Transformation of the Bryansk Paleosol in Microdepressions in the Center of the East European Forest-Steppe during the Maximum of Valdai Glaciation and in the Holocene

Eurasian Soil Science - Recent and Late Pleistocene soils of the central forest-steppe in the East European Plain have been studied. The main objective of the work is to reveal changes in the...     

Accumulation of chemical elements in the raised peatbogs of the subtaiga Trans-Urals in the Holocene

The results of studying the variability of the geochemical parameters of the layers of the Sartamskii upland peatbog in the south of Tyumen oblast based on the radiocarbon time scale are given. Four basic types of peat and stages of peat deposits formation in the Holocene are distinguished: the organomineral layer of the sediments in a paleolake (up to 5065 ± 60 years ago), the low moor layer (4300–4900 years ago), the transitional layer (3100–4300 years ago), and the high moor peat (250–3100 years ago). The upper peat layer (last 200–300 years) significantly differs from its main portion; in particular, it is characterized by an increased ash content and the accumulation of a number of elements. The relationship between the various characteristics of the deposit is analyzed using principal component analysis, and the conditions of the formation of the peat deposit in different time periods are estimated, including the climatic conditions (in relative units). The anthropogenic signal of the accumulation of some elements in wetland systems is identified.     

Evolution of forest pedogenesis in the south of the forest-steppe of the Central Russian Upland in the Late Holocene

The Late Holocene stage of forest pedogenesis has been studied on the interfluves along river valleys in the forest-steppe zone of the Central Russian Upland. The development of gray forest soils from the former chernozems as a result of the Late Holocene advance of forest vegetation over steppes is discussed. It is argued that the climatic conditions of the Subatlantic period were unstable, so that multiple alternation of forest and steppe vegetation communities took place. This specified a complex character of soil evolution upon contrasting substitution of forest pedogenesis for steppe pedogenesis. On the interfluves near the natural drainage network (balkas, ravines, and steep slopes of river valleys), the climate-driven dynamics of forest and steppe vegetation with corresponding changes in the character of pedogenesis could take place during the entire Holocene, which is reflected in a lower thickness of humus profiles and deeper leaching of carbonates from chernozems of the Early Iron Age in comparison with their analogues formed under steppe cenoses in central parts of the interfluves. Two variants of the evolution of gray forest soils can be suggested: the pulsating evolution typical of balkas and interfluves near river valleys and the continuous progressive evolution typical of automorphic (plakor) positions in central parts of the interfluves.     

论图书馆数字馆藏资源建设中亟待解决的问题

论述数字馆藏的产生、概念和特点,分析数字馆藏资源建设中存在的问题,探讨数字馆藏资源建设中应采取的策略。     

Changes in the structure of the rhizosphere complex of actinomycetes in the ontogenesis of winter rye

Changes in the taxonomic structure of actinomycetes in the rhizosphere of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) growing on acid soddy-podzolic soil were studied. During the first stages of ontogenesis of winter rye, the rhizosphere complex of mycelial prokaryotes was characterized by a relatively level generic structure (with respect to the indices of abundance and frequency of particular genera), low values of the species diversity, and low domination frequency of the species from the Streptomyces genus. The numbers and species diversity of the streptomycetes increased during the further growth of the winter rye, so that streptomycetes became a dominant group in the complex of the rhizosphere actinomycetes. According to the two-way ANOVA, the population density of the Micromonospora and the Streptosporangium genera in the rhizosphere was mainly dictated by the winter rye variety, whereas the population density of the streptomycetes depended on the particular stage of the winter rye development. The differences between the actinomycetal complexes characteristic of different varieties of winter rye at the early stages of its development was leveled by the end of the winter rye growth.     

Changes in the biochemical characteristics of soils in the impact zone of the Kostomuksha Ore-Dressing enterprise

Special soil studies in the impact zone of the Kostomuksha Ore-Dressing enterprise were performed for the first time. The influence of the aerial pollution on the contents and composition of the free amino acids in the organic (forest litter) and mineral (podzolic) soil horizons was examined. An increase in the content of free amino acids in the soils near the pollution source was revealed. The content of amino acids in the organic soil horizons varied in dependence on the distance from the enterprise. The results obtained in this study may be used for the purposes of the biological diagnostics and monitoring of soils in the anthropogenically disturbed ecosystems of eastern Fennoscandia.     

