城市规模对大气污染物NO2和PM2.5浓度的影响

随着我国城市的快速发展,城市的区域性大气污染问题日益突出,尤其是大城市和超大城市的污染问题更加严重。那么城市规模的扩大是否必然导致空气污染的加剧?控制城市人口规模是否是防治空气污染的有效手段?这些问题成为空气污染防治中政府、公众和学者广泛关注的焦点。采用2013年冬季全国114个重点城市两种典型大气污染物-NO_2(传统)和PM_(2.5)(新型)-浓度的实时监测数据,首先分析了这两种大气污染物的空间分布特征,进而定量分析城市人口规模和大气污染物浓度的关系。结果显示:(1)仅有21%的城市NO_2浓度达到WHO的城市年均浓度标准(40μg/m~3),全部城市的PM_(2.5)浓度高于WHO年均浓度标准(10μg/m~3);(2)大气污染物的空间分布具有显著的集聚特征和区域性特征,表现为:NO_2呈较为分散的空间分布,而PM_(2.5)的空间分布呈现"北高南低、内陆高沿海低"的特征。NO_2浓度高的区域主要分布在天津、河北东南部和山东中部地区,PM_(2.5)浓度高的区域主要分布于河北西南部和山东西部;(3)常住人口规模同冬季NO_2和PM_(2.5)浓度呈倒"U"型关系;在1000到1200万的城市冬季平均NO_2和PM_(2.5)浓度最高(NO_2:69.28μg/m~3,PM_(2.5):119.58μg/m~3)。(4)总人口低于1200万的城市,冬季NO_2浓度和PM_(2.5)浓度随着城市规模增加而显著升高(NO_2:r=0.44,P0.01;PM_(2.5):r=0.43,P0.01);总人口高于1200万的城市,NO_2浓度同城市规模呈显著负相关关系(r=0.91,P0.05),PM_(2.5)浓度随城市规模增加逐渐降低。(5)常住人口密度在1000人/km~2以下的重点城市,NO_2和PM_(2.5)浓度同城市人口密度呈显著正相关关系(NO_2:r=0.23,P0.05;PM_(2.5):r=0.36,P0.01)。常住人口密度在1000人/km~2以上的城市人口密度同NO_2和PM_(2.5)浓度呈显著负相关关系(NO_2:r=-0.61,P0.05;PM_(2.5):r=0.63,P0.01)。以上研究结果可以为划定不同大气污染物的重点防治区域和制定联合防治行动计划提供理论依据,并为重点城市大气污染治理和城市人口规模控制理论完善提供参考。     

模拟SO42-沉降对闽江口淡水感潮野慈姑湿地甲烷排放通量的影响

2015年12月—2016年10月,每月小潮日原位定期向闽江口塔礁洲淡水感潮野慈姑(Sagittaria trifolia L.)湿地施加剂量为60、120 kg S hm~(-2)a~(-1)的K_2SO_4溶液(分别记做S-60和S-120),探讨模拟硫酸根(SO_4~(2-))沉降对河口淡水感潮湿地甲烷(CH4)排放通量及间隙水SO_4~(2-)浓度的影响。对照、S-60和S-120处理组CH_4排放通量年均值分别为(7.88±1.00)mg h~(-1)m~(-2)、(6.55±0.97)mg h~(-1)m~(-2)和(6.66±1.49)mg h~(-1)m~(-2)。在年尺度上,两个高强度模拟SO_4~(2-)沉降处理组均未显著降低闽江口淡水感潮野慈姑湿地CH_4排放通量(P0.05),即高强度SO_4~(2-)沉降不会对河口淡水感潮湿地CH_4排放通量产生类似于其对泥炭湿地和水稻田的显著抑制效应。在年尺度以及秋、冬季,两个施加K_2SO_4溶液处理显著增加了野慈姑湿地10 cm深度土壤间隙水SO_4~(2-)浓度。对于各个处理组,温度较高的夏、秋季CH_4排放通量均显著高于温度相对较低的冬、春季(P0.05)。不同处理组CH_4排放通量均与土壤温度呈显著正相关关系,温度仍然是影响亚热带河口淡水感潮湿地CH_4排放通量的重要环境因子。     

