientales y epidemiológicas, durante el período de 2003 a 2010, en 8 municipios del estado de Amazonas (Barcelos, Borba, Canutama, Carauari, Coari, Eirunepé, Humaitá y São Gabriel da Cachoeira). Los resultados indican coherencias significativas, principalmente en la escala de variabilidad anual, sin embargo, también se detectaron escalas menores de 1 año y bienal. Los análisis muestran que los casos de malaria presentan un pico con aproximadamente 1 mes y medio antes o después de la pluviosidad más alta, y de media 1-4 meses tras el pico de los ríos para gran parte de los municipios estudiados. Se observó que cada variable ambiental presentó una actuación local distinta en el tiempo y en el espacio, sugiriendo que otras variables locales (la topografía es un ejemplo) puedan controlar las condiciones ambientales, favoreciendo una actuación diferenciada en cada municipio, no obstante, cuando los análisis se realizan en conjunto es posible ver un orden no aleatorio de estas relaciones para que se produzcan. A pesar de que los factores ambientales y climáticos denoten una cierta influencia sobre la dinámica de la malaria, cuestiones de vigilancia, prevención y control no se deben despreciar, lo que significa que las actuaciones gubernamentales de salud pueden enmascarar posibles relaciones con las condiciones hidrológicas y climáticas locales.

Understanding the relations between rainfall and river water levels and malaria cases can provide important clues on modulation of the disease in the context of local climatic variability. In order to demonstrate how these relations can vary in the same endemic space, a coherence and wavelet phase analysis was performed between environmental and epidemiological variables from 2003 to 2010 for 8 municipalities (counties) in the state of Amazonas, Brazil (Barcelos, Borba, Canutama, Carauari, Coari, Eirunepé, Humaitá, and São Gabriel da Cachoeira). The results suggest significant coherences, mainly on the scale of annual variability, but scales of less than 1 year and of 2 years were also found. The analyses show that malaria cases display a peak at approximately 1 and a half months before or after peak rainfall and on average 1-4 months after peak river water levels in most of the municipalities studied. Each environmental variable displayed distinct local behavior in time and in space, suggesting that other local variables (e.g. topography) may control environmental conditions, favoring different patterns in each municipality. However, when the analyses were performed jointly it was possible to show a non-random order in these relations. Although environmental and climatic factors indicate a certain influence on malaria dynamics, surveillance, prevention, and control issues should not be overlooked, meaning that government public health interventions can mask possible relations with local hydrological and climatic conditions.

Humedales del Parque Nacional Chirripó, Costa Rica: características, relaciones geomorfológicas y escenarios de cambio climático / Wetlands of the Chirripó National Park, Costa Rica: characteristics, geomorphological relationships and climate change scenarios

Resumen Los humedales, también llamados altoandinos, han sido poco estudiados y caracterizados en Costa Rica. En este estudio se analizan las características geomorfológicas, climatológicas e hidrológicas de los humedales altoandinos del Parque Nacional Chirripó (PNCh), ubicado al centro-sur de Costa Rica, América Central. Para ello se parte de un levantamiento geomorfológico a escala 1:25 000 de formas de relieve particularmente de origen glaciar, el Inventario Nacional de Humedales llevado a cabo por el Proyecto Humedales (PNUD-SINAC-GEF), y la determinación de distintos escenarios de cambio climático para los periodos 2039-2059 y 2079-2099. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar el estado actual de estos ecosistemas, explicar cómo y porqué se forman, así como valorar las posibles implicaciones en el ciclo hidrológico y la provisión de agua de estos reservorios debido a las variaciones del clima a futuro. Los resultados denotan la gran importancia de estos humedales para mantener la dinámica ecológica en el PNCh, así como los servicios de provisión de agua y regulación del ciclo hidrológico en las cuencas que derivan de esta área protegida.(AU)

