Cadmium and Copper Effects on Larval Development and Mortality of the Polychaete Capitella Sp Y from Estero Del Yugo, Mazatlan, Mexico

The effects of cadmium and copper on larval metamorphosis and mortality of cultured Capitella sp Y were investigated. Metatrochophore larvae were exposed to 0.013 (control), 0.030, 0.080, 0.120, and 0.170 mg Cd L^?1 and 0.017 (control), 0.025, 0.060, and 0.075 mg Cu L^?1 for 34 days. Larval mortality significantly (p < 0.01) increased with increasing Cd and Cu concentrations (Kruskal-Wallis test), with similar effects for both metals for day 10 (LC₅₀ = 0.035 mg Cd L^?1 and 0.035 mg Cu L^?1). Metamorphosis was inhibited in larvae exposed to the two metals in the absence of food, the effect of Cu being the most severe. This study suggests that Cd and Cu exposure could be harmful to early developmental stages of Capitella sp Y producing a delay in recruitment into natural populations.     

Evaluation of teflubenzuron residue levels in grapes exposed to field treatments and in the must and wine produced from them.

Dissipation of benzoylurea insecticide teflubenzuron in grapes exposed to field treatments was evaluated. Vines of a white grape vineyard located in central Greece were sprayed twice, at a 28-day interval, with a commercial formulation of the insecticide at 12 g of active ingredient/100 L. Residues were determined by HPLC diode array detection, after ethyl acetate extraction and cleanup on silica phase cartridges, with a detection limit of 0.005 mg/kg. Under field conditions teflubenzuron residues in grapes were found to be very stable with no significant reduction for the whole experimental period of 49 days. However, residues were slightly lower than the maximum residue limits set by individual countries. The fate of teflubenzuron during the vinification process was also studied. Residues were found to be transferred completely into the must but, due to their high affinity for the suspended matter, were removed by approximately 98%; thus, very low concentrations were detected in the produced wine. Among various clarifying agents studied, charcoal was the only one found to be effective for removing teflubenzuron residues from wine.     

Dimethylmercury and dimethylmercury-sulfide of microbial origin in the biogeochemical cycle of HG

The transformation of MeHg under anaerobic conditions in axenic cultures ofDesulfovibrio desulfuricans strain LS is compared to that in anoxic marine sediments contaminated by Hg of industrial origin. MeHg was added to cultures ofD. desulfuricans strain LS and incubated at 28°C for two weeks. Significant amounts of dimethylmercury and metacinnabar were produced. These two Hg compounds were formed from the slow decomposition of the intermediate dimethylmercury-sulfide. Other collateral compounds, such as methane and ionic Hg, were also detected during the MeHg degradation process. On the other hand a sample of fresh sediment (1.5 g d.w.) was spiked with 10 μg of MeHg and 2 mmoles.ml^?1 of pyruvate, as carbon source for sulfate-reducing bacteria. After 9 days of incubation at 28°C, significant amounts of dimethylmercury were produced. A lower content of this volatile species was found in a subsample of sediment supplemented with sodium molybdate, which is a strong inhibitor of sulfatereducing activity. A kinetic study showed the disappearance of monomethylmercury from the sediment and the formation of dimethylmercury over the incubation period. The environmental significance of dimethylmercury and dimethylmercury-sulfide in the natural biogeochemical cycle of Hg is discussed.     

Acid precipitation and reproductive success of ambystoma salamanders

The two species of mole salamander that occur in the Ithaca, New York, region (Ambystoma maculatum and A. jeffersonianum) breed in temporary ponds that are formed by accumulation of melted snow and spring rains. Water in many of these pools during the breeding season is acid; pH values as low as 3.5 have been measured. In laboratory experiments A. maculatum tolerated pHs from 6 to 10 and had greatest hatching success at pH 7 to 9. Ambystoma jeffersonianum tolerated pH 4 to 8 and was most successful at pH 5 to 6. Mortality rose abruptly beyond the tolerance limits. The pH optimum shifted upward with increasing temperature for A. jeffersonianum and downward for A. maculatum. Judging from our laboratory studies, the acidity measured in breeding ponds should cause mortality in A. maculatum and permit normal development in A. jeffersonianum. In a 4 yr study of a large, acidic vernal pond, 938 adult A. maculatum produced 486 metamorphosed juveniles (0.52 juvenile/adult), while 686 adult A. jeffersonianum produced 2157 juveniles (3.14 juveniles/adult). Because the effects of acid precipitation on the salamanders' breeding ponds are cumulative from year to year, profound changes in the salamander populations can be anticipated.     

