Metals in agricultural soils and plants in Egypt

Since analysis of both soil and plants are useful to assess contamination of a geographic area, concentrations of five representative metals: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe) in soil and associated plants were measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Samples were collected from four different Egyptian regions (El-mehala El-kobra, Kafr El-Sheikh, Kafr El-zayat, and Al-fayoum) during spring and summer 2010. Concentrations of the selected metals in agricultural soils were significantly different among locations and seasons. Concentrations of Cd and Fe in soils at the four locations exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations for Cd (8 mg/kg, dry mass (dm)) and Fe (1000 mg/kg, dm). Accumulation was different for clover and cotton. Clover blossoms grown in soil from Kafr El-zayat contained the greatest concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Fe. Cotton flowers from El-mehala El-kobra accumulated the highest levels of Cd. Concentrations of Cd and Pb in both clover and cotton flowers from the four locations exceeded maximum allowable concentrations (3 mg/kg, dm) for both Cd and Pb. Using such agricultural soils for cultivation of edible crops for consumption may result in chronic hazards to human health.     

Changes in chemical forms of lead in temperate and semiarid soils in sterile and unsterile conditions

Sequential extraction has been used as a suitable method for fractionation of chemical forms of trace elements and study of their plant availability. Surface soils were sampled from Guilan and Hamadan provinces in north and northwest of Iran with temperate and semiarid climates. The chemical forms of Pb in the Pb(NO₃)₂-treated (400 μg Pb g⁻¹) soils have been studied in solid state incubation (FC) at 27°C in sterile and unsterile conditions. After 20 min and 3600 h a sequential extraction scheme was also used to fractionate Pb of incubated samples into soluble-exchangeable (Sol-Exch), carbonates associated (ACar), organic matter associated (AOM), Mn oxide associated (AMnOx), Fe oxide associated (AFeOx), and residual (Res) forms. Temperate soil samples had higher clay content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), dichromate oxidable organic carbon (OC), total Kjeldahl-nitrogen (TN), biological activity, amorphous and crystalline Fe and Al, but semiarid soil samples had higher sand content, pH, equivalent calcium carbonate (ECC), available P and K. Soil lead fractionation revealed that in both groups of soils Pb largely changed to exchangeable, carbonates associated and organic associated forms after 20 min. The chemical forms of Pb differed widely among soils after 3600-h incubation. The conversion rate of Pb from more available forms to less available forms was higher in temperate soils with higher Fe–Mn oxides and OM contents compared to semiarid soils. In temperate soils after 3600-h incubation, greater content of Pb was observed in Res (68%), AOM (14%), ACar (7%), and AMnOx (5%) fractions. However, in semiarid soils greater content of Pb was observed in Res (61%), ACar (16%), Sol-Exch (8%), and AOM (8%) fractions. The sum of AMnOx and AFeOx chemical forms for Pb in semiarid soils compared to temperate soils was lower. It was only 7% against 9% in temperate soils. Soil microorganisms in unsterile soils had significant effect on AOM, AFeOx and Res fractions of Pb. They not only increased AOM and AFeOx fractions of Pb in soils but also decreased Res fraction of Pb significantly.     

Heavy metals in soils and crops in Southeast Asia

In a reconnaisance soil geochemical and plant survey undertaken to study the heavy metal uptake by major food crops in Malaysia, 241 soils were analysed for cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (C), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and available phosphorus (P) using appropriate procedures. These soils were also analysed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using aqua regia digestion, together with 180 plant samples using nitric acid digestion. Regression analysis between the edible plant part and aqua regia soluble soil As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations sampled throughout Peninsular Malaysia, indicated a positive relationship for Pb in all the plants sampled in the survey (R2 = 0.195, p < 0.001), for Ni in corn (R2 = 0.649, p < 0.005), for Cu in chili (R2 = 0.344, p < 0.010) and for Zn in chili (R2 = 0.501, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis of the soil data suggested that concentrations of Co, Ni, Pb and Zn were strongly correlated with concentrations of Al and Fe, which is suggestive of evidence of background variations due to changes in soil mineralogy. Thus the evidence for widespread contamination of soils by these elements through agricultural activities is not strong. Chromium was correlated with soil pH and EC, Na, S, and Ca while Hg was not correlated with any of these components, suggesting diffuse pollution by aerial deposition. However As, Cd, Cu were strongly associated with organic matter and available and aqua regia soluble soil P, which we attribute to inputs in agricultural fertilisers and soil organic amendments (e.g. manures, composts).     

