Expansion of bamboo forests caused by reduced bamboo-shoot harvest under different natural and artificial conditions

To elucidate the expansion of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex Houzeau de Lehaie) forests, we used multiple linear regression analysis and determined whether there were site differences for data obtained in Hirasawa, Otaki-machi, Chiba Prefecture, and Kofuki, Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Vegetation maps from 1984 and 2001 for Hirasawa, and from 1986, 1996, 2000, and 2006 for Kofuki, were compared, and the annual expansion rate of each P. pubescens forest was calculated. We evaluated nine indices, including original bamboo forest area, neighbouring vegetation, slope inclination and aspect, distance from roads, and shipment of bamboo shoots. Shipment of bamboo shoots was a positive factor for P. pubescens forest expansion, whereas the proportion of adjacent short vegetation, northness (the cosine of slope aspect), and area negatively affected the expansion in Hirasawa (R ² = 0.683). On the other hand, distance from roads and eastness (the sine of slope aspect) positively affected expansion, while slope inclination was a negative factor in Kofuki (R ² = 0.942). We calculated that P. pubescens forests expanded at about 2% per year in regions of reduced shipments of bamboo-shoot harvest. We showed that not only natural conditions but also management factors affect P. pubescens forest expansion. Regional differences in natural and anthropogenic effects on expansion were also found.     

Enhancing the combustible properties of bamboo by torrefaction

Bamboo has wide range of moisture content, low bulk energy density and is difficult to transport, handle, store and feed into existing combustion and gasification systems. Because of its important fuel characteristics such as low ash content, alkali index and heating value, bamboo is a promising energy crop for the future. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of torrefaction on the main energy properties of Bambusavulgaris. Three different torrefaction temperatures were employed: 220, 250 and 280 °C. The elemental characteristics of lignite and coal were compared to the torrefied bamboo. The characteristics of the biomass fuels tend toward those of low rank coals. Principal component analysis of FTIR data showed a clear separation between the samples by thermal treatment. The loadings plot indicated that the bamboo samples underwent chemical changes related to carbonyl groups, mostly present in hemicelluloses, and to aromatic groups present in lignin.     

Somatic embryogenesis and regeneration of plants in the bamboo Dendrocalamus strictus

Somatic embryogenesis leading to plant regeneration has been achieved in the bamboo, Dendrocalamus strictus, by culturing seeds (caryopses) on B₅ basal medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. Callus cultures obtained from the embryonal end of the seeds differentiated chlorophyllous embryoids. On transfer to a germination medium (B₅ liquid, sucrose, indolebutyric acid, and -naphthaleneacetic acid) 40% of the embryoids developed into plantlets. Further development of the plantlets occured on B₅ liquid medium (half strength) + sucrose (1%) + IBA (5 × 10^–7M) + NAA (10^–7M).Abbreviations 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - IBA Indolebutyric acid - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid     

Effect of temperatures and pH on methyl violet biosorption by Mansonia wood sawdust

In this study, the effect of temperature on the equilibrium biosorption of methyl violet dye from aqueous solution using Mansonia wood sawdust was studied. The equilibrium biosorption data were analyzed using three widely applied isotherm models; Langmuir, Freundlich and Redlich–Peterson isotherm. The fit of three linear Langmuir isotherm forms, the Freundlich isotherm, and the Redlich–Peterson isotherm were determined using linear and the non-linear methods. Langmuir isotherm parameters obtained from the three Langmuir linear equations by using linear method were dissimilar, except, when the non-linear method was used. Best fits were yielded with Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherms. The methyl violet biosorption was strongly dependent solution pH and percentage dye removal became significant above pH 7, which was slightly higher than the pH_PZC of the sawdust material. In addition, various thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° were calculated. Results suggested that the biosorption was a spontaneous and endothermic process.     

Co-firing of eucalyptus bark and rubberwood sawdust in a swirling fluidized-bed combustor using an axial flow swirler

Co-combustion of eucalyptus bark (as shredded fuel) and rubberwood sawdust was conducted in a swirling fluidized-bed combustor using a 22-vane axial flow swirler. During the co-firing tests, the fuel blend feed rate was maintained at about 60 kg/h, while the mass/energy fraction of the blended fuels was variable. Excess air supply ranged from 20% to 80% for each fuel option via variation of primary air, while secondary air was injected tangentially into the bed splash zone at a constant flowrate. For comparison, tests with pure rubberwood sawdust at similar operating conditions were performed as well. Temperature and concentrations of O₂, CO and NO were measured along radial and axial directions in the combustor as well as at stack. For all fuel firing options, the radial and axial temperature profiles in the reactor were found to be weakly dependent on operating conditions. However, the gas concentration profiles exhibited apparent effects of fuel properties, excess air and secondary air injection, which resulted in variable emission characteristics of the combustor. For the sawdust energy fraction in the fuel blend of about 0.85, CO and NO emissions can be controlled at acceptable levels (both complying with the national emission limits) by maintaining excess air between 50% and 55%. Under such conditions, the co-combustion of high-moisture eucalyptus bark and rubberwood sawdust in the proposed combustor occurs in a stable regime with high, 99.6%, combustion efficiency.     

