钙素对彩叶玉簪光合作用和保护酶活性的影响

该文以彩叶玉簪为材料,研究了不同钙素水平对玉簪叶片光合作用和保护酶活性的影响。结果表明:随着钙素水平的提高,彩叶玉簪叶片的净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、胞间CO_2浓度(Ci)、蒸腾速率(Tr)和最大光化学效率(F_v/F_m)均呈单峰曲线,最高峰值出现在Ca~(2+)90 mg·L~(-1)时;电子传递速率(ETR)的变化也呈单峰曲线,峰值出现在Ca~(2+)50 mg·L~(-1)时;初始荧光(F_0)和最大荧光(F_m)值在0~360 mg·L~(-1)钙素水平下呈先升高后下降再升高的趋势,最大值均出现在90 mg·L~(-1)时;Pn和Gs值的变化与Ci值成正相关。同时叶片中过氧化物酶(POD)、过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性及丙二醛(MDA)、可溶性蛋白质(SP)含量均表现为单谷曲线,在Ca~(2+)90 mg·L~(-1)时达最小值。超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性呈现持续下降趋势。综上所述,彩叶玉簪Pn下降主要由气孔引起,叶面喷施90 mg·L~(-1)的Ca~(2+)可增强彩叶玉簪光合作用,降低保护酶活性。     

The Amount of Phosphate Solubilization Depends on the Strain,C-Source,Organic Acids and Type of Phosphate

Although production of organic acids (OAs) is usually mentioned as the main mechanism of phosphate solubilization, the relationship between carbon sources (C-sources) and OAs produced during phosphate-solubilization by microorganisms is still poorly understood. We evaluated the influence of different C-sources on FePO₄·2H₂O and Ca₃(PO₄)₂ solubilization by bacteria and on the identity/quantity of the OAs produced. Our results showed that the amount of phosphate solubilization depends on the strain, C-source, OAs, and type of phosphate. Among the five strains under study isolated from cowpea nodules (Rhizobium tropici strain UFLA 03-08, Acinetobacter sp. strain UFLA 03-09, Paenibacillus kribbensis strain UFLA 03-10, P. kribbensis strain UFLA 03-106, and Paenibacillus sp. strain UFLA 03-116), three of them solubilized Ca₃(PO₄)₂ in all C-sources. The influence of C-sources on Ca₃(PO₄)₂-solubilization increased in the following order: cellulose?<?lactose?<?mannitol?<?glucose. A significant positive correlation between the amount of phosphorus solubilized from Ca₃(PO₄)₂ and the concentration of total OAs in the presence of glucose and mannitol was observed for these three strains. In the presence of glucose, the highest solubilization rates are associated with high concentrations of tartaric acid, and in the presence of mannitol, are associated with maleic acid. Only one strain produced OAs in the medium with lactose and Ca₃(PO₄)₂, but there was no OAs in the medium containing cellulose. Despite the production of OAs, albeit in small concentrations, in all the C-sources investigated, FePO₄·2H₂O-solubilization was not observed. Thus, a relationship among C-sources, OAs, and phosphate solubilization was not always verified.     

Physiological responses,tolerance efficiency,and phytoextraction potential of Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba under Cd stress in hydroponic condition

Abstract

A sand hydroponic experiment with different concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 40?mg L^?1 Cd was used to study the growth and physiological response of Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba. and its phytoextraction potential for Cd. The results showed that total plant biomass under 5?mg L^?1 Cd treatment was slightly affected. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in leaf exposed to Cd was higher, and the POD and CAT activity exhibited a positive response to the low level of Cd addition (5?mg·L^?1). The photosynthesis pigments were slightly inhibited, and the ultrastructure of chloroplast remained intact after treatment with 10?mg L^?1 Cd. The maximum leaf Cd content (603?mg·kg^?1) was found in 5?mg L^?1 Cd treatment, then decreased with the Cd level increased. The maximum Cd content in the shoots far exceeds the threshold level (100?mg kg^?1) for a Cd-hyperaccumulator plant with the value of translocation factor (TF_shoot/root) for Cd reaching up to 5.62. In conclusion, H. spectabile showed normal growth and physiological response and high shoot Cd accumulation under 5?mg L^?1 Cd stress, which made it to be a good candidate for phytoextraction of low-level Cd polluted environment.     

