The long-term effect of initial pH control on the enrichment culture of phosphorus- and glycogen-accumulating organisms with a mixture of propionic and acetic acids as carbon sources

In most studies on phosphorus- and glycogen-accumulating organisms (PAO and GAO), pH was controlled constantly throughout the entire anaerobic and aerobic periods, and acetic acid was used as the carbon source. In this paper, the effect of long-term initial pH values on PAO and GAO was investigated with mixed propionic and acetic acids as carbon sources. It was observed that with pH increasing from 6.4 to 8.0, the anaerobic propionic acid uptake rate by PAO linearly increased but that by GAO proportionally decreased. At pH 6.70 and pH 7.51, PAO and GAO exhibited the same acetic and propionic acid uptake rates, respectively. The acetic acid uptake rate by PAO was greater than that by GAO at pH > 6.70, and the propionic acid uptake rate by PAO was higher than that by GAO at pH > 7.51, which indicated that PAO would take predominance over GAO at pH > 7.51. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, poly-3-hydroxyvalerate and poly-3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate shared 7%, 62% and 31%, respectively in the PAO system, and 11%, 44% and 45% respectively in the GAO system, and these fractions were observed independent of pH either in the PAO or in the GAO system. In the PAO system, with the increase of pH, the phosphorus removal efficiency was improved greatly, and a phosphorus removal efficiency of 100% was achieved at 8.0. Further investigation showed that the higher phosphorus removal efficiency at higher pH was mainly caused by a biological effect instead of chemical one.     

Effect of common food preservatives on mycelial growth and spore germination of Fusarium oxysporum

The growth and spore germination inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-cucumerinum by the common food additives: acetic acid, formic acid potassium sorbate, propionic acid, sorbic acid, and the fungistatic agent sec-butylamine was examined in vitro. The inhibitory efficacy of these chemicals decreased in the following order: sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, propionic acid, acetic acid, sec-butylamine and formic acid. At pH 6.4, the ED50 value for mycelium growth was: 976 ppm for sorbic acid, 1292 ppm for potassium sorbate, 2435 ppm for propionic acid, 3805 ppm for acetic acid, 3962 ppm for sec butylamine and 4668 ppm for formic acid. The ED50 value for spore germination was: 225 ppm for potassium sorbate, 1201 ppm for sorbic acid, 1402 ppm for propionic acid, 1600 ppm for sec-butylamine, 1957 ppm for acetic acid and 2485 ppm for formic acid.     

Effect of common food preservatives on mycelial growth and spore germination of Fusarium oxysporum

Abstract

The growth and spore germination inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis‐cucumerinum by the common food additives: acetic acid, formic acid potassium sorbate, propionic acid, sorbic acid, and the fungistatic agent sec‐butylamine was examined in vitro. The inhibitory efficacy of these chemicals decreased in the following order: sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, propionic acid, acetic acid, sec‐butylamine and formic acid. At pH 6.4, the ED₅₀ value for mycelium growth was: 976 ppm for sorbic acid, 1292 ppm for potassium sorbate, 2435 ppm for propionic acid, 3805 ppm for acetic acid, 3962 ppm for sec butylamine and 4668 ppm for formic acid. The ED₅₀ value for spore germination was: 225 ppm for potassium sorbate, 1201 ppm for sorbic acid, 1402 ppm for propionic acid, 1600 ppm for sec‐butylamine, 1957 ppm for acetic acid and 2485 ppm for formic acid.     

