Assessing the benefits of cooperation in honeybee foraging: search costs,forage quality,and competitive ability

Summary The foragers in honeybee colonies cooperate by sharing information about rich sources of food. This study examines three hypotheses about the benefits of this cooperation: (H1) it decreases foragers' costs in finding new food sources, (H2) it increases the quality of the food sources located by foragers, and (H3) it increases the ability of a colony's foragers to compete for high-quality food sources. To test each hypothesis, we identified a critical pattern in the foraging process which, if observed, would cast doubt on that hypothesis, and then gathered data to check for these patterns. Our observations do not support the first hypothesis, but do support the second and third. These results, in addition to helping us understand the functional significance of the honeybee's dance language, provide insights into the colonial organization of foraging by honeybees.     

Determination of metal accumulation in deposited street dusts in Amman, Jordan

Street dust samples (120 in total) were collected under stable weather conditions during the hot, dry season (August and September) of 2004 from six different localities (industrial, heavy traffic, medium traffic, light traffic, low traffic and rural) in greater Amman, the capital of Jordan. The concentrations of Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn and Ni in the dusts were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The high concentrations of Pb, Fe and Zn in the street dust samples were related to both anthropogenic (industrial sources combined with traffic sources) and natural sources. Surprisingly, the concentrations of Cd in the dusts were low. Correlation coefficient analysis and principle component analysis identified three main sources of these elements and the corresponding distributions. The elements Pb, Zn, Cd, Fe, Cu and Ni were mainly derived from industrial sources, with Pb and Zn additionally derived from traffic sources. The street dusts were found to have highly elevated levels of Zn, particularly along the main trunk roads, indicating that the Zn in the street dusts may be derived from traffic sources, especially vehicle tyres. The concentrations of metals in the different street dust samples were found to vary depending on the density of traffic.     

Three-phase partitioning for the separation of proteins,enzymes, biopolymers,oils and pigments: a review

Environmental Chemistry Letters - Modern biomass and organic waste are becoming major, carbon-neutral sources of fine chemicals, biomolecules and fuels to replace fossil fuel products. As a...     

南方典型水源地及水产养殖区抗生素的复合污染特征及生态风险

抗生素作为生长促进剂和疾病预防控制药物在水产养殖领域得到广泛应用,目前在许多环境水体中检测到不同类型的抗生素。环境中抗生素的残留问题也是目前环境研究的热点问题之一。本研究选择南方某市8个水源地和5个典型水产养殖区作为研究对象,采用固相萃取、高效液相色谱串联三重四级杆质谱联用仪方法,调查了32种常用抗生素在水体中的含量水平和空间分布特征,揭示了抗生素的来源,并对其生态风险进行了评价。水源地共检出12种抗生素,浓度范围为0.12～44.6 ng·L~(-1),以磺胺甲噁唑含量最高;水产养殖区检出14种抗生素,浓度范围为0.95～716 ng·L~(-1),以氯四环素检出浓度最高。整体上水产养殖区抗生素的浓度高于水源地。抗生素浓度与环境因子的冗余分析表明,水产养殖和生活污水排放是水体中抗生素的主要来源。对检出的13种抗生素进行生态风险评价,单一抗生素而言,环丙沙星、氧氟沙星、磺胺嘧啶、氯四环素和脱水红霉素的风险商值大于0.01而小于0.1,表现为低风险。总抗生素风险商值加和在大部分水源地大于0.01而小于0.1,表现为低风险;总抗生素风险商值加和在2个水产养殖区大于0.1,表现为中等风险,水产养殖区抗生素的长期生态风险应该引起关注。     

Characterization of airborne particulate matter in thessaloniki,Greece

TSP samples, collected at two stations in the area of Thessaloniki during the period July 1987‐June 1988, were analysed for heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni and V). Flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for metal determinations. Metals determined were characterized with respect to their origin from natural or man‐made emission sources. Source identification was attempted by relation of metal concentrations to wind direction, and interelement correlations.

Results obtained showed that Pb, Zn and Cu are emitted from man‐made sources (traffic, domestic heating, industry), V, Ni and Co are derived partially from natural and man‐made sources, while Cr is mainly soil‐derived.     