Steps Toward High‐Performance PLA: Economical Production of d‐Lactate Enabled by a Newly Isolated Sporolactobacillus terrae Strain

Optically pure d ‐lactate production has received much attention for its critical role in high‐performance polylactic acid production. However, the current technology can hardly meet the comprehensive demand of industrialization on final titer, productivity, optical purity, and raw material costs. Here, an efficient d ‐lactate producer strain, Sporolactobacillus terrae (S. terrae) HKM‐1, is isolated for d ‐lactate production. The strain HKM‐1 shows extremely high d ‐lactate fermentative capability by using peanut meal, soybean meal, or corn steep liquor powder as a sole nitrogen source; the final titers (205.7 g L^?1, 218.9 g L^?1, and 193.9 g L^?1, respectively) and productivities (5.56 g L^?1 h^?1, 5.34 g L^?1 h^?1, and 3.73 g L^?1 h^?1, respectively) of d ‐lactate reached the highest level ever reported. A comparative genomic analysis between S. terrae HKM‐1 and previously reported d ‐lactate high‐producing Sporolactobacillus inulinus (S. inulinus) CASD is conducted. The results show that many unrelated genetic features may contribute to the superior performance in d ‐lactate production of S. terrae HKM‐1. This d ‐lactate producer HKM‐1, along with its fermentation process, is promising for sustainable d ‐lactate production by using agro‐industrial wastes.     

外源5-氨基乙酰丙酸对NaCl胁迫下酸枣光合特性的影响

以2年生酸枣幼苗为试验材料,探讨不同浓度NaCl(0、4、8、12g·kg-1)胁迫下喷施5-氨基乙酰丙酸(ALA,75、150mg·L~(-1))对酸枣光合特性的影响。结果显示:(1)不同浓度NaCl胁迫下,外源ALA对酸枣叶片的净光合速率(Pn)、胞间二氧化碳浓度(Ci)、气孔导度(Gs)、蒸腾速率(Tr)及叶绿素含量等具有明显促进作用。(2)在不同浓度NaCl胁迫下,喷施75mg·L~(-1)的ALA仅在NaCl浓度为4和8g·kg-1处理下对酸枣Tr值具有显著提高作用,而喷施150mg·L~(-1) ALA在各NaCl浓度胁迫下对其Pn、Ci和Tr均具有显著促进作用。(3)在重度NaCl胁迫(12g·kg-1)下,喷施150mg·L~(-1) ALA对酸枣叶片叶绿素含量具有显著提高作用,而喷施75mg·L~(-1)浓度ALA却无明显提高。研究表明,在NaCl胁迫条件下,外源ALA能有效改善酸枣叶片光合气体交换参数,提高叶绿素含量,从而缓解NaCl胁迫的伤害,提高其光合能力,并以喷施150mg·L~(-1) ALA的缓解效果更好。     

Role of halotolerant phosphate‐solubilising bacteria on growth promotion of peanut (Arachis hypogaea) under saline soil

Soil salinity is a major abiotic stress that limits plant growth, and inoculating plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria is a well‐known strategy to reduce stressors under adverse soil conditions. This study was conducted to assess the effect of halotolerant phosphate‐solubilising bacteria (PSB) on protecting peanut against salt stress. Four candidate strains: Bacillus megaterium (YM13), Enterobacter sp. (YM14), Providencia rettgeri (TPM23) and Ensifer adhaeren (TPMX5) showed strong tolerance to NaCl and high phosphate‐solubilising ability even at a NaCl concentration of 1.4 M. In addition, all four strains demonstrated variable levels of phosphate solubilisation activity in the presence of various carbon and nitrogen sources, indicating high phosphate‐solubilising efficacy. Germination and radicle length of peanut seedlings increased with inoculation of PSB under both control and saline conditions. Statistically significant increase in the root length (range: 25.71–49%), stem length (19–48%), number of leaves (12.5–37%) and root/shoot biomass were observed. This could be attributed to plant hormones (i.e., indole acetic acid [IAA], abscisic acid [ABA] and gibberellic acid [GA3]) and successful root colonisation by bacterial inoculants. Root colonisation was positively correlated to plant growth and shown to be influenced by soil conditions. In addition, the PSB also improved the levels of available P in soil. The most pronounced beneficial effect on the growth of peanut plants and soil available P content was observed in the inoculation of the PSB isolates with Ca₃(PO₄)₂ addition. This is the first report that describes Providencia rettgeri as a plant growth‐promoting bacterium that may be utilised to alleviate the negative effects of salt stress on peanut plants. This bacterial species may thus be potentially used as a biofertilizer for sustaining the growth of peanut in salt‐stressed soil and in mitigating soil stress conditions.     

