Translocation of C in Macrocystis pyrifera (Giant Kelp)

The pattern of import and export of ¹⁴C-labeled assimilates in Macrocystis pyrifera (L.) C. A. Agardh in southern California was studied by labeling single blades on fronds, in situ, with [¹⁴C]NaHCO₃ for 24 hours. The pattern was found to be similar to that known in dicotyledons: actively growing tissue imported and did not export. As a blade reached maturity it began to export, at first only acropetally to the apex which formed it, later also down the frond to sporophylls and frond initials at the base of the frond, and into the apical regions of juvenile fronds; finally there was a phase of declining export, late in the life of the blade, when transport was only downward. Young fronds imported from older fronds until they were approximately 3 meters long, by which time they had developed mature, upward exporting blades. No translocation was found from a younger frond to an older frond, nor was there transport upward from a blade on a frond lacking the apical region.     

Uptake of dietary micronutrients from artificial diets by larval Heliothis virescens

Micronutrient assimilation from artificial diet by larvae of Heliothis virescens during selenium (Se) supplementation was studied. The metal content of pupae and plugs of the artificial diet on which they had developed from hatching was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Levels of the metals Cr, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Se, Na, and Zn were not bioaccumulated from the diet regardless of the amount of Se added to the diet. Only pupal Cu and Mo bioaccumulation were found to be altered significantly by dietary Se supplementation. Larvae fed Zn, which was found in higher levels in pupae than diet, had a deleterious response to increasing levels of dietary Zn. Larvae fed Cr, found in higher levels in diet than in pupae, were not adversely affected when increasing levels of Cr were added to the diet. Based on this analysis, metals were identified that might well impact the fitness of a given colony of insects in relation to their diet.     

TRANSLOCATION OF 14C IN MACROCYSTIS INTEGRIFOLIA (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1,2

Translocation patterns in the giant kelp, Macrocystis integrifolia Bory, were investigated in situ using ¹⁴C tracer; sources and sinks were identified. Export was first detected after 4 h of labeling; experiments were routinely 24 h continuous ¹⁴C application. Mature blades exported ¹⁴C to young blades on the same frond and on younger fronds, as well as to sporophylls and frond initials at the bases of the fronds. Blades <0.3 m from the apex imported and did not export; this distance did not change seasonally. In spring export from blades 0.3–1.25 m from the apex was exclusively upwards; older blades also exported downwards. In fall downward export began 0.5 m from the apex, and blades >2 m from the apex exported exclusively downwards. Carbon imported by frond initials, young fronds, and sporophylls in fall may partly be stored for growth in early spring. No translocation was seen in very young plants until one blade (secondary frond initial) bad been freed from the apical blade; this blade exported to the apical blade for a time, but imported when it began to develop into a frond. The second and third formed blades on the primary fronds (sporophylls also exported when <0.3 m from the apex, and later stopped. Frond initials and sporophylls on later-formed fronds did not export at all. The translocation pattern in M. integrifolia differs from that previously reported in M. pyrifera in seasonal change and in distances from the apex at which the changes take place.     

Accumulation of metals and metalloids in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) irrigated with domestic wastewater in the peri-urban areas of Khushab City,Pakistan

Accumulation of different metals and metalloids was assessed in two vegetables radish (Raphanus sativus L.) and spinach (Spinacea oleracea L.) irrigated with domestic wastewater in the peri-urban areas of Khushab City, Pakistan. In general, the metal and metalloid concentrations in radish and spinach were higher at site-II treated with sewage water than those found at site-I treated with canal water. In case of radish at both sites the levels of metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Cd, and Pb) were below the permissible level except those of Mn, Ni, Mo, Cd, and Pb. At both sites, the transfer factor ranged from 0.047–228.3 mg kg^?1 with Cr having the highest transfer factor. The metal pollution index in soil was in the following order: As > Fe > Ni > Zn > Cd > Mo > Se > Co > Pb > Mn > Cr > Cu, respectively. While in case of spinach at both sites, the concentrations of metals and metalloids in vegetable samples irrigated with canal and sewage water were observed below the permissible level except Mn, Ni, Zn, Mo, and Pb. At both sites, the transfer factor ranged from 0.038–245.4 mg kg^?1 with Cr having the highest transfer factor. The metal pollution index in soil was in the following order: Cd > Ni > Co > Se > Mn > Zn > Mo > Pb > Fe > Cr > As > Cu, respectively.     

