Effect of deforestation on fertility attributes of Mollisols in the NW of Iran

The impacts of deforestation on soil fertility indices – are still not well understood in the forest lands of Iran characterised by Mediterranean type climate. Consistent with this, 8 soil pedons and 32 soil cores were described and sampled from four different soil types of forest and adjacent cultivated soil along a Mollisols transect. The results revealed a considerable depletion in the values of soil organic carbon (by 60–88%), total N (by 67–88%), available K (by 20–45%), cation exchange capacity (by 9–21%), and the diethylene-triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) fraction of Fe (by 40–72%), Mn (by 10–60%), and Zn (by 49–80%) after deforestation. In contrast, soil pH (by 0.36–0.9 units), C:N ratio (by 3–84%), available P (22–139%), and DTPA Cu (by 4–55%) tended to increase due to deforestation. Cultivated soils showed a drop of 70–82% in the values of the soil productivity index than to those of the forest soil, indicating a degrading and declining effect of deforestation on soil productivity capacity. It was found that the majority of soil fertility indices were affected negatively by deforestation and more than half of the organic matter was lost to deforestation, which, in turn, could lead to deterioration in soil quality or land productivity capacity.     

Interaction of leaves and roots of Ruppia maritima in the uptake of phosphate,ammonia and nitrate

Leafy shoots of Ruppia maritima were incubated in two-compartment chambers, with the roots in one compartment and the leaves in the other. Rates of phosphate and ammonia uptake were compared when roots and leaves were supplied with these nutrients separately and simultaneously. Uptake of phosphate and ammonia by leaves was reduced when these nutrients were supplied to the roots, but uptake by roots was not affected by the availability of these nutrients to leaves. This response suggested root-to-shoot translocation predominated. V_max for leaf uptake of phosphate was decreased by 31% when roots were supplied with phosphate simultaneously. Leaf uptake of ammonia was not affected by the availability of ammonia to roots unless the plants were starved for nitrogen. V_max for plants starved for nitrogen was two times greater than for unstarved plants. When roots and leaves of starved plants were exposed simultaneously to ammonia, V_max for ammonia uptake by leaves did not change but K_s increased by 97% to a value similar to that for unstarved plants. Ammonia supplied to leaves or roots inhibited nitrate uptake by leaves by an average of 52%. Ammonia supplied to leaves, however, had no influence on the rate of nitrate uptake by roots.Contribution No. 579 of the Environmental Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency. Use of product names does not imply endorsement by USEPA     

Effect of deuterium-depleted water on reproduction of rainbow trout

During the artificial reproduction of salmonides, the fecundity can be increased either by improving the viability of spermatozoa, or by extending the time period during which a roe micropile remains open, thus allowing its fecundation. Practically, this can be achieved by the use of some fertilising techniques suitable for fish species. Here, we show that the reproduction of rainbow trout in a 1:1 solution of deuterium-depleted water and distilled water led to a significant increase in survival of roes during their embryonic development. Moreover, the addition of glucose and fructose into the deuterium-depleted fertilising solutions led to a further increase in roe survival during embryonic development. The increase in survival is mainly explained by an increase in the motility of spermatozoa.     

仙居县城乡居民消费差异的生态足迹分析

根据生态足迹理论，以浙江省仙居县为例，利用统计调查和问卷调查资料，分别计算了城乡居民生活消费的生态系统占用情况。计算结果表明，该地城市居民的生活消费所占用的生态系统是农村居民所占用的1．73倍，差异最大的是草地，其次是水域、建筑用地、化石能源和耕地，对于林地的占用则是农村居民大于城市居民。     

Ultrastructural analysis of dissolution of shell of the bivalve Mytilus edulis by the accessory boring organ of the gastropod Urosalpinx cinerea

