A model of hybrid speciation process drawn from three new poplar species originating from distant hybridization between sections.

Although numerous studies have been conducted on hybrid speciation, our understanding of this process remains limited. Through an 18-year systematic investigation of all taxa of Populus on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, we discovered three new taxa with clear characteristics of sect. Leucoides. Further evidence was gathered from morphology, whole-genome bioinformatics, biogeography, and breeding to demonstrate synthetically that they all originated from distant hybridization between sect. Leucoides and sect. Tacamahaca. P. gonggaensis originated from the hybridization of P. lasiocarpa with P. cathayana, P. butuoensis from the hybridization of P. wilsonii with P. szechuanica, and P. dafengensis from the hybridization of P. lasiocarpa with P. szechuanica. Due to heterosis, the three hybrid taxa possess greater ecological adaptability than their ancestral species. We propose a hybrid speciation process model that incorporates orthogonal, reverse, and backcrossing events. This model can adequately explain some crucial evolutionary concerns, such as the nuclear-cytoplasmic conflict on phylogeny and the extinction of ancestral species within the distribution range of hybrid species.

A new species of Populus and the extensive hybrid speciation arising from it on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

While the diversity of species formation is broadly acknowledged, significant debate exists regarding the universal nature of hybrid species formation. Through an 18-year comprehensive study of all Populus species on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, 23 previously recorded species and 8 new species were identified. Based on morphological characteristics, these can be classified into three groups: species in section Leucoides, species with large leaves, and species with small leaves in section Tacamahaca. By conducting whole-genome re-sequencing of 150 genotypes from these 31 species, 2.28 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing these SNPs not only revealed a highly intricate evolutionary network within the large-leaf species of section Tacamahaca but also confirmed that a new species, P. curviserrata, naturally hybridized with P. cathayana, P. szechuanica, and P. ciliata, resulting in 11 hybrid species. These findings indicate the widespread occurrence of hybrid species formation within this genus, with hybridization serving as a key evolutionary mechanism for Populus on the plateau. A novel hypothesis, "Hybrid Species Exterminating Their Ancestral Species (HSEAS)," is introduced to explain the mechanisms of hybrid species formation at three different scales: the entire plateau, the southeastern mountain region, and individual river valleys.

Genome-wide investigation and expression profiling of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) family genes uncover likely functions in organ development and stress responses in Populus trichocarpa.

BACKGROUND: Trees such as Populus are planted extensively for reforestation and afforestation. However, their successful establishment greatly depends upon ambient environmental conditions and their relative resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a ubiquitous metalloproteinase in plants, which plays crucial roles in mediating plant resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. Although the whole genome sequence of Populus trichocarpa has long been published, little is known about the PPO genes in Populus, especially those related to drought stress, mechanical damage, and insect feeding. Additionally, there is a paucity of information regarding hormonal responses at the whole genome level. RESULTS: A genome-wide analysis of the poplar PPO family was performed in the present study, and 18 PtrPPO genes were identified. Bioinformatics and qRT-PCR were then used to analyze the gene structure, phylogeny, chromosomal localization, gene replication, cis-elements, and expression patterns of PtrPPOs. Sequence analysis revealed that two-thirds of the PtrPPO genes lacked intronic sequences. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all PPO genes were categorized into 11 groups, and woody plants harbored many PPO genes. Eighteen PtrPPO genes were disproportionally localized on 19 chromosomes, and 3 pairs of segmented replication genes and 4 tandem repeat genomes were detected in poplars. Cis-acting element analysis identified numerous growth and developmental elements, secondary metabolism processes, and stress-related elements in the promoters of different PPO members. Furthermore, PtrPPO genes were expressed preferentially in the tissues and fruits of young plants. In addition, the expression of some PtrPPOs could be significantly induced by polyethylene glycol, abscisic acid, and methyl jasmonate, thereby revealing their potential role in regulating the stress response. Currently, we identified potential upstream TFs of PtrPPOs using bioinformatics. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive analysis is helpful for selecting candidate PPO genes for follow-up studies on biological function, and progress in understanding the molecular genetic basis of stress resistance in forest trees might lead to the development of genetic resources.

Genome-Wide Investigation of the NF-X1 Gene Family in Populus trichocarpa Expression Profiles during Development and Stress.