Heavy metals in soils and crops in Southeast Asia

In a reconnaissance soil geochemical and plant survey undertaken to study the heavy metal uptake by major food crops in Malaysia, 241 soils were analysed for cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (C), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and available phosphorus (P) using appropriate procedures. These soils were also analysed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using aqua regia digestion, together with 180 plant samples using nitric acid digestion. Regression analysis between the edible plant part and aqua regia soluble soil As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations sampled throughout Peninsular Malaysia, indicated a positive relationship for Pb in all the plants sampled in the survey (R ² = 0.195, p < 0.001), for Ni in corn (R ² = 0.649, p < 0.005), for Cu in chilli (R ² = 0.344, p < 0.010) and for Zn in chilli (R ² = 0.501, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis of the soil data suggested that concentrations of Co, Ni, Pb and Zn were strongly correlated with concentrations of Al and Fe, which is suggestive of evidence of background variations due to changes in soil mineralogy. Thus the evidence for widespread contamination of soils by these elements through agricultural activities is not strong. Chromium was correlated with soil pH and EC, Na, S, and Ca while Hg was not correlated with any of these components, suggesting diffuse pollution by aerial deposition. However As, Cd, Cu were strongly associated with organic matter and available and aqua regia soluble soil P, which we attribute to inputs in agricultural fertilisers and soil organic amendments (e.g. manures, composts).     

崇明东滩湿地沉积物砷的形态特征

于2008年4月在崇明东滩湿地开展野外调查,采集表层沉积物样品,参考Walter W W等提出的砷5步提取法进行总砷、砷的形态分析。结果表明:东滩湿地沉积物总砷含量5.33~19.74 mg/kg,各形态砷所占比例:弱交换态0.6%(0.5%~0.7%);强交换态5%(3%~7%);非晶形铁铝锰氧化物结合态28%(26%~29%);晶形铁铝锰氧化物结合态21%(19%~24%);残渣态46%(42%~51%)。     

Bioavailability of trace metals in brownfield soils in an urban area in the UK

Thirty-two brownfield sites from the city of Wolverhampton were selected from those with a former industrial use, wasteland or areas adjacent to industrial processes. Samples (<2 mm powdered soil fraction) were analysed, using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES) for 20 elements. Loss on ignition and pH were also determined. A five-step chemical sequential extraction technique was carried out. Single leach extraction with 0.12 M hydrochloric acid of Pb, Cu and Zn in soil was determined as a first approximation of the bioavailability in the human stomach. Some of the sites were found to have high concentrations of the potentially toxic elements Pb, Zn, Cu and Ni. The partitioning of metals showed a high variability, however a number of trends were determined. The majority of Zn was partitioned into the least chemically stable phases (steps 1, 2 and 3). The majority of Cu was associated with the organic phase (step 4) and the majority of Ni was fractionated into the residue phase (step 5). The majority of Pb was associated with the residue fraction (step 5) followed by Fe–Mn oxide fraction (step 3). The variability reflects the heterogeneous and complex nature of metal speciation in urban soils with varied historic histories. There was a strong inverse linear relationship between the metals Ni, Zn and Pb in the readily exchangeable phase (step 1) and soil pH, significant at P < 0.01 level. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the partitioning of Cu, Ni and Zn into step 4 (the organic phase) in soils with a higher organic carbon content (estimated by loss on ignition). Copper was highly partitioned into step 4 as it has a strong association with organics in soil but this phase was not important for the partitioning of Ni or Zn. The fractionation of Ni, Cu and Zn increased significantly in step 3 when the total metal concentration increases (P < 0.01). The Fe–Mn oxide fraction becomes more important in soils elevated in these metals, possibly due to the scavenging of metals by oxides. Cu and Pb extracted by HCl was statistically similar to the sum of the metals in steps 1 to 4 (P < 0.01) and HCl available Zn was statistically similar to the sum of Zn in steps 1 to 3 (P < 0.01). Step 4 (the organic phase) was not an important phase for Zn, so it was concluded that any Cu, Zn and Pb present in soil in a nonresidue phase would be potentially available for uptake into the human system once soil has been ingested.     

