Comparative study of the thermal properties of mud and peat solutions applied in clinical practice.

Different peloids as e.g. mud and peat have been traditionally used for therapeutic purposes successfully, especially of there thermal actions. It was the aim of the experimental study to compare the thermal properties of two peloids, mud and peat, with a view to assessing their thermal effects when they are applied in clinical practice. The studies were carried out using peat of the marsh type of peats (Hochmoor), and curative Pomorie (Bulgaria) mud. As important parameters were determined the specific thermal capacity at constant pressure (Cp), the density of solutions (rho), the cooling rate (m), the coefficient of temperature transfer (a) of solutions and the coefficient of thermal conductivity (lambda) of solutions of peat and curative mud, compared to water bath. The comparative studies of the thermal properties of water and water solutions of peat and curative mud show that the thermal effect of the water bath is substantially smaller than that of the peat and mud applications. This difference is due to a greater extent to the high values of the dynamic viscosity, not allowing cooling by convection and protecting the surface of the skin upon applications of peloid solutions with a higher temperature.     

Discrimination of conspecific-built chimneys from human-built ones by the burrowing crayfish, Fallicambarus fodiens (Decapoda, Cambaridae)

Abstract. The vast majority of tested juvenile crayfish of Fallicambarus fodiens consistently preferred conspecific-built mud chimneys over similar-looking human-built chimneys. When the chimneys were surrounded by transparent acetate sheets, the crayfish no longer discriminated between conspecific-built and human-built chimneys. This suggests that visual cues were not important in allowing the crayfish to discriminate between the two chimney types. In the absence of chimneys, significantly more crayfish showed an initial preference for mud saturated with water that had contained conspecifics, over similar mud saturated with distilled water. This indicates that chemical cues play a role in allowing these crayfish to discriminate between the conspecific-conditioned mud and the control wet mud. The preference of F. fodiens individuals for conspecific-built chimneys appears to be based, at least in part, on chemical cues, possibly in addition to tactile cues.     

Waterbirds and substrate quality of the Pichavaram wetlands,southern India

The water and mud characteristics of the six types of wetlands in Pichavaram were compared in order to determine whether the habitat of waterbird species was characterized by them. Waterbird species richness was most influenced by mud phosphorus levels. Variation in water pH was the principal factor that determined waterbird diversity. The water level mainly determined the density of waterbirds. Levels of pH and nitrites in the water also appeared to influence significant variations in waterbird diversity and density, respectively. Bottom substrate variables, viz. pH and phosphorus levels, were also significantly correlated with the density and richness of waterbirds, respectively. Water quality factors, viz. pH and nitrite and mud pH and phosphorus, were correlated with the abundance, while water depth was correlated with the accessibility of prey to the birds.     

Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in the Dead Sea Mud and Treatment Optimization

This paper describes the experimental remediation of the Dead Sea mud and the quantitative determination of some heavy metals. Herein, two chelating agents were employed as extracting aqueous solution: ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid. The study focused on the main known heavy metals that were reported previously to be in the Dead Sea mud, which are Co, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cr. Findings had indicated that citric acid was efficient in the removal of the aforementioned heavy metals. Physicochemical parameters that were expected to affect the removal of metals in the Dead Sea mud were optimized. Those parameters were the chelating agent concentration, mixing time and speed, type of washing water, temperature, and pH. The results showed that the best removal of heavy metals from Dead Sea mud can be achieved under optimum citric acid concentration, 1.5 g/50 mL for treatment of 10 g mud. Optimum mixing speed and time were found to be 800 rpm and 1 hr, respectively. Regarding washing water, it was found that the use of the same water for repeated washing provided better removal percentages. pH values and temperature had effect on removal percentages of the heavy metals from mud. However, working at pH 7 and room temperature would provide convenient results for heavy metal removal.     

