Litterfall and nutrient transfer dynamics in a successional gradient of tropical dry forest in Colombia / Dinámica de la hojarasca y transferencia de nutrientes en un gradiente sucesional de bosque seco tropical en Colombia

Introduction: The litterfall production, foliar nutrient dynamics and decomposition are essential to maintain nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and carbon regulation in terrestrial ecosystems. With several studies addressing the variation of these processes, their dynamics in tropical dry forests (TDFs) remain unclear, due to its complex interaction of biotic and abiotic factors. Objective: To evaluate litterfall, nutrient potential return and use efficiency, and decomposition variation in a TDF successional gradient in Tolima, Colombia. Methods: We quantified litterfall from November 2017 to October 2019 in 12 plots distributed in four successional stages: initial, early, intermediate, and late forests. We identified key tree species in foliar litter production and characterized the foliar decomposition of these species. At the community level, we quantified the C, N and P potential return, the N and P use efficiency, and the C:N and N:P ratio. Subsequently, we analyze relationships between vegetation characteristics and some soil chemical properties with these ecological processes. Results: We found that total litterfall in late forests (8.46 Mg ha-1 y-1) was double that found in initial forests (4.45 Mg ha-1 y-1). Decomposition was higher in initial (k = 1.28) compared to intermediate (k = 0.97) and late forests (k = 0.87). The nutrient potential return didn't change along succession, but it did show differences between study sites. The structural development and species richness favored litterfall, while soil chemical conditions influenced nutrient returns and decomposition. Conclusions: TDFs could recover key ecosystem function related to litterfall and nutrient dynamics after disturbances cessation; however, the soil quality is fundamental in return and release of nutrients.

Introducción: La producción de hojarasca, la dinámica de nutrientes foliares y la descomposición son esenciales para mantener el ciclo de nutrientes, la fertilidad del suelo y la regulación del carbono en ecosistemas terrestres. Con diversos estudios que abordan estos procesos, su variación en los bosques secos tropicales (BSTs) permanece incierta, por su compleja interacción de factores bióticos y abióticos. Objetivo: Evaluar la caída de hojarasca, el retorno potencial de nutrientes y eficiencia de uso, y la variación en descomposición en un gradiente sucesional de un BST en Tolima, Colombia. Métodos: Cuantificamos la caída de hojarasca entre noviembre 2017 y octubre 2019 en 12 parcelas distribuidas en cuatro estados sucesionales: bosque inicial, temprano, intermedio y tardío. Identificamos las especies arbóreas clave en la producción de hojarasca y caracterizamos la descomposición foliar de estas especies. A nivel comunitario, cuantificamos el retorno potencial de C, N y P, la eficiencia de uso de N y P y la relación C:N y N:P. Posteriormente, analizamos las relaciones entre las características de la vegetación y algunas propiedades químicas del suelo con estos procesos ecológicos. Resultados: Encontramos que la caída total de hojarasca en los bosques tardíos (8.46 Mg ha-1 año-1) fue el doble de la hallada en bosques iniciales (4.45 Mg ha-1 año-1). La descomposición fue mayor en bosques iniciales (k = 1.28) en comparación con bosques intermedios (k = 0.97) y tardíos (k = 0.87). El retorno potencial de nutrientes no cambió con el avance de la sucesión vegetal, pero exhibió diferencias entre los sitios de estudio. El desarrollo estructural y la riqueza de especies favorecieron la caída de hojarasca, mientras que las condiciones químicas del suelo influyeron en el retorno de nutrientes y descomposición. Conclusiones: Los BSTs tienen la capacidad de recuperar la función ecosistémica de aporte de hojarasca fina, retorno y liberación de nutrientes después del cese de alteraciones antrópicas; sin embargo, la calidad del suelo es fundamental en el retorno y liberación de nutrientes.