The shell penetrating mechanism of the muricid gastropod Urosalpinx cinerea follyensis Baker was examined with reference to solubilizing effects of the secretion of the accessory boring organ (ABO) on the ultrastructural organic and mineral components of the shell of the bivalve Mytilus edulis Linné. The fine structure of shell etched by the secretion was contrasted with normal shell and shell solubilized artificially by acids, a chelating agent, and enzymes as an aid in interpreting the pattern etched by the secretion. A synoptic series of scanning electron micrographs of representative regions of the normal shell of M. edulis was prepared to serve as a standard for ultrastructural interpretation of the patterns of dissolution. Intercrystalline conchiolin of the mosaicostracal, prismatic, myostracal, and nacreous strata was dissolved as readily as the periostracum by the ABO secretion. In the prismatic region, maximum depth of dissolution of intercrystalline organic matrix occurred when long axes of prisms were approximately perpendicular to the surface being dissolved. Microscopic solubilization of organic matrix noticeably preceded dissolution of mineral crystals, revealing subsurface prisms and lamellae similar in size and form to the distinctively shaped normal shell units. After solubilization of intercrystalline conchiolin, further dissolution by the ABO secretion revealed a variety of what appeared like internal structures in prisms and lamellae. The form of these subunits varied from that of platelets to nodules in prisms and from laths to nodules in lamellae. These intracrystalline patterns of dissolution probably resulted from preferential etching of (a) soluble intracrystalline conchiolin membranes or other internal aggregates of nacrin, (b) heterogeneously distributed trace and minor elements, or (c) from both. Carriker and Williams (1978) hypothesized that a combination of HCl, chelating agents, and enzymes in a hypertonic mucoid secretion released by the ABO dissolve shell during hole boring. The similarity of patterns of dissolution etched by the ABO secretion and those produced artificially by HCl and EDTA in the present study support the hypothesis that these chemicals, or chemicals similar to them, are constituents of the ABO secretion. Lactic and succinic acids and a chitinase-like enzyme were also suggested by Carriker and Williams as possible agents in shell dissolution. Alteration of the shell surface by experimental application of these, and other, chemical agents was not sufficiently comparable to that etched by the ABO secretion to support the suggestion. Preferential dissolution of shell matrix by the ABO secretion is functionally advantageous to boring gastropods because it increases the surface area of mineral crystals exposed to solubilization and facilitates removal of shell units from the surface of the borehole by the radula.     

Distribution of pelagic larvae of bottom invertebrates of the Norwegian and Barents Seas

The distribution of pelagic larvae, juvenile and epitoquous stages of shallow shelf bottom invertebrates, in the plankton of the Norwegian and Barents Seas is largely determined by the distribution of the respective parental forms. The various currents influence the distribution only secondarily and to a rather limited extent. Most larvae remain in the water masses above the zones inhabited by their parents. Thus their large scale distribution in the plankton is determined primarily by the ecological and zoogeographical patierns of distribution of the parental life cycle stages. Such dependence of larval distributions on the distribution of adults in the benthos is assumed to represent a general pattern in all shallow regions of the world oceans.     

Variations in the progress of 14C uptake as a source of error in estimates of primary production

The progress curves of ¹⁴C retention for samples of phytoplankton from the Irish Sea incubated at contrasting light intensities have been obtained by two methods. The first method (A) involved the incubation of the samples for various periods up to 6 h, while the second method (B) consisted of making a series of short-term incubations over the same 6 h period. Over this period, the cumulative uptake was tenerally less when estimated by Method A than by Method B. The difference was greater in the samples incubated at the lower light intensity, the light history of the samples having no effect on the difference. The differences has a kinetic basis, with two combinations of progress curves obtained by use of the two methods. The first combination was associated with samples collected in the early morning, while the second combination was exhibited by samples taken in the afternoon irrespective of sampling depth. In certain samples, no increase in the ¹⁴C retained by the cells as measured by Method A was observed after 4 h. The cumulative retention of ¹⁴C by the cells after 2 h was generally greater when estimated by Method A than by Method B, this situation being reversed after 4 h. This reversal indicated a change in uptake kinetics between 2 and 4 h and it is suggested that this interval represents the time necessary for the ¹⁴C to work through the cellular pool of carbon. The findings are discussed in relation to the methodology for obtaining both estimates of primary production and ¹⁴C uptake-light intensity curves for marine phytoplankton.     