Abstract The geomorphological, climatological and hydrological characteristics of the high Andean wetlands of the Chirripó National Park (PNCh) are analyzed. The PNCh is located in south-central Costa Rica, Central America. This analysis includes a geomorphological survey on a 1: 25 000 scale of the relief forms and processes, particularly those of glacial origin. The National Wetland Inventory carried out by the Wetlands Project (UNDP-SINAC-GEF) was also used, along with different climate change projections corresponding to the scenarios for the 2039-2059 and 2079-2099 horizons. The main objective is to characterize the current state of these ecosystems, to explain how and why they are formed, as well as to assess the possible implications in the hydrological cycle and the water supply of these wetlands due to future climate variations. The results showed the relevance of these natural reservoirs in maintaining the ecological dynamics of the PNCh. We also studied the services of water provision and regulation of the hydrological cycle in the basins that compose this protected area.(AU)

Caracterização hidrológica e influência da cobertura do solo nos parâmetros de vazão do Rio das Fêmeas / Hydrological characterization and influence of the land cover on Fêmeas River flow parameters

RESUMO Nesta pesquisa realizou-se a caracterização pluvi-fluviométrica da Bacia do Rio das Fêmeas em São Desidério (BA) e avaliaram-se as modificações das vazões, considerando a presença de uma Pequena Central Hidrelétrica (PCH) e as alterações na cobertura do solo. Selecionaram-se as estações da rede da Agência Nacional de Águas (ANA) para análise dos dados históricos de vazão e precipitação (1985-2013); utilizaram-se imagens dos satélites Landsat 5 e IRS-P6 (RESOURCESAT-1) dos anos 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2011 e 2012 para classificação supervisionada da cobertura do solo em duas classes distintas: áreas com vegetação natural e áreas com interferências antrópicas, cujas regiões possuíam algum tipo de uso. Além disso, foram avaliadas as alterações das vazões medianas e médias anuais antes e após a instalação da PCH. Os resultados deste trabalho mostraram que os dados anuais médios de vazão, ao longo do tempo, reduziram com uma magnitude maior que os dados médios anuais de precipitação na bacia estudada. Em relação à ocupação do solo, a área antropizada aumentou ao longo do tempo. Diante deste estudo verificou-se que a presença do reservatório da PCH possibilitou redução nos picos de vazões máximas e aumento nos valores baixos das vazões mínimas. No período pós-PCH ocorreram vazões médias e medianas inferiores ao período pré-PCH. Entretanto, estes resultados foram influenciados pela combinação do aumento das atividades antrópicas com a variação da precipitação média anual na bacia.

ABSTRACT In this research it was studied a pluvi-fluviometric characterization and the flow rates changes of Fêmeas River basin located in São Desidério (BA), considering the presence of a PCH and the cover soil alterations. Therefore the network stations of the Agência Nacional de Águas were selected to analyze the rainfalls and flows historical data (from 1985 to 2013); LandSat 5 and IRS-P6 (RESOURCESAT-1) satellite images of 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2012 years were used for land cover classification in two classes: natural; and areas with anthropic influence, in whose regions there was some kind of use; and the changes in the median and average annual flows before and after the PCH installation were evaluated. The results of this research showed that the annual average flow data over the study period reduced in a magnitude higher than the annual average rainfall data. In relation to the soil land use, the anthropic area increased over time. With this study it was found that the presence of the PCH reservoir allowed a reduction in the maximum and minimum flow rates peak. It was observed that in the post-PCH period both average and median flow rate data were lower than that those measured in the pre-PCH period. Nevertheless, these results were influenced by the combination of the human activities that increased over time and the annual average rainfall data variation in the basin.