Organic onion growth, yield and storage improved by foliar sprays of microalgae and fulvic acid as a natural biofertilizer

The use of microalgae as natural biofertilizer in horticulture has recently been reported, while the use of humic substances is widespread. However, the combined use of microalgae with humic substances applied to plant leaves is still unexploited. Thus, the objective of this work was to combine fulvic acid (FA) with the Scenedesmus subspicatus microalga biomass (SC) as a natural biofertilizer applied via leaf in two onion cultivars in organic system. Four experiments were conducted: i) bioassays to verify the bioactive effect of FA, SC and combinations using the Vigna radiata model plant; ii) greenhouse pot experiment with foliar applications of FA, SC and combination in two onion cultivars; iii) field experiment in organic system with foliar applications of FA, SC and combination in two onion cultivars; and iv) onion bulb storage experiment. The bioactive effect of SC, FA and their combinations was identified by promoting changes in root growth of V. radiata. In pots, treatments containing FA, SC and combination promoted increase in fresh and dry leaf mass. The foliar application of FA, SC and combination promoted an increase in field bulb productivity, reduced mass loss in stored bulbs and increased carbohydrate, amino acid and protein contents in onion bulbs.

Physical and chemical properties of an oxisol after maize cropping on rotation with leguminous plants / Propriedades físicas e químicas de um latossolo ver melho durante o cultivo do milho após rotação com plantas leguminosas

Crop rotation has been a daily management to ensure viability of no-tillage system; however, it is few accepted and practiced by farmers. Thus, this study aims to establish a crop rotation scheme in soil quality. Consequently, cover crops of dwarf mucuna, pigeon pea dwarf, sun hemp and maize were cropped in 2010 under no-tillage system. Soil properties were determined prior their beginning, after the management of cover crops and maize harvest. Results were submitted to ANOVA and averages were compared. The macroporosity and total porosity answered to the adopted management with some variation. So, cover crops need much time to express their potential, mainly related to the physical characteristics of the studied soil. Chemical properties are susceptible to this management since higher changes were observed after management with cover crops. This crop rotation in a long term may allow the maintenance of soil quality because it avoids losses of nutrients and carbon

A rotação de culturas é ação básica para garantir a viabilidade do sistema plantio direto, porém, é pouco aceita e praticada pelos agricultores. Assim, este trabalho teve por objetivo estabelecer o esquema de rotação de culturas sobre a qualidade do solo. Para isso, sob sistema plantio direto, foramimplantadas, em 2010, as plantas de cobertura mucuna anã, feijão guandu anão, crotalaria juncea, e a cultura do milho. As propriedades do solo foram determinadas anteriormente à implantação, após o manejo da cobertura vegetal e após a colheita do milho. Os resultados encontrados foram submetidos à análise de variância e a comparação de médias. As plantas de cobertura podem precisar de mais tempo para que expressem seu potencial, principalmente relacionado às características físicas do solo, embora tenha sido observada variação da porosidade total e macroporosidade. As propriedades químicas são sensíveis ao manejo empregado, já que maiores alterações foram observadas após o manejo com as plantas de cobertura. Mesmo que não possibilite aumento significativo no teor de C no solo, o uso desta rotação, em longo prazo, poderá permitir a manutenção da qualidade do solo, evitando perdas de nutrientes e carbono

Bacterial degradation of dissolved organic matter released by Planktothrix agardhii (Cyanobacteria) / Degradação bacteriana da matéria orgânica dissolvida liberada por Planktothrix agardhii (Cyanobacteria)

Abstract Although Planktothrix agardhii often produces toxic blooms in eutrophic water bodies around the world, little is known about the fate of the organic matter released by these abundant Cyanobacteria. Thus, this study focused in estimating the bacterial consumption of the DOC and DON (dissolved organic carbon and dissolved organic nitrogen, respectively) produced by axenic P. agardhii cultures and identifying some of the bacterial OTUs (operational taxonomic units) involved in the process. Both P. agardhii and bacterial inocula were sampled from the eutrophic Barra Bonita Reservoir (SP, Brazil). Two distinct carbon degradation phases were observed: during the first three days, higher degradation coefficients were calculated, which were followed by a slower degradation phase. The maximum value observed for particulate bacterial carbon (POC) was 11.9 mg L-1, which consisted of 62.5% of the total available DOC, and its mineralization coefficient was 0.477 day-1 (t½ = 1.45 days). A similar pattern of degradation was observed for DON, although the coefficients were slightly different. Changes in the OTUs patterns were observed during the different steps of the degradation. The main OTUs were related to the classes Alphaproteobacteria (8 OTUs), Betaproteobacteria (2 OTUs) and Gammaproteobacteria (3 OTUs). The genus Acinetobacter was the only identified organism that occurred during the whole process. Bacterial richness was higher at the slower degradation phase, which could be related to the small amounts of DOM (dissolved organic matter) available, particularly carbon. The kinetics of the bacterial degradation of P. agardhii-originated DOM suggests minimal loss of DOM from the Barra Bonita reservoir.

