Isolation and characterization of mesotrione-degrading Bacillus sp. from soil

Dissipation kinetics of mesotrione, a new triketone herbicide, sprayed on soil from Limagne (Puy-de-Dôme, France) showed that the soil microflora were able to biotransform it.Bacteria from this soil were cultured in mineral salt solution supplemented with mesotrione as sole source of carbon for the isolation of mesotrione-degrading bacteria. The bacterial community structure of the enrichment cultures was analyzed by temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE). The TTGE fingerprints revealed that mesotrione had an impact on bacterial community structure only at its highest concentrations and showed mesotrione-sensitive and mesotrione-adapted strains. Two adapted strains, identified as Bacillus sp. and Arthrobacter sp., were isolated by colony hybridization methods.Biodegradation assays showed that only the Bacillus sp. strain was able to completely and rapidly biotransform mesotrione. Among several metabolites formed, 2-amino-4-methylsulfonylbenzoic acid (AMBA) accumulated in the medium. Although sulcotrione has a chemical structure closely resembling that of mesotrione, the isolates were unable to degrade it.     

Oxidative properties of ambient PM2.5 and elemental composition: Heterogeneous associations in 19 European cities

We assessed the extent to which constituents of PM_2.5 (transition metals, sodium, chloride) contribute to the ability to generate hydroxyl radicals (OH) in vitro in PM_2.5 sampled at 20 locations in 19 European centres participating in the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. PM_2.5 samples (n = 716) were collected on filters over one year and the oxidative activity of particle suspensions obtained from these filters was then assessed by measuring their ability to generate OH in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Associations between OH formation and the studied PM constituents were heterogeneous. The total explained variance ranged from 85% in Norwich to only 6% in Albacete. Among the 20 centres, 15 showed positive correlations between one or more of the measured transition metals (copper, iron, manganese, lead, vanadium and titanium) and OH formation. In 9 of 20 centres OH formation was negatively associated with chloride, and in 3 centres with sodium. Across 19 European cities, elements which explained the largest variations in OH formation were chloride, iron and sodium.     

Study on the hydrolysis/precipitation behavior of Keggin Al13 and Al30 polymers in polyaluminum solutions

The hydrolysis/precipitation behaviors of Al³⁺, Al₁₃ and Al₃₀ under conditions typical for flocculation in water treatment were investigated by studying the particulates' size development, charge characteristics, chemical species and speciation transformation of coagulant hydrolysis precipitates. The optimal pH conditions for hydrolysis precipitates formation for AlCl₃, PAC_Al13 and PAC_Al30 were 6.5–7.5, 8.5–9.5, and 7.5–9.5, respectively. The precipitates' formation rate increased with the increase in dosage, and the relative rates were AlCl₃ ? PAC_Al30 > PAC_Al13. The precipitates' size increased when the dosage increased from 50 μM to 200 μM, but it decreased when the dosage increased to 800 μM. The Zeta potential of coagulant hydrolysis precipitates decreased with the increase in pH for the three coagulants. The iso-electric points of the freshly formed precipitates for AlCl₃, PAC_Al13 and PAC_Al30 were 7.3, 9.6 and 9.2, respectively. The Zeta potentials of AlCl₃ hydrolysis precipitates were lower than those of PAC_Al13 and PAC_Al30 when pH > 5.0. The Zeta potential of PAC_Al30 hydrolysis precipitates was higher than that of PAC_Al13 at the acidic side, but lower at the alkaline side. The dosage had no obvious effect on the Zeta potential of hydrolysis precipitates under fixed pH conditions. The increase in Zeta potential with the increase in dosage under uncontrolled pH conditions was due to the pH depression caused by coagulant addition. Al–Ferron research indicated that the hydrolysis precipitates of AlCl₃ were composed of amorphous Al(OH)₃ precipitates, but those of PAC_Al13 and PAC_Al30 were composed of aggregates of Al₁₃ and Al₃₀, respectively. Al³⁺ was the most un-stable species in coagulants, and its hydrolysis was remarkably influenced by solution pH. Al₁₃ and Al₃₀ species were very stable, and solution pH and aging had little effect on the chemical species of their hydrolysis products. The research method involving coagulant hydrolysis precipitates based on Al–Ferron reaction kinetics was studied in detail. The Al species classification based on complex reaction kinetic of hydrolysis precipitates and Ferron reagent was different from that measured in a conventional coagulant assay using the Al–Ferron method. The chemical composition of Al_a, Al_b and Al_c depended on coagulant and solution pH. The Al_b measured in the current case was different from Keggin Al₁₃, and the high Al_b content in the AlCl₃ hydrolysis precipitates could not used as testimony that most of the Al³⁺ was converted to highly charged Al₁₃ species during AlCl₃ coagulation.     

Effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid formulation on medulla spinalis of Poecilia reticulata: A histopathological study

This study investigated the possible effects of a commonly used foliar herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) formulation on medulla spinalis of lebistes. Fish were exposed to 2,4-D (15, 30, 45 mg L⁻¹), behavioral changes were monitored. Fish were fixed, histopathological examination was carried out on sections taken from the upper parts of the fish body. Histopathology showed increase in neuronal loss, swelling indicating formation of intracellular edema, vacuolization noticed as the formation of vacuoles within or adjacent to cells, deformation in the Nissl granules, pyknosis and gliosis in medulla spinalis. Behavioral changes were decreased general activity, grouping, shortness in breath, sudden rotations and jumping, loss of equilibrium and colour. In conclusion, this commercial formulation of 2,4-D is considerably neurotoxic to lebistes. Fish constitute the last link in the chain of the feeding cycle in aquatic eco-system, number of studies investigating acute and chronic neurotoxicity of various herbicides in fish should be increased.     

The role of sorption and bacteria in mercury partitioning and bioavailability in artificial sediments

This study compared the relative importance of three types of sorption (organic matter-particle, mercury-organic matter and mercury-particle) in controlling the overall mercury partitioning and bioavailability in sediments. We found that all three types of sorption were important for both inorganic mercury (Hg) and methylated mercury (MeHg). Mercury-particle sorption was more important than mercury-fulvic acid (FA) sorption in increasing the mercury concentrations with increasing aging. Bioavailability (quantified by gut juice extraction from sipunculans) was mainly controlled by mercury-particle sorption, while FA-particle and mercury-FA sorption were not as important, especially for MeHg. Bacterial activity also increased the partitioning of Hg or MeHg in the sediments and was further facilitated by the presence of organic matter. The bioavailability of Hg or MeHg from sediments was only slightly influenced by bacterial activity. This study highlights the importance of sorption from various sources (especially mercury-particle sorption) as well as bacteria in controlling the partitioning and bioavailability of Hg or MeHg in sediments.     

Formation of chlorinated disinfection by-products in viticulture

Background, aim and scope  The use of sodium hypochlorite (HYP) in viticulture results in effluents which are contaminated with halogenated substances. These disinfection by-products (DBPs) can be quantified as group parameter ‘adsorbable organic halogens’ (AOX) and have not been determined in effluents of viticulture yet. The substances that are detected as AOX are unknown. The AOX can be composed of harmless substances, but even toxic contaminants. Thus, it is impossible to assess ecological impacts. The aim of this study is to determine the quantification of AOX and DBPs after the use of HYP. This will be helpful to reduce environmental pollution by AOX. Materials and methods  The potential of HYP to generate AOX was determined in laboratory-scale experiments. Different model solutions were treated with HYP according to disinfection processes in viticulture and conditions of AOX formation in effluents were simulated. AOX were quantified using the flask-shaking method and identified DBPs were investigated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results  Treatment with HYP resulted in the formation of AOX. The percentage conversion of HYP to AOX was up to 11%. Most important identified DBPs in viticulture are chloroform, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetaldehyde. In addition, the formation of carbon tetrachloride (CT), 1,1,1-trichloropropanone, 2,4-dichlorobenzoic acid and 2-chloro-/2,4-dichlorophenylacetic acid was investigated. It was demonstrated that reaction temperature, concentration of HYP and type of organic matter have important influence on the formation of chlorinated DBPs. Discussion  The percentage conversion of HYP to AOX was similar to other published studies. Although a correlation of single compounds and AOX is difficult, chloroform was the predominant AOX. Generation of the volatile chloroform should be avoided due to possible adverse effects. The generation of dichloroacetic acid is of minor importance on account of biodegradation. Trichloroacetaldehyde and 1,1,1-trichloropropanone are weak mutagens and their formation should be avoided. Conclusions  The generation of AOX and chlorinated DBPs can be minimised by reducing the concentrations of the organic materials in the effluents. The removal of organic matter before disinfection results in a decreased formation of AOX. HYP is an effective disinfectant; therefore, it should be used at low temperatures and concentrations to reduce the amount of AOX. If possible, disinfection should be accomplished by the use of no chlorine-containing agents. By this means, negative influences of HYP on the quality of wine can also be avoided. Recommendations and perspectives  Our results indicate that HYP has a high potential to form AOX in effluents of viticulture. The predominant by-products are chloroform, dichloroacetic acid and trichloroacetaldehyde. In further research, wastewaters from a winery and the in- and outflows of two sewage treatment plants were sampled during vintage and analysed. These results will be discussed in a following paper.     