Modeling bio-protection and the gradient-resistance mechanism

We expand the biogeochemical program CCBATCH to describe transport processes in 1-D ground-water systems. We use the expanded CCBATCH with our biogeochemical framework for metal detoxification in sulfidic systems to study complex bio-protection scenarios. In particular, in our numerical experiments we expose a consortium of sulfate-reducing bacteria and fermenting bacteria to a toxic concentration of Zn²⁺ in a 1-D system with precipitation of zinc-sulfide solids turned off or on. Our results confirm the key role of sulfide precipitation in detoxification when coupled effects of transport and biological processes are considered. The potential of sulfide as a detoxifying agent in bio-protection is explained by its high mobility, its high affinity for metals, and its high rate of production in sulfidic systems. Thus, our numerical results offer important evidence for the gradient-resistance mechanism and validate that a metal-resistance criterion developed from an analytical solution is accurate for defining when bio-protection should succeed.     

Distribution and conservation status of forest bamboo biodiversity in the Asia-Pacific Region

Although Asian bamboo species constitute a non-timber forest product of major cultural and economic importance, no detailed regional assessment of their distribution patterns has previously been made. To assess the potential of the existing bamboo species distribution data for production of regional mapping tools for planning the conservation of forest-based biodiversity, data on bamboo distribution and forest cover were combined. Over 1000 bamboo species from 60 genera of woody bamboos were incorporated, allowing the mapping of individual species or groups of species and genera, along with potential species richness and biodiversity hotspots. Over 6.3 million km² of Asian forest potentially contains bamboo, with highest densities indicated from northeastern India through Burma to southern China, and through Sumatra to Borneo. The highest figures for potential species richness (144 spp per square km) were recorded in forests of south China, including Hainan Island. Despite substantial inadequacies and inconsistencies in knowledge of the taxonomy and distribution of bamboo species, this approach may provide a valuable tool for planning in situ conservation of forest biodiversity.     

Investigation of Cr(VI) adsorption onto chemically treated Helianthus annuus: Optimization using Response Surface Methodology

In the present study, chemically treated Helianthus annuus flowers (SHC) were used to optimize the removal efficiency for Cr(VI) by applying Response Surface Methodological approach. The surface structure of SHC was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDX). Batch mode experiments were also carried out to assess the adsorption equilibrium in aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity (q_e) was found to be 7.2 mg/g. The effect of three parameters, that is pH of the solution (2.0-7.0), initial concentration (10-70 mg/L) and adsorbent dose (0.05-0.5 g/100 mL) was studied for the removal of Cr(VI) by SHC. Box-Behnken model was used as an experimental design. The optimum pH, adsorbent dose and initial Cr(VI) concentration were found to be 2.0, 5.0 g/L and 40 mg/L, respectively. Under these conditions, removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was found to be 90.8%.     

Regeneration and large-scale propagation of bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus Nees) through somatic embryogenesis

A complete protocol for large-scale propagation of Dendrocalamus strictus Nees by somatic embryogenesis has been developed. Seeds cultured on agar-solidified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D; 3×10^–5 m) produced embryogenic callus from proliferation of the embryo. Somatic embryos formed in vitro multiplied rapidly (two- to five fold every 5 weeks) on semi-solid MS medium containing 2,4-D (1×10^–5 m), kinetin (Kn) (5×10^–6 m), 1-indolebutyric acid (IBA) (2×10^–6 m) and soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) (250 mg l^–1), or MS with 2,4-D (1×10^–5 m), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (1×10^–5 m), and soluble PVP (250 mg l^–1). Upon transfer to MS containing 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (5×10^–6 m), Kn (5×10^–6 m) and soluble PVP (250 mg l^–1), the dark-green embryos developed into healthy plantlets. Unrooted shoots, if any, obtained on the multiplication media were rooted on MS major salts reduced to half strength supplemented with NAA (3×10^–6 m) and IBA (2.5×10^–6 m). The rooted plants were successfully transferred to soil in polythene bags with over 80% survival. Using this methodology, more than 100,000 plants have been produced. Received: 16 April 1998 / Revision received: 25 September 1998 / Accepted: 10 October 1998     