Uso de traçadores fluorescentes para determinar características de transporte e dispersão no Rio Piabanha (RJ) para a modelagem quali-quantitativa pelo HEC-RAS / Use of dye tracers to determine transport and dispersion parameters in Piabanha River (RJ) for its quali-quantitative modeling with HEC-RAS

RESUMO Um estudo de campo foi realizado em um trecho de aproximadamente 70 km do rio Piabanha, localizado entre Petrópolis e Areal, na região serrana do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, para estimar as características de transporte e dispersão de contaminantes usando técnicas de traçadores fluorescentes. A análise dos resultados de dois trabalhos de campo, realizados no outono de 2012, permitiu determinar os valores de tempo de trânsito, vazão líquida, velocidade média e coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal. Utilizou-se os dados de vazão e velocidade média obtidos nos ensaios com traçadores para calibrar o modelo hidrodinâmico unidimensional Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). Considerando que parâmetros hidráulicos obtidos por métodos clássicos em rios com geometria muito irregular, como a do rio Piabanha, não são adequados para representar as características médias de um trecho, os ensaios com traçadores representaram uma boa alternativa para obtenção de parâmetros necessários a modelos hidrodinâmicos. Os resultados obtidos pelo modelo HEC-RAS apresentaram ótima concordância com os dados obtidos por meio dos ensaios com traçadores fluorescentes.

ABSTRACT A field study was carried out on a reach of approximately 70 km of Piabanha river, located between Petrópolis and Areal, in the highlands of Rio de Janeiro State to estimate the transport and dispersion characteristics of contaminants using dye tracers techniques. The results of field campaigns, conducted in the fall of 2012, allowed to determine the values of transit time, flow rate, mean flow velocity and longitudinal dispersion coefficient. The flow rate and mean velocity obtained in situ with dye tracers were used to calibrate the one-dimensional hydrodynamic model Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System (HEC-RAS). Whereas hydraulic parameters obtained by classical methods for rivers with very irregular geometry such as Piabanha river are not suitable for representing the average characteristics of a river stretch, the results obtained with tracers represented a good alternative to obtain parameters used in hydrodynamic models. The results obtained by the HEC-RAS are in excellent agreement with those obtained by the experiments with fluorescent tracers.

Environmental impacts of a reduced flow stretch on hydropower plants

Abstract In Brazil, given its privileged hydrology, the unexplored economic use of water resources has many dimensions, such as hydroelectric power. This energy will face increasingly rigorous social and environmental impact assessments (40% of potential is located in the Amazon region). Hydropower inventory studies conducted over decades, with solutions such as ecological river flows, that flood smaller areas and reduce natural river flows modifications, are being reviewed. The river extension from dam to the point where the waters are returned after the powerhouse is known as the Reduced Flow Stretch (RFS). Even mega-projects, such as the 11.3 GW Belo Monte dam, are designed with deviating flows reaching an astounding 13,000 m 3/s (excavated material higher than Panama Canal). RFS requires to be carefully studied to achieve appropriate ecological flows, since RFS flows increased reduces the plant's electricity production to the same installed capacity. Balancing RFS requirements and hydroelectric power remains a challenge and, clearly, there is no consensus. Here, we performed an analysis of the main environmental impacts caused by RFS requirements, considering the multiple water use specific for each dam site. The natural variability of river flows provides diversity of habitats and maintains the richness and complexity of biological communities. Therefore, the present study has great ecological, social and economic relevance, since proper evaluation of the RFS requirements avoids potential destabilization of biological communities and even loss of biodiversity. This type of arrangement was more common in dams located in headwaters of rivers, as in the slopes of the Andes mountain range, and in regions like the Alps. There are many hydroelectric plants in South America and Europe that have this type of arrangement of engineering works. But the times are different and the environmental impacts have to be better evaluated. A final aspect also involves the maintenance of ecological flows downstream of dams. Regularization reservoirs need to keep downstream, even if they do not have a TVR, adequate flows that represent minimally the seasonality of the river, with floods and droughts, that propitiate the maintenance of the ecosystems downstream. There are cases such as the Sobradinho Plant in the São Francisco River that has been much questioned in this regard, especially when the climate is changing in the basin, with long periods of drought, and with increasing water use. So this is a very important and increasingly current issue.

