Biological Activity in a Heavily Organohalogen-Contaminated River Sediment (8 pp)

Background, Aims and Scope Sediments of the Spittelwasser creek are highly polluted with organic compounds and heavy metals due to the discharge of untreated waste waters from the industrial region of Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany over the course of more than one century. However, relatively few data have been published about the chloroorganic contamination of the sediment. This paper reports on the content of different (chloro)organic compounds with special emphasis on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), and chlorobenzenes. Existing concepts for the remediation of Spittelwasser sediment include the investigation of natural attenuation processes, which largely depend on the presence of an intact microbial food web. In order to gain more insight in terms of biological activity, we analyzed the capacity of sediment microflora to degrade organic matter by measuring the activities of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes involved in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. Furthermore, the detection of physiologically active bacteria in the sediment, particularly of those known for their capability to reductively dehalogenate organochlorine compounds, illustrates the potential for intrinsic bioremediation processes. Methods PCDD/F and chlorobenzenes were analyzed by gas chromatography(GC)/mass spectrometry and GC/flame ionization detection, respectively. The activities of hydrolytic enzymes were determined from freshly sampled sediment layers using 4-methylumbelliferyl (MUF) or 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-conjugated model compounds and kinetic fluorescence measurements. Physiologically active bacteria from different sediment layers were microscopically visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Specific bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. Results and Discussion The PCDD/F congener profile was dominated by dibenzofurans. In addition, the presence of specific tetra and pentachlorinated dibenzofurans supported the assumption that extensive magnesium production was one possible source for the high contamination. A range of other chloroorganic compounds, including several isomers of chlorobenzenes, hexachlorocyclohexane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chloro-phenyl)ethane (DDT), was present in the sediment. Activities of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes showed a strong decrease in those sediment layers that were characterized by high contents of absorbable organic halogen (AOX), indicating disturbed organic matter decay. Interestingly, an abnormal increase of cellulolytic enzyme activities below the organochlorine-rich layers was observed, possibly caused by residual cellulose from discharges of sulfite pulping wastes. FISH revealed physiologically active bacteria in most sediment layers from the surface down to the depth of about 60 cm, including members of Desulfitobacterium (D.) and Sulfurospirillum. The presence of D. dehalogenans was confirmed by its partial 16S rRNA gene sequence. Conclusions Results of chemical sediment analyses demonstrated high loads of organochlorine compounds, particularly of PCDD/F. Several years after stopping the waste water discharge to Spittelwasser creek, this sediment remains a main source for pollution of the downstream river system by way of the ongoing mobilization of sediment during high floods. As indicated by our enzyme activity measurements, the decomposition potential for organic matter is low in organochlorine-rich sediment layers. In contrast, the comparably higher enzyme activities in less organochlorine-polluted sediment layers as well as the presence of physiologically active bacteria suggest a considerable potential for natural attenuation. Recommendations and Perspectives From our data we strongly recommend to explore the degradative capacity of sediment microorganisms and the limits for in situ activity towards specific sediment pollutants in more detail. This will give a sound basis for the integration of bioremediation approaches into general concepts to reduce the risk that permanently radiates from this highly contaminated sediment. Submission Editor: Dr. Henner Hollert (Henner.Hollert@urz.uniheidelberg.de)     

供水管网生物膜有机物的二氯乙腈与二氯乙酰胺生成特性

在饮用水输配系统中,来源于管壁生物膜的有机物可能耗氯并生成消毒副产物(DBPs),包括二氯乙腈(DCAN)与二氯乙酰胺(DCAcAm)等高毒性含氮DBPs(N-DBPs).研究考察管网常见的细菌与其胞外聚合物(EPS)以及模拟管壁生物膜氯化与氯胺化后DCAN与DCAcAm的生成,并与天然有机物(NOM)和水源水有机物进行比较.结果显示,铜绿假单胞菌、恶臭假单胞菌与藤黄微球菌与氯反应生成的DCAN、DCAcAm浓度分别为1.48～2.02、0.21～0.38μg·mg~(-1)(mg~(-1)以TOC计),高于同反应条件下NOM的生成量;相比于氯化反应,3株细菌细胞氯胺化生成的DCAN与DCAcAm浓度明显更低.3株菌的EPS也是氯与氯胺化反应生成DCAN与DCAcAm的前体物,且其氯胺化反应生成的DCAcAm浓度高于氯化反应生成的.与NOM、水源水相比,模拟管壁生物膜氯化后生成的N-DBPs与三氯甲烷(TCM)浓度比更高,表明生物膜有机物比NOM与水源水有机物更倾向生成DCAN与DCAcAm类N-DBPs,且模拟管壁生物膜氯胺化的DCAcAm生成量高于氯化反应的,说明管壁生物膜有机物是供水管网系统中DCAN与DCAcAm类N-DBPs的重要前体物.     

