笼底材料、密度和性别组群对肉鸡胸囊肿发生及胸肌成分的影响

该研究采用了三因素三水平的正交试验设计,就笼底材料、饲养密度、性别组群等三因素对3～6周龄笼养AA肉仔鸡发生胸囊肿及对其胸肌成分的影响进行了研究。结果表明：铁丝笼底、高饲养密度(17.25只/m²)、公鸡组的发病率最高,平均达34.09%,并显著高于其他组(P<0.05)。铁丝笼底显著高于塑料和竹竿笼底(P<0.05),高密度(17.25只/m²)显著高于低密度(10.98只/m²)(P<0.05),笼底材料是导致胸囊肿发病的主要环境因素,而性别组群对其无显著影响(P>0.05)。不同笼底下胸肌水分和蛋白质含量以竹竿笼底的含量最高,铁丝笼底下的胸肌蛋白含量最低(P<0.05)。胸肌脂肪则不受笼底、密度和性别组群的影响。因此,该试验表明,竹竿笼底和塑料笼底材料可降低笼养肉仔鸡胸囊肿的发病率,有利于提高其胸肌品质。     

东北黑土坡耕地土壤化学计量特征变化对侵蚀的响应

[目的] 探究土壤侵蚀对土壤养分含量及其化学计量比的影响,对于加深认识黑土区坡耕地质量退化过程及防控具有重要意义。[方法] 选择典型黑土区克山县开垦100多年的直形坡和开垦50多年的凸形坡为研究对象,根据¹³⁷Cs示踪技术估算坡耕地土壤侵蚀速率,定量分析土壤侵蚀与土壤有机碳(SOC)、全氮(TN)、全磷(TP)含量及生态化学计量比的关系。[结果] (1)利用¹³⁷Cs示踪法得到坡面整体的年平均侵蚀速率为4 428.56 t/(km²·a),直形坡和凸形坡侵蚀速率平均值分别为3 284.53,5 884.59 t/(km²·a),侵蚀总量分别为3.21×10⁵,2.94×10⁵ t/km²。(2)坡面整体碳氮比(C/N)与SOC呈极显著正相关(p<0.01),碳磷比(C/P)与SOC呈极显著正相关(p＜0.01),氮磷比(N/P)与TP呈极显著负相关(p＜0.01)。直形坡SOC、TN、C/N、C/P和N/P均极显著小于凸形坡养分含量和化学计量比值(p＜0.01),TP含量大于凸形坡TP含量(p＜0.01)。(3)坡面土壤侵蚀空间分布特征与土壤有机碳、全氮及全磷的空间分布具有一致性。坡面土壤侵蚀量与SOC、TN、TP、C/P均呈极显著负相关(p<0.01),与C/N呈显著负相关(p<0.05),与N/P呈负相关但相关性不显著(p>0.05)。[结论] 土壤侵蚀导致坡面土壤SOC、TN和TP在坡面再分布,影响土壤养分化学计量比,造成坡面养分流失严重。     

基于高光谱图像技术的雪花梨品质无损检测

为探讨基于高光谱图像技术对雪花梨品质进行无损检测的可行性,研究了利用高光谱图像系统提取雪花梨中糖和水的光谱响应和形态特征参数,获取样品含糖量和含水率的敏感水分吸收光谱带,利用人工神经网络建立雪花梨含糖量和含水率预测模型及利用投影图像面积预测雪花梨鲜重。结果表明,基于高光谱图像技术对雪花梨品质进行无损检测是可行的。雪花梨含糖量预测值和实际值间相关系数R为0.996,误差平均值为0.5°Brix;含水率预测值和实际值间相关系数R为0.94,相对误差平均值为0.62%;鲜重预测值和实际值间相关系数R为0.93。     

植被斑块格局对砒砂岩坡面土壤侵蚀强度的影响

选取水力侵蚀极其剧烈的砒砂岩区为研究对象,基于野外径流小区的连续监测试验,采用三维激光扫描、无人机航拍与方差均值比率法相结合,对比分析砒砂岩坡面3种典型自然植被格局(聚集分布、均匀分布、随机分布)下的产流产沙特征与坡面微地形的演变规律。结果表明:(1)均匀分布格局对减缓水力侵蚀条件下砒砂岩坡面土壤侵蚀强度的效果最明显,与裸坡相比,减流率达到64%,减沙率达到72%,土壤流失量最少,为0.05 kg/m²。径流泥沙量之间存在多项式曲线关系,拟合函数为y=-0.0462X²+0.5355X-0.865,R²=0.736。(2)均匀分布格局的侵蚀区面积最小,为12.28 m²;沉积区面积最大,为3.44 m²,土壤侵蚀强度较其他坡面弱,以轻度侵蚀为主。(3)均匀分布格局的径流泥沙量与平均沉积深度之间的相关性较强,与径流量呈显著正相关(p＜0.05),相关系数为0.603;与泥沙量呈极显著正相关(p＜0.01),相关系数为0.771。     

