Screening and evaluation of saline-alkali-tolerant and growth-promoting bacteria / 生物工程学报

Salinity is the most important factor for the growth of crops. It is an effective method to alleviate the toxic effect caused by salt stress using saline-alkali-tolerant and growth-promoting bacteria in agriculture. Seven salt-tolerant bacteria were screened from saline-alkali soil, and the abilities of EPS production, alkalinity reduction and IAA production of the selected strains were investigated. A dominant strain DB01 was evaluated. The abilities of EPS production, alkalinity reduction and IAA production of strain DB01 were 0.21 g/g, 8.7% and 8.97 mg/L, respectively. The isolate was identified as Halomonas aquamarina by partial sequencing analysis of its 16S rRNA genes, and had the ability to inhibit the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp., Alternaria solani, Phytophthora sojae and Rhizoctonia cerealis. It also could promote root length and germination rate of wheat seedlings under salt stress. Halomonas aquamarina can provide theoretical basis for the development of soil microbial resources and the application in saline-alkali soil improvement.

Biocontrol potential of saline- or alkaline-tolerant Trichoderma asperellum mutants against three pathogenic fungi under saline or alkaline stress conditions

ABSTRACT Salinity and alkalinity are major abiotic stresses that limit growth and development of poplar. We investigated biocontrol potential of saline- and alkaline-tolerant mutants of Trichoderma asperellum to mediate the effects of salinity or alkalinity stresses on Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap poplar) seedlings. A T-DNA insertion mutant library of T. asperellum was constructed using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation system; this process yielded sixty five positive transformants (T1T65). The salinity tolerant mutant, T59, grew in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) containing up to 10% (1709.40 mM) NaCl. Under NaCl-rich conditions, T59 was most effective in inhibiting Alternaria alternata (52.00%). The alkalinity tolerant mutants, T3 and T5, grew in PDA containing up to 0.4% (47.62 mM) NaHCO3. The ability of the T3 and T5 mutants to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum declined as NaHCO3 concentrations increased. NaHCO3 tolerance of the PdPap seedlings improved following treatment with the spores of the WT, T3, and T5 strains. The salinity tolerant mutant (T59) and two alkalinity tolerant mutants (T3 and T5) generated in this study can be applied to decrease the incidence of pathogenic fungi infection under saline or alkaline stress.

Biocontrol potential of saline- or alkaline-tolerant Trichoderma asperellum mutants against three pathogenic fungi under saline or alkaline stress conditions

ABSTRACT Salinity and alkalinity are major abiotic stresses that limit growth and development of poplar. We investigated biocontrol potential of saline- and alkaline-tolerant mutants of Trichoderma asperellum to mediate the effects of salinity or alkalinity stresses on Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap poplar) seedlings. A T-DNA insertion mutant library of T. asperellum was constructed using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation system; this process yielded sixty five positive transformants (T1-T65). The salinity tolerant mutant, T59, grew in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) containing up to 10% (1709.40 mM) NaCl. Under NaCl-rich conditions, T59 was most effective in inhibiting Alternaria alternata (52.00%). The alkalinity tolerant mutants, T3 and T5, grew in PDA containing up to 0.4% (47.62 mM) NaHCO3. The ability of the T3 and T5 mutants to inhibit Fusarium oxysporum declined as NaHCO3 concentrations increased. NaHCO3 tolerance of the PdPap seedlings improved following treatment with the spores of the WT, T3, and T5 strains. The salinity tolerant mutant (T59) and two alkalinity tolerant mutants (T3 and T5) generated in this study can be applied to decrease the incidence of pathogenic fungi infection under saline or alkaline stress.

Bacterial treatment of alkaline cement kiln dust using Bacillus halodurans strain KG1

Abstract This study was conducted to isolate an acid-producing, alkaliphilic bacterium to reduce the alkalinity of cement industry waste (cement kiln dust). Gram-positive isolate KG1 grew well at pH values of 6–12, temperatures of 28–50 °C, and NaCl concentrations of 0–16% and thus was further screened for its potential to reduce the pH of an alkaline medium. Phenotypic characteristics of the KG1 isolate were consistent with those of the genus Bacillus, and the highest level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity was found with Bacillus halodurans strain DSM 497 (94.7%). On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics and genotypic distinctiveness from other phylogenetic neighbors belonging to alkaliphilic Bacillus species, the isolated strain was designated B. halodurans strain KG1, with GenBank accession number JQ307184 (= NCIM 5439). Isolate KG1 reduced the alkalinity (by 83.64%) and the chloride content (by 86.96%) of cement kiln dust and showed a potential to be used in the cement industry for a variety of applications.

