Chromatographic measurement of molecular markers of sources of atmospheric aerosol particles

Various organic compounds in aerosol particles in ambient air near a coniferous forest fire in Boulder, Colorado were identified as molecular markers of wood burning and forest fires. Particle samples were collected by filtering small volumes of air. The samples were analysed using thermal desorption followed by gas chromatographic separation and detection, a highly sensitive analytical method. Several compounds unique to softwood combustion were identified in the samples. Additionally, a predominance of odd-carbon-numbered n-alkanes over the corresponding even-carbon-numbered n-alkanes was observed. This predominance is a well-documented molecular pattern indicative of epicutical waxes in plants.     

重庆市蔬菜基地土壤中重金属含量及污染特征

重庆市蔬菜基地土壤中重金属的平均含量分别为Hg0.185mg/kg．CdO.231mg/kg.Pb21.09mg/kg.As.As7.03mg/kg,Cr47.92mg/kg;部分基地的土壤受到污染．主要污染物为Hg和Cd。由于城市区划的不同,土壤污染程度为近郊区＞工矿区＞远郊区。     

pH和添加有机物料对3种酸性土壤中磷吸附-解吸的影响

研究了pH和添加有机物料对红壤、砖红壤和水稻土中磷吸附-解吸的影响。结果表明,砖红壤和水稻土中磷的吸附量和解吸量均随pH的升高而降低,pH对红壤中磷吸附和解吸的影响很小。土壤阳离子交换量(CEC),铁、铝氧化物含量和有机质含量是影响磷吸附的主要因素。红壤的CEC和有机质含量很低,铁、铝氧化物含量高,因而对磷的吸附量最高。砖红壤和水稻土CEC较高,土壤表面对磷的排斥作用较大,而且较高含量的有机质覆盖了土壤表面的磷吸附位,因此这2种土壤对磷的吸附量低于红壤。添加稻草并进行恒温培养可使红壤和水稻土对磷的吸附量显著减少,但对砖红壤中磷吸附的影响较小。添加稻草使土壤磷的解吸量和解吸率增加,从而增加了土壤中吸附性磷的活性。     

菹草生长对沉积物间隙水中各形态磷浓度的影响

通过人工构建湖泊生态系统,用湖泊沉积物的上层泥和下层泥分别代表清淤前后的2种基质,研究菹草(Potamogeton crispus)生长对沉积物不同层次间隙水中各形态磷浓度的影响.垂直方向上,将2种基质中的间隙水分为表层、中层和底层3个层次.结果表明,菹草生长能够不同程度地降低各层间隙水中磷浓度,上层泥和下层泥2种基质均表现为表层间隙水溶解性总磷(DTP)和溶解性活性磷(SRP)含量降低幅度最大,DTP含量分别降低68.97％和83.09％,SRP含量分别降低54.57％和96.02％.菹草的吸收作用使得各层间隙水中磷浓度均低于无沉水植物的对照组.试验结束时,2种沉积物中TP含量降低幅度差异不显著,说明疏浚前后种植菹草均可有效控制湖泊内源磷污染.     

Impact of fishing methods on conservation of ichthyofauna of river Relli in Darjeeling Himalaya of West Bengal

Impact of fishing methods and gears used on fish faunal diversity in spring-fed torrential river Relli in Darjeeling hill area of West Bengal was investigated in the present study. The fish species available in the river provide nutrition and recreation (rarely income generating) fora large number of people residing along the river bank and nearby villages and towns. The fishing methods observed therein have been categorized as, i) Scientific fishing methods, that is, collection of required number and size of fish so that sufficient population of fish remains balanced in the nature. ii) Unscientific fishing methods, that is, indiscriminate killing of large number of fish which adversely affect the water quality of rivers. Ten types of fishing methods are practiced in this area, for example, diversion of river channel, cast netting, scoop netting, angling, fish spearing, rock striking or hammering, dynamiting, electric fishing, river poisoning and traps utilized. Over the years uncontrolled and often indiscriminate fishing in the unmanaged hill-stream has resulted in a sharp decline in fish resources. The study gives a clear picture on the anthropogenic pressure on the river Relli and provides baseline data which may be helpful for conservation and management of the fish species and also formulating new fishery policy.     

