Macro, minor and toxic elemental uptake and distribution in Hypoxis hemerocallidea, "the African Potato"--an edible medicinal plant

The elemental uptake and distribution, in various parts of the admired herbal plant, Hypoxis hemerocallidea, the 'African potato' and its ability to accumulate elements in response to the growth soil quality are investigated. The total and exchangeable concentrations of twelve elements in the growth soils and their distribution in the roots, potato bulb and leaves of the plants grown under four different settings were compared. The typical concentrations of the twelve selected elements, in the bulb and leaves of the plant grown in a nursery pot (site 2) were (in microg g(-1)dry weight) Ca (8430 and 27075), Mg (2113 and 1566), Fe (66 and 150), Al (10 and 368), Zn (105 and 6.1), Mn (42 and 51), Cu (7.2 and 20.8), Ba (0.23 and 4.44), Co (0.20 and 0.42), As (2.05 and 24.56), Hg (0.92 and 1.82) and Cr (0.13 and 0.33). Except for Ca, Mg, Zn and Mn, the exchangeable cation concentrations in all the growth soils were low. Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn and As had bioaccumulation factors >1. Fe, Al and Co concentrations were high in the roots with little in the rest of the plant. High concentration of arsenic (approximately 13 microg g(-1) dry weight) with bioaccumulation factors of 7 and 20 were observed in the roots and leaves of the plant respectively (site 2), but the concentration of mercury in bulb was very low (0.92 microg g(-1) dry weight).     

Natural formation and degradation of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil--challenges to understanding

- DOI: http:/dx.doi.org/10.1065/espr2005.06.262 Goal, Scope and Background The anthropogenic environmental emissions of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines have been under scrutiny in recent years because the two compound groups are suspected to contribute to forest dieback and stratospheric ozone destruction, respectively. The two organochlorine groups are linked because the atmospheric photochemical oxidation of some volatile organochlorine compounds is one source of phytotoxic chloroacetic acids in the environment. Moreover, both groups are produced in higher amounts by natural chlorination of organic matter, e.g. by soil microorganisms, marine macroalgae and salt lake bacteria, and show similar metabolism pathways. Elucidating the origin and fate of these organohalogens is necessary to implement actions to counteract environmental problems caused by these compounds. Main Features While the anthropogenic sources of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines are relatively well-known and within human control, knowledge of relevant natural processes is scarce and fragmented. This article reviews current knowledge on natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soils, with particular emphasis on processes in the rhizosphere, and discusses future studies necessary to understand the role of forest soils in the formation and degradation of these compounds. Results and Discussion Reviewing the present knowledge of the natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil has revealed gaps in knowledge regarding the actual mechanisms behind these processes. In particular, there remains insufficient quantification of reliable budgets and rates of formation and degradation of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil (both biotic and abiotic processes) to evaluate the strength of forest ecosystems regarding the emission and uptake of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines, both on a regional scale and on a global scale. Conclusion It is concluded that the overall role of forest soil as a source and/or sink for chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines is still unclear; the available laboratory and field data reveal only bits of the puzzle. Detailed knowledge of the natural degradation and formation processes in forest soil is important to evaluate the strength of forest ecosystems for the emission and uptake of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines, both on a regional scale and on a global scale. Recommendation and Perspective As the natural formation and degradation processes of chloroacetic acids and volatile organochlorines in forest soil can be influenced by human activities, evaluation of the extent of this influence will help to identify what future actions are needed to reduce human influences and thus prevent further damage to the environment and to human health caused by these compounds.     

Forests under the Southern Cross: The forest environmental frontier in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand share many historical and contemporary commonalities. These define five contemporary forest environmental frontiers—for First Nations peoples, between agriculture and forestry, in forest management, in urban and peri-urban environments, and in relation to climate change. In both countries, the First Nations frontier is expanding in scale and significance with those peoples’ rights to land and forests. Frontiers with agriculture and in forest management are longstanding but dynamic and as yet little realised in relation to the need for forest and landscape restoration. Both countries are highly urbanised, elevating the significance of the urban and peri-urban frontier, particularly in the context of climate change. In both countries, forests will be profoundly impacted by climate change and are central to mitigation and adaptation strategies. Experience within and intersections between the frontiers offer encouraging prospects for synergies and for learning between the two countries and more widely.     