钾对兰州百合鳞茎中多酚类物质积累代谢及其抗氧化活性的影响

为探究施钾对兰州百合鳞茎中多酚类物质的积累、抗氧化能力及差异代谢物的影响,该研究以兰州百合鳞茎为试材,通过固定氮素(N)和磷素(P)用量,设置不同钾(K)浓度处理,即K_(0)(不施肥)、K_(1)(447.6 mg·L^(-1))、K_(2)(671.4 mg·L^(-1))、K_(3)(895.2 mg·L^(-1)),采用福林-肖卡法、溴甲酚绿比色法、香草醛比色法、DPPH法、铜离子还原能力(CUPRAC)法测定不同K浓度处理下兰州百合鳞茎中多酚类物质含量及其抗氧化活性,并采用LC-MS法分析多酚类物质的差异代谢物,并进行差异代谢物筛选,功能注释及富集分析,为兰州百合的优质栽培提供理论依据。结果表明:(1)不同K浓度处理下兰州百合鳞茎中多酚类物质的含量及其抗氧化活性存在显著差异(P<0.05),与K_(0)相比,K_(1)、K_(2)、K_(3)均能促进鳞茎多酚类物质的积累及其抗氧化能力的提高,其中以K_(2)(671.4 mg·L^(-1))效果最佳。(2)相关性分析表明,兰州百合鳞茎多酚类物质含量与抗氧化活性指标呈极显著(P<0.01)相关关系,相关系数为0.451~0.959。(3)K_(0)、K_(2)浓度处理下兰州百合鳞茎中存在89种多酚类及相关化合物,其中52种相对含量显著上调,37种相对含量显著下调,且显著富集到黄酮类及苯丙类化合物生物合成的通路上。研究认为,兰州百合的最佳施钾量(671.4 mg·L^(-1))能有效促进鳞茎中多酚类物质的积累并提高其抗氧化能力。     

Ontogeny of critical and prolonged swimming performance for the larvae of six Australian freshwater fish species

Critical (<30 min) and prolonged (>60 min) swimming speeds in laboratory chambers were determined for larvae of six species of Australian freshwater fishes: trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis, Murray cod Maccullochella peelii, golden perch Macquaria ambigua, silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus, carp gudgeon Hypseleotris spp. and Murray River rainbowfish Melanotaenia fluviatilis. Developmental stage (preflexion, flexion, postflexion and metalarva) better explained swimming ability than did length, size or age (days after hatch). Critical speed increased with larval development, and metalarvae were the fastest swimmers for all species. Maccullochella macquariensis larvae had the highest critical [maximum absolute 46·4 cm s^?1 and 44·6 relative body lengths (L_B) s^?1] and prolonged (maximum 15·4 cm s^?1, 15·6 L_B s^?1) swimming speeds and B. bidyanus larvae the lowest critical (minimum 0·1 cm s^?1, 0·3 L_B s^?1) and prolonged swimming speeds (minimum 1·1 cm s^?1, 1·0 L_B s^?1). Prolonged swimming trials determined that the larvae of some species could not swim for 60 min at any speed, whereas the larvae of the best swimming species, M. macquariensis, could swim for 60 min at 44% of the critical speed. The swimming performance of species with precocial life‐history strategies, with well‐developed larvae at hatch, was comparatively better and potentially had greater ability to influence their dispersal by actively swimming than species with altricial life‐history strategies, with poorly developed larvae at hatch.     

IMPROVED Candida methylica FORMATE DEHYDROGENASE FERMENTATION THROUGH STATISTICAL OPTIMIZATION OF LOW-COST CULTURE MEDIA

NAD⁺-dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH, EC 1.2.1.2) is of use in the regeneration of NAD(P)H coenzymes, and therefore has strong potential for practical application in chemical and medical industries. A low-cost production of recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) containing FDH from Candida methylica (cmFDH) was optimized in molasses-based medium by using response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD). The beet molasses as a sole carbon source, (NH₄)₂HPO₄ as a nitrogen and phosphorus source, KH₂PO₄ as a buffer agent, and Mg₂SO₄ · 7H₂O as a magnesium and sulfur source were used as variables in the medium. The optimum medium composition was found to be 34.694 g L^?1 of reducing sugar (equivalent to molasses solution), 8.536 g L^?1 of (NH₄)₂HPO₄, 3.073 g L^?1 of KH₂PO₄, and 1.707 g L^?1 of Mg₂SO₄ · 7H₂O. Molasses-based culture medium increased the yield of cmFDH about three times compared to LB medium. The currently developed media has the potential to be used in industrial bioprocesses with low-cost production.     