Multivariate correlation of water quality,sediment and benthic bio-community components in Ell-Ren river system,Taiwan

The distribution and correlation of benthic bio-community, water and sediment pollutants were evaluated with multivariate analysis from data collected over six samplings at 12 sites in the Ell-Ren river system, Taiwan. A total of 41 benthic algae species, 8 aquatic insect species and 2 annelid species were collected. On the basis of both principal component and correlation matrix analyses, we defined six water and sediment pollutant components to reveal common behaviour. Metrioenemus sp., Tubifex sp., Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae could tolerate the environment at highly polluted sites. Caenis sp., Rhithrogena sp. and Baetis sp. preferred sites that were aerobic, and their populations were negatively correlated (52–56%) with detrital heavy metals in sediment. The population of benthic algae was positively variated with lead of the “bound to organic matters and sulphides” fraction, but negatively with copper in the detrital pattern. Results suggested that benthic bio-community demonstrated measurable relationships with water and sediment pollutants in Ell-Ren river system, and could be used as indicators to assess the water quality of river over a longer period.     

Griffon vulture mortality at wind farms in southern Spain: Distribution of fatalities and active mitigation measures

Wind is increasingly being used as a renewable energy source around the world. Avian mortality is one of the negative impacts of wind energy and a new technique that reduces avian collision rates is necessary. Using the most frequently-killed species, the griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus), we studied its mortality at 13 wind farms in Tarifa, Cadiz, Spain, before (2006–2007) and after (2008–2009) when selective turbine stopping programs were implemented as a mitigation measure. Ten wind farms (total of 244 turbines) were selectively stopped and three wind farms (total of 52 turbines) were not. We found 221 dead griffon vultures during the entire study and the mortality rate was statistically different per turbine and year among wind farms. During 2006–2007, 135 griffon vultures were found dead and the spatial distribution of mortality was not uniformly distributed among turbines, with very few turbines showing the highest mortality rates. The 10 most dangerous turbines were distributed among six different wind farms. Most of the mortalities were concentrated in October and November matching the migratory period. During 2008–2009, we used a selective stopping program to stop turbines when vultures were observed near them and the griffon vulture mortality rate was reduced by 50% with a consequent reduction in total energy production of by the wind farms by only 0.07% per year. Our results indicate that the use of selective stopping techniques at turbines with the highest mortality rates can help to mitigate the impacts of wind farms on birds with a minimal affect on energy production.     

Confirmation of bioactivities of active ingredients of nemarioc-AL and nemafric-BL phytonematicides

Nemarioc-AL and Nemafric-BL phytonematicides consistently reduced populations of plant-parasitic nematodes. The contribution of juvenile hatch inhibition to the overall reduction of the nematode numbers by the two phytonematicides, with cucurbitacin A and B as active ingredients, respectively, remains undocumented. The objectives of this study were to examine (i) the response of Meloidogyne incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) hatch to increasing concentration of cucurbitacins A and B, (ii) the potential saturation of J2 hatch when exposed to cucurbitacins for extended incubation periods, (iii) the minimum inhibition concentration for J2 hatch and (iv) the reversibility of J2 hatch inhibition.. Eggs of M. incognita were exposed to a series of purified cucurbitacin A and B concentrations over five incubation periods of 24, 48, 72?h and extended incubation periods of 7 and 10 days. Methanol-dissolved cucurbitacin A and B were each diluted and pipetted into well-plates making 11 concentrations, ranging from 0.0 to 2.5 µg.ml^?1 water solvent. Juvenile counts were made after 24, 48 and 72?h, with those for saturation assessed at 7 and 10 days. Thereafter, treatments were diluted five times, incubated again for 5 days and counted to establish reversibility of J2 hatch inhibition. In all incubation periods, treatment effects were highly significant (P?≤?0.01), with J2 hatch and cucurbitacin concentrations exhibiting quadratic relations. Minimum inhibition concentrations of the two cucurbitacins were between 1.13 and 1.40?µg.ml^?1. Treatment effects for reversibility to J2 hatch inhibition were not significant (P?>?0.05). In conclusion, J2 hatch inhibition could be one of the waysthrough which the two phytonematicides reduced population densities of Meloidogyne species.     