Policy and Science Implications of the Framing and Qualities of Uncertainty in Risks: Toxic and Beneficial Fish from the Baltic Sea

Policy and research issues in the framing and qualities of uncertainties in risks are analyzed, based on the assessments of dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) and other ingredients in Baltic Sea fish, a high-profile case of governance. Risks are framed broadly, to then focus on dioxins and beneficial fatty acids, fish consumption, human health, and science-management links. Hierarchies of uncertainty (data, model, decision rule, and epistemic) and ambiguity (of values) are used to identify issues of scientific and policy contestation and opportunities for resolving them. The associated complexity of risks is illustrated by risk–benefit analyses of fish consumption and by evaluations of guideline values, highlighting value contents and policy factors in presumably scientific decision criteria, and arguments used in multi-dimensional risk and benefit comparisons. These comparisons pose challenges to narrow assessments centered, for e.g., on toxicants or on food benefits, and to more many-sided and balanced risk communication and management. It is shown that structured and contextualized treatment of uncertainties and ambiguities in a reflexive approach can inform balances between wide and narrow focus, detail and generality, and evidence and precaution.     

Fine PM measurements: personal and indoor air monitoring

This review compiles personal and indoor microenvironment particulate matter (PM) monitoring needs from recently set research objectives, most importantly the NRC published "Research Priorities for Airborne Particulate Matter (1998)". Techniques and equipment used to monitor PM personal exposures and microenvironment concentrations and the constituents of the sampled PM during the last 20 years are then reviewed. Development objectives are set and discussed for personal and microenvironment PM samplers and monitors, for filter materials, and analytical laboratory techniques for equipment calibration, filter weighing and laboratory climate control. The progress is leading towards smaller sample flows, lighter, silent, independent (battery powered) monitors with data logging capacity to store microenvironment or activity relevant sensor data, advanced flow controls and continuous recording of the concentration. The best filters are non-hygroscopic, chemically pure and inert, and physically robust against mechanical wear. Semiautomatic and primary standard equivalent positive displacement flow meters are replacing the less accurate methods in flow calibration, and also personal sampling flow rates should become mass flow controlled (with or without volumetric compensation for pressure and temperature changes). In the weighing laboratory the alternatives are climatic control (set temperature and relative humidity), and mechanically simpler thermostatic heating, air conditioning and dehumidification systems combined with numerical control of temperature, humidity and pressure effects on flow calibration and filter weighing.     

植物对氮、磷去除效果及克藻效应的研究

于夏季，在实验室和莫愁湖现场，开展了苦草和美人蕉对氮、磷去除效果及克藻效应的研究，结果表明，无论是在现场还是实验室，苦草和美人蕉对总氮、总磷都有明显的去除效果，且随着时间的增加，去除率也随之增大。在实验与现场条件，美人蕉与苦草对总氮和总磷的去除率之间没有显著差异。苦草和美人蕉都对蛋白核小球藻和铜绿微囊藻两种藻类表现出显著的抑制作用，但在实验与现场条件下，美人蕉和苦草对两种藻类的抑制效应存在着显著差异，而对于藻种则二者均表现出一定的选择性抑制作用。     

中国城市污水处理厂污泥处理、处置问题探讨分析

明确了有关污泥处理、处置的术语和定义,通过对我国污水处理厂污水处理工艺与污泥处理、处置现状的调查分析,认为污水处理工艺与污泥处理和最终处置方式有关;同时对污水处理厂污泥处理、处置中土地利用问题和处理、处置费用问题进行探讨,并提出了相关建议.     