尕海湿地植被退化过程中有机碳及相关土壤酶活性变化特征

以青藏高原东缘尕海湿地不同植被退化程度样地为研究对象,采用定位研究与室内试验相结合的方法,研究植被退化过程对土壤有机碳和土壤酶活性的影响。结果表明：植被退化显著影响土壤有机碳含量和土壤酶活性,降低了土壤有机碳的含量和酶促反应效率,且这种影响随土层深度变化有所不同。四种植被退化阶段有机碳含量和酶活性均值总体上（0~100 cm）表现为未退化>轻度退化>中度退化>重度退化。不同土层中,20~40 cm土层的有机碳含量中度退化>轻度退化;0~10 cm土层中淀粉酶和纤二糖酶中度退化阶段活性值较高;20~100 cm土层中蔗糖酶重度退化阶段活性值最高,纤二糖酶活性重度退化>中度退化。同一退化程度土壤有机碳含量、蔗糖酶和纤二糖酶活性随土层深度增加显著降低（P<0.05）;淀粉酶和纤维素酶活性在>40 cm土层中活性值有所上升,整体呈波动下降趋势。     

Ni2+对好氧颗粒污泥系统性能的影响

以城镇污水处理厂A²/O工艺的回流污泥作为接种污泥,在序批式反应器（SBR）中培养好氧颗粒污泥（AGS）,探究Ni²⁺对AGS系统的影响.结果表明：在25℃的条件下,50d左右培养出成熟的AGS,其形态多呈球状或椭球状,外表分布着少量丝状菌,颗粒污泥粒径主要在2~4mm,MLSS达6000mg/L,SVI维持在40~50mL/g.将Ni²⁺作用于培养出的成熟AGS,Ni²⁺在0~2mg/L的浓度范围内会提高AGS的稳定性,使MLSS上升,SVI降低;同时会促进AGS分泌胞外多聚物（EPS）,EPS组成成分中的蛋白质（PN）明显多于多糖（PS）;Ni²⁺对好氧颗粒污泥去除总氮（TN）的抑制程度要大于COD,最终COD去除率可维持在95%以上,TN去除率可维持在70%以上.     

生物质炭对Cd污染土壤团聚体酶活性的影响

为探究生物质炭对Cd污染土壤团聚体酶活性的影响,采用盆栽试验,向模拟Cd污染土壤中添加生物质炭并测定水稻根际土壤团聚体碳循环酶与氧化还原酶活性.结果表明:Cd污染土壤团聚体酶活性对添加量为2.5%的生物质炭响应明显,氧化还原酶活性指数值介于0.522~0.792之间.在2.5mg/kg的外源Cd条件下,2.5%的生物质炭比未添加生物质炭处理显著提高蛋白酶与过氧化氢酶活性至121%与653%.在Cd污染土壤中添加生物质炭,碳循环酶与氧化还原酶及综合酶活性均在0.5~1mm中等粒径土壤团聚体中产生富集效应,其酶活性随土壤团聚体粒径的增大呈先升后降最终趋于稳定的趋势.研究显示,在2.5mg/kg的外源Cd条件下,添加2.5%的生物质炭对水稻根际土壤团聚体酶活性影响显著,土壤酶活性受酶种类、生物质炭量与团聚体粒径的综合影响;在Cd污染土壤中添加生物质炭后,土壤酶活性随团聚体粒径的增大呈“∧”形变动规律.     

