EGR对轻型柴油机缸内燃烧及排放性能影响的可视化

为探索EGR对轻型柴油机小负荷工况下缸内燃烧及排放性能的影响规律,该文以某高压共轨轻型柴油机为样机,搭建柴油机缸内工作过程可视化研究平台,通过缸内燃烧过程高速摄影、缸内示功图采集及放热率计算分析了EGR对轻型车用柴油机燃烧过程及排放性能的影响规律。研究表明:通过所搭建的柴油机缸内工作工程可视化平台可以直观的分析柴油机缸内喷雾燃烧过程。小负荷工况条件下,随着EGR率的增加,滞燃期缩短,柴油机缸内燃烧持续期延长,燃烧后期平均温度上升,缸内压力峰值、瞬时放热率峰值均降低,与EGR率为10%时相比,EGR率40%时NOX、HC和CO排放分别下降了65.6%,46.4%和8.7%,而炭烟的排放先减小后增大,EGR率超过30%后炭烟排放及燃油经济性出现恶化。该研究可为有效降低柴油机排放提供参考。     

轻型柴油机预混合低温燃烧路径优化试验及分析

为探索轻型车用柴油机在中小负荷率工况下实现超低排放的预混合低温燃烧策略,以某四缸轻型车用柴油机为样机,在中小负荷率工况下,进行了喷射正时、废气再循环率(exhaust gas recirculation,EGR)、进气温度、喷射压力、预喷射等不同控制参数对柴油机预混合低温燃烧影响的试验研究。证明适时早喷射可延长预混合期实现预混合燃烧,改善柴油机碳烟排放;采用高比例EGR技术降低进气氧浓度能有效控制预混合燃烧温度,可有效降低NOx排放,同时可推迟由早喷射造成的过早的燃烧相位;在适时早喷射结合高比例EGR的基础上,协同优化喷射压力、进气温度与预喷射参数改善NOx和碳烟排放Trade-off关系,以实现超低排放的预混合低温燃烧;通过预混合低温燃烧路径优化后,10%、25%和50%负荷率工况NOx排放与原机相比分别降低97.8%、80.7%和62.1%,碳烟排放分别降低76%、93.9%和47.1%。3个负荷率工况下优化后的有效燃油消耗率比优化前略有上升。研究结果为轻型柴油机预混合低温燃烧过程的优化及污染物排放控制技术提供了理论基础。     

“双壁面射流”燃烧系统性能的试验研究

为了改善直喷柴油机的排放与经济性能,该文开发了一种直喷柴油机"双壁面射流"燃烧系统。通过试验的方法研究了燃烧室结构参数、喷油器结构参数、转速、负荷及喷油时刻等运行条件对"双壁面射流"燃烧系统燃烧过程的影响。试验结果表明:随转速的增加,着火始点向后推迟,缸压峰值呈现出先增大后减小的趋势,瞬时放热率峰值、缸内燃烧平均温度和累计放热量都降低;随负荷的增加,着火点提前,缸压峰值对应的曲轴转角向后推迟,缸压峰值、缸内燃烧平均温度和累计放热量都增加,总指示热效率随负荷的增加而降低。不同燃烧室结构参数和喷油器参数的"双壁面射流"燃烧系统燃烧持续期,在2100r/min的负荷特性中,小负荷主要受压缩比的影响,大负荷主要受预混合燃烧量的影响;总指示热效率主要受压缩比和壁面油膜生成量的影响;而NOx与碳烟排放受预混合燃烧量和贯穿度的影响。将"双壁面射流"燃烧系统静态供油提前角提前到18°CA BTDC,能实现扭矩点与功率点同为0.21BSU的低碳烟排放。     

空气湿度对柴油机NOx和碳烟排放影响的模拟分析

为了解空气湿度对柴油机排放的影响,该文利用KIVA-3V软件,建立柴油机燃烧过程模型,研究了空气含湿量分别为0、5、10和20g/kg时柴油机NOx和碳烟排放的变化规律,模拟了热物性参数、进气成分、燃烧中间产物演化过程。计算结果表明:随着空气湿度增加,NOx排放近似呈线性减少,含湿量20g/kg时NOx排放可减少30%以上,除大负荷外,湿度对碳烟排放影响均较小。随着湿度增加,除了N2和O2减少,自由基O和OH也会减少。在大负荷、高湿度时,O2浓度的下降并由此引起的碳烟氧化量减少是碳烟生成量增加的重要原因,空气湿度对碳烟排放具有双重影响。     