Evaluating the impacts of some environmentally relevant factors on the availability of bisphenol A with negligible-depletion SPME

The effect of some environmentally relevant factors including salinity, pH, and humic acids on the availability of bisphenol A (BPA) was evaluated by using the negligible-depletion solid-phase microextraction (nd-SPME) biomimetic method. With the variation of salinity (0–500 mM NaCl) and pH (5.0–8.5) of aqueous solutions, the partition coefficients of BPA between the nd-SPME fiber and the aqueous solution varied in the range of log D = 3.55–3.86, which indicates that the salinity and pH can influence the availability of BPA. By using Acros humic acid as model dissolved organic matter (DOM), it was also demonstrated that the environmental factors such as salinity and pH could affect the partitioning of BPA between DOM and aqueous solutions. The determined partition coefficients of BPA between dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and aqueous solutions were in the range of log D_DOC = 4.03–5.60 for Acros humic acid solutions with 1–50 mg l⁻¹ DOC. The influence of salinity and pH on log D_DOC was more significant at low concentration (0–5 mg l⁻¹) of DOC.     

3种短链脂肪酸对活性污泥储存PHA的影响

采用经乙酸钠驯化培养具有一定聚羟基烷酸酯(PHA)储存能力的活性污泥,考察乙酸、丙酸和丁酸3种短链脂肪酸,以及乙酸、丁酸分别与丙酸按1∶1、1∶2、2∶1比例组合成的6种混合酸作为碳源时对活性污泥中PHA的储存和转化的影响。实验结果表明,在3种短链脂肪酸中,以丁酸为碳源得到活性污泥PHA储存量最高,为40.53 mg/g;在混合酸中,乙酸与丙酸按1∶2组合时,系统PHA储存量最高,为773.4 mg/g。混合酸相对于单一的脂肪酸碳源更有利于活性污泥储存PHA。在混合酸总量一定的条件下,随着丙酸比例的增加,乙酸与丙酸混合比丁酸与丙酸混合更有利于微生物的PHA储存。     

The long-term effect of initial pH control on the enrichment culture of phosphorus- and glycogen-accumulating organisms with a mixture of propionic and acetic acids as carbon sources

In most studies on phosphorus- and glycogen-accumulating organisms (PAO and GAO), pH was controlled constantly throughout the entire anaerobic and aerobic periods, and acetic acid was used as the carbon source. In this paper, the effect of long-term initial pH values on PAO and GAO was investigated with mixed propionic and acetic acids as carbon sources. It was observed that with pH increasing from 6.4 to 8.0, the anaerobic propionic acid uptake rate by PAO linearly increased but that by GAO proportionally decreased. At pH 6.70 and pH 7.51, PAO and GAO exhibited the same acetic and propionic acid uptake rates, respectively. The acetic acid uptake rate by PAO was greater than that by GAO at pH > 6.70, and the propionic acid uptake rate by PAO was higher than that by GAO at pH > 7.51, which indicated that PAO would take predominance over GAO at pH > 7.51. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate, poly-3-hydroxyvalerate and poly-3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate shared 7%, 62% and 31%, respectively in the PAO system, and 11%, 44% and 45% respectively in the GAO system, and these fractions were observed independent of pH either in the PAO or in the GAO system. In the PAO system, with the increase of pH, the phosphorus removal efficiency was improved greatly, and a phosphorus removal efficiency of 100% was achieved at 8.0. Further investigation showed that the higher phosphorus removal efficiency at higher pH was mainly caused by a biological effect instead of chemical one.     

Low molecular weight carboxylic acids in an urban atmosphere: Winter measurements in São Paulo City,Brazil

