叶绿素作用下微囊藻毒素-LR的光降解

研究了蓝藻中含量最多的色素--叶绿索在微囊藻毒素-LR(MC-LR)光催化降解中的作用,考察了波长和光强等对叶绿素催化的MC-LR光降解的影响.结果表明,叶绿素能导致MC-LR在日光照射下光降解,而且MC-LR的降解与其浓度呈正相关.在叶绿素浓度为0.1mg·ml-1的条件下,日光照射30 minMC-LR的去除率即可达到95%以上,而叶绿素浓度为0.05 mg·ml-1和0.01 mg·ml-1时,照射30 min后MC-LR的去除率分别为65%和56%.日光中紫外区(200-300 nm)的光,在光催化降解MC-LR中起主要作用,与体系最大吸收光谱范围一致的240 nm的光激发效果最好,光催化降解作用也最强.光照强度是影响MC-LR降解的重要因素,光强越大,MC-LR的降解率和降解速度越大.     

磺胺类抗生素复合污染降解菌的筛选及其降毒作用

磺胺类抗生素是环境中检测出率较高的一类污染物.微生物降解是一种相对安全、高效且成本低的污染物去除技术,而关于磺胺类抗生素复合污染降解菌对该类抗生素的去除及其降毒能力方面的研究较少.因此,以3种磺胺类抗生素:磺胺吡啶(SP)、磺胺氯哒嗪(SCP)和磺胺二甲嘧啶(SM2)为碳源,从土壤中筛选3种磺胺类抗生素复合污染的降解菌,应用时间毒性微板分析法,测定3种抗生素及其复合污染物在降解前、后对指示生物蛋白核小球藻的毒性效应,并分析降解菌对3种抗生素及其复合物污染物的降毒能力.结果表明,以SP、SCP和SM2为碳源筛选出2株(S1和S2)降解菌,其中,S1菌株对3种抗生素的降解能力优于S2菌株,并初步鉴定S1降解菌为马氏棒杆菌属;S1降解菌的生长状况和降解能力最佳条件:3种抗生素的混合浓度为1 500 mg·L-1,pH=7.0,温度30℃,转速为150 r·min-1以及接种量为2.0％;S1菌株降解后的抗生素及其复合污染物对蛋白核小球藻的毒性明显低于降解前的毒性,降毒率在99％以上;S1降解菌对3种磺胺类抗生素的降解能力为SM2＞SP＞SCP.     

三种不同氧化工艺条件下对乙酰氨基酚的降解过程与产物毒性变化研究

作为一种典型的药物,对乙酰氨基酚(acetaminophen,ACE)由于其广泛存在和潜在毒性引起重要关注.本研究比较了氯化、紫外/过氧化氢(UV/H2O2)和紫外/氯(UV/Cl)三种工艺对ACE的降解情况.结果表明,3种工艺中,UV/Cl和UV/H2O2工艺均能完全降解ACE,其中UV/Cl工艺的降解速率更快. UV/H2O2和UV/Cl工艺降解能用准一级动力学模型很好地拟合,它们的反应动力学常数(kobs,ACE)分别为0.1343 min-1和0.0657 min-1(293K,p H=7).通过p H实验发现,酸性条件下UV/Cl工艺效果更好,而p H对UV/H2O2工艺没有显著影响.相比而言,ACE的矿化比降解困难许多,在60 min后其矿化率最高仅为5.60%(UV/Cl工艺).在UV/Cl工艺降解过程中,检测到12种主要的转化产物,其转化途径主要包括羟基化、氯取代、二聚化、脱酰化和氧化反应.通过发光菌实验对溶液毒性进行分析,3种工艺条件下ACE溶液的毒性都会有所升高,其中氯化工艺最为突出.每种工艺中不同的反应活性物质导致了ACE转化产物的不同,最终使得溶液毒性不同程度地升高.     

磺胺甲噁唑在磷钨酸/二氧化钛复合膜上的光催化降解

以典型抗生素类药物磺胺甲噁唑(SMZ)为目标物,模拟太阳光下研究其在磷钨酸/二氧化钛(H3PW12O40/TiO2)复合膜上的光催化降解行为,并对其可能的降解机理进行探讨.通过一系列的条件实验确定H3PW12O40/TiO2复合膜光催化降解SMZ的最佳实验条件为:H3PW12O40掺杂量为7.7%、污染物初始浓度为50 mg·L-1、溶液pH值为5.5.此时,H3PW12O40/TiO2复合膜表现出最强的光催化活性,其动力学常数为0.453 h-1,为纯TiO2膜的3.0倍;模拟太阳光照射12 h后,复合膜对SMZ的矿化度可达66.6%,是纯TiO2膜的1.25倍.     

