progress report of ecf funded research projects · rpvsc paper 37/2009-10 for information 1...

RPVSC Paper 37/2009-10

For Information

1

Progress Report of ECF Funded Research Projects

Purpose

This paper updates Members on the progress of the on-going

and recently completed research projects funded by the Environment and

Conservation Fund (ECF).

Progress

2. As at 30 September 2009, there are 29 on-going research

projects funded by ECF. A summary of these projects in respect of its

approved project schedule, approved grant and outstanding commitment is

given in Table 1. Detailed progress of each project is given in the

Appendices 1 to 29 for Members‟ reference.

3. During the period 1 April to 30 September 2009, three research

projects funded by ECF were completed. A summary of these projects in

respect of its project schedule and total actual expenditure is given in Table 2.

Detailed progress of each project is given in the Appendices 30 to 32 for

Members‟ reference.

Next Report

4. The Secretary will submit the next progress report in six

months‟ time.

Secretariat, Research Projects Vetting Subcommittee

October 2009

2

Appendix 1

Project Number 07/2006

Project Title

Mechanism of the elevated algal proliferation in

intertidal shrimp ponds (gei wais) of the Mai Po

Nature Reserve

Principal Investigator (PI)

Dr. Ji-dong GU of School of Biological Sciences,

The University of Hong Kong

Project summary

The objectives of the study are:

(a) to conduct an intensive on-site investigation to

identify the environmental condition(s)

responsible for the active algal proliferation and

elevation of organic contents in gei wais as

compared with open marine and fresh waters;

(b) to investigate the potential effect of suspended

solids on algal growth in gei wais with matrix

experiments; and

(c) to substantiate the role of sediments as a

sink-and-source of pollutants in association with

the water quality of gei wais with simulation

experiments.

Latest Progress The PI has submitted the completion report, final

research report and financial statement. EPD and

AFCD have commented on the reports. Research

Office of HKU has been invited to assist in

coordinating the provision of responses-to-comments

from the PI.

Assessment/Remark -

3

Appendix 2


Project Title

A Study of the Impact of Apple Snails on

Macrophytes, Nutrients and Chlorophyll in Local

Wetlands


Dr. Jian-wen QIU of Department of Biology, Hong

Kong Baptist University

Project summary


(a) to quantify the feeding of apple snails on local

wild macrophytes;

(b) to examine the plant traits that determine the

food preference in apple snails; and

(c) to assess the consequences of such destruction

in wetland plant diversity, nutrient level and

algal biomass.

Latest Progress AFCD considered the third progress report

completed satisfactorily. The fourth disbursement

of $59,660 has been settled.

Pending submission of completion report, final

research report and relevant financial statement.

Assessment/Remark -

4

Appendix 3


Project Title

Ecological sustainability of vegetated steep soil

cutslopes


Prof. CHU Lee-man of Department of Biology, The

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Project summary


(a) to study plant performance and growth

attributes on steep soil cover cutslopes

including soil-nailed cutslopes;

(b) to examine the effects of soil types, weathering

extent, slope gradient and water regime on plant

growth and root development; and

(c) to select suitable ground cover species for

cutslope revegetation in terms of plant

coverage, erosion mitigation and rooting

characteristics.

Latest Progress After examining the first progress report, Civil

Engineering & Development Department (CEDD)

noted that there was project slippage and advised

the PI to take remedial measures proactively in

order to ensure timely project completion with solid

research findings. The second disbursement has

been held.

The PI has recently submitted the second progress

report and relevant financial statement for the

period ending 30.6.2009. Pending comments from

CEDD on the second progress report.

Assessment/Remark -

5

Appendix 4


Project Title

A Survey of Light Pollution in Hong Kong


Dr. Chun-shing Jason PUN of Department of Physics,

The University of Hong Kong

Project Summary

This project consists of three components:

(a) night sky brightness data will be taken across

Hong Kong over a one-year period using a

simple and portable device called the Sky Quality

Meter (SQM), around 30 groups of contributors

pledged to participate in the data collection

campaign;

(b) a public webpage will be set up to serve both as a

data input and reporting interface, and an

educational resource for the general public about

the issue of light pollution; and

(c) the data reported by all observers will be

analyzed to generate a map of the night sky

brightness level in Hong Kong. The results will

be released to the public through the webpage.