Characterization of airborne particulate matter in Thessaloniki,Greece

A receptor modeling approach has been applied to identify and apportion sources of airborne particulate matter in Thessaloniki, Greece. The absolute principal component analysis source apportionment technique used, provided quantitative information regarding both source particle characteristics and impacts. The analysis identified four major sources of heavy metals within total suspended particles (TSP) in the centre of the city: oil burning, pyrometallurgical non‐ferrous metal processes, motor vehicles and soil resuspension. Their contributions to TSP estimated by regression on absolute principal component scores (APCS) were 12%, 8%, 5% and 4%, respectively. A similar analysis conducted for a sampling site close to the industrial area identified five major sources: oil burning, industrial Cr source, soil resuspension, pyrometallurgical non‐ferrous metal processes and motor vehicles with contributions 20%, 15%, 9%, 8% and 4%, respectively.     

Asymptomatic typhoid carriers in Namakkal District, Tamilnadu

A study was made on the sources and spread of Salmonella spp at Namakkal District, Tamilnadu, to ascertain positive carriers of the pathogen. Of the 150 samples collected from varied sources, food handlers significantly contributed to the spread of S. typhi, S. paratyphi A and B, the presence of which was ascertained by standard confirmatory tests. It is inferred that a periodic assay of Salmonella spp in food stuff and food handlers can help in the control of food borne disease.     

Microplastic sources,formation, toxicity and remediation: a review

Microplastic pollution is becoming a major issue for human health due to the recent discovery of microplastics in most ecosystems. Here, we review the sources, formation, occurrence, toxicity and remediation methods of microplastics. We distinguish ocean-based and land-based sources of microplastics. Microplastics have been found in biological samples such as faeces, sputum, saliva, blood and placenta. Cancer, intestinal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, infectious and inflammatory diseases are induced or mediated by microplastics. Microplastic exposure during pregnancy and maternal period is also discussed. Remediation methods include coagulation, membrane bioreactors, sand filtration, adsorption, photocatalytic degradation, electrocoagulation and magnetic separation. Control strategies comprise reducing plastic usage, behavioural change, and using biodegradable plastics. Global plastic production has risen dramatically over the past 70 years to reach 359 million tonnes. China is the world's top producer, contributing 17.5% to global production, while Turkey generates the most plastic waste in the Mediterranean region, at 144 tonnes per day. Microplastics comprise 75% of marine waste, with land-based sources responsible for 80–90% of pollution, while ocean-based sources account for only 10–20%. Microplastics induce toxic effects on humans and animals, such as cytotoxicity, immune response, oxidative stress, barrier attributes, and genotoxicity, even at minimal dosages of 10 μg/mL. Ingestion of microplastics by marine animals results in alterations in gastrointestinal tract physiology, immune system depression, oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, differential gene expression, and growth inhibition. Furthermore, bioaccumulation of microplastics in the tissues of aquatic organisms can have adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystem, with potential transmission of microplastics to humans and birds. Changing individual behaviours and governmental actions, such as implementing bans, taxes, or pricing on plastic carrier bags, has significantly reduced plastic consumption to 8–85% in various countries worldwide. The microplastic minimisation approach follows an upside-down pyramid, starting with prevention, followed by reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering, and ending with disposal as the least preferable option.

     

Research progress on distribution,sources, identification,toxicity, and biodegradation of microplastics in the ocean,freshwater, and soil environment

• Microplastics are widely found in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. • Cleaning products and discarded plastic waste are primary sources of microplastics. • Microplastics have apparent toxic effects on the growth of fish and soil plants. • Multiple strains of biodegradable microplastics have been isolated. Microplastics (MPs) are distributed in the oceans, freshwater, and soil environment and have become major pollutants. MPs are generally referred to as plastic particles less than 5 mm in diameter. They consist of primary microplastics synthesized in microscopic size manufactured production and secondary microplastics generated by physical and environmental degradation. Plastic particles are long-lived pollutants that are highly resistant to environmental degradation. In this review, the distribution and possible sources of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments are described. Moreover, the adverse effects of MPs on natural creatures due to ingestion have been discussed. We also have summarized identification methods based on MPs particle size and chemical bond. To control the pollution of MPs, the biodegradation of MPs under the action of different microbes has also been reviewed in this work. This review will contribute to a better understanding of MPs pollution in the environment, as well as their identification, toxicity, and biodegradation in the ocean, freshwater, and soil, and the assessment and control of microplastics exposure.     

