Assimilation of symbiont-derived photosynthates in some solitary and colonial radiolaria

Evidence for host assimilation of ¹⁴C-labeled symbiont photosynthates is presented from laboratory studies of the solitary radiolarian Thalassicolla nucleata and the colonial species Collosphaera huxleyi. The amount of ¹⁴C-labeled product assimilated in the central capsule of T. nucleata is directly related to the amount of ¹⁴C incorporated by the symbionts. In C. huxleyi central capsules, the percentage of ¹⁴C-label occurring in the water-soluble fraction is 38% and in the lipid-soluble fraction is 20%, the remainder being in insoluble products. Within the lipid-soluble fraction, a substantial percentage of the ¹⁴C activity is associated with the triglyceride and wax ester fractions. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to the possible physiological role of symbionts in sustaining the host and stabilizing the host-symbiont association.     

Speciation of organotin compounds in sediments of semi-closed areas along the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria

Organotin compounds were measured in sediments of four different semi-closed areas of the Mediterranean coast of Alexandria: the Eastern Harbour, Western Harbour, El-Max Bay, and Abu-Qir Bay. Due to the commercial trade activity inside the Western Harbour, in addition to the effect of wastes discharged from El Noubaria canal, it shows the highest concentrations of total tin (6.34 μg g^-1 dry weight), dibutyl tin (1.63 μg g^-1 wet weight), tributyl tin (0.33 μg g^-1 wet weight) and diphenyl tin (1.06 μg g^-1 wet weight) compared with other locations. The concentrations of TBT species showed the highest contents compared with DBT and DPhT compounds in all sampling areas. This trend might be due to the worldwide use of TBT not only as biocides in antifouling paints but also as preserving agents for wood, fungicides in agricultural activities, and heat and UV stabilizers of PVC, which results in a direct release of TBT into the water body, accumulation in aquatic fauna. There is also precipitation into sediments and a decrease in degradation rate into its derivatives. Variations, types, concentrations, and distribution of different organotin compounds are discussed in the areas under investigation. The study reveals a new record of organotin compounds along the Alexandria coast and makes comparisons with other surrounding areas of interest.     

The Reproductive Capacity of Plants in a Gradient of Chemical Environmental Pollution

The reproductive capacity of Taraxacum officinale s.l. (two morphological forms: T. off. f. dahlstedtii Lindb. fil. and T. off. f. pectinatiforme Lindb. fil.) under conditions of chemical environmental pollution was studied in years differing in weather conditions. The number of generative shoots in plants increased along the toxic load gradient, which led to an increase in the total number of seeds and the weight of filled seeds. The relative energy value of seeds was determined from the amount of plastic substances in them. The number of seeds was shown to increase at a considerably higher rate than the energy expenditures for the formation of each seed. A general principle was revealed that determines the energy expenditures for the formation of a normal seed in both T. officinale forms under different weather conditions and under the chemical pollution of the environment.     

Impact of intensive market gardening on the nutrient status of hydromorphic soil in the Ojo area of Lagos metropolis,Nigeria

Summary This study evaluates the impact of intensive market gardening on the nutrient status of hydromorphic soil in the Ojo area of Lagos metropolis. Following 15–20 years of continuous market gardening, the organic matter content of the 0–10 cm layer of the hydromorphic soil has been reduced to 75 percent of the level found in a swamp forest soil used as a control. The extent of the organic matter decline in the cultivated soil is slight compared with the degree of organic matter diminution in well-drained soil used for shifting or continuous cultivation. This is due to the low degree of humus mineralisation in water-logged soil and the application of organic manure.In spite of regular application of both organic and inorganic fertilisers, the levels of exchangeable calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium are lower in the 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers of the intensively cultivated hydromorphic soil used for market gardening than in the swamp forest control areas. The mean level of extractable manganese is lower in the 10–20 cm layer of the cultivated soil. These differences are due to nutrient immobilisation and removal in harvested vegetables, and to nutrient loss from the market gardening plots through erosion. There is, however, a build-up of available phosphorus in the surface layer of the market garden soil due to the application of inorganic phosphate fertilisers.The levels of mineral nutrients in the surface layers of the cultivated soil are within the optimal ranges for most arable crops, suggesting that the soil is not impoverished. This is due to the judicious application of both organic and inorganic fertilisers, and is indicative of the fact that hydromorphic soils can support continuous cultivation under proper management.Dr A.O. Aweto is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, and Mr G.M. Ogurie was until recently a geography student in the same department.     

An automated systems for air sampling with annular denuder systems at a remote site

An automated air sampling system has been designed for use with the annular denuder system (ADS). The automated air sampling system allows for accurate measurements of air volume and day-night sampling while preventing the accumulation of moisture within the ADS caused by condensation or cloud events. The sampling system consists of air flow, monitoring and control subsystems. Calibration of the sampling system against a Hoffer turbine flow meter indicated accurate measurement of air flow volumes. Field testing and preliminary data have shown that the sampling system functions well in a remote mountain forest site, and was relatively unaffected by condensation, fog, or cloud events.     

Modelling of matter cycle in a mesotrophic bog ecosystem I. Linear analysis of carbon environs

By means of environ analysis the four-compartment model of matter cycle through the ecosystem of a mesotrophic bog is investigated. The aggregated compartments are: plants, animals, fungi combined with bacteria, and litter. The model is based on data obtained by observations and estimations made on the experimental area of “Tajozhny Log” ocated in the southern taiga sub-zone. Environ analysis enables one to set up, in the quantitative form, certain conclusions on the relative importance of individual system components and diverse processes in the matter cycle, as well as to obtain a number of quantitative characteristics of the turnover. Environ analysis is discussed as a preliminary stage in developing more complex, dynamic models of the matter cycle.     

Non-carcinogenic effects of inorganic arsenic

This review will focus primarily on ohe effects of the inorganic arsenicals (arsenate and arsenite forms) that are present in drinking water. They are acutely toxic to both humans and animals, an effect that may be related to their bioavailibility. In humans, arsenicals have been reported to cause dermatitis and mucous membrane irritation upon exposure. They have also been reported to cause skin lesions and peripheral neurotoxicity in smelter workers and in patients treated with Fowler's Solution. When humans are exposed to arsenic in drinking water, effects such as hyperkeratosis, electromyographic abnormalities and vascular effects have been reported. In experimental animals, arsenic has been demonstrated to affect the liver and kidneys. In mice, arsenic has also been reported to decrease the animal's resistance to certain viral infections. The arsenite (+3) and arsenate (+5) forms have different modes of action. Arsenite binds to sulphhydryl groups and has been reported to inhibit over 100 different enzymes, while the arsenate can substitute for phosphate in various high energy intermediates, resulting in arsenolysis. In addition, when arsenate is reduced to arsenite in the body, it can also cause toxicity as that species.