Exposure to chemical pollution can cause significant damage to plants by imposing conditions of oxidative stress. Plants combat oxidative stress by inducing antioxidant metabolites, enzymatic scavengers of activated oxygen and heat shock proteins. The accumulation of these proteins, in particular heat shock protein 70 and heme oxygenase, is correlated with the acquisition of thermal and chemical adaptations and protection against oxidative stress. In this study, we used Pinus pinaster Ait. collected in the areas of Priolo and Aci Castello representing sites with elevated pollution and reference conditions, respectively. The presence of heavy metals and the levels of markers of oxidative stress (lipid hydroperoxide levels, thiol groups, superoxide dismutase activity and expression of heat shock protein 70, heme oxygenase and superoxide dismutase) were evaluated, and we measured in field-collected needles the response to environmental pollution. P. pinaster Ait. collected from a site characterized by industrial pollution including heavy metals had elevated stress response as indicated by significantly elevated lipid hydroperoxide levels and decreased thiol groups. In particular, we observed that following a chronic chemical exposure, P. pinaster Ait. showed significantly increased expression of heat shock protein 70, heme oxygenase and superoxide dismutase. This increased expression may have protective effects against oxidative stress and represents an adaptative cellular defence mechanism. These results suggest that evaluation of heme oxygenase, heat shock protein 70 and superoxide dismutase expression in P. pinaster Ait. could represent a useful tool for monitoring environmental contamination of a region and to better understand mechanisms involved in plant defence and stress tolerance.

Carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) can catalyze the reversible hydration reaction of CO2 at a maximum of 1.4 × 106 molecules of CO2 per second. The crude intracellular enzyme extract containing CA II was derived from Chlorella vulgaris. A successful CO2 capture experiment with the presence of calcium had been conducted on the premise that the temperature was conditioned at a scope of 30–40 °C, that the biocatalyst-nurtured algal growth period lasted 3 days, and that pH ranged from7.5 to 8.5. Ions of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mg2+, Mn2+, and Zn2+ at 0.01, 0.1, and 0.5 M were found to exhibit no more than 30 % inhibition on the residual activity of the biocatalyst. It is reasonable to expect that calcification catalyzed by microalgae presents an alternative to geological carbon capture and sequestration through a chain of fundamental researches carried on under the guidance of sequestration technology.

To categorize the marine environmental health status, the Oslo and Paris commissions have recently formulated Ecological Quality Objectives (EcoQOs) for many ecological features including the contamination of coastal bird eggs with mercury and organochlorines. In this study, we describe spatial and temporal patterns of egg contamination around the North Sea and compared them to the EcoQOs. Concentrations of mercury, polychlorinated biphenyl (ΣPCB) congeners, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ΣDDT) and derivatives, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and hexachlorocyclohexane (ΣHCH) isomers were analysed in two tern species (Sterna hirundo and Sterna paradisaea) and Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) eggs collected between 2008 and 2010 in a total of 21 sites in seven countries surrounding the North Sea. Hg, ΣPCB and HCB were highest in the southern sites, while ΣDDT and ΣHCH concentrations were greatest in eggs from the western North Sea and the Elbe estuary. There were rarely any consistent decreases over time for any compounds. In the terns, Hg, HCB and ΣHCH increased at most sites, ΣPCB and ΣDDT in Sweden and Norway. In the Oystercatcher, HCB and ΣHCH increased at more than the half of the sites, ΣPCB, ΣDDT and Hg at several German sites. In the terns, Hg, ΣPCB and ΣDDT exceeded the EcoQO in all, HCB in most years and sites. At most sites, ΣHCH fulfilled the EcoQO in some study years. In the Oystercatcher, Hg, ΣPCB and ΣDDT exceeded the EcoQO in all or most years and sites. HCB and ΣHCH fulfilled the EcoQO in some or all years at most sites. The EcoQO was exceeded most frequently in estuaries. We conclude that EcoQOs are suitable for drawing contamination patterns of the coastal North Sea in an easily understandable manner, offering the opportunity to harmonize the EcoQOs with coordinated environmental monitoring programmes.