北京西山不同海拔油松林PM2.5浓度及叶片吸附量变化规律

以北京西山不同海拔梯度油松人工林为研究对象,对油松林PM_(2.5)浓度变化和叶片PM_(2.5)吸附量进行分析,并应用电子显微镜对不同海拔油松叶表面微形态特征进行观察,阐释叶片吸附PM_(2.5)差异。结果表明:随着海拔升高PM_(2.5)质量浓度逐渐降低,不同海拔油松林PM_(2.5)质量浓度日变化均呈典型的双峰曲线,7:00和19:00是一天的两个峰值,最小值出现在13:00—15:00左右;从不同月份看,不同海拔油松林PM_(2.5)质量浓度最高值出现在冬季的2月,最低值在8月;不同海拔油松林PM_(2.5)质量浓度全年均值为84 m((102.28±18.44)μg/m~3)110 m((94.18±18.34)μg/m~3)160 m((81.53±19.23)μg/m~3)230 m((75.39±15.71)μg/m~3);随着海拔升高单位叶面积PM_(2.5)吸附量逐渐减小,每升高50 m,单位叶面积PM_(2.5)吸附量降低23.25%,每公顷PM_(2.5)吸附量下降26.43%,不同海拔油松林每公顷PM_(2.5)吸附量全年均值为84 m((8.61±1.08)kg/hm~2)110 m((7.30±0.94)kg/hm~2)160 m((6.35±0.99)kg/hm~2)230 m((4.34±1.14)kg/hm~2);处于低海拔的油松叶表面较粗糙,气孔内部和周围聚集大量颗粒物,在叶面形态上更有利于吸附PM_(2.5),高海拔则相反。高海拔空气质量优于低海拔,低海拔的植物吸附颗粒物多于高海拔。研究结果可为城市造林和森林净化大气提供数据支持。     

北京城市森林不同天气状况下PM2.5浓度变化

基于北京市环境保护监测中心植物园空旷地和市区非植被区的PM_(2.5)实时监测数据,结合植物园林内PM_(2.5)监测站数据,分析了2013年3月—2014年2月不同天气状况下的PM2.5质量浓度变化。结果表明:1降雨天气和大风天气下PM_(2.5)质量浓度变化无滞后性,雨前和雨中变动较大,雨后变化较小,雨后1天PM_(2.5)质量浓度降低到最低值((14.88±7.34)μg/m~3,下降了(89.36±4.78)%),雪后第2天达到最低值((13.76±6.73)μg/m~3,下降了(88.53±5.59)%);2大风天气下PM_(2.5)质量浓度波动较小,在东北风和西南风影响下PM_(2.5)质量浓度值较高(80.61μg/m~3),在东南风影响下PM_(2.5)浓度值较低(54.22μg/m~3);3高温高湿天气下PM_(2.5)质量浓度市区非植被区滞后1—2h到达峰值,植物园林内监测站和植物园空旷地高峰无滞后性,植物园林内监测站变动剧烈、消减作用强,市区非植被区和植物园空旷地较为平缓;4不同天气下PM_(2.5)质量浓度均表现为市区非植被区植物园林内植物园空旷地;5城市森林具有强大的净化大气污染物和吸滞PM_(2.5)等颗粒物的功能,森林环境的空气质量优于非植被区,森林空旷地的空气质量优于森林内部。     

大气颗粒物(PM2.5、PM10)对地表景观结构的响应研究进展

颗粒物PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)是近年来我国大气首要污染物,威胁环境和人类健康。地表景观结构直接或间接影响PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)浓度,了解其影响过程和机理对于改善生态环境具有重要意义。系统总结了国内外关于PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)对地表景观结构响应的研究成果,指出研究中出现不确定性的可能影响因素,并对今后的发展方向进行展望。得出基本结论:(1)地表景观类型的构成及其格局显著影响大气颗粒物浓度,对PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)起到"源"和"汇"的作用。(2)地表景观结构引起局地气候变化并影响颗粒物的迁移转化,但其影响过程和机理复杂,研究结论并不明确。(3)颗粒物浓度和地表景观数据主要通过实际监测或遥感处理方法获得,但因为获取方法、监测点微观环境及遥感影像等因素影响,导致数据具有不确定性,加上时空尺度相对应的复杂性,大大限制了地表景观结构与PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)响应关系的研究进展,是未来要突破的难点。(4)PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)对地表景观结构响应的区域时空差异及过程,局地小气候变化对颗粒物浓度的影响过程和强度,主要景观类型尤其是水体、湿地景观对大气颗粒物浓度的影响过程、机理与贡献程度等是未来需要关注的方向。     