大气压力对小型农用柴油机怠速工况燃烧与排放的影响

怠速是非道路用柴油机重要的运行工况之一。为了深入探究大气压力对小型农用柴油机怠速工况下燃烧与排放性能的影响,利用大气压力模拟装置,研究了满足非道路国III排放标准的小型农用柴油机在怠速工况下燃烧特性与排放性能随大气压力(80、90、100 kPa)的变化规律。试验结果表明:在怠速工况下,小型农用柴油机匹配的涡轮增压器不起作用,并且在高原地区涡轮增压系统不具备自补偿能力;最高缸内压力、压力升高率峰值以及放热率峰值均随着大气压力的升高而升高,大气压力每升高10 kPa,上述燃烧参数分别平均升高13.33%、37.24%以及6.76%;而最高缸内燃烧温度随着大气压力的升高而降低,大气压力每升高10 kPa,平均降低11.18%;大气压力对CO排放与HC排放影响较大,大气压力每升高10 kPa,CO排放与HC排放分别平均降低47.47%与55.77%;大气压力对NO_x排放与烟度的影响相对较小,大气压力每升高10 kPa,NO_x排放平均升高18.93%,而烟度平均降低11.90%。该研究可为高原地区小型农用柴油机怠速工况的排放控制提供参考依据。     

柴油机双卷流燃烧系统排放特性试验

为合理评价双卷流燃烧系统的排放水平,在单缸机试验台架上对双卷流燃烧室和某国Ⅲ柴油机使用的TCD燃烧室的颗粒、NOx排放、燃油消耗率、缸内压力等进行了测量,并对燃烧放热率和缸内平均温度进行了分析。结果表明,外特性工况下,使用双卷流燃烧室可比TCD燃烧室减少颗粒排放7%～47%,缩短燃烧持续期1°～6°,降低油耗0.75%～3.05%;部分负荷工况下,由于油束贯穿度较小,缸内燃烧以空间燃烧为主,采用双卷流燃烧室时其卷流作用不明显,排放性能与TCD燃烧室相差不大。该研究可为双卷流燃烧系统在降低柴油机排放方面的应用提供指导。     

甲醇/柴油双燃料发动机燃烧过程分析

为了防止某些工况下爆震的发生,该文在不改变4B26增压柴油机结构的前提下,采用进气甲醇电控喷射,实现甲醇/柴油双燃料燃烧,分析了进气预混掺烧甲醇/柴油双燃料发动机的燃烧过程。试验结果表明,低负荷时随着甲醇掺烧比例的增大,最大爆发压力、缸内平均温度和放热率峰值略有降低,燃烧始点推迟,燃烧持续期变化不明显;高负荷时,随着甲醇掺烧比例的增大,滞燃期缩短,燃烧终点提前,定容放热比例增大,最大爆发压力和放热率峰值明显增加,缸内平均温度略有升高;与燃烧柴油相比,在最大扭矩转速、80%负荷时,掺烧50%甲醇的最大爆发压力增加了12.1%,放热率峰值增加了37.7%。研究结果确定了不同负荷的甲醇掺烧比例变化范围,为甲醇喷射控制策略的优化提供了依据。     