Resumo No Brasil, dada a sua hidrologia privilegiada, o uso econômico dos recursos hídricos tem muitas dimensões, como a energia hidrelétrica, agricultura, abastecimento humano. A energia hidrelétrica tem enfrentado e enfrentará cada vez mais avaliações de impacto social e ambiental rigorosas (notadamente na região amazônica onde está localizado 40% do potencial). Os últimos estudos de inventário de para implantação de hidrelétricas por esse motivo tem sido feitos procurando soluções que minimizem a área de inundação e abandonando aquelas alternativas que propunham a modificação dos fluxos naturais dos rios, com a construção de reservatórios de regularização. Algumas dessas soluções de engenharia envolvem a proposição de um trecho de vazão reduzida, um trecho de rio que vai da barragem até o ponto em que as águas são devolvidas ao seu curso natural, após passar pelas turbinas, de forma a aproveitar a queda proporcionada pelo rio e pela barragem. Esse estirão fluvial é conhecido como trecho de fluxo ou vazão reduzida (TVR). Mesmo mega-projetos, como a represa de Belo Monte (11,3 GW), são projetados desta forma, com fluxos desviados por vales e canais laterais, escavados (nesse caso chegando a um surpreendente 13000 m3 (de material escavado superior ao do Canal do Panamá). Assim o TVR sofre um impacto severo e definitivo, local onde a vazão natural será diminuída e que precisa ser cuidadosamente estudado para se possa propor fluxos ecológicos adequados, uma vez que um aumento nos fluxos no TVR reduz a produção de eletricidade da planta para a mesma capacidade instalada. A forma de equilibrar os requisitos do TVR e a energia hidroelétrica continua a ser um desafio, e claramente não há consenso. Neste estudo, realizamos uma análise dos principais impactos ambientais causados pelos requisitos do TVR, considerando as múltiplas utilizações de água específicas para cada local da barragem. O estudo é relevante porque a variabilidade natural dos fluxos dos rios fornece diversidade de habitats e mantém a riqueza e a complexidade das comunidades biológicas. Se os requisitos do TVR não forem adequadamente avaliados, pode haver uma desestabilização de comunidades biológicas e até mesmo uma perda de biodiversidade. Esse tipo de arranjo era mais comum em barragens localizadas em cabeceiras de rios, como nas encostas da cordilheira dos Andes, e em regiões como os Alpes. Existem muitas hidrelétricas na América do Sul e na Europa que possuem esse tipo de arranjo de obras de engenharia. Mas os tempos são outros e os impactos ambientais tem que ser melhor avaliados. Um último aspecto também envolve a manutenção de fluxos ecológicos a jusante de barragens. Reservatórios de regularização precisam manter a jusante, mesmo que não tenham um TVR, fluxos adequados que representem minimamente a sazonalidade do rio, com cheias e estiagens, que propiciem a manutenção dos ecossistemas a jusante. Existem casos como o da Usina de Sobradinho no rio São Francisco que tem sido muito questionado nesse aspecto, notadamente quando o clima está mudando na bacia, com longos períodos de estiagem, e com crescimento dos conflitos de uso da água. Portanto esse é um tema importantíssimo e cada vez mais atual.

Irrigation canals in Melo creek basin (Rio Espera and Capela Nova municipalities, Minas Gerais, Brazil): habitats to Biomphalaria (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) and potential spread of schistosomiasis / Canais de irrigação na bacia do ribeirão do Melo (Municípios de Rio Espera e Capela Nova, Minas Gerais, Brasil): habitats para a proliferação de Biomphalaria (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) e potencial disseminação da esquistossomose