Atmospheric gas and particle-phase carboxylic acids were measured during July 1996, Winter, in an urban area of São Paulo, a highly polluted Latin American city. Ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis techniques were used to determine the species. As oxalic (36.2±21.4%), pyruvic (15.0±7.9%), β-hydroxy-butyric (9.15±9.00%) and glycolic (3.55±2.26%) acids were determined in aerosol particles, formic and acetic acids were determined both in the gaseous (4.36±2.70 and 3.66±2.63 ppbv, respectively) and particulate phases (17.8±12.4 and 18.2±9.8%, respectively). Approximately 98% of the total acetic and formic acids were in the gas-phase and the gas–aerosol equilibrium was influenced by high levels of relative humidity. Gaseous formic-to-acetic ratios fell in the 0.94–1.85 range. Photochemical production appeared to be a very likely source of the gaseous acetic and formic acid levels found in this investigation. Direct emissions, mainly motor exhaust of vehicles also contributed to their presence in air.The observed amounts of formic and acetic acids in the particle phase were comparable with those observed in other urban sites. Results from aerosol particles indicated lower concentrations of the carboxylic acids at night, but their diurnal and nocturnal variation were similar.Using a correlation matrix, it was possible to suggest some sources for the carboxylic acids in the particulate phase. During daytime, vehicular emission appeared to be the primary source of acetic acid, whereas formic and pyruvic acids should be formed photochemically. Moreover, emissions from biogenic primary sources appeared to be an important contribution to atmospheric concentrations of formic and glycolic acids. Presumably, the photooxidation of pyruvic and glycolic acids gave rise to the oxalic acid.No source for acetic and pyruvic acids at nighttime was possible to suggest. However, direct vehicular and biogenic emissions might be major sources of TOC in nocturnal measurements. Oxalic acid might result from vehicular emission, glycolic acid from biogenic emission and formic acid from both sources.     

食品废弃物厌氧消化产乙酸的研究

通过实验,研究了pH、总固体浓度(TS)、碳氮比(C/N)对食品废弃物厌氧消化产乙酸的影响,详细考察了挥发性脂肪酸(VFA)的组成和浓度及乙酸浓度随时间的变化规律.结果表明,pH为6.5、TS为7%(质量分数)、C/N为16:1时,总VFA的最大质量浓度为31.56 g/L,乙酸的最大质量浓度为19.46 g/L.     

挥发性脂肪酸对厌氧干式发酵产甲烷的影响

为了提高中温干式厌氧间歇发酵效率,研究了发酵过程中间产物———挥发性脂肪酸对产甲烷的影响。实验分2批进行,第1批在牛粪发酵过程中分别添加乙酸、丙酸和丁酸,第2批发酵添加易产生挥发酸的厨余垃圾混合发酵。结果显示,添加单一挥发酸的发酵过程中,添加丙酸的产甲烷速度较慢,因为丙酸降解生成乙酸的速度较慢,减慢了甲烷的形成;混合发酵过程厨余垃圾产甲烷速度比牛粪快,发酵过程产生2个产气高峰;牛粪和厨余垃圾固体物质含量比在11∶1到5∶1范围内较好,比牛粪单独发酵产气多,产酸高但不酸败,产生的挥发酸主要是乙酸和丙酸,其中比例为7∶1混合发酵的产甲烷速率最大,为4.89 mL/(g VS·d)。实验表明,牛粪厌氧干式发酵过程添加一定量的厨余垃圾可加快挥发酸的产生并提高挥发酸产量,从而提高甲烷的产量,但是总挥发酸长时间超过10 000 mg/L,pH降到不适于产甲烷菌生长的范围时,将抑制甲烷的生成,挥发酸积累导致厌氧发酵酸败。     

凹凸棒土对腐殖酸的低温吸附性能研究

首次研究凹凸棒土对饮用水中腐殖酸的低温吸附性能,考察5℃条件下,吸附时间与腐殖酸初始浓度、吸附剂投加量、pH对凹凸棒土吸附腐殖酸的影响,确定吸附剂的吸附等温线、吸附动力学和热力学等相关理论参数,研究凹凸棒土对腐殖酸的吸附性能与机理。结果表明,江苏盱眙凹凸棒土在温度5℃、pH=4、水中腐殖酸初始浓度为5 mg/L,投加量为15 g/L的条件下,吸附180 min后对腐殖酸的去除率可达97.26%。凹凸棒土对腐殖酸的吸附符合二级吸附动力学方程与Freundlich吸附等温式,吸附过程由孔隙内扩散过程控制,吸附为自发的吸热过程,包括物理吸附与化学吸附。根据Fre-undlich吸附等温式拟合计算,5℃、pH=7时理论最大吸附量为9 mg/g,说明凹凸棒土对于低温饮用水中腐殖酸具有良好的吸附效果。     