PURPOSE: Due to the fast development of industry and the overuse of agrichemicals in past decades, Lake Taihu, an important source of aquatic products for Eastern China, has simultaneously suffered mercury (Hg) contamination and eutrophication. The objectives of this study are to understand Hg transfer in the food web in this eutrophic, shallow lake and to evaluate the exposure risk of Hg through fish consumption. METHODS: Biota samples including macrophytes, sestons, benthic animals, and fish were collected from Lake Taihu in the fall of 2009. The total mercury (THg), methyl mercury (MeHg), δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N in the samples were measured. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The signature for δ¹⁵N increased with the trophic levels. Along with a diet composed of fish, the significant relationship between the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N indicated that a pelagic foraging habitat is the dominant pathway for energy transfer in Lake Taihu. The concentrations of THg and MeHg in the organisms varied dramatically by ∼3 orders of magnitude from primary producers (macrophytes and sestons) to piscivorous fish. The highest concentrations of both THg (100 ng g⁻¹) and MeHg (66 ng g⁻¹), however, were lower than the guideline of 200 ng g⁻¹ of MeHg for vulnerable populations that is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The daily intake of THg and MeHg of 92 and 56 ng day⁻¹ kg⁻¹ body weight, respectively, was generally lower than the tolerable intake of 230 ng day⁻¹ kg⁻¹ body weight for children recommended by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Significant relationships between the δ¹⁵N and the logarithm of THg and MeHg showed an obvious biomagnification of Hg along the food web. The logarithmic bioaccumulation factor of MeHg in the fish (up to 5.7) from Lake Taihu, however, was relatively low compared to that of other aquatic ecosystems. CONCLUSION: Health risk of exposure to Hg by consumption of fish for local residents is relatively low in the Lake Taihu area. Dilution of Hg levels in the phytoplankton induced by eutrophication is a possible factor inhibiting accumulation of MeHg in fish in eutrophic Lake Taihu.

PURPOSE: The oxone process for azo dye decolorization has drawbacks such as difficulties with reuse, risks of secondary pollution, and high costs associated with UV irradiation. This study aims to explore the use of oxone for decolorization in the absence of catalyst and under natural sunlight conditions (i.e., oxone/natural sunlight system) and evaluate the impacts of operating parameters (reagent dosage, initial methyl orange (MO) concentration, and initial pH) and coexisting substances (humic acid, NO 3 − , metal ions) on the system’s decolorization efficiency. METHODS: Four levels of operating parameters were configured under a Taguchi L16 orthogonal array design to examine their effects on decolorization efficiency. Fractional factional design was then used to derive the optimal combination of operating parameters, under which the effects of coexisting substances at various concentrations were examined. In addition, H2O2, CH3OH, and (CH3)3COH were used to derive the possible reaction mechanisms in the oxone/sunlight system, while ultrasonic power was used to shorten the reaction time. RESULTS: In the oxone/sunlight system, (1) the MO decolorization efficiency reaches 96.4% under the optimal operating conditions: initial concentration, 100 mg L−1; initial pH 6.04; dosage of reagent, 3 mmol L−1; and reaction time, 30 min. (2) Coexisting substances do not affect the overall decolorization efficiency. (3) The decolorization of MO in the oxone/sunlight system takes place mainly via oxidation by SO 4 [Symbol: see text]− . (4) Ultrasonic irradiation could remarkably accelerate the MO decolorization process. CONCLUSION: Effective for MO decolorization, the oxone/sunlight system improves over the traditional oxone process with advantages of lower costs and avoiding secondary pollution by catalyst.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the research is to investigate the application of bagasse fly ash, a sugar industry solid waste for the synthesis of zeolites and their behavior for the sorption of p-nitrophenol (p-NP). METHODS: Zeolitic materials were prepared from bagasse fly ash using alkaline hydrothermal (CZBFA) and fusion (FZBFA) treatment. Comparative batch sorption studies of prepared zeolitic material and virgin material were undertaken to determine their capacities for removal of p-nitrophenol. RESULTS: PXRD patterns revealed that zeolite P and analcime were the dominant contents of synthesized zeolitic material. Chemical composition, morphology, and crystalline nature of CZBFA and FZBFA were characterized by XRF, FTIR, and SEM. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin Redushkwich, and Temkin sorption isotherms were applied to compare the sorption nature and capacity of synthesized CZBFA and FZBFA with virgin BFA. For each sorbent-p-NP system, a pseudo-second-order kinetic model described the sorption kinetics accurately. The thermodynamics of the p-NP-sorbent systems exhibit an exothermic sorption process. Intraparticle diffusion model shows that the sorption rate was controlled by film diffusion followed by pore diffusion. Regeneration of sorbents was carried out by desorption studies with HCl, NaOH, and SDS detergent. The column studies were performed for the practical utility of sorbents, and breakthrough curve were obtained, which exhibit higher sorption capacity than batch method. CONCLUSION: The sorption capacities of the synthesized zeolites had improved sorption capacities for the sequestration of p-NP and can be utilized as low-cost sorbents for treatment of p-nitrophenolic wastewater.