柴油-航空煤油宽馏程混合燃料对柴油机燃烧与排放的影响

为了研究柴油-航空煤油宽馏程混合燃料对柴油机燃烧与排放的影响,按照中国3号航空煤油(rocket propellant 3,RP3)的掺混比(体积比)分别为20%、40%与60%与国VI柴油进行混合,配制3种具有不同理化特性的柴油-RP3宽馏程混合燃料(D80K20、D60K40与D40K60),并通过台架试验,研究了最大扭矩转速2700 r/min所对应的100%、50%与10%负荷工况(分别记为A、B、C工况)下,D100、D80K20、D60K40和D40K60对柴油机缸内工作过程、排放、颗粒物浓度与粒径分布的影响规律。结果表明,3种工况下,与D100相比,RP3掺混比增加到60%时,缸内最大压力的变化范围小于0.2 MPa,预混燃烧放热率峰值增大13.21~27.43 J/°CA,滞燃期延长2.19~2.53°CA,燃烧持续期缩短1.73~1.91°CA,预混燃烧累积放热百分比增加4.66%~5.28%,缸内最高温度的上升幅度小于35 K,与放热率峰值和最大燃烧压力相对应的曲轴转角后移1.67~2.23°CA,有效热效率上升0.15%~0.46%。柴油-RP3宽馏程混合燃料能够显著降低柴油机碳烟排放,并且降低效果随着柴油机负荷的增加和RP3掺混比的增大更加明显,但对NOX排放没有明显的影响,与D100相比,柴油机在3种工况下燃用D40K60时的碳烟排放分别降低53.6%、44.1%、35%,NOX排放的上升幅度均小于2%,核态颗粒物数量浓度上升12.5%~90.6%,积聚态颗粒物数量浓度、颗粒物总数量浓度、颗粒物表面积浓度和总质量浓度分别降低20.1%~45.8%、14.2%~42.1%、32.5%~41.6%、28.5%~38.8%,且积聚态颗粒物的粒径朝小粒径方向移动。试验结果表明,柴油-RP3宽馏程混合燃料对柴油机燃烧与排放有重要的影响,能明显改善柴油机碳烟与NOX排放之间的trade-off关系,并且在降低柴油机颗粒物总数量浓度、总质量浓度以及表面积浓度方面具有较为显著的效果,有利于降低柴油机DFP载体上的颗粒物堆积、延长DFP再生周期。     

进气成分对柴油机燃烧特性的影响

为了研究进气成分对柴油机着火和燃烧过程的影响,在一台视窗上置式柴油机可视化实验装置上,用高速摄像机记录了油门全开时不同进气成分下柴油机燃烧过程的火焰照片,应用三基色法计算了燃烧温度场,结合示功图和放热率曲线分析了不同进气成分对柴油机燃烧特性的影响。结果表明:当进气成分不同时,缸内着火时刻、燃烧持续期、最大爆发压力和最大放热率均发生相应改变;同时,进气成分的改变对缸内最高温度和平均温度的影响较大;另外,进气同时加入2%H2和10%CO2可以在氧体积分数减少的情况下改善燃烧,有利于降低柴油机有害排放物的生成。研究结果为实现柴油机高效、低污染燃烧提供一种新的方法。     

基于光学单缸机的含水乙醇汽油直喷燃烧特性分析

含水乙醇与汽油混合能有效改善发动机的燃烧和排放性能,而混合燃料的微观火焰发展能够揭示宏观表现的机理。该研究以此为切入点,采用光学单缸发动机试验,研究了不同喷油策略下,E10W(含水乙醇体积分数为10%)、E20W(含水乙醇体积分数为20%)和E100W(含水乙醇体积分数为100%)3种含水乙醇汽油燃料的燃烧特性、火焰发展及碳烟生成特性。结果表明:正常喷油时,缸压峰值、放热率、火焰传播速度随含水乙醇比例的上升逐渐增大,其中E100W相比E10W缸压峰值增加10%,燃烧相位提前2°CA,火焰传播速度增加15%,燃烧持续期缩短,E100W的循环变动相比E10W下降了20%;推迟喷油后,燃烧相位相比正常喷油时大幅提前,燃烧循环变动增大。火焰发展过程表明,火焰亮度在火焰充满燃烧室以后达到最大,前锋面向燃油湿壁量较高一侧偏置,池火燃烧剧烈区域黄褐色火焰较多,碳烟生成量较高。推迟喷油后缸内火焰分区现象明显,燃烧不均匀现象加剧,池火燃烧明显增多,含水乙醇的添加使火焰传播更均匀,剧烈燃烧池火区域减少,碳烟相对含量可降低90%。因此,缸内直喷汽油机燃用含水乙醇与汽油的混合燃料,可以有效改善发动机燃烧特性,加快火焰传播速度,减少碳烟生成量,对提升直喷汽油机性能和改善颗粒物排放有较好的作用。     

