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Ansje J. Löhr; Frank Van Belleghem. Sustainable Development Goals to Reduce and Prevent Marine Litter. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2021, 1 -12.
AMA StyleAnsje J. Löhr, Frank Van Belleghem. Sustainable Development Goals to Reduce and Prevent Marine Litter. Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 2021; ():1-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnsje J. Löhr; Frank Van Belleghem. 2021. "Sustainable Development Goals to Reduce and Prevent Marine Litter." Encyclopedia of the UN Sustainable Development Goals , no. : 1-12.
The potential and scale of cities enable economic growth and the improvement of citizens’ access to jobs, education, healthcare, culture, public utilities and services. Solid waste management (SWM) is one of the key services provided by cities. Its operations are complex, very visible to the general public, and impacted by strong financial, societal, and political constraints. Performances in developing countries, however, are not positive. United Nations research shows urban collection services covering no more than 39% of the population in low-income countries. Why are many cities in developing countries not able to use their increasing wealth and scale for basic SWM services such as city cleaning, collection, and sustainable landfilling? This paper provides a review of literature on this question over the last decade. It shows that research is mostly on symptoms and has not led to a deeper diagnosis of causes. Lack of resources, infrastructure, awareness, and institutional strength are often pinpointed as causes but, in fact, they should be addressed as symptoms. These symptoms should be designated as dependent variables in a complex causal network with systemic feedbacks, hindering or neutralizing attempts to improve performances if not properly dealt with. Research should concentrate more on assessing the relations between urbanization, urban processes, and urban governance that shape the performance of urban solid waste management. System dynamics modeling may provide new approaches for this diagnosis.
Hans Breukelman; Harold Krikke; Ansje Löhr. Failing Services on Urban Waste Management in Developing Countries: A Review on Symptoms, Diagnoses, and Interventions. Sustainability 2019, 11, 6977 .
AMA StyleHans Breukelman, Harold Krikke, Ansje Löhr. Failing Services on Urban Waste Management in Developing Countries: A Review on Symptoms, Diagnoses, and Interventions. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (24):6977.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHans Breukelman; Harold Krikke; Ansje Löhr. 2019. "Failing Services on Urban Waste Management in Developing Countries: A Review on Symptoms, Diagnoses, and Interventions." Sustainability 11, no. 24: 6977.
(1) The amount of plastic discharges in the environment has drastically increased in the last decades negatively affecting aquatic ecosystems, societies, and the world economy. The policies initiated to deal with this problem are insufficient and there is an urgency to initiate local actions based on a deep understanding of the factors involved. (2) This paper investigates the potential of massive open online courses (MOOCs) to spread environmental education. Therefore, the conclusions drawn from the implementation of a MOOC to combat the problem of marine litter in the world are presented. (3) This work describes the activity of 3632 participants from 64 countries taking an active role presenting useful tools, connecting them with the main world associations, and defining applied action plans in their local area. Pre- and post-questionnaires explore behavioral changes regarding the actions of participants to combat marine litter. The role of MOOCs is contrasted with social media, formal education, and informal education. (4) Findings suggest that MOOCs are useful instruments to promote environmental activism, and to develop local solutions to global problems, for example, clean beaches, supplanting plastic bottles, educational initiatives, and prohibition of single-use plastic.
Bernardo Tabuenca; Marco Kalz; Ansje Löhr. Massive Open Online Education for Environmental Activism: The Worldwide Problem of Marine Litter. Sustainability 2019, 11, 2860 .
AMA StyleBernardo Tabuenca, Marco Kalz, Ansje Löhr. Massive Open Online Education for Environmental Activism: The Worldwide Problem of Marine Litter. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (10):2860.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBernardo Tabuenca; Marco Kalz; Ansje Löhr. 2019. "Massive Open Online Education for Environmental Activism: The Worldwide Problem of Marine Litter." Sustainability 11, no. 10: 2860.