半夏缓慢生长法保存及体细胞变异的ISSR检测

以添加了不同浓度的甘露醇、PP333和ABA的培养基对半夏试管苗进行缓慢生长法保存,并对保存材料再生后代的体细胞变异进行检测。结果显示,甘露醇、PP333和ABA均能有效抑制试管苗生长,且存活率高;最佳浓度分别为甘露醇2%～4%,PP3332.0mg·L-1,ABA 2.0～4.0mg·L-1。保存在添加了2%～4%甘露醇或2.0mg·L-1 PP333培养基上的植株未检测到变异,而保存在添加了2.0～4.0mg·L-1 ABA培养基上的植株检测到1条新增标记和1条缺失标记,位点变异率为1.7%,个体变异率为30%。研究表明,ABA不宜用于半夏试管苗的缓慢生长法保存,但有助于新突变体的产生,在种质创新上具有特殊意义。     

镍离子对尖叶莴苣氮素吸收和生长生理的影响

以‘全年油麦菜’尖叶莴苣为试验材料,采用水培方式,研究3个浓度(0 mg·L^-1、0.1 mg·L^-1、1 mg·L^-1)Ni²⁺在22.4 mg·L^-1 N处理下对尖叶莴苣氮素吸收的生长及生理影响。结果显示：(1)尖叶莴苣根系和地上部生物量随处理时间的增加呈上升趋势。与对照T₁(0 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、112 mg·L^-1 N)相比,T₂处理(0 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)对尖叶莴苣根系及叶片生长具有一定抑制作用,植株鲜重、干重、根冠比、根系长度、平均直径、表面积、体积、根尖数、分根数、叶片表面积和体积在T3处理(0.1 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)下显著高于对照,T₄处理(1 mg·L^-1 Ni²⁺、22.4 mg·L^-1 N)对尖叶莴苣根系及其叶片生长具有一定促进作用,但对其根尖数和分根数表现出一定抑制性。(2)随着Ni²⁺浓度的增加,尖叶莴苣叶片叶绿素a、叶绿素b和总叶绿素含量呈先升后降的变化规律,且均在T₃处理下显著提高。(3)随着处理时间的增加,尖叶莴苣叶片的净光合速率(P_n)、气孔导度(G_s)和蒸腾速率(T_r)逐渐上升,胞间CO₂浓度(C_i)逐渐下降,且T₃处理叶片的G_s显著高于对照,其C_i最低,P_n最大。(4)施加Ni²⁺对尖叶莴苣有机酸、可溶性蛋白和可溶性糖含量以及SOD和POD活性有显著影响,在T₃处理下有机酸含量降低,可溶性糖和可溶性蛋白含量显著增加,SOD和POD活性显著提高。(5)T₃处理尖叶莴苣根系中N及叶片中B和Ca含量较高;根系中Ni含量高于叶片,T₃处理叶片中的Ni含量较低,Mg含量较高;植株体内Cu含量随Ni²⁺浓度增加而下降。研究表明,外源Ni²⁺处理能影响低氮条件下(22.4 mg·L^-1 N)尖叶莴苣幼苗生长及生理状况,适宜浓度(0.1 mg·L^-1)Ni²⁺可有效提高尖叶莴苣根系对氮素的吸收利用效率,减少氮素施用量,促进尖叶莴苣根系和地上部叶片生长,增加光合色素含量,并提高净光合速率,进而改善植株的产量和营养品质。     

Uptake,accumulation and phytoextraction efficiency of cesium in Gypsophila paniculata

Abstract

To evaluate the phytoextraction efficiency of Gypsophila paniculata from Cs-contaminated soils and analyze the mechanism of Cs accumulation in G. paniculata, we analyzed the characteristics of Cs bioaccumulation and subcellular distribution, in addition to its chemical forms in the plant under hydroponic conditions. The results showed that total Cs content in the aboveground parts and the entire plant were as high as 6137.32?mg·kg^?1?dry weight and 7338.49?mg·kg^?1?dry weight, respectively, after 17?days in the 50?mg·L^?1 Cs treatment. The BCF was between 2.35 and 3.38. The TF was between 1.00 and 2.46 in G. paniculata. Subcellular distribution of Cs in the plant was as follows: soluble fraction?>?cell wall?>?organelles. Inorganic Cs (F-ethanol) and water-soluble Cs (F-dH2O) were the main types of Cs in G. paniculata. Further studies show that the phytoextraction efficiency can reach 10.30–11.91% planting a season of G. paniculata under potted conditions. The results suggested that G. paniculata, a perennial, drought-tolerant herb, was a high-accumulator of Cs, which may have potential uses in phytoremediation of Cs-contaminated soil.     