Experiences from harvest-driven conservation: Management of Amazonian river turtles as a common-pool resource

Understanding what causes variability in the outcomes of common-pool resources management and governance has important policy implications for biodiversity conservation, in particular for the conservation of wild plants and animals subject to harvest. We report an exploratory study focusing on Amazonian river turtles as a common-pool resource under harvest-driven conservation and management efforts in Peru. Based on document analysis, literature review and a series of interviews, we describe the management program as a social process and identify the most important governance and management outcomes achieved (increased turtle abundance and benefits for harvesters, harvester formalization), factors hindering and facilitating the program implementation (four natural and three societal factors), and key governance actions behind the program outcomes (awareness and capacity building, crafting and enforcing rules). We then highlight the existing knowledge gaps and the needs and possible means to address particular risks related to turtle management on a harvest-driven setting.     

Forest inventory and analysis: a national inventory and monitoring program

Forests provide significant commodity and noncommodity values to the citizens of the United States. An important and substantial role in ensuring the continued health, productivity, and sustainability of these resources is a reliable and credible inventory and monitoring program. The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program of the US Forest Service has been monitoring and reporting on status, condition, and trends in the nation's forests for over 70 years and the Forest Health Monitoring (FHM) program for the last 11 years. Recent legislation included in the 1998 Farm Bill, along with efforts to integrate inventory and monitoring networks to deliver Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forests, are redefining the role and operation of the recently integrated FIA and FHM programs. This paper provides a brief history and a look at new directions for the enhanced FIA Program.     

A review of biofouling and its control in membrane separation bioreactors.

Membrane separation technology is increasingly becoming an important innovation in biological wastewater treatment. Biofouling of the membrane is a major factor affecting the efficient and economic operation of membrane separation bioreactors (MBRs). This review summarizes the state-of-the-art progress in understanding the mechanisms and factors affecting membrane biofouling and the strategies for biofouling control. Biofouling mechanisms include the adsorption of soluble and suspended extracellular polymers on membrane surfaces and in membrane pores, the clogging of membrane pore structure by fine colloidal particles and cell debris, and the adhesion and deposition of sludge cake on membrane surfaces. Design and operating conditions of membrane modules and materials, hydrodynamic conditions in MBRs, process and environmental conditions of activated sludge systems, and the physicochemical properties of the wastewater are the dominant factors determining membrane biofouling. Current strategies to control biofouling include periodic relaxation, backwashing, chemical cleaning, and possible manipulation of hydrodynamic conditions and sludge properties. Achieving full integration of MBRs in wastewater treatment technology requires further research and development. Fundamental information on the bacteria, colloid, and membrane interaction, developed through multimethod and multiscale approaches, is particularly needed.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and related compounds: the blood levels of young Japanese women.

We investigated PCDDs and related compounds in the blood of young Japanese women, approximately 20 years of age, who had not yet had children, and discussed how the TEQ level of PCDDs and related compounds in their blood may affect the next generation. Means of total TEQ levels were 0.063 pg/g for whole blood basis and 21 pg/g for lipid basis. TEQ of PCDDs, PCDFs and coplanar PCBs accounted for about 43, 34 and 23% of the total TEQ in the whole blood basis, respectively. In the lipid basis, their values were about 44, 34 and 22%, respectively. Previously, we investigated PCDDs and related compounds levels in mother's breast milk, lymphocyte subpopulation and thyroid function of their children, and found negative correlations between the TEQ level of PCDDs and related compounds and CD4+/CD8+, and/or the TEQ level of PCDDs and related compounds and the T₄ level in 36 mothers and children. Of these cases, the average age was approximately 28 years. PCDDs and related compounds may be related to immunopathy, such as atopic dermatitis. The effects of PCDDs and related compounds on babies of young Japanese women are important and must be further evaluated.     