Freshwater parameters in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, and their influence on fish distribution and aquaculture

This study analyzed the relationship between several water quality parameters (pH, hardness, alkalinity, turbidity, iron and manganese) levels measured over a 16 year period with fish distribution and aquaculture in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil. The mean pH values were within a neutral range (6.5-7.5), but the maximum and minimum values reached inappropriate levels for fish farming in some cities. Alkalinity levels were very low (except in the southwest region of the state), which may have contributed to pH variation. Hardness, turbidity, iron (except the region near Caçapava do Sul City) and manganese were within safe ranges for fish farming; however, turbidity levels occasionally increased to levels outside the safe range. In conclusion, the water quality in the Rio Grande do Sul, in general, can be considered adequate for aquaculture, but the fish farmers must be aware of the methods to reduce turbidity, such as the use of calcium sulfate.(AU)

Este estudo analisou a relação entre vários parâmetros de qualidade da água (pH, dureza, alcalinidade, turbidez, ferro e manganês durante 16 anos) com a distribuição de peixes e piscicultura no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O pH ficou em média em uma faixa neutra (6,5-7,5), mas valores máximos e mínimos atingiram níveis não apropriados para a piscicultura em algumas cidades. Os valores de alcalinidade foram baixos (exceto na região sudoeste do estado), o que poderia contribuir para oscilações no pH. Dureza, turbidez, ferro (exceto na região próxima à cidade de Caçapava do Sul) e manganês ficaram dentro de níveis aceitáveis para a piscicultura, mas a turbidez ocasionalmente elevou-se a níveis fora dessa faixa aceitável e os piscicultores devem ter algum mecanismo para reduzi-los. Em conclusão, de forma geral a qualidade da água do Rio Grande do Sul pode ser considerada adequada para a aquicultura, mas os piscicultores devem conhecer métodos para corrigir a turbidez, como a utilização de sulfato de cálcio.(AU)

Reduction of aflatoxin B1 during tortilla production and identification of degradation by-products by direct-injection electrospray mass spectrometry (DIESI-MS) / Reducción de la aflatoxina B1 durante la producción de tortilla y la identificación de los productos de degradación por espectrometría de masas con ionización por electrospray de inyección-directa (DIESI-MS)

Objective. To determine the effect of pH, and exposure time over the inactivation of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) during the tortilla making process as well as the degradative molecules generated. Materials and methods. Inactivation of AFB1 in maize-dough with alkaline pH and in alkaline methanolic solutions was determined by HPLC. Kinetics of time exposure of AFB1 in methanolic solution and the degradative products were analyzed by direct injection electrospray mass spectometry (DIESI-MS). Results. The alkaline pH of the maize-dough after nixtamalización between 10.2, and 30-40 minutes of resting at room temperature allows the 100% reduction of AFB1. DIESI-MS analysis of the extracts indicated the presence of two degradation molecules from AFB1. Conclusion. The alkaline pH of maize-dough and resting time are the principal factors involved in diminishing AFB1 levels in tortillas. A procedure to the tortilla making process is proposed, which allows the reduction of remnant AFB1, avoiding the accumulative effect over consumers.

Objetivo. Determinar el efecto del pH alcalino de la masa de maíz y el tiempo de exposición sobre la aflatoxina B1 (AFB1) durante la producción de tortillas e identificar los posibles productos de degradación mediante DIESI-MS. Material y métodos. La inactivación de la AFB1 a pH alcalino y diferentes tiempos de exposición en masa nixtamalizada y en soluciones metanólicas fueron determinadas por HPLC. La cinética de degradación de AFB1, y los productos de degradación en soluciones metanólicas se determinaron por DIESI-MS. Resultados. El pH alcalino de la masa y 30 a 40 minutos de reposo redujeron en 100% la AFB1 adicionada. Se identificaron dos moléculas de degradación. Conclusión. Los principales factores involucrados en la disminución de la AFB1 durante la producción de tortillas son la hidrólisis alcalina y el tiempo de reposo. Se propone un procedimiento para la producción de tortilla que reducirá la AFB1 residual evitando el efecto acumulativo en los consumidores.