基于稳定碳同位素分析宁夏典型林分土壤有机碳分布格局及影响因素

选择宁夏自北向南方向的贺兰山、罗山和六盘山(3座山的降水量呈现逐渐增加的趋势)共有的青海云杉林和油松林土壤作为研究对象,分析两种针叶林土壤有机碳特征[土壤有机碳(SOC)含量、稳定碳同位素组成(δ~(13)C)和有机碳分解速率(β值)]的变化情况,并采用冗余分析法分析土壤化学指标对土壤有机碳特征的影响作用,探究干旱半干旱区土壤稳定碳同位素特征,为揭示干旱区山地森林土壤碳动态变化规律提供依据。结果表明:(1)随样地降水量的增加,青海云杉和油松林地土壤SOC含量均逐渐增加,而土壤δ~(13)C和β值均逐渐减少,且在同等降水量条件下,青海云杉比油松更有利于土壤有机碳的累积。(2)青海云杉和油松林地土壤SOC含量均随土层深度的增加而下降,而其有机碳δ~(13)C均随土层深度的增加而增加。(3)宁夏贺兰山、罗山和六盘山青海云杉、油松森林土壤有机碳特征与其土壤化学指标间的冗余分析发现,碱解氮是影响土壤有机碳分布特征的主导因子。     

冬季PM2.5的气象影响因素解析

气象因素能够显著影响PM_(2.5)浓度,可减轻或加剧城市空气污染,尤其是在雾霾严重的冬季。同时由于城市间污染物排放强度和扩散条件的差异,雾霾的发生往往具有较强的区域性。选择了石家庄、西安、北京、太原、广州5个不同污染区域的典型城市,首先分析多个气象因子与PM_(2.5)浓度的关系,进而研究气象因素对PM_(2.5)浓度变异解释度的差异,以及气象因子对PM_(2.5)浓度影响的相对重要性,进一步对比分析气象因素对PM_(2.5)浓度影响在不同污染程度的城市之间的差异,解析了不同城市的主要气象影响因素和气象因素的综合影响程度。研究结果表明:(1)气象条件与PM_(2.5)日浓度显著相关,且在不同污染程度的城市与PM_(2.5)浓度相关的气象因子不同。与石家庄冬季PM_(2.5)浓度相关的气象因素为相对湿度、平均风速;与西安PM_(2.5)浓度相关的主要气象因素为相对湿度、平均风速和最大持续风速;与北京PM_(2.5)浓度相关的主要气象因素相对湿度、日均温度、平均风速、最大持续风速和最低温;与太原PM_(2.5)浓度相关的主要气象因素为日均温、相对湿度、平均风速、最高温、最低温和最大持续风速;与广州PM_(2.5)浓度相关的主要气象因素为相对湿度、平均风速、最高温和降雨量。(2)PM_(2.5)浓度越高的地区,气象因素能够解释的PM_(2.5)浓度变异越小。严重污染区的石家庄气象因素多元回归分析的R~2为0.27,重污染区的西安气象因素多元回归分析R~2为0.29,中污染区的北京气象因素多元回归分析R~2为0.46,污染地区的太原气象因素多元回归分析R~2为0.67。研究结果揭示了不同城市的主要气象影响因素及其综合影响程度,可为城市PM_(2.5)控制和预测精度提高提供理论参考,并为区域生态环境规划和城市协调发展提供科学依据。     

城市化对空气污染人群暴露贡献的定量方法研究

短期快速城市化引发一系列生态环境问题,尤其是近年来以细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))为代表的城市与区域空气污染问题。人群的污染暴露一方面是因为污染区范围的扩张,另外一方面则归因于城市化引发的人口迁移,目前的研究重点关注于前者的贡献,而忽略了后者的贡献。因此,建立了城市化对空气污染人群暴露贡献的定量方法,并选取我国PM_(2.5)污染最为严重的京津冀城市群开展了实证研究,通过利用2000、2005、2010、2015年PM_(2.5)浓度和人口栅格数据以及人口自然增长率数据,定量评估了城市化引发的人口迁移对空气污染人群暴露的贡献。研究结果显示:(1)京津冀地区受污染影响面积和人口变化显著,造成大量的人口暴露于PM_(2.5)污染。(2)城市化引发的人口迁移与自然增长贡献率方面:总体上,2000—2015年,京津冀城市群总的人口迁移贡献率为48%,北京市和天津市总的人口迁移贡献率分别为94%和88%,而河北省污染总的人口迁移贡献率为-32%。其中在污染保持区,北京市和天津市的人口迁移贡献率均接近100%,而河北省的迁移贡献率为-26%,尤其在2010—2015年,河北省衡水市的人口迁移贡献率达到-6613%;在污染新增区,北京市和天津市的人口迁移贡献率分别为86%和84%,而河北省污染的人口迁移贡献率为-757%。本研究建立了定量化的方法揭示了城市化在空气污染人群暴露中的定量贡献,为科学引导城市化发展提供了定量的手段,为合理规划京津冀城市群地区的人口流动与空气污染奠定了数据基础。     

