The influence of plants on concentration and fractionation of Zn, Pb, and Cu in salt marsh sediments (Tagus Estuary, Portugal)

Sediment cores were collected from two sites of the Tagus estuary salt marshes which differed in degree of metal contamination. At each site, six 60-cm-long cores were taken, three from a non-vegetated intertidal zone, and one from each of areas colonized by salt marsh plants, Spartina maritima, Halimione portulacoides and Arthrocnemum fruticosum, respectively. Total concentrations and concentrations in sequential extractions of Zn, Pb, and Cu were determined in several sediment layers. Sediment slices containing most of the roots (5–15-cm depth) were enriched in metals in comparison with other depths in the core and with non-vegetated cores. Additionally, metals in sediment slices with roots were preferentially linked to the residual fraction. These results are evidence that aquatic plant roots can have a strong influence on metal concentration and speciation in sediments. Since metals become immobilized in vegetated sediments, the preservation of salt marshes or the creation of artificial wetlands could be considered as an efficient natural means for maintaining ecosystem health or restoring ecosystem quality.     

Recent changes in the contributions of river Rhine and North Sea to the eutrophication of the western Dutch Wadden Sea

From 1955 to the mid 1980s the loads of both nitrogen and phosphorus from the river Rhine to the Dutch coastal area, the Wadden Sea included, increased. Since 1985 the phosphorus loads has decreased significantly, while the nitrogen load remained about the same.Annual primary production in the western Dutch Wadden Sea has increased fromc. 40 g C m^–2 (1950) to 150 (mid 1960s) and over 500 g C m^–2 (1986). The biomass of macrozoobenthos has more than doubled since 1970. Simultaneously, the meat yield of cultured blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), has increased since the 1960s. Previously, it was indicated that the increase in primary production of the phytoplankton over the period 1950 to 1986 was stimulated by the load of dissolved inorganic phosphate from Lake IJssel, a reservoir supplied by Rhine water. Since 1990, however, primary production has been higher than was expected from decreased phosphate loads from Lake IJssel. It is argued that this lack of response may have been caused by increased concentrations of dissolved inorganic phosphate at sea originating from increased inflow from a.o. the Strait of Dover, which compensate for the decrease in phosphate from the rivers, possibly in combination with a significant improvement of the light conditions of the water in the Wadden Sea.     

Human fetal endothelial cells acquire Zinc(II) from both the protein bound and nonprotein bound pools in serum

To help determine physiologically important routes by which zinc (Zn) is acquired by human fetal vascular endothelium, the authors incubated cultured umbilical vein endothelial cells with⁶⁵Zn(II)-tracer labeled human fetal whole serum, ultrafiltrate (containing low molecular mass serum zinc complexes), and dialyzed serum (containing protein-bound zinc). Zinc from whole serum and from both serum fractions entered a rapidly labeled cellular compartment removable by edetic acid (EDTA), representing Zn bound to the outside cell surface, and accumulatively, an EDTA-resistant compartment’probably largely internalized Zn. Entry of Zn into the EDTA-resistant pool from both serum fractions was strongly temperature-dependent, and was not via the EDTA-sensitive pool. Entry from the ultrafiltrate was resolvable into high affinity saturable, and non-(or hardly-) saturable components. Transfer from the dialyzed serum fraction was not significantly saturable, but only partially accounted for by nonspecific pinocytosis. Thus, Zn is obtained by fetal vascular endothelium partly from low molecular mass serum species, probably through at least one carrier-mediated membrane transport system; but also from Zn complexed with serum protein, via at least one metabolism-related route.     

Age-Dependent changes of mineral contents in men and women’s calcanei

To elucidate age-related change of mineral contents in human bones, the mineral content and density of human calcanei were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Calcanei were removed from 27 subjects (17 men and 10 women) who died in the age range from 40–98 yr old. Both the inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry indicated that there were agedependent decreases of the mineral contents and density in the men’s calcaneus in the age range from 40–98 yr, but not in the women’s calcaneus in the age range from 42–87 yr. It was also found that the calcanean masses of the men and women remained constant within the same age range until 98 yr.     