Latest Progress

The PI has submitted the completion report and final

research report. Professional comments from Hong

Kong Space Museum considered the project

completed satisfactorily.

Pending submission of relevant financial statement for

arrangement of final disbursement.

Assessment -

6

Appendix 5


Project Title

Easy identification of dinoflagellates: Phase I –

Rapid Identification of Dinoflagellates With

Protein/peptide Mass Fingerprints Obtained Using

MALDI-TOF Mass spectrometry


Professor Samuel CL LO of Department of Applied

Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong

Kong Polytechnic University

Project Summary

The project aims to develop a fast identification

method using peptide fingerprints obtained with

matrix-assisted-laser-desorption-ionisation mass

spectrometry. It will assist to develop an early

warning system of the occurrence of harmful algal

blooms.

Latest Progress

RPVSC approved the variation of individual budget

items by circulation in May 2009. No additional

fund is required from ECF.

The PI has submitted the second progress report and

relevant financial statement for the period ending

30.6.2009. EPD considered the progress report

completed satisfactorily. Pending comments from

AFCD on the second progress report.

Assessment/Remark -

7

Appendix 6


Project Title

Stock and Ecological Status of Sea Urchins in Hong

Kong: Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Marine

Protected Areas (MAPs) Using Sea Urchins as

Model Organisms


Dr. Tak-cheung WAI of the Swire Institute of

Marine Science, Department of Ecology and

Biodiversity of the University of Hong Kong

Project summary


(a) to conduct a comprehensive literature review of

the diversity, abundance, distribution and

habitat preference of echinoderm species in the

Hong Kong marine environment;

(b) to conduct underwater surveys to investigate the

diversity, abundance, distribution and habitat

preference of commercially exploited species

(Anthocidaris crassispina), and other urchin

species in rocky, coral and sandy habitats; and

(c) to conduct an ecological study to test the

hypothesis that the number of size classes (i.e.

size range) and abundance of urchin

populations within MPAs are higher than those

unprotected outside MPAs.

Latest Progress AFCD considered the second progress report

completed satisfactorily. Third disbursement of

$65,430 settled.

RPVSC approved by circulation in August 2009, the

project extension for 6 months up to 31.3.2010. No

additional fund is required from ECF. Pending

additional progress report for the period ending

30.9.2009.

Assessment/Remark -

8

Appendix 7


Project Title

On the Public‟s willingness-to-pay for improved

acoustics of residential environments


Professor TANG Shiu-keung & Dr. CHAU

Chi-kwan of the Department of Building Services

Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic

University

Project summary

The objective is to explore the awareness of the

Hong Kong general public on their surrounding

acoustical environment and to understand whether

they are willing to pay for any improvement of the

acoustical environment. An extensive noise survey

combined with a specially designed willing-to-pay

survey with a special focus to the Hong Kong need

will be carried out.

Latest Progress The PI has recently submitted the second progress

report and relevant financial statement for the period

ending 30.4.2009. EPD considered the progress

report completed satisfactorily. Third

disbursement of $66,980 would be arranged.

Due to unexpected repair and maintenance of sound

level meters, adverse weather conditions (heat

waves and continuous rainy periods during

summer), the PI stated that there was the need of

rescheduling the majority of street interviews from

weekdays to weekends to increase the response rates

etc, and thus there was a slippage in the progress of

survey. The PI proposed extension of the project

period for 6 months up to 30.4.2010.

Assessment/Remark Having examined the progress report, EPD agreed that

there was a need to extend the project period so as to

complete the task. Details of proposed variation of

project period are given in RPVSC Paper 38/2009-10.

9

Appendix 8


Project Title

Investigation on the feasibility and enhancement

methods of wind power utilization in high-rise

buildings of Hong Kong


Dr. LU Lin, Vivien, of the Department of Building

Services Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic

University

Project summary


(a) to investigate the wind aerodynamics and wind

flows over the buildings in the urban areas for

wind power utilization; and to evaluate local

wind power over the buildings and potentials in

local urban areas;

(b) to address the strategies how to develop wind

power in local urban areas more effectively;

(c) to investigate and propose the optimal roof

shape (including its orientation) in favor of

wind power application;

(d) to study the buildings as a concentrator of the

wind for the Building Augmented Wind

Turbines (BAWT); and to propose the

utilization of the concentration effect of

buildings; and

(e) to provide informative data for local

government, urban planning, turbine

manufacturers, architects, civil engineers and

environmental engineers.