粗颗粒土壤坡面侵蚀泥沙颗粒特征

为揭示粗颗粒土壤坡面侵蚀机理,采用湖北通城县、江西赣县、福建长汀县、广东五华县4个样地的4种粗颗粒土壤（分别定义为TCA、GXA、CTA、WHA）进行室内模拟降雨试验,研究粗颗粒土壤坡面侵蚀过程及侵蚀泥沙颗粒组成的变化规律。结果表明：（1）4种土壤的地表径流随着降雨时间的增长呈现出先增加后递减并趋于稳定的规律;（2）4种土壤的侵蚀特征存在差异,土壤侵蚀速率表现为WHA>TCA>GXA>CTA;（3）4种土壤的侵蚀泥沙中颗粒分布百分比大小均为砂粒>黏粒>粉粒>砾石。不同土壤侵蚀泥沙富集率表现出明显差异;（4）水流功率与土壤侵蚀速率的相关性显著,用幂函数可以准确描述其关系。在表达式中引入土壤黏粒含量、砾石含量后模型更加可靠（D_r=0.001ω^1.163C_l^-4.069,R²=0.82;D_r=0.003ω^1.149G_r^-1.934,R²=0.84）,提高了模型预测土壤侵蚀速率的精度,在实际应用中具有更广的适应范围与现实价值。     

工程堆积体坡面不同植被格局的控蚀效果研究

为探明不同植被格局对工程堆积体陡坡坡面土壤侵蚀的影响,采用10,20,30 L/min 3种放水流量,对黄土区不同格局（裸坡、坡顶、坡中、坡底、条带）下的高陡边坡（32°,20 m×1 m）进行模拟放水试验,选取径流率、产沙率、减流效益、减沙效益等因子对堆积体坡面植被的控蚀效果进行分析。结果表明：3种放水流量下,条带、坡顶、坡中、坡底的平均径流率较裸坡分别减小57.33%,61.17%,41.62%,24.78%,平均产沙率较裸坡分别减小74.99%,61.10%,55.01%,46.43%,且径流率与产沙率的线性关系（R²=0.57~0.80,p<0.01）整体上弱于裸坡（R²=0.71,p<0.01）。不同植被格局中,条带及坡顶格局的减流效益分别是65.97%,60.52%,减沙效益分别为71.44%,57.22%,二者的控蚀效果远高于其他格局。产沙率与径流功率的线性相关性（R²=0.61~0.83,p<0.01）高于径流剪切力（R²=0.29~0.76,p<0.01）,径流功率能更好地反映堆积体坡面土壤侵蚀机制。     

利用普通数码相机估测松林叶面积指数与标准误

叶面积指数(LAI)与叶面积指数标准误(SEL)是植被的重要结构变量, 可为森林经营管理、开展病虫害防治检疫工作提供数据参考。针对条件复杂区域LAI与SEL测定仪法应用的限制性, 提出利用数码相机拍摄松林林冠图像, 经特征指数2G B计算图像叶覆盖度(用Cover表示)与叶覆盖度标准差(用Cover SD表示)两个指标, 构建LAI-Cover、SEL-Cover SD关系模型, 实现松林LAI与SEL的估测。利用福建省13个县(市)65组数据对该方法进行试验, 结果表明: Cover与LAI、Cover SD与SEL均呈极显著正相关关系, 可以用 LAI 3.095 5Cover=0.192 6e^3.0955cover 准确估测松林 LAI, 用 SEL = 1.105 9Cover SD ? 0.067 4 估测 SEL,, 两模型的R²分别为0.613 5、0.493 5, 估测精度达0.894 6、0.798 5。由此可见, 利用普通数码相机估测松林LAI与SEL具有较高的可行性与准确性, 可将该方法推广应用。     