基于ENVI-met的城市道路绿地植物配置对PM2.5的影响研究

随着城市化的快速发展,大气污染尤其细颗粒物(PM_(2.5))已成为制约城市环境的重要因素,相关研究表明,在众多的PM_(2.5)来源中道路交通是在其中的重要来源之一,而道路绿地植物群落能够消减来自道路的PM_(2.5)。运用场地观测和ENVI-met模拟相结合的方法探讨城市道路绿地植物群落对PM_(2.5)的影响,分析仅有乔木(i)、乔木+树篱(ii)、乔木+树篱+灌木(iii)3种模式下的植物群落配置对PM_(2.5)的影响,揭示绿地植物群落的长度、宽度、高度和LAI对PM_(2.5)的影响。结果表明:(1)场地观测中的道路绿地植物群落的3种配置模式对PM_(2.5)的消减率分别是iii(14.2%)ii(12.9%)i(9.2%)。(2)绿地中植物的种类、绿地宽度、绿地植物的叶面指数等要素对消减作用起正面作用,高度和长度起负面作用。(3)绿地的长度的一定量的减少可以在绿地后方形成一个宽度约为绿地长度80%的、随着与绿地的距离的增加而宽度递减的较绿地长度更长环境PM_(2.5)浓度更低的低谷区,但其他没有绿地的空间的PM_(2.5)浓度会加重。(4)绿地高度的增加会迫使PM_(2.5)向更高的空间运动。     

冻融循环对温带3种林型下土壤微生物量碳、氮和氮矿化的影响

为了解冻融过程对森林土壤有机氮转化的影响,以长白山地区硬阔叶林、红松阔叶林和次生白桦林温带3种典型林型下的0—10 cm层(上层)和10—20 cm层(下层)土壤为试验材料,采用模拟冻融循环过程(-15—5℃)研究了冻融循环中3种林型下土壤微生物量和有效氮素的动态变化。结果表明:冻融培养过程中,多数情况下,3种林型上层土壤微生物量碳(SMBC,Soil Microbial Biomass Carbon)和土壤微生物量氮(SMBN,Soil Microbial Biomass Nitrogen)含量高于冻融循环前的对照处理(5℃恒温培养4 d后的土壤,记为CK)。冻融循环过程中3种林型下0—10 cm土层的SMBC和SMBN均显著高于10—20 cm土层(P0.05),表现出明显的SMBC和SMBN空间异质性特征。冻融过程对土壤NO_3~--N含量影响不明显,每种林型同层次不同冻融频次的土壤NO_3~--N含量间均无显著差异(P0.05)。3种林型0—10 cm层土壤的NH_4~+-N含量随冻融频次的增加表现相似的动态变化趋势,均在第3、4、5次冻融循环时表现出明显的NH_4~+-N释放特征。3种林型氮素矿(硝)化作用对冻融过程的响应明显,冻融温度变化、冻融频次和土壤层次对土壤净硝化率和净氮矿化率影响显著。3种林型下的土壤净硝化率波动偏大,0—10cm层在第2次冻融后出现最大峰值,其次为第7和第5次冻融循环。在3种林型0—10 cm层土壤中,土壤净硝化率与净氮矿化率均表现为:在短期冻融循环后达到峰值,而后呈现不同程度减小的趋势。     

Photosynthesis and apparent affinity for dissolved inorganic carbon by cells and chloroplasts of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii grown at high and low CO2 concentrations

Chloroplasts with high rates of photosynthetic O₂ evolution (up to 120 mol O₂· (mg Chl)^-1·h^-1 compared with 130 mol O₂· (mg Chl)^-1·h^-1 of whole cells) were isolated from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells grown in high and low CO₂ concentrations using autolysine-digitonin treatment. At 25° C and pH=7.8, no O₂ uptake could be observed in the dark by high- and low-CO₂ adapted chloroplasts. Light saturation of photosynthetic net oxygen evolution was reached at 800 mol photons·m^-2·s^-1 for high- and low-CO₂ adapted chloroplasts, a value which was almost identical to that observed for whole cells. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) saturation of photosynthesis was reached between 200–300 M for low-CO₂ adapted chloroplasts, whereas high-CO₂ adapted chloroplasts were not saturated even at 700 M DIC. The concentrations of DIC required to reach half-saturated rates of net O₂ evolution (K_m(DIC)) was 31.1 and 156 M DIC for low- and high-CO₂ adapted chloroplasts, respectively. These results demonstrate that the CO₂ concentration provided during growth influenced the photosynthetic characteristics at the whole cell as well as at the chloroplast level.Abbreviations Chl chlorophyll - DIC dissolved inorganic carbon - K_m(DIC) coneentration of dissolved inorganic carbon required for the rate of half maximal net O₂ evolution - PFR photon fluence rate - SPGM silicasol-PVP-gradient medium     