Variations in the composition of the sap of zea mays with the increase in osmotic pressure of the nutritive solution

The alterations are studied which are produced in the content of mineral elements and organic fractions of sap with the increase in the osmotic pressure of the nutritive solution at levels of 2.0; 3.5 and 5.0 atm., obtained through the addition to the nutritive solution either of magnesium sulphate or PEG‐4000.

Through the effect of the osmotic pressure, the transformations are modified of the nitrogen and mineral phosphorus at organic fractions experience a series of modifications which produce different values in the Nm%TSN and Pm%TSP ratios with respect to control. Through action of the specific effect of magnesium sulphate, the reducing sugars concentrations in sap having an important increase.     

Seasonal changes in the communities of microorganisms and algae in the litters of tree plantations in the steppe zone

Specific structural and dynamic parameters of communities from various ecological and trophic groups of microorganisms and algae in the litter of artificial tree stands were studied using the example of the Staro-Berdyansky Forest in the steppe zone of Ukraine. The composition of the communities was shown to vary by seasons and depend on the forest-forming woody species. In spring, in all the litters, the maximal number of actinomycetes and aminotrophs was recorded; in the leaf litter, the number of phosphate-mobilizing organisms was also the largest. In summer, the development of cellulolytic organisms, ammonifiers, and nitrogen-fixers was intensified; in autumn, the number of micromycetes and oligotrophic organisms decreased. The composition of dominants, the species richness of algae and their abundance also varied by seasons. Representatives of the Chlorophyta division predominated. The highest species richness of algae was characteristic of the spring litter samples, and their number, for the spring and autumn ones. The positive correlation was established between the numbers of micromycetes and oligotrophs, micromycetes and algae. The negative correlation was found between the numbers of micromycetes and actinomycetes, cellulose-decompose bacteria and algae in the litters.     

Quality of used-snow discharged in the ST-Lawrence river,in the region of the Montreal Harbor

Snow disposal creates problems each year in Montreal. Snow dumping in water courses is favored due to both esthetic and economic considerations. Used snow must be considered as a potential pollutant. Its impact on the aquatic receiving environment is not well known. With river dumping in progress, snow samples were collected at 3 sites: Concorde Bridge, and at piers 30 and 52 in Montreal Harbor. Analysis of 28 routine parameters demonstrated that the quality of snow ultimately dumped in the river varies considerably according to its sources and the time it remains in the streets. Used-snow from residential areas was shown to be less polluted than the snow from commercial areas. Furthermore, from the total number of sampled districts, used-snow dumped at pier 30 appears to be relatively more polluted as it originated from downtown areas where vehicle circulation is more dense. Heavy metals in particles sizes between 0.45 and 63 μm represented more than 70% of the measured suspended solids which reflects the risk of bioaccumulation via benthic organisms. Principal component analysis of present data suggests that with analysis of chlorides, suspended solids and Pb alone, it is possible to approximately determine the quality of used-snow.     

稳定同位素在植物源性农产品产地溯源研究进展

产地溯源是保护农产品品牌及地区特色产品、防止欺诈、保护消费者权益的有效保障。稳定同位素指纹分析是用于食品产地溯源的有效技术之一,具有高效、准确、可靠的特点。本文系统分析了近5年来,稳定同位素指纹分析技术在植物源性初级农产品、加工农产品溯源中的应用以及稳定同位素在食品加工过程中分馏变化的研究进展。在此基础上,展望了今后稳定同位素在植物源性农产品产地溯源中的研究重点和发展方向。     

Changes in the physical properties of soils in the Kamennaya Steppe under the impact of shelterbelts