Influence of glucose feeding on the ligninolytic enzyme production of the white-rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The present work studied the influence of glucose feeding on the ligninolytic enzyme production of Phanerochaete chrysosporium in a nitrogen-limited (C/N ratio is 56/8.8 mmol/L) medium. Several sets of shaking flask experiments were conducted. The results showed that 2 g/L glucose feeding on the first day of the culture (24 h after the inoculation) simulated both fungal biomass growth and enzyme production. The manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity was 2.5 times greater than that produced in cultures without glucose feeding. Furthermore, the glucose feeding mode in fed-batch culture was also investigated. Compared to cultures with glucose feeding every 48 h, cultures with glucose feeding of 1.5 g/L (final concentration) every 24 h produced more enzymes. The peak and total yield of MnP activity were 2.7 and 3 times greater compared to the contrast culture, respectively, and the enzyme was kept stable for 4 days with an activity of over 200 U/L. Translated from Acta Scientise Circumstantiae, 2007, 27(3): 363–368 [译自: 环境科学学报]     

Activity of biotin-dependent and gaba metabolizing enzymes in chorionic villus samples: Potential for 1st trimester prenatal diagnosis

We have documented the presence of five mitochondrial enzymes in samples of chorionic villus tissue and measured the levels of activity. Three of the enzymes catalyse biotindependent reactions. These are propionyl-CoA carboxylase, 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA carboxylase and pyruvate carboxylase. the other enzymes. 4-aminobutyric acid aminotransferase and succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase, are involved inthe degradation of the central inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. Distinct diseases in whichthere is deficiency of each of these enzymes have been documented in man. Significant levels of activity were observed for all five enzymes in chorionic villus tissue. This methodology should permit early prenatal diagnosis of deficiencies of these enzymes by chorionic villus biopsy in the first trimester.     

3种重金属对青萍毒害的研究

对水体中主要的3种重金属(铜、镉、铅)对青萍抗氧化酶系统的几种酶,包括过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性,丙二醛(MDA)的含量,可溶性蛋白含量及叶绿体色素含量等指标的影响进行了研究.研究表明青萍对镉污染反应最为敏感,对铜的反应相对缓和一些;青萍在铅的胁迫下表现出无序的状态.因此,青萍不适合应用于重金属镉污染的富营养化水体的治理和生态修复中.     

胞外聚合物对浸没式膜-生物反应器膜过滤性能的影响

通过浸没式膜-生物反应器（SMBR）处理上海市城市内河水的试验,研究了反应器混合液中和2种疏水性不同的膜上污泥胞外聚合物（EPS）的量、组成、污泥特性及对膜过滤性能的影响.结果表明,混合液污泥中的溶解性EPS和固着性EPS比膜上污泥多,不同污泥的固着性EPS组分中蛋白质（EPSP）/多糖（EPSC）的大小顺序依次为混合液污泥〈亲水膜污泥〈疏水膜污泥.疏水膜污泥中溶解性EPS比亲水膜多,溶解性EPS和固着性EPS量及组分均有很大差异.混合液污泥的EPS流动性大,疏水性膜上污泥EPS的流动性较大.溶解性EPS对污泥特性及膜过滤性能影响较大.SMBR中亲、疏水性膜片上黏附的污泥的相对疏水性分别为53%、59%.比较2种膜片通量的变化发现,疏水性膜污染严重.     

Enzyme-Retted Flax Fiber and Recycled Polyethylene Composites

Municipal solid wastes generated each year contain potentially useful and recyclable materials for composites. Simultaneously, interest is high for the use of natural fibers, such as flax (Linum usitatissimum L.), in composites thus providing cost and environmental benefits. To investigate the utility of these materials, composites containing flax fibers with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) were created and compared with similar products made with wood pulp, glass, and carbon fibers. Flax was either enzyme- or dew-retted to observe composite property differences between diverse levels of enzyme formulations and retting techniques. Coupling agents would strengthen binding between fibers and HDPE but in this study fibers were not modified in anyway to observe mechanical property differences between natural fiber composites. Composites with flax fibers from various retting methods, i.e., dew- vs. enzyme-retting, behaved differently; dew-retted fiber composites resulted in both lower strength and percent elongation. The lowest level of enzyme-retting and the most economical process produces composites that do not appear to differ from the highest level of enzyme-retting. Flax fibers improved the modulus of elasticity over wood pulp and HDPE alone and were less dense than glass or carbon fiber composites. Likely, differences in surface properties of the various flax fibers, while poorly defined and requiring further research, caused various interactions with the resin that influenced composite properties.