Antagonism and synergism between lead and zinc in amphibian larvae

Lead and zinc effects on Bufo arenarum larval survival were studied in single and combined treatments. On a weight basis, lead is about twice as toxic as zinc. The antagonism or synergism between these heavy metals is dose-dependent.     

Synthesis and analytical follow-up of the mineralization of a new fluorosurfactant prototype

Fluorinated surfactants have become essential in numerous technical applications due to their unparalleled effectiveness and efficiency. The environmental persistence of the non-biodegradable perfluorinated alkyl moiety has become a matter of concern. Therefore, it was searched for new molecules with chemically stable fluorinated end groups which can be microbially transformed into labile fluorinated substances. One prototype substance, 10-(trifluoromethoxy)decane-1-sulfonate, has shown biomineralization. Monitoring the formation of metabolites over time elucidated the mechanism of biotransformation. Analysis was performed utilizing liquid chromatography-single quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (QqTOF-MS). It was possible to distinguish between two major degradation pathways of the fluorinated alkylsulfonate derivative: (i) a desulfonation and subsequent oxidation and degradation of the alkyl chain being predominant and (ii) an insertion of oxygen with a subsequent cleavage and degradation of the molecule. The utilized trifluoromethoxy-endgroup resulted in instable trifluoromethanol after degradation of the alkyl chain, which led to a high degree of mineralization of the molecule.     

The Steubenville Comprehensive Air Monitoring Program (SCAMP): analysis of short-term and episodic variations in PM2.5 concentrations using hourly air monitoring data

One-hour average ambient concentrations of particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter < 2.5 microm (PM2.5) were determined in Steubenville, OH, between June 2000 and May 2002 with a tapered element oscillating microbalance (TEOM). Hourly average gaseous copollutant [carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), and ozone (O3)] concentrations and meteorological conditions also were measured. Although 75% of the 14,682 hourly PM2.5 concentrations measured during this period were < or = 17 microg/m3, concentrations > 65 microg/m3 were observed 76 times. On average, PM2.5 concentrations at Steubenville exhibited a diurnal pattern of higher early morning concentrations and lower afternoon concentrations, similar to the diurnal profiles of CO and NO(x). This pattern was highly variable; however, PM2.5 concentrations > 65 microg/m3 were never observed during the mid-afternoon between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST. Twenty-two episodes centered on one or more of these elevated concentrations were identified. Five episodes occurred during the months June through August; the maximum PM2.5 concentration during these episodes was 76.6 microg/m3. Episodes occurring during climatologically cooler months often featured higher peak concentrations (five had maximum concentrations between 95.0 and 139.6 microg/m3), and many exhibited strong covariation between PM2.5 and CO, NO(x), or SO2. Case studies suggested that nocturnal surface-based temperature inversions were influential in driving high nighttime concentrations of these species during several cool season episodes, which typically had dramatically lower afternoon concentrations. These findings provide insights that may be useful in the development of PM2.5 reduction strategies for Steubenville, and suggest that studies assessing possible health effects of PM2.5 should carefully consider exposure issues related to the intraday timing of PM2.5 episodes, as well as the potential for toxicological interactions among PM2.5, and primary gaseous pollutants.     

Field evaluation of in situ remediation of a heavy metal contaminated soil using lime and red-mud

We evaluated the effectiveness of lime and red mud (by-product of aluminium manufacturing) to reduce metal availability to Festuca rubra and to allow re-vegetation on a highly contaminated brown-field site. Application of both lime and red mud (at 3 or 5%) increased soil pH and decreased metal availability. Festuca rubra failed to establish in the control plots, but grew to a near complete vegetative cover on the amended plots. The most effective treatment in decreasing grass metal concentrations in the first year was 5% red mud, but by year two all amendments were equally effective. In an additional pot experiment, P application in combination with red mud or lime decreased the Pb concentration, but not total uptake of Pb in Festuca rubra compared to red mud alone. The results show that both red mud and lime can be used to remediate a heavily contaminated acid soil to allow re-vegetation.     

Influence of acidity level in simulated rain on disease progress in four plant pathosystems

Field investigations were performed in 1984-1985 on the effects of acidity level in simulated rain on disease dynamics in four pathosystems: alfalfa leaf spot (ALS), peanut leaf spot (PLS), potato late blight (PLB), and soybean brown spot (SBS). Studies were performed in an ambient rain exclusion apparatus with simulated rain acidity levels of pH 2.8, 3.6, 4.2, 4.8, or 5.6 and four plots per pH level. In 1984 for ALS and PLB, rain was simulated three times a week at 6-8 mm per event. For PLS and SBS in 1984 and for PLB, PLS, and SBS in 1985, rain was simulated twice a week at 13-16 mm per event with a 10 min pause halfway through each event. Disease was assessed three times a week. In 1984, no significant effect of acidity level in simulated rain on disease severity was detected in any pathosystem. Severity of PLB differed among treatments in 1985 with significant quadratic and cubic components for the dose-response relationship. PLS severity decreased with increasing level of acidity in simulated rain in 1985 and the dose-response relationship was linear. No differences in severity of ALS or SBS due to acidity of simulated rain were found. Thus, disease response to acidity of simulated rain is system dependent.     

Dynamic responses of photosystem II in the Namib Desert shrub, Zygophyllum prismatocarpum, during and after foliar deposition of limestone dust

The effects of limestone dust deposition on vegetation in desert ecosystems have not yet been reported. We investigated these effects in a succulent shrub from the Namib Desert at a limestone quarry near Skorpion Zinc mine (Namibia). Effects of limestone dust were determined in Zygophyllum prismatocarpum (dollar bush) plants with heavy, moderate and no visible foliar dust cover by means of chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements. Limestone dust deposition decreased overall plant performance through loss of chlorophyll content, inhibition of CO(2) assimilation, uncoupling of the oxygen-evolving complex and decreased electron transport. Importantly, dynamic recovery occurred after termination of limestone extraction at the quarry. Recovery was accelerated by rainfall, mainly because of dust removal from leaves and stimulation of new growth. These results indicate that limestone dust has severe effects on photosynthesis in desert shrubs, but that recovery is possible and that, in arid environments, this process is modulated by rainfall.     

Evaluation and selection strategy for green supply chain using interval-valued q-rung orthopair fuzzy combinative distance-based assessment

Environment, Development and Sustainability - Environmental deterioration and global warming has created a substantial impact on international companies to incorporate eco-friendly, green supply...     

The Arbuscules Formation Intensity Decreased in Mycorrhizal Alien Plants of Belarusian Polesia

Russian Journal of Ecology - Abstract—We tested a hypothesis about the different abilities of alien and native plants to form arbuscular mycorrhizae. The studies were carried out in the...     

The Anthropogenic Impact on the True Seals (Carnivora: Phocidae) at the Mouth of Piltun Bay (Sakhalin Island,Russia)

Russian Journal of Ecology - A study of the anthropogenic impacts on the on-shore aggregation of true seals was carried out at a haul-out located at the mouth of Piltun Bay (the northeastern part...