Temporal variability in 20 chemical elements content of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) collected from two sites over a few years

Mature specimens of Parasol Mushroom were collected annually in the outskirts of the Siemiany (2000-2003) and Rafa (2001-2003) sites in the northern part of Poland to examine temporal variations and similarities in the composition of 20 chemical elements. Analysis was done under the same condition and using well-validated analytical methods. Elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and cold vapour-atomic absorption spectroscopy (Hg). The ranges of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn concentrations in the caps of fruiting bodies were similar (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test) for both geographically distant sites, and these specimens from Rafa were more contaminated with Pb (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of caps in the Siemiany site varied in Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Na, Rb and Sr and contents (0.05 < p < 0.001), while they were similar in Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Zn (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of specimens from the Rafa site varied in contents of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, P, Rb and Zn (p > 0.05), while they were similar in Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Na, Ni, Pb and Sr (p < 0.05). The results of this study imply that metallic elements content of Parasol Mushroom collected at the same undisrupted sites, and hence keeping the same geochemical condition for mushroom development and fructification (the same stands and probably the same mycelia), can fluctuate over the years or the life-span of mycelium. Hence, when assessing the nutritional value of essential metallic elements and status of non-essential or toxic metallic elements in Parasol's Mushroom caps (and probably also of other mushrooms species) to man, the possible fluctuation in contents over time have to be taken into account.     

Sulphur dioxide adsorption in Scots pine canopies exposed to high ammonia emissions near a Cu-Ni smelter in SW Finland

Since 1994 the nickel-processing plant at the Cu-Ni smelter at Harjavalta, south-west Finland, has emitted considerable amounts of NH(3) into the atmosphere. The effects of NH(3) emissions on nitrogen and sulphur deposition in throughfall and the foliar nutrient status were investigated in a Scots pine stand at 0.5 km distance. Bulk deposition, stand throughfall and percolation water (20 cm depth) samples were collected at 4-week intervals during 1992-1998. pH and the Ca, Mg, K, NH(4) and SO(4) concentrations were determined on the samples. NH(3) emissions have strongly increased the scavenging of SO(2) from the air in the pine stand, and the increased levels of N and S deposition were clearly evident as increased foliar N and S concentrations and larger needle size. The increased input of SO(4) into the forest floor was not associated with an increase in the leaching of Ca and Mg from the surface soil layers.     

The tail feathers of osprey nestlings (Pandion haliaetus L.) as indicators of change in mercury load in the environment of southern Sweden (1969-1998): a case study with a note on the simultaneous intake of selenium

The tail feathers of 104 osprey nestlings (Pandion haliaetus) from Lake Asnen, southern Sweden, were analyzed for total mercury and selenium content. Concentrations of mercury in feathers from the western part of the lake fell during the period 1969-1998, when pollution from industrial mercury had decreased and a paper mill upstream of the lake was closed down in 1979. Nestlings from the eastern part of the lake had initially lower levels of mercury, predominantly from atmospheric fallout. The levels did not decrease during the period. The reason for the differences seems to be the limited water flow between the western and the eastern part of the lake. The selenium concentrations were constant over time and approximately the same in both parts of the lake. The total-Hg/Se ratio in the western part of the lake was 2.94, which is somewhat higher than the 1:1 molar ratio constant (2.54). This indicates that the bioaccumulated quantity of selenium which is thought to be protective for the organisms against the toxic effects of mercury, is somewhat insufficient to bind all body mercury.     

Monitoring of toxicity during degradation of selected pesticides using ionizing radiation

The optimization of experimental conditions for radiolytic removal of organic pollutants from water and waste with the use of ionizing radiation via controlling the concentration of target compound(s) requires also monitoring the toxicity changes during the process. Commonly used herbicides 2,4-D and dicamba were shown to increase toxicity measured with the Microtox test at low irradiation doses resulting from formation of more toxic transient products, which can be decomposed at larger doses. The changes of toxicity were examined with respect to dose magnitude and the presence of commonly occurring scavengers of radiation.     

Occurrence and abatement of volatile sulfur compounds during biogas production

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in biogas originating from a biogas production plant and from a municipal sewage water treatment plant were identified. Samples were taken at various stages of the biogas-producing process, including upgrading the gas to vehicle-fuel quality. Solid-phase microextraction was used for preconcentration of the VSCs, which were subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. Other volatile organic compounds present also were identified. The most commonly occurring VSCs in the biogas were hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, methanethiol, dimethyl sulfide, and dimethyl disulfide, and hydrogen sulfide was not always the most abundant sulfur (S) compound. Besides VSCs, oxygenated organic compounds were commonly present (e.g., ketones, alcohols, and esters). The effect of adding iron chloride to the biogas reactor on the occurrence of VSCs also was investigated. It was found that additions of 500-g/m3 substrate gave an optimal removal of VSCs. Also, the use of a prefermentation step could reduce the amount of VSCs formed in the biogas process. Moreover, in the carbon dioxide scrubber used for upgrading the gas, VSCs were removed efficiently, leaving traces (ppbv levels). The scrubber also removed other organic compounds.     