There is scarcity of research on scalable peer-feedback design and student’s peer-feedback perceptions and therewith their use in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). To address this gap, this study explored the use of peer-feedback design with the purpose of getting insight into student perceptions as well as into providing design guidelines. The findings of this pilot study indicate that peer-feedback training with the focus on clarity, transparency and the possibility to practice beforehand increases students willingness to participate in future peer-feedback activities and training, increases their perceived usefulness, preparedness and general attitude regarding peer-feedback. The results of this pilot will be used as a basis for future large-scale experiments to compare different designs.
Julia Kasch; Peter Van Rosmalen; Ansje Löhr; Ad Ragas; Marco Kalz. Student Perception of Scalable Peer-Feedback Design in Massive Open Online Courses. Communications in Computer and Information Science 2018, 54 -68.
AMA StyleJulia Kasch, Peter Van Rosmalen, Ansje Löhr, Ad Ragas, Marco Kalz. Student Perception of Scalable Peer-Feedback Design in Massive Open Online Courses. Communications in Computer and Information Science. 2018; ():54-68.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJulia Kasch; Peter Van Rosmalen; Ansje Löhr; Ad Ragas; Marco Kalz. 2018. "Student Perception of Scalable Peer-Feedback Design in Massive Open Online Courses." Communications in Computer and Information Science , no. : 54-68.
Wear and tear from tyres significantly contributes to the flow of (micro-)plastics into the environment. This paper compiles the fragmented knowledge on tyre wear and tear characteristics, amounts of particles emitted, pathways in the environment, and the possible effects on humans. The estimated per capita emission ranges from 0.23 to 4.7 kg/year, with a global average of 0.81 kg/year. The emissions from car tyres (100%) are substantially higher than those of other sources of microplastics, e.g., airplane tyres (2%), artificial turf (12–50%), brake wear (8%) and road markings (5%). Emissions and pathways depend on local factors like road type or sewage systems. The relative contribution of tyre wear and tear to the total global amount of plastics ending up in our oceans is estimated to be 5–10%. In air, 3–7% of the particulate matter (PM2.5) is estimated to consist of tyre wear and tear, indicating that it may contribute to the global health burden of air pollution which has been projected by the World Health Organization (WHO) at 3 million deaths in 2012. The wear and tear also enters our food chain, but further research is needed to assess human health risks. It is concluded here that tyre wear and tear is a stealthy source of microplastics in our environment, which can only be addressed effectively if awareness increases, knowledge gaps on quantities and effects are being closed, and creative technical solutions are being sought. This requires a global effort from all stakeholders; consumers, regulators, industry and researchers alike.
Pieter Jan Kole; Ansje J. Löhr; Frank G. A. J. Van Belleghem; Ad M. J. Ragas. Wear and Tear of Tyres: A Stealthy Source of Microplastics in the Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2017, 14, 1265 .
AMA StylePieter Jan Kole, Ansje J. Löhr, Frank G. A. J. Van Belleghem, Ad M. J. Ragas. Wear and Tear of Tyres: A Stealthy Source of Microplastics in the Environment. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2017; 14 (10):1265.
Chicago/Turabian StylePieter Jan Kole; Ansje J. Löhr; Frank G. A. J. Van Belleghem; Ad M. J. Ragas. 2017. "Wear and Tear of Tyres: A Stealthy Source of Microplastics in the Environment." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 14, no. 10: 1265.
Biodiesel is increasingly used as a fuel in transportation. It is generally considered an environmentally friendly alternative for diesel from fossil oil, because of lower emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2). However, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions during the growth of energy crops can be considerable. N2O is emitted as a result of fertiliser use, needed to cultivate the energy crops. Fertiliser use not only increases the direct agricultural soil emissions, but also the indirect N2O emissions from aquatic systems, after leaching and runoff of nitrogen from fertilised soils. The aim of this study is to quantify future N2O emissions associated with the cultivation of energy crops in European river basins. We analyse three future scenarios for biodiesel production in Europe, and the associated N2O emissions from fertilised fields. Our focus is on biodiesel produced from first generation energy crops. The scenarios assume that by the year 2050, 15–30% of the demand for fossil diesel is replaced by biodiesel. This would change the European fertiliser needs and, as a result, N2O emissions from fertilised soils. Our results indicate that increased biodiesel production may increase N2O emissions in Europe by about 25–45% relative to a scenario without a growth in biodiesel production, but not equally in all regions and all scenarios. The rate of change depends on where energy crops are grown, and whether or not they replace agricultural crops, or natural vegetation.