Poplar are planted extensively in reforestation and afforestation. However, their successful establishment largely depends on the environmental conditions of the newly established plantation and their resistance to abiotic as well as biotic stresses. NF-X1, a widespread transcription factor in plants, plays an irreplaceable role in plant growth, development, and stress tolerance. Although the whole genome sequence of Populus trichocarpa has been published for a long time, little is known about the NF-X1 genes in poplar, especially those related to drought stress, mechanical damage, insect feeding, and hormone response at the whole genome level. In this study, whole genome analysis of the poplar NF-X1 family was performed, and 4 PtrNF-X1 genes were identified. Then, bioinformatics analysis and qRT-PCR were applied to analyze the gene structure, phylogeny, chromosomal localization, gene replication, Cis-elements, and expression patterns of PtrNF-X1genes. Sequence analysis revealed that one-quarter of the PtrNF-X1 genes did not contain introns. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all NF-X1 genes were split into three subfamilies. The number of two pairs of segmented replication genes were detected in poplars. Cis-acting element analysis identified a large number of elements of growth and development and stress-related elements on the promoters of different NF-X1 members. In addition, some PtrNF-X1 could be significantly induced by polyethylene glycol (PEG) and abscisic acid (ABA), thus revealing their potential role in regulating stress response. Comprehensive analysis is helpful in selecting candidate NF-X1 genes for the follow-up study of the biological function, and molecular genetic progress of stress resistance in forest trees provides genetic resources.

Genome-wide analysis and expression profiling of Cation/H+ exchanger (CAX) family genes reveal likely functions in cadmium stress responses in poplar.

Cadmium, a toxic heavy metal, seriously affects human health and ecological security. The cation/H+ exchanger (CAX) family is a unique metal transporter that plays a crucial role in Cd acquisition, transfer, and remission in plants. Although there are many studies related to the genome-wide analysis of Populus trichocarpa, little research has been done on the CAX family genes, especially concerning Cd stress. In this study, genome-wide analysis of the Populus CAX family identified seven stress-related CAX genes. The evolutionary tree indicated that the CaCA family genes were grouped into four clusters. Moreover, seven pairs of genes were derived by segmental duplication in poplars. Cis-acting element analysis identified numerous stress-related elements in the promoters of diverse PtrCAXs. Furthermore, some PtrCAXs were up-regulated by drought, beetle, and mechanical damage, indicating their possible function in regulating stress response. Under cadmium stress, all CAX genes in the roots were up-regulated. Our findings suggest that plants may regulate their response to Cd stress through the TF-CAXs module. Comprehensively investigating the CAX family provides a scientific basis for the phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution by Populus.

[Response of Riverine Nitrogen Exports to Land Use Pattern and Hydrological Regime in the Jiulong River Watershed].

Watershed land use patterns combined with hydrological regimes affect riverine nitrogen (N) sources, transformation pathways, and exports, which can affect watershed health and freshwater ecosystem service supply. Understanding how land use and hydrological regimes affect riverine N exports is therefore useful for developing sustainable watershed management strategies. Based on in-situ observations during the period 2010-2017, watershed modeling, geospatial technology, and statistical analysis were coupled in this study to explore the responses of riverine nitrogen exports to watershed land use pattern and hydrological regime in a medium-sized watershed. Results showed that nitrate was the major form of dissolved inorganic N in the Jiulong River watershed; agricultural and urban watersheds had higher N exports and greater temporal variability than those in natural watershed. The seasonal fluctuation for watershed N concentrations and exports was obvious in wet years compared with dry years. Compared with the hydrological regime, the land use pattern had significant effects on N concentrations and exports. This study demonstrated that spatiotemporal variations of riverine nitrogen exports were mainly contributed by the coupled effects of watershed land use pattern and hydrological regime.

External application of nitrogen alleviates toxicity of cadmium on poplars via starch and sucrose metabolism.