Self-organization in collective honeybee foraging: emergence of symmetry breaking,cross inhibition and equal harvest-rate distribution

De Vries and Biesmeijer described in 1998 an individual-oriented model that simulates the collective foraging behaviour of a colony of honeybees. Here we report how this model has been expanded and show how, through self-organization, three colony-level phenomena can emerge: symmetry breaking, cross inhibition and the equal harvest-rate distribution. Symmetry breaking is the phenomenon that the numbers of foragers visiting two equally profitable food sources will diverge after some time. Cross inhibition is the phenomenon that, by increasing the profitability of one of two equal food sources, the number of foragers visiting the other source will decrease. In some circumstances, the bees foraging on two sources of different profitabilities will be distributed between these sources such that the two average energy harvest rates are equal. We will refer to this phenomenon as the equal harvest-rate distribution. For each of these three phenomena, we show what the necessary behavioural rules to be followed by the individual forager bees are, and what the necessary circumstances are (that is, what values the model parameters should take) in order for these phenomena to arise. It seems that patch size and forager group size largely determine when each of these phenomena will arise. Experimenting with two types of currency, net gain rate and net gain efficiency, revealed that only gain rate may result in an equal harvest-rate distribution of foragers visiting different food sources.     

矿冶区周边水稻对不同来源重金属污染的指示作用

有色金属开采与冶炼可对周边环境造成严重的重金属污染,查明重金属污染来源对于矿冶周边重金属污染管理与控制具有重要意义.为探索利用矿冶周边水稻对As、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cu的富集与水稻体内元素的含量平衡特征指示重金属污染来源的可行性,选择了我国著名的水口山Pb-Zn矿山开采与冶炼周边区,根据重金属污染排放和迁移扩散特征,结合当地气象和地貌条件,确定了3个典型采样区,其中两个采样区分别邻近冶炼厂和尾砂库,另一处为位于两者之间的过渡区.采用蛇形采样法在稻田内采集33个成熟水稻及土壤样品,分析水稻不同部位(包括根、茎叶、籽粒)及土壤中As、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu5种重金属和其他16种元素的含量.结果表明,3个采样区之间土壤中的As、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cu含量均存在显著性差异;各采样区水稻中除根际和籽粒中Cd含量外,各部位重金属含量也均有显著差异.靠近冶炼厂的水稻茎叶中As、Pb含量高于离冶炼厂较远的采样区水稻茎叶.尽管As、Pb在靠近尾砂库采样区土壤中含量最高,但在该区水稻茎叶中的含量却最低;在除As、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu5种重金属以外的其他16种元素中,水稻根部仅有5种元素含量在各采样区之间存在差异,指示相同的土地利用类型及土壤母质条件;而在茎叶和籽粒中则分别有多达11和10种元素含量出现采样区差异,指示重金属污染来源影响水稻茎叶及籽粒中元素的含量平衡.多元统计分析结果显示,3个采样区水稻茎叶中元素含量平衡存在显著的分异,显示出明显的采样区属性.结合采样区域空间位置、污染物来源、水稻对重金属的富集与转运特征分析,3个采样区重金属主要污染特征可分别确定为水-气混合来源型、大气来源型和尾砂来源型.论文结果证明利用水稻茎叶指示矿冶周边重金属污染来源是可行的.     

Fractionation of trace metals (Mn,Zn, Cu,Pb) in Red Sea sediments,Gulf of Aden,Yemen

A sequential extraction technique was applied to estimate the chemical association of Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb in five chemical phases (exchangeable, carbonate, Fe–Mn oxides, organic matter and residual) in sediments of the Gulf of Aden, Yemen. The results indicated that a higher level of Mn was associated with the residual fraction (natural sources) than the non-residual fraction (anthropogenic sources). Zn fractionations revealed that it was associated more with Fe–Mn oxides and organic fractions than exchangeable and carbonate fractions. Most of the Cu was present in the residual form (60–72%) except for in the main port area (zone III), where it was associated with the organic phase (77% of the total Cu content, the organic matter content was 5%). Similarly, most Pb was bound in the residual fraction (56–71%) except the main port area where ～ 62% of the total Pb was bound in non-residual fractions. It was also found that the Pb concentration in the exchangeable fraction was very high compared with other metals. The risk assessment code for the metals showed a low risk for Zn and Cu, but low to medium risk for Mn. Fractionation of Pb showed medium risk at most of the regions except at the eastern area, which revealed a high risk for the aquatic environment.     