出土竹简饱水期间放线菌群落结构与功能

【背景】出土竹简需经历一个较长时间的饱水保存后才进行脱水处理,在此期间微生物的滋生和蔓延威胁竹简的安全保存。【目的】研究分析成都老官山汉墓出土竹简浸泡液中的放线菌群落结构与功能,为科学有效保存竹简提供理论依据。【方法】采用PCR-DGGE(变性梯度凝胶电泳)技术与传统可培养方法相结合的方式对成都老官山汉墓出土竹简夏季浸泡液中的放线菌群落结构和功能进行了初探。【结果】DGGE图谱显示,各样品间放线菌多样性指数(H′)、优势度指数(C)、辛普森指数(D)和均匀度指数(J)均有所不同,主成分分析结果反映出竹简浸泡液中放线菌种群结构存在较大差异;DGGE条带回收测序显示15条序列归于10个属,其中检出率较高的有原小单孢菌属(Promicromonospora)、纤维微菌属(Cellulosimicrobium)、芽球菌属(Blastococcus)、链霉菌属(Streptomyces),而原小单胞属(Promicromonospora)在各个样品中均有检出;可培养方法获得12株放线菌,分属于链霉菌属(Streptomyces)和原小单胞属(Promicromonospora);通过刚果红实验对分离获得的菌株进行初步筛选,得到5株具有纤维素降解能力的菌株。【结论】竹简浸泡液中的放线菌不仅种群丰富,而且存在降解竹简的潜在可能。     

Causal analysis of the invasion of broad-leaved forest by bamboo in Japan

Abstract. In southwestern Tokyo the area covered by bamboo forest has expanded by a factor of 2.7 over the last 26 years. This has mainly been due to bamboo (Phyllostachyspubescens) invading secondary broad-leaved forests, probably after these were abandoned. In the first stage, bamboo sprouts develop from rhizomes at the periphery of the broad-leaved forest and then grow very quickly into young culms. In the next phase culm density increases annually, while the existing broad-leaved trees gradually lose their vitality and die. Finally, the broad-leaved forest is completely replaced by bamboo forest. The competitive ability of bamboo, based on its morphological and growth features, is suggested as the causal factor for the invasion: (1) bamboo can invade a neighboring broad-leaved forest by its vigorous rhizomes; (2) young bamboo culms can break through the canopy of broad-leaved trees; (3) bamboo quickly forms a crown in or above the canopy of the broad-leaved forest; (4) bamboo is very tolerant of strong wind and heavy snow accumulation; (5) bamboo culms, being very pliable during strong wind mechanically damage neighbouring broad-leaved trees.     

An FT-IR study of the changes in chemical composition of bamboo degraded by brown-rot fungi

The objective of this study was to use FT-IR analysis to investigate the chemical composition of aged and un-aged bamboo specimens, with and without node sections, decayed by brown-rot fungi. Specimens were exposed to two brown-rot fungi, Coniophora puteana and Poria placenta, for 8 weeks after which decay was assessed by weight loss and FT-IR spectra analysis. Depending on the bamboo section examined, the aging process reduced decay resistance of specimens. Weight loss (measured as a percentage) decreased from the top to the bottom portion of bamboo culms. The presence of nodes in the specimens increased weight loss caused by P. placenta attack, and caused only a slight increase in weight loss from C. puteana attack. Significant chemical changes in bamboo were observed after fungal degradation, as revealed by FT-IR analyses. Consistent with the degradation mechanism of brown-rot fungi, lignin was essentially un-degraded or modified. Both brown-rot fungi caused a sharp decrease in the carbonyl absorption area. Surprisingly, cellulose peaks of degraded specimens were nearly similar to the peaks of control specimens. Aging treatments and biodegradation affected the crystalline structure of bamboo specimens. Poria placenta degraded wood components faster and changed the crystallinity more than C. puteana did, in accordance with the weight losses due to decay.     

Mechanical properties of chitosan/bamboo charcoal composite films made with normal and surface oxidized charcoal

Chitosan/bamboo charcoal composite films were prepared by blending chitosan with either virgin bamboo charcoal or bamboo charcoal modified by nitric acid oxidation to provide more hydrophilic regions on the bamboo charcoal surface. Investigation of the physical properties of these composite films revealed that the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the chitosan films were enhanced in a dose-dependent manner by the inclusion of modified bamboo charcoal at up to 1% (w/w), whilst the elongation at break was increased by inclusion of modified bamboo charcoal at up to 0.5% (w/w). In contrast, chitosan composites with virgin bamboo charcoal at up to 0.5% or 1.0% (w/w) showed no enhancement of the tensile strength or Young’s modulus, respectively, and both parameters were reduced with higher levels of virgin bamboo charcoal. Oil, and especially water, absorption of the composite films displayed a marked and dose-dependent increase compared to those of the pure chitosan film.     