Effects of soil acidification on the chemical extractability of Fe,Mn, Zn and Cu and the growth and micronutrient uptake of highbush blueberry plants

Summary The effects of soil acidification and micronutrient addition on levels of extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in a soil, and on the growth and micronutrient uptake of young highbush blueberry plants (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Blueray) was investigated in a greenhouse study.Levels of 0.05M CaCl₂-extractable Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu increased as the pH was lowered from 7.0 to 3.8. However, the solubility (CaCl₂-extractability) of Fe and Cu was considerably less pH-dependent than that of Mn and Zn. With the exception of HCl-and DTPA-extractable Mn, micronutrients extractable with 0.1M HCl, 0.005M DTPA and 0.04M EDTA were unaffected or raised only slightly as the pH was lowered from 6.0 to 3.8. Quantities of Mn and Zn extractable with CaCl₂ were similar in magnitude to those extractable with HCl, DTPA and EDTA whilst, in contrast, the latter reagents extracted considerably more Cu and Fe than did CaCl₂. A fractionation of soil Zn and Cu revealed that soil acidification resulted in an increase in the CaCl₂- and pyrophosphate-extractable fractions and a smaller decrease in the oxalate-extractable fraction.Plant dry matter production increased consistently when the soil pH was lowered from 7.0 to 4.6 but there was a slight decline in dry matter as the pH was lowered to 3.8. Micronutrient additions had no influence on plant biomass although plant uptake was increased. As the pH was lowered, concentrations of plant Fe first decreased and then increased whilst those of Mn, and to a lesser extent Zn and Cu, increased markedly.     

Nickel,cobalt, and molybdenum requirement for growth of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum

Growth of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum on H₂ and CO₂ as sole energy and carbon sources was found to be dependent on Ni, Co, and Mo. At low concentrations of Ni (<100 nM), Co (<10 nM) and Mo (<10 nM) the amount of cells formed was roughly proportional to the amount of transition metal added to the medium; for the formation of 1 g cells (dry weight) approximately 150 nmol NiCl₂, 20 nmol CoCl₂ and 20 nmol Na₂MoO₄ were required. A dependence of growth on Cu, Mn, Zn, Ca, Al, and B could not be demonstrated. Conditions are described under which the bacterium grew exponentially with a doubling time of 1.8 h up to a cell density of 2 g cells (dry weight)/1.     

Element interactions and soil properties affecting the soil-to-plant transfer of six elements relevant to radioactive waste in boreal forest

Cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), uranium (U), and zinc (Zn) are among the elements that have radioactive isotopes in radioactive waste. Soil-to-plant transfer is a key process for possible adverse effects if these radionuclides are accidentally released into the environment. The present study aimed at investigating factors affecting such transfer in boreal forest. The plant species studied were blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), May lily (Maianthemum bifolium), narrow buckler fern (Dryopteris carthusiana), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and Norway spruce (Picea abies). Regression analyses were carried out to investigate the effects of the chemical composition and physical properties of soil on the soil-to-leaf/needle concentration ratios of Co, Mo, Ni, Pb, U and Zn. Soil potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) concentrations were the most important factors affecting the soil-to-plant transfer of the elements studied. Soil clay and organic matter contents were found to significantly affect plant uptake of Mo, Pb and U. Knowledge of the effects of these factors is helpful for interpretation of the predictions of radioecological models describing soil-to-plant transfer and for improving such models.     

ONTOGENETIC CHANGES IN BUOYANCY,BREAKING STRENGTH,EXTENSIBILITY, AND REPRODUCTIVE INVESTMENT IN A DRIFTING MACROALGA TURBINARIA ORNATA (PHAEOPHYTA)1

Turbinaria ornata (Turner) J. Agardh is a tropical alga that disperses by detached, reproductively mature floating fronds. Material properties (breaking stress, breaking extension), buoyancy, and the proportion of reproductive tissue per frond were measured for juvenile, adult, and old fronds of T. ornata. Correlations between these factors indicate that as fronds age and become more reproductively mature, the tissue in their stipes (where they break) becomes weaker, more brittle, and the overall buoyancy of the frond increases. Measurement of drag force experienced by fronds from each ontogenetic stage allowed calculation of the environmental stress factor (ESF), which indicates the likelihood of detachment of a frond in the flow environment of its habitat. The ESF for fronds of each ontogenetic stage predicted that reproductively mature fronds (adult and old) break more readily than immature (juvenile) fronds. Increased proportions of reproductively mature fronds in floating rafts following storms compared with the proportion of mature fronds attached to the substratum support the ESF predictions. This combination of ontogenetic changes in material properties, buoyancy, and reproductive maturity in combination with the life history of T. ornata may contribute to the dispersal of this alga throughout French Polynesia.     