Distribution and behaviour of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in subtropical river estuary,Okinawa, Japan

Surface water samples were collected along the salinity gradient of Manko estuary in Okinawa, Japan, between January and November 2012, to examine spatial and temporal variability in the distribution, composition, behaviour, and sources of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Concentrations of total particulate PAHs ranged from 169.7?ng?g^?1 at riverine station (N1) in November 2012 to 922?ng?g^?1 at another riverine station (K3) in May 2012. Based on observed environmental behaviour, particularly relationships to organic matter, the PAHs appear divisible into two groups: group I (low molecular weight) PAHs were characterised by low particles affinity and strong correlations with a pool of autochthonous organic matter (e.g. high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids), reflecting processes controlling their delivery to the estuary; and, in contrast, group II (high molecular weight) PAHs were characterised by high particles affinity and exhibited estuarine distribution primarily controlled by suspended solid load and inputs from terrigenous sources through river inflows. This relationship, coupled with isomer ratios indicative of combined mixed sources from petroleum and petroleum combustions, indicates that terrestrial run-off is the dominant mode of delivery of particulate PAHs in the estuary. The relationships between distinct groups of PAHs and lipid biomarkers demonstrated in this study suggest that very specific pools of particulate organic matter, as opposed to concentrations of particulate organic carbon alone, can be important in the transport and fate of hydrophobic contaminants.     

Source attribution for mercury deposition with an updated atmospheric mercury emission inventory in the Pearl River Delta Region,China

Estimated anthropogenic Hg emission was 11.9 tons in Pearl River Delta for 2014. Quantifying contributions of emission sources helps to provide control strategies. More attentions should be paid to Hg deposition around the large point sources. Power plant, industrial source and waste incinerator were priorities for control. A coordinated regional Hg emission control was important for controlling pollution. We used CMAQ-Hg to simulate mercury pollution and identify main sources in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) with updated local emission inventory and latest regional and global emissions. The total anthropogenic mercury emissions in the PRD for 2014 were 11,939.6 kg. Power plants and industrial boilers were dominant sectors, responsible for 29.4 and 22.7%. We first compared model predictions and observations and the results showed a good performance. Then five scenarios with power plants (PP), municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI), industrial point sources (IP), natural sources (NAT), and boundary conditions (BCs) zeroed out separately were simulated and compared with the base case. BCs was responsible for over 30% of annual average mercury concentration and total deposition while NAT contributed around 15%. Among the anthropogenic sources, IP (22.9%) was dominant with a contribution over 20.0% and PP (18.9%) and MSWI (11.2%) ranked second and third. Results also showed that power plants were the most important emission sources in the central PRD, where the ultra-low emission for thermal power units need to be strengthened. In the northern and western PRD, cement and metal productions were priorities for mercury control. The fast growth of municipal solid waste incineration were also a key factor in the core areas. In addition, a coordinated regional mercury emission control was important for effectively controlling pollution. In the future, mercury emissions will decrease as control measures are strengthened, more attention should be paid to mercury deposition around the large point sources as high levels of pollution are observed.     

World air particulate matter: sources,distribution and health effects

Particulate matter (PM) is both a major driver of climate change and a source of toxicity for health. In the upper atmosphere, particulate matter modifies the earth radiation budget, cloud formation and acts as a reaction center for air pollutants. In the lower atmosphere, particulate matter changes atmospheric visibility and alters biogeochemical cycles and meteorology. Most critical effects are observed in ambient air, where particulate matter degrades human health. Here we review the sources, spatial and temporal variability, and toxicity of PM₁₀, the particulate matter having particle sizes 10 micrometers or less in diameter, in world regions. For that we analyzed information from the world wide web and databases from government organizations after the year 2000. Findings show that PM₁₀ is a major risk in both developed and developing countries. This risk is more severe in Asian countries compared to Europe and USA, where decreasing trends are recorded during the last two decades. Meteorological factors modify particulate matter variations at local and regional levels. PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratio provides information of particulate matter sources under different environment conditions. Crustal matter, road traffic and combustion of fuels are major sources of particulate matter pollution. Health studies indicate that long-term exposure to particulate matter has multiple health effects in people from all age groups. Identification of possible sources and their control with regular epidemiological monitoring could decrease the impact of particulate matter pollution.     