Organochlorine levels in human blood from residents in areas of limited pesticide use in Sudan

Ninety-nine human blood samples were collected from the riverine region of northern Sudan and the traditional and mechanized rain-fed areas of western and eastern Sudan, representing areas of limited pesticide use in Sudan. Blood samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) followed by electron-capture detection (ECD). p,p′-DDE (a metabolite of DDT), heptachlor epoxide, β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), and dieldrin were detected in all locations surveyed. The level of total organochlorine burden was highest in the traditional rain-fed area, followed by the mechanized rain-fed area, and the riverine area. A highly significant correlation was observed between total organochlorine blood burden and the age of the donors (r = 0.608**).     

Heavy metals in soils and crops in Southeast Asia 2. Thailand

A reconnaissance soil geochemical and concomitant plant survey based on 318 soil (0-15 cm) and 122 plant samples was used for the assessment of heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils and crops of Thailand. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) were determined in soils using aqua regia digestion, and in plants using nitric acid digestion. Organic carbon (C), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and available phosphorus (P) were determined on the soil samples using appropriate procedures. Results indicated that concentrations of heavy metals varied widely among the different regions of Thailand. Regression analysis between the concentrations of metals in soil (aqua regia extractable) and edible plant parts indicated a small but positive relationship for Cd in all the plants sampled in the survey (R2 = 0.081, p < 0.001). There was also a positive relationship between soil and plant Cd concentrations in rice (R2 = 0.242, p < 0.010), and negative relationships for Zn in rice (R2 = 0.385, p < 0.001), and Cu (R2 = 0.355, p < 0.001) and Zn (R2 = 0.122, p < 0.026) in glutinous rice. Principal component analysis of the soil data suggested that concentrations of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni and Pb were strongly correlated with concentrations of Al and Fe, which is suggestive of evidence of background variations due to changes in soil mineralogy. Thus, the evidence for widespread contamination of soils by these elements through agricultural activities is not strong. On the other hand, Cd and Zn were strongly correlated with organic matter and concentrations of available and aqua regia extractable P. This is attributed to input of contaminants in agricultural fertilisers and soil amendments (e.g. manures, composts).     

Interannual fluctuations in acoustic biomass estimates and in landings of small pelagic fish populations in relation to hydrology in the Strait of Sicily

The main results of research work carried out since 1998 with regard to the application of hydro-acoustic technologies for the evaluation of biomass and distribution of small pelagic fish species off the southern coast of Sicily are presented, taking into account information from hydrology and from ecology of the fish populations targeted. The biomass estimates and the population‐density charts presented concern the two main species, i.e. sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758). Both the sardine and anchovy populations experienced large inter-annual fluctuations, with biomass estimates ranging from 6000 to over 36,000 tonnes (t) (sardine) and from about 7000 to 23,000 t (anchovy). Acoustic estimates are largely consistent with landings recorded in Sciacca (the main fishing port for small pelagic species in the study area) during the year following the evaluation surveys. In addition, trends in sardine and anchovy biomass estimates appears to be negatively correlated with the mean sea surface temperature calculated over the time intervals January–September (sardine) and June–November (anchovy) of the preceding year, which correspond to larval and juvenile growth periods of target species. Observed patterns would suggest the importance of enrichment processes relevant to the survival of early stages, so determining recruitment success and finally higher population sizes.     