外源激素对马尾松花芽分化及内源物质的影响

为探讨马尾松球花形成与植物激素水平的关系,该研究对贵州省都匀无性系种子园11年生马尾松进行不同浓度的 IAA、IBA、GA3、BAP等植物激素处理,采用考马斯亮蓝G-250染色法、蒽酮法分别对不同浓度不同激素处理后的枝条上针叶中的可溶性蛋白质和可溶性糖含量变化进行测定,并在第二年开花时对试验枝条的开花情况进行了调查。结果表明：在8－11月份,进行500 mg·L-1的BAP 处理有利于马尾松雌球花和雄球花的形成,100 mg·L-1的GA3处理有利于马尾松雌球花的形成;而GA3250 mg·L-1和GA3500 mg·L-1处理有利于马尾松雄球花的形成,IAA 250 mg·L-1对马尾松雌雄球花同枝的数量有提高作用。在10－11月份,对马尾松进行500 mg·L-1的BAP、IAA、GA3处理后,马尾松针叶内蛋白质含量变化有显著影响;在10月份时,进行BAP 100 mg·L-1处理后,其可溶性糖含量及可溶性蛋白含量均可达到极显著水平。而在8月份与10月份时,分别进行IBA 100 mg·L-1与IBA 250 mg·L-1处理后,其可溶性蛋白含量与其对照差异处于极显著水平;在11月份时,进行GA3100 mg·L-1处理后,其可溶性蛋白含量与其对照差异处于极显著水平;而在11月份时,进行IBA 500 mg·L-1处理后,其可溶性蛋白含量与对照差异处于显著水平。     

Comparative study of the production of extracellular β-glucosidase by four different strains of Aspergillus using submerged fermentation

Four strains of Aspergillus (Aspergillus niger CDBB-H-176, A. niger CDBB-H-175, A. niger ATCC 9642, and Aspergillus terreus CDBB-H-194) were used to produce extracellular β-glucosidase. Using an orthogonal experimental design (L₉), we optimized the parameters of culture medium to maximize the activity of β-glucosidase. The optimal conditions (same for the four strains) were as follows: temperature, 30°C; pH, 6.0; orbital agitation, 200?rpm; concentration of sucrose, 0.5% (w/v). The most productive strain was A. niger CDBB-H-175, with a yield of 701.2?U/mL. In a second stage, we optimized (L₁₈) the concentration of nutrients in the culture medium to determine whether this modification would increase the production of β-glucosidase. The optimal conditions for A. niger CDBB-H-175 were as follows (%, w/v): NaNO₃, 0.3; KCl, 0.3; KH₂PO₄, 0.15; NH₄NO₃, 0.1; NH₄H₂PO₄, 0.1; MgSO₄?·?7H₂O, 0.05; yeast extract, 0.1. The production of β-glucosidase under these conditions was 1207.9?U/mL. Enzymatic assays were used to characterize the enzyme; the optimum temperature and pH of β-glucosidase produced by the four selected micro-organisms were found to be 65°C and 5.0, respectively. We determined the Michaelis–Menten constants (K_m) only for A. niger CDBB-H-175 and CDBB-H-176; the values were 2.7 and 2.2?mM, respectively.     

An effective method for the detoxification of cyanide-rich wastewater by Bacillus sp. CN-22

The biodetoxification of cyanide-rich wastewater has become increasingly popular because of its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. Therefore, we have developed an effective method, optimised by response surface methodology, for detoxifying cyanide-rich wastewater using Bacillus sp. CN-22, which was newly isolated from a cyanide-contaminated electroplating sludge and could tolerate a CN^? concentration of 700 mg L^?1. The concentration of CN^? in the treated wastewater decreased from 200 to 6.62 mg L^?1 after cultivation with 2.38 % inocula for 72 h on the medium, consisting of 0.05 % KH₂PO₄, 0.15 % K₂HPO₄, 1.0 mM MgCl₂, 1.0 mM FeCl₃, 0.1 % NH₄Cl, and 0.1 % glycerol. The CN^? degradability of 96.69 % is similar to the predicted value of 96.82 %. The optimal cultivation conditions were controlled as follows: initial pH, 10.3; temperature, 31 °C; and rotary speed, 193 rpm. The maintenance of higher pH in the overall treatment procedures may avoid the production of volatile HCN and the risk associated with cyanide detoxification. Additionally, the bacterial strain Bacillus sp. CN-22, with its potent cyanide-degrading activity at the initial CN^– concentration of 200 mg L^?1, may be employed to effectively treat cyanide-rich wastewater, especially electroplating effluent.     

