Water was removed from aqueous ethanol by using cellulosic materials, starch, corn, and other agents. The combustion energy of the ethanol product can exceed the energy needed to carry out the dehydration by a factor of 10.

Questions: (a) Will seed banks develop on extensive green roofs (EGRs) -prime examples of novel ecosystems -as in (semi-)natural systems? If so, which type of seed bank (transient or persistent) can be expected? (b) Do EGR characteristics, such as roof age and substrate depth, influence seed bank seed density and species richness? (c) Can differences in successional stages be noticed in the seed bank and vegetation on EGRs? Location: Flanders and Brussels regions of Belgium. Methods:We conducted a field sampling campaign in which the vegetation and seed bank of 109 EGRs were sampled. Information on roof characteristics (e.g. age, substrate depth) was also collected. Seedling emergence was monitored under standardized greenhouse conditions. Species traits were collected from several existing databases. Data analysis consisted of (generalized) linear mixed modelling.Results: A total of 18,466 seedlings from 139 different species emerged in the seed bank analysis. Average similarity between vegetation and the seed bank was low, and the majority of species could be considered spontaneous colonizers. Most species were classified as having a transient seed bank. Life forms were shown to be significantly different between vegetation and seed bank. Older EGRs had higher seed bank species richness and seed density, both of which were also positively influenced by sampling date and the vegetation species richness. A discrepancy between seed bank and vegetation successional state, characterized by functional signatures, was present for EGRs. Conclusions:EGRs do develop seed banks and show parallels with seed banks in other novel ecosystems. Seed bank species richness and seed density are influenced by temporal and vegetation related factors. We can also confirm EGR seed bank succession and the discrepancy between seed bank and vegetation successional state, as often observed in natural and novel systems. Furthermore, we argue that seed banks can function as biodiversity reservoirs, which can be considered in EGR vegetation restoration if a set of several conditions is fulfilled. Overall, this study explores seed bank analysis on EGR as a novel ecosystem model. It thereby provides multiple insights in processes impacting EGR plant species diversity, both on and in the soil. 420 |

The overall aim of Samaritan's Purse Canada's (SPC) Household Water Program (HWP) is to improve the quality of life and health of families in rural communities throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America that are dependent on contaminated water supplies. Improved health is achieved through the improvement of water quality at the household level using point-of-use water treatment technology as well as increased access to adequate sanitation and increased awareness of health and hygiene. While the centre-piece of Samaritan's Purse's Household Water Program is the BioSand Filter (BSF), the success of the program is dependent on extensive health and hygiene promotion (e.g. hand washing and safe water storage), training in BioSand Filter operation and maintenance, routine follow-up and monitoring, and in many projects latrine construction.A recent study on the effectiveness and sustainability of a SPC project in Cambodia found a 44% decrease in the self-reported incidence of reduction in diarrheal rates which was attributed in part with the HWP's focus on repeated and directed education on filter usage and health and hygiene (Liang, 2007). The Household Water Program has developed a participatory and integrated approach through lessons learned from many years of international implementation experience. The success and sustainability of the HWP can be attributed to an implementation strategy focused on encouraging significant individual and community participation, developing culturally appropriate hygiene and filter education, and safe storage and sanitation initiatives. The integrated approach has resulted in improved health and quality of life and an increased sense of dignity in community participants.

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