Declining stocks of Lake Tana’s endemic Barbus species flock (Pisces, Cyprinidae): natural variation or human impact?

The only remaining species flock of endemic, large cyprinid fishes is found in Lake Tana, Ethiopia. A monthly experimental trawl program was conducted in 1991-1993 and 1999-2001, sampling 12 stations distributed over three habitats differing in depth and distance to shore. The aim was to compare the total abundance, spatial distribution and proportion of juveniles of the most common Barbus species in the Bahar Dar Gulf between both periods. We found a sharp reduction (75%) in total abundance, both in number and biomass of the Barbus species and even more (90%) in the number of juveniles between the two periods. However, the spatial distribution of the different Barbus species over the three habitats had not changed. High natural variability in fish stocks might be expected in environmentally unstable lakes. Although strongly pulsed (seasonal), Lake Tana is a relatively stable system. No major differences were found in abiotic parameters in 1990s that could have caused the dramatic changes in abundance. The most likely explanation is the negative impact of the motorised, commercial gillnet fishery targeting the spawning aggregations of these barbs. The drastic decline in juveniles points especially towards serious recruitment over-fishing. The results stress the need for the immediate development of a sound management plan focussing on fishing effort restrictions during the Barbus breeding season.     

Effects of nonindigenous tadpoles on native tadpoles in Florida: evidence of competition

The impacts of nonindigenous species on native ecosystems can be severe, sometimes leading to the extinction of native taxa. Interspecific competition is a potential mechanism of negative impact of invasive species, but few studies have conclusively demonstrated competition between native and nonindigenous taxa. In this study I used experimental manipulations to examine the competitive effects of the larvae of two widely introduced anurans, the cane toad, Bufo marinus, and the Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, on the growth and development of the larvae of two native anurans (the southern toad, Bufo terrestris, and the green treefrog, Hyla cinerea). The presence of O. septentrionalis larvae consistently impacted growth and development of native larvae, resulting in reduced growth rates and delayed metamorphosis of both native species and smaller mass at metamorphosis of B. terrestris. Hyla cinerea larvae transformed at greater body masses when reared with the rapidly transforming nonindigenous species as a result of competitive release. The negative effects of O. septentrionalis on native larvae were generally significant whether native tadpoles were exposed to O. septentrionalis alone or in combination with B. marinus. In contrast, B. marinus tadpoles did not significantly impact the growth or development of either native species. Neither nonindigenous species significantly decreased the survivorship of native larvae, although a trend toward decreased survivorship was evident for H. cinerea. These results suggest that nonindigenous larval anurans may adversely impact native tadpole communities as a result of interspecific competition.     

Fate of Heavy Metals in an Urban Natural Wetland: The Nyabugogo Swamp (Rwanda)

The Nyabugogo natural wetland (Kigali City, Rwanda) receives all kinds of untreated wastewaters, including those from industrial areas. This study monitored heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in all environmental compartments of the swamp: water and sediment, the dominant plant species Cyperus papyrus, and fish (Clarias sp. and Oreochromis sp.) and Oligochaetes. Cr, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the water were generally below the WHO (2008) drinking water standards, whereas Cd and Pb were consistently above these limits. Except Cd, all metal concentrations were below the threshold levels for irrigation. The highest metal accumulation occurred in the sediment with up to 4.2 mg/kg for Cd, 68 mg/kg for Cu, 58.3 mg/kg for Pb, and 188.0 mg/kg for Zn, followed by accumulation in the roots of C. papyrus with up to 4.2 mg/kg for Cd, 45.8 mg/kg for Cr, 29.7 mg/kg for Cu, and 56.1 mg/kg for Pb. Except Cu and Zn, other heavy metal (Cd, Cr, and Pb) concentrations were high in Clarias sp., Oreochromis sp., and Oligochaetes. Therefore, there is a human health concern for people using water and products from the swamp.     