Dust exposures in tractor and combine operations in eastern Mediterranean, Turkey

The objective of this study was to determine the dust concentrations in selected tractor and combine operations in eastern Mediterranean region in Turkey Mean dust concentrations were 137.9 mg m(-3), 83.6 mg m(-3), 80.3 mg m(-3), and 88.8 mg m(-3) respectively for soil packing, furrowing, straw making, and baling on tractors with no cabins whereas 106.9 mg m(-3) was found in combines without cabins, which are much higher than the limit dust concentration (10 mg m(-3)) considered hazardous for workers' health. In tractor operations with field-installed cabins, mean dust concentrations were 5.6 mg m(-3), 6.6 mg m(-3), 6.4 mg m(-3), and 3.7 mg m(-3), respectively in soil packing, furrowing, straw making, and baling while 4.7 mg m(-3) was measured in combines with field-installed cabins. Considering unit-manufactured cabins, mean dust concentrations were 1.1 mg m(-3), 1.6 mg m(-3), 3.2 mg m(-3), and 1.4 mg m(-3) respectively in tractor operations, and 1.4 mg mr(-3) in combine operations. Variance analyses showed that not only the respiration environment of the workers but also the field operation had a significant effect on measured dust concentrations (p < 0.01). Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.74 (very strong level) between dust concentration and wind speed in soil packing, 0.46 (medium level) between dust concentration and wind speed in baling, and 0.44 (medium level) between dust concentration and ground speed in combining.     

Interannual fluctuations in acoustic biomass estimates and in landings of small pelagic fish populations in relation to hydrology in the Strait of Sicily

The main results of research work carried out since 1998 with regard to the application of hydro-acoustic technologies for the evaluation of biomass and distribution of small pelagic fish species off the southern coast of Sicily are presented, taking into account information from hydrology and from ecology of the fish populations targeted. The biomass estimates and the population-density charts presented concern the two main species, i.e. sardine Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758). Both the sardine and anchovy populations experienced large inter-annual fluctuations, with biomass estimates ranging from 6000 to over 36,000 tonnes (t) (sardine) and from about 7000 to 23,000 t (anchovy). Acoustic estimates are largely consistent with landings recorded in Sciacca (the main fishing port for small pelagic species in the study area) during the year following the evaluation surveys. In addition, trends in sardine and anchovy biomass estimates appears to be negatively correlated with the mean sea surface temperature calculated over the time intervals January-September (sardine) and June-November (anchovy) of the preceding year, which correspond to larval and juvenile growth periods of target species. Observed patterns would suggest the importance of enrichment processes relevant to the survival of early stages, so determining recruitment success and finally higher population sizes.     

Genotypic variation in element concentrations in brown rice from Yunnan landraces in China

The mineral elements present in brown rice play an important physiological role in global human health. We investigated genotypic variation of eight of these elements (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in 11 different grades of brown rice on the basis of the number and distance coefficients of 282 alleles for 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Six-hundred and twenty-eight landraces from the same field in Yunnan Province, one of the largest centers of genetic diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the world, formed our core collection. The mean concentrations (mg kg⁻¹) of the eight elements in brown rice for these landraces were P (3,480) > K (2,540) > Mg (1,480) > Ca (157) > Zn (32.8) > Fe (32.0) > Cu (13.6) > Mn (13.2). Mean P concentrations in brown rice were 6.56 times total soil P, so the grains are important in tissue storage of P, but total soil K is 7.82 times mean K concentrations in brown rice. The concentrations of the eight elements in some grades of brown rice, on the basis of the number and distance coefficients of alleles for 20 SSR markers for the landraces, were significantly different (P < 0.05), and further understanding of the relationship between mineral elements and gene diversity is needed. There was large variation in element concentrations in brown rice, ranging from 2,160 to 5,500 mg P kg⁻¹, from 1,130 to 3,830 mg K kg⁻¹, from 61.8 to 488 mg Ca kg⁻¹, from 864 to 2,020 mg Mg kg⁻¹, from 0.40 to 147 mg Fe kg⁻¹, from 15.1 to 124 mg Zn kg⁻¹, from 0.10 to 59.1 mg Cu kg⁻¹, and from 6.7 to 26.6 mg Mn kg⁻¹. Therefore, germplasm evaluations for Ca, Fe, and Zn concentrations in rice grains have detected up to sevenfold genotypic differences, suggesting that selection for high levels of Ca, Fe, and Zn in breeding for mass production is a feasible approach. Increasing the concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Zn in rice grains will help alleviate chronic Ca, Zn, and Fe deficiencies in many areas of the world.     

