Participation of citizens and stakeholders in environmental governance is widely believed to enhance environmental policy outcomes. This instrumental claim has, however, been challenged both on theoretical grounds and due to a lack of reliable evidence. Numerous single case studies are available, providing a rich, but scattered and yet un-tapped source of data. EDGE aims to drastically improve the state of scientific knowledge on whether and under what conditions participation actually improves policy delivery in environmental governance. Based on one coherent analytical framework, EDGE will use an evidence-based approach, combining secondary (meta-analysis of previously published case studies - case survey) with primary research (comparative case studies and field experimentation): 1. Case survey (case meta-analysis): Published case studies from Europe and North America will be reviewed and systematically compared, employing and further developing the case survey method. A sample of c.200 cases will be precisely coded based on a theoretical framework that provides context, process and outcome variables. Results will be analysed with probabilistic (statistical) and set-theoretic (QCA) methods. The case survey is a highly suitable, yet rarely employed comparative method for rigorous aggregation of case based knowledge. It draws on the richness of the case material while allowing for much wider generalisation than can single cases. EDGE will conduct the hitherto largest and most rigorous case survey in governance research. Primary research will be conducted in the area of water governance as a key area of environmental governance in which participation is explicitly encouraged. The implementation of the European Water Framework Directive (Was-serrahmenrichtlinie) (WFD) of 2000 and of the EU Floods Directive (Hochwasserrisikomanagement-Richtlinie) of 2007 provides a unique opportunity to assess completed governance processes and their outcomes (2001-2009) as well as upcoming governance processes (2013-2015), the latter via field experimentation. 2. Comparative case studies: A sample of around two dozen cases of regional WFD implementation (production of River Basin Management Plans and Programmes of Measures as well as the implementation of measures) in selected European countries will be studied, applying the same analytical scheme as used in the case survey. 3. Field experimentation: In close collaboration with water managers, another set of cases of regional implementation of the EU Floods Directive will be subject to random selection of more or less participatory procedures. EDGE will thus perform one of the first field experiments in governance research. Given the instrumental rationale for participatory governance, this subject lends itself outstandingly to be tested with randomized field experimentation. (Abridged text)
The identification of degradation pathways relevant for organic micropollutants in biological wastewater treatment processes is currently a major gap, preventing a profound evaluation of the capability of biological wastewater treatment. By elucidating the responsible enzymatic reactions of mixed microbial populations this project will cover this gap and thereby allow finding technical solutions that harness the true potential of biological processes for an enhanced biodegradation and detoxification. Due to the multi-disciplinary approach Athene will have impact on the fields of biological wastewater treatment, analytical and environmental chemistry, microbiology in wastewater treatment, water and potable water reuse, biotechnology and (eco)toxicity. The multi-disciplinary approach of the project requires the involvement of co-investigators experienced in process engineering, environmental microbiology and ecotoxicology. Athene will go far beyond state-of-the-art in the following fields: a) efficiency in chemical analysis and structure identification of transformation products at environmental relevant concentrations; b) identification of enzymatic pathways relevant for micropollutant degradation in biological wastewater treatment; c) designing innovative technical solutions to maximize biodegradation of micropollutants; d) map and model the relevant enzymatic pathways for environmental concentration levels. Furthermore, designing biological wastewater treatment processes by understanding enzymatic pathways relevant for organic micropollutants removal represents a paradigm shift for municipal wastewater treatment. In the context of the actual scientific and political discussion about the relevance of trace organics in the aquatic environment and in drinking water, this topic is deemed as highly innovative: for its potential of proposing new technical options as well as for the gain in understanding compound persistency. Finally enzymatic reactions as well as the treatment schemes will be assessed for their capability to reduce toxicological effects, another crucial innovative approach for designing wastewater treatment in future.Hence, the success of the high risk project is based on its interdisciplinary approach, i.e. combining expertise in the fields of analytical chemistry, process engineering, microbial enzymology and ecotoxicology.
This project aims at revolutionizing the way the emission of mineral dust from natural soils is treated in numerical models of the Earth system. Dust significantly affects weather and climate through its influences on radiation, cloud microphysics, atmospheric chemistry and the carbon cycle via the fertilization of ecosystems. To date, quantitative estimates of dust emission and deposition are highly uncertain. This is largely due to the strongly nonlinear dependence of emissions on peak winds, which are often underestimated in models and analysis data. The core objective of this project is therefore to explore ways of better representing crucial meteorological processes such as daytime downward mixing of momentum from nocturnal low-level jets, convective cold pools and small-scale dust devils and plumes in models. To achieve this, we shall undertake (A) a detailed analysis of observations including station data, measurements from recent field campaigns, analysis data and novel satellite products, (B) a comprehensive comparison between output from a wide range of global and regional dust models, and (C) extensive sensitivity studies with regional and large-eddy simulation models in realistic and idealized set-ups to explore effects of resolution and model physics. In contrast to previous studies, all evaluations will be made on a process level concentrating on specific meteorological phenomena. Main deliverables are guidelines for optimal model configurations and novel parameterizations that link gridscale quantities with probabilities of winds exceeding a given threshold within the gridbox. The results will substantially advance our quantitative understanding of the global dust cycle and reduce uncertainties in predicting climate, weather and impacts on human health.