裸露岩石对喀斯特坡地水土流失及水动力特征的影响

[目的] 裸露岩石如何影响坡地产流产沙及水动力特征尚需进一步深入研究。[方法] 通过室内模拟试验,设置不同岩石裸露率(0,10%,30%,50%,70%)的坡地,开展不同雨强(30,60,90 mm/h)条件下的人工模拟降雨试验,旨在探究雨强与裸露岩石对坡地产流产沙及水动力特征的影响。[结果] 坡地地表产流产沙随雨强增大呈增大趋势,而随岩石裸露率的增加呈减小趋势。在不同雨强条件下,0岩石裸露率坡地与10%岩石裸露率坡地的产流产沙差异多呈不显著(p>0.05),而与其他岩石裸露率坡地之间呈显著差异(p<0.05)。低岩石裸露率坡地(10%)与高岩石裸露率坡地(50%及以上)间产流产沙差异显著(p<0.05)。流速(V)、水深(h)、雷诺数(Re)、弗罗德数(Fr)、水流剪切力(τ)及水流功率(w)随雨强增大呈增大趋势,阻力系数(f)随雨强增大呈减小趋势。流速(V)、弗罗德数(Fr)随着岩石裸露率增加呈减小趋势,而水深(h)、阻力系数(f)随着岩石裸露率增加呈增大趋势,雷诺数(Re)、水流剪切力(τ)与水流功率(w)在不同雨强下变化规律有差异。水动力参数变化在不同坡地间具有一定差异性。产沙与水动力参数数量关系以指数函数拟合效果最好,流速(V)(R²=0.819,p<0.05)、水流剪切力(τ)(R²=0.858,p<0.05)及水流功率(w)(R²=0.890,p<0.05)预测坡地产沙效果较好,其中水流功率(w)为最佳预测参数。[结论] 研究结果进一步丰富了岩溶坡地土壤侵蚀理论,并可为建立适合于岩石裸露坡地的水蚀预测模型提供参考。     

藏东南高寒土坡面细沟水流输沙能力变化特征

为探究高寒土坡面细沟侵蚀过程机理,建立科学的坡面细沟输沙能力因子模型,服务高寒坡面水土流失治理工作,以藏东南高寒土壤为研究对象,采用室内径流放水冲刷试验,探讨不同流量和坡度条件下细沟水流输沙能力特征。结果表明：（1）高寒土坡面细沟水流输沙能力的临界坡长随输沙能力的增加而变短,范围为3.27~8.31 m;坡度在15°~25°时,临界坡长大约稳定在5.0 m;（2）不同坡度下,高寒土细沟水流输沙能力与流量表现为明显的线性正相关关系（T_c=Aq）;小坡度的输沙能力受流量的影响程度大于大坡度;（3）高寒土细沟水流输沙能力与坡度可以用指数方程较好地表示（T_c=-ae^（-S/b）+c）,输沙能力随坡度的增大先快速增大,后逐渐过渡到平稳,当坡度达到15°时增幅平缓;（4）坡面细沟水流输沙能力可以用二元幂函数方程T_c=1697.83S^0.491q^1.043表示。通过本模型与其他模型的比较分析,ANSWERS模型在计算高寒土的坡面细沟水流输沙能力还值得商榷,本试验模型、Lei模型与Gao模型均能较好地模拟高寒区细沟侵蚀输沙能力。     

精氨酸对绵羊胴体品质、肉质特性及瘤胃细菌组成的影响

瘤胃细菌在绵羊骨骼肌脂肪酸沉积中起着重要作用。为研究精氨酸对绵羊胴体品质、肉质特性和瘤胃细菌组成的影响,探究瘤胃细菌变化与脂肪酸沉积之间的关系,利用宏基因组测序、气相色谱技术分析绵羊补饲精氨酸后瘤胃细菌组成和肌肉脂肪酸谱的变化,建立两者间的关联性。选取16只健康且体质量相近的3月龄绵羊,随机分为对照组（基础饲粮）和精氨酸组（基础饲粮+1%精氨酸）,进行90 d的饲养试验。结果表明,与对照组相比,精氨酸组绵羊的背膘厚显著降低（P<0.05）,背最长肌的亮度（L^*）值、黄度（b^*）值及剪切力值均显著减小（P<0.05）,红度（a^*）值显著增加（P<0.05）。精氨酸组背最长肌十五烷酸、十七烷酸和十七碳烯酸的含量显著低于对照组（P<0.05）,二十四碳烯酸、α-亚麻酸、二十二碳六烯酸和n-3多不饱和脂肪酸的含量显著高于对照组（P<0.05）;精氨酸组n-6/n-3多不饱和脂肪酸的比值显著降低（P<0.05）。宏基因组分析显示,补充精氨酸显著提高了瘤胃中梭菌属、月形单胞菌属、瘤胃球菌属和密螺旋体属的丰度（P<0.05）,降低了丁酸弧菌属、副拟杆菌属、解琥珀酸菌属、甲烷短杆菌属和Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus的丰度（P<0.05）。此外,精氨酸组瘤胃中丁酸的含量显著增加（P<0.05）。关联性分析显示,丁酸弧菌属与n-3多不饱和脂肪酸呈显著负相关（P<0.05）与饱和脂肪酸呈显著正相关（P<0.05）;脂肪酸含量对肉的色泽和pH值有较大的影响。综上所述,精氨酸通过降低瘤胃氢化菌的数量,减少氢化的发生,促进肉中有益脂肪酸沉积,进而改善羊肉品质。研究结果为今后通过饲粮营养干预靶向调控瘤胃细菌提高羊肉品质提供参考。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.