Increase in forage yield in narrowleaf birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus tenuis Waldst & Kit ex Willd) in a permanent pasture with foliar applied gibberellic acid (GA3), and phosphorus

Lotus tenuis is a perennial legume with a good adaptation to infertile, heavy and waterlogging soils. It can replace alfalfa in these sites with a similar feeding value. An important constraint is its weak competitive capacity with other graminae and weed species in permanent pastures, having consequently a poor forage yield. The objective of the present research is to overcome this disadvantage, enhancing its competitive ability with foliar applications of GA3 (GA) and phosphorus (P), increasing L. tenuis forage yield. Field experiments were conducted during 1994 with foliar application of GA (50 mg.l-1) and during 1995 with foliar application of GA (25 and 50 mg.l-1), phosphorus (8 kg.ha-1, as P2O5) and their combinations, in permanent pastures with L. tenuis and other companion grasses. In 1994 GA 50 increased significantly L. tenuis dry matter (DML) in 64.6% but not the dry matter of graminae fraction (DMG) and in consequence the total dry matter of the pasture (TDMP) was increased. In 1995 all GA treatments and their combinations with phosphorus enhanced DML but not DMG. In this sense GA 25 + P was the most effective treatment with a 151% increment of DML. Consequently TDMP was significantly increased due to a larger participation of L. tenuis in the forage yield. This increase was achieved due to a greater length and diameter of L. tenuis branches, with a logical modification in leaf:stem ratio. Moreover GA treatments reduced L. tenuis flower number. Phosphorus treatment, applied alone, showed an increase in the DML. GA treatments did not modify the feeding value of the forage in L. tenuis and graminae fractions, except GA 50 and GA 50 + P in acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP), respect to the control. The total crude protein (CP.m-2) was enhanced in all GA and GA + P treatments. Foliar GA3 and phosphorus spray applications increased the competitiveness of trefoil for light, on account of morphological changes in the spatial disposition of L. tenuis stems reaching faster the top of the pasture canopy. This practice can be an adequate alternative to increase the forage yield and total crude protein in permanent and cultivated pastures with a low cost-benefit ratio.     

Concentrations and controls of dissolved organic matter in a constricted-channel region of the Ohio River

A 12-month study was conducted to measure the concentrations ofdissolved organic matter (DOC, TDN, TDP) in four sites within a119 km long reach of the Ohio River, near Louisville, KY. In thisstudy we test whether specific geomorphological and biologicalfactors influenced variations in dissolved organic matter.Concentrations of DOC in the river averaged 1200mol/L, and varied by nearly two orders of magnitudeseasonally (mean DOC during base flow 620 mol/L).Peak periods for DOC at all sites were during April–May. Thesite nearest a navigation dam (deeper, lower current velocities)had significantly lower concentrations of TDN and greater C:Nratios than upstream sites. The largest tributary entering thisreach (Kentucky River) had no significant effect on levels of DOMin the main river, despite having significantly greaterconcentrations of TDN and lower levels of DOC during most monthsof the year. Concentrations of DOC, TDN, and TDP were notsignificantly different in littoral and pelagic habitats at allsites studied, suggesting little floodplain influence on DOM inthis constricted-channel section of the Ohio River. C:N ratios ofDOM in the Ohio were significantly different among seasons; C:Nexceeded or equaled Redfield ratios in summer and fall (6 to 10),but were below Redfield (1.8 to 3.0) during winter and spring.Regression models suggest that total phytoplankton densities andflow conditions are the two most important factors regulating DOMin this very large river.     

Nutrient dynamics of the highly productive C4 macrophyte Echinochloa polystachya on the Amazon floodplain

1. Echinochloa polystachya forms extensive monotypic stands on the lower levels of the Amazon floodplains. During its annual growth cycle c. 100t (dry mass) ha^–1 of biomass is formed as the floodplain is being submerged (December–September) and a phase of death and decomposition occurs when the water has retreated (October–November). This study examines the mineral nutrient dynamics of this plant and its potential significance to the nutrient status of the floodplain.
2. Echinochloa polystachya was sampled monthly from a study site in the central Amazon. N, P and K contents for different plant organs were determined and net uptake calculated from concurrent measurements of dry matter production and turnover.
3. Leaf N, P and K contents were c. 20, 1·7 and 19gkg^–1, values typical of nutrient-replete stands of C₄ plants. Stem concentrations were c. 12% of those of the leaves. Net N and P uptake followed the rise in the river level, whilst K appeared independent of water level.
4. The vegetation accumulated 377, 51 and 1136kgha^–2 of N, P and K, respectively, during the growth phase. Over a possible 5000km² of these stands in the Várzea, this represents a massive sequestration of nutrients in the flood phase and a high release during the following low-water period. It is suggested that the E. polystachya stands could have a role in maintaining the nutrient status of the Amazon floodplain.     