Utilization of nitrite and nitrate by dwarf bean

The uptake and conversion of NO ₂ ^- and the effect of NO ₂ ^- on the uptake and reduction of NO ₃ ^- were examined in N-depleted Phaseolus vulgaris L. Nitrite uptake at 0.1 mmol dm^-3 was against an electrochemical gradient and became constant after one or two initial phases. Steadystate uptake declined with increasing ambient NO ₂ ^- concentration (0–0.7 mmol dm^-3). In this concentration range root oxygen consumption was unaffected by NO ₂ ^- , indicating that the decrease of NO ₂ ^- uptake was not related to respiration. After 6 h NO ₂ ^- supply, about one-third of the absorbed NO ₂ ^- had accumulated, mainly in the root system. Oxidation of NO ₂ ^- to NO ₃ ^- was not observed. The apparent induction period for NO ₃ ^- uptake was about 6 h in control plants and 3.5 h in plants that were pretreated for 18 h with NO ₂ ^- . In contrast, the time course of NO ₂ ^- uptake was unaffected by pretreatment with NO ₃ ^- . Steadystate NO ₃ ^- uptake was less affected by NO ₂ ^- than was steady-state NO ₂ ^- uptake by NO ₃ ^- . Nitrate reductase activity (NRA) in leaves and roots was induced by both NO ₃ ^- and NO ₂ ^- . In roots, induction with NO ₂ ^- was faster than with NO ₃ ^- , but there was no difference in NRA after 5 h. Nitrite inhibited NRA in the roots of NO ₃ ^- -induced plants and thus seems to stimulate the induction, but not the activity of induced nitrate reductase. In view of the observed differences in time course and mutual competition, a common uptake mechanism for NO ₂ ^- and NO ₃ ^- seems unlikely. Expression of the NO ₂ ^- effect on the induction of NO ₃ ^- uptake required more time than the induction itself. We therefore conclude that NO ₂ ^- is not the physiological inducer of NO ₃ ^- uptake.Abbreviations NR(A) nitrate reductase (activity) - BM basal medium     

增温和CO2浓度加倍对川西亚高山针叶林土壤可溶性氮的影响

采用全自动微气候控制的"人工模拟气候实验系统"研究了增温和CO2浓度加倍对川西亚高山针叶林土壤硝态氮(NO_3~--N)、铵态氮(NH_4~+-N)、游离氨基酸(FAA)、可溶性有机氮(DON)和可溶性总氮(TSN)的影响。结果表明:1在种植油松苗木组,增温处理显著降低了土壤NO_3~--N含量,不同处理0—15 cm土层NO_3~--N含量均显著小于15—30 cm层;而在未种树组,增温处理显著增加了土壤NO_3~--N含量,0—15 cm土层NO_3~--N含量显著高于15—30 cm层,这表明增温促进了油松苗对NO_3~--N的吸收。2在种植油松苗木组,增温(ET)、增CO_2(EC)及两者的共同作用(ETC)均显著增加了土壤NH_4~+-N、DON和TSN含量;在未种树组,ET显著增加了土壤NH_4~+-N、FAA、DON和TSN含量,EC和ETC对NH_4~+、FAA、DON和TSN含量具有微弱影响或没有显著影响。不同处理0—15cm层土壤NH_4~+-N、FAA、DON和TSN的含量显著大于15—30 cm层。3种植油松苗木组土壤NO_3~--N、NH_4~+-N、FAA、DON和TSN含量均显著低于未种树组,这是由植物对氮素的吸收消耗造成的。研究结果表明,EC、ETC主要通过植物根系作用促进了NH_4~+-N、DON和TSN含量增加,而ET处理通过影响土壤微生物和植物根系来促进NH_4~+-N、FAA、DON和TSN含量的增加。     

Nitrite reduction in barley-root plastids: Dependence on NADPH coupled with glucose-6-phosphate and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenases,and possible involvement of an electron carrier and a diaphorase