Metal Tolerance and Accumulation Ability of the Ni Hyperaccumulator Streptanthus polygaloides Gray (Brassicaceae)

High concentrations of metals occur in some plant species (termed hyperaccumulators), such as the Ni hyperaccumulator Streptanthus polygaloides. We determined the tolerance of S. polygaloides to, and its accumulation abilities for, six metals (Ni, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, and Pb). Potting mix concentrations used for all metals ranged from 0 to 1200 μg/g dry weight. For Ni, a treatment of 1600 μg/g was included. For Mn, treatments of 1600, 2000, and 2500 μg/g also were used, and for Pb these concentrations plus 3500 μg/g were included. Germination, plant number per pot, and size at days 30 and 39, number of plants at the end of the experiment (day 49), flower production, and metal concentration in the aboveground biomass were documented. Lead and Ni showed no consistent effects on plant performance, but yielded increased tissue metal concentrations. Streptanthus polygaloides was more sensitive to Co, Cu, and Zn, as ≥ 400 mg/g significantly suppressed plant growth, survival, and flower production. Tissue metal concentrations also were increased to maxima of 1500 μg Co/g, 120 μg Cu/g, and 6000 μg Zn/g. Manganese affected S. polygaloides less markedly, as ≥ 800 mg/kg decreased growth, survival, and flower production. Maximum tissue Mn concentration was 2900 μg/g. We concluded that S. polygaloides would be an appropriate phytoextractor for soils contaminated with Ni or low levels of Co but would not be useful for Cu, Zn, Mn, and Pb.     

LUXURY PHOSPHATE UPTAKE AND VARIATION OF INTRACELLULAR METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN HETEROSIGMA AKASHIWO (RAPHIDOPHYCEAE)1

The effectr of phosphate starvation and subsequent uptake on distribution and concentration of phosphate metabolic intermediates and metals were studied in Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada by ³¹P-NMR spectroscopy, neutron activation analysis and ESR spectroscopy. Excess orthophosphate (4.5 μM P_i, as NaH₂PO₄) added to a medium with P-depleted H. akashiwo cells was rapidly taken up resulting in an increase in P cell quota (q_p)from 68.2 to 99.6 fmol. cell-¹in 2 h and to 156.3 fmol. cell-¹in 6 h. After three days, q_p approached about 190 fmol. cell^?1. Polyphosphate (PP_i) rapidly increased from 0 to 11.4 fmol· cell^?1in 2 h and to 24.7 fmol·cell^?1in 6 h. Diel variation of cell quota indicated that cellular P_i increase was synchronized with cellular PP_i decrease and vice versa. The average chain length of PP_i increased from ca. 0 to ca. 10.2 phosphate residues in 2 h after addition of P_i and one day later, from ca. 9.8 to ca. 12.5. The cell quota of Mn (q_Mn), and to a lesser extent Co, increased rapidly from 4.87 fg. cell^?1in the P- starved condition to 50.48 fg·cell^?12 h afer addition of P_i but decreased to 8.63 fg. Cell^?1by 6 h. Concentrations of Zn, As, Hf, Cu and sometimes Al, Mg, K, and Ca changed in a manner opposite to that of Mn and Co. The excretion of these cations, which was synchronized with the uptake of Mn and Co, may be important for a charge balancing in the cells. The ESR spectra showed that the high cellular Mn observed at 2 h after P addition was Mn²⁺which was taken up by the cells rather than adsorbed on the cell surface. These data combined with PP_i data suggested that the behavior of q_Mn is synchronized with the behavior of average chain length of PP_i.     

Effects of minerals on the production of valine byAerobacter aerogenes

A study has been made on the mineral requirements of a strain ofAerobacter aerogenes for the production of valine. It was observed that K₂HPO₄ and MgSO₄]. 7 H₂O were required at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.05% respectively while the optimum level of each of the trace elements Fe and Mo was 1 μg/ml. NaCl, KCl and trace elements like Mn, Ni, Co, Cu and Zn had an adverse effect on the production of valine. The requirements for metals except Mg for growth of the organism and valine production are different.     

Heavy metals in water,sediments, fish and plants of river Hindon,U.P., India

We analysed the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the water, sediments, fish and plants of the River Hindon, U.P., India, at seven sampling stations, in the year 1982. Considerable variation in concentration between water, sediments, fish and plants were noted. The concentration in the water was in the order Fe > Zn > Cr > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd, in the sediments, Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > - Co > Cu > Pb > Cd; in a fish (Heteropnuestes fossilis) Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Co > Cu > Cd > Cr, and in a plant (Eicchornia crassipes) Fe > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > Cd.     