Metal uptake capacity of modified Saccharomyces pastorianus biomass from different types of solution

In this paper, we investigate the effect of different biomass pretreatments on metal ion uptake by various biosorbents. Heat-treated as well as caustic-treated and ground biomass of Saccharomyces pastorianus was used to remove copper, lead and cadmium from various solutions. Untreated yeast was used as the control sample. The effect of yeast modification on sorption capacity depended on the different types of heavy metal ions and whether they were in single- or multi-component solutions. The highest uptake of copper and lead from a single-metal solution was obtained from heat-treated cells. Ground biomass was the most efficient at cadmium removal. However, the sorption capacity of the modified biomass did not improve when metal ions were removed from multi-component solutions. Indeed, the results in this paper show that optimizing metal removal from single-cation solutions can lead to decreased sorption capacity in multi-component solutions. Therefore, while adjusting the procedure of biomass modification, not only the nature of the metal ion being sorbed but also the chemical composition of the metal ion solution should be taken into account.     

Nickel induced alteration of hen body weight,egg production and egg quality after an experimental peroral administration

In this study the effects of nickel (NiCl₂) administered in drinking water (0.02; 0.2 and 2.0 mg NiCl₂/L for 28 days) on laying hen body weight, egg production and egg quality is reported. Growth parameters during the experiment were significantly decreased mainly in the group with the highest nickel concentration. In total egg production dose–dependent decrease in all experimental groups was found. Egg weight was mainly affected in the group with the highest nickel concentration. Specific egg weight was not altered. Albumen weight and albumen content was significantly decreased in groups with the highest nickel concentration in comparison with the control group.

Egg yolk analysis detected significantly decreased yolk weight in the group with the highest nickel experimental level. In yolk color a significant difference was detected between the group receiving 0.02 and 0.2 mg NiCl₂/mL. Eggshell compactness was increased in all experimental groups what could be induced by altered mineralization of eggshell. Results of this study clearly report a negative effect of nickel as an environmental pollutant on laying hen body weight, egg production as well as egg quality.     

Hydrogeochemical and biomedical insights into germanium potential of curative waters: a case study of health resorts in the Sudetes Mountains (Poland)

Germanium is considered to be a non-essential element; however, little is still known about its significance for living organisms. It exerts prophylactic and therapeutic effects in the treatment of serious diseases such as cancer, HIV infection, and others. Germanium does not exhibit acute toxicity, but, as it tends to accumulate in various organs and tissues, undesirable and even dangerous side effects have been reported after prolonged and/or high dosage application. In general, inorganic compounds of germanium are more toxic than its organic compounds. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the exact molecular mechanism of germanium action, to determine the safe and effective dose of germanium via curative/mineral waters, and to understand the applications and benefits of using germanium-enriched waters in balneotherapy. The geochemistry of curative (cold CO₂-rich, thermal) waters from spas in the Sudetes (Poland) was clarified in terms of components and mineral phases which might govern germanium. Germanium and silicon in thermal (above 20 °C) waters presumably result from the solubility of silicates in crystalline (granites, gneisses) aquifer rocks and might be controlled by neo-formed quartz. The cold CO₂-rich waters revealed a significant diversity of aqueous chemistry and relationships of germanium with iron, silicon, or arsenic. Locally, both in sedimentary (sandstones) and metamorphic (gneisses) aquifer rocks, primary (silicates) and/or secondary (oxides) iron-containing minerals likely release germanium into solution. In the CO₂-rich waters of the western part of the K?odzko Region, germanium distinctly correlates with arsenic. It is hypothesized that both elements are co-sourced from crystalline basement and/or migration of substances of post-magmatic origin along deep-seated dislocations related to the seismically active Po?í?í-Hronov fault zone. This area was proposed as the most prospective one for finding waters rich in germanium in the Sudetes.     

Fossil bog soils (‘<Emphasis Type="Italic">dwog</Emphasis> horizons’) and their relation to Holocene coastal changes in the Jade Weser region,southern North Sea,Germany

After the deceleration of the postglacial marine transgression, the German North Sea coast was subject to deposition of a complex pattern of subtidal to terrestrial facies. This study aims at reconstructing these facies changes in the ‘Land Wursten’ region (Lower Saxony) by focussing on so-called dwog horizons (incipient soil horizons of the pre-engineered salt marshes). We explore their implications for relative sea-level reconstructions and their indication for early settlement activities. Archive drilling data (1960, provided by the ‘Landesamt für Bergbau, Energie und Geologie’) were analysed to create five high-resolution stratigraphic cross sections. Three new drilling records were subjected to sedimentological and microfaunal investigations and interpreted to verify and calibrate the archive data. Two dwog horizons were found and ¹⁴C-AMS dated. We found basal salt marsh deposits inundated by a high-energy event and covered by tidal flat sediments. The thick tidal flat unit is again overlain by salt marsh deposits indicating the transition from a shallow marine to a terrestrial environment where dwogs were developed and covered by episodic marine incursions. The ages of the dwogs (1128–969 cal BC; cal AD 1426–1467) do not correlate with known layers of adjacent settlement sites and are critically discussed. However, we show that they correlate with phases of stagnant regional relative sea level (RSL) and can be used as RSL indicators. The combined archive and modern data provide valuable information for the RSL reconstruction and palaeoenvironmental changes. However, further research is recommended to accomplish more detailed information about coastal response during the Holocene sea-level changes and implications for settlement dynamics.