Leong Wan Vun

Review Of Ecological Input In Preliminary Eias For Coastal Resort Development Projects In Malaysia

In Malaysia, environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been mandatory since 1988 as a proactive tool in environmental management for 19 prescribed activities. Since ecological information is an important component in EIA, this study examined the quality of ecological input in 41 preliminary EIAs for coastal resort development. Twelve criteria relating to ecological data, impact prediction, evaluation of impact significance, mitigating measures, residual impacts, monitoring, communication of the report and consultants were reviewed. Results revealed that only 27 percent of the EIAs were found to be satisfactory, whereas the others were at borderline or poor. In describing the existing environment, the majority of the reports made no mention of the survey methods, some of the data included were found to be not site-specific and up-to-date, and the sources of the secondary data presented in these reports were mostly not quoted. There was a tendency to survey terrestrial habitats more than aquatic, and higher plants are surveyed more than animals. Most of the reports also failed to mention the species status although comprehensive lists of species were present. They also failed to quantify the species present in the impacted areas which could lead to inadequate ecological impact prediction. The study also showed that, though all the reports contained a section on ecology, not all the EIA consultants involved in preparing these reports comprised of a multidisciplinary team that has an ecologist/biologist or environmental scientist.

Effectiveness of DNase and washing steps in removing dead cells’ DNA for PCR detection of viable Escherichia coli

This study investigates the use of DNase and washing steps in removing dead cells’ DNA during sample preparation and their effect on the detection of viable cells using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results indicated that the DNA from heat-killed cells could be completely removed by DNase; thus, would not be detected by PCR. Inclusion of washing steps in centrifugation during sample preparation fails to remove DNA from heat-killed cells, but it reduces the amount of DNA from dead cells as well as viable cells. DNase could selectively remove DNA of heat-killed cells in the water sample without influencing the PCR amplification of viable cells’ DNA. The inclusion of washing steps in the centrifugation procedure was ineffective, because viable cells might be lost during washing steps. This method allows the detection of viable bacteria and subsequently contributes to research concerning environmental samples.

Detection of viable bacteria in environmental water samples using DNase I and PCR method

In this study, we tested the potential application of a previously developed method in detecting Escherichia coli in environmental water samples. To increase the sensitivity of the method, and the recovery of microbial cells, water samples were filtered before being subjected to DNase treatment and polymerase chain reaction amplification. Results showed that DNase I treatment and PCR reaction were not affected by inhibitors as the expected amplicon was successfully amplified in autoclaved environmental waters spiked with E. coli. Then, we applied this method to naturally contaminated environmental water samples. We firstly confirmed the presence of coliforms and E. coli in these water samples by plating in eosin methylene blue agar. Simultaneous PCR amplification targeting Lac Z and uidR gene of total coliforms and E. coli respectively demonstrated that this developed method is potentially applicable for routine microbial assessment of health risks related to viable microorganisms in environmental or drinking waters.

Letter to the editor: 4Ss for sustainability

It has been said that sustainable development is the pathway to sustainability. I always challenge myself and my students to think critically whether sustainability is indeed the goal for whatever we are facing now and we could not think of an alternative. There seems to be a general sense that sustainability is too ideal to be achieved. Many strategies have been proposed since the conceptualization of this idea. So far, we have not managed to go very far. Studies have argued about the lack of concerted efforts and participation. I think what we need are simple strategies that are easy for everyone to remember and follow. I would like to propose the use of 4Ss that will propel us towards sustainability and thus towards a future that is desirable for all. The 4Ss mean Stop, Slow, Simple and Share. Stop is about discontinuing certain detrimental activities or actions, either on a selfregulating basis or enforcement by another party. In order to flourish sustainably, we must stop carrying out negative activities or actions towards the environment. Either we stop or the environment will somehow ‘stop’ us in its own ways. Slow is about pressing on the brake rather than the accelerator. We are moving too fast, and being in the fast gear, assuming we are driving, it will be very difficult for us to see the scenes along the way. The same goes for pursuit for development. Because we want everything quick, the pace of technological and environmental changes is too rapid for us to comprehend the potential chain reactive cumulative effects. Slowing down does not inhibit development. It means we can move towards a better world or a better quality of life, but slowly and sustainably. Slowing down would mean slowing down on production and reducing consumption. With the space and time to think, society can participate in decisions. We can consider future sustainability; remembering that ‘sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs’. Slowing down enables us to promote and practise real sustainable development because we have ample time to rethink and manoeuvre cautiously for the future. Simple is about making things simpler, less complicated. Simple means ‘less is best’. Striving towards excellence in sustainability needs not be very complicated. We need, for example, simplified procedures, reduced paperwork, fewer trips, optimal steps, and straightforward approaches to help conserve resources. Simple does not mean reduced quality, but rather sustained quality. Share is about sharing information and sharing of responsibilities. Because sustainability is a global issue, sharing is inevitable. Sharing of information enables us to do the right thing, and sharing of responsibilities enable us to do things together. When we do the right things together, we will definitely shift towards a sustainable future, a future we want.