Abstract This study analyzed the presence of Biomphalaria in Melo creek basin, Minas Gerais state, and its relationship to irrigation canals. Seventeen of these canals were used to determine a limnological, morphological and hydrological characterization during an annual seasonal cycle. Biomphalaria samples were sent to René Rachou Research Center/FIOCRUZ for identification and parasitological examination. Six canals were identified as breeding areas for mollusks and in one of them it was registered the coexistence of B. tenagophila (first report to this basin) and B. glabrata species. Results indicated that the low flow rate and speed of water flow were the main characteristics that contributed to this specific growth of the mollusks in the area. These hydraulic characteristics were created due to anthropogenic action through the canalization of lotic areas in Melo creek, which allowed ideal ecological conditions to Biomphalaria outbreak. The results emphasize the need of adequate handling and constant monitoring of the hydrographic basin, subject to inadequate phytosanitary conditions, aiming to prevent the occurrence and propagation of schistosomiasis.

Resumo Neste estudo avaliou-se a presença de espécies de Biomphalaria na bacia do Ribeirão do Melo, municípios de Rio Espera e Capela Nova, sudeste do estado de Minas Gerais, e sua relação com os canais de irrigação presentes na região. Em 17 desses canais foi realizada uma caracterização limnológica, morfológica e hidrológica durante um ciclo sazonal anual. Espécimes de Biomphalaria foram coletados e encaminhados ao Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou/FIOCRUZ (Belo Horizonte, MG) para identificação e exame parasitológico. Dos 17 canais estudados, foram identificados seis como criadouros do caramujo, sendo que em um dos canais coexistiam as espécies B. tenagophila (primeiro registro para a bacia) e B. glabrata. Os resultados indicaram que a baixa vazão e a velocidade do fluxo foram os fatores que contribuíram para a ocorrência pontual dos caramujos na bacia. Estas características hidrológicas foram modificadas por ação antropogênica, através da canalização de trechos lóticos do ribeirão do Melo. Os resultados destacam a necessidade do manejo adequado e monitoramento constante da bacia hidrográfica, sujeita a condições sanitárias inadequadas, como forma de prevenção da ocorrência e propagação da esquistossomose.

Impact Assessment of Hydrology and Water Quality in the Saugahatchee Creek under Projected Land Use and Climate Change Scenarios Using WARMF.

The hydrology and water quality of a stream or reservoir can be affected due to rapid urbanization and land use change in its watershed. Climate change, if it occurs, is likely to have additional impacts on hydrology and water quality of the watershed system. In this study, a watershed model WARMF (Watershed Analysis Risk Management Framework) was applied to the Saugahatchee Creek Watershed which includes two stream branches that were listed on State of Alabama’s 303(d) list of impaired water for nutrients and organic enrichment/dissolved oxygen. WARMF model for the Saugahatchee Creek Watershed was developed and model calibration and validation were performed. The model was then used to investigate hydrologic and water quality response to two different land use scenarios (LU 2009 and LU 2030) and four statistically downscaled future climate scenarios derived from Canadian Global Coupled Model (CGCM3) and Hadley Centre Coupled Climate Model (HadCM3). Temperature, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and algal concentration were the water quality parameters simulated along with flow. Based on monthly average of daily predicted values, the effect due to land use change was not significant except for nutrient concentration. The monthly average of daily total phosphorus concentration for LU 2030 is predicted to increase up to 72% more than baseline (LU 2009) under past climate conditions (1981–2010). Based on model results, the monthly average of daily surface water temperature is predicted to rise for all future climate scenarios. The monthly average of daily flow is predicted to increase corresponding to CGCM3 (annual average increase of 88%) and decrease corresponding to HadCM3 scenarios (annual average decrease of -49%). Accordingly, nutrient concentration is expected to decrease corresponding to CGCM3 and increase corresponding to HadCM3 scenarios. DO concentration are predicted to fall up to 2.3 mg/l (monthly average), especially in summer for the four climate scenarios. Combined land use and climate change scenarios cause the increase in nutrient concentrations for future land use and climate scenarios (e.g., annual TP from 0.082 mg/l for the baseline to 0.203 mg/l for HadCM3 A2 20s scenario). Chlorophyll-a concentration during the growing season is expected to increase to 25.8 and 26.3 μg/l under HadCM3 A2 and B2 scenarios due to combined effect, respectively, in comparison to 18 μg/l for the baseline (1981–2010 and LU2009). The results of this study can be incorporated into watershed management and planning strategies.