Feasibility of Typha Latifolia for High Salinity Effluent Treatment in Constructed Wetlands for Integration in Resource Management Systems

High salinity wastewaters have limited treatment options due to the occurrence of salt inhibition in conventional biological treatments. Using recirculating marine aquaculture effluents as a case study, this work explored the use of Constructed Wetlands as a treatment option for nutrient and salt loads reduction. Three different substrates were tested for nutrient adsorption, of which expanded clay performed better. This substrate adsorbed 0.31 mg kg^?1 of NH₄ ⁺?N and 5.60 mg kg^?1 of PO₄ ^3??P and 6.9 mg kg^?1 dissolved salts after 7 days of contact. Microcosms with Typha latifolia planted in expanded clay and irrigated with aquaculture wastewater (salinity 2.4%, 7 days hydraulic retention time, for 4 weeks), were able to remove 94% NH₄ ⁺?N (inlet 0.25 ± 0.13 mg L^?1), 78% NO₂ ^??N (inlet 0.78 ± 0.62 mg L^?1), 46% NO₃ ^??N (inlet 18.83 ± 8.93 mg L^?1) whereas PO₄ ^3??P was not detected (inlet 1.41 ± 0.21 mg L^?1). Maximum salinity reductions of 52% were observed. Despite some growth inhibition, plants remained viable, with 94% survival rate. Daily treatment dynamics studies revealed rapid PO₄ ^3??P adsorption, unbalancing the N:P ratio and possibly affecting plant development. An integrated treatment approach, coupled with biomass valorization, is suggested to provide optimal resource management possibilities.     