Latest Progress The PI has recently submitted the completion report

and final research report. EMSD has been invited

to comment on the report. Pending submission of

relevant financial statement from PI for arrangement

of final disbursement.

Assessment/Remark -

10

Appendix 9


Project Title

A study of the biodiversity of coral-associated

polychaetes in Sharp Island


Dr. Jian-wen QIU of the Department of Biology of

the Hong Kong Baptist University

Project summary


(a) to establish a collection of voucher specimens for

coral-associated polychaetes, which can allow

retrospective examination;

(b) to provide detailed text description and

line-drawings of the key features to each species;

(c) to provide a list of polychaetes that are suitable

for live display, which can be used to enhance the

public appreciation of the beauty and diversity of

coral-associated animals;

(d) to produce an educational leaflet to show the

diversity and function of polychaetes in coral

ecosystems, and the common species in local

waters, and

(e) to provide information for AFCD to update the

webpages relating to the diversity of

coral-associated animals

Latest Progress The PI has submitted the second progress report and


31.8.2009. Pending comments from AFCD on the

progress report.

Assessment/Remark -

11

Appendix 10


Project Title

Environmental education on river remediation and

ecological restoration: A case study on Shing Mun

River and Lam Tsuen River


Dr. K.C. Cheung of the Croucher Institute for

Environmental Science of the Hong Kong Baptist

University

Project summary

The objectives of this study are:

(a) to quantify the sediment concentrations of

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs),

metalloid-arsenic (As), and heavy metals

including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and chromium

(Cr);

(b) to investigate the fish and benthic

macroinvertebrate community structures in

relations to different sediment quality;

(c) to provide the communities with an access to

environmental knowledge, thus facilitating their

understanding of the important roles of

conservation and restoration.

Latest Progress The PI has submitted the first progress report and


30.4.2009. EPD and AFCD have provided

comments on the progress report. The PI has just

provided his responses to the comments.

Assessment/Remark -

12

Appendix 11


Project Title

Enhancement of integrated heat pumps for energy

savings in hot water and air-conditioning at home


Prof. Michael K.H. LEUNG, Department of

Mechanical Engineering of the University of Hong

Kong

Project summary

The objective of this research is to develop compact,

energy-efficient integrated heat pumps for domestic

hot water and air-conditioning.

Latest Progress The PI has further refined the completion report and

provided relevant financial statement. Pending on

the PI‟s provision of the final research report and

record of seminar presentation before final payment

to be arranged.

Assessment/Remark -

13

Appendix 12


Project Title

Recycling of CRT glass from discarded computer

monitor and TV sets

Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Chi Sun POON, Department of Civil and

Structural Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic

University

Project summary

To develop a technology to beneficially reuse glass

derived from recycling of cathode ray tubes (CRT)

generated from discarded computer monitors and TV

sets. The PI will assess the feasibility of replacing

natural aggregates by crushed CRT glass for preparing

concrete mixes and assess the radiation shielding

ability of the produced concrete mixes.

Latest Progress The project commencement has been deferred as the PI

reported difficulties in recruitment of suitable research

personnel. The project commenced on 3.8.2009.

Initial disbursement of $220,700 has been settled by

ECF and WWGF on equal-share basis.

Assessments/Remarks -

14

Appendix 13


Project Title

Developing a fully automated Close-Proximity

vehicle for measuring tyre/road noise

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. HUNG Wing-tat, Department of Civil and

Structural Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic

University

Project summary


(a) to demonstrate the proper application of tyre/road

measuring method as stipulated in the draft

ISO11819-2 locally in Hong Kong;

(b) to develop a full automated CPX tyre/road noise

measuring vehicle which can perform efficient

noise measuring, especially in the local narrow

road configurations of Hong Kong;

(c) to devise experimental setups to perform

certification tests for the CPX tyre/road noise

measuring vehicle necessary to meet all the

requirements as specified in the draft ISO11819-2

except that the test tyre may be a locally available

tyre;

(d) to perform road worthiness tests and trial runs for

this CPX tyre/road noise measuring vehicle;

(e) to develop a manual for the development and use

of this CPX tyre/road noise measuring vehicle in

Hong Kong; and

(f) to disseminate all technological materials obtained

from this project through a dedicated web-site and

training programmes to local engineers and

professionals.