低氮和干旱胁迫对富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的影响

【目的】以富士（Fuji）、 秦冠（Qinguan）嫁接在平邑甜茶（Malus hupehensis Rehd.）上的当年生盆栽苗为试验材料,采用砂培方法,研究了缺氮胁迫和干旱对富士和秦冠生长情况、 光合参数、 植株各部位氮磷钾含量及氮素利用效率的影响,分析比较了低氮干旱条件下富士和秦冠生长及氮素利用的差异,以期为果树生产高效肥水利用提供理论指导。【方法】试验共设四个处理: 正常氮正常水（ZZ）、 低氮正常水（DZ）、 正常氮干旱（ZG）、 低氮干旱（DG）。氮素和水分均设置两个水平,分别为正常氮（6 mmol/L NO-3-N）、 低氮（0.3 mmol/LNO-3-N）、 正常供水（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的80%~85%）、 干旱处理（保持盆中砂子相对含水量为饱和含水量的60%~65%）。【结果】富士和秦冠的生物量（茎和叶）、 株高茎粗等生长指标以及光合速率、 气孔导度、 蒸腾速率均为正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）,并且相对应处理下秦冠的以上指标均高于富士;正常供水下,缺氮处理使富士、 秦冠的根冠比比正常氮处理均有所增加,富士提高了2.05%,秦冠提高了22.40%。富士和秦冠的氮、 磷、 钾含量均表现出正常氮正常水（ZZ）＞低氮正常水（DZ）＞正常氮干旱（ZG）＞低氮干旱（DG）; 氮、 钾元素含量在植株各部位的分布顺序依次是叶＞根＞茎,磷元素则是根＞叶＞茎;光合氮素利用效率（PNUE）和氮素利用效率表现为秦冠处理之间差异极显著,富士处理之间差异不显著;秦冠的PNUE和NUE明显高于富士,在低氮正常水（DZ）处理下,秦冠氮肥利用率比富士高42.07%,在低氮干旱（DG）处理下高64.14%;低氮胁迫下富士和秦冠的NUE显著提高,并且秦冠提高的幅度高于富士。【结论】施用氮肥能够显著提高富士与秦冠的干物质量,同等水肥条件下,秦冠生长优于富士;水分亏缺会减少叶片对氮的吸收,干旱条件下适度增施氮肥,可提高果树的抗旱能力;低氮干旱胁迫下秦冠的生长指标、 光合指标及氮素利用效率指标均优于富士,表现出较强的抗低氮干旱胁迫的能力。     

Pasture Vegetation Elemental Analysis by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a new technique for the analysis of plant material. This study investigates the application of LIBS to pasture-based plant samples. The LIBS measurements were obtained from pelletized pasture samples (100 samples) that had been also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) following microwave digestion for calibration and comparison purposes. Comparisons for elements sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) showed that LIBS could be used for almost all the standard profile total elements with concentrations down to low mg/kg levels (observed error of Na: 0.024 percent, K: 0.18 percent, Mg: 0.016 percent, Ca: 0.073 percent, P: 0.017 percent, Mn: 31 mg/kg, Fe: 150 mg/kg, Zn: 6.6 mg/kg, and B: 1.1 mg/kg). Elemental analysis at less than mg/kg levels was not possible using LIBS. The elements S and Cu were particularly difficult to analyze with reliability using LIBS at the concentration levels found in the plant samples. Replacing microwave digestion and subsequent ICP analysis with a direct analysis of dried plant samples using LIBS has the potential to improve the productivity and reduce the cost of testing.     

Faculty positions:Center for Agricultural Resources Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences

正The Center for Agricultural Resources Research(CARR),the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology(IGDB),Chinese Academy of Sciences,invites applicants for several research group leader positions.CARR is one of the research organizations in Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS).We seek nominations and applications from individuals who have expertise and a record of accomplishment in research areas related to ecology,agro-hydrology,     

Macroinvertebrates in North American tallgrass prairie soils: effects of fire, mowing, and fertilization on density and biomass