Hydrobiogical Parameters Studies of the Alagankulam River, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, India.

The present study was carried out to determine the pysico-chemical characteristics and nutrients in two stations of Alagankulam River, Ramanathapuram, and South East Coast of India during January to December 2012. All the pysico-chemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods (Apha, 1998). The minimum and maximum values of water temperature (°c), Dissolved oxygen (mg/lit), Salinity (ppt), PH, Calcium (mg/lit) was 26-35 (Station 1), 26-35 (Station 2), 5.0-7.1 (S1), 5.0-7.1 (S2), 0.01-0.06 (S1), 0.02-0.07 (S2), 7.0-8.2 (S1), 7.2-8.3 (S2), 22.1-29.4 (S1), 19.9-26,2 (S2) respectively. The range of Alkalinity (mg/lit), Silicate (mg/lit), Sulphate (mg/lit), Chloride (mg/lit), Ammonia (mg/lit), Phosphate (mg/lit) and nitrite (mg/lit) was 16.1-28.6 (S1), 18.5-26.8 (S2), 0.13-2.28 (S1), 0.81-1.74 (S2), 26.13-41.29 (S1), 28.9-49.70(S2), 6.1-8.7(S1), 5.5-7.9 (S2), 0.2-1.9 (S1), 0.2-1.9 (S2), 3.3-9.2 (S1), 1.3-8.5 (S2), 13-28 (S1) and 12-27 (S2) respectively.

Efeito do bicarbonato de sódio no tratamento de vinhaça em AnSBBR operado a 55 e 35ºC / Effect of the sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of vinasse in AnSBBR operated at 55 and 35ºC

Avaliou-se a influência do bicarbonato de sódio (NaHCO3) no desempenho do reator anaeróbio batelada sequencial com biomassa imobilizada tratando vinhaça a 55 e a 35ºC. O reator foi preenchido com espuma de poliuretano e agitado a 300 rpm. A adaptação a 55ºC estendeu-se por 50 dias, tendo o reator sido alimentado com vinhaça (DQO de 0,3 a 1,0 g/L). Para a operação a 35ºC, procedeu-se inicialmente ao enriquecimento da população metanogênica, durante 21 dias, com substrato à base de etanol (2,5 gDQO/L). Posteriormente, cargas orgânicas volumétricas (COV) de 0,85 a 5,70 gDQO/L.d foram aplicadas no reator a 55ºC, com suplementação de 1,2 a 0,4 gHCO3-/gDQO. A 35ºC, o reator foi submetido a COV de 2,85 a 36,0 gDQO/L.d com 0,4 a 0,2 gHCO3-/gDQO. A remoção de DQO variou de 43 a 78 por cento a 55ºC e de 75 a 85 por cento a 35ºC. A suplementação de alcalinidade mostrou-se essencial para a estabilidade do processo, sendo requerida em menor quantidade a 35ºC.

The influence of the sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) on the performance of an anaerobic sequencing batch biofilm reactor treating vinasse at 55 and 35ºC was evaluated. The reactor was filled with polyurethane foam and agitated at 300 rpm. The acclimatization period at 55ºC lasted 50 days, and the reactor was fed with vinasse (COD from 0.3 to 1.0 g/L). A previous enrichment of methanogenic population was provided for the reactor operated at 35ºC, feeding it with an ethanol based substrate (2.5 gCOD/L) during 21 days. Further on, organic loading rates (OLR) ranging from 0.85 to 5.70 gCOD/L.d were applied to the reactor at 55ºC, supplemented with 1.2 to 0.4 gHCO3-/gCOD. At 35ºC the reactor was subjected to OLR ranging from 2.85 to 36.0 gCOD/L.d with 0.4 to 0.2 gHCO3-/gCOD. COD removal ranged from 43 to 78 percent at 55ºC and from 75 to 85 percent at 35ºC. Alkalinity supplementation was found to be essential for process stability, but the amount required was lower at 35ºC.

