Monitoring microbial biomass and respiration in different soils from the Czech Republic--a summary of results

The microbial biomass (Cbio), respiration (basal respiration (BR) and potential respiration (PR)), and derived indices for 520 independent soil samples of 117 different soils from the Czech Republic were statistically analysed. The broad range of soil samples allowed the stepwise breakdown of the database into six reasonable categories of soil: arable soils, loamy grassland soils, sandy grassland soils with weak organic matter content, sandy grassland soils with moderate organic matter content, forest soils with moderate organic matter content, and forest organic soils with rich organic matter content. Because soil microbiology lacks benchmarking values, the ranges of the microbial characteristics for these categories were stated and are presented here. The separation into soil groups narrowed the ranges enough to be useful for comparative purposes. The groups displayed significant differences in basal microbial parameters. The lowest microbial biomass was found in arable soils and grassland sandy soils with weak organic matter content. The highest microbial biomass was shown by loamy grassland soils and organic forest soils. Respiration displayed similar results to the microbial biomass. The derived indices revealed less significant differences confirming their inner-standard nature. The relationships between the soil contamination and microbial parameters were not explored because of the confounding effect of soil organic matter. However, it was not shown by the category of grassland sandy soils with weak organic matter content suggesting they could be especially suitable for the biomonitoring of harmful effects of chemicals on soil microorganisms.     

Comparison of differences between copper bioaccumulation and biosorption

Biological methods for wastewater treatment are becoming more accepted all over the world. The method, which makes use of accumulating abilities of living cells, is called bioaccumulation. In contrast with it, biosorption takes advantage of sequestering capabilities of dry or dead cells, which is technologically advantageous. The differences between bioaccumulation and biosorption of copper from model solutions were studied in this work. Application of living algal cells has some disadvantages. Copper significantly damages the surface of living cells, which results in partial loss of cell-binding abilities and release of accumulated copper back into solution. The binding capacity of living cells is significantly lower than that of dead cells. There is also a possibility of desorption and reuse of biomass in case of biosorption.     

A whole-plant mathematical model for the phytoextraction of lead (Pb) by maize

Phytoextraction is a technology that uses plants to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils. Although it is economically attractive compared to other methods, little attention has been paid to the mathematical modeling of the mechanisms involved. In this work, we simulate the phytoextraction of Pb using a mechanistic system dynamics modelling approach and the physiology model of maize (Zea mays) as a model system as it is a good Pb accumulator and translocator. Simulation results showed that precipitation is the most important mechanism related to the uptake of Pb from the ground. The most important model parameters have been identified through sensitivity analysis.     

Are the residents of former Yugoslavia still exposed to elevated PCB levels due to the Balkan wars? Part 1: Air sampling in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) spilled into the environment as a result of damaged industrial and military targets, natural resources, and infrastructure during the Balkan wars still pose a problem several years later. The aim of this project was to investigate an extent to which the residents of former Yugoslavia are exposed to elevated levels of POPs as a consequence of the wars. The atmospheric as well as the soil levels of PCBs, OCPs and PAHs were determined in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina during five high volume air sampling campaigns in 2003 and 2004. A considerable contamination of several sites was detected (PCB concentrations in the atmosphere ranged between 67 pg m(-3) and 40 ng m(-3) for the sum of 7 indicator congeners) and the levels are reported in this article.     

The effects of subchronic exposure to NeemAzal T/S on zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The objective of the study was to investigate the subchronic effects of the insecticidal preparation NeemAzal T/S at concentrations of 3, 10 and 30?mg/L on the mortality, growth and histopathology of juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio), as well as its related effects on selected indices of oxidative stress during a 28-day toxicity test. The juvenile growth toxicity test was performed according to OECD Guidelines 215 (Fish, Juvenile Growth Test). The results of this study indicate that these tested concentrations of NeemAzal T/S (containing 1% of the active ingredient azadirachtin A) affect fish growth and have a negative influence on the indices of oxidative stress in the juvenile stage of zebrafish, as well as cause mild histopathological changes in liver tissue.     

Passive air sampling for persistent organic pollutants: introductory remarks to the special issue

There have been a number of developments in the need, design and use of passive air samplers (PAS) for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This article is the first in a Special Issue of the journal to review these developments and some of the data arising from them. We explain the need and benefit of developing PAS for POPs, the different approaches that can be used, and highlight future developments and needs.     

Extraction and characterization of chitin,chitosan, and protein hydrolysate from the invasive Pacific blue crab,Portunus segnis (Forskål, 1775) having potential biological activities

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The diversity of marine biomasses is a set of exploitable and renewable resources with application in several sectors. In this context, a co-culture...     

Effect of infection control training course on knowledge and practices of medical interns in a large academic hospital in Egypt: an intervention study

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Health care-associated infections are reported among the top causes of hospital deaths worldwide. Their prevention is a first priority for patient...     

Modeling and numerical simulation of the chip formation process when machining Nomex

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The machining of Nomex honeycomb structures represents a technical and scientific barrier for aeronautical applications. The difficulties encountered...