UV-254 nm活化过硫酸盐降解麻黄碱的影响因素和机理

采用UV-254 nm活化过硫酸盐高级氧化技术去除水中污染物麻黄碱(EPH),并研究了其降解动力学过程和降解机理.考察了过硫酸盐(PS)投加量、EPH的初始浓度、不同pH值及不同离子(HCO~-_3、NO~-_3、Cl~-)对降解效果的影响.结果表明,UV-254 nm活化过硫酸盐工艺能有效去除实验条件下的EPH,其氧化降解反应符合二级动力学方程.EPH去除率随着PS投加量的增加而增大.pH对降解反应有较大的影响,在pH=7的条件下,反应速率最快,表观反应动力学常数(k_(obs))为0.467 min~(-1).进一步研究表明,HCO~-_3、NO~-_3和Cl~-对EPH的降解都存在抑制作用,在相同浓度下,其抑制程度依次为Cl~- NO~-_3 HCO~-_3.通过UPLC-MS/MS鉴定了麻黄碱降解的中间体,并提出了可能的降解机理和转化途径.     

膨润土负载纳米铁用于降解水体中阿莫西林

采用液相还原法合成膨润土负载纳米铁(B-nZVI)和纳米铁(nZVI)并用于降解水中的阿莫西林.实验结果表明,无论是单独nZVI还是B-nZVI都能有效降解阿莫西林.在25 mL浓度为20 mg.L-1的阿莫西林溶液中加入0.1 g的B-nZVI(其中nZVI的含量为0.05 g),溶液的初始pH值为6.65,摇床的振荡速率为250 r.min-1,反应温度为25℃,反应时间为120 min的条件下,B-nZVI对阿莫西林的降解效率高达93.1%,在此实验条件下,单独nZVI(0.05 g)对阿莫西林的降解效率只有82.3%,这是由于膨润土对nZVI起到分散作用,从而使B-nZVI的反应活性得到提高.降解动力学研究表明,B-nZVI对阿莫西林的降解过程符合表观一级反应动力学规律,相关系数R2均大于0.945.B-nZVI可多次重复用于降解阿莫西林.     

三唑酮在油菜-土壤生态系统中的降解与建模

为评价三唑酮可湿性粉剂在土壤-油菜生态系统中使用后的残留行为和环境安全性,进行了2 a大田试验,并比较了指数模型、GM(1,1)灰色模型、阻滞动力学模型对三唑酮降解规律的描述。结果表明:3种模型的拟合结果均达到统计学意义上显著相关;对三唑酮在土壤和油菜中降解行为模拟结果最好的分别为GM(1,1)模型和阻滞动力学模型;三唑酮在土壤中2 a的半衰期分别为3.48和4.38 d,油菜植株中分别为1.98和3.78 d,其降解受温度影响较大。     

分子筛负载Fe3+可见光协助降解有机污染物

通过NaY型分子筛负载Fe3 制备异相Fenton催化剂(FeY),采用FeY在可见光(λ＞420 nm)照射下研究其降解染料罗丹明B(RhB)和2,4-二氯苯酚(DCP).通过对RhB降解过程的紫外-可见光谱、ESR和红外光谱分析,以及总有机碳量(TOC)的跟踪测定,FeY/H2O2体系在可见光照射下能有效地降解RhB,降解反应主要涉及到·OH自由基的产生和参与.RhB/FeY/H2O2体系在可见光照射下,反应270min,RhB脱色率达到100%,TOC去除率达75.6%.DCP/FeY/H2O2体系在可见光照射下,反应150min,DCP降解率达81.0%.利用酶催化反应米氏方程测定催化剂的活性,FeY催化常数Kcat=2.28×105 mol·l-1·min-1.     

光电催化转盘电极处理罗丹明B(RhB)模拟废水模型

在转盘式光电液膜反应器(RPEC)反应动力学方程的基础上,综合考虑外加偏压(0—0.4 V)、转盘转速(0—90 r.min-1)、初始浓度(0—100 mg.L-1)、转盘半径(37.5 mm)等因素对反应过程的影响,运用MATLAB软件对转盘转动的反应过程进行模拟计算和推测.计算结果与实验数据能较好吻合,数据误差在10%以内.从而建立了一种不同条件下转盘式光电催化降解废水的降解模型,对实际工业应用具有一定的预测与指导意义.     