Resumo Embora Planktothrix agardhii frequentemente forme florações tóxicas em corpos d'água pelo mundo, pouco ainda se sabe sobre o destino da matéria orgânica liberada por essa abundante Cyanobacteria. Assim, este estudo foi focado na estimativa do consumo bacteriano do carbono orgânico dissolvido (DOC) e nitrogênio orgânico dissolvido (DON) produzido por culturas axênicas de P. agardhii e identificação de algumas das unidades taxonômicas operacionais (OTUs) bacterianas envolvidas no processo. Ambos a linhagem de P. agardhii e o inóculo bacteriano foram amostrados do reservatório eutrófico de Barra Bonita (SP, Brasil). Foram observadas duas fases distintas da degradação do DOC: durante os três primeiros dias, coeficientes mais altos de degradação foram calculados, que foram então seguidos por uma fase mais lenta da degradação do carbono. O valor máximo calculado para o carbono bacteriano particulado (POC) foi de 11,9 mgL-1, o que equivale a aproximadamente 62,5% do DOC disponível para consumo, e o seu coeficiente de mineralização foi de 0,477 dia-1 (t1/2 = 1,45 dias). Um padrão similar de degradação foi observado para DON, embora os coeficientes sejam ligeiramente diferentes. Foram observadas mudanças nos padrões de OTUs durante os diferentes passos da degradação. As principais OTUs foram relacionadas às classes Alphaproteobacteria (8 OTUs), Betaproteobacteria (2 OTUs) e Gammaproteobacteria (3 OTUs). O gênero Acinetobacter foi o único organismo identificado que ocorreu durante todo o processo. A maior riqueza bacteriana foi observada durante a fase lenta de degradação, o que pode estar relacionado às pequenas quantidades de matéria orgânica dissovida (DOM) disponíveis, particularmente o carbono. A cinética da degradação bacteriana da MOD de P. agardhii, quando comparada ao tempo de retenção do reservatório, sugere que existe uma perda mínima após sua liberação em Barra Bonita.

Necessity of purification during bacterial DNA extraction with environmental soils

Complexity and heterogeneity of soil samples have often implied the inclusion of purification steps in conventional DNA extraction for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. Unfortunately the purification steps are also time and labor intensive. Therefore the necessity of DNA purification was re-visited and investigated for a variety of environmental soil samples that contained various amounts of PCR inhibitors. Bead beating and centrifugation was used as the baseline (without purification) method for DNA extraction. Its performance was compared with that of conventional DNA extraction kit (with purification). The necessity criteria for DNA purification were established with environmental soil samples. Using lysis conditions at 3000 rpm for 3 minutes with 0.1 mm glass beads, centrifugation time of 10 minutes and 1:10 dilution ratio, the baseline method outperformed conventional DNA extraction on cell seeded sand samples. Further investigation with PCR inhibitors (i.e., humic acids, clay, and magnesium [Mg]) showed that sand samples containing less than 10 μg/g humic acids and 70% clay may not require purifications. Interestingly, the inhibition pattern of Mg ion was different from other inhibitors due to the complexation interaction of Mg ion with DNA fragments. It was concluded that DNA extraction method without purification is suitable for soil samples that have less than 10 μg/g of humic acids, less than 70% clay content and less than 0.01% Mg ion content.