Plastids from roots of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings were isolated by discontinuous Percoll-gradient centrifugation. Coinciding with the peak of nitrite reductase (NiR; EC 1.7.7.1, a marker enzyme for plastids) in the gradients was a peak of a glucose-6-phosphate (Glc6P) and NADP⁺-linked nitrite-reductase system. High activities of phosphohexose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.9) and phosphoglucomutase (EC 2.7.5.1) as well as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Glc6PDH; EC 1.1.1.49) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGDH; EC 1.1.1.44) were also present in the isolated plastids. Thus, the plastids contained an overall electron-transport system from NADPH coupled with Glc6PDH and 6PGDH to nitrite, from which ammonium is formed stoichiometrically. However, NADPH alone did not serve as an electron donor for nitrite reduction, although NADPH with Glc6P added was effective. Benzyl and methyl viologens were enzymatically reduced by plastid extract in the presence of Glc6P+ NADP⁺. When the plastids were incubated with dithionite, nitrite reduction took place, and ammonium was formed stoichiometrically. The results indicate that both an electron carrier and a diaphorase having ferredoxin-NADP⁺ reductase activity are involved in the electron-transport system of root plastids from NADPH, coupled with Glc6PDH and 6PGDH, to nitrite.Abbreviations Cyt cytochrome - Glc6P glucose-6-phosphate - Glc6PDH glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase - MVH reduced methyl viologen - NiR nitrite reductase - 6PG 6-phosphogluconate - 6PGDH 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase     

Canopy throughfall of Picea abies (L.) Karst. as depending on trace gas concentrations

At six sites in central Germany consequences of SO₂, NO_X and O₃ deposition and of acid precipitation on canopy throughfall of sulphate, nitrate, ammonium, organic acids and of metal cations from Norway spruce crowns were investigated in the field. Measured canopy throughfall rates (mmol ion kg^-1 needle dw a^-1 are separated in (i) background ion throughfall rates in clean air and (ii) trace gas-(or acid interception)-dependent throughfall rates at ambient trace gas concentrations. Based on synchronously measured pollution, precipitation and canopy throughfall data, statistical response functions are given, which allow the separate estimation of annual rates of sulphur and nitrogen deposition into spruce canopies if only annual means of SO₂ or NO₂ concentrations in air are known. The specific SO₂ deposition rate of (0.841±0.214) mmol S kg^-1 needle dw a^-1 (nPa SO₂ Pa^-1)^-1 is 2.3 times higher than the specific stomatal SO₂ uptake. The NO₂-dependent nitrogen deposition of (2.464±0.707) mmol N kg^-1 needle dw a^-1 (nPa NO₂ Pa^-1)^-1 is 2.2 times higher than the specific stomatal NO_X (NO₂+NO) uptake. These ratios (2.32.2) are explained by the percentage of annual hours with open needle stomata. The shape of observed epicuticular SO₂ and NO_X deposition curves and of stomatal SO₂ and NO_X uptake curves are congruent. As for stomatal NO_X uptake, there is an apparent compensation point at (5 to 8) nPa NO₂ Pa^-1. There is significant SO₂-dependent canopy throughfall of Ca>K>Al>Mg>Fe in this order of relative importance. NO_X deposition in spruce canopies reduces K⁺ throughfall and it weakly promotes throughfall of Mn²⁺ and Zn²⁺. There was no significant codeposition of sulphate and ammonium and no ion exchange of intercepted H₃O⁺ with nutrient cations at the measured ambient pH values of the precipitation water. In the presence of O₃, throughfall of Mn²⁺ is reduced and throughfall of K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Al³⁺ is enhanced. In the cooperative presence of SO₂, NO₂ and O₃ pollution in the field there is a 1.3-fold increase of the annual K⁺ demand and a 1.5-fold Mg²⁺ demand of spruce canopies relative to the situation in clean air. This trace gas-dependent additional cation demand of spruce canopies corresponds to a needle loss percentage of (23 to 33)% if the additional K⁺ and Mg²⁺ throughfall could not be recycled in spruce ecosystems. Observed canopy thinning ranges from (13 to 26)% at the investigated six spruce stands.Abbreviations A_spec Specific needle surface area per kg needle dry matter (m²kg^-1 needle dw) - A_tot Total needle surface of spruce stands (ha ha^-1) - [gas]_a Ambient trace gas concentration (gas=SO₂; NO₂ or O₃) in air (nPa Pa^-1=ppb) - GP Number of days per annual growth period d a^-1) - IC_H30 ⁺ Acid interception rate (Eq H₃O⁺ kg^-1 needle dw a^-1) - k_o Trace gas-independent ion throughfall rate constant (mmol kg^-1 needle dw a^-1) - k_gas SO₂-,NO₂-or O₃-dependent ion throughfall rate per unit of trace gas pollution (mmol kg^-1 needle dw a^-1 (nPa Pa^-1)^-1) - k_H30 Specific H₃O⁺/Me⁺ exchange ratio (mol mol^-1) - L_o Background throughfall rate at [gas]_a=0 (mmol kg^-1 needle dw a^-1) - L_ion Canopy throughfall rate of ions (mmol kg^-1 needle dw a^-1) - L'_ion Trace gas dependent ion throughfall (mEq kg^-1 needle dw a^-1 (nPa Pa^-1)^-1) - LAI Leaf area index of the canopy (m² projected needle surface m^-2 ground) - Me⁺ Equivalents of metal cations (Eq) - N Stock of needles of spuce stands in the field (kg needle dw ha^-1) - P_% Percentage of needle loss relative to a healthy reference (%) - r Pearson correlation coefficient (no dimension) - R COO^--Sum of all organic anion equivalents Cat⁺ - An^- (Eq kg^-1 needle dw a^-1) - An^- Sum of all measured inorganic anion equivalents (Eq kg^-1 needle dw a^-1) - Cat⁺ Sum of all measured inorganic cation equivalents (Eq kg^-1 needle dw a^-1)     