Environmental Risk Assessment of Trifluoroacetic Acid

The Montreal Protocol was developed in 1987 in response to concerns that the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were releasing chlorine into the stratosphere and that this chlorine was causing a depletion of stratospheric ozone over Antarctica. This international agreement called for a phase out of these CFCs. Industry initiated a major effort to find replacements that are safe when properly used and safe to the environment. The toxicology and environmental fate of these first generation replacements has been studied extensively. It was determined that the new substances break down in the environment to give predominantly carbon dioxide, water and inorganic salts of chlorine and fluorine. The only exception is that some substances also break down to yield trifluoroacetic acid (HTFA), a substance resistant to further degradation. Recognizing this, industry embarked on a research and assessment program to study the potential effects of trifluoroacetate (TFA) on the environment and to investigate possible degradation pathways. The results of these recently completed studies are summarized below and described in further detail in this paper. Trifluoroacetic acid is a strong organic acid with a pKa of 0.23. It is miscible with water and its low octanol/water partition coefficient (log P_ow=?2.1) indicates no potential to bioaccumulate. Industrial use is limited and environmental releases are very low. Some additional TFA will be formed from the breakdown of a few halogenated hydrocarbons, most notably HFC-134a (CF₃CH₂F), HCFC-124 (CF₃CHFCl), and HCFC-123 (CF₃CHCl₂). As these substances have only been produced in limited commercial quantities, their contribution to environmental levels has been minimal. Surprisingly, environmental measurements in many of diverse locations show existing levels of 100 to 300?ng·l^?1 in water with one site (Dead Sea) having a level of 6400?ng·l^?1. These levels cannot be accounted for based on current atmospheric sources and imply a long-term, possibly pre-industrial source. Generally, soil retention of TFA is poor although soils with high levels of organic matter have been shown to have a greater affinity for TFA when contrasted to soils with low levels of organic matter. This appears to be an adsorption phenomenon, not irreversible binding. Therefore, TFA will not be retained in soil, but will ultimately enter the aqueous compartment. Modeling of emission rates and subsequent conversion rates for precursors has led to estimates of maximum levels of TFA in rain water in the region of 0.1?µ·^?1 in the year 2020. TFA is resistant to both oxidative and reductive degradation. While there had been speculation regarding the possibility of TFA being degraded into monofluoroacetic acid (MFA), the rate of breakdown of MFA is so much higher than for TFA that any MFA formed would rapidly degrade. Therefore, there would be no buildup of MFA regardless of the levels of TFA present in the environment. Although highly resistant to microbial degradation, there have been two reports of TFA degradation under anaerobic conditions. In the first study, natural sediments reduced TFA. However, even though this work was done in replicate, the investigators and others were unable to reproduce it in subsequent studies. In the second study, radiolabeled TFA was removed from a mixed anaerobic in vitro microcosm. Limited evidence of decarboxylation has also been reported for two strains of bacteria grown under highly specific conditions. TFA was not biodegraded in a semi-continuous activated sludge test even with prolonged incubation (up to 84 days). TFA does not accumulate significantly in lower aquatic life forms such as bacteria, small invertebrates, oligochaete worms and some aquatic plants including Lemna gibba (duckweed). Some bioaccumulation was observed in terrestrial higher plants, such as sunflower and wheat. This result appeared to be related to uptake with water and then concentration due to transpiration water loss. When transferred to clean hydroponic media, some elimination of TFA was seen. Also, more than 80% of the TFA in leaves was found to be water ex-tractable, suggesting that no significant metabolism of TFA had occurred. At an exposure level of 1200?mg·l^?1 of sodium trifluoroacetate (NaTFA) — corresponding to 1000?mg·l^?1 HTFA — no effects were seen on either Brachy-danio rerio (a fish) or Daphnia magna (a water flea). With duckweed, mild effects were seen on frond increase and weight increase at the same exposure level. At a concentration of 300?mg·l^?1 no effects were observed. Toxicity tests were conducted with 11 species of algae. For ten of these species the EC50 was greater than 100?mg·l^?1. In Selenastrum capricornutum the no-effect level was 0.12?mg·l^?1. At higher levels the effect was reversible. The reason for the unique sensitivity of this strain is unknown, but a recovery of the growth rate was seen when citric acid was added. This could imply a competitive inhibition of the citric acid cycle. The effect of TFA on seed germination and plant growth has been evaluated with a wide variety of plants. Application of NaTFA at 1000?mg·l^?1 to seeds of sunflower, cabbage, lettuce, tomato, mung bean, soy bean, wheat, corn, oats and rice did not affect germination. Foliar application of a solution of 100?mg·l^?1 of NaTFA to field grown plants did not affect growth of sunflower, soya, wheat, maize, oilseed rape, rice and plantain. When plantain, wheat (varieties Katepwa and Hanno) and soya were grown in hydroponic systems containing NaTFA, no effects were seen on plantain at 32?mg·l^?1, on wheat (Katepwa) and soya at 1?mg·l^?1, or on wheat (Hanno) at 10?mg·l^?1; some effects on growth were seen at, respectively, 100?mg·l^?1, 5?mg·l^?1, 5?mg·l^?1, and 10?mg·l^?1 and above. TFA is not metabolized in mammalian systems to any great extent. It is the major final metabolite of halothane, HCFC-123 and HCFC-124. The half-life of TFA in humans is 16 hours. As expected, the acute oral toxicity of the free acid is higher than the one of the sodium salt. The inhalation LC₅₀ (2 hour exposure) for mice was 13.5?mg·l^?1 (2900?ppm) and for rats it was 10?mg·l^?1 (2140?ppm). Thus, TFA is considered to have low inhalation toxicity. The irritation threshold for humans was 54?ppm. As one would expect of a strong acid, it is a severe irritant to the skin and eye. When conjugated with protein, it has been shown to elicit an immunolog-ical reaction; however, it is unlikely that TFA itself would elicit a sensitization response. Repeat administration of aqueous solutions have shown that TFA can cause increased liver weight and induction of peroxisomes. Relative to the doses (0.5% in diet or 150?mg·kg^?1·day^?1 gavage) the effects are mild. In a series of Ames assays, TFA was reported to be non-mutagenic. Its carcinogenic potential has not been evaluated. Although TFA was shown to accumulate in amniotic fluid following exposure of pregnant animals to high levels of halothane (1200?ppm), no fetal effects were seen. Likewise, a reproduction study that involved exposure of animals to halothane at levels up to 4000?ppm for 4 hours per day, 7 days per week, resulted in no adverse effects. Given the high levels of halothane exposure, it is unlikely that environmental TFA is a reproductive or developmental hazard. Overall the toxicity of TFA has been evaluated in stream mesocosms, algae, higher plants, fish, animals and humans. It has been found to be of very low toxicity in all of these systems. The lowest threshold for any effects was the reversible effect on growth of one strain of algae, Selenastrum capricornutum, which was seen at 0.12?mg·l^?1. There is a 1000-fold difference between the no-effect concentration and the projected environmental levels of TFA from HFCs and HCFCs (0.0001?mg·l^?1). Based on available data, one can conclude that environmental levels of TFA resulting from the breakdown of alternative fluorocarbons do not pose a threat to the environment.     

