Use of Bivalve Metrics to Quantify Influences of Coal-related Activities in the Clinch River Watershed, Virginia

Previously, we reported that survivorship and growth of field-caged Asian clams (Corbicula fluminea [Müller]) were significantly reduced downstream of the wastewater effluent discharge of the Clinch River Plant (CRP), a coal-fired electric power-generating facility in Russell County, VA (USA). These findings warranted the present study, which investigated whether reduced survivorship and growth of transplanted C. fluminea were predictive of adverse effects on resident bivalves – most notably the Clinch River’s (CR’s) federally protected freshwater mussel fauna (Unionoidea). Thus, surveys of unionoid assemblages and C. fluminea population densities and age distributions were conducted to assess ecotoxicological effects on bivalve assemblages naturally occurring in the CR. Results of these surveys suggested that field bioassays with transplanted C. fluminea were predictive of in-stream C. fluminea densities and the presence/absence of indigenous unionoid assemblages. Relative to C. fluminea, additional field bioassays with a juvenile unionoid species (Villosa iris) native to the CR were less predictive of adverse effects on resident bivalves. Concurrence of transplant studies and in-stream surveys was evident at most study sites, particularly within 0.6 km downstream of the CRP effluent where resident bivalves were virtually non-existent relative to other stream sites having similar habitat conditions. Our findings indicate that in situ field bioassays with transplanted C. fluminea are valuable tools for predicting in stream occurrence and distribution of resident freshwater bivalves, and that field studies integrating multiple bivalve metrics may be useful for prioritizing source-reduction efforts in similar watersheds. Discrepancies observed for transplanted C. fluminea and V. iris have important implications to selection of bivalve species used in field bioassays and warrant further study.     

五大连池火山熔岩台地草本层物种多样性及环境解释

五大连池火山熔岩台地是一种火山地貌, 研究熔岩台地草本物种分布及其环境解释, 对认识火山原生演替过程中植物群落空间格局形成及适应机制具有重要意义。本文以五大连池熔岩台地的草本物种为研究对象, 调查了苔藓、草本、灌丛、阔叶林和针阔混交林等不同植被类型中的草本层样方, 并测定样方中的土壤养分和水分等状况, 采用多样性指数、优势度指数、均匀度指数、物种丰富度评价草本层物种多样性, 通过典范对应分析方法研究了群落组成与土壤因子的关系。结果表明: (1)熔岩台地草本层物种丰富, 共56种, 占本研究调查区总物种数的82.35%, 草本样地的草本层物种多样性、优势度和均匀性高于其他植被类型。(2)熔岩台地土壤pH值对群落草本层物种丰富度和物种个体的空间分布均有较大影响。(3)土壤因子解释了群落分布的79.39%, 其中土壤pH值、速效磷、硝态氮、铵态氮所占的解释量比较大。(4)岩败酱(Patrinia rupestris)、万年蒿(Artemisia sacrorum)、硬质早熟禾(Poa sphondylodes)和中华苦荬菜(Ixeris chinensis)对环境要求较低, 能够适应熔岩台地土壤贫瘠恶劣的环境。熔岩台地不同植被类型表现出对环境资源的特定需求, 熔岩地貌导致了土壤pH值、养分、水分的差异, 并影响植物群落的分布。     

Methylene blue adsorption properties of mechanochemistry modified coal fly ash

In this study, the adsorption properties of Methylene blue (MB) on fly ash were investigated. By mechanochemistry modification, two different fly ashes, including raw fly ash and high-energy ball milled fly ash were selected for the adsorption experiment. The physical and morphology properties after the milling process were analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry, scanning electron micrograph, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the milling process modification will enhance the MB adsorption capacity of fly ash, with the value of adsorption capacity increasing from 5.06 to 7.97 mg g^?1. The adsorption can be well described by the pseudo-second-order rate model. The results of this study indicated that the milled fly ash has the potential to be an attractive material for dye removal from aqueous solution. Meanwhile, some pollutants in fly ash should be considered before application.     

The life cycle of the emerald ash borer Agrilus planipennis in European Russia and comparisons with its life cycles in Asia and North America

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Geoecological alteration of surface soils by the Hawaiiansilversword (Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.) inHaleakala's crater,Maui

The geoecological effects of organic matter addition to soil byHawaiian silverswords (Argyroxiphium sandwicense DC.,Asteraceae) in Haleakala's crater (Maui) are examined. Sets of 12 surfacesoil samples were gathered in three positions: bare soils; under the crowncanopy of adjacent live plants; and below dead, withered rosettes. Silverswordstanding litter and live foliage were also collected. Several physical andchemical properties were investigated. Bare soils were coarse and exceptionallylow in chemical nutrients and water-holding capacity. Litter addition belowsilverswords altered all properties except particle-size distribution; soilsunder dead rosettes became modified more strongly than those below live plants.While rosettes grow, standing litter is tightly preserved, thus only smallamounts of organic matter are added to soil. When plants die, a substantialinflux of litter is released in a short period (7 to 9 years average); thisraises the C and N content, C/N ratios, exchangeable nutrient levels (Ca, Mg,K, P) and cation exchange capacity of soil. Physical properties, such as color,bulk density and porosity are also greatly affected; as a result, soilwater-retention at field capacity nearly doubles under withering plants. Soiltemperatures (5 cm depth) at noon were 18.1°C lower beneath silversword canopies(18.5°C mean) than in contiguous bare soils(36.6°C). This cooling may result in lower evaporationand further conservation of soil moisture, thus increased seedgermination. Nutrient-retention strategies may have evolved in the semelparousArgyroxiphium to help it cope with the harsh,drought-prone soils and unpredictable climate of Haleakala. Silverswordflowering results in a tremendous seed output, but the plant needs to ensurethat some seeds – which have limited dispersal capability – willgerminate, and thus provides a nutrient-rich, water-retaining substrate moresuitable for seedling establishment than bare soils. Through itsself-regulating influence on underlying soils,Argyroxiphium affects both soil formation and its ownregeneration in Haleakala.     