Mud-walled territories and feeding behaviour ofBoleophthalmus boddarti (Pisces: Gobiidae) on the Mudflats of Kuwait

At high population densities, the amphibious and herbivorous mudskipperBoleophthalmus boddarti construct mud walls around their territories as a means of reducing aggression between neighbours. Because of the walls, territories contain pools of water and exposed mud slopes. Whilst the density of benthic diatom prey was highly variable, the highest was found on the exposed mud slopes and the lowest on the boundary walls. Fish grazed mainly on the mud slopes. There were no significant differences in diatom density between territorial and non-territorial areas or between grazed and non-grazed areas within territories. The variation of the diatom density, however, was reduced within territories. The mud walls are considered to play a secondary, indirect role in maintaining populations of diatoms within territories.     

Paraformaldehyde-Resistant Starch-Fermenting Bacteria in “Starch-Base” Drilling Mud

Starch-fermenting bacteria were found in each of 12 samples of nonfermenting starch-base drilling mud examined. Of the 12 samples, 3 contained very active starch-fermenting gram-positive spore-bearing bacilli closely resembling Bacillus subtilis. Similar active starch-fermenting bacteria were found in fermenting starch-base drilling mud and in corn starch and slough water used to prepare such mud. The active starch-fermenting microorganisms completely hydrolyzed 1% (w/v) corn starch within 24 hr at 37.5 C. The active starch-fermenting bacteria isolated from fermenting drilling mud were capable of surviving 12 hr of continuous exposure to 0.1% (w/w) paraformaldehyde or 1 hr of continuous exposure to 0.5% (w/w) paraformaldehyde, with no diminution in starch-fermenting ability. The same organisms fermented starch after 3 hr of continuous exposure to 0.5% (w/w) paraformaldehyde, but not after 4 hr of exposure. The phenomenon of rapid disappearance of paraformaldehyde from fermenting drilling mud was observed in the laboratory using a modified sodium sulfite test. Paraformaldehyde, initially present in a concentration of 0.192 lb per barrel of mud, completely disappeared in 9 hr at 22 to 23 C. A significant decrease in paraformaldehyde concentration was detected 0.5 hr after preparation of the mud. It is suggested that the presence of relatively high concentrations of ammonia and chloride in the mud may facilitate the disappearance of paraformaldehyde. The failure of 0.1% (w/w) paraformaldehyde to inhibit the strong starch-fermenting microorganisms isolated from fermenting drilling mud, and the rapid disappearance of paraformaldehyde from the mud, explains the fermentation of starch which occurred in this mud, despite the addition of paraformaldehyde.     

Anaérobiose au niveau des sédiments et répartition des bactéries au sein de la colonne d'eau. Anaerobic Conditions at the Mud Level and the Distribution of Bacteria in the Water Column

The influence of anaerobic conditions on the distribution of bacteria has been studied. At the interface mud — water, bacteria using organic compounds of small molar weights come into sight, showing that the mud releases organic matter into the superficial water column which promotes mixotrophic algae.     

Mycoflora of mangroves of red sea in Egypt

Nine species in addition to two unidentified species belonging to 8 genera of zoosporic fungi were recovered from 12 mangrove water and mud samples on hemp and sesame seeds,Pinus poolen grains and onion skin as baits at 22°C.Saprolegnia ferax, S. furcata andPhlyctochytrium sp. were recovered only from water samples;Allomyces arbuscula, Pythium aphanidermatum, P. thalasium andThraustochytrium roseum were recovered only from mud samples.     

Aerobic and anaerobic degradation and mineralization of 14C-chitin by water column and sediment inocula of the York River estuary, Virginia.