Metabolism of biodiesel-derived glycerol in probiotic Lactobacillus strains

Three probiotic Lactobacillus strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii, were tested for their ability to assimilate and metabolize glycerol. Biodiesel-derived glycerol was used as the main carbon and energy source in batch microaerobic growth. Here, we show that the tested strains were able to assimilate glycerol, consuming between 38 and 48 % in approximately 24 h. L. acidophilus and L. delbrueckii showed a similar growth, higher than L. plantarum. The highest biomass reached was 2.11 g?L^?1 for L. acidophilus, with a cell mass yield (Y _X/S) of 0.37 g?g^?1. L. delbrueckii and L. plantarum reached a biomass of 2.06 and 1.36 g?L^?1. All strains catabolize glycerol mainly through glycerol kinase (EC 2.7.1.30). For these lactobacillus species, kinetic parameters for glycerol kinase showed Michaelis–Menten constant (K _m) ranging from 1.2 to 3.8 mM. The specific activities for glycerol kinase in these strains were in the range of 0.18 to 0.58 U?mg?protein^?1, with L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 showing the maximum specific activity after 24 h of cultivation. Glycerol dehydrogenase activity was also detected in all strains studied but only for the reduction of glyceraldehyde with NADPH (K _m for DL-glyceraldehyde ranging from 12.8 to 32.3 mM). This enzyme shows a very low oxidative activity with glycerol and NADP⁺ and, most likely, under physiological conditions, the oxidative reaction does not occur, supporting the assumption that the main metabolic flux concerning glycerol metabolism is through the glycerol kinase pathway.     

Maximum sustainable speed, energetics and swimming kinematics of a tropical carangid fish, the green jack Caranx caballus

Maximum sustained swimming speeds, swimming energetics and swimming kinematics were measured in the green jack Caranx caballus (Teleostei: Carangidae) using a 41 l temperature‐controlled, Brett‐type swimming‐tunnel respirometer. In individual C. caballus [mean ±s.d. of 22·1 ± 2·2 cm fork length (L_F), 190 ± 61 g, n = 11] at 27·2 ± 0·7° C, mean critical speed (U_crit) was 102·5 ± 13·7 cm s^?1 or 4·6 ± 0·9 L_F s^?1. The maximum speed that was maintained for a 30 min period while swimming steadily using the slow, oxidative locomotor muscle (U_max,c) was 99·4 ± 14·4 cm s^?1 or 4·5 ± 0·9 L_F s^?1. Oxygen consumption rate (M in mg O₂ min^?1) increased with swimming speed and with fish mass, but mass‐specific M (mg O₂ kg^?1 h^?1) as a function of relative speed (L_F s^?1) did not vary significantly with fish size. Mean standard metabolic rate (R_S) was 170 ± 38 mg O₂ kg^?1 h^?1, and the mean ratio of M at U_max,c to R_S, an estimate of factorial aerobic scope, was 3·6 ± 1·0. The optimal speed (U_opt), at which the gross cost of transport was a minimum of 2·14 J kg^?1 m^?1, was 3·8 L_F s^?1. In a subset of the fish studied (19·7–22·7 cm L_F, 106–164 g, n = 5), the swimming kinematic variables of tailbeat frequency, yaw and stride length all increased significantly with swimming speed but not fish size, whereas tailbeat amplitude varied significantly with speed, fish mass and L_F. The mean propulsive wavelength was 86·7 ± 5·6 %L_F or 73·7 ± 5·2 %L_T. Mean ±s.d . yaw and tailbeat amplitude values, calculated from lateral displacement of each intervertebral joint during a complete tailbeat cycle in three C. caballus (19·7, 21·6 and 22·7 cm L_F; 23·4, 25·3 and 26·4 cm L_T), were 4·6 ± 0·1 and 17·1 ± 2·2 %L_T, respectively. Overall, the sustained swimming performance, energetics, kinematics, lateral displacement and intervertebral bending angles measured in C. caballus were similar to those of other active ectothermic fishes that have been studied, and C. caballus was more similar to the chub mackerel Scomber japonicus than to the kawakawa tuna Euthynnus affinis.     

CaCO3 and MgCO3 Dissolving Halophilic Bacteria

In the current study, fifteen halophilic and halotolerant bacteria were isolated from salt-affected soil of ?anl?urfa, Turkey. The isolates were characterized by conventional and molecular techniques (16S rDNA sequence analyses) as belonging to seven different genus including Bacillus (5 isolates), Halobacillus (1 isolate), Oceanobacillus (2 isolates), Halomonas (3 isolate), Nesterenkonia (1 isolate), Chromohalobacter (2 isolates) and Jeotgalibacillus (2 isolates). According to the results obtained, the investigated bacterial strains have high salt tolerance and significant enzyme activities which can improve soil nutrient cycling and fertility. Furthermore, these bacterial strains have been investigated for their ability to dissolve common salts available in salt-affected soils. Salt dissolving experiments showed that two Chromohalobacter isolates were able to dissolve CaCO₃ and one of the Halomonas isolate was able to dissolve both CaCO₃ and MgCO₃. As these bacterial isolates can dissolve CaCO₃ and MgCO₃, the availability of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions may increase which can enhance the removal of the excess Na⁺ in soil profile.