[Changes in nepetalactone content and biochemical traits of catnip [nepeta cataria l.] in response to induction of biostimulants compounds]

Background: The use of organic and biological stimulants at different stages of plant growth may increase growth and yield of plants in addition to reducing environmental stresses

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the induction effect of various formulations of chitosan, humic acid, and nicgtric acid on nepetalactone content and biochemical traits in catnip

Methods: This study, which was based on a completely randomized design [CRBD], was conducted in the research greenhouse of Medicinal Plants Research Institute, ACECR. Treatments consisted of: control, citric acid, different concentrations of humic acid, dual combinatorial formulations of chitosan and citric acid, and triple combinatorial formulations of chitosan, citric acid, and humic acid. First, the roots of the transplants were treated before being transferred to the pot. Then, about 20 days after planting, treatments were sprayed on the plants three times - once everylS days

Results: Results showed that the induction of different formulations of humic acid, citric acid, and chitosan had significant effects on plant height [P<0.05], the number of lateral branches, the number of leaves, dry weight of leaves, stems, and shoot, content of soluble sugar, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and nepetalactone [P<0.01]. The highest amounts - in most morpho-physiological traits - were observed 400 ppm chitosan + 800 ppm humic acid + 400 ppm citric acid treatment. The maximum content of nepetalactone was obtained at 200 ppm chitosan + 800 ppm humic acid + 400 ppm citric acid

Conclusion: The use of biostimulants formulation including humic acid, citric acid, and chitosan had a significant positive effect on improving vegetative characteristics and especially on phytochemical traits of catnip [Nepeta cataria L.]

Application of Multiple Displacement Amplification in Samples with Inhibitors / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the ability of inhibition resistibility of multiple displacement amplification （MDA） in samples with inhibitors. To explain the application and value of MDA in forensic medicine by comparing with using magnetic beads methods （MBM） to purify sample.@*METHODS@#Different concentrations of hemoglobin and humid acid （HA） mixed with DNA samples and then divided the samples into MDA group, MBM group and control group. D3S1358 locus was amplified and detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis detection system and AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler™ Plus Kit-capillary electrophoresis detection system.@*RESULTS@#When hemoglobin concentrations exceed 1 ng/μL or HA concentrations exceed 0.1 ng/μL, amplification products could not be obtained by single-locus system in control group. When hemoglobin concentration exceeds 100 ng/μL or HA concentrations exceed 1 ng/μL, the samples could not be amplified by MBM. Inhibitors in different concentrations were amplified successfully in MDA group without any influence from inhibitors.@*CONCLUSIONS@#MDA has the capability to remove the inhibition of hemoglobin and HA, which is better than MBM and has a certain value in forensic practices.

Soil attributes and c and n variation in histosols under different agricultural usages in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Atributos edáficos e variação de c e n em organossolos sob diferentes usos agrícolas no estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Histosols are a natural reservoir of C in the soil, and their drainage followed by other farming practices leads to subsidence and soil organic matter transformations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of use and management of Histosols, by means of: characterizing chemical and physical properties, and the content of SOM and humic fractions; and quantifying C and N stocks. In addition, to obtain preliminary data on greenhouse gas emissions (CO2, N2O) in Histosol areas with different agricultural practices. Three areas were selected with similar soil and environment, two in Macaé municipality, under pasture, and with bean annual crop rotation, and the third in Santa Cruz, Rio de Janeiro city, cultivated with cassava (Manihot esculenta). The attributes evaluated were: physical - bulk density (BD), particle density (Dp), organic matter density (OMD), mineral matter (MM), mineral residue (MR), aggregate stability; and chemical - pH, exchangeable cations, soil organic matter (SOM), carbon in the humin (HUM-C), humic acid (HAF-C) and fulvic acid (FAF-C) fractions; stocks of C and N; and flux of CO2 and N2O. In general, the area cultivated with cassava had the highest values for exchangeable cations, as a result of fertilizer and soil management practices. The cassava site showed the highest values of BD and Dp; total volume of pores; MM, MR and OMD and higher degree of transformation of SOM; indicating higher alteration of Histosols properties under this usage. In all sites, the C levels indicated dominance of humin fraction. The SOM and C and N stocks were highest in the pasture, indicating preservation of organic matter, with values from 115.92 to 99.35Mg ha-1 of C e 8.35 to 4.45 Mg ha-1 for N. The values of CO2-C flux were within the range proposed by the IPCC, where the highest emission was 0.09 Mg CO2 ha-1 day-1 in the pasture site. The values of N2O-N flux were lower than proposed by the IPCC, with the highest value (270 g N2O-N m-2 day-1) in the area under beans (crop rotation). In general, the multivariate analyses discriminated the sites and the pasture was the usage that least affected the Histosols properties.