Kinetics and thermodynamics of the adsorption of some dyestuffs from aqueous solution by poplar sawdust

The effect of temperature on the adsorption of metanil yellow (MY) (acidic) and methylene blue (MB) (basic) by poplar sawdust was investigated. In addition, the amounts of NaHCO(3), Na(2)CO(3), NaOH and C(2)H(5)ONa adsorbed by 1g of poplar sawdust to determine its surface acidity were also determined. Kinetical data obtained at different temperatures (293 K, 313 K and 333 K) for the adsorption of each dyestuff by poplar sawdust were applied to the pseudo first-order, the pseudo second-order and the intraparticle diffusion equations, and the rate constants of first-order adsorption (k(1)), the rate constants of second-order adsorption (k(2)) and intraparticle diffusion rate constants (k(p)) at these temperatures were calculated, respectively. In addition, isothermal data obtained at different temperatures (293 K, 313 K and 333 K) for the adsorption of each dyestuff by poplar sawdust were applied to thermodynamical equations, and thermodynamical parameters (DeltaG, DeltaH and DeltaS) were also calculated.     

Dense understory dwarf bamboo alters the retention of canopy tree seeds

Tree seed retention is thought to be an important factor in the process of forest community regeneration. Although dense understory dwarf bamboo has been considered to have serious negative effects on the regeneration of forest community species, little attention has been paid to the relationship between dwarf bamboo and seed retention. In a field experiment we manipulated the density of Fargesia decurvata, a common understory dwarf bamboo, to investigate the retention of seeds from five canopy tree species in an evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest in Jinfoshan National Nature Reserve, SW China. We found that the median survival time and retention ratio of seeds increased with the increase in bamboo density. Fauna discriminately altered seed retention in bamboo groves of different densities. Arthropods reduced seed survival the most, and seeds removed decreased with increasing bamboo density. Birds removed or ate more seeds in groves of medium bamboo density and consumed fewer seeds in dense or sparse bamboo habitats. Rodents removed a greater number of large and highly profitable seeds in dense bamboo groves but more small and thin-husked seeds in sparse bamboo groves. Seed characteristics, including seed size, seed mass and seed profitability, were important factors affecting seed retention. The results suggested that dense understory dwarf bamboo not only increased seeds concealment and reduced the probability and speed of seed removal but also influenced the trade-off between predation and risk of animal predatory strategies, thereby impacting the quantity and composition of surviving seeds. Our results also indicated that dense understory dwarf bamboo and various seed characteristics can provide good opportunities for seed storage and seed germination and has a potential positive effect on canopy tree regeneration.     

Effects of growth stage on enzymatic saccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of bamboo shoots for bioethanol production

Bamboo is a fast-growing renewable biomass that is widely distributed in Asia. Although bamboo is recognised as a useful resource, its utilization is limited and further development is required. Immature bamboo shoots harvested before branch spread were found to be a good biomass resource to achieve a high saccharification yield. The saccharification yield of the shoots increased (up to 98% for immature Phyllostachys bambusoides) when xylanase was used in addition to cellulase. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) processing converted immature shoots of P. bambusoides and Phyllostachys pubescens to ethanol with an ethanol yield of 169 and 139 g kg⁻¹, respectively (98% and 81%, respectively, of the theoretical yields based on hexose conversion) when 12 FPU g⁻¹ enzyme and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used.     

Enzymatic acylation of flavone isolated from extractive of bamboo leaves with oleic acid and antioxidant activity of acylated product

This present study aims to establish a relatively cheap and effective method for preparation of ester of flavone isolated from bamboo‐leaf extracts. According to this method, the solubility of bamboo leaf extract in a lipid medium could be improved, which would expand the utilization of bamboo leaf extract. Acylation of flavone with oleic acid was efficient in a system containing dried tert‐amyl‐alcohol and molecular sieves. The bioconversion yield ranged from 24 to 63% in different conditions. the type of fatty acids, the amount of the lipase, water content and temperature of the system were investigated in detail to influence on the performance of the acylation reaction. High purity of ester (>95%) was obtained by a two‐step solvent purification procedure and chromatographic separation. Followed by the 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis, single product of 6′′‐O‐oleate isoorientin ester was detected. Introducing an acyl group into isoorientin significantly improved its lipophilicity yet slightly reduced their antioxidant activity, while its antioxidant activity still significantly better than VE.