Effects of redox potential and pH value on the release of rare earth elements from soil

Equilibrium release experiments were conducted under three different pH values of 3.5, 5.5 and 7.5 as well as three redox potentials of 400, 0 and -100 Mv to investigate the influence of redox potential and pH value on the La, Ce, Gd and Y release of from the simulated-REEs-accumulation (SRA) soil. Oxygen and nitrogen were allowed to flow into soil suspension to adjust redox potential to a preset value, and 1 mol/l HCl or 1 mol/l NaOH solutions were added into the soil suspension to keep pH at a preset value. Results indicated that La, Ce, Gd and Y release increased gradually with the decrease of pH value or Eh, and the influence of redox potential on Ce was more remarkable than on La, Gd and Y. At the same time. It was observed that La, Ce, Gd and Y releases were positively correlated with the release of Fe and Mn, indicating that La, Ce, Gd and Y releases might originate from dissolution of Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides under reduction and low pH conditions. Moreover, it was found that alteration of pH value and redox potential might affect the change of La, Ce, Gd and Y species in the soil. The contents of La, Ce, Gd and Y in exchangeable fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction in the solid phase from soil suspension separation decreased with the decline of pH value and redox potential. Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that exchangeable fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction predominately contributed to the La, Ce, Gd and Y release. Low pH value and redox potential were more favorable to La, Ce, Gd and Y releases following the change of their species. The La, Ce, Gd and Y contents in exchangeable fraction and Fe-Mn oxide fraction are the main contributors to their release.     

Air quality measurements from the Fresno Supersite

The Fresno Supersite intends to 1) evaluate non-routine monitoring methods, establishing their comparability with existing methods and their applicability to air quality planning, exposure assessment, and health effects studies; 2) provide a better understanding of aerosol characteristics, behavior, and sources to assist regulatory agencies in developing standards and strategies that protect public health; and 3) support studies that evaluate relationships between aerosol properties, co-factors, and observed health end-points. Supersite observables include in-situ, continuous, short-duration measurements of 1) PM2.5, PM10, and coarse (PM10 minus PM2.5) mass; 2) PM2.5 SO4(-2), NO3-, carbon, light absorption, and light extinction; 3) numbers of particles in discrete size bins ranging from 0.01 to approximately 10 microns; 4) criteria pollutant gases (O3, CO, NOx); 5) reactive gases (NO2, NOy, HNO3, peroxyacetyl nitrate [PAN], NH3); and 6) single particle characterization by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Field sampling and laboratory analysis are applied for gaseous and particulate organic compounds (light hydrocarbons, heavy hydrocarbons, carbonyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAH], and other semi-volatiles), and PM2.5 mass, elements, ions, and carbon. Observables common to other Supersites are 1) daily PM2.5 24-hr average mass with Federal Reference Method (FRM) samplers; 2) continuous hourly and 5-min average PM2.5 and PM10 mass with beta attenuation monitors (BAM) and tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOM); 3) PM2.5 chemical speciation with a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) speciation monitor and protocol; 4) coarse particle mass by dichotomous sampler and difference between PM10 and PM2.5 BAM and TEOM measurements; 5) coarse particle chemical composition; and 6) high sensitivity and time resolution scalar and vector wind speed, wind direction, temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and solar radiation. The Fresno Supersite is coordinated with health and toxicological studies that will use these data in establishing relationships with asthma, other respiratory disease, and cardiovascular changes in human and animal subjects.     

Biodegradation and bio-sorption of antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs using immobilized cell process

In the present study, the removal mechanisms of four antibiotics (sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethazine, and trimethoprim) and four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and naproxen) in immobilized cell process were investigated using batch reactors. This work principally explores the individual or collective roles of biodegradation and bio-sorption as removal routes of the target pharmaceuticals and the results were validated by various experimental and analytical tools. Biodegradation and bio-sorption were found as dominant mechanisms for the drug removal, while volatilization and hydrolysis were negligible for all target pharmaceuticals. The target pharmaceuticals responded to the two observed removal mechanisms in different ways, typically: (1) strong biodegradability and bio-sorption by acetaminophen, (2) strong biodegradability and weak bio-sorption by sulfamethoxazole, sulfadimethoxine, ibuprofen and naproxen, (3) low biodegradability and weak bio-sorption by sulfamethazine and ketoprofen, and (4) low biodegradability and medium bio-sorption by trimethoprim. In the sorption/desorption experiment, acetaminophen, sulfamethoxazole and sulfadimethoxine were characterized by strong sorption and weak desorption. A phenomenon of moderate sorption and well desorption was observed for sulfamethazine, trimethoprim and naproxen. Both ibuprofen and ketoprofen were weakly sorbed and strongly desorbed.     