滨海滩涂不同围垦年代垦区农作物重金属累积特征及其与氮、磷的关系

为探明滨海滩涂围垦区农作物重金属累积特征及其与围垦年代、作物氮磷含量及化学计量比的关系,采集盐城地区不同围垦年代(围垦20、30、40、60年)农田4种主要作物(大麦、小麦、油菜、蚕豆)样品63个,测定了其根、茎叶和籽粒中Cd、Cu、Zn、Pb、Hg、As及全氮(N)、全磷(P)和粗蛋白(CP)含量,分析了重金属累积特征及与围垦年代、N、P、CP及N/P比的关系,并采用单因子污染指数法和内梅罗综合污染指数法对重金属污染程度和安全水平进行了评价。结果表明,1)围垦农田作物整株各指标含量分别为Cd (0.52±0.94)、Cu (12.98±16.00)、Zn (34.93±27.91)、Pb (3.50±5.88)、Hg (0.0063±0.0063)、As (1.94±3.72) mg·kg~(-1)及N(13.69±8.27)、P (5.98±2.24)、CP (79.55±49.54) g·kg~(-1);籽粒中则分别为(0.0059±0.020)、(1.83±1.48)、(11.13±4.45)、(0.09±0.30)、(0.0023±0.0036)、(0.0021±0.0048) mg·kg~(-1)及(19.21±7.68)、(6.04±1.64)、(111.78±47.81) g·kg~(-1); 2)作物重金属均表现为根茎叶籽粒,N和CP与之相反,表现为根茎叶籽粒,而P则表现为根籽粒茎叶; 3)不同围垦年代之间作物重金属、N、P、CP含量、N/P比及综合污染指数(Pz)均没有显著差异(P0.05); 4)各作物籽粒6种重金属单因子污染指数均值均小于1,除个别样品Pb超标(超标率11%)外,其他重金属均未超标; 5)作物籽粒重金属Pz均值为0.38,表明该地区作物重金属总体处于安全级,但大麦、小麦、油菜籽粒均有样品Pb含量超过警戒线,个别样品甚至达到重度污染水平; 6)作物整株各重金属之间、重金属与P之间均存在显著正相关(P0.01),而重金属与N、CP、N/P存在显著负相关(P0.01),在籽粒中则相关性均不显著(P0.05)。以上结果显示,盐城滨海滩涂围垦区作物重金属累积与围垦时间关系不大,其含量目前尚处于可接受范围内,但Pb污染值得关注,作物重金属与P之间存在一定的相互促进作用,而与N存在一定的拮抗作用,高氮低磷的机体养分状况有助于降低重金属含量。     

Fluoride Content in Bones of Adelie Penguins and Environmental Media in Antarctica

Fluoride (F) distribution and its effects (fluorosis) were investigated in Antarctica. Droppings (L) excreta selected of aquatic birds, lake water, soil and moss (Polytrichum alpinum) showed a high F concentration. Although bones of Adelie penguin (Pygiscelis adeliae) and skua (Catharacta maccormicki) showed exceptionally very high F concentration in the range of 832 to 7187 mg kg(-1), their radiographs did not show any evidence of skeletal fluorosis. The possible reason and geochemical aspects of F in Antarctica region are discussed.     