Potential rates of chitin degradation (Cd) and mineralization (Cm) by estuarine water and sediment bacteria were measured as a function of inoculum source, temperature, and oxygen condition. In the water column inoculum, 88 to 93% of the particulate chitin was mineralized to CO2 with no apparent lag between degradation and mineralization. No measurable dissolved pool of radiolabel was found in the water column. For the sediment inocula, 70 to 90% of the chitin was degraded while only 55 to 65% was mineralized to CO2. 14C label recoveries in the dissolved pool were 19 to 21% for sand, 17 to 24% in aerobic mud, and 12 to 21% for the anaerobic mud. This uncoupling between degradation and mineralization occurred in all sediment inocula. More than 98% of the initial 14C-chitin was recovered in the three measured fractions. The highest Cd and Cm values, 30 and 27% day-1, occurred in the water column inoculum at 25 degrees C. The lowest Cd and Cm values were found in the aerobic and anaerobic mud inocula incubated at 15 degrees C. Significant differences in Cd and Cm values among water column and sediment inocula as well as between temperature treatments were evident. An increased incubation temperature resulted in shorter lag times before the onset of chitinoclastic bacterial growth, degradation, and mineralization and resulted in apparent Q10 values of 1.1 for water and 1.3 to 2.1 for sediment inocula. It is clear that chitin degradation and mineralization occur rapidly in the estuary and that water column bacteria may be more important in this process than previously acknowledged.     

Assessment of optimum dilution ratio for biohydrogen production by anaerobic co-digestion of press mud with sewage and water

Anaerobic co-digestion of press mud with water or sewage at ratios of 1:7.5, 1:10 and 1:12.5 were performed in continuously fed UASB reactors for hydrogen production. At a constant hydraulic retention time of 30 h, the specific hydrogen production rate was 187 mL/g volatile solids (VS) reduced during maximum biohydrogen production of 7960 mL/day at a 1:10 ratio of press mud to sewage. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and VS reductions of 61% and 59% were noted on peak biohydrogen yield. A pH range of 5-6 was suitable at ambient temperature for entire process; a lower pH was inhibitory. Co-digestion of acidic press mud with sewage controlled pH for fermentation. Hence press mud can be exploited for biohydrogen production.     

Archaeal diversity in a terrestrial acidic spring field revealed by a novel PCR primer targeting archaeal 16S rRNA genes

The phylogenetic diversity of archaeal 16S rRNA genes in a thermoacidic spring field of Ohwakudani, Hakone, Japan, was investigated by PCR-based analysis using a novel Archaea-specific primer designed in the present study. Clone libraries of archaeal 16S rRNA genes were constructed from hot water (78 °C) and mud (28 °C) samples by PCR using a newly designed forward primer and a previously reported forward primer with reverse primers. Most phylotypes found in the libraries from the hot water sample were related to cultured (hyper)thermophiles. The phylotypes and their detection frequencies from the hot water sample were similar for the libraries amplified with the two different primer sets. In contrast, phylotypes having a low similarity (<95%) to cultured Archaea were found in the libraries from the mud sample. Some of the phylotypes were relatively close to members of Thermoplasmata (80-93% similarity) and the others were not clearly affiliated with Crenarchaeota and Euryarchaeota, but related to Thaumarchaeota and Korarchaeota. The phylotypes and their detection frequencies were significantly different between the two libraries of the mud sample. Our results from the PCR-based analysis using the redesigned primer suggest that more diverse, uncultured Archaea are present in acidic environments at a low temperature than previously recognized.     

Highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) virus survival in complex artificial aquatic biotopes

Background

Very little is known regarding the persistence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses in aquatic environments in tropical countries, although environmental materials have been suggested to play a role as reservoirs and sources of transmission for H5N1 viruses.

Methodology/Principal Findings

The survival of HPAI H5N1 viruses in experimental aquatic biotopes (water, mud, aquatic flora and fauna) relevant to field conditions in Cambodia was investigated. Artificial aquatic biotopes, including simple ones containing only mud and water, and complex biotopes involving the presence of aquatic flora and fauna, were set up. They were experimentally contaminated with H5N1 virus. The persistence of HPAI H5N1 virus (local avian and human isolates) was determined by virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs and by real-time reverse-polymerase chain reaction. Persistence of infectious virus did not exceed 4 days, and was only identified in rain water. No infectious virus particles were detected in pond and lake water or mud even when high inoculum doses were used. However, viral RNA persisted up to 20 days in rain water and 7 days in pond or lake water. Viral RNA was also detected in mud samples, up to 14 days post-contamination in several cases. Infectious virus and viral RNA was detected in few cases in the aquatic fauna and flora, especially in bivalves and labyrinth fish, although these organisms seemed to be mostly passive carriers of the virus rather than host allowing virus replication.