Patterns of Rarity in the Birds of the Atlantic Forest of Brazil

Patterns of rarity in species are generally explained by several factors: evolutionary history, spatial distribution, and genetic structure of each taxon. Human intervention also leads to or increases rarity in species. The discernment of causes of rarity is essential to the understanding of extinction patterns, and thus to devising conservation strategies. I examine patterns of rarity among bird species in the Atlantic forest region in Brazil, one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. I assigned bird species to one of eight possible categories that differ in degree of vulnerability and that are based on three parameters of rarity: geographic distribution, habitat specificity, and population size. The Atlantic forest avifauna is a highly endangered group; 68% of the species are rare. Patterns of rarity among the birds in the region likely result from their specific ecologies or evolutionary histories. In addition, human alteration of natural habitats and hunting pressures have undoubtedly influenced rarity for a number of species.     

Sampling biological characteristics of krill: Effect of heterogeneous nature of swarms

An effect of the very patchy distribution of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana) in various forms of aggregation is that a single swarm may not provide an unbiased estimate of population parameters such as mean length of krill in the local area. Here, we analyse the number of samples required to estimate the characteristics of a local population as precisely as if there were no differences between krill swarms in terms of their biological composition. Krill were intensively sampled over different spatial and temporal scales around South Georgia in 1981 and 1982, and in the Bransfield Strait in 1985. These varied from replicate hauls at a single station over 24 h and repeat sampling in restricted areas over periods of 6 to 14 d to regional surveys around South Georgia and in the Bransfield Strait. Various biological characteristics were measured such as length, maturity, moult stage and feeding state. Depending upon the biological characteristic examined and the area covered by the sampling programme, the number of samples needed to obtain the same degree of precision as would be found in the absence of heterogeneity varied from 3 to > 80 samples. This has important implications for the design of net-sampling programme for monitoring krill populations.     

Effect of weed extracts on seedling growth of some varieties of wheat

Allelopathic effect ofAvena fatua L., Cyperus rotundus L., Polygonum hydropiper L., and Solanum nigrum L. were examined on seedling growth of certain commonly used varieties of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Tarai region of U.P. state. The weed extracts inhibited the length of plumule in all the varieties (100%) with Solanum and it was in 12 (92%), 10 (77%) and 06 (46%) varieties with Polygonum, Avena and Cyperus, respectively. In radicle length, it was in 92% with both Polygonum and Solanum; and 85% and 69% of the varieties with Avena and Cyperus, respectively. However, all the four weed extracts reduced the dry weight of plumule, radicle and total seedling in all the varieties (100%) of wheat except in HD--2329 with Cyperus, in which it was positive. The percent reduction (percentage of control) was more than 50% in 92%, 77%, 54% and 39% of the varieties, respectively with Solanum, Polygonum, Avena and Cyperus. Among the weed extracts, the inhibitory effect on seedling growth in different varieties followed the order: Solanum > Polygonum > Avena and > Cyperus. On the basis of the present results, UP--2003 and WH--542 followed by PBW--226, Sangam and HD--248 were more susceptible to all the four weed extracts compared to the rest of the varieties of wheat.     

不同温度对沉水植物保护酶活性的影响

富营养化导致了湖泊沉水植被消亡,是我国众多湖泊存在的普遍现象.在富营养化未能有效控制的前提下,采用人工措施重建沉水植被,已被水环境工作者普遍关注.然而,受水体温度、透明度、营养盐以及适宜的物种等限制,沉水植被的有效重建面临诸多困难.本研究着眼于温度对沉水植被重建的影响,设置了5、10、15、25、30、35℃6个温度处理,在人工气候箱培养条件下,对黑藻Hydrilla verticillata和马来眼子菜Potamogeton malaianus在5 h、10h、14h和7d处理后的蛋白质含量、过氧化物酶(POD)、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性进行了测试.同时考察了实验前后植物生物量积累的情况,比较了不同温度胁迫下,两种植物生物量的净积累与抗氧化酶活性和可溶性蛋白含量的关系,试图为沉水植被的恢复提供理论依据和经验借鉴.结果表明,25℃是两种植物生物量净积累的最佳温度,此温度下,各种酶活性和可溶性蛋白未随处理时间的延长而显著变化.高于或低于25℃的处理,生物量净积累显著下降.并且,表现为短期胁迫5～14h内,各种酶活性和可溶性蛋白随处理时间的延长呈上升或下降的趋势,7 d长期胁迫后上述指标均低于25℃处理.结果表明,25℃外,其它处理均不同程度受到了温度的胁迫.短期胁迫,各处理的酶活性和可溶性蛋白表现了激烈的响应,以清除和维持植物体内活性氧的平衡和植物细胞较低的渗透势,保持植物正常的代谢活动.随着胁迫时间的延续,抗氧化酶系统受损,可溶性蛋白降低,植物正常的代谢紊乱,最终导致实验结束时,各处理植物生物量的积累存在较大差异.     