Comparison of selenomethionine and selenite cycling in freshwater experimental ponds

A comparison of the cycling and fate of ⁷⁵Se in an aquatic ecosystem was investigated when selenite or selenomethionine was introduced as an acute release into two experimental ponds. Biotic and abiotic compartments were periodically sampled to measure ⁷⁵Se concentrations throughout the 318-d experiment. The biotic compartments were periphyton, rooted pondweed (Elodea canadensis), snails (Helisoma sp.), and mosquitofish (Gambusia afflnis). Results show that the uptake rates in the biotic compartments for ⁷⁵Se-selenomethionine were at least an order of magnitude greater than for ⁷⁵Se-selenite. However, elimination rates for respective biotic compartments were similar. Seasonal sediment ⁷⁵Se concentrations in both ponds decreased simultaneously with increases in ⁷⁵Se concentrations within biotic compartments. This suggests that sediment is a secondary source of ⁷⁵Se rather than a sink in some shallow freshwater systems.     

Amphibian production in forested landscapes in relation to wetland hydroperiod: A case study of vernal pools and beaver ponds

Many amphibian species are plastic in their selection of breeding sites and use both short- and longer-hydroperiod wetlands. Understanding which wetland types are most important to amphibian production is critical for focusing conservation efforts. We compared reproduction of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) and production of wood frog juveniles between seasonal (vernal pools) and semi-permanent (beaver-created ponds) wetlands in the central Adirondack region of the northeastern United States. In 65 seasonal wetlands and 37 semi-permanent wetlands over 3 years, densities of wood frog egg masses were similar, but seasonal wetlands contained 4× as many spotted salamander egg masses as did semi-permanent wetlands. For wood frogs, survival to metamorphosis and juvenile production were an order of magnitude higher in semi-permanent wetlands. Models of wood frog production linked to the climatic record predicted that, depending on annual variation in rainfall and survival to metamorphosis, semi-permanent wetlands may produce annually 1.2–23× the number of wood frogs that seasonal wetlands produce within the study area. Models incorporating variation in demographic traits throughout the range of wood frogs suggest that higher survival to metamorphosis in beaver ponds and higher clutch densities in vernal pools strongly influence metamorph production on a regional basis. Semi-permanent wetlands make major contributions to amphibian production in our region and may also be an important source of colonists to seasonal wetlands following periods of drought. Protection of wetlands along the landscape-level continuum of hydroperiod therefore may be critical for maintaining and restoring amphibian populations.     

The capacity to comigrate with Lyophyllum sp. strain Karsten through different soils is spread among several phylogenetic groups within the genus Burkholderia

Recently, two strains related to Burkholderia terrae, denoted BS001 and BS110, were shown to be strongly interactive with the soil fungus Lyophyllum sp. strain Karsten, forming a biofilm around the L. sp. strain Karsten hyphae and migrating along growing hyphae in soil. Here, we extend the findings obtained with strains BS001 and BS110 and show that the migratory ability with extending fungal hyphae is actually distributed among four Burkholderia phylotypes obtained from a range of soils with different characteristics. The majority of the migrating strains fell into a rather narrow group related to the original strain B. terrae BS001, but others fell in groups related to B. terricola, B. xenovorans and B. phytofirmans. To obtain these novel strains, bacterial inocula were obtained as cell extracts from eight soils and subsequently introduced into four (sandy acidic) pre-sterilized soils in microcosms which were then colonized by L. sp. strain Karsten or kept without this fungus. After 2 weeks of incubation, the soil microcosms were sampled at the migration front and samples were plated on semi-selective PCAT agar medium next to R2A medium. A total of 19 strains that had revealed the capability to comigrate with the fungus were obtained from this set-up, whereas four other strains were found in previous field work. Strains were analysed by BOX-PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, partial 16S rRNA gene similarity, metabolic profiling using BIOLOG and for the presence of a type three secretion system (TTSS). All strains belonged to the genus Burkholderia. Following this, selected strains were shown to be capable of single-strain comigration with the L. sp. strain Karsten hyphae through different soils. However, their avidity to do so differed across soils. For their ecological competence, the four different comigrating phylotypes may rely on their capacities to migrate as well as consume fungal-released compounds.     

