Der Respirationsfermentor – ein Labormeßsystem zur Charakterisierung aerober mikrobiologischer Reaktionen

By use of a laboratory fermenter with a gastight circle aeration system all interesting values connected with the respiration of microorganisms can be determined. The advantage of the respiration fermenter is the simple control of the oxygen partial pressure with high accuracy. The aeration is carried out by inert gas-oxygen-mixtures. This system was used to avoid errors in oxygen-concentration measurement and regulation by oxygen sensitive sensors in fermentation fluids. For each selected oxygen partial pressure in the course of fermentation the following date in connection with all desired analytical values can be determined by manual or automatical means. Total oxygen consumption, momentary oxygen consumption rate, kinetics of oxygen consumption rate, kinetics of respiratory quotient. Several opportunities of measurement are presented and examples for application in various microbial systems are given.     

Der Staar auch ein Schmetterlingseier-Vertilger

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Der Geograph,ein schlechter Botaniker

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Boden – ein unterschätzter Lebensraum

Soil – an underestimated biotope The soil is a biotope with high species abundances and richness. It is, furthermore, a location where important ecosystem services are realized. Recent research projects on the origin and development of soil animal communities, on the heterogeneous interactions within the soil nutrient net and the distribution of soil animals show the different ecological traits and adaptabilities of the world beneath our feet. So research contributes to maintain the eco‐resource of soil and its sustainable use.     

Hochwasser – ein unterschätztes Risiko

Flood events – an underestimated danger Floods events are a constant threat to life, health and property of the population as well as for industry, agriculture and infrastructure in flood‐prone areas. But of concern are not only the direct effects: historical contamination – ticking ”time bombs" – in the sediment can re‐enter the water column through erosion. Once present, they can have negative impact on water quality and endanger health of aquatic organisms and humans. This article features several studies on the hazardous potential of flood events and especially the findings of a combined hydrological and ecotoxicological investigation strategy.     

Mikroplastik – ein unsichtbarer Störenfried

Microplastic – a hidden harass Plastic is produced in large amounts and used for various purposes. After use, huge amounts end up in the enviroment, often in the oceans. There, fragmentation leads to small particles, called microplastics. By filtrating and benthos‐feeding organisms it can be inadvertently taken up as food. We demonstrate that the unicellular ciliate Paramecium, the freshwater flea Daphnia and the blue mussel Mytilus took up microplastic particles. Even more, in Mytilus, the plastic particles were transported into the digestive gland and accumulated in the respective cells. Subsequently, pathological alterations in the gland were noted. Microplastics are of concern because animals might starve with a full belly after uptaking large amounts of microplastics. As well, particles with sharp edges can injure the mucous layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, persistent organic pollutants adhere at plastic and thus, may cause adverse impacts on the animal. We show options for solutions and indicate selected organisations working on the development of solutions.     

Der Solnhofener Plattenkalk — ein Blaugrünalgen-Laminit

SEM-investigations of the Solnhofen Lithographic Limestone show a cyclic change of primarily calcitic sedimentation. Layers with mainly coccoid blue-green algae as rockformers change regulary with bedding planes, partly enriched with nannoplankton with a high diversity of species. The nannoplankton is mainly deposited coprogenously. The interpretation of this specific distribution of organisms, together with paleogeographical, sedimentological and biostratinomical observations, indicate a new model of the environment of the Solnhofen-Eich-stätt area. The rhythmic cycle is established by a change of hypersalinity without H₂S-conditions (the forming of single layers) and normal marine milieu (the forming of bedding planes).