The mechanism of nitrate transport across the tonoplast of barley root cells

Nitrate-selective microelectrodes were used to measure not only nitrate activity in the cytoplasm and vacuole of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) root cells, but also the tonoplast electrical membrane potential. For epidermal cells, the mean cytoplasmic and vacuolar pNO₃ (-log₁₀ [NO₃]) values were 2.3±0.04 (n=19) and 1.41±0.03 (n=35), respectively, while for cortical cells, the mean cytoplasmic and vacuolar nitrate values were 2.58±0.18 (n=4) and 1.17±0.06 (n=13), respectively. These results indicate that the accumulation of nitrate in the vacuole must be an active process. Proton-selective microelectrodes were used to measure the proton gradient across the tonoplast to assess the possibility that nitrate transport into the vacuole is mediated by an H⁺/NO ₃ ^– antiport mechanism. For epidermal cells, the mean cytoplasmic and vacuolar pH values were 7.12±0.06 (n=10) and 4.93±0.11 (n=22), respectively, while for cortical cells, the mean cytoplasmic and vacuolar pH values were 7.24±0.07 (n=3) and 5.09±0.17 (n=7), respectively. Calculations of the energetics for this mechanism indicate that the observed gradient of nitrate across the tonoplast of both epidermal and cortical cells could be achieved by an H⁺/NO ₃ ^– antiport with a 11 stoichiometry.Abbreviations and Symbols G/F free-energy change for H⁺/NO ₃ ^– antiport - F Faraday constant - pH_c cytoplasmic pH - pH_v vacuolar pH - p[NO₃]_c log₁₀ (cytoplasmic [NO ₃ ^– ]) - P[NO₃]_v -log₁₀ (vacuolar [NO₃]) We wish to thank Dr. K. Moore for assistance with statistical analysis.     

Effects of macro elements and nitrogen source on adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production in ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer)

We investigated the effects on ginseng adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production when macro-element concentrations and nitrogen source were manipulated in the culture media. Biomass growth was greatest in the medium supplemented with 0.5-strength NH₄PO₃, whereas ginsenoside accumulation was highest (9.90 mg g^-1 DW) in the absence of NH₄PO₃. At levels of 1.0-strength KNO₃, root growth was maximum, but a 2.0 strength of KNO₃ led to the greatest ginsenoside content (9.85 mg g^-l). High concentrations of MgSO₄ were most favorable for both root growth and ginsenoside accumulation (up to 8.89 mg g^-1 DW). Root growth and ginsenoside content also increased in proportion to the concentration of CaCI₂ in the medium, with the greatest accumulation of ginsenoside (8.91 mg g^-1 DW) occurring at a 2.0 strength. The NH₄/NO₃ ^-- ratio also influenced adventitious root growth and ginsenoside production; both parameters were greater when the NO₃ ^- concentration was higher than that of NH₄ ⁺. Maximum root growth was achieved at an NH₄ ⁺/NO₃ ^- ratio of 7.19/18.50, while ginsenoside production was greatest (83.37 mg L^-1) when NO₃ ^- was used as the sole N source.     

