Leaf litter breakdown along an elevational gradient in Australian alpine streams.

The breakdown of allochthonous organic matter, is a central step in nutrient cycling in stream ecosystems. There is concern that increased temperatures from climate change will alter the breakdown rate of organic matter, with important consequences for the ecosystem functioning of alpine streams. This study investigated the rate of leaf litter breakdown and how temperature and other factors such as microbial and invertebrate activities influenced this over elevational and temporal gradients.

Respiratory health effects associated with exposure to indoor wood burning in developing countries: a Papua New Guinea perspective.

Some of the highest exposures to air pollutants in developing countries occur inside homes where solid biofuel, particularly wood fuel, is used for daily cooking. A relatively high proportion of the world population living in these countries is exposed to increased levels of indoor air pollutants produced by inefficiently burning stoves. Inhalation of these pollutants may have serious consequences, which are highlighted in this paper, for the respiratory health of the people who have been exposed.