Os Organossolos são reservatório natural de C no solo e sua drenagem seguida por práticas agrícolas leva a subsidência e transformações na matéria orgânica do solo. O objetivo do estudo é avaliar a influencia do uso e manejo de Organossolos, através da: caracterização de propriedades químicas e físicas, conteudo de matéria orgânica do solo e frações húmicas; e quantificação de estoques de C e N. Ainda, obter dados preliminares sobre emissão de gases de efeito estufa (CO2, N2O) em áreas de Organossolos com diferentes usos agrícolas. Foram selecionadas três áreas com solos e ambientes semelhantes, duas no município de Macaé, sob pastagem e feijão com rotação de lavouras, e a terceira em Santa Cruz na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, com mandioca (Manihot esculenta). Os atributos avaliados foram: físicos - densidade do solo (Ds), densidade de partículas (Dp), densidade de matéria orgânica (DMO), material mineral (MM), resíduo mineral (RM), estabilidade de agregados; químicos - pH, cátions trocáveis, matéria orgânica do solo (MOS), carbono nas frações humina (HUM-C), ácido húmico (FAH-C) e ácido fúlvico (FAF-C); estoques de C e N; e fluxo de CO2 e N2O. A área de mandioca apresentou maiores valores de cátions trocáveis como resultado das práticas de adubação e manejo do solo. A área de mandioca apresentou Ds e Dp, volume total de poros, e valores de MM e RM e DMO mais elevados, e maior grau de transformação da matéria orgânica, indicando maior alteração das propriedades do Organossolo com esse uso. Em todas as áreas, os teores de C indicaram predomínio da humina. Os valores de MOS e estoques de C e N foram maiores na pastagem, indicando melhor preservação da matéria orgânica, com valores variando de 115,92-99,35Mg ha-1 de C e 8,35-4,45 Mg ha-1para N. Os valores de fluxo de CO2 estão de acordo com o IPCC, sendo o mais elevado de 0,09 mg de CO2 ha-1 dia- 1 na pastagem. Para N2O os fluxos foram menores que o proposto pelo IPCC, com o maior valor de 270 g N2O -N m-2 dia-1 na área com feijão. Em geral, a análise multivariada discriminou as áreas e a pastagem foi o uso que menos afetou as propriedades dos Organossolos.

Production of humic substances through coal-solubilizing bacteria

In this paper, the production of humic substances (HS) through the bacterial solubilization of low rank coal (LRC) was evaluated. The evaluation was carried out by 19 bacterial strains isolated in microenvironments with high contents of coal wastes. The biotransformed LRC and the HS produced were quantified in vitro in a liquid growth medium. The humic acids (HA) obtained from the most active bacterial strain were characterized via elemental composition (C, H, N, O), IR analyses, and the E4/E6 ratio; they were then compared with the HA extracted chemically using NaOH. There was LRC biotransformation ranged from 25 to 37%, and HS production ranged from 127 to 3100 mg.L-1. More activity was detected in the isolated strains of Bacillus mycoides, Microbacterium sp, Acinetobacter sp, and Enterobacter aerogenes. The HA produced by B. mycoides had an IR spectrum and an E4/E6 ratio similar to those of the HA extracted with NAOH, but their elemental composition and their degree of aromatic condensation was different. Results suggest that these bacteria can be used to exploit the LRC resulting from coal mining activities and thus produce HS in order to improve the content of humified organic matter in soils.

Humic fractions of forest, pasture and maize crop soils resulting from microbial activity

Humic substances result from the degradation of biopolymers of organic residues in the soil due to microbial activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of three different ecosystems: forest, pasture and maize crop on the formation of soil humic substances relating to their biological and chemical attributes. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial respiratory activity, nitrification potential, total organic carbon, soluble carbon, humic and fulvic acid fractions and the rate and degree of humification were determined. Organic carbon and soluble carbon contents decreased in the order: forest > pasture > maize; humic and fulvic acids decreased in the order forest > pasture=maize. The MBC and respiratory activity were not influenced by the ecosystems; however, the nitrification potential was higher in the forest than in other soils. The rate and degree of humification were higher in maize soil indicating greater humification of organic matter in this system. All attributes studied decreased significantly with increasing soil depth, with the exception of the rate and degree of humification. Significant and positive correlations were found between humic and fulvic acids contents with MBC, microbial respiration and nitrification potential, suggesting the microbial influence on the differential formation of humic substances of the different ecosystems.