Mechanism of decolorization and degradation of CI Direct Red 23 by ozonation combined with sonolysis

The decolorization and degradation of CI Direct Red 23, which is suspected to be carcinogenic, were investigated using ozonation combined with sonolysis. The results showed that the combination of ozonation and sonolysis was a highly effective way to remove color from waste water. The operational parameters, namely concentration of the dye, pH, ozone dose and ultrasonic density, were investigated during the process. The decolorization of the dye followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. Increasing the initial concentration of Direct Red 23 led to a decreasing rate constant. The optimum pH for the reaction was 8.0, and both lower and higher pH decreased the removal rate. The effect of the ozone dose on the dye decolorization was much greater than that of the sonolysis density. Intermediates such as naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid, 1-naphthol, urea and acetamide were detected by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry in the absence of pH buffer, while nitrate and sulfate ions and formic, acetic and oxalic acids were detected by ion chromatography. A tentative degradation pathway was proposed without any further quantitative analyses. During the degradation, all nitrogen atoms and phenyl groups of Direct Red 23 were degraded into urea, nitrate ion, nitrogen and formic, acetic and oxalic acids, etc.     

Factors controlling the emissions of volatile organic acids from leaves of Quercus ilex L. (Holm oak)

Direct emissions and emission of precursor compounds of acetic and formic acid from higher plants are a significant source of these acids in the atmosphere. To travel from the plant cell to the atmosphere, a gas molecule must first leave the liquid phase and then enter the internal leaf gas phase. The apoplast (cell wall) is the last barrier before the molecule can escape through the stomata. During field experiments we monitored the gas exchange (H₂O, CO₂, organic acids) of Quercus ilex L. leaves. The exchange rates of acetic and formic acid under field conditions followed a typical diurnal pattern and ranged between −10 (uptake) and 52 (emission) nmol m^-2 leaf area min^-1 with the maximum around noon. Growth chamber experiments indicate that the emission is related to the stomatal conductance. We discussed the exchange rate of organic acids between the cell wall and the atmosphere in connection with Henry’s law, and the physicochemical conditions in the cell wall. The evaluation showed that for apoplastic pH values between 4 and 5, 26–130% of the measured acetic acid emission based on leaf area could be predicted.     

Effects of humic substances on the decomposition of 2,4-dichlorophenol by ozone after extraction from water into acetic acid through activated carbon

The objectives of this study are to clarify the behavior of humic substances throughout the processes of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) adsorption on granular activated carbon (GAC) from water and extraction into acetic acid, and the influence of the extracted humic substances on the decomposition of 2,4-DCP by ozone in the acetic acid. The adsorption capacity of GAC for 2,4-DCP was not influenced by the humic substances preloaded to have equilibrium concentration of 24.9mg Cl(-1) (14.5mg Cg(-1)). The adsorption capacity of GAC for 2,4-DCP decreased to one tenth of new GAC after the first adsorption-extraction step because of only 16% desorption in the first step. However, 2,4-DCP adsorbed on GAC was completely extracted after the second step suggesting that GAC can be used as adsorbent to transfer 2,4-DCP from water to acetic acid. The concentration ratio of 2,4-DCP from water into acetic acid was around 2x10(5), whereas the concentration ratio of humic substances was about 3.5, indicating that 2,4-DCP was selectively adsorbed and extracted by this system. The first order degradation rate constant for 2,4-DCP by ozone in acetic acid increased with the addition of humic substances. The rate constant with 16mg Cl(-1) of humic substances was 2.6 times as high as that without humic substances. Humic substances behaved as a promoter for the degradation of 2,4-DCP by ozone.     

