Microbial response to CaCO3 application in an acid soil in southern China

Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) application is widely used to ameliorate soil acidification. To counteract soil and bacterial community response to CaCO₃ application in an acidic paddy soil in southern China, a field experiment was conducted with four different dosages of CaCO₃ addition, 0, 2.25, 4.5 and 7.5?tons/ha, respectively. After one seasonal growth of rice, soil physicochemical properties, soil respiration and bacterial communities were investigated. Results showed that soil pH increased accordingly with increasing dose of CaCO₃ addition, and 7.5?tons/ha addition increased soil pH to neutral condition. Moderate dose of CaCO₃ application (4.5?tons/ha) significantly increased soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) content, enhanced soil respiration, while the excessive CaCO₃ application (7.5?tons/ha) decreased these soil properties. High-throughput sequencing results illustrated that moderate dose of CaCO₃ application increased the richness and alpha diversity of soil bacterial community. Compared with control, the relative abundance of Anaerolineaceae family belonging to Chloroflexi phylum increased by 38.7%, 35.4% and 24.5% under 2.25, 4.5 and 7.5?tons/ha treatments, respectively. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that soil pH was the most important factor shaping soil bacterial community. The results of this study suggest that proper dose of CaCO₃ additions to acid paddy soil in southern China could have positive effects on soil properties and bacterial community.     

The thermal transformation mechanism of chlorinated paraffins: An experimental and density functional theory study

The increasing production and usage of chlorinated paraffins(CPs) correspondently increase the amount of CPs that experience thermal processes. Our previous study revealed that a significant amount of medium-chain chlorinated paraffins(MCCPs), short-chain chlorinated paraffins(SCCPs) as well as aromatic and chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(Cl-PAHs) were formed synergistically during the thermal decomposition of CP-52(a class of CP products).However, the transformation mechanisms of CP-52 to these compounds are still not very clear.This article presents a mechanistic analysis on the decomposition of CP-52 experimentally and theoretically. It was found that CP-52 initially undergoes dehydrochlorination and carbon chain cleavage and it transformed into chlorinated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Cyclization and aromatization were the most accessible pathways at low temperatures(200–400°C), both of which produce mostly aromatic hydrocarbons. As the temperature exceeds 400°C, the hydrocarbons could decompose into small molecules, and the subsequent radical-induced reactions become the predominant pathways, leading to the formation of Cl-PAHs. The decomposition of CP-52 was investigated by using density functional theory and calculations demonstrating the feasibility and rationality of PCB and PCN formation from chlorobenzene. The results improve the understanding of the transformation processes from CP-52 to SCCPs and Cl-PAHs as well as provide data for reducing their emissions during thermal-related processes.     

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin promotes migration ability of primary cultured rat astrocytes via aryl hydrocarbon receptor

Emerging evidence showed that 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) could induce expression of certain reactivation-associated genes in astrocytes, however, the consequent cellular effects and molecular mechanisms are still unclear. During the process of astrocyte reactivation, migration is a critical cellular event. In the present study, we employed wound-healing assay and Transwell® motility assay to explore the effects of TCDD on cell migration in primary cultured rat cortical astrocytes. We found that upon TCDD treatments at relative low concentrations (10^? 10 and/or 10^? 9?mol/L), the ability of primary astrocytes to migrate horizontally and vertically was promoted. In line with this cellular effect, the mRNA expression of two pro-migratory genes, including cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was induced by TCDD treatment. Dioxin exerts its toxic effects mainly through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway. So the role of AhR pathway in the pro-migratory effects of TCDD was examined using an AhR antagonist, CH223191. We found that application of CH223191 significantly reversed the pro-migratory effects of TCDD. Interestingly, the basal ability of horizontal migration as well as basal levels of CDC42 and MMP2 expression were dramatically reduced suggesting a possible physiological role of AhR in maintaining the endogenous migration ability of the primary astrocytes. These findings support the notion that dioxin promotes astrocyte reactivation at molecular and cellular levels.     