硝基化合物的高效液相色谱(HPLC)分析

硝基化合物是炸药废水的主要成分,大部分硝基化合物具有较高的毒性.本文对奥克托今、黑索今、1,3,5-三硝基苯、1,3-二硝基苯、硝基苯、2,4,6-三硝基甲苯、2-氨基-4,6-二硝基甲苯、2,4-二硝基甲苯共8种硝基化合物的紫外光谱和液相色谱分离条件进行了研究,其最佳检测波长分别为228 nm、227 nm、227 nm、237 nm、272 nm、230 nm、226 nm、244 nm.本文建立了8种硝基化合物的高效液相色谱测定方法,色谱条件为:色谱柱为ZORBAX SB-C18(3.0 mm×250 mm,5μm),检测器为紫外检测器,流动相为甲醇-水(50∶50),流速为0.5 mL.min-1.水中8种硝基化合物可以在13 min内得到较好的分离,检出限均≤0.8 ng,回收率大于95%.     

Achieving Open Access to Conservation Science

Conservation science is a crisis discipline in which the results of scientific enquiry must be made available quickly to those implementing management. We assessed the extent to which scientific research published since the year 2000 in 20 conservation science journals is publicly available. Of the 19,207 papers published, 1,667 (8.68%) are freely downloadable from an official repository. Moreover, only 938 papers (4.88%) meet the standard definition of open access in which material can be freely reused providing attribution to the authors is given. This compares poorly with a comparable set of 20 evolutionary biology journals, where 31.93% of papers are freely downloadable and 7.49% are open access. Seventeen of the 20 conservation journals offer an open access option, but fewer than 5% of the papers are available through open access. The cost of accessing the full body of conservation science runs into tens of thousands of dollars per year for institutional subscribers, and many conservation practitioners cannot access pay‐per‐view science through their workplace. However, important initiatives such as Research4Life are making science available to organizations in developing countries. We urge authors of conservation science to pay for open access on a per‐article basis or to choose publication in open access journals, taking care to ensure the license allows reuse for any purpose providing attribution is given. Currently, it would cost $51 million to make all conservation science published since 2000 freely available by paying the open access fees currently levied to authors. Publishers of conservation journals might consider more cost effective models for open access and conservation‐oriented organizations running journals could consider a broader range of options for open access to nonmembers such as sponsorship of open access via membership fees. Obtención de Acceso Abierto a la Ciencia de la Conservación     

Rapid,recurring, structured survey versus bioblitz for generating biodiversity data and analysis with a multispecies abundance model

A bioblitz inexpensively and quickly generates biodiversity data, but bioblitzes are often conducted with haphazard, unreplicated sampling. Results tend to be taxonomically, geographically, or temporally biased, lack metadata, and consist of lists of observed taxa that do not enable further analyses or correction for imperfect detection. A rapid, recurring, structured survey (RRSS) uses a structured sampling design and temporal and spatial replication to survey randomly selected sites on a conservation property. We participated in a loosely structured bioblitz and a subsequent RRSS at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville (St. Clair County), Alabama (USA) to compare observed richness derived from the 2 survey approaches. The RRSS data structure enabled us to fit models that accounted for imperfect detection to estimate abundances, occupancy probabilities, and habitat associations. The loosely structured bioblitz data could not be used in such models. We present a new integrated multispecies abundance model that we applied to avian RRSS data. Our model extension enables estimation for the community, employs data augmentation to estimate the number of undetected species, and incorporates covariates. The RRSS generated a more comprehensive and less biased list of observed taxonomic richness than the loosely structured bioblitz (e.g., 73 vs. 45 bird species and 104 vs. 63 insect families from the RRSS vs. loosely structured bioblitz, respectively). Models fit to the RRSS data identified seasonal patterns in avian community composition and allowed for estimation of habitat–occupancy relationships for insect taxa. The RRSS protocol has potential for broad transferability as a standardized, quick, and inexpensive way to inventory biodiversity and estimate ecological parameters while providing an outreach opportunity.     

Compliance with and ecosystem function of biodiversity offsets in North American and European freshwaters

Land-use change via human development is a major driver of biodiversity loss. To reduce these impacts, billions of dollars are spent on biodiversity offsets. However, studies evaluating offset project effectiveness that examine components such as the overall compliance and function of projects remain rare. We reviewed 577 offsetting projects in freshwater ecosystems that included the metrics project size, type of aquatic system (e.g., wetland and creek), offsetting measure (e.g., enhancement, restoration, and creation), and an assessment of the projects’ compliance and functional success. Project information was obtained from scientific and government databases and gray literature. Despite considerable investment in offsetting projects, crucial problems persisted. Although compliance and function were related to each other, a high level of compliance did not guarantee a high degree of function. However, large projects relative to area had better function than small projects. Function improved when projects targeted productivity or specific ecosystem features and when multiple complementary management targets were in place. Restorative measures were more likely to achieve targets than creating entirely new ecosystems. Altogether the relationships we found highlight specific ecological processes that may help improve offsetting outcomes.     