Analysis of burrowing ability as a sublethal endpoint in a marine sediment bioassay with Corophium volutator (Pallas)

Purpose

Acute whole-sediment bioassay with the estuarine and marine amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas) is widely used to assess toxicity of sediments. According to the guidelines DIN EN ISO 16712, mortality is the determined toxic endpoint. Additionally, the reburrowing ability of the surviving organisms of this acute toxicity test in fresh uncontaminated sediment is suggested as the sublethal endpoint, but insufficient information (e.g., exact measurement protocols) on this endpoint is provided, thus confounding factors and the interpretation of the results. The aim of this study was to provide information on burrowing activity as a sublethal endpoint.

Materials and methods

Amphipod tests were carried out in the laboratory, and the burrowing behavior was examined in a size- and gender-specific manner. For sediment testing, only animals of the same size were used in a defined sex ratio because it was found that female animals buried themselves faster than males and that smaller animals burrowed faster than bigger organisms. Statistical analyses were applied to determine whether burrowing time and ability differ significantly between sexes and sizes. Finally, tests were run to discern whether the burrowing ability could be a more sensitive endpoint than mortality.

Results and discussion

When the burrowing ability was examined in toxicity tests with contaminated sediment, the test organisms were affected in a dose-dependent manner. With rising concentrations of the contaminated sediment in a sublethal testing following the sediment exposure over 10 days, fewer animals buried themselves into the sediment.

Conclusions

The burrowing behavior can be used as an additional endpoint. For the tested sediment, burrowing was found to be more sensitive than the mortality. Guidance on the measurement protocol for this additional endpoint was developed. Under the test conditions examined, burrowing ability is an appropriate sublethal endpoint to supplement the toxicity test procedure.     

Earthworms as soil quality indicators in Brazilian no-tillage systems

It is well known that earthworm populations tend to increase under no-tillage (NT) practices, but abundances tend to be highly variable. In the present study, data from the literature together with those on earthworm populations sampled in six watersheds in SW Paraná State, Brazil, were used to build a classification of the biological soil quality of NT systems based on earthworm density and species richness. Earthworms were collected in 34 farms with NT aging from 3 to 27 yr, in February 2010, using an adaptation of the TSBF (Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility) Program method (hand sorting of five 20 cm × 20 cm holes to 20 cm depth). Six forest sites were also sampled in order to compare abundances and species richness with the NT systems. Species richness in the 34 NT sites and in the 6 forests ranged from 1 to 6 species. Most earthworms encountered were exotics belonging to the genus Dichogaster (D. saliens, D. gracilis, D. bolaui and D. affinis) and native Ocnerodrilidae (mainly Belladrilus sp.), all of small individual size. In a few sites, individuals of the Glossoscolecidae (P. corethrurus, Glossoscolex sp., Fimoscolex sp.) and Megascolecidae (Amynthas gracilis) families were also encountered, in low densities. Urobenus brasiliensis (Glossoscolecidae) were found only in the forest fragments. In the NT farms, earthworm abundance ranged from 5 to 605 ind m⁻² and in the forest sites, from 10 to 285 ind m⁻². The ranking of the NT soil biological quality, based on earthworm abundance and species richness was: poor, with <25 individuals per m⁻² and 1 sp.; moderate, with ≥25–100 individuals per m⁻² and 2–3 sp.; good, with >100–200 individuals per m⁻² and 4–5 sp.; excellent, with >200 individuals per m⁻² and >6 sp. About 60% of the 34 farms fell into the poor to moderate categories based on this classification, so further improvements to the NT farm's management system are needed to enhance earthworm populations. Nevertheless, further validation of this ranking system is necessary to allow for its wider-spread use.     