Influence of humic acid on nile tilapia exposed to cadmium pollution

The effect of humic acid on cadmium [Cd] toxicity to Nile tilapia and the impact on fish immunological, hematological changes in Nile tilapia [Oreochromius niloticus] were studied. The fish [120 +/- 10g] were exposed to 10 ppm Cd alone or with 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 g humic acid /I ppm for 15 and 45 days. Cd exposure reduced significantly [P<0.04] such as erythrocyte count [RBCs], haemoglobin content [Hb], haematocrit value [Hct], mean cell haemoglobin [MCH] and mean cell haemoglobin concentration. These parameters were improved when humic acid was applied with Cd. The values of RBCs, Hb, Hct, MCH and MCHC were increased significantly to be as in the control fish group. Addition of humic acid to Cd contaminated medium considerably reduced metal absorption and accumulation in fish tissues, while it was increased metals in water and feces. Fish exposed to Cd alone accumulates 2.15 and 5.970 mg Cd/g dry weight in liver tissue for 15 and 45 days respectively. Cd reduced significantly to 1.292 and 4.16.; 0.92 and 3.791; and 0.41 and 2.43 mg Cd/g dry weight tissue in fishes exposed to 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4g humic acid /I for 15 ; and 45 days, respectively. Similar trends were observed in gills and musculature

Estudio micológico del aire en áreas ocupacionales y exteriores de la Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacia y otras áreas de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala / Mycological study occupational air and outdoor areas of the faculty of chemistry and pharmacy and other areas of the USAC

Hay pocos estudios realizados sobre la aerobiología de los países tropicales y por tanto un vacío de información sobre el tema. El propósito de este estudio fue realizar un análisis de la distribución de hongos microscópicos aerotransportados en la atmósfera en los meses de febrero a agosto del 2008. Se mustrearon ocho locales, de los cuales siete se ubicaron dentro del campus de la Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, zona 12.

comparative analytical study of the cadmium and humic acids contents of two lentic water bodies in tamil nadu, India

Humic acids, which are derived mainly from decaying organic matter, are considered as complex macromolecules having various functional groups and are very effective in the binding and removal of different cations including heavy metals. Two lentic water bodies selected for the comparative analysis of humic acids and cadmium content in this study are the Devarajan lake [polluted lake] and Srinivasapuram lake [reference lake] located in the Denkanikottai taluk of Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu, India. Water and soil samples were collected on every alternate month for one year from Feb. 2008 to Feb. 2009 from five fixed sites in both the lakes. While water samples were collected in polyethylene bottles, sediment samples were collected using a core sampler. In addition to the determination of cadmium in the water and sediment samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the humic acids contents in the sediment samples were also quantified on a bimonthly interval. The dissolved oxygen [DO] content and biochemical oxygen demand [BOD] of the two water bodies were also monitored. BOD and DO showed considerable variations between the two lakes indicating the pollution load of the Devarajan lake. Both the lakes exhibited significant differences between their humic acids contents as well as cadmium contents. In both the lakes, the amount of cadmium in the sediments was positively correlated to the respective humic acids contents indicating the possible interaction and complex formation between humic acids and cadmium. Such interactions may be responsible for the reduction of the bioavailability of toxicants including cadmium especially in the polluted lake leading to the survival of the aquatic fauna in it

Removal of cadmium and humic acid from aqueous solutions using surface modified nanozeolite A