Detecting plant effects is necessary to give biological significance to ambient ozone monitoring data and predictive ozone standards

The use of mechanical monitors and passive samplers has made it possible to assess concentrations of ozone over wide areas and to develop air quality standards, like AOT40 and SUM60. Monitored ozone data and AOT40 and SUM60 are also used to predict ozone injury on local and regional scales. The data and the standards do not include or account for environmental and biological variables that affect ozone uptake and plant injury. Ground proofing via vegetation surveys must be done to verify and validate plant injury predictions. If this is not done, then the standards have no biological significance and are only exercises in air quality assessment.     

Carbaryl, 2,4-D, and Triclopyr adsorption in thatch-soil ecosystems

Thatch development in intensively managed turf sites may cause environmental concerns for greater sorption or leaching of applied chemicals in terrestrial ecosystems. To determine the adsorption potential of Carbaryl (1-Napthyl N-methylcarbamate), 2,4-D (2,4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid), and Triclopyr (3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid) in turf ecosystems, composite thatch and underlying soil samples from three-and six-year-old stands of cool-season Southshore creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) and warm-season Meyer zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.) were collected. The samples were processed and analyzed for total organic carbon (COrg); extractable (CExt), humic (CHA) and fulvic acid (CFA); anthrone reactive nonhumic carbon (ARC) fractions; and CHA and CFA associated iron (Fe) contents. Pesticide adsorption capacity (Kf) and intensity (1/n), organic carbon partition coefficient (KOC) and Gibbs free energy change (deltaG) were calculated for thatch materials and the underlying soils using a modified batch/flow technique. Both bentgrass (BT) and zoysiagrass thatch (ZT) contained a greater concentration of CExt, CFA, CHA, and ARC than the respective soils (BS and ZS). The CExt, CFA, CHA, and ARC concentration was higher in BT compared with ZT. The BT contained a greater concentration of bound Fe in both CFA and CHA fractions than in BS, whereas ZT had more bound Fe in CHA fraction than in ZS. On average, the BT had a greater concentration of bound Fe in CExt, CFA, and CHA fractions than in the ZT. Among the pesticides, Carbaryl had higher Kf and 1/n values than 2,4-D and Triclopyr for both thatch and soil. Although the KOC and deltaG values of Carbaryl were higher in both BT and ZT than in the underlying soils, the KOC and deltaG values of 2,4-D were significantly higher in BS and ZS than in the overlying thatch materials. The 2,4-D and Triclopyr had higher leaching indices (LI) than Carbaryl for both BT and ZT materials than the respective soils. The Carbaryl, however, had a higher LI for soils than for thatch materials. Averaged across thatch materials and soils, COrg accounted for 96, 85, and 84% variations in Carbaryl, 2,4-D, and Triclopyr adsorption, respectively. Among the COrg fractions, lignin followed by CFA and CHA accounted for greater adsorption of pesticides, especially Carbaryl. The concentration of CHA and CFA bound Fe did not correlate with Kf and 1/n values of pesticides.     