Jikke Van Wijnen; Carolien Kroeze; Wilfried P. M. F. Ivens; Ansje J. Löhr. Future scenarios for N 2 O emissions from biodiesel production in Europe. Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences 2015, 12, 1 -14.
AMA StyleJikke Van Wijnen, Carolien Kroeze, Wilfried P. M. F. Ivens, Ansje J. Löhr. Future scenarios for N 2 O emissions from biodiesel production in Europe. Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences. 2015; 12 (sup1):1-14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJikke Van Wijnen; Carolien Kroeze; Wilfried P. M. F. Ivens; Ansje J. Löhr. 2015. "Future scenarios for N 2 O emissions from biodiesel production in Europe." Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences 12, no. sup1: 1-14.
We present estimates for nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) sewage inputs to 19 Indonesian rivers for 1970–2050. Future trends are based on the four scenarios of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Our results indicate a rapid increase in N and P pollution from sewage over time. In 1970, N and P inputs to rivers were low because not many households were connected to sewage systems discharging to rivers. Sewage connection is increasing over time. As a result, N and P inputs to rivers increase. We calculate that between 2000 and 2050 the N and P inputs increase with a factor of 17–40, depending on the scenario. Important determinants of future N and P sewage inputs are population, economic growth, urbanization, sewage systems development and wastewater treatment. Our calculations are based on an improved model for N and P inputs to rivers, indicating that previous estimates underestimated these inputs considerably.
Djoko Suwarno; Ansje Löhr; Carolien Kroeze; Budi Widianarko. Fast increases in urban sewage inputs to rivers of Indonesia. Environment, Development and Sustainability 2014, 16, 1077 -1096.
AMA StyleDjoko Suwarno, Ansje Löhr, Carolien Kroeze, Budi Widianarko. Fast increases in urban sewage inputs to rivers of Indonesia. Environment, Development and Sustainability. 2014; 16 (5):1077-1096.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDjoko Suwarno; Ansje Löhr; Carolien Kroeze; Budi Widianarko. 2014. "Fast increases in urban sewage inputs to rivers of Indonesia." Environment, Development and Sustainability 16, no. 5: 1077-1096.
Daisy J.J. Tysmans; Ansje J. Löhr; Carolien Kroeze; Wilfried P.M.F. Ivens; Jikke van Wijnen. Spatial and temporal variability of nutrient retention in river basins: A global inventory. Ecological Indicators 2013, 34, 607 -615.
AMA StyleDaisy J.J. Tysmans, Ansje J. Löhr, Carolien Kroeze, Wilfried P.M.F. Ivens, Jikke van Wijnen. Spatial and temporal variability of nutrient retention in river basins: A global inventory. Ecological Indicators. 2013; 34 ():607-615.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaisy J.J. Tysmans; Ansje J. Löhr; Carolien Kroeze; Wilfried P.M.F. Ivens; Jikke van Wijnen. 2013. "Spatial and temporal variability of nutrient retention in river basins: A global inventory." Ecological Indicators 34, no. : 607-615.
A first study was made on the microbial community composition of the Indonesian crater lake Kawah Ijen (pH < 0.3) and the Banyupahit-Banyuputih river (pH 0.4-3.5) originating from it. Culture-independent, rRNA gene-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to profile microbial communities in this natural and ancient, extremely acidic environment. Similarity in community profiles of the different sampling locations was low, indicating heterogeneity in community composition. Archaea were present at all sampling locations; archaeal diversity was low at the most acidic locations and increased at pH >2.6. Bacteria were not detected in the water column of the crater lake, but were found at all locations along the acidic river. Bacterial diversity increased with increasing pH. Eukarya were only present at pH >2.6. Retrieved rRNA gene sequences of Bacteria and Archaea were not closely related to known acidophilic species. It is concluded that tolerance to extreme acidity in this system is developed most extensively among Archaea. The acidity gradient of the Banyupahit-Banyuputih river has a clear effect on microbial community composition and biodiversity.
