The use of nature areas as an effective tool for conservation of streams and their biota is a relatively unexplored option in urban stream management. Benthic macroinvertebrates and water quality in an urban stream, Poplar Creek, were monitored along a continuum within and downstream of a forest preserve in the western Chicago metropolitan area, USA. Taxa richness and a benthic macroinvertebrate index of biological integrity (MIBI) increased as the stream progressed within the preserve, but percentage of Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, and Plecoptera (%EPT) showed no improvement. Reductions in the amount of silt substrates and increases in gravel-dominated substrate were evident at sites within the preserve. There were no improvements in water-quality measures tested although trends may have been obscured by precipitation events between sampling occasions. The benefits in stream quality attained within the forest preserve extended beyond the downstream border of the preserve and were not diminished by the presence of a railway, which bisected the stream. The nature preserve provided an opportunity for increased macroinvertebrate biodiversity, likely through local reductions in impervious surfaces and improvements in stream substrate, despite lack of evidence that it improved water quality.

Railroad operations are a potential source for contamination of aquatic ecosystems. We examined concentrations of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and selected elements in sediments collected during 2009-2011 from streams, ditches, or ponds bisected or bordered by the former Elgin, Joliet, and Eastern rail line in the western Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area. Summed PAH concentrations were greater in sediments collected downstream than in those collected upstream of the railroad and were negatively associated with distance within 500 m of the tracks. Phenanthrene and dibenzo (a,h)anthracene concentrations at some locations exceeded probable effect thresholds for risks to aquatic life. Although maximum levels of chromium (Cr) were below levels of concern, we did not determine the valence state of Cr; thus, risks to aquatic life could not be fully evaluated. Nickel and mercury concentrations exceeded lower effect levels, and vanadium concentrations exceeded chronic toxicity thresholds at some locations, although we did not detect an association between these elements and the presence of the railroad. Lead and arsenic concentrations were greater in proximity to the railroad; however, concentrations were below thresholds of concern for aquatic life. Our results suggest that the railroad and associated activities are contributing some environmental contaminants to waterways in close proximity to it, particularly in a downstream direction. Risks to aquatic life may be greater than implied by observed concentrations of individual contaminants, as synergistic adverse effects are likely to occur with exposure to complex mixtures.

In order to explore whether the future development strategy proposed by the company is reasonable, this paper analyzes the stronger competitors around SPREAD’s competitive advantages and disadvantages, and the threats and challenges that it may face if it enters this market. Based on this, the paper first analyzes the potential threats in the early and future periods; then, it analyzes the monetary maximization and advertising presentation to ensure the potential profits provided through value creation; and then, it does a comprehensive data analysis in order to have a comprehensive understanding of the potential future competitors to ensure its competitive position and thus its market share. Finally, the potential expansion of SPREAD in China through a trading strategy provides room for future growth and ensures the longevity of the business. Hence, this report has highlighted how SPREAD can be implemented realistically and profitably through the effective analysis and application of a combination of different strategies throughout the business.