Conclusions/Significance

Although several factors for the survival and persistence of HPAI viruses in the environment are still to be elucidated, and are particularly hard to control in laboratory conditions, our results, along with previous data, support the idea that environmental surveillance is of major relevance for avian influenza control programs.     

水生维管束植物对滇池水体的净化效应

利用天然湖塘、湖湾放养水生维管束植物以净化污染水体的研究尚少见报道。本文在滇池北端的草海边利用天然濒湾、湖塘分别放养水葫芦、荇菜荇茭白、莲、满江红5种植物,了解其对富营养及重金属污染水体的净化作用;同时讨论在草海生态系统的水、植物、底泥三部分中,8种元素(N、P、Pb、Cd、Cr、Zn、Cu,Ni)的分布及迁移特征。结果:(1)得出5种植物在一定生长期间内对水和底泥中N、P及重金属的去除率以及对水体COD、浊度、pH值的改善情况;(2)计算了在5月份生长期时,几种植物对N、P及重金属的净化效率;(3)从水中N、P及重金属的分布、迁移特征,讨论了在水-底泥-植物之间元素含量的相互关系。为建立低投资、高效率、易管理的植物净化处理设施提供参考。     

广西鲮鱼的生物学及其养殖

本文对鲮鱼的食性、年龄、生长和繁殖进行了研究,并对渔业生产提出了建议。鲮鱼以浮游植物为主要食料。在水温14.6—29.4℃时食欲旺盛。当水中溶氧量0.24—0.65毫克/升时,绝大部分个体停止摄食,而溶氧量在0.99毫克/升以上时,摄食强度很大。见到的最大个体:雌鱼体长595毫米,体重4,100克,10龄;雄鱼体长580毫米,体重3,850克,9龄。鲮鱼能在大王滩水库中自然繁殖。鲮鱼人工繁殖季节以5月初至6月中旬较适宜;催产时水温以22—29℃为好,注射催产剂的效应时间一般为4.5—6小时。见到的性成熟最小个体:郁江鲮鱼雌体长273毫米,体重525克,雄体长275毫米,体重415克;池养鲮鱼雌体长247毫米,体重366克,雄体长235毫米,体重291克。根据群众经验,一般池塘中鲮鱼每亩放养1,000尾,鲮与鲢的放养比例以3∶1较好,以鲮鱼为主体的池塘则每亩放养1,500—2,000尾较好。       

云南纳帕海越冬黑颈鹤夜栖地特征

2009年11月至2010年4月对云南省香格里拉县纳帕海省级自然保护区越冬黑颈鹤(Grus nigricollis)的夜栖地的特征进行了调查.采用三角定位标图结合标志物校正法确定夜栖地方位,并进行实地校正.共记录夜栖地63个,均位于有水的斑块状沼泽中,基底大多有泥层,大部分(81.0%)有植被覆盖.夜栖地与人类活动区域和沼泽岸边有一定距离.与随机对照样地相比,夜栖地基底泥层较厚(Z=-2.365,P=0.018),明水面比例较大(Z=-3.086,P=0.002),离道路、村庄和农田较远(Z/t=-2.852～-2.334,P=0.008～0.020),水深在两者间有极显著差异(χ2=16.730,P=0.001).夜栖地利用前后对比发现沼泽斑块的面积有显著差异(t=2.977,P=0.021).主成分分析表明影响黑颈鹤夜栖地利用的因素依次为人类干扰、沼泽斑块大小和浅水环境状况.     