30.6.2009. Highways Department (HyD) considered

the progress report completed satisfactorily. Pending

comments from EPD on the report.


15

Appendix 14


Project Title

Current Status and Direction for Green Purchasing in

Hong Kong

Principal Investigator (PI) Ms Linda WP HO of Green Council

Project summary

This project will determine the current status of green

purchasing for business in Hong Kong. Further,

through supplementary research and consideration of

comparable green procurement efforts and

accomplishments by local large corporations and in

other jurisdictions, a series of recommendations on

how to proceed with strengthening and advancing

green procurement will be formulated and provided to

appropriate policy-makers, government procurement

officials, and other interested parties.


relevant financial record for the period ending

30.6.2009. EPD considered the progress report

completed satisfactorily.

After studying the financial record, the PI has been

invited to provide clarifications on some budget items.

Pending responses from PI on this matter before

further disbursement of funds would be arranged.


16

Appendix 15


Project Title

Studying landbirds in important bird habitats of Hong

Kong, especially in the Important Birds Areas (IBAs)

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Cheung Ho-fai of the Hong Kong Bird Watching

Society

Project summary

To conduct a systematic and scientific landbird survey

in important bird habitats to understand the real picture

of bird trends in the important bird habitats. The

census will cover every species including breeding and

wintering birds throughout the year.



31.3.2009. AFCD considered the progress report

completed satisfactorily. Second disbursement of

$49,075 has been settled.


17

Appendix 16


Project Title

Environmental payback time analysis of

building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications

in Hong Kong

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. LU Lin, Vivien, Department of Building Services

Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Project summary


(a) to introduce environmental payback time

indicators, i.e. EPBT and GPBT, to measure the

sustainability of a BIPV system instead of money

payback time;

(b) to estimate the sustainability of all different types

of BIPV systems under HK weather conditions.

Power performance, thermal performance and

building material replacement will be considered in

the project;

(c) to conduct „energy audit‟ and „carbon audit‟ of

BIPV system in its lifetime;

(d) to investigate the factors which are influencing the

system sustainability;

(e) to provide environmental payback time indicators

for local PV applications; and

(f) to develop a set of software package to estimate

EPBT and GPBT of different types of BIPV

systems in Hong Kong.

Latest Progress RPVSC approved the project at the meeting on

27.5.2009 with an approved budget of $406,000.

The project commenced on 1.9.2009. Initial

disbursement of $203,000 has been settled.


18

Appendix 17


Project Title

Antibiotics and antibiotic resistant genes in potable

water and soil environment of Hong Kong

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Kelvin Sze-yin LEUNG of Department of

Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University

Project summary

The project aims to ensure the safety use of Hong Kong

potable water in relation to antibiotics and antibiotic

resistant genes (ARGs). In order to determine the

concentrations of selected antibiotics, samples would be

collected at various locations in the upper East River

above the pumping of water to Hong Kong, in the water

before and after the treatment in Muk Wu Water

Treatment Plant and water from households in Hong

Kong.



Pending PI‟s confirmation on the project

commencement date.


19

Appendix 18


Project Title

The Impacts of South China Monsoon Climate

Variability and EI Nino on Hong Kong Air Quality

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Wen ZHOU of Department of Physics and

Material Science, City University of Hong Kong

Project summary

The project aims to study the relationships between

climate conditions and air quality in Hong Kong.

The differential and synergistic effects of

summer/winter monsoon climate, and the EI Niño/La

Niña will be investigated for their impacts on Hong

Kong air quality. An air quality warning system will

also be developed based on the relationship between

air pollution index (API) and South China monsoon

circulations.




disbursement of $124,940 settled by ECF and WWGF

on equal-share basis.


20

Appendix 19


Project Title

The Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP):

Initial Phase of Development

Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Francis WH YIK of Department of Building

Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic

University

Project summary

The project aims to carry out necessary ground works

in preparation for launching the proposed Building

Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP), which aims at

enabling achievement of substantial improvements to

the energy efficiency of buildings in Hong Kong. It

includes the building energy simulation software

development and verification of its predictions.