Phytoremediation and Bio-physical Conditioning of Dredged Marine Sediments for Their Re-use in the Environment

A meso-scale pilot plant was set up to test the efficiency of a phytoremediation technique applied to slightly contaminated marine sediments dredged from the port of Livorno (central Italy). The technique applied involved the use of plants (a grass species, Paspalum vaginatum and a shrub species, Tamarix gallica) and earthworms (Eisenia foetida sp.) in order to recreate an active ecosystem in which plants, micro- and macroorganisms could interact with each other through the rhizosphere, for the adsorption, extraction and/or degradation of pollutants. This system enables plants to grow in a fine textured and salt medium highly unsuitable for plant species, and a physical, chemical and biological amelioration of the matrix was observed at the end of the experimentation (after 9 months). The sediment was bio-physically pre-conditioned by mixing it with calcareous material from excavating activities (5:1?v/v) and applying green compost. The presence of microorganisms in the rhizosphere and the earthworms produced a reduction by about 50% of the initial total petroleum hydrocarbon content. The use of a natural chelator with phyto-hormonal properties (humic substances) showed their capability of forming stable complexes, especially with Pb, and their contribution as an agronomic fertiliser. The combined effect of the P. vaginatum and T. gallica in the extraction of heavy metals from the sediment showed promisingly high percentages of metal effectively extracted in comparison with its available fraction (e.g. available Ni = 6.2%; Ni extracted = 15.7%). The technique proposed could be promising for an operational re-use of dredged marine sediments for agricultural purposes, a suitable final destination for the great majority of these contaminated materials from rivers and harbour docks.     

Evaluating the Absorption of Boron by Plants��A Potential Tool to Remediate Contaminated Sediments from Cecina River Basin in Italy

Assessment of native plants and laboratory-scale phytoextraction tests are fundamental and preliminary steps in checking the feasibility and practice of low-cost and low-impact phytoremediation. In this study, we investigated the absorption of B by plants as a tool to remove boron in sediments from different areas of the Cecina River basin in Tuscany, Italy. The investigation was performed analyzing total and available B fraction in sediment samples as well as the B content in different tissues of native plants colonizing the contaminated areas. In laboratory scale, a phytoextraction screening test was performed. Selected high biomass crops (Brassica juncea, Zea mays, and Helianthus annuus) were evaluated in the most contaminated sample in two consecutive growing cycles. Results from field survey showed no hyperaccumulator native plant was present in the investigated areas although, high accumulation levels were found in native species from Bulera dump (Rumex crispus??259 mg?kg^?1 and Poa spp??203 mg?kg^?1). Results from laboratory phytoextraction tests showed a higher ability of B. juncea which removed about 18.5 mg?B?kg^?1 sediment in after the two consecutive growing cycles, representing on the whole 45% of the initial available B fraction. The sediment characteristics affected by the phytoextraction processes were also discussed.     