Resuspension,ephemeral mud blankets and nitrogen cycling in Laholmsbukten,south east Kattegat

Primary production in coastal waters is generally nitrogen-limited due to efficient nitrogen sink pathways, which therefore limit further eutrophication. In this context, the significance of ephemeral mud blankets at shallow depth has been characterised using a simple computational box model. Bed materials from several synoptic grab-sample surveys in Laholmsbukten, a shallow embayment of the Kattegat Sea, were analysed. Sediment trap and current meter data provided an assessment of fine material transport; the frequency of loose mud resuspension was estimated to vary between three and ten events per month in the spring, depending on the wind conditions.Mud blankets appear to be deposited following major spring and fall phytoplankton blooms, they are only a few centimetres thick, they are composed mainly of pelletized organic material and detritus and they have a high water content (80% wet weight) and nitrogen content (0.5% dry weight). In the course of export from the bay, the muds undergo continuous resuspension, redeposition and biological breakdown. In one September day, the amount of particulate nitrogen redeposited in sediment traps was of equivalent magnitude to the entire mud blanket deposit (5 g N/m^-2 or a 4 mm deposit as a bay-wide mean). The presence of mud blankets is believe to control the nitrogen budget and water quality in the bay. A simple model proved compatible with observed mud blanket presence and rates of denitrification. Calm conditions are conducive to the loss of bound nitrogen and free oxygen within the bay as a result of prolonged denitrification and pelagic and benthic nitrogen regeneration. If fine particulates are rapidly exported from shallow bottoms, as in windy periods, the water quality of the entire Kattegat Sea is likely to be impaired.     

Salinity adaptation of the invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Columbia River estuary (Pacific Northwest, USA): physiological and molecular studies

In this study, we examine salinity stress tolerances of two populations of the invasive species New Zealand mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, one population from a high salinity environment in the Columbia River estuary and the other from a fresh water lake. In 1996, New Zealand mud snails were discovered in the tidal reaches of the Columbia River estuary that is routinely exposed to salinity at near full seawater concentrations. In contrast, in their native habitat and throughout its spread in the western US, New Zealand mud snails are found only in fresh water ecosystems. Our aim was to determine whether the Columbia River snails have become salt water adapted. Using a modification of the standard amphipod sediment toxicity test, salinity tolerance was tested using a range of concentrations up to undiluted seawater, and the snails were sampled for mortality at daily time points. Our results show that the Columbia River snails were more tolerant of acute salinity stress with the LC₅₀ values averaging 38 and 22 Practical Salinity Units for the Columbia River and freshwater snails, respectively. DNA sequence analysis and morphological comparisons of individuals representing each population indicate that they were all P. antipodarum. These results suggest that this species is salt water adaptable and in addition, this investigation helps elucidate the potential of this aquatic invasive organism to adapt to adverse environmental conditions.     

Direct evidence for aerial egg deposition in the burrows of the Malaysian mudskipper, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Periophthalmodon schlosseri</Emphasis>

The presence of mudskipper eggs in an air-filled chamber was confirmed by direct endoscopic observation of intact burrows of Periophthalmodon schlosseri in a mudflat in Penang, Malaysia. For all five burrows from which video images of egg chambers were successfully obtained, the presence of air was unequivocally demonstrated by the existence of an air–water interface inside the chambers. Of these burrows, eggs were found in two, but not in the others. Eggs were laid uniformly in a monolayer on the inner top surface of the chamber. The much brighter color of the surface mud of the egg chambers than the surrounding mud, irrespective of the presence or absence of the eggs, suggested that the surface mud had been oxidized by deposited air.     

Benthic macroinvertebrate communities of the athabasca river near Ft. Mackay,Alberta

Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled at six stations in the Athabasca River near Ft. Mackay, Alberta, during the 1977 open water season. Fluctuating discharge of the river effected changes in the nature of the sediments as well as the abundance and composition of invertebrate communities. During most of the summer, coarse sand was dominated by chironomids of the Harnischia complex and an undescribed Orthocladiinae. Stoneflies and mayflies invaded the coarse sand in autumn when decreasing discharge led to greater stability of the substrate. The invertebrate fauna of silt and mud resembled that of similar substrates in lakes. Bedrock supported communities similar to those of stony streams. The average abundances of invertebrates on sand and mud were similar but estimates from mud were somewhat more variable. These results are discussed with respect to substrate stability and compared with published records from other large rivers.     

Invasion of the New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) in the Green River below Flaming Gorge Dam

Biological Invasions - New Zealand mud snails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) were first introduced to the United States in 1987 and have subsequently invaded water bodies across the United States. At...