The sorption of cadmium and humic acids from aqueous solutions using surface-modified nanozeolite A has been investigated under various examination conditions. The morphology of untreated and treated nanozeolite was studied under scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Isotherms of cadmium adsorption onto surface-modified nanozeolite A were studied at different pH, solid to liquid ratio, adsorbate concentration and interaction time. Kinetic and equilibrium studies were conducted and the equilibrium data have been analyzed using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The study revealed that experimental results were in agreement with the Freundlich model. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 1666.67 g cadmium and 6.75 g humic acid per gram of modified nanozeolite A, which is higher than that of reported value for other zeolites. The sorption ability was enhanced by surface modification and reduction in size and enabled the zeolite to adsorb cadmium. The adsorption of cadmium and humic acid on nanozeolite was found to be the highest at pH 6 and 3, respectively. Results showed that solid to liquid ratio and pH are the most important factors for cadmium and humic acid removal, respectively. Effect of competitive ions was studied and results showed that there is no competition between cadmium and humic acid sorption and presence of these ions

Matéria orgânica em solos desenvolvidos de rochas máficas no nordeste de Roraima / Organic matter in soils developed from mafic rocks, in northeastern Roraima

Solos desenvolvidos de rochas máficas no nordeste de Roraima são cultivados continuamente por populações indígenas em função da boa fertilidade natural. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar as alterações na matéria orgânica do solo por meio do fracionamento das substâncias húmicas, aplicação de análises de CHNS, estudos termogravimétricos e de Ressonância Paramagnética de Elétrons (EPR). Os maiores teores de C foram observados no Chernossolo sob cultivo contínuo. A fração humina foi predominante em todos os solos, tendo seus teores reduzidos em profundidade. No Nitossolo, houve menor relação ácido húmico/fúlvico. No Chernossolo cultivado, a posição no relevo e a incorporação dos restos culturais parece ter contribuído para manter a estabilidade do solo. Nos demais Chernossolos, a natureza química contribuiu para a ciclagem mais eficiente da matéria orgânica. No Chernossolo e nos Cambissolos não cultivados, a matéria orgânica se apresentou menos estável. No Chernossolo sob cultivo, houve aumento da polimerização do ácido húmico. Os solos com horizonte A chernozêmico, não cultivados, comportaram-se mais uniformes quanto à qualidade dos ácidos húmicos.

Soils developed from mafic rocks in Northeastern Roraima are the preferred areas for indigenous shifting cultivation, in view of their high natural fertility. The study was focused on changes in the soil organic matter status, by means of humic substances fractionation, and application of CHNS analyses and termogravimetric studies and EPR. High C values were observed in Chernosol under continuous cultivation. The humin fraction was predominant in all soils, reducing with depth. The Nitosol showed smaller humic/fulvic acids ratio. The Chernosol under cultivation in a more conservative relief, with incorporation of crop residues, there was greater nutrient cycling. In the uncultivated Chernosol and Cambisol the soil organic matter was less stable. In the chernosol under cultivation, increasing polymerisation of humic acids was observed. The virgin soils with chernozemic A horizons were more homogeneous with respect to humic acid quality.

Effects of stimulator substances on aerobic methyl tert-butyl ether biodegradation by microbial consortium

In this study dissolved humic substances and yeast extract were tested in different concentrations for enhancing methyl tert-butyl ether mineralization by isolated microorganisms from a variety of sources. All experiments were conducted at a constant temperature of 25?C. Vials of 50 mL and 125 mL volume sealed with Teflon-lined Mini-Nert caps was used for microcosm experiments. In all experiments 1% sodium azide were used as control. Samples of bacterial cultures that metabolize methyl tert-butyl ether have been analysed by direct GC analysis using flame ionization detector. Cultures able to metabolize have been found in activated sludge and soils. These microorganisms were gram-positive bacterium. An aerobic microbial consortium was enriched in laboratory for four months. Methyl tert-butyl ether has been shown to biodegrade under aerobic and co-metabolic conditions. A microbial consortium isolated from activated sludges was identified as Cocobacillus. The concentration of the initial attached biomass was about 0.11 g/L of dry weight. The maximum mineralization rate and beneficial effects of stimulator substances on aerobic biodegradation of methyl tert-butyl ether occurred with the culture by combined concentrations of 500 mg/L of yeast extract and 20 mg/L of peat humic growth support of microbial consortium within 216 h and in presence of high oxygen levels and well mixing conditions. It was shown that adding, peat humic and yeast extract together had better stimulatory effect on methyl tert-butyl ether biodegradation. Results clearly showed a stimulatory effect on methyl tert-butyl ether consumption higher than 20%. Consortium was capable of degrading concentrations of 1000 mg/L, were not degraded