武汉月湖沉积物中硅藻的垂直分布与水质变化

采用活塞取样器采集了月湖湖中央2处钻孔沉积物,分析了其中硅藻种类与密度的垂直变化,同时采用^210Pb/^137Cs推测沉积物的沉积速率,关进行了总有机质．生物硅含量分析,以了解月湖各个不同年代的水质变化。结果表明,2个柱状沉积物中硅藻的优势属为：小环藻属、直链藻属、舟形藻属、Cyclostephanos属。Z－1钻孔优势种为：梅尼小环藻、颗粒直链藻、Navicuta porifera、Cyclostephanos tholifomis. Z-2钻孔中优势种为：梅尼小环藻、颗粒直链藻、舟形藻、Cyclostephanos invisitatus。就硅藻密度而言,总趋势是上层最多,平均7．14×10^5～58．65×10^5ind·g^-1,中层其次,平均0．08×10^5-13．98×10^5ind·g^-1,下层最少,平均0．24×10^5-0．64×10^5ind·g^-1.硅藻种类数变化虽然没有明显规律,但种类最少的样品出现在中层,^210Pb/^137Cs测年数据表明中层为19世纪90年代－20世纪70年代。相天分析表明：Z－1孔生物硅与沉积硅藻密度显著正相关（r=0．933,P=0．021〈0．05）,总有机质含量与种类数显著负相关（r=－0．972,P=0．005〈0．05）;Z－2孔生物硅与沉积硅藻密度显著正相关（r=0．985,P=0．002〈0．05）,沉积硅藻密度与种类数显著负相关（r＝－0．933,P=-0．021〈0．05）。研究结果表明,月湖沉积物中硅藻种类与密度的垂直变化可以反映月湖的富营养演化历程：19世纪60年代－19世纪80年代,月湖水质较好;19世纪90年代－20世纪10年代,月湖开始由贫营养状态向中营养状态转变,为水体富营养化开始发生时间;20世纪20年代－20世纪40年代,月湖水体营养等级持续增加,已富营养化;20世纪50年代－20世纪70年代,周边人口数量急刷上升与污水的直接排放导致月湖水质持续恶化;20世纪80年代至月湖截污前这段时期使月湖最终沦为劣五类水体的湖泊。     

Prototheca (achloric alga) in wastewater

In conjunction with the start-up of a secondary wastewater treatment facility, population levels ofPrototheca sp. were measured. Wastewater influent levels ofPrototheca sp. were < 1 × 10² mL^?1 whilePrototheca sp. trapped in the biological film reached levels > 1 × 105 mL^?1. Effluent levels were only slightly less than influent levels because effluent contained the breaking off film. The film along with the primary sediment retained the high levels ofPrototheca sp. throughout the 20 day anaerobic digestion, however growth was not thought to occur. Depending on the method of flocculation, dewatering and disposal, various levels ofPrototheca sp. were returned to the environment in the sludge and effluent. The dynamic change in thePrototheca sp. population levels in the maturing film was thought to reflect the preference for the higher BOD influent. This change was manifest during the fourth month after start-up, as well as when comparing the film at the start with that at the end of the secondary treatment train. Prototheca sp. are ubiquitous inhabitants of all stages of domestic and municipal wastewater from the primary plumbing through all stages of primary and secondary treatment plant processes.Prototheca sp. were isolated from surface water and potable water, but were thought to represent wastewater contamination. SincePrototheca sp. are pathogenic for human beings and animals, wastewater presents a potential threat, but reported infections are rare and risk is minimal.     

Functional complement of biogenic structures produced by earthworms, termites and ants in the neotropical savannas

Soil-engineering organisms (earthworms, termites and ants) affect the soil and litter environment indirectly by the accumulation of their biogenic structures (casts, pellets, galleries, crop sheetings nests…). An enzymatic typology was conducted on six types of biogenic structures: casts produced by two earthworms (Andiodrilus sp. and Martiodrilus sp.), a nest built by a soil-feeding termite (Spinitermes sp.), crop galleries built by another soil-feeding termite (Ruptitermes sp.) and soil pellets produced by two species of leaf-cutting ant (Acromyrmex landolti and Atta laevigata) and an control soil from a natural Colombian savanna. A total of 10 enzymes (xylanase, amylase, cellulase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, β-xylosidase, N-acteyl-glucosaminidase, alkaline and acid phosphatases and laccase) were selected to characterize the functional diversity of the biogenic structures. Our results showed that (i) Martiodrilus casts were characterized by a broad enzymatic profile that was different from that of the soil. (ii) A. laevigata pellets and termite structures had a profile broadly similar to the soil only with some enzymes (iii) Andiodrilus casts had an enzyme profile very similar to that of the soil. These results suggest that the functional diversity of these structures is related to differences between species and not to differences between taxonomic groups. For the first time, we evaluated differences in enzyme typology between biogenic structures collected on the same site but produced by different organisms. These differences suggested species dependent pathways for the decomposition of organic matter.