The responses of tallgrass prairie plant communities and ecosystem processes to fire and grazing are well characterized. However, responses of invertebrate consumer groups, and particularly soil-dwelling organisms, to these disturbances are not well known. At Konza Prairie Biological Station, we sampled soil macroinvertebrates in 1994 and 1999 as part of a long-term experiment designed to examine the effects and interactions of annual fire, mowing, and fertilization (N and P) on prairie soil communities and processes. For nearly all taxa, in both years, responses were characterized by significant treatment interactions, but some general patterns were evident. Introduced European earthworms (Aporrectodea spp. and Octolasion spp.) were most abundant in plots where fire was excluded, and the proportion of the total earthworm community consisting of introduced earthworms was greater in unburned, unmowed, and fertilized plots. Nymphs of two Cicada genera were collected (Cicadetta spp. and Tibicen spp.). Cicadetta nymphs were more abundant in burned plots, but mowing reduced their abundance. Tibicen nymphs were collected almost exclusively from unburned plots. Treatment effects on herbivorous beetle larvae (Scarabaeidae, Elateridae, and Curculionidae) were variable, but nutrient additions (N or P) usually resulted in greater densities, whereas mowing usually resulted in lower densities. Our results suggest that departures from historical disturbance regimes (i.e. frequent fire and grazing) may render soils more susceptible to increased numbers of European earthworms, and that interactions between fire, aboveground biomass removal, and vegetation responses affect the structure and composition of invertebrate communities in tallgrass prairie soils.     

Variation in quality parameters between and within 14 Nordic tree fruit and berry species

Abstract

A 3-year study was carried out to investigate quality parameters in 14 tree fruit and berry species grown in southern Norway. The species were blueberry, apple, aronia, sour cherry, sweet cherry, red raspberry, strawberry, blackcurrant, gooseberry, red currant and elderberry, harvested along with wild bilberry, cloudberry and lingonberry. Significant differences between species were identified for all quality parameters. The coefficient of variation between species was lowest for pH (12.5%), dry matter (18.9%) and soluble solids (25.3%), followed by titratable acids (59.3%), total phenolics (83.8%), antioxidant capacity FRAP (85.7%) and antiradical power by the DPPH-assay (97.8%), total monomeric anthocyanins (132%) and ascorbic acid (137%). Average coefficient of variation within species were lower and ranged from 4 (pH) to 62% (ascorbic acid). Only the FRAP values were significantly affected by harvesting year with lower levels in 2004 than in 2005 and 2006. There were significant interactions between species and harvesting year for dry matter, soluble solids, pH, ascorbic acid and FRAP. The results indicate generic ranges in composition within species independent upon growing location and climate, and the composition of the tree fruits and berries is not likely to deviate from these ranges. It is concluded that desirable composition of tree fruits and berries and their products should primarily be achieved by selection among species rather than searching fors broadened variation within individual species.     

Potassium Fixation and Release Characteristics in Rhizosphere and Nonrhizosphere Soils for a Rapeseed–Rice Cropping Sequence

Potassium (K) fixation and release in soil are important factors in the long-term sustainability of a cropping system. Changes in K concentration and characteristics of K fixation and release in rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils in the rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)–rice (Oryza sativa L.) rotation were investigated using a rhizobox system. The concentrations of different forms of K in both rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soils decreased with plants compared to without plants, regardless of K fertilizer application. Potassium uptake by crops mainly came from the rhizosphere soil. In the treatment without K fertilizer (–K), the main form of K supplied by the soil to the crops was 1.0 mol L^?1 nitric acid (HNO₃) nonextractable K, followed by nonexchangeable K, and then exchangeable K. In the treatment with K fertilizer (+K), the main K forms supplied by the soil to the crops were exchangeable K and nonexchangeable K. The amount and rate of K fixation after one cycle of the rapeseed–rice rotation was greater in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The amount and rate of K fixation of soil in the +K treatment were significantly less than in the –K treatment. The cumulative amounts of K released with 1.0 mol L^?1 ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc) and 1.0 mol L^?1 HNO₃ extraction increased with the increasing numbers of extractions, but the K-releasing power of soil by successive extraction decreased gradually and finally became almost constant. The release of K was less in rhizosphere soil than in nonrhizosphere soil. The release of K in the +K treatment was similar to that in the –K treatment in rhizosphere soil, but the K release in nonrhizosphere soil was greater with the +K than the –K treatment. Overall, the information obtained in this study will be helpful in formulating more precise K fertilizer recommendations for certain soils.     