Phytoremediation technology can help achieve moderate cost and considerable effect with respect to the remediation of heavy metal (HM) pollution in soil and water. Many previous studies have suggested the role of nitrogen (N) in the alleviation of effects of HM on plants. Herein, we sought to determine the molecular mechanisms by which additional N supplementation mitigates cadmium (Cd) toxicity in poplars using a combination of physiological, transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic analyses. The application of N can alleviate the toxicity of Cd to Populus by reducing chlorophyll degradation, maintaining the stability of ions inside and outside the cell membrane and increasing the soluble sugar content. Plant samples from the control, Cd stress and Cd_N treatments were used for an integrated analysis of the transcriptome, as well as for phosphoproteomics analysis. Moreover, 1314 differentially expressed genes and 119 differentially expressed kinase genes were discovered. Application of additional N under Cd stress promoted the phosphorylation process. Furthermore, 51 significantly enriched phosphorylated protein sites and 23 differentially expressed kinases were identified using phosphoproteomic and proteomic analyses. Importantly, transcriptomic and phosphoproteomic analyses jointly determined that the application of N could activate corresponding gene expression [UDP-glucose-dehydrogenase (UGD), GAUT, PME, pectin lyase, UDP-glucose-pyrophosphorylase 2 (UGP2), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), SUS and SPP2] and protein phosphorylation (UGP2 and SPS) in the sugar and starch synthesis pathways, which promoted the synthesis of sucrose and soluble sugar and subsequently alleviated the damage caused by Cd.

[Responses of Riverine Phosphorus Exports to Land Use and Hydrological Regime in the Jiulong River Watershed].

In-situ monitoring, geographic information technology (GIS), watershed model, and statistical techniques were coupled in this study to explore the responses of riverine phosphorus exports to land use pattern and hydrological regime in the Jiulong River Watershed (JRW). We analyzed riverine phosphorus concentrations and exports from March 2015 to February 2017 across a land use gradient spanning 14 monitored sampling sites. Results showed that significantly spatial and seasonal variations of phosphorus concentrations and exports were observed in JRW. Mean phosphorus concentrations and exports were the highest in the agricultural watershed, followed by the urban watershed, whereas the West River reach had higher mean phosphorus concentration and export than the North River reach. Mean concentrations of phosphorus were higher in spring and winter, whereas lower concentrations were observed in autumn and summer. Phosphorus exports were higher in spring and summer, consistent with the seasonal trend of runoff. Phosphorus concentrations and exports had negative correlations with percentages of forest and bare land, and were positively correlated with cropland and orchard. The responses of riverine phosphorus to land use types and hydrological regime varied across seasons, whereas the relationships between phosphorus concentrations/exports and land use or runoff were the strongest in summer, suggesting that non-point source pollution associated with agricultural activities would be the critical source of riverine phosphorus and an increase in forest percentage could be useful for improving water quality. Overall, the spatiotemporal patterns of phosphorus exports were affected by land use pattern, as well as the characteristics of the hydrological regime.

Characterization of surface runoff from a subtropics urban catchment.

Characteristics of surface runoff from a 0.14-km2 urban catchment with separated sewer in Macau was investigated. Water quality measurements of surface runoff were carried out on five rainfall events during the period of August to November, 2005. Water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, TSS, COD, TN, Zn, Pb, and Cu were analyzed. The results show that TN and COD are the major pollutants from surface runoff with mean concentration of 8.5 and 201.4 mg/L, both over 4-fold higher compared to the Class V surface water quality standard developed by China SEPA. Event mean concentration (EMC) for major pollutants showed considerable variations between rainfall events. The largest rainfall event with the longest length of antecedent dry weather period (ADWP) produced the highest EMC of TN, TSS and COD. From the pollutographs analysis, the peak concentration of TN precedes the peak runoff flow rate for all three rainfall events. The tendency of the concentration of TSS, turbidity and COD changing with runoff flow varies between rainfall events. The relationship between TSS and other parameters were analyzed to evaluate the efficiency of the physical treatment process to control the surface runoff in the urban catchment. Based on the correlation of parameters with TSS, high treatment efficiency of TSS, TN and COD was expected. The most significant event in term of first flush is the one with the strongest rainfall intensity and longest length of ADWP. TN always showed first flush phenomenon in all three rainfall events, which suggested that the surface runoff in the early stage of surface runoff should be dealt with for controlling TN losses during rainfall events.

[Artificial radial head replacement for the treatment of comminuted fractures of the radial head].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical effects of artificial radial head prosthesis replacement for the treatment of comminuted fracture of the radial head. METHODS: From June 2011 to June 2015, 25 patients with radial head comminuted fracture were treated with artificial radial head replacement, including 10 males and 15 females, ranging in age form 24 to 61 years old(mean, 40 years old). The functional recovery of the patients suffering from limb and elbow in different periods, the activity degree of the elbow joint and the function of the elbow in the latest follow-up were compared. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 48 months, averaged 26 months. There were no complications such as infection, elbow instability, subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint, and myositis ossificans. The VAS, Broberg and Morrey elbow function score were improved 6, 9 months after operation compared with that 3 months after operation(P<0.05). There were significant differences in elbow flexion and extension, rotation activity between injured side and healthy side 3, 6, 9 months after operation(P<0.01), but no significant differences between injured side and healthy side at the latest follow-up(P>0.05). At the latest follow-up, according to Broberg and Morrey elbow function evaluation criteria, 16 cases got an excellent result, 7 good and 2 poor. CONCLUSIONS: It can maximize the recovery of elbow joint stability and quicken early functional exercise, prevent and reduce the occurrence of complications by using the artificial radial head replacement therapy to repair comminuted fracture of the radial head. The short-term curative effect is satisfactory, but the long-term effect needs further observation.