Influence of tissue source and growth rates on dry weight and carrageenan composition of Chondrus crispus (Gigartinales,Rhodophyta)

Carrageenan analyses were conducted on vegetative female clones of Chondrus crispus that were cultured to provide tissues with differing growth rates. Tissue dry weights increased from apex to base of fronds. Total carrageenan contents were lower in apical 1 to 2 cm segments than elsewhere in the frond, except when the alga was grown at high photon irradiances. Clone 373A contained more carrageenan than clone G8. The proportion of 0.3 M KCl-soluble polymers in the total native carrageenans varied from 44 to 92%, being highest in older tissues of fronds cultured at high photon irradiances. The apical 1 cm segments contained less KCl-soluble carrageenans than other tissues from the corresponding fronds. The KCl-soluble carrageenans, when alkali-modified and refractionated, afforded the expected kappa-iota carrageenan in > 79% yields. The remainder consisted of a polymer containing 23.1% SO₃Na and 8.4% 3,6-anhydrogalactose. Lambda carrageenan was not detected. Variations in carrageenan distribution between the apical region and other parts of the frond may reflect the increasing influence of medullary tissue developed as the immature cells differentiate.     

Applicability of Heavy-Metal Phytoextraction in United Arab Emirates: An Investigation of Candidate Species

Phytoremediation of contaminated calcareous desert land in the United Arab Emirates has been investigated. Soils from 12 northern UAE sites, suspected of metal contamination, were acid-extracted and analyzed by ICP-OES for Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Twenty-two plants naturally growing at contaminated sites were sampled and analyzed for their uptake of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn and eight commercially available plants, grown under controlled conditions, were also studied for their phytoextraction capabilities. The concentration of available Cr was found to be 1300 ± 150 mg/kg in the soil of the Ajman Industrial Zone and 80 ± 10 mg/kg of Pb was found at Bithna. Among the plants investigated, Portulaca oleracea and Iresine herbstii showed potential for Cr(VI) and Pb(II) accumulation, respectively, with bioconcentration factors (BCF) greater than unity. Atriplex halimus accumulated Co(II), Cr(III), and Cu(II) each with a BCF > 1.     

Mineral nutrition ofAspergillus niger for citric acid production

The mineral requirements of a strain ofAspergillus niger for the production of citric acid in a synthetic medium were studied. It was observed that K₂HPO₄ and MgSO₄.7 H₂O were required at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.02% respectively. The optimum level of each of the trace elements Fe, Mn and Zn was 1.0 μg/ml. NaCl and CaCl₂ at lower concentrations had no effect on citric acid production. Trace elements, Cu, Co and Mo, had an adverse effect on the production of citric acid while Ni and V were without effect.     

Vanadate‐Based Materials for Li‐Ion Batteries: The Search for Anodes for Practical Applications

While the practical application of electrode materials depends intensively on the Li⁺ ion storage mechanisms correlating ultimately with the coulombic efficiency, reversible capacity, and morphology variation of electrode material upon cycling, only intercalation‐type electrode materials have proven viable for commercialization up to now. This paper reviews the promising anode materials of metal vanadates (M_xV_yO_z, M = Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni, Li) that have high capacity, low cost, and abundant resource, and also discusses the related Li⁺ ion storage mechanism. It is concluded that most of these (M_xV_yO_z, M = Co, Cu, Mn, Fe, Zn, Ni) exhibit irreversible redox reactions upon lithiation/delithiation accompanied by large volume expansion, which is not favorable for industrial applications. In particular, Li₃VO₄ with specific intercalation Li⁺ ion storage mechanism and compatible merits of safety and energy density exhibits great potential for practical application. This review systematically summarizes the latest progress in Li₃VO₄ research, including the representative fabrication approaches for advanced morphology and state‐of‐the‐art technologies to boost performance and the morphology variation associated with Li⁺ ion storage mechanisms. Furthermore, an outlook on where breakthroughs for Li₃VO₄ may be most likely achieved will be provided.     

Nickel tolerance and accumulation by bacteria from rhizosphere of nickel hyperaccumulators in serpentine soil ecosystem of Andaman, India