Measurement of the leaching behaviour of granular solid wastes

Leaching of granular solids can be described in terms of specific mass transfer functions of a simple mathematical form.

The parameters can be determined by column leaching experiments under well known flow conditions.

Initially available concentrations are obtained from batch experiments at high dilution. Total concentrations in the solids are determined independently to calculate the available fractions.

The determination of the flow pattern is done by radiotracer measurements. Leachates are analyzed by various analytical methods including AAS and INAA. Total concentrations in the solids are determined by INAA preferably.     

Comparative account of certain enzymes in the serum of homo-iothermal vertebrates subjected to production of myocardial infarction by isoproterenol hydrochloride

Myocardial infarction was produced by subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol hydrochloride (85 mg/kg b.w. for two consecutive days). The myocardial damage was proved by observing increase in the activity of SGOT and SGPT in serum whereas AChE activity was inhibited by increasing Km, without affecting Vmax. The inhibition of AChE and inhibitory kinetic may be useful in the diagnosis and management of salvage of myocardium.     

Distribution of a population of annelid polychaetes in the “trottoir” of the midlittoral zone on the coast of North-East Spain,Western Mediterranean

The discharge and mode of action of the microbasic mastigophores (b-Rhabdoids) of Anemonia sulcata Pennant (Anthozoa) tentacles were examined using light and electron microscopical techniques. The statistical analysis of different morphological parameters of 100 nematocysts before and after their complete discharge revealed four different phases in the process of discharge. The first phase consists of the opening of the three opercular flaps. The second phase is characterized by the extrusion of the shaft. Osmotic pressure generated by the nematocyst propagates the extremely fast shaft discharge. The third phase, the evagination of the long tubule, is propagated by intrinsic mechanical forces stored in the tubule's twists and coils. During the process of evagination the tubule length increases by 95%, its circumference by 17%. Its forward motion is produced by the dilatation of its circumference and undoing of its twists. This motion is supported by the pressure which is generated by the hydration of the capsular matrix. The fourth phase consists in the extrusion of soluble capsular material at the tip of the evaginated tubule. During discharge the net volume of the nematocyst increases by 182%. This expansion is only possible if a high osmotic pressure is generated within the cyst. The extrusion of the shaft is the crucial phase in the discharge of the microbasic mastigophores, because without the puncture produced by the shaft the tubule is not able to overcome even surfaces of low viscosity media. The function of these tentacular nematocysts is the mechanical capture of prey organisms and, most probably, the introduction of unknown toxins into the latter.     

云豹脱毛症的诊断与控制

1999年3月衡阳市动物园饲养的1只13岁云豹,出现严重的脱毛症状,经寄生虫学检查、饲料营养成分检测以及诊断性治疗等综合分析诊断为缺乏微量元素和维生素引起的脱毛症.在饲料中添加微生素和富含矿物质的添加剂,通过3个月的治疗该云豹完全康复.     

沉积物不同天然有机组分对氨氮吸附特征的影响

为估算沉积物不同天然有机组分吸附态氨氮携载量．采用平衡吸附法研究西辽河沉积物不同天然有机组分对氨氮吸附特征的影响。结果表明,去除有机质后的沉积物对氨氮的吸附能力大大降低,其碳标化饱和吸附量（Гmoc）和吸附分配系数（Koc）分别为重组的55．30％和69．49％,说明有机质是影响氨氮在沉积物上吸附特征的主要因素。氨氮在轻组有机组分上的吸附以分配作用为主（Koc=85．57）;稳结态和紧结态腐殖质是形成沉积物疏松多孔团聚体结构的重要胶结物质,氨氮在重组有机组分上的吸附除分配作用外,还存在孔隙填充方式的吸附;重组有机组分中的紧结态腐殖质（胡敏素）对氨氮吸附起关键作用（Гmoc,=5857．78mg·kg-1）。轻组有机质、稳结态腐殖质和紧结态腐殖质携载的吸附态氨氮可分别按重组（Гmoc=3477．81mg·kg-1）的0．32、1．21和1．68倍估算。关键词：沉积物;天然有机组分;氨氮;吸附;碳标化吸附分配系数;碳标化饱和吸附量     