Potential environmental impact of dissolution of raw phosphate in sea water of the Gulf of Aqaba

Dissolution of raw phosphate (apatite) in sea water of the Gulf of Aqaba was investigated through lab incubation experiments. Three types from three different sources (Al-Hasa, Al-Abyad and Esh-Shydiya) have been used for these experiments. Impact of quantity, grain size, and source (type) of raw phosphate on dissolution rate were studied. Statistical analysis shows significant differences between the results obtained from comparing each two weights; as weight of apatite increased, dissolved inorganic phosphate-phosphorus (DIP) and fluoride in sea water solution increased. The differences between the dissolution rates of raw phosphate from the three sites were not significant while the differences between the different grain size fractions were significant. Dissolution rates were inversely related to particle size. Using a worst-case scenario, a conservative estimate of the maximum increase in DIP in seawater of the Gulf of Aqaba due to the apatite particles lost to the sea during ship loading resulted in DIP concentrations of 0.03 μM per year. As the residence time of the water in the Gulf of Aqaba is about one year, the DIP concentration will not increase by more than 0.03 μM under the estimated annual quantity of exported phosphate. Fluoride will not increase by more than 0.03 mg/l under the same conditions.     

Buoyancy of natural populations of marine phytoplankton

Buoyancy of natural populations of marine phytoplankton was studied in a fjord in western Norway during the diatom bloom and in autumn. The study was carried out under approximate in situ conditions by means of an apparatus described in the paper. During the spring bloom, positive buoyancy was observed only once. Sinking rates of individual fractions ranged from 0 to more than 9 m day^-1, and the mean sinking rates of the total chlorophyll content from 0 to at least 2. 2 m day^-1. The highest rates occurred in the post-bloom period, while sinking appeared negligible from the onset of the bloom up to its culmination. In autumn, the population was dominated by small, flagellated cells. Positive buoyancy, or upward migration, was then observed in two out of three experiments.     

方位及冠层对厚朴果实和种子形态变异的影响

为从方位及冠层的角度探讨光照对厚朴(Magnolia officinalis)果实和种子形态变异的影响,分别从植株的不同方位和冠层采集果实、种子,并测定其形态指标。结果表明,方位对厚朴果实和种子的形态变异影响显著,不同方位厚朴果实和种子的表型性状表现为南方位和东方位优于西方位,南、东和西3个方位均优于北方位;冠层对厚朴果实和种子的形态变异影响显著,不同冠层果实和种子性状表现为中冠层优于上冠层,上冠层优于下冠层;方位和冠层对厚朴果实和种子多项形态指标的协同作用不显著。与果实相比,种子的表型性状更稳定。     

Evaluation of initiation activity of dimethylarsinic acid: Initiation potential of rat hepatocarcinogenesis

There is a dearth of data on the initiation activity of dimethylarsinic acid (DMA (V)), a major metabolite of the ubiquitous environmental and occupational carcinogen and toxicant, arsenic (As). The initiation activity of DMA (V) was investigated on rat hepatocarcinogenesis with liver being a major target organ for As-induced carcinogenicity. A total of 50 rats at 10 weeks old were randomly divided in a nine-week medium-term bioassay into four groups. Groups 1 and 2 received 200 ppm of DMA (V) in drinking water for four weeks while groups 3 and 4 drank only tap water until the sixth week when groups 1 and 3 were given 0.01% 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) in their diet for two weeks in the promotion stage. All animals were subjected to two-third partial hepatectomy (PH) at the seventh week. Quantitative analysis of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P) positive foci in liver, a pre-neoplastic marker of rat hepatocarcinogenesis, demonstrated higher numbers in group 1 (DMA (V) + 2-AAF) than 3 (2-AAF alone) at foci consisting of two–four cells and 15 or a greater number of cells. The numbers of GST-P positive foci consisting of five–nine cells were significantly higher in group 1 than 3. Foci consisting of 10–14 cells were also higher but not significantly different. The GST-P positive foci were apparently similar in groups 2 and 4. Expression of total GST-P positive foci was significantly higher in group 1 compared to 2, 3 or 4. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) test performed to clarify the apparent trend of GST-P data revealed significantly higher PCNA index in group 1. Data indicate weak initiation potential of DMA (V) and for the first time appear to provide evidence for initiation activity in DMA (V)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.     