Simultaneous quantification of fifty-one odor-causing compounds in drinking water using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry

A wide range of compounds with various structural features can cause taste and odor(TO)problems in drinking water. It would be desirable to determine all of these compounds using a simple analytical method. In this paper, a sensitive method combining liquid–liquid extraction(LLE) with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(GC–MS/MS)was established to simultaneously analyze 51 odor-causing compounds in drinking water,including organic sulfides, aldehydes, benzenes, phenols, ethers, esters, ketones, nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, 2-methylisoborneol and geosmin. Three deuterated analogs of target analytes, dimethyl disulfide-d6, benzaldehyde-d6 and o-cresol-3,4,5,6-d4,were used to correct the variations in recovery, and five isotope-labeled internal standards(4-chlorotoluene-d4, 1, 4-dichlorobenzene-d4, naphthalene-d8, acenaphthene-d10, phenanthrene-d10 respectively) were used prior to analysis to correct the variations arising from instrument fluctuations and injection errors. The calibration curves of the target compounds showed good linearity(R2 0.99, level = 7),and method detection limits(MDLs) below 1/10 of the odor threshold concentrations were achieved for most of the odorants(0.10–20.55 ng/L). The average recoveries of most of the analytes in tap water samples were between 70% and 120%, and the method was reproducible(RSD 20%, n = 7). Additionally, concentrations of odor-causing compounds in water samples collected from three drinking water treatment plants(DWTPs) were analyzed by this method.According to the results, dimethyl trisulfide, dimethyl disulfide and indole were considered to be the key odorants responsible for the swampy/septic odor. 2-Methylisoborneol and geosmin were detected as the main odor-causing compounds for musty/earthy odor in DWTP B.     

Application of interface material and effects of oxygen gradient on the performance of single-chamber sediment microbial fuel cells (SSMFCs)

Single-chamber sediment microbial fuel cells(SSMFCs) have received considerable attention nowadays because of their unique dual-functionality of power generation and enhancement of wastewater treatment performance. Thus, scaling up or upgrading SSMFCs for enhanced and efficient performance is a highly crucial task. Therefore, in order to achieve this goal, an innovative physical technique of using interface layers with four different pore sizes embedded in the middle of SSMFCs was utilized in this study.Experimental results showed that the performance of SSMFCs employing an interface layer was improved regardless of the pore size of the interface material, compared to those without such layers. The use of an interface layer resulted in a positive and significant effect on the performance of SSMFCs because of the effective prevention of oxygen diffusion from the cathode to the anode. Nevertheless, when a smaller pore size interface was utilized, better power performance and COD degradation were observed. A maximum power density of 0.032 mW/m~2 and COD degradation of 47.3% were obtained in the case of an interface pore size of 0.28 μm. The findings in this study are of significance to promote the future practical application of SSMFCs in wastewater treatment plants.     

One-step synthesis of Cu(II) metal–organic gel as recyclable material for rapid, efficient and size selective cationic dyes adsorption

Efficient removal of non-biodegradable and hazardous dyes from wastewater remains a hot research topic. Herein, a rationally designed a Cu(Ⅱ)-based metal–organic gel(Cu-MOG) with a nanoporous 3 D network structure prepared via a simple one-step mixing method was successfully employed for the removal of cationic dyes. The Cu-MOG exhibited high efficiency, with an adsorption capacity of up to 650.32 mg/g, and rapid adsorption efficiency, with the ability to adsorb 80% of Neutral Red within 1 min. The high adsorption efficiency was attributed to its large specific surface area, which enabled it to massively bind cationic dyes through electrostatic interaction, and a nanoporous structure that promoted intra-pore diffusion. Remarkably, the Cu-MOG displayed size-selective adsorption, based on adsorption studies concerning dyes of different sizes as calculated by density functional theory. Additionally, the adsorption performance of the Cu-MOG still maintained removal efficiency of 100% after three regeneration cycles. These results suggested that the Cu-MOG could be expected to be a promising and competitive candidate to conveniently process wastewater.     