27.5.2009 with an approved budget of $1,983,120.




21

Appendix 20


Project Title

Questionnaire on public usage of plastic bags before

and after the implementation of Plastic Bags Levy

Principal Investigator (PI) Ms Micelle AU Wing-tse of The Friends of the Earth

(HK)

Project summary

The project aims to evaluate the effectiveness and

public acceptability of Plastic Bags Levy by studying

public usage of plastic bags before and after the

implementation of scheme.





The PI has submitted the first progress report and


30.9.2009. Pending comments from EPD on the

report before further disbursement to be arranged.


22

Appendix 21


Project Title

Development of an Automatic Switching Off System

for Idling Engine to Achieve Enhanced Fuel Economy

and Improved Environment

Principal Investigator (PI) Mr. Kenny Siu-wai WONG of Hong Kong

Productivity Council

Project summary


(a) to develop an automatic switching off (i.e. idle

stop) system for idling engine;

(b) to conduct research on identifying the most cost

effective technology and market available

alternative air conditioning system, and integrate

with the automatic engine switching off system;

and

(c) to integrate the automatic switching off system and

the new air conditioning sub-system to achieve fuel

saving and emission reduction

Latest Progress ECFC approved the project by circulation on



disbursement of $1,200,000 has been arranged by ECF

and WWGF on equal-share basis.


23

Appendix 22


Project Title

2nd International Climate Change Conference

Principal Investigator (PI) Ir. Otto POON of Hong Kong Climate Change Forum

Limited

Project summary


(a) to organise and conduct an international conference

on climate change;

(b) to build capacity and educate the Hong Kong

public and engage participating Hong Kong

professionals and students on the risks, solutions,

costs, benefits of mitigating greenhouse gas

emissions and preparing for adaptation to global

climate change;

(c) to facilitate Hong Kong participants to form

climate change knowledge and action networks

with their counterparts outside Hong Kong; and

(d) to communicate key messages to participants and

the Hong Kong public regarding scientific evidence

of the pace of climate change, and its relevance to

the current generation, and thereby strengthen

motivation for urgent action, locally and globally





Pending submission of first progress report and

relevant financial record.


24

Appendix 23


Project Title

Waste Heat Powered Air-conditioning System for

Automobile

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. LAI Chi-keung of Department of Building and

Construction, City University of Hong Kong

Project summary

The project aims to promote the sustainable energy

use in transportation in Hong Kong by developing an

experimental adsorption-type automotive cooling

system that uses waste exhaust gas as heat (energy)

input.

Latest Progress RPVSC approved the project by circulation on





25

Appendix 24


Project Title

Quantitative measurement of acidic ultrafine particles

in the atmosphere

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. GUO Hai of Department of Civil and Structural

Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Project summary


(a) to develop a novel method which can measure

ambient acidic ultrafine particles

(b) to assist in providing air quality assessment tools

specific to ultrafine particles



The project would commence on 1.12.2009. Initial

payment to be arranged accordingly.


26

Appendix 25


Project Title

Study on the Feasibility and Cost-effectiveness of a

Hybrid Desiccant and Evaporative Cooling System

Applied in Hong Kong

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Fu XIAO of Department of Building Services

Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Project summary

The project aims to study a hybrid desiccant and

evaporative cooling system dedicated to application in

Hong Kong



The project will commence on 4.1.2010. WWGF has

agreed to share the funding with ECF on equal-share

basis. Initial payment to be arranged nearer the time

accordingly.


27

Appendix 26


Project Title

Impact of Sea Urchin Bioerosion on Coral

Communities in Hong Kong

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Jian-wen QIU of Department of Biology, Hong

Kong Baptist University

Project summary


(a) to determine the abundance and size-structure of

Diadema steosum and coral-eating gastropods, as

well as percent coverage of corals;

(b) to determine the size-dependent Diadema steosum

rate;

(c) to quantify the contribution of various biotic and

abiotic factors to sea urchin bioerosion; and

(d) to assess whether management intervention is

required to control sea urchin bioerosion in the

study sites

Latest Progress RPVSC approved the project be circulation on



disbursement of $124,970 settled.