The physical properties of ordinary chernozems and meadow-chernozemic soils under different land management practices (maple, larch, birch, and pine sections of the shelterbelts; continuous (since 1959) fallow; and arable field (since 1952)) were studied in the Kamennaya Steppe. The soils had favorable physicochemical properties, light clayey texture, and high microaggregation independently from the type of land management. The long-term impact of the shelterbelts improved the soil structure in the upper part of the humus horizon: the content of agronomically valuable aggregates increased, the content of coarse aggregates (>10 mm) decreased, the aggregation coefficient increased by 3.7–4.3 times, and the water stability of the aggregates became by 8–12% higher. The soils under the shelterbelts were characterized by minimum values of the bulk density and solid phase density and by maximum values of the total, active, and air porosities. At the same time, no considerable differences between water reserves in the studied range of soils were detected. The ratio of the optimum productive water range to the active (productive) water range (OPWR/AWR) within the upper soil meter varied from 0.42–0.44 to 0.45–0.54. This points to changes in the character of perched water: the content of intra-aggregate capillary-perched water decreases, and content of film perched water increases down the soil profile.     

On the dynamics of salts in solonetzic soil complexes of the Pallas irrigation system in relation to fluctuations in the groundwater level and changes in the regime of irrigation

Changes in the salt status of solonetzic soil complexes within the Pallas irrigation system were estimated for a field surveyed in 1990 and 2003. The irrigation of this field was stopped in 2000. In 2003, the depth of the groundwater table lowered by 1 m, and the groundwater salinity decreased considerably in comparison with the corresponding values obtained in 1990. The concentrations of Na⁺ and SO ₄ ^2? ions in water extracts, as well as the ESP values in the upper horizons of solonetzes, became lower. In meadow-chestnut soils, dealkalization processes were active in the entire profile.     

Floodplain soils in the lower reaches of the Khovd River in the Great Lakes Basin of Mongolia

The ecologic-geographic conditions of the pedogenesis and the diversity and classification position of the floodplain soils in the lower reaches of the Khovd River have been studied. The soil cover is composed of alluvial soils of the synlithogenic trunk and solonchaks of the postlithogenic trunk. The major properties of these soils are characterized. The dominant role in the soil genesis is played by gleyzation and salinization processes. Data on the contents of the macro- and microelements in the soils are given, and their agrochemical effect is assessed. Potential destructive agrogenic processes in the soils of floodplain ecosystems upon their use for haymaking and pasturing and upon their use for arable farming are discussed. A grouping of the major soil types in the studied area with respect to their use is proposed.     

An Assessment of Mercury in the Form of Amalgam in Dental Wastewater in the United States

An assessment was conducted of the discharge from dental facilities of mercury in the form of amalgam to surface waters in the United States. Two pathways were examined – effluent from publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and air emissions from sewage sludge incinerators (SSIs). The annual use of mercury in the form of amalgam in the U.S. is approximately 35.2 tons (31.9 metric tons). It was estimated that 29.7 tons (26.9 metric tons) of mercury in the form of amalgam are annually discharged to the internal wastewater systems of dental facilities during amalgam placements and removals. Based on the partial capture of this amalgam in conventional chair-side traps and vacuum filters, the discharge of mercury in the form of amalgam from dental facilities to POTWs was estimated to be 6.5 tons (5.9 metric tons). The discharge of mercury to surface water via POTW effluents and SSI emissions was estimated to total approximately 0.4 tons (0.4 metric tons). A cost-effectiveness analysis determined that the annual cost to the dental industry to reduce mercury discharges through the use of amalgam separators would range from 380 millionto 1.14 billion per ton.     

植树造林在黄河三角洲生态与环境建设中的作用

通过认真分析黄河三角洲生态环境的现状和存在的问题，探讨了林业在黄河三角洲生态环境建设中的作用，并结合黄河三角洲的实际情况，从森林生态体系建设的角度，提出了黄河三角洲生态环境建设的对策，为黄河三角洲生态建设和可持续发展提供科学依据。     

Minerals in the three-component combination of agrochernozems in the Kamennaya Steppe