Effect of air masses motion on the rapid change of aerosols in marine atmosphere

The impact of air masses motion on marine aerosol properties was investigated using an on-board single particle mass spectrometer(SPAMS) deployed for the determination of single particle size resolved chemical composition over Southeast China Sea. Two aerosol blooms(E1 and E2) were observed during the cruise. High average particle number count occurred in E1(7320), followed by E2(5850), which was more than 100–150 times of the average particle number count during normal periods. Particles were classified as four major sources, including continental source, shipping source, marine source, and transport source based on the mass spectral similarity. Transport source was identified as those particles with high particle number count occurred only during aerosol bloom period. Three sub-types of EC-Ca, OC-Ca, and Al-rich were classified as transport source.EC-Ca was the dominant particles of the transport source, accounting for more than 70%of the total particles in aerosol bloom events. A uni-modal size distribution in the size range of 0.1–2.0 μm was observed during normal period, while a bimodal distribution with a tiny mode(0.3 μm) and a coarse mode between 0.4 and 0.6 μm was present during aerosol bloom. The variation of aerosol source is consistent with air masses back trajectories, for the reason that most of the long-range air trajectories are from the ocean,while short air trajectories originate in the continental regions, which means that air masses have a significant impact on the aerosol physical–chemical properties along their tracks.     

不同类型秸秆对污泥厌氧消化特性及细菌群落结构的影响

为促进污水处理厂污泥及农作物秸秆的资源化利用,探讨不同类型秸秆（玉米、小麦、水稻）对污泥厌氧消化特性、产气效果及细菌群落结构的影响,在中温〔（35±1）℃〕下,研究了污泥与秸秆按不同质量比（1:0、1:0.5、1:1、1:1.5）联合厌氧消化对污泥C/N（碳氮比）和厌氧消化环境中pH、ρ（NH₄+-N）、ρ（VFAs）（VFAs为挥发性脂肪酸）、日均沼气产量及φ（CH₄）、细菌群落的特征变化,以未添加秸秆的污泥厌氧消化为CK（对照）.结果表明:不同类型秸秆的添加对厌氧消化体系的pH、ρ（NH₄+-N）、ρ（VFAs）均产生显著影响,秸秆的加入明显提高了厌氧消化体系的产气量.联合厌氧消化可通过优化厌氧消化底物的C/N,从而增加ρ（VFAs）和φ（CH₄）.其中,污泥与玉米秸秆质量比为1:1.5时对厌氧消化的促进作用最为显著;其沼气日产量为2 303.08 mL,比CK（536.15 mL）提高了3倍以上,而沼气中φ（CH₄）最高为54.49%,比CK（37.07%）提高46.99%.此外,不同类型秸秆的添加也可通过改变细菌群落结构从而促进秸秆降解,增加ρ（VFAs）和提高沼气产量,特别是添加秸秆后,Bacteroidetes会逐渐取代Proteobacteria成为主要的产酸菌种,从而导致ρ（VFAs）增加.研究显示,污泥与秸秆联合厌氧消化可改善污泥营养结构,改变细菌群落结构,提高沼气产量.      

National and Regional-Level Human-Environment (Ecosystems) Interactions: Some Empirical Evidence from China

The state of human-environment (ecosystems) interactions—ecosystems (land cover classes), population, biodiversity hotspots and protected status—is examined in the eastern coastal zones, the eastern region, the middle region, the western region and the whole of China. The analysis is based on consistent, comprehensive, geo-referenced and recent datasets and advanced analytical Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. A comparative national and regional priority ranking of the provinces was conducted using the total score of eight indicators, for the four dimensions of human-environment (ecosystems) interaction. Using, these ranks, all the provinces were grouped in low, high and medium priority provinces. The comparative ranking and categorization of provinces will be useful for designing policies and management operations for spatially-differential scientific planning and management of environment (ecosystems) at the regional and national levels in China.     

辅助矿山救护队的建设工作应该加强

在现代煤矿里，灾害和事故仍然是不可避免的。采取减小组织内成员的自由度来强化专业救灾机构的整体功能固然重要，但非专业化的辅助矿山救护队的建设工作更应加强。因为他们亲临现场，熟悉灾情，又处于救灾的黄金时间里。因此，对是否酿成灾害和灾害中损失的控制问题，辅助矿山救护队有更多的优势。