Different ammonium-ion uptake,metabolism and detoxification efficiencies in two Lemnaceae

¹⁵N-Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to follow nitrogen assimilation and amino-acid production in Wolffia arrhiza (L.) Hork. ex. Wimmer, clone Golan exposed to 4.0 mM ¹⁵NH₄Cl solutions for 24 h. The main ¹⁵N-labelled metabolites were asparagine and glutamine, as well as substantial amounts of unreacted, intracellular NH ₄ ⁺ . These results were compared with those of a previous study on Lemna gibba L. clone Hurfeish (Monselise et al., 1987, New Phytol. 10, 341–345) with regard to NH ₄ ⁺ uptake, assimilation and detoxification efficiencies. Both species, grown under continuous white light, were capable of preferential uptake of NH ₄ ⁺ in the presence of nitrate. Relative growth rates indicate that both species tolerate increased levels of NH ₄ ⁺ , up to 10^–2 mol · 1^–1, with L. gibba showing a slightly greater tolerance. No ¹⁵N-labelled free NH ₄ ⁺ was detectable in L. gibba, while in W. arrhiza excess NH ₄ ⁺ was found within the cells. This fact indicates that L. gibba is more efficient in detoxification than W. arrhiza, presumably because of inability of W. arrhiza to regenerate the NH ₄ ⁺ traps, glutamate and aspartate, rapidly enough. This is also evident from the observation that addition of -ketoglutarate to the medium caused nearly complete assimilation of intracellular NH ₄ ⁺ in W. arrhiza. In both plants, addition of -ketoglutarate increased both NH ₄ ⁺ uptake and assimilation. Addition of l-methionine dl-sulfoximine, an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase inhibited NH ₄ ⁺ assimilation, while addition of azaserine, an inhibitor of glutamate synthase, resulted in ¹⁵N incorporation into the glutamine-amide position only. These results are consistent with the glutamine synthetase-glutamate synthase pathway being the major route of NH ₄ ⁺ assimilation in the two plants under the conditions used.Abbreviations AZA azaserine (O-diazoacetyl-l-serine) - GOGAT glutamine oxoglutarate amine transferase=]glutamate synthase E.C. 1.4.7. and E.C. 1.4.1.13. - GS glutamine synthetase E.C. 6.3.1.2. - -KG -ketoglutarate=2-oxoglutarate - MSO l-methionine dl-sulphoximine - NMR nuclear magnetic resonance - RGR relative growth rate This article is dedicated to Professor Bernhard Schrader on the occasion of his 60th birthdayWe wish to thank Professor Robert Glaser for helpful discussions, and Mrs. Aliza Levkoviz and Mr. Gideon Raziel for skillful assistance.     

The Uniqueness of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) — Why Cannot Most Copper Compounds Substitute Sod In vivo?

It is shown that the copper zinc superoxide dismutase is unique in its ability to catalyze O₂- dismutation in vivo in contrast to other copper compounds which have this feature only in vitro. The reasons for this difference are discussed in terms of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters.     

Mechanism of acquisition of exogenous bicarbonate by internodal cells of Chara corallina

Electrophysiological measurements on internodal cells of the alga, Chara corallina Klein ex Willd., em. R.D.W., showed that the potential across the plasmalemma was sensitive to the level of exogenous HCO ₃ ^- . In alkaline solutions (pH 8) the membrane potential depolarized by 50–75 mV when exogenous HCO ₃ ^- was removed from the bathing medium. In the presence of exogenous HCO ₃ ^- , the membrane potential rapidly hyperpolarized when the cell was given a brief dark treatment; in the light the potential was approx.-240 mV; after the cell had been in the dark for 3–6 min the potential was -330 to -350 mV. In the absence of exogenous HCO ₃ ^- the potential only hyperpolarized slowly and to a much smaller extent when cells were placed in the dark. Upon re-illuminating the cell, the potential further hyperpolarized, transiently, and then rapidly depolarized back towards the light-adapted value. (These responses were only obtained when cells were not perturbed by microelectrode insertion into the vacuole.) Analysis of membrane potential and experiments with the extracellular vibrating electrode indicated a high level of correlation between the light- and dark-induced changes in membrane potential and extracellular currents. However, when experiments were conducted in HCO ₃ ^- -free media that contained 1.0 mM phosphate buffer, pH 8, it was found that the dark-induced hyperpolarization of the membrane potential and the light-dependent extracellular currents could be maintained in the absence of exogenous HCO ₃ ^- . These results are interpreted in terms of two basic models by which internodal cells of C. corallina may acquire exogenous HCO ₃ ^- for photosynthesis. They are consistent with HCO ₃ ^- being transported across the plasmalemma via an electrically neutral HCO ₃ ^- –H⁺ cotransport system. The hyperpolarizing response is thought to be the consequence of the operation of an electrogenic H⁺-translocating ATPase that has a transport stoichiometry of 1 H⁺ per ATP hydrolyzed.Abbreviation CPW/B artificial Chara pond water containing exogenous bicarbonate