Properties and mineralogy of fine fractions separated from agrochernozems forming a three-component noncontrasting soil combination in the Kamennaya Steppe have been characterized. The soil cover consists of zooturbated (Haplic Chernozems (Clayic, Aric, Pachic, Calcaric)), migrational-mycelial (Haplic Chernozems (Clayic, Aric, Pachic)), and clay-illuvial (Luvic Chernozems (Clayic, Aric, Pachic)) agrochernozems. All the soils are deeply quasi-gleyed because of periodical groundwater rise. The mineralogy of the fraction <1μm includes irregular mica–smectite interstratifications, di- and trioctahedral hydromicas, imperfect kaolinite, and magnesium–iron chlorite. The profile distribution of these minerals slightly varies depending on the subtype of spot-forming soils. A uniform distribution of clay minerals is observed in zooturbated agrochernozem; a poorly manifested eluvial–illuvial distribution of the smectite phase is observed in the clay-illuvial agrochernozem. The fractions of fine (1–5 μm) and medium (5–10 μm) silt consist of quartz, micas, potassium feldspars, plagioclases, kaolinite, and chlorite. There is no dominant mineral, because the share of each mineral is lower than 35–45%. The silt fractions differ in the quartz-to-mica ratio. The medium silt fraction contains more quartz, and the fine silt fraction contains more micas.     

Variations in the size of the soil biomass

In the surface 5 cm of a clay soil in 2 successive years the microbial biomass, as measured by a fumigation-respiration technique, was constant. The biomasses in two clay soils were approximately ten times greater than that in a silt loam. When straw from a preceding crop was chopped and left on the soil surface the biomass after 8 months was greater by a factor of two than that in soil where the straw had been burnt. Where soil had been kept in grass for 9 yr, the biomass was greater by a factor of three than that in soil of the same kind that had been in arable cultivation for the previous 4 yr. As the fumigation-respiration technique measured only the microbial and microfaunal contribution to the biomass, the total biomass can only be assessed by measuring the root contribution separately; when this was done the total biomass in the grassland was found to be greater by a factor of about six.     

Coregionalization of trace metals in the soil in the Swiss Jura

The provenance of trace metals in soil, whether from the parent material or from pollution, is rarely known with certainty, and the metals' history must usually be pieced together from fragmentary statistical information. This is particularly true in the Swiss Jura where the concentrations of several heavy metals around La Chaux de Fonds exceed the statutory recommended thresholds for safety. The topsoil of the 14.5-km² region was sampled on a square grid at 250-m intervals with additional nesting with distances of 100 m, 40 m, 16 m and 6 m. The concentrations of seven potentially toxic metals, namely Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, were measured. Their coregionalization could be represented by a linear model consisting of a nugget component plus two spherical structures with ranges of 0.2 km and 1.3 km. The short-range component dominated the variograms of Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb; the long-range component dominated those of Co and Ni; the variogram of Zn combined the two in approximately equal proportions. The coregionalization matrices contain moderate correlation among the nugget and the short-range components, notably between Cu and Pb, between Cd and Zn, and between Cr, Ni and Zn. The strongest correlations are at the long range between Co, Cr and Ni, and to a somewhat smaller degree between Zn and Co. Analysis of variance showed Co and Ni to be related to geology, and to the Argovian formation in particular. The indicator variogram of this formation has also a short-range component. The analysis also showed Cr and Cu to be related to land use (in different ways). Copper and Pb are strongly correlated to one another and distinct from the five other metals. The long-range structure is almost certainly a geological effect, whereas the one of short range probably results from both the geology and human activities.     

Measuring the costs of improving the quality of the environment in the United States

The analysis in this paper is directed at comparing the relative effectiveness of meeting the objectives outlined in the recently passed Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 through taxation and through regulation. The analytical vehicle used in the analysis consists of a computable general equilibrium model composed of 12 producing sectors, 13 consuming sectors, 6 household categories classified by income, a foreign sector and a government. We find first that, irrespective of what type of strategy is followed, both output and consumption decline. Hence, there is an identifiable and quantifiable tradeoff between economic activity (economic growth) and the quality of the environment. Beyond this, the aggregate loss in production and economic welfare (measured by consumption expenditures and utility) is less under a policy which stresses reliance on alternative fuels than through one that requires the installation of pollution abatement devices.