PT2-2 What’s new in Balneology? / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  　The new developments and events in Balneology may be summarized as follows; 1.　Balneology/ISMH goes global; moving from Japan to Brazil and then to Asia to Africa so on; in recent years, interest in Medical Balneology and Hydro-climatology is being intensified all over the world. We have now a growing number of published balneological articles originated from various countries and the centers in different locations. Japan is the country of “onsen” and “ryokan” which is going to host the 39th ISMH Congress along with their national balneology congress. Brazil is being prepared for the 40th Congress of ISMH in Rio de Janeiro and ABINAM (Brazilian Association of Mineral Waters) will support the congress. Among the balneology organizations North American, Russian, Indian and Chinese associations are on the way. 2.　Effects of complexity in the balneological therapy protocols; a need for most effective combinations for certain conditions; In many countries, balneological interventions are being applied in complex character. Depending on the local natural remedies and the experience balneotherapy (thermal mineral water baths) is combined mostly with peloidotherapy (mud applications). Furthermore drinking cures, inhalations and other balneological interventions are also being combined for treating a diversity of conditions in different countries. But the most effective complex balneology treatments for certain diseases remain to be tested. 3.　Beyond the treatment of rheumatic diseases; dermatologic and other indications are being investigated: Balneotherapy and spa therapy is being increasingly considered in the evidence based treatment guidelines for rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis, early arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and low back pain. Among other indications of balneotherapy dermatological diseases are in the first place. The studies aiming to investigate the therapeutic effects of balneological treatments on cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, psychiatric and respiratory conditions are being published in recent two years. 4.　The preventive effects of balneological treatments; an old remedy for contemporary health risks: Research interest in the beneficial and health effects of balneological applications is growing as a need for measures to modify the major health risks of our time. Recently published scientific balneological trials report the scientific evidence on the preventive effects of balneotherapy and spa therapy cures on metabolic syndrome, overweight and obesity as well as cognitive function and physiological status. 5.　More insights into effects of local natural spa waters and specific chemical components of balneological waters; Authors from various disciplines are publishing the studies evaluating the specific effects of local natural spa water and mud used in balneological treatments and effects of specific chemical components of balneological waters. Besides the clinical trials with biological markers measurements, some other publications reported the results obtained from cell cultures and experimental animal models studies and shed more light on the specific biological effects of a given balneological remedy and specific elements of the mineral water in particular sulfur and carbon dioxide.

PT1-3 Balneology in Europe: principles, practice, education and research / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Balneology in Europe has a long tradition. The therapeutic effects of water or steam baths have been used in almost all its territory since early times, first as a purely empiric exercise but in our times with a remarkable progress on its scientific basis. Depending of geographic or cultural circumstances hydrotherapeutic modalities developed in different ways. However the contribution of the Greek Medicine for its roots and of the Roman Empire for the spread of its use must be enhanced.   During the two last centuries we assisted of a growing interest and knowledge of the properties and therapeutic principles of balneology and their action mechanisms, including: physical (hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, thermal), chemical, biologic and psychological factors.   Currently European Balneology progresses remarkably. European Medical professionals aimed several goals to build this progress. Among them we may refer: the establishment of principles and definitions; a manual of good practice; the development of research; the improvement of education on this field; the awareness of public authorities and of the population.   We may say that in the last ten years we really got significant achievements.   We managed to create new cooperation opportunities by the creation of a Balneology Group within the UEMS (European Union of Specialist Doctors) that is also working together with the ISMH. We start several studies trying to know the different realities of Balneology in our European countries. We are also working on the consensus for a common lexicon and taxonomy in Balneology. Some important papers on this were already published and accepted by ISMH leaders. We also assist of the publication of a significant number of scientific studies, namely randomized controlled trials. Many of them with high quality standards.   Nevertheless the difficulties research is in fact improving. We should mention and praise the financial support of institutions specifically created to sponsor scientific studies on the thermal field, like for instance the French “AFreth” or the Italian “FoRST”.   Balneology Education needs to be better standardised in European terms so that we may built a common curriculum and walk towards an European Medical Board that could among other tasks to be able to certify Specialized Doctors on Balneology.   Balneology has a wide scope of interventions which include prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of a large number of health conditions.   We hope that its progress may benefit a greater number of people. Europe should contribute to this important goal.