[Seasonal Variation on Nutrient Limitation for Phytoplankton Growth in a Coastal River-Reservoir System, Southeast China].

A comprehensive analysis was conducted using a dataset obtained from October in 2013 to October in 2014 monitoring in 20 headwater streams of Jiulong River and four reservoirs, situated in such a coastal river-reservoir system in Southeast China suffering from intensive anthropogenic disturbance. In-situ monitoring, GIS and statistical analysis were coupled in this study to identify the spatiotemporal variations of nutrients & phytoplankton abundance and community structure, the differentiation of nitrogen & phosphorus limitation of phytoplankton growth, and the seasonal variations in nutrient limitation of phytoplankton growth. The results showed that there were obvious spatiotemporal variations in terms of nutrients & phytoplankton abundance and community structure in the 20 headwater streams and four reservoirs. The concentration of nitrogen was higher in winter and spring whereas lower in summer and autumn for both 20 headwater streams and four reservoirs. However, the concentration of phosphorus showed an opposite trend. The phytoplankton's abundance was the highest in summer for four reservoirs while it was higher in winter and spring, lower in summer and autumn in the 20 headwater streams. Meanwhile, the main trend in the succession of phytoplankton was from Bacillariophyta in autumn, winter and spring to Chlorophyta in summer in Tingxi reservoir, from Chlorophyta-Cryptophyta in winter and spring to Chlorophyta-Cyanophyta in summer and autumn in Jiangdong reservoir. No obvious trend exhibited in phytoplankton succession in Shidou-Bantou reservoir and 20 headwater streams. The Redundancy analysis (RDA) ordination plots well displayed the phytoplankton's community structure and its relationships with environmental factors. Besides, according to linear regression analysis there was a closer correlation between chlorophyll-a and nutrients in four reservoirs than in 20 headwater streams. In four reservoirs, N limitation was preliminarily observed in autumn whereas P limitation exhibited in winter.

[Parameter uncertainty analysis for urban rainfall runoff modelling].

An urban watershed in Xiamen was selected to perform the parameter uncertainty analysis for urban stormwater runoff modeling in terms of identification and sensitivity analysis based on storm water management model (SWMM) using Monte-Carlo sampling and regionalized sensitivity analysis (RSA) algorithm. Results show that Dstore-Imperv, Dstore-Perv and Curve Number (CN) are the identifiable parameters with larger K-S values in hydrological and hydraulic module, and the rank of K-S values in hydrological and hydraulic module is Dstore-Imperv > CN > Dstore-Perv > N-Perv > conductivity > Con-Mann > N-Imperv. With regards to water quality module, the parameters in exponent washoff model including Coefficient and Exponent and the Max. Buildup parameter of saturation buildup model in three land cover types are the identifiable parameters with the larger K-S values. In comparison, the K-S value of rate constant in three landuse/cover types is smaller than that of Max. Buildup, Coefficient and Exponent.

[Preliminary analysis of spatiotemporal variation of water quality and its influencing factors in the Jiulong River watershed].

Twenty one sub-watersheds in the Jiulong River watershed were chosen for in-situ monitoring water quality of baseflow in flood season, dry season and average season in 2010. Geographical information system and multivariate analysis were coupled to characterize the spatiotemporal variation of water quality and identify its influencing factors. The results show that the water quality in dry season is the worst whereas the water quality in flood season is comparatively good. The first principal component representing sanitary and industrial wastewater pollution, explained 45.58% of the total variance of water quality. The second principal component concerning pollution due to agricultural activities, explained 21.28% of the total variance. NH4(+) -N, SRP, potassium permanganate index, K+, Cl-, Mg2+ and Na had a significantly positive correlation with percentage of built-up and density of population. NO3(-) -N was correlated positively with percentage of cropland. The sub-watersheds with high proportion of build-up area and density of population show high concentration of NH4(+) -N, SRP, potassium permanganate index, K+, Cl-. Comparatively, the sub-watersheds with high percentage of cropland show high level of nitrate concentration. Improvement of the wastewater treatment efficiency and increased recognition of agricultural non-point source pollution were finally highlighted from watershed management perspectives.