Agricultural chemical exposure in small farmers in Guyana

A study of self-reported injury from agricultural chemical exposure was conducted in farmers in rural Guyana. One hundred and ninety agricultural workers were studied, of which 167 (88%) were male. Morbidity from agricultural chemical exposure was common, with 87 farmers (46%) reporting having experienced at least one episode of illness after agricultural chemical exposure. Relatively few of the farmers sought medical assistance for their symptoms, with only 20 farmers (11%) visiting a local doctor and only two farmers (1%) reporting going to a hospital for treatment. Local farmer use of protective equipment was limited. Pyrethroids and herbicides paraquat and glyphosate were the most commonly used agricultural chemicals in the population studied. Data showed that exposure to agricultural chemicals remains frequent, with incidence of severe injury requiring less frequent medical attention.     

Cadmium,copper, and zinc in carrots in Japan

Cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in carrots obtained from different regions throughout Japan were assessed in a baseline study on the contents of trace metals in foods. These three metals were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The geometric mean contents (with one geometric standard deviation indicated in parentheses) of Cd, Cu, and Zn were 0.02 (2.2), 0.7 (2.1), and 2.4 (1.6) mg?kg^?1 wet weight in carrots obtained in Japan. While there was a close relationship among the contents of the three metals in the carrots grown in Cambisols and Gleysols, a significant relationship was recognized only between the contents of Cd and Zn in those grown in Andosols and Fluvic Gleysols. Cd and Zn are classified as 2B metals in the periodic table of elements, and the authors speculate that the similarity of the metal characteristics between Cd and Zn may be responsible for the close relationship in the contents of the two metals, with no relation to the soil type.     

Gas exchange in Paulownia species growing under different soil moisture conditions in the field

In order to evaluate their responses to drought, we determined the photosynthetic activity water potential, stomatal conductance, transpiration, water use efficiency photosynthetic photon flux density and leaf temperature of Paulownia imperialis, P. fortunei and P. elongata in three different soil moisture conditions in the field. Our results showed that P. imperialis had greater photosynthesis (8.86 micromol CO2 m(-2) s(-1)) and instantaneous water use efficiency (0.79 micromol CO2 mmol H2O(-1)) than either P. elongata (8.20 micromol CO2 m(-2) s(-1) and 0.71 micromol CO2 mmol H2O(-1)) or P. fortunei (3.26 micromol CO2 m(-2) s(-1) and 0.07 micromol CO2 mmol H2O(-1)). The rapid growth of Paulownia did not appear to be correlated with photosynthetic rates. Paulownia fortunei showed more transpiration (48.78 mmol H2O m(-2) s(-1)) and stomatal conductance (840 mmol m(-2) s(-1)) than P. imperialis (20 mmol H2O m(-2) s(-1) and 540 mmol m(-2) s(-1)) and P. elongata (20 mmol H2O m(-2) s(-1) and 410 mmol m(-2) s(-1)), which allowed these two Paulownia species to increase their tolerance to low soil moisture, and maintain higher water use efficiency under these conditions. According to our physiological gas exchange field tests, Paulownia imperialis does appear to be capable of successful growth in semiarid zones.     

Use of degenerate primers in rapid generation of microsatellite markers in Panicum maximum

Guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) is an important forage grass of tropical and semi-tropical regions, largely apomictic and predominantly exist in tetraploid form. For molecular breeding work, it is prerequisite to develop and design molecular markers for characterization of genotypes, development of linkage map and marker assisted selection. Hence, it is an important researchable issue to develop molecular markers in those crops where such information is scanty. Among many molecular markers, microsatellites or simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are preferred markers in plant breeding. Degenerate primers bearing simple sequence repeat as anchor motifs can be utilized in rapid development of SSR markers; however selection of suitable degenerate primers is a prerequisite for such procedure so that SSR enriched genomic library can be made rapidly. In the present study seven degenerated primers namely KKVRVRV(AG)10, KKVRVRV(GGT)5, KKVRVRV(CT)10, KKVRVRV(AAT)6, KKVRVRV(GTG)6, KKVRVRV(GACA)5, and KKVRVRV(CAA)6 were used in amplification of Panicum maximum genomic DNA. Primers with repeat motifs (GGT)5 and (AAT)6 have not reacted whereas (AG)10, (GACA)5 and (CAA)6 highly informative as they have generated many DNA fragments ranging from 250 to 1600 bps as revealed from the results obtained with restriction digestion of recombinant plasmids. Primer with (CT)10 anchor repeat, amplified fragments of high molecular weight where as (GTG)6 primer generated only six bands with low concentration indicating less suitability of these primerin SSR markers development in P maximum.     

中国城市建成区绿化覆盖率变化特征及影响因素分析

城市建成区绿地建设有利于改善城市环境,提高人居适宜度,优化城市生态系统服务功能。基于2002—2018年建成区绿化覆盖率及影响因子数据分析了中国城市建成区绿化覆盖率变化特征及其主要影响因素,结果表明,(1)中国建成区绿化覆盖率在2018年达到了41.11%,相比2002年增加了11.36%,2018年绿化覆盖率达到了35.0%以上的城市占全国城市的93.55%。(2)中国建成区绿化覆盖率存在明显的区域差异。按照华北、东北、华东、中南、西南和西北六个地区划分中国城市区域,华东地区的城市建成区绿化覆盖率最高,中南地区次之,其余四个地区为华北地区>东北地区>西北地区>西南地区;各地区建成区绿化覆盖率随时间发生显著变化(P<0.05),华北地区绿化覆盖率发生显著变化的城市占比最高达94.60%,中南地区最低为65.88%。(3)建成区绿化覆盖率与城市化指标(地区生产总值GDP、地区人均生产总值PGDP、绿化投入LP、建成区面积BUA、城区面积百分比UAP、建成区面积百分比BUAP、总人口TP、城市人口密度UPD、城区人口UP、建成区人口BUP、城区人口百分比UPP、建成区人口百分比BUPP)和气候因子(年平均温度YT、年平均湿度YH和年降雨量YW)均呈极显著正相关关系(P<0.01),其中PGDP、LI、BUAP、UAP、UPD、BUPP和YT、YW、YH是影响建成区绿化覆盖率的最主要因子。本研究结果可为中国未来城市绿地建设均衡发展提供重要的理论参考依据。     

Nitrogen mineralization in a high altitude ecosystem in the mediterranean phytogeographical region of Turkey

Interrelations exist in the terrestrial ecosystems between the plant type and characteristics of nutrient uptake. Annual net nitrogen mineralization in soils of different plant communities in the high altitude zone of Spil mountain located in the Mediterranean phytogeographical region of Turkey was investigated throughout one year by field incubation method. Seasonal fluctuations resulting from field incubation were markedly higher in autumn and spring than summer. These are mainly associated with the changes in soil moisture being at minimum in the Mediterranean summer. A significant correlation was developed between the net Nitrate (kg NO3(-)-N ha week(-1)) production and soil water content (p<0.05; r = 0.316 in soil of 0-5 cm; r = 0.312 in soil of 5-15 cm). The results showed that the annual productivity of nitrogen mineralization shows different values depending on communities. Annual net ammonium (NH4(+)-N) production in the soils of each community was negatively estimated. However annual net nitrate (NO3(-)-N) production (0-15 cm) was higher in grassland (27.8 kg ha y(-1)) and shrub (25.0 kg ha y(-1)) than forest (12.4 kg ha y(-1)) community. While annual net N(min) values were close to each other in grassland (14.5 kg ha y(-1)) and shrub (14.1 kg ha y(-1)), but negative in forest community (-3.6 kg ha y(-1)). The reasons for these differences are discussed.