Aerobiological monitoring applications in the Etnean volcanic plume evaluation (Mt. Etna, Sicily) and correlation with allergopathies

This paper describes the study of the application of a Hirst-type impact volumetric sampler (IVS) in the sampling of volcanic ash continuously emitted by Mt. Etna. This methodology is commonly used for measuring the atmospheric concentration of airborne pollen grains and fungal spores. This study was undertaken between April 2003 and January 2005, when a series of ash emissions occurred; moreover, during this period, namely on 7 September 2004, there was an eruption from various fractures located in the higher eastern flank of the volcano. The airborne volcanic ashes involving the lower south-eastern flank of Mt. Etna were monitored by means of an IVS stationed in the town of Acireale. In some people volcanic ash can trigger predisposing factors linked with allergens, and an allergic response may occur. After exposure, immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are produced and released into the bloodstream and they can, therefore, be identified by haematological analysis. In this study we compared the number of ash events recorded by our IVS and the number of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) values found in the population living on or near this volcano sector. A correlation was established between air pollution from volcanic ash and IgE values over a period of 22 months.     

A unique laboratory method for evaluating agro-ecosystem effects of an industrial waste product

Summary This paper describes the design, extraction, and maintenance of intact soil-core microcosms which accurately predicted biomass reduction, nutrient loss and trace element enrichment in field-grown crops amended with acidic precipitator fly ash. These agricultural microcosms sustain ecosystem-level interactions while offering a cost-effective, manageable, experimental unit which can be subjected to laboratory controls.     

Estimating the biomass of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) from shell dimensions

Packs of autumn-shed maple leaves were placed at coal ash effluent-exposed and reference sites in streams on December 5, 1977 and removed after 27 and 96 days. Leaf surface area (cm²/leaf) and disc weight (ash-free dry wt/15 mm disc) were greater at the effluent-exposed site than at the reference site after 96 days (p < .001). ATP content of leaves from the reference stream quadrupled between 27 and 96 days while ATP content of effluent-exposed leaves remained low. Macroinvertebrates colonized the leaf packs in the reference site but were not found on or in effluent-exposed packs. We concluded that leaf processing beyond the leaching of soluble organics did not occur in the effluent-exposed packs owing to reduced colonization and decomposition by fungi. Since stream invertebrates prefer decomposed leaf material and animals grow faster on leaves colonized by microbes, the ash effuent appears to indirectly affect macroinvertebrates by interfering with leaf decomposition and thus reducing the quality of their food.     

Seasonal pattern of mannitol and malate accumulation in leaves of two manna ash species (Fraxinus ornus L. and F. angustifolia Vahl) growing in Sicily

ABSTRACT

The content of mannitol and malate was assayed enzimatically during spring, summer and autumn, in leaves of two species of ash, Fraxinus ornus L. and Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl, traditionally cultivated in Sicily for the extraction of manna. Both species contain high levels of mannitol and show, on a dry weight basis, a 65–80% increase in the summer content of this polyol. The malate content differs in the two species: in F. ornus it shows a summer increase, but it is relatively low (65–115 µmol g^-1 DW), while in F. angustifolia it is higher (275–318 µmol g^-1 DW), but remains more or less constant throughout the year. The results suggest that in these species, under the local field conditions, mannitol has a more relevant role than malate in the response to summer drought.     

Synthesis of Chalcones,Flavanones Isolated from Popowia cauliflora and Their Analogues

Rabbit antibody to reduced carboxymethylated bovine β-lactoglobulin (SCM-β-Lg) was prepared and characterized in order to study the antigenic property of bovine β-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) which is a potential cause of an allergy to cow’s milk.

On immunodiffusion analysis, a clear, single precipitin arc was produced between SCM-β-Lg and its antiserum, while a barely discernible line was observed between β-Lg and anti SCM-β-Lg antiserum. Analysis of the quantitative precipitation of SCM-β-Lg with β-Lg-absorbed antiserum to SCM-β-Lg indicated that there were at least four antigenic sites on SCM-β-Lg.

In a quantitative precipitin inhibition test and a two-step inhibition test involving an enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, anti SCM-β-Lg antibody reacted with peptides 1 ~ 65, 25 ~ 61, 25 ~ 107, 41 ~ 107, 62 ~ 107, 108 ~ 145, 125 ~ 145 and 146 ~ 162 from β-Lg, whereas peptides located in the TV-terminal region, i.e., 1 ~ 7, 8 ~ 24 and 25 ~ 40, and peptide 108 ~ 124 showed little or no measurable affinity for antibody to SCM-β-Lg.

These results indicate that SCM-β-Lg has at least four antigenic sites, which are associated with regions 41 ~ 61, 62 ~ 107, 125 ~ 145 and 146 ~ 162 in the primary structure of β-Lg.