Spatial and temporal trends of metals and arsenic in German freshwater compartments

Cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, nickel, zinc, and arsenic were analyzed in suspended particulate matter (SPM), zebra mussels, and bream sampled yearly under the program of the German Environmental Specimen Bank (ESB) in the rivers Rhine, Elbe, Danube, Saar, Mulde, and Saale and in Lake Belau. Temporal and spatial trends were analyzed, correlations between metal levels in different specimen types assessed, and sampling sites ranked according to their metal levels by calculating a Multi-Metal Index (MMI) for every specimen type and site. SPM: Highest metal loads were detected in Mulde, Saale, and Elbe right downstream of the Saale confluence. In the Elbe, metal loads in SPM were mostly highest in the upper and middle section of the river while in Rhine and Saar concentrations increased downstream. Temporal trends since 2005 were detected only at three sites. Zebra mussel: MMIs were highest in the tidal section of the Elbe and the lower Rhine and lowest in Lake Belau and the upper Danube. Different temporal trends were detected since the early 1990s depending on site and metal. Bream: As, Pb, Cu, and Hg were analyzed in muscle tissue and Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn in liver. For both tissues, MMIs were highest in Mulde and Saale and the lower and middle Elbe. Since the early 1990s, Hg, Pb, and Cu decreased in bream muscle at many sites while As increased at 6 of the 17 sites. The findings indicate that Hg, Pb, and Cu have obviously decreased in many freshwater ecosystems in recent years, whereas As and Ni levels have increased at several sites. Metal levels and temporal trends mostly differed between the specimen types under investigation and only few correlations between specimen types were detected. This underlines the importance of including different components of an ecosystem when assessing its environmental quality.     

Comparison of trace element accumulation in Baikal seals (Pusa sibirica), Caspian seals (Pusa caspica) and northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus)

Concentrations of 18 trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Hg, Tl and Pb) were determined in liver, kidney, muscle and hair of Baikal seals, Caspian seals and northern fur seals. All the three species showed the highest concentrations of Hg, V, Mn, Se and Ag in liver, Cd, Co and Tl in kidney, and Cs in muscle among the soft tissues examined. The highest burdens of Zn, Rb and Cs were observed in muscle, Mo and Ag in liver, and Sb and Pb in hair in all the three species. Concentrations of non-essential elements, Rb, Cd, Cs and Hg, showed significant positive correlations among liver, kidney and muscle, whereas correlation coefficients for essential elements, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn and Se, between the three tissues were generally low for all the species, suggesting that homeostasis controls the concentrations of essential elements but not the non-essential elements in the tissues of these animals. Significant age-dependent increase was found in the concentrations of V, Se and Ag in liver and Hg in liver and kidney of all the three species. Hair concentrations showed significant positive correlations with Zn levels in liver and kidney and Hg in muscle for Caspian seals, Hg in liver and kidney for Baikal seals, and Pb in liver for northern fur seals. Furthermore, regression analysis using the data in the present study and in the literature showed significant positive correlations between Hg levels in hair, and liver, kidney and muscle for various species of pinnipeds. These results indicate the possibility of using hair samples for monitoring these trace elements in pinnipeds.     

污泥堆肥施用于草坪草栽培：Zn和Cu的分布特征

为了探索污泥堆肥中重金属在土壤一植物系统中的积累与转移特性，通过温室盆栽实验，分析了污泥堆肥对草坪草高羊茅、黑麦草和白三叶生物量积累的情况，研究了污泥堆肥中Zn和Cu在植物和土壤中的分布特征。结果表明，污泥堆肥施用可以有效促进3种草坪草的积累生物量，在0～6kg／m2的污泥堆肥施用量范围内，草坪草的生物量积累随着施用量的增加而提高。土壤中Zn和Cu的含量随污泥堆肥施加量的增加而增大，85％以上的Zn和Cu残留在土壤中。污泥堆肥中的Zn和Cu均可以被植物吸收，随着污泥堆肥施用量的增加，草坪草对Zn和Cu的吸收量增大，但当污泥堆肥施用量超过一定阈值时，草坪草吸收zn和cu不再增加，甚至减少；对于不同的草坪草，这一阈值有所不同。植物对zn和cu的吸收量只占土壤中zn和cu减少量的5％左右。根据生物富集系数（BCF）的计算结果推测，污泥堆肥的施用对土壤环境的影响大于对植物体内累积zn和Cu的影响。