Scavenging of SO4− radical anions by mono- and dicarboxylic acids in the Mn(II)-catalyzed S(IV) oxidation in aqueous solution

The rate constants for reactions of the SO₄⁻ radical anion with some low molecular weight monocarboxylic acids (MCAs) and dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) and their anions using the laser flash photolysis-long path laser absorption (LFP-LPLA) technique were determined. The present study contains the first measured rate constants for SO₄⁻ reactions with glycolic, lactic, malic and malonic acid. The rate constants are found to be in the range from 10⁵ to 10⁷ M⁻¹ s⁻¹, with the lower values found for acids and higher values for their respective anions. In addition, the rate constants for scavenging of SO₄⁻ by all investigated organics in the Mn(II)-catalyzed S(IV) autoxidation at pH 4.5 and T=25 °C were determined by means of the reversed rate method. The comparison between these rate constants and the rate constants obtained by direct measurements confirms the proposed inhibiting mechanism for the Mn(II)-catalyzed S(IV) autoxidation in the presence of monocarboxylic acids. In the case of formic acid, which causes the highest inhibition, this mechanism can explain the second part of kinetic traces (i.e. after the induction period). Surprisingly, although dicarboxylic acids are reactive toward SO₄⁻ they do not contribute to the inhibition of S(IV) oxidation (especially malic and malonic acids).     

Removal of humic substances from water by means of calcium-ion-enriched natural zeolites.

The ability of the natural zeolited Neapolitan Yellow Tuff (NYT) enriched with calcium ions to remove humic acids from water was evaluated by batch adsorption equilibrium tests and dynamic experiments carried out by percolating humic acid solutions through a small NYT column (breakthrough curves). Under the experimental condition explored, the sorption capacity increases with the ionic strength and has the highest value at pH 7.4. The partition coefficient for a low concentration of humic acid ([humic acid] --> 0), at pH 7.4 in 0.01 M sodium chloride, was approximately 1000 L/kg, versus the value of approximately 100 L/kg in the absence of the alkaline metal salt. Therefore, after humic acids have been adsorbed in a column filled with the calcium-ion-enriched tuff, a reduction of the salt concentration in the ongoing solution enhances the release of the adsorbed material. These findings show that NYT can be used for the removal of humic acids from water.     

干式厌氧消化过程挥发酸对硫酸盐还原菌的影响

在牛粪干式厌氧消化过程中,通过添加不同挥发酸(乙酸、丙酸、丁酸),考察消化稳定阶段,挥发性脂肪酸的分布特征,挥发性脂肪酸酸组成变化对硫酸盐还原菌(SRB)的影响,微生物种群组成和种群间关系。实验结果表明,挥发性脂肪酸对SRB还原速率的贡献依次为:丙酸丁酸乙酸。相比乙酸和丁酸,添加一定量的丙酸,更有利于激活SRB的活性,从而加强SRB与产甲烷菌(MB)的种间协同,保证厌氧系统的稳定运行。     

Catalytic properties of cyclodextrins on the hydrolysis of parathion and paraoxon in aquatic medium containing humic acids

The inclusion catalysis effects of -,β- and γ-cyclodextrins(CyDs) on the hydrolysis rate of parathion, methyl parathion and paraoxon were investigated at 25°C in alkaline buffer solution(pH=8.5) containing humic acids. The hydrolysis rate of these pesticides was increased by the presence of humic acids. The inclusion catalysis of β-CyD inhibited parathion hydrolysis but promoted paraoxon hydrolysis. The CyD inclusion catalysis showed characteristic correlation with relative magnitudes of the inclusion-depth parameters of the pesticides which could be determined by the rotational-strength analysis of the induced circular dichroism. The essential properties of the CyD inclusion catalysis were explained in terms of the geometries of the CyD-pesticide inclusion complexes which determine degree of the proximity between the pesticide reaction site and the CyD catalytic site.     