Influence of testosterone on phase-II enzymes in liver and kidney of benzene-treated rats

Testosterone manifests some protective effects against benzene-induced toxicity in rats. However, mechanism of protection remains to be established. Data showed that testosterone modulates conjugation of reactive metabolites of benzene by influencing phase-II enzymes viz. glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in both liver and kidney. These observations are supported by the opposite results obtained in castrated rats. It is postulated that testosterone decreases the formation of reactive oxygen species resulting into an increase in phase-II enzymes. Enhanced activity of these antioxidant enzymes is responsible for DNA strand repair as demonstrated by short comet tail length in liver and kidney of benzene and testosterone treated rats. Castration alters benzene pharmacokinetics by influencing these enzymes, a response which may be abolished by testosterone supplementation.     

The effect of two different biochars on remediation of Cd-contaminated soil and Cd uptake by Lolium perenne

Biochar can be widely used to reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals in contaminated soil because of its adsorption capacity. But there are few studies about the effects of biochar on cadmium uptake by plants in soil contaminated with cadmium (Cd). Therefore, an incubation experiment was used to investigate the effects of rice straw biochar (RSBC) and coconut shell biochar (CSBC) on Cd immobilization in contaminated soil and, subsequently, Cd uptake by Lolium perenne. The results showed that the microbial counts and soil enzyme activities were significantly increased by biochar in Cd-contaminated soil, which were consistent with the decrease of the bioavailability of Cd by biochar. HOAc-extractable Cd in soil decreased by 11.3–22.6% in treatments with 5% RSBC and by 7.2–17.1% in treatments with 5% CSBC, respectively, compared to controls. The content of available Cd in biochar treatments was significantly lower than in controls, and these differences were more obvious in treatment groups with 5% biochar. The Cd concentration in L. perenne reduced by 4.47–26.13% with biochar. However, the biomass of L. perenne increased by 1.35–2.38 times after adding biochar amendments. So, Cd uptake by whole L. perenne was augmented by RSBC and CSBC. Accordingly, this work suggests that RSBC and CSBC have the potential to be used as a useful aided phytoremediation technology in Cd-contaminated soil.

     

生态沟渠对农田排水中氮磷的去除机理初探

在野外分别构建生态沟渠(采用分布有10 cm×10 cm长方形孔的混凝土板材,沟底、沟壁种植植物)、对照沟渠1(采用硬质化混凝土板材,未人为布设植物)和对照沟渠2(土质沟渠,未人为布设植物),研究了3种沟渠对颗粒物的拦截效果及其机理。结果表明,生态沟渠对农田排水中氮磷的高效去除机理主要表现在沟渠植物的吸收、过滤箱中的基质吸附和植物吸收、沟渠拦截坝所产生的减缓流速和沉降泥沙等方面。其中,沟渠植物吸收氮磷分别占夏季试验进水氮磷总量的68.30%和78.45%,泥沙沉降占1.05%和5.05%;生态沟渠放置过滤箱后的氮磷去除效果显著好于未放置时,过滤箱中的植物吸收氮磷占放置过滤箱试验进水氮磷量的0.37%和1.55%,过滤箱中的基质吸附占10.82%和37.94%;生态沟渠设置拦截坝时的水力停留时间较未设拦截坝时延长2.0倍。     