In vivo assessment of human skeletal muscle mitochondria respiration in health and disease

One of many problems to be faced when assessing in vivo human muscle mitochondria respiration by phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (³¹P-MRS) is the definition of the correct reference population and the values of reference range. To take into account most factors that influence muscle activity as age, sex, physical activity; nutritional state etc., an exceedingly high number of different reference groups are needed. To overcome this problem we developed specific tests to assess separately in vivo the activity and the functionality of muscle mitochondria by ³¹P-MRS in clinical settings. By activity we refer to muscle whole metabolic activity, i.e. the total oxidative capacity of muscle mitochondria which is influenced by many factors (age, sex, physical activity, nutritional state etc.). By functionality we refer to the qualitative aspects of mitochondrial respiration which depends on the integrity of mitochondrial multienzyme systems and on substrate availability. Our tests ha ve been experienced on some 1200 patients and are currently used to detect deficits of mitochondrial respiration and ion transport in patients with suspected primary or secondary muscle mitochondrial malfunctioning. (Mol Cell Biochem 174: 11–15, 1997)     

The influence of soil texture on the soil water dynamics and vegetation structure of a shortgrass steppe ecosystem

We analyzed soil water data from three sites with different soil textures in the shortgrass steppe of northeastern Colorado, USA. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the occurrence of plant functional types and the effect of soil texture on soil water availability. Soil water availability was greatest in the upper soil layers at all three sites, but the loamy sand site had significantly greater soil water availability than the sandy clay loam and sandy clay sites in wetter years at depths below 60 cm. Calculations of proportional water availability by layer using both field data and fifty-year soil water model simulations, showed that the sandy clay loam and sandy clay soils on average had greater water availability in layers 30 cm and above, but that the loamy sand had the greatest water availability in layers beneath this, particularly at 105 cm. This observation can be linked to the occurrence of a fine textured subsoil at this site. The textural pattern in the loamy sand profile effectively creates two water resources: a shallow pool accessible to all plants; and a deep pool accessible only to deep-rooted plants. This is offered as an explanation for the co-dominance of the two main plant functional types at the loamy sand site. At the other two sites, shallow-rooted shortgrass vegetation dominated, being more consistent with the general pattern for the area. Thus the patterns of vegetation structure at the three sites were consistent with the hypothesis. Aboveground net primary production data for the three sites, along with transpiration estimates from the model simulations, indicated that the additional water availability in the coarse textured soil was associated with higher overall plant productivity.Nomenclature: Taxonomic nomenclature follows R. L. McGregor & T. M. Barkley (1986) Flora of the Great Plains. Great Plains Flora Association. University Press of Kansas, Lawrence.     

Muscle ubiquinone in healthy physically active males

Thirty-five (35) healthy physically active males had muscle biopsies taken from their vastus lateralis muscle to analyze for ubiquinone (vitamin Q, UQ), oxidative (muscle fiber types expressed as %ST and citrate synthase activity, CS) and fermentative (lactate dehydrogenase, LD) profiles. Graded cycle ergometer exercise to determine the intensities corresponding to onset of blood lactate accumulation set to 4.0 mmol × 1^–1 (W_OBLA) and symptom limited exercise (maximal, W_SL) were also undertaken. Eleven (11) subjects had also recently participated in a marathon race. UQ was positively related to CS (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) and %ST (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) but not to LD. UQ was also positively related to exercise capacity and/or marathon performance (e.g. W_OBLA × kg^–1 BW, r = 0.70, p < 0.001). It was suggested that muscle UQ allocation in man was related to variables describing molecular oxygen availability, respiratory activity and oxidative energy releasing processes but not to fermentation activity. UQ allocation to ST fibers/CS activity was suggested to be due to the double role of UQ: 1) as a mitochondrial coenzyme (CoQ₁₀) and 2) as a nonspecific antioxidant.