Biochemical transformation of birch leaf phenolics in larvae of six species of sawflies

Summary. We investigated the biochemical transformation of individual phenolic compounds of mountain birch leaves in larvae of six birch-feeding sawfly species: Amauronematus amplus, Pristiphora alpestris, Nematus brevivalvis, Priophorus pallipes, Arge sp. and Nematus viridis by comparing the phenolic residues in larval faeces to those of their leaf diet. Partial hydrolysis of hydrolysable tannins, isomerisation of chlorogenic acid and glycosylation of flavonoid aglycones were observed in all studied species. Moreover, we found considerable among-species variation in the composition of phenolic compounds in larval faeces. In addition to foliar phenolics, seventeen non-foliar phenolic metabolites, including eight phenolic acids and nine flavonoid glycosides were detected from the faeces. Of the non-foliar phenolic acids, four were egested species-specifically and only two by all six sawfly species. We also detected differences in the ratios of chlorogenic acid isomers in the faeces of different species, which can indicate different physiological conditions in the guts of studied larvae. In addition to the qualitative differences, quantitative differences were detected in the egestion of chlorogenic acids, possible o-quinone precursors in the larvae. Detected differences, either qualitative or quantitative, could not be explained by seasonal changes in the content of compounds in the leaf diet.     

How the diversity of human concepts of nature affects conservation of biodiversity

Protecting nature has become a global concern. However, the very idea of nature is problematic. We examined the etymological and semantic diversity of the word used to translate nature in a conservation context in 76 of the primary languages of the world to identify the different relationships between humankind and nature. Surprisingly, the number of morphemes (distinct etymological roots) used by 7 billion people was low. Different linguistic superfamilies shared the same etymon across large cultural areas that correlate with the distribution of major religions. However, we found large differences in etymological meanings among these words, echoing the semantic differences and historical ambiguity of the contemporary European concept of nature. The principal current Western meaning of nature in environmental public policy, conservation science, and environmental ethics–that which is not a human artifact–appears to be relatively rare and recent and to contradict the vision of nature in most other cultures, including those of pre-Christian Europe. To avoid implicit cultural bias and hegemony–and thus to be globally intelligible and effective–it behooves nature conservationists to take into account this semantic diversity when proposing conservation policies and implementing conservation practices.     

紫茎泽兰（Eupatorium adenophorum）入侵地的生物多样性

生物多样性演变是全球变化的重要组成部分,物种入侵对生物多样的影响已成为当前全球变化领域的研究热点之一。本文研究了西双版纳紫茎泽兰（Eupatorium adenophorum）入侵地的植物、土壤动物与土壤微生物的多样性,结果表明：（1）不同程度入侵区的植物种类及其重要值差别较大,在重度入侵区,紫茎泽兰的重要值高达237.74%,但随着入侵程度的降低,植物种类有所增加且紫茎泽兰的重要值随之降低;丰富度指数、多样性指数、优势度指数与均匀度指数均表现为轻度入侵区〉中度入侵区〉重度入侵区。（2）三种入侵区的土壤动物隶属23目,其中弹尾目（Collembola）、蜱螨目（Acarina）和膜翅目（Hymenoptera）为优势种群,三者总量占捕获总数的61.77%;丰富度指数、多样性指数、优势度指数、均匀度指数与密度类群指数均表现为轻度入侵区〉中度入侵区〉重度入侵区。（3）土壤微生物可培养数量类群方面,细菌表现为中度入侵区〉重度入侵区〉轻度入侵区,放线菌、真菌、自生固氮菌与氨氧化细菌均表现为重度入侵区〉中度入侵区〉轻度入侵区;多样性指数表现为重度入侵区〉轻度入侵区〉中度入侵区,优势度指数表现为轻度入侵区=中度入侵区〉重度入侵区,均匀度指数表现为重度入侵区〉轻度入侵区=中度入侵区。可见,紫茎泽兰入侵地的植物与土壤动物多样性随入侵程度加重而降低,但土壤微生物多样性却随入侵程度加重反而呈上升趋势。今后,加强室内模拟与野外定点长期观测相结合试验是探究紫茎泽兰入侵对生物多样性影响机制的研究方向。     