Numerical interdependence in pH, acidity and alkalinity of a polluted river water.

Acidity and alkalinity are independent parameters and they directly or indirectly regulate the pH of a medium. These are the prime factors which control the nature of the reactions in a medium. The present study was designed to explore the numerical interdependence of the three parameters and also, to develop the regression models. For physico-chemical analysis of the selected parameters, water quality of a polluted tropical river was analysed fortnightly, for complete one year. Correlation coefficients between pH-acidity and acidity-alkalinity were negative while that between pH and alkalinity were positive. The value calculated by the developed multiple regression models, explain pH, acidity and alkalinity up to 57, 65 and 79% respectively, suggesting their utility and relevance.

Produção de lodo e comportamento químico de sais de ferro empregados no pós-tratamento de esgoto sanitário por precipitação química / Sludge production and chemical behavior of iron salts employed in the post-treatment of sanitary wastewater by chemical precipitation

A combinação de processos físico-químicos e biológicos no tratamento de esgotos sanitários tem se apresentado como uma alternativa na remoção de fósforo. No entanto, uma das limitações é a sua maior produção de lodo. Desse modo, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a produção de lodo resultante da aplicação de sais de ferro para diferentes tipos de efluentes, bem como estudar o impacto de sua aplicação nas características físico-químicas dos efluentes estudados. Concluiu-se que os valores médios de produção de lodo resultante da formação do hidróxido férrico situaram-se em torno de 1,80; 1,95 e 1,34 mg lodo/mg Fe+3 para esgoto bruto, efluente aeróbio e anaeróbio tratado, respectivamente, indicando que as características da fase líquida não influenciaram os mecanismos de precipitação dos íons férricos.

The combination of physical-chemical and biological processes in sanitary wastewater treatment has been employed as an alternative for phosphorus removal; however, one of its limitations is its large sludge production. This work aimed at evaluating the sludge production which resulted from iron salt application to different types of effluents, as well as studying the impacts of iron salt application on the physical-chemical characteristics of the studied effluents. It was concluded that the average sludge production values which resulted from ferric hydroxide formation were around 1.80, 1.95 and 1.34 mg sludge per mg of Fe+3 ion, with regard to raw wastewater, aerobic treated effluent and anaerobic treated effluent, respectively, thus indicating that the liquid phase characteristics did not influence the ferric ion precipitation mechanisms.

Avaliação da acurácia de diversos métodos para determinação de ácidos graxos voláteis e alcalinidade a bicarbonato para monitoramento de reatores anaeróbios / Evaluation of the accuracy of several methods for determination of volatile fatty acids and bicarbonate alkalinity for the monitoring of anaerobic reactors

Sistemas de tratamento anaeróbios são sensíveis às mudanças de condições ambientais que influenciam no metabolismo dos microrganismos responsáveis pela estabilidade do processo. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram (i) avaliar a acurácia de métodos que determinam os parâmetros de controle ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV) e alcalinidade a bicarbonato (AB) em amostras preparadas com concentrações de 50 a 1000 mg/L e, (ii) verificar diferentes procedimentos de remoção de CO2 formado durante titulação ácida das amostras. A partir do teste estatístico de Tukey aplicado aos resultados obtidos, observou-se que os métodos Kapp e DiLallo & Albertson com utilização de ultra-som para a remoção de CO2 do meio líquido apresentaram os melhores resultados para AGV. Os métodos da Condutividade, Kapp e Jenkins se destacaram na determinação de AB.

Anaerobic treatment systems are sensitive to the environmental condition changes. Such changes may have influence on the metabolism of the microorganisms responsible for the process stability. The aims of this work were (i) to evaluate the accuracy of methods to determine control parameters volatile fatty acids (VFA) and bicarbonate alkalinity (BA) in samples prepared with concentrations from 50 to 1000 mg/L and, (ii) to verify different procedures of the CO2 removal formed during the acid titration of the samples. From the Tukey statistical test applied to the obtained results it was observed that the Kapp and DiLallo & Albertson methods using sonic equipment to remove CO2 from the liquid presented better results for VFA. The Conductivity, Kapp and Jenkins methods were considered the most reliable for BA determination.