Electron donor and pH relationships for biologically enhanced dissolution of chlorinated solvent DNAPL in groundwater

Biologically enhanced dissolution offers a method to speed removal of chlorinated solvent dense non-aqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) sources such as tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichoroethene (TCE) from aquifers. Bioremediation is accomplished by adding an electron donor to the source zone where fermentation to intermediates leading to acetic acid and hydrogen results. The hydrogen and possibly acetic acid are used by dehalogenating bacteria to convert PCE and TCE to ethene and hydrochloric acid. Reductive dehalogenation is thus an acid forming process, and sufficient alkalinity must be present to maintain a near neutral pH. The bicarbonate alkalinity required to maintain pH above 6.5 is a function of the electron donor: 800 mg/L of bicarbonate alkalinity is sufficient to achieve about 1.2 mM TCE dechlorination with glucose, 1.7 mM with lactate, and a much higher 3.3 mM with formate. Laboratory studies indicate that in mixed culture, formate can be used as an electron donor for complete conversion to ethene, contrary to pure cultures studies indicating it cannot. Various strategies can be used to add electron donor to an aquifer for DNAPL dehalogenation while minimizing pH problems and excessive electron donor usage, including use of injection-extraction wells, dual recirculation wells, and nested injection-extraction wells.     

Biodiversity and ecogeography of wild Lactuca spp. in some European countries

Staff members of the Department of Botany of Palacký University in Olomouc and Gene Bank Department – Workplace Olomouc, Research Institute of Crop Production in Prague, Czech Republic, conducted an expedition in seven European countries (Austria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland) in August/September 1999 to collect wild Lactuca spp. germplasm and study its geographic distribution, ecology and biodiversity. During the mission, more than 600 locations were visited resulting in the collection of 602 seed samples (accessions) of wild Lactuca species and 13 seed samples of related genera (Chondrilla and Mycelis). Lactuca serriola f. serriola, L. serriola f. integrifolia, L. saligna and L. viminea subsp. chondrilliflora were prevalent in southern Europe (Italy, France), however, only L. serriola was common in central and western Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland). The greatest diversity of Lactuca species was found in France, where also the most seed samples (165) were collected. The most characteristic habitats with a high density of Lactuca spp. populations were observed along roads and highways, grassy ditches, ruderal communities, and dust-heaps. Natural infections by powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum) and downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) on some wild Lactuca spp. were observed. Recent observations concerning the geographic distribution, population structure, habitats, and natural occurrence of diseases of Lactuca spp. are discussed. This assemblage of genetic resources of Lactuca spp. can serve as the basis of future studies of species diversification, spatial population structure, plant microevolution, domestication processes, and genetic variability of host-parasite interactions.     

Increase in auxiliary photoprotective photosynthetic pigments in wheat seedlings induced by Azospirillum brasilense

Inoculation of wheat seedlings with the plant growth-promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Cd was immobilized in alginate microbeads and, without applying any stress, significantly increased the quantity of several photosynthetic pigments, such as chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the auxiliary photoprotective pigments violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, antheroxanthin, lutein, neoxanthin, and β-carotene. This resulted in greener plants with no apparent visible stress. After monitoring the quantity of photosynthetic pigments for 4 weeks, we observed that inoculated plants had higher quantities of pigments in shoot and stem. The greatest difference in the quantity of all pigments between inoculated and noninoculated plants occurred in the first week of growth. Regardless of treatment, the quantity of pigments in stems was three to four times less than the quantity of these pigments in shoots. Application of Azospirillum, either as liquid inoculant or as alginate microbeads, did not alter the positive effect of the bacteria on pigment production or the positive response of the plants towards A. brasilense Cd inoculation.     

In-situ enrichment and analysis of atrazine-degrading microbial communities using atrazine-containing porous beads

We examined the community composition of microbes that colonized atrazine-containing beads buried in agricultural soils that differed in atrazine treatment history. Bacterial abundance was 5-40-fold greater in atrazine-fortified beads. In beads containing 20 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ buried in soil with a history of atrazine application (conditioned soil), the abundance of Actinobacteria increased approximately 80-fold whereas in control soil, Actinobacteria were enriched only 10-fold and the gamma-Proteobacteria and Planctomycetes increased by 60- and 25-fold, respectively. The gamma-Proteobacteria were enriched by 120- and 230-fold in beads containing 200 mg atrazine kg⁻¹ in conditioned and control soil, respectively. The results demonstrate that BioSep^® beads are a suitable matrix for recruiting a diverse subset of the bacterial community involved in atrazine degradation.