[Study on the linkage between urban built-up land and water quality in the Jiulong River watershed].

Band grouping indices combined with single band characteristic were used to extract urban built-up land based on satellite image in the Jiulong River Watershed. Landscape ecology method and statistical analysis were employed to explore the relationship between urban built-up land and permanganate index, NH4(+) -N, TP concentrations. There were significantly positive correlations between the proportion of urban built-up land and permanganate index, NH4(+) -N, TP (r = 0.701, 0.695, 0.789). It indicates the proportion of urban built-up land areas in the sub-watershed could be an effective indicator of water quality. The largest patch index (LPI) was positively correlated to permanganate index, NH4(+) -N, TP concentrations in the water (r = 0.555, 0.643, 0.722). The landscape shape index(LSI) was positively correlated to permanganate index and TP concentrations in the water (r = 0.564, 0.553). These means the impacts of urban built-up land on water quality are influenced not only by urban built-up land areas but also by spatial patterns. The seasonally linear correlation results show that water quality deteriorates quickly with urban built-up land during the flood season and dry season, and the water is susceptible to eutrophication in both flood and dry seasons. The water quality in most sub-watersheds are impacted by urban built-up land, while the urban built-up land areas of Longmen stream, Su stream and Xiao stream located in headstreams are intensive, which need to be adjusted and controlled to protect the water quality.

[Preliminary study on linking land use & landscape pattern and water quality in the Jiulong River watershed].

Geospatial analysis and statistical analysis were integrated to link land use & landscape pattern and water quality in 2002 and 2007 at the entire watershed and buffer zone scale in the Jiulong River Watershed. Results show that the relationships between land use & landscape pattern and water quality in 2002 and 2007 were basically consistent, namely: (1) Percentage of built-up area was positively correlated with BOD5, NO3(-)-N, NH4(+)-N and permanganate index, and negatively correlated with DO; percentage of woodland area was positively correlated with NO3(-)-N, NH4(+)-N and permanganate index; percentage of cropland area was negatively correlated with NO3(-)-N, NH4(+)-N and permanganate index. (2) SHDI was positively correlated with permanganate index, TP, NH4(+)-N, and negatively correlated with DO at the entire watershed and buffer scale; LPI was negatively correlated with BOD5, permanganate index, TP and NH4(+)-N, and positively correlated with DO at the entire watershed and buffer zone scale; PD was positively correlated with BOD5, TP and NH4(+)-N; Most of the landscape pattern metrics was not the good predictors for water quality in study watershed. (3) Water quality parameters in buffer zone area have more significant correlations with percentage of land use type areas and landscape pattern metrics, because most water quality parameters in the buffer zone can be better explained with greater adjusted coefficient of determination (Adjusted R2). (4) Compared to landscape pattern metrics, percentage of land use type area can predict water quality better because most water quality parameters have more stable correlations.

[Identification of spatio-temporal variation in the seaside water quality along Macau Peninsula].

Cluster analysis (CA) and discriminant analysis (DA) were coupled to identify the spatial and temporal variation of the seaside water quality for 14 parameters and 22 different sites along Macau Peninsula, so as to identify the temporal and spatial variation for further optimizing the monitoring network and controlling the seaside water quality along Macau Peninsula. The results show that 12 months could be grouped into two periods, June-September and the remaining months, and the entire area was divided into two clusters, one located at western sides of Macau Peninsula, and another one is in southeast and southern sides of the Macau peninsula. Through backward stepwise DA, pH, Cl-, TSS, color and TP, Cl-, color, NH4+, DO, COD were identified as the discriminant variables of spatial and temporal variation, with 84.82% and 76.57% correct assignments, respectively. This study illustrates the application of multivariate statistical techniques is beneficial for understanding the temporal and spatial variation of seaside water quality and further effective water quality management.

[Local sensitivity and its stationarity analysis for urban rainfall runoff modelling].