28

Appendix 27


Project Title

Characterization of Bacterial Community Associated

with Skeletal Tissue Growth Anomalies in the Coral

Platygyra carnosus

Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. CHIU Man-ying of Department of Biology and

Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong

Project summary


(a) to characterize and compare the bacterial

communities between healthy Platygyra carnosus

coral tissues and diseased ones with skeletal tissue

growth anomalies using conventional and

molecular microbial tools; and

(b) to generate important data for future coral

conservation and management purposes in local

waters



The project would commence on 14.11.2009. Initial

disbursement of $124,980 would be arranged

accordingly.


29

Appendix 28


Project Title

International Conference on Solid Waste Management

for Sustainability in Resource Management

Principal Investigator (PI) Prof. Jonathan WC WONG of Sino-Forest Applied

Research Centre for Pearl River Delta Environment,

Hong Kong Baptist University

Project summary

The conference will deliberate on various issues

including:

(a) the strategies, planning and regulatory guidance

that would facilitate sustainable resource

management;

(b) technological developments that would facilitate

resource recovery from waste; and

(c) partnerships among the various stakeholders for

successful resource recovery programmes



Pending confirmation from PI on the project

commencement date.


30

Appendix 29


Project Title

Climate Change Creativity - Creating a Low Carbon

Economy for Low Carbon Living - Climate Change

Conference 2010

Principal Investigator (PI) Ms Christine LOH of Civic Exchange

Project summary

The objectives of the project are:

(a) to raise awareness in Hong Kong about the

urgency, scale, risks, opportunity and global nature

of climate change;

(b) to highlight action and opportunities for further

action by showcasing public private initiatives in

Hong Kong to tackle climate change;

(c) to raise Hong Kong‟s international profile as a

centre for climate change “thought-and-action” and

as an innovator of low carbon living;

(d) to build capacity amongst local experts and

professionals through exchange of best practice,

expertise and experience with international

counterparts;

(e) to engage various sectors of the Hong Kong

community in climate change issues, including

youths; and

(f) to encourage discussion on the transformation of

the Greater PRD into a low carbon high quality

living region

Latest Progress ECFC approved the project at the meeting on



31

Appendix 30

Project Number 16/2003 (Completed)

Project Title The use of biomarkers for ecotoxicological

assessments of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

and heavy metals on birds at Mai Po Inner Deep Bay

Ramsar Site and other wetlands

Principal Investigator (PI) Prof M.H. WONG, Department of Biology of the

Hong Kong Baptist University

Project summary

The major aim of the proposal is to investigate the

potential use of feather and eggshells, instead of

eggs, to setup and evaluate biomarkers in birds for

risk assessment of POPs and heavy metals at Mai Po

Marshes. If significant correlations can be

established between the two (eggshells and feather,

with eggs), future biomarkers can be performed on

eggshells and/or feather, instead of eggs, which will

be more convenient and less invasive.

Summary of findings Distribution of metals and POPs in the sediments at

Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site shows that the source

of contamination was the nearby rivers (Kam Tin

River and Shenzhen River) and the Pearl River. High

biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) were

observed for bottom-dwelling and sediment-feeding

species, including both tilapia and mud carp,

indicating that POPs such as PAHs and OCPs could

be readily bioaccumulated in the bodies of these fish

species. The OCPs and PAHs data for ardeids in

Jiangsu Province revealed bioaccumulation of the

pollutants via exposure to both contaminated

sediment and fish. A significant linear regression

was obtained between OCPs concentrations in

ardeids eggs and prey fish, and the equation was

useful for estimating OCPs concentrations in ardeids

of at Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site. Significant (p <

0.05) linear regressions were also found between

heavy metal contents in different tissues of birds and

fish, including: eggshell-egg (for Cr and Pb),

feather-fish (for Cd and Cu) and eggshell-fish (for

Ni), which are useful for extrapolating heavy metal

contents in different waterbirds, including

endangered species. Biomagnification of methyl-Hg

from sediments to fish and finally to bird

eggs/feathers was identified in samples from Jiangsu

Province and the Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site.

32

Although the Inner Deep Bay Ramsar site contained

the highest levels of total PCDD/Fs in the sediments

and fish compared with the sampling sites in Jiangsu

Province, bioaccumulation of dioxins in the feathers

of the birds at the Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site was

not as high as that at Jiangsu Province.