Contamination and source assessment of metals,polychlorinated biphenyls,and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils from Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

Urban areas in developing countries are facing vast environmental problems as a result of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Of major concern is the contamination of soils which are increasingly becoming sinks for environmental pollutants. However, to date only little is known about the pollution in the megalopolises of developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination and potential sources of metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the urban environment of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The investigation revealed the presence of most of the analyzed pollutants in soil and sediment samples with total concentrations (dry wt) of PAHs ranging from 186 to 3150?µg?kg^?1, PCBs from 0.4 to 19?µg?kg^?1, Cu from 14 to 173?mg?kg^?1, Zn from 36 to 440?mg?kg^?1, Pb from 9 to 700?mg?kg^?1, and Ni from 16 to 72?mg?kg^?1. In addition, polyaromatic sulfur heterocycles, typical for oil and petrol residues, were detected in several soil samples. Source identification approaches revealed that Pb, Zn, and Cu are most likely derived from pyrolytic sources, with elevated values in samples related to waste combustion and traffic emissions. Ni is most probably of geogenic origin. For PCBs it is indicated that they are derived from a single source. However, correlations with technical PCB mixtures were inconsistent. PAHs originate from the combustion of biomass, vehicular exhausts, and petrogenic sources.     

Potential sources of unintentionally produced PCB,HCB, and PeCBz in China: A preliminary overview

Under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), China is required not only to reduce polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDF) but also unintentionally produced polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and pentachlorobenzene (PeCBz). A baseline of the sources in China that generate these unintentional POPs is needed for both research and regulation purposes. In this paper, we have compiled production data of potential sources in China and assessed them in five-year intervals from 2000 to 2015. Most of these activities experienced changes from rapid growth to slow growth. Measured data for PCB, HCB and PeCBz in samples collected from potential sources in China were reviewed. Most information was associated to thermal processes with high potential of emission, including waste incineration and ferrous and non-ferrous metal production. In addition, high levels of PCB, HCB and PeCBz were found as impurities in a few chlorinated products or as by-products in solvent production, which suggested organochlorine industry might be important sources. Finally, based on the studies reviewed, recommendations for future actions in research and policy as well as a few regulatory issues in China are discussed.

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Trophic strategies of garfish, Arrhamphus sclerolepis, in natural coastal wetlands and artificial urban waterways

We used carbon stable isotope and stomach content analyses to test whether snub-nosed garfish, Arrhamphus sclerolepis (Hemiramphidae), in the extensive artificial urban waterways of southeast Queensland, Australia, rely on autotrophic sources different to those in natural wetlands. Carbon isotope values of A. sclerolepis were similar to those in previous investigations, with enriched values in natural habitat (mean = −13.9‰, SE=0.6) and depleted values (−19.1‰, 0.1) in artificial habitat. A. sclerolepis in natural habitat consumed large amounts of seagrass during the day and night, and at night also ingested small quantities of crustacean prey. In artificial habitat, A. sclerolepis consumed macroalgae during the night and switched to invertebrates (terrestrial ants) in the day. Values of δ¹⁵ N in all the fish were 3–8‰ more enriched than sources. Mathematical modelling of feasible source mixtures showed that in natural habitat the bulk of the dietary carbon is obtained from seagrass, but the nitrogen is obtained from animal prey. In artificial habitat, carbon is obtained from a mixture of macroalgae and animals. We could not determine the nitrogen sources in artificial habitat of A. sclerolepis since, even after accounting for trophic fractionation of δ¹⁵ N, the values were outside the range of potential sources. If the types of animals ingested vary over time, perhaps one or more types of animal important in the provision of nitrogen was not sampled during the study. This study demonstrates that not only does A. sclerolepis occur in both artificial and natural habitats, but it uses the same strategy of bulk herbivory with the inclusion of smaller amounts of animal prey. This understanding of how ecological processes support fisheries production in artificial habitat improves the overall understanding of the effects of urbanisation on coastal food webs.     

Sources and risk assessment of metal contamination in soils at the international airport of Shanghai,China

Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Ni in soils at the Pudong International Airport (PIA) of Shanghai, China, were determined to assess the sources and potential ecological risks. Compared to the soil background values of Shanghai, 31 soil samples out of 33 were highly contaminated with Cd, and 76% were moderately contaminated by Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Principal component analysis and clustering analysis indicated that Pb and Cd mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, while Zn, Cr, Ni, and Cu were mainly from natural sources. Relatively high concentrations of Cd and Pb were observed at sampling points near the landing or take-off sites or a close-by highway. Both air and highway traffic affected the quality of the soils at PIA.