Rhizosphere microorganisms harboring nickel hyperaccumulators, Rinorea bengalensis (Wall.) O. K. and Dichapetalum gelonioides ssp. andamanicum (King) Leenh. endemic to serpentine outcrops of Andaman Islands, India, were screened for their tolerance and accumulation of Ni. The rhizosphere soils from both the plants were rich in total and available Ni along with Co, Cr, Fe and Mg but poor in microbial density and were dominated by bacteria. Out of total 123 rhizosphere microorganisms (99 bacteria and 24 fungi), bacteria were more tolerant to Ni than fungi. Viable cells of selected Ni-tolerant bacterial isolates (MIC = 13.6–28.9 mM Ni) belonging to Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Cupriavidus were capable of accumulating nickel (209.5–224.0 μM Ni g⁻¹ protein) from aqueous solution. Cupriavidus pauculus KPS 201 (MTCC 6280), showing highest degree of nickel tolerance (MIC 28.9 mM Ni) and uptake (224.0 μM Ni g⁻¹ protein, 60 min) was used for detailed study. Kinetics of nickel uptake in C. pauculus KPS 201 followed a linearized Lineweaver-Burk plot. The K _m and V _max for nickel uptake by minimal medium grown-cells approximated 1.5 mM Ni and 636.9 μM Ni g⁻¹ protein, respectively. The uptake process was inhibited by Co, Cu, Cd, Mg, Mn and Zn, however, complete inhibition was not achieved even in presence of 500 mM Mg. Metabolic inhibitors, sodium azide (1.0 mM) and carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (0.4 mM) strongly inhibited nickel uptake suggesting the process as an energy dependent one. The present study clearly shows that bacteria in the rhizosphere of Ni-hyperaccumulators are capable of tolerating high concentration of Ni and also possesses nickel uptake potential. The Ni-hyperaccumulators in combination with these Ni-resistant bacteria could be an ideal tool for nickel bioremediation.     

Interactions between inorganic phosphate (Pi) assimilation,photosynthesis and respiration in the Pi-limited green alga Selenastrum minutum*

Inorganic phosphate (P_i)-limited chemostat cultures of the green alga Selenastrum minutum were employed to investigate interactions between P_i assimilation, respiration and photosynthetic processes. Changes in net and gross gas exchange rates indicated that O₂ evolution decreases during photosynthetic P_i assimilation. Room temperature and 77K Chi a fluorescence measurements revealed that this photosynthetic suppression is correlated with a transition from state 1 to state 2. Substantial photosynthetic P_i uptake rates occur in the presence of DCMU and KCN. Additionally, the cellular ratio of ATP:NADPH increases following P_i enrichment, suggesting that the ratio of cyclic to linear electron flow is enhanced in response to the high energy requirements of P_i uptake. Net starch degradation was observed during photosynthetic P_i assimilation and the cellular pool size of 3-phosphoglycerate increased; however, gross gas exchange parameters and cellular metabolite pool sizes indicated that mitochondrial respiration plays a smaller role during P_i assimilation in the light than it does in the dark. These observations were used to formulate a model depicting possible interactions between photosynthetic electron flow, photosynthetic and respiratory carbon metabolism and metabolite exchange between the chloroplast, cytosol and mitochondrion during photosynthetic P_i assimilation.     

Trace elements extractable by 2-ketogluconic acid from soils and their relationship to plant contents

Summary Trace element levels extractable by 2-ketogluconic acid (2-KG), ammonium acetate, acetic acid, EDTA, and DTPA were determined in three different soils of the Tarves association. The 2-ketogluconic acid was derived from 2-litre batch cultures of a soil bacterium,Erwinia sp. Pasture grasses and clovers growing on these soils were also analysed. At the same pH, 2-KG extracted more Co, Ni and Zn and considerably more Fe, Ti and V than ammonium acetate. The quantities of Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni and Zn extracted by 2-KG from the three soils generally reflected, in a similar way to the other extractants, the contents of these elements in grasses and clovers growing on the soils.     

背角无齿蚌对养殖池塘底泥释放重金属的净化效果

通过建立微型生态系统, 分析养殖池塘底泥释放重金属的特征及背角无齿蚌(Anodonta woodiana)对底泥释放重金属的净化效果。底泥对Al、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Mo和Pb的最大释放量分别为636、1.5、70.9、34951、10.3、36.9、34.0、53.2、72.4、48.8和3.0 μg·kg-1 dw; 蚌能够对Al、Cr、Mn、Co、Cu、Zn、As和Mo产生净化作用(P<0.05), 最大去除率分别可达到84.7%、98.0%、33.3%、14.3%、23.5%、69.4%、50.0%和13.0%, 响应面优化分析显示养殖密度和处理时间分别为40 只·m-3和24.49 d、25 只·m-3和23.96 d, Al和As去除率可提升至93.8%和60.5%; Al、Cr、Fe、Co、Cu、Zn、As和Mo的净化效果与养殖数量相关, Al、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、As、Mo和Pb的净化效果与处理时间相关, Cr、Co、Ni、Cu和Zn的净化效果与两者交互作用相关(P<0.05)。提示背角无齿蚌有潜力防控池塘底泥重金属污染。