PT1-3Balneology in Europe: principles, practice, education and research / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

  Balneology in Europe has a long tradition. The therapeutic effects of water or steam baths have been used in almost all its territory since early times, first as a purely empiric exercise but in our times with a remarkable progress on its scientific basis. Depending of geographic or cultural circumstances hydrotherapeutic modalities developed in different ways. However the contribution of the Greek Medicine for its roots and of the Roman Empire for the spread of its use must be enhanced.<BR>  During the two last centuries we assisted of a growing interest and knowledge of the properties and therapeutic principles of balneology and their action mechanisms, including: physical (hydrostatic, hydrodynamic, thermal), chemical, biologic and psychological factors. <BR>  Currently European Balneology progresses remarkably. European Medical professionals aimed several goals to build this progress. Among them we may refer: the establishment of principles and definitions; a manual of good practice; the development of research; the improvement of education on this field; the awareness of public authorities and of the population.<BR>  We may say that in the last ten years we really got significant achievements.<BR>  We managed to create new cooperation opportunities by the creation of a Balneology Group within the UEMS (European Union of Specialist Doctors) that is also working together with the ISMH. We start several studies trying to know the different realities of Balneology in our European countries. We are also working on the consensus for a common lexicon and taxonomy in Balneology. Some important papers on this were already published and accepted by ISMH leaders. We also assist of the publication of a significant number of scientific studies, namely randomized controlled trials. Many of them with high quality standards.<BR>  Nevertheless the difficulties research is in fact improving. We should mention and praise the financial support of institutions specifically created to sponsor scientific studies on the thermal field, like for instance the French “AFreth” or the Italian “FoRST”.<BR>  Balneology Education needs to be better standardised in European terms so that we may built a common curriculum and walk towards an European Medical Board that could among other tasks to be able to certify Specialized Doctors on Balneology.<BR>  Balneology has a wide scope of interventions which include prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of a large number of health conditions.<BR>  We hope that its progress may benefit a greater number of people. Europe should contribute to this important goal.

Schistosomiasis status of staff in Hydrology Bureau of Yangtze Water Re-sources Committee in 2013 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the status of schistosomiasis of staff in the Hydrology Bureau of Yangtze Water Re-sources Committee and the Oncomelania hupensis snail condition of their work areas in 2013 so as to provide the evidences for the schistosomiasis control in the industry. Methods The physical examination data about schistosomiasis of the staff from 2006 to 2013 were collected and analyzed to understand the schistosomiasis prevalence condition of the staff and the changes of their liver parenchyma. Meanwhile the snail status in the work areas was surveyed. Results There were 1 393 staff involved in the physical examinations of schistosomiasis in 2003 197 of them were schistosomiasis patients the prevalence rate was 14.14% and no new acute schistosomiasis case occurred. The cases whose liver parenchyma were classified as Grade 0 ⅠⅡ Ⅲoccupied 28.9% 67.0% 3.05%and 1.02% respectively. A total of 24 work areas were involved in the snail survey and 71 snails were captured. Among the whole snails captured 39 were living snails but no schistosome infected snails were found. Conclusions The prevalence rate of schistosomiasis in staff of the Hydrology Bureau of Yangtze Water Resources Com-mittee is relatively high so the schistosomiasis surveillance as well as the snail survey and control still should be carried out con-sistently.