Influence of humic acid fertilizer on biomass accumulation and quality of Angelica sinensis / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the influence of humic acid fertilizer on plant growth, assimilation base, dried biomass accumulation, yield, quality and disease infection of Angelica sinensis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Three kinds of humic acid fertilizer and an amino acid liquid fertilizer were tested in randomized groups at 1 level with 3 times repeat.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>T1 promoted plant and root growth effectively, increased dried biomass accumulation and fresh root average weight remarkably, the yield was increased, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 11.31%. T3 promoted plant and root growth quickly, enlarged leaves area and increased dried plant weight, but effect lasted shortly, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 5.23%. T4 increased more leaves in late growth period, enlarged leaves area, the yield was increased, the content of ethanol extract was increased by 3.09%. T2 increased fresh root average weight remarkably, the yield was increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Humic acid fertilizer and amino acid liquid fertilizer could effectively promote plant growth, enlarge leaves area, promote dried biomass accumulation and transformation to root and increase yield and content of ethanol extract effectively.</p>

A comparative study of the treatment techniques for controlling THM-precursors in raw and drinking water.

Silica gel adsorption, strong base anion exchange IRA 400-OH form resin were evaluated for the treatment of trihalomethane precursors present in raw and drinking water. A powdered silica gel having 60 to 120 mesh size and a previously dried IRA 400-OH form resin having 20-50 mesh size have been applied to artificial water samples and a specific analytical approach was used for selective removal of humic acid present in the water. This study aims to evaluate the role of contact time, pH, adsorption dose, concentration of humic acid (H.A.), flow rate on the reduction of THM-precursors as a result of adsorption of H.A. while passing raw water through silica gel and IRA 400 OH form resin column. Freundlich adsorption isotherm constants K for silica gel and IRA 400-OH form resin were determined as 1.13 x 10(-3) and 4.2 x 10(-3) mg/g respectively and l/n were found to be 0.9927 and 1.069 respectively.

Diversity of microflora in the gut and casts of tropical composting earthworms reared on different substrates.

The diversity of fungi, bacteria, yeast, actinomycetes and protozoa were analysed in the gut and casts of Eudrilus eugeniae, Lampito mauritii, Eisenia fetida and Perionyx excavatus, both qualitatively and quantitatively as influenced by different feed substrates like clay loam soil, cowdung and pressmud. While actinomycetes (Streptomyces albus, S. somaliensis, Nocardia asteroides, N. caviae and Saccharomonosporia) were not digested by any of these species of worms, protozoa (Amoeba proteus, A. terricola, Paramecium trichium, Euglena viridis, E. orientalis, Vorticella picta and Trichomonas hominis) and yeast (Candida tropicalis, C. krusei C. albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans) were totally digested. Certain species of fungi (Saksenae vasiformis, Mucor plumbeus, Cladosporium carrionii, C. herbacium, Alternaria sp., Cunninghamella echinulata, Mycetia sterila, Syncephalostrum racemosum, Curvalaria lunata, C. geniculata and Geotrichum candidum) and bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacterium antitratum, Mima polymorpha, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, P. mirabilis, P. rettgeri, Escherichia coli, Staphylococus citreus, Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, Enterococci and Micrococci) were completely digested. Certain other species were not digested fungi like Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. ochraceous, Trichoderma koningii (except by Eeugeniae), Fusarium moniliforme (except by E. eugeniae) and Rhizopus sp., and bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Morganella morganii) and these were multiplied during the transit of the organic residues through the gut of worms. The microbial proliferation was more in the casts, due to the environment prevailing--rich in nutrient supply and large surface area available for growth and reproduction of the microbes that lead to enhanced microbial activity and humic acid contents in the casts.

Metals and organic components of sewage and sludges.

Sewage and sludge samples were collected from rural areas of Vellore district. The metals like Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Fe, Ca and Mg were determined by Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry (ICP-AES). For this determination HCl - HNO3 and 4N HNO3 extracts were used. The total organic carbon (TOC), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and organic matter (OM) have also been determined to evaluate the presence of organic and metallic contents in sewage and sludge environment.