Sensitivity analysis of urban-runoff simulation is a crucial procedure for parameter identification and uncertainty analysis. Local sensitivity analysis using Morris screening method was carried out for urban rainfall runoff modelling based on Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The results showed that Area, % Imperv and Dstore-Imperv are the most sensitive parameters for both total runoff volume and peak flow. Concerning total runoff volume, the sensitive indices of Area, % Imperv and Dstore-Imperv were 0.46-1.0, 0.61-1.0, -0.050(-) - 5.9, respectively; while with respect to peak runoff, they were 0.48-0.89, 0.59-0.83, 0(-) -9.6, respectively. In comparison, the most sensitive indices (Morris) for all parameters with regard to total runoff volume and peak flow appeared in the rainfall event with least rainfall; and less sensitive indices happened in the rainfall events with heavier rainfall. Furthermore, there is considerable variability in sensitive indices for each rainfall event. % Zero-Imperv's coefficient variations have the largest values among all parameters for total runoff volume and peak flow, namely 221.24% and 228.10%. On the contrary, the coefficient variations of conductivity among all parameters for both total runoff volume and peak flow are the smallest, namely 0.

[Comparative study on characteristics of urban rainfall runoff from two urban lawn catchments in Macau and Xiamen].

A comparative study on characteristics of stormwater runoff from two urban lawn catchments in Macau (ELH) and Xiamen (PGH) with separated sewer system were conducted. The result obtained shows that COD, TP and NO3- -N are the major pollutants with mean EMC of 165.77-60.48 mg/L, 0.96-0.44 mg/L and 7.16-1.18 mg/L, respectively, and the mean values of pollutants loads of COD, TP and NO3- -N from study lawn catchments are 6.53-0.63 kg/hm2, 0.0375-0.0047 kg/hm2 and 0.0122-0.0128 kg/hm2, respectively. Peak values of major pollutant concentrations usually precede the flow peak. First flush effect of rainfall runoff from two study catchments is no obvious, which can be reflected by the low mean value of FF30 of TSS, COD, TP and NO3- -N, with 36.26%, 26.13%, 28.13% and 39.03%, respectively. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, first flush effect from urban lawn rainfall runoff is greatly influenced by total rainfall amount (Tr) and total runoff volume (V).

[Hydrology and pollution characteristics of urban runoff: Beijing as a sample].

The purpose of this study is identification and characterization of hydrological process of urban runoff, as well as concentration variation of pollutants in it. Samples were collected in 4 rainfall events in Beijing from Jun. 2006 to Aug. 2006. Hydrology and pollution of the rainfall-runoff process were analyzed on roof and road. Study results show that the shapes of hydrological curves of runoff, despite for a 5 - 20 min delay and a milder tendency, are similar to rainfall curves. Runoff coefficients of roof are 0.80 - 0.98, while 0.87 - 0.97 of road. Event mean concentrations (EMC) of pollutants are influenced by build-up and wash-off features, which leads to a higher concentration in road runoff than in roof runoff. Major pollutants that excess the water quality standards are COD, TN, and TP. Evident correlations (> 0.1) are found between pollutants. Correlation with particles are higher for COD and SO4(2-) (> 0.5), while lower for nutrients (<0.5). First flush effects (FFE) are found and affected by several factors, such as pollutant variety, types of land covers, and rainfall intensity. FFE are found more intense in SS, more frequently in road runoff, and more difficult to form for COD and nutrients with low rainfall intensity. Therefore, control of first period of runoff would be an effective approach for runoff management in Beijing.

[Characterization of urban surface runoff in two urban catchments in Macau].

Characteristics of pollutants from urban surface runoff were investigated. Two catchments with a seperated system in Macau were selected for sampling on rainfall events during the period of August to November, 2005. Water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity, TSS, COD, TOC, TN, TP, Zn, Pb, and Cu were analyzed. The results show that the commercial-residential urban catchment shows high level of COD, TN, TP, and the park urban catchment has high TN and TP concentration. From the pollutograph analysis, the peak of TSS, TN, TP concentration appears in the first and the third sample respectively in ELH and YLF catchments, and then the pollutants concentration tend to decrease. Regression analysis between TSS and TN & TP in two urban catchments resulted in a high value (R2 > 0.95) of the coefficient of determination R2 indicating a close relationship between soil losses and nitrogen & phosphorus discharged from surface runoff. The profile of TSS and COD discharged from surface runoff relates greatly to the surface flow change, whereas the surface flow change has little influence on the profile of TN and TP. The heavy metals such as Zn, Pb and Cu fluctuate with the continuous input of vehicles during rainfall events. Pollutants such as TSS, TN, COD discharged from surface runoff depend greatly on the dry periods and storms intensity in such two urban catchments.