INTRODUCTION: This study was hypothesized that salicylic acid elevates the level of antioxidant system that will protect plants from the stress generated by nickel and/or salinity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seeds of Brassica juncea were sown in sand amended with NiCl2 (100 mg kg−1) and/or 15-day-old seedlings supplied for 3 days with NaCl (150 mM) and were then, at 20-day stage, sprayed with salicylic acid (10−5 M) to assess selected morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters at 30-day stage. RESULTS: The combination of Ni and NaCl proved most deleterious and exhibited significant decline in growth, leaf water potential, the level of pigments, and photosynthetic attributes. However, the follow-up treatment with salicylic acid detoxified the stress-generated damages caused by the combination (NiCl2 and NaCl) and also significantly improved values for the above parameters. The NiCl2 and/or NaCl increased electrolyte leakage, lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 content but decreased the membrane stability index and activity of nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase. However, the salicylic acid treatment in the presence or absence of the stress improved the activity of nitrate reductase and carbonic anhydrase. The activity of antioxidative enzymes and the level of proline exhibited a significant increase in response to NiCl2 and/or NaCl stress and which enhanced further with the spray of salicylic acid. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the elevated level of antioxidative enzymes and level of proline might be responsible for minimizing the Ni and/or salinity-induced toxicity in Indian mustard which is manifested in terms of improved growth and photosynthesis.

PURPOSE: The distribution and speciation of mercury in surface water of East River, Guangdong province, China were investigated. METHODS: All told 63 water samples were collected during a bi-weekly sampling campaign from July 15th to 26th, 2009. RESULTS: Total mercury (THg) concentrations in water samples ranged from 11 to 49 ng/L. Maximum levels of THg were measured in the lower reaches of East River, where it passes through a major industrial area adjacent to Dongguang city. Higher ratios of dissolved mercury (THg (aq)) in proportion to THg were restricted to the downstream section of East River. Concentrations of the minor constituent methyl mercury varied in the range from 0.08 to 0.21 ng/L. On average, methyl mercury made up 0.8% and 0.56% of THg (aq) and THg, respectively. Dissolved species dominated the speciation of methyl mercury in proportions up to 81%, which may imply that methyl mercury is largely produced in situ within the river water. Environmental factors (such as water temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.) are regarded to play an important role in Hg methylation processes were monitored and assessed. CONCLUSIONS: In an international perspective, East River must be classified as a polluted river with considerably sources within its industrial areas. The THg (aq) and particle mercury fluxes to the Pearl River Estuary by East River run-off were estimated to be 0.31 ± 0.11 and 0.17 ± 0.13 t/year, respectively. Hence, in total nearly 0.5 t Hg is annually released to the sea from the East River tributary.

PURPOSE: Both an optimization statistical model and a chemical thermodynamic equilibrium computer model were proposed to develop, improve, and optimize struvite precipitation process. METHODS AND RESULT: The NH4-N in synthetically prepared wastewater was removed using struvite precipitation technology. A quadratic statistical modeling, response surface methodology (RSM), was applied to investigate the improvement availability for high-level removal of ammonium-nitrogen by struvite precipitation. Then, a chemical equilibrium model, Visual MINTEQ, was used to calculate the equilibrium speciation and saturation index in aqueous solution and solid phases. In addition, the availability of Mg2+, NH 4 + , and PO 4 3− ions as a function of pH was modeled. The predicted and experimental data indicated that the two models might describe the experiments well. The results showed that pH was an important parameter in ammonium-nitrogen removals at low initial NH4-N concentration. P/N molar ratio was a limiting factor on struvite precipitation at high initial NH4-N concentration. CONCLUSION: Within the ranges of the investigated factors, Visual MINTEQ program can be proposed to predetermine the concentration of ammonium precipitated by struvite, and RSM can be used to predict total NH4-N removal by both struvite precipitation and ammonia volatilization from our investigated system operated at high pH and opened to the atmosphere.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the acute effect of benzo[a]anthracene, a significant compound among polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, on the biodegradation of a synthetic organic substrate—a peptone/meat extract mixture—under aerobic conditions. METHODS: A laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactor was sustained at steady state at a sludge age of 10 days with substrate feeding. Inhibition tests involved running a series of batch reactors initially seeded with the biomass obtained from the parent reactor. After the biomass seeding, the reactors were started with the peptone mixture and a range of initial benzo[a]anthracene concentrations between 0.5 and 88 mg/L. Experimental profiles of oxygen uptake rates and polyhydroxyalkanoates were evaluated by calibration of a selected model. RESULTS: Lower doses of benzo[a]anthracene had no effect on process kinetics. The noticeable acute impact was only observed with the addition of 88 mg/L of benzo[a]anthracene, but it was limited with the storage mechanism: the amount of organic substrate diverted to polyhydroxyalkanoates was significantly reduced with a corresponding decrease in the maximum storage rate, k STO, from 2.7 down to 0.6 day−1. Similarly, the maximum growth rate from internally stored polyhydroxyalkanoates was lowered from 2.3 to 1.0 day−1. CONCLUSION: Among the mechanisms for direct substrate utilization, only the hydrolysis rate was slightly reduced, but otherwise, the overall COD removal efficiency was not affected.