Synchronous-scan fluorescence spectra of Chlorella vulgaris solution

The characterization of the Chlorella vulgaris solution was carried out using synchronous-scan spectroscopy. The range of concentration of algae and Fe(III) in aqueous solutions were 5 × 10⁸–8 × 10⁹ cells l⁻¹ and 10–60 μM, respectively. Effective characterization method used was synchronous-scan fluorescence spectroscopy. The wavelength difference (Δλ) of 90 nm was maintained between excitation and emission wavelengths; 90 nm was found to be the best Δλ for effective characterization of Chlorella vulgaris solution with or without quencher species (e.g., Fe(III), humic acid (HA)) for the first time. The peak was observed at about EX 236.6 nm/EM 326.6 nm for synchronous-scan fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence quenching of algae in system of algae–Fe(III)–HA was studied using synchronous-scan spectroscopy for the first time. Fe(III) was clearly the effective quencher. The relationship between I₀/I (quenching efficiency) and c (concentration of Fe(III) added) was a linear correlation for the algae solution with Fe(III). Also, Aldrich humic acid was found to be an effective quencher. pH effect on synchronous-scan fluorescence intensity of algal solution with Fe(III) and/or HA was evident.     

Impact of recent urbanization on formic and acetic acid concentrations in coastal North Carolina rainwater

Concentrations of formic and acetic acids in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA, rainwater collected between 1996 and 1998 have increased dramatically since an earlier study conducted at the same site between 1987 and 1989. The current volume-weighted concentrations of acetic acid are within the range of values reported for urban locations whereas values from the earlier study at this site were similar to those obtained for rural locations. The ratios of formic to acetic acids (F : A) in the current study (approximately 1 : 1) are considerably lower than those previously reported (approximately 2.7 : 1). Current F : A's are similar to F : A's from direct automobile emissions. Increases in formic and acetic acid concentrations and the shift in formic to acetic acid ratios likely reflect the impact of extensive population growth in the surrounding region. Assuming increases in formic and acetic acid concentrations result from increased anthropogenic sources, we estimate at least 1/2 of the formic and at least 2/3 of the acetic acid in Wilmington, NC growing season rainwater results from anthropogenic sources.     

Effect of organic acids on adsorption and desorption of rare earth elements

Effect of citric, malic, tartaric and acetic acids on adsorption of La, Ce, Pr and Nd by and desorption from four typical Chinese soils was studied. Generally, adsorption capacities of rare earth elements (REEs) were significantly correlated with the cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soils. In the presence of acetic acids adsorption of REEs was similar to that in the presence of Ca(NO3)2. However, in the presence of citric, malic and tartaric acids adsorption of REEs by Heilongjiang, Zhejiang and Guangdong soils decreased to varying extents if compared with that in the presence of nitrate and acetic acid. The significance of suppression followed the order of citric acid > malic acid > tartaric acid > acetic acid, which was consistent with the order of stability of complexes of REEs with these organic acids. However, the adsorption increased with increasing equilibrium solution pH. For Jiangxi soil with low soil pH, CEC and organic matter these organic acids exerted an even more serious suppression effect on the adsorption of REEs. Another feature of the relationship between the adsorption of REEs and equilibrium solution pH was that the adsorption of REEs decreased with increase of pH from 2 to 4.5 and then slightly increased with further increase of pH. Desorption of REEs varied with soils and with organic acids as well. REEs were released easily from Heilongjiang, Zhejiang and Guangdong soils in the presence of organic acid. Generally, desorption of REEs decreased with increasing equilibrium solution pH. Effect of organic acids on desorption of REEs from Jiangxi soil was more complicated. In the presence of citric and malic acids no decrement and/or slight increase in desorption of REEs were observed over the equilibrium solution pH from 3 to 6.5. The reasons for this were ascribed to the strong complexing capacity of citric and malic acids and low soil pH, CEC and organic matter of Jiangxi soil.