我国农田土壤碳氮耦合特征的区域差异

利用中国第2次土壤普查数据,分析了稻作和旱作方式下农田耕层土壤有机碳和全氮特征及其区域差异。结果表明,水田土壤有机碳和全氮含量分别为旱地的147.8%和145.5%,但水田碳氮含量的区域变异低于旱地。全国水田和旱地土壤有机碳氮比值分别为10.8和9.9,各区域水田土壤碳氮比值普遍高于旱地,其中东北水田最高,而华东旱地和西北旱地最低。旱地碳氮比值的区域变异显著,水田则不显著。农田耕层土壤有机碳和全氮含量呈显著正相关,除华北地区外,各区域无论水田还是旱地其碳氮含量之间相关系数都超过0.8,达极显著水平。由此可见,我国农田耕层土壤有机碳和全氮含量之间存在显著耦合关系,而且不同利用方式和区域之间差异显著;相同氮水平下,水田土壤可能储存更多的有机碳。     

Effect of biogeochemical interactions on bioaccessibility of arsenic in soils of a former smelter site in Republic of Korea

The total concentration-based regulations for soil remediation do not consider the possible changes in bioaccessibility of remaining arsenic (As) in soils due to biogeochemical interactions after remediation. This study used As-contaminated soil and pore water samples that were collected from the rice paddy and forest/farmland located in the vicinity of a former smelter site in Republic of Korea to elucidate the changes in As bioaccessibility due to biogeochemical interactions. Bioaccessibility and chemical forms of As in soils were determined by using an in vitro method and sequential extraction, respectively, and soil microbial community was evaluated. Bioaccessibility of As in the rice paddy soil samples was higher than that in the forest/farmland soil samples. This could be attributed to relatively higher dependence of bioaccessible As in the rice paddy soils on the soil concentration of iron (Fe), aluminum, or manganese, which could lead to greater changes in bioaccessible As via reductive dissolution. The strong linear relationship (R ² = 0.90, p value ≤0.001) between the pore water As and Fe concentrations, and the greater portion of bacterial species related to reductive dissolution of Fe oxides in the rice paddies can support the higher As bioaccessibility promoted by reductive dissolution. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the potential changes in the bioaccessible As due to biogeochemical interactions in remediation of As-contaminated soils, particularly when soils are likely to be reused under reductive dissolution-promoting conditions (e.g., flooded conditions).     

Potential environmental impact of dissolution of raw phosphate in sea water of the Gulf of Aqaba

Dissolution of raw phosphate (apatite) in sea water of the Gulf of Aqaba was investigated through lab incubation experiments. Three types from three different sources (Al-Hasa, Al-Abyad and Esh-Shydiya) have been used for these experiments. Impact of quantity, grain size, and source (type) of raw phosphate on dissolution rate were studied. Statistical analysis shows significant differences between the results obtained from comparing each two weights; as weight of apatite increased, dissolved inorganic phosphate-phosphorus (DIP) and fluoride in sea water solution increased. The differences between the dissolution rates of raw phosphate from the three sites were not significant while the differences between the different grain size fractions were significant. Dissolution rates were inversely related to particle size. Using a worst-case scenario, a conservative estimate of the maximum increase in DIP in seawater of the Gulf of Aqaba due to the apatite particles lost to the sea during ship loading resulted in DIP concentrations of 0.03 μM per year. As the residence time of the water in the Gulf of Aqaba is about one year, the DIP concentration will not increase by more than 0.03 μM under the estimated annual quantity of exported phosphate. Fluoride will not increase by more than 0.03 mg/l under the same conditions.     

Induction of metamorphosis of two species of sea urchin from Sea of Japan

The induction of metamorphosis in mature larvae by selected chemical compounds and natural substrata was investigated in two species of sea urchins from the Sea of Japan, Strongylocentrotus intermedius and Scaphechinus mirabilis. Glutamine in crystalline form was added directly to water containing mature larvae, and this compound, at a final concentration of 10 g ml^-1, was an inducer of metamorphosis in S. intermedius (100% activity) and S. mirabilis (50% activity). Gutamine, or its natural mimetic molecules, may be an active component of the exogenous cue that induces metamorphosis of S. intermedius larvae. This exogenous cue was produced by the epiphytic calcareous algae, Melobesia spp. that colonized the older sea grass Zostera marina. Glutamic acid was also used as an inducer of metamorphosis for S. intermedius and S. mirabilis larvae (50 to 60% activity), but it was toxic to the larvae.