Some polyphagous Homoptera gain protection from their natural enemies by feeding on the toxic plantsSpartium junceum andErythrina corallodendrum (Leguminosae)

Summary Interactions were studied among alkaloid-containing legumes (Erythrina corallodendrum andSpartium junceum) and non-toxic plants (Citrus sinensis, Cucurbita moschata andEuphorbia tirucalli), several polyphagous homopterans,Aphis craccivora (Aphididae),Icerya purchasi, I. aegyptiaca (Margarodidae),Lepidosaphes ulmi (Diaspididae) andPlanococcus citri (Pseudococcidae), and some major natural enemies of these homopterans. Significant reductions in survival due to negative effects of alkaloid containing as compared with non-alkaloidal plants were recorded for the predatorsRodolia cardinalis andChilocorus bipustulatus, but not forCryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae),Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) andSympherobius sanctus (Neuroptera: Sympherobiidae). The development time of the larvae or pupae ofR. cardinalis, C. carnea andS. sanctus was longer on the toxic plants than on the non-toxic ones. The percentage of parasitism ofA. craccivora collected from the non-alkaloidal plantsVicia palaestina andMelilotus albus was much higher than that onS. junceum. The parasitoid complexes ofA. craccivora differed between both plant groups. The nutritive value of honeydew ofI. purchasi andA. craccivora, as expressed by the life span ofEncyrtus infelix (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) adults, was also investigated. Life spans were significantly longer when the wasps fed on honeydew produced on non-alkaloidal plants (C. sinensis andPittosporum tobira) than on alkaloid containing plants whenI. purchasi — but notA. craccivora — was the producer. It is suggested that the chemical defense ofE. corallodendrum andS. junceum is exploited by polyphagous phytophages to reduce predation. In nature, population growth and density of four of the investigated homopterans are conspicuously high when they developed on the alkaloid containing plant species, and very low on non-alkaloid plants. The efficiency of their natural enemies may be reduced by sequestration of alkaloids (or other toxic plant compounds) or their transfer into excreted honeydew. Therefore it is assumed that a generalist phytophagous homopteran may be protected from its natural enemies, although at different rates of efficiency, if it can safely sequester the host allelochemical when it develops on toxic species within its host range.     

A palaeo-hydrogeological model for arsenic contamination in southern and south-east Asia

An argument is presented in which areas of natural arsenic contamination of modern groundwaters throughout Asia have a common origin. Arsenic originally accumulated in oceanic ferro-manganoan sediments of the eastern Palaeo-Tethys. This was further concentrated through oceanic crustal extinction in what later became the south-east Chinese accreted mineralised terrain. Proto-Himalayan uplift of this area created the palaeo-drainage systems of the Ganges – Brahmaputra, Irrawaddy, Mekong, and Red Rivers, with consequent headwater erosion of arsenic-rich sediments. Their downstream deposition as immature and easily redistributed Neogene sandstones, silts, and iron-rich clays has created secondary and tertiary reservoirs of adsorbed and authigenic arsenic, from which the current arsenic-rich groundwaters have evolved. Considering river basins within the above palaeo-hydrogeological framework provides a basis for assessing the risk of arsenic in groundwater basins of south and south-eastern Asia.     

Sequestration of cucurbitacin analogs by New and Old World chrysomelid leaf beetles in the tribe Luperini

Summary Two South American polyphagous leaf beetles,Diabrotica speciosa andCerotoma arcuata, selectively accumulated the bitter tasting compound 23,24-dihydrocucurbitacin D in their body after ingesting root tissues of cucurbit plants. Similarly, three Asian Cucurbitaceae-feeding specialists in the genusAulacophora were found to sequester the same compound. Cucurbitacin analogs were shown to deter feeding by a bird predator, indicating an allomonal role for these compounds in cucurbitacin-associated chrysomelid leaf beetles both of New and Old Worlds. The strong affinity to cucurbitacins, selective sequestration of the analogs and consequent protection from predators suggested an ecological adaptation mechanism developed in common among these two geographically isolated subtribes in the Luperini.     