Ansje J. Löhr; Anniet Laverman; Martin Braster; Nico M. Van Straalen; Wilfred F. M. Röling. Microbial Communities in the World's Largest Acidic Volcanic Lake, Kawah Ijen in Indonesia, and in the Banyupahit River Originating from It. Microbial Ecology 2006, 52, 609 -618.
AMA StyleAnsje J. Löhr, Anniet Laverman, Martin Braster, Nico M. Van Straalen, Wilfred F. M. Röling. Microbial Communities in the World's Largest Acidic Volcanic Lake, Kawah Ijen in Indonesia, and in the Banyupahit River Originating from It. Microbial Ecology. 2006; 52 (4):609-618.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnsje J. Löhr; Anniet Laverman; Martin Braster; Nico M. Van Straalen; Wilfred F. M. Röling. 2006. "Microbial Communities in the World's Largest Acidic Volcanic Lake, Kawah Ijen in Indonesia, and in the Banyupahit River Originating from It." Microbial Ecology 52, no. 4: 609-618.
Functional processes in freshwater ecosystems are highly influenced by acidic conditions. Foodwebs are affected and macroinvertebrate species diversity is decreased. This study aims to investigate leaf decomposition at very low pH in the acidic Banyupahit–Banyuputih river originating from the acidic crater lake Kawah Ijen in Indonesia. Leaf decomposition experiments were carried out for 200 days in the acidic river at pHs of approximately 0.7, 2.3 and 3.0 and in the neutral Kali Sengon river, using leaves from teak, Tectona grandis, and bamboo, Bambusa sp. Two different types of leaf packs were used: fine mesh size packs were used to exclude macroinvertebrates and coarse mesh size packs allowed macroinvertebrate colonization. Clear differences in decomposition rate were observed between the neutral Kali Sengon and the acidic Banyupahit–Banyuputih river with decomposition in the Kali Sengon river proceeding significantly faster for both leaf types. In the Kali Sengon k values (d−1) over 46 days were 0.0202 for fine teak, 0.0236 for coarse teak, 0.0114 for fine bamboo and 0.0151 for coarse bamboo. No significant differences were observed between the three sites in the acidic Banyupahit–Banyuputih river with k values of 0.0034–0.0066 for fine teak, 0.0002–0.0057 for coarse teak, 0.0029–0.0054 for fine bamboo and 0.0000–0.0068 for coarse bamboo. Moreover, no clear adaptation of macroinvertebrates or microbes to low pH conditions could be detected. The coarse mesh leaf packs in the neutral Kali Sengon river revealed that macroinvertebrates are important in the breakdown process. Fine mesh packs revealed that microbial activity is depressed under acidic conditions. Based on this evidence, we conclude that the toxicity at low pH conditions, and probably also the precipitation of metals on the leaf material, seriously affects leaf decomposition.
Ansje J. Löhr; Jinze Noordijk; Kelik Lrianto; Cornelis A. M. Van Gestel; Nico M. Van Straalen. Leaf Decomposition in an Extremely Acidic River of Volcanic Origin in Indonesia. Hydrobiologia 2006, 560, 51 -61.
AMA StyleAnsje J. Löhr, Jinze Noordijk, Kelik Lrianto, Cornelis A. M. Van Gestel, Nico M. Van Straalen. Leaf Decomposition in an Extremely Acidic River of Volcanic Origin in Indonesia. Hydrobiologia. 2006; 560 (1):51-61.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnsje J. Löhr; Jinze Noordijk; Kelik Lrianto; Cornelis A. M. Van Gestel; Nico M. Van Straalen. 2006. "Leaf Decomposition in an Extremely Acidic River of Volcanic Origin in Indonesia." Hydrobiologia 560, no. 1: 51-61.