絮凝剂PAN-DCD的结构和性质研究

以聚丙烯腈（ＰＡＮ）和双腈双胺（ＤＣＤ）为原料,合成了有机絮凝剂ＰＡＮ－ＤＣＤ。用ＩＲ、１ＨＮＭＲ和１３ＣＮＭＲ等方法对其结构进行了表征,探讨了ＰＡＮ－ＤＣＤ溶解度随ｐＨ值变化的规律,研究了ＰＡＮ－ＤＣＤ对活性染料的絮凝脱色和去除ＣＯＤＣｒ的性能。结果表明,ＰＡＮ－ＤＣＤ是侧链带有多种极性基团的聚合物;在酸性条件下溶解度较小,碱性条件下溶解度较大;在加入量较少的情况下使活性染料的脱色率接近１００％,并对ＣＯＤＣｒ的去除有较大贡献。     

Ecological and evolutionary significance of pelagic spermatophores of vermetid gastropods

Sperm are disseminated in vermetid gastropods by spermatophores released freely into the ocean. Spermatophores from 7 species of vermetids, including 3 genera, were obtained from reproductively active males or offshore plankton tows or both. Each vermetid spermatophore consists of a sperm mass containing highly ordered eupyrene and apyrene sperm enveloped concentrically by 3 transparent capsules. Generic and specific differences occur in the size, shape and composition of the sperm mass and capsule. The complexly layered spermatophore is assembled in the male reproductive tract, which includes and elaborate set of pallial reproductive glands for capsule production. Spermatophores are liberated by males into the seawater, and there dispersed by water movements. Some of these drifting spermatophores become entangled in the mucous feeding nets of female vermetids and are then activated by feeding movements. Activation of the complex ejaculatory apparatus appears to result from an interplay of osmotic and mechanical mechanisms. Spermatophores remain viable in the laboratory for 12 to 20 h after release from the male; after 20 h, the sperm mass breaks down and the sperm become immotile. Plankton tows capture some spermatophores with motile sperm and others in which sperm are no longer active. Evolutionary implications of the relationship between production of pelagic spermatophores, sessile mode of life and other aspects of vermetid biology are discussed.     

Robustness and vulnerability of community irrigation systems: The case of the Taos valley acequias

Traditional economic and policy analysis theory has emphasized the implementation of private or public property rights regimes in order to sustainably manage natural resources. More recent work has challenged this approach by examining the strengths and weakness of common property governance of such resources. This paper contributes to this literature by analyzing the acequia irrigation communities in northern New Mexico. Through statistical analysis, we find that the acequias’ ability to maintain collective-action as estimated by a critical performance function, crop production, is aided by water sharing agreements and access to groundwater, and that it is hampered by property rights fragmentation and urbanization.     

The role of the European commission in the maintenance of air quality standards

We describe intercomparison results obtained in the framework of the EC Directive 799/80 CEE on SO₂, Black Smoke (BS) and Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) using standard reference materials. Calibrations and measuring methods used in national laboratories were compared to the reference methods laid down in the Directive. For SO₂, the deviations were caused by inappropriate handling of the calibration rather than by possible shortcomings of the different methods themselves. In contrast, for BS, largest deviations were caused by differences in configurations of filter/reflectometer and of the conversion curves; for TSP by varying the type of filters and conditioning procedures before weighing.     

Enzymological aspects of bioconversion of m-dinitrobenzene

Three main enzymes, responsible for bioconversion of 1,3 dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) by Micrococcus colpogenes MCM B 410, were isolated from the sonicated cell mass, grown in presence of m-DNB in a synthetic medium, for 7 days. The soluble proteins were separated by differential precipitation and also separated by native PAGE. Each fraction obtained from both the protocols, was tested for nitro aryl reductase, aryl mono oxygenase and resorcinol 2,3 dioxygenase. The apparent molecular weight of the proteins were nitro aryl reductase (30 kDa), aryl mono oxygenase (110 kDa) and resorcinol 2,3 di oxygenase (65 kDa).