A battery of toxicity tests using different trophic

organisms, including bacteria, algae,

microcrustacean and plant, was used to evaluate

toxicity of sediments of Mai Po. Sediments (and

corresponding elutriates) of mudflat and gei wai 24g,

respectively, were shown to be the most and least

toxic in all tests (except the algal growth inhibition

test). The highest toxicity of the mudflat appeared to

be related to the higher concentrations of heavy

metals, PAHs and OCPs in the sediments. The

MicrotoxR solid phase test, Daphnia mortality test

and ryegrass seed germination / root elongation test

are suggested to be useful tools to evaluate sediment

toxicity of Mai Po and potential biological impacts

of the contaminated sediments to organisms. Intake

of heavy metals from artificial fish feeds led to

significant increase in hepatic MTs in tilapia.

33

Appendix 31


Project Title

Development of a novel and low-cost membrane

bioreactor (MBR) for treating Hong Kong village

sewage


Dr. Guang-hao CHEN, Department of Civil

Engineering of the Hong Kong University of

Science & Technology

Project summary

The aim of the project is to develop a novel and

low-cost MBR system for treating village sewage by

using recycled non-woven materials as the

membrane. The use of cheap membrane built from

recycled non-woven materials with normal aeration

strength enables development of an inexpensive,

easy-to-operate, low-cost and small-scale MBR

system suitable for use in village developments in

Hong Kong.

Summary of findings The main objectives of this pilot trial of our low-cost

MBR are 1) to demonstrate the quality of the

effluent from the integrated bio-treatment process

consisting of an anaerobic zone and an aerobic zone,

2) to evaluate the membrane module performance,

and 3) to explore its feasibility in treating village

sewage.

Objective 1: the pilot plant produced stable effluent

quality that met the Hong Kong secondary sewage

treatment discharge standards under varying flow

rates, water temperatures and sludge concentrations,

even when the maximum treatment capacity

increased from 2 (design) to 4 m3/day (actual).

Objective 2: the low-cost module performed better

than expected: i) the permeate flux rate was doubled

as compared to the proposed flux rate (2 m/day); ii)

membrane backwash was only once per 48 hrs; iii)

the air-to-water ratio could be as low as 18 (m3/m3);

and iv) neither in-tank nor off-tank chemical

cleaning was conducted up to the date of this report.

Objective 3: In view of the stable and good effluent

quality, the low operational cost similar to

conventional activated sludge processes, based on

the low air-to-water ratio (18), the low membrane

34

backwash frequency (once per 48 hrs using 1.3 %

effluent), the low trans-membrane pressure (<0.3

bars), a short HRT (6 hr), minimal excess sludge

production, and automated membrane backwash.

Therefore, the proposed MBR technology is feasible

for village sewage treatment.

35

Appendix 32


Project Title

To establish a three dimensional real-time marine

environment monitoring system in Hoi Ha Wan

Marine Park with connection to the internet


Dr. Robin BRADBEER, Department of Electronic

Engineering of the City University of Hong Kong

Project summary

The objective of the project is to extend the existing

2-dimensional marine area monitoring system of the

City University to a 3-dimensional monitoring

system by adding two more data buoy units in the

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. The work involves the

setting up of a small DataBuoy I network to monitor

3 areas in the Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park. The data

will be collected approximately once every minute

and displayed at the Hoi Ha Visitor centre (on a

Mimic Panel) and on the website of the City

University.

Summary of findings The first finding of the project was the need to

design a sensor box that was strong enough to

survive boat collisions. With the continued

commercial fishing within the Hoi Ha Wan marine

Park, especially at night, the buoys were regularly

being netted and struck by boats. This caused

problems with the first sensor designs.

It is important to understand that the data collection

period occurred over the commissioning period

only. The expiry of the lease at the centre meant that

the equipment had to be removed after

commissioning. Nevertheless valid data sequences

were collected and analysed. This proved the system

function.

The DataBuoy project revealed several marine

conditions that were hypnotized but not yet detected.

These had to do with cold water inversion layers and

low salinity groundwater seeping up through the

seabed. The net combined result was the creation of

deep water hypoxia. Within the localized area of the

DataBuoys, it was possible to predict a localized

deep water hypoxia based upon rainfall data and the

temperature of the seawater near the seabed.

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