Effects of Controlled Fire and Livestock Grazing on Bird Communities in East African Savannas

Abstract: In East Africa fire and grazing by wild and domestic ungulates maintain savannas, and pastoralists historically set fires and herded livestock through the use of temporary corrals called bomas. In recent decades traditional pastoral practices have declined, and this may be affecting biodiversity. We investigated the effects of prescribed fires and bomas on savanna bird communities in East Africa during the first and second dry seasons of the year (respectively before and after the rains that mark the onset of breeding for most birds). We compared abundance, richness, and community composition on 9‐ha burned plots, recently abandoned bomas, and control plots in the undisturbed matrix habitat over a 3‐year period. Generally, recently burned areas and abandoned bomas attracted greater densities of birds and had different community assemblages than the surrounding matrix. The effects of disturbances were influenced by interactions between primary productivity, represented by the normalized difference vegetation index, and time. Bird densities were highest and a greater proportion of species was observed on burned plots in the months following the fires. Drought conditions equalized bird densities across treatments within 1 year, and individuals from a greater proportion of species were more commonly observed on abandoned bomas. Yearly fluctuations in abundance were less pronounced on bomas than on burns, which indicate that although fire may benefit birds in the short term, bomas may have a more‐lasting positive effect and provide resources during droughts. Several Palearctic migrants were attracted to burned plots regardless of rainfall, which indicates continued fire suppression may threaten their already‐declining populations. Most notably, the paucity of birds observed on the controls suggests that the current structure of the matrix developed as a result of fire suppression. Traditional pastoralism appears critical to the maintenance of avian diversity in these savannas.     

Threats to intact tropical peatlands and opportunities for their conservation

Large, intact areas of tropical peatland are highly threatened at a global scale by the expansion of commercial agriculture and other forms of economic development. Conserving peatlands on a landscape scale, with their hydrology intact, is of international conservation importance to preserve their distinctive biodiversity and ecosystem services and maintain their resilience to future environmental change. We explored threats to and opportunities for conserving remaining intact tropical peatlands; thus, we excluded peatlands of Indonesia and Malaysia, where extensive deforestation, drainage, and conversion to plantations means conservation in this region can protect only small fragments of the original ecosystem. We focused on a case study, the Pastaza‐Marañón Foreland Basin (PMFB) in Peru, which is among the largest known intact tropical peatland landscapes in the world and is representative of peatland vulnerability. Maintenance of the hydrological conditions critical for carbon storage and ecosystem function of peatlands is, in the PMFB, primarily threatened by expansion of commercial agriculture linked to new transport infrastructure that is facilitating access to remote areas. There remain opportunities in the PMFB and elsewhere to develop alternative, more sustainable land‐use practices. Although some of the peatlands in the PMFB fall within existing legally protected areas, this protection does not include the most carbon‐dense (domed pole forest) areas. New carbon‐based conservation instruments (e.g., REDD+, Green Climate Fund), developing markets for sustainable peatland products, transferring land title to local communities, and expanding protected areas offer pathways to increased protection for intact tropical peatlands in Amazonia and elsewhere, such as those in New Guinea and Central Africa which remain, for the moment, broadly beyond the frontier of commercial development.     

Cost‐effective conservation of an endangered frog under uncertainty

How should managers choose among conservation options when resources are scarce and there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of actions? Well‐developed tools exist for prioritizing areas for one‐time and binary actions (e.g., protect vs. not protect), but methods for prioritizing incremental or ongoing actions (such as habitat creation and maintenance) remain uncommon. We devised an approach that combines metapopulation viability and cost‐effectiveness analyses to select among alternative conservation actions while accounting for uncertainty. In our study, cost‐effectiveness is the ratio between the benefit of an action and its economic cost, where benefit is the change in metapopulation viability. We applied the approach to the case of the endangered growling grass frog (Litoria raniformis), which is threatened by urban development. We extended a Bayesian model to predict metapopulation viability under 9 urbanization and management scenarios and incorporated the full probability distribution of possible outcomes for each scenario into the cost‐effectiveness analysis. This allowed us to discern between cost‐effective alternatives that were robust to uncertainty and those with a relatively high risk of failure. We found a relatively high risk of extinction following urbanization if the only action was reservation of core habitat; habitat creation actions performed better than enhancement actions; and cost‐effectiveness ranking changed depending on the consideration of uncertainty. Our results suggest that creation and maintenance of wetlands dedicated to L. raniformis is the only cost‐effective action likely to result in a sufficiently low risk of extinction. To our knowledge we are the first study to use Bayesian metapopulation viability analysis to explicitly incorporate parametric and demographic uncertainty into a cost‐effective evaluation of conservation actions. The approach offers guidance to decision makers aiming to achieve cost‐effective conservation under uncertainty.