A detailed field-based evaluation of naphthenic acid mobility in groundwater

An anaerobic plume of process-affected groundwater was characterized in a shallow sand aquifer adjacent to an oil sands tailings impoundment. Based on biological oxygen demand measurements, the reductive capacity of the plume is considered minimal. Major dissolved components associated with the plume include HCO₃, Na, Cl, SO₄, and naphthenic acids (NAs). Quantitative and qualitative NA analyses were performed on groundwater samples to investigate NA fate and transport in the subsurface. Despite subsurface residence times exceeding 20 years, significant attenuation of NAs by biodegradation was not observed based on screening techniques developed at the time of the investigation. Relative to conservative tracers (i.e., Cl), overall NA attenuation in the subsurface is limited, which is consistent with batch sorption and microcosm studies performed by other authors. Insignificant biological oxygen demand and low concentrations of dissolved As (< 10 µg L^− 1) in the plume suggest that the potential for secondary trace metal release, specifically As, via reductive dissolution reactions driven by ingress of process-affected water is minimal. It is also possible that readily leachable As is not present in significant quantities within the sediments of the study area. Thus, for similar plumes of process-affected groundwater in shallow sand aquifers which may occur as oil sands mining expands, a reasonable expectation is for NA persistence, but minimal trace metal mobilization.     

对苯二甲酸生产废水回用实验研究

采用高级氧化工艺对对苯二甲酸生产废水进行处理,系统考察了氧化剂投加量、废水pH等对处理效果的影响,得出了最佳工艺条件。经过处理的PTA废水,水质达到了车间用水的要求。本方法具有处理效果好、操作简单和环境友好等优点。     

厌氧序批式反应器内挥发性脂肪酸积累特性研究

小试规模的厌氧序批式反应器（ASBR）,通过人工配水,研究了启动3个月时间以及一个运行周期内反应器内挥发性脂肪酸（VFA）的积累情况,并通过分析期间产甲烷活性的变化说明了控制VFA积累的重要性。经过近120 d的运行,乙酸和丙酸的最大比产甲烷活性分别提高了1.8和2.2倍,说明反应器的启动过程即是微生物群落的优化和选择的过程,ASBR的抗冲击的能力较强说明随启动的进行和种群的优化,活性污泥凝聚性能增强,对VFA的降解能力增强。     

Community participatory landscape classification and biodiversity assessment and monitoring of grazing lands in northern Kenya

In this study, we asked the Ariaal herders of northern Kenya to answer "why, what and how" they classified landscape, and assessed and monitored the biodiversity of 10 km(2) of grazing land. To answer the "why question" the herders classified grazing resources into 39 landscape patches grouped into six landscape types and classified soil as 'warm', 'intermediate' or 'cold' for the purpose of land use. For the "what question" the herders used soil conditions and vegetation characteristics to assess biodiversity. Plant species were described as 'increasers', 'decreasers' or 'stable'. The decreaser species were mostly grasses and forbs preferred for cattle and sheep grazing and the increasers were mostly woody species preferred by goats. The herders evaluated biodiversity in terms of key forage species and used absence or presence of the preferred species from individual landscapes for monitoring change in biodiversity. For the "how question" the herders used anthropogenic indicators concerned with livestock management for assessing landscape potential and suitability for grazing. The anthropogenic indicators were related to soils and biodiversity. The herders used plant species grazing preferences to determine the links between livestock production and biodiversity. By addressing these three questions, the study shows the value of incorporating the indigenous knowledge of herders into classification of landscape and assessment and monitoring of biodiversity in the grazing lands. We conclude that herder knowledge of biodiversity is related to the use as opposed to exclusive conservation practices. This type of knowledge is extremely valuable to conservation agencies for establishing a baseline for monitoring changes in biodiversity in the future.