An Ameliorated Phase Generated Carrier Demodulation Algorithm With Low Harmonic Distortion and High Stability

A novel ameliorated phase generated carrier (PGC) demodulation algorithm based on arctangent function and differential-self-multiplying (DSM) is proposed in this paper. The harmonic distortion due to nonlinearity and the stability with light intensity disturbance (LID) are investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The nonlinearity of the PGC demodulation algorithm has been analyzed and an analytical expression of the total-harmonic-distortion (THD) has been derived. Experimental results have confirmed the low harmonic distortion of the ameliorated PGC algorithm as expected by the theoretical analysis. Compared with the traditional PGC-arctan and PGC-DCM algorithm, the ameliorated PGC algorithm has a much lower THD as well as a better signal-to-noise-and-distortion (SINAD). A THD of below 0.1% and a SINAD of 60 dB have been achieved with PGC modulation depth (value) ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 rad. The stability performance with LID has also been studied. The ameliorated PGC algorithm has a much higher stability than the PGC-DCM algorithm. It can keep stable operations with LID depth as large as 26.5 dB and LID frequency as high as 1 kHz. The system employing the ameliorated PGC demodulation algorithm has a minimum detectable phase shift of 5 mu rad/root Hz @ 1 kHz, a large dynamic range of 120 dB @ 100 Hz, and a high linearity of better than 99.99%.

高浓度CO_2下红松和长白赤松土壤微生物活性研究

大气CO_2浓度升高已经成为全球生态坏境研究中的热点，木文主要研究了长白赤松和红松根际及非根际土壤微生物数量、生物量C、土壤酶活性以及根际／非根际细菌群落结构对高浓度CO_2的响应规律，得出的主要研究结论如下：（1）高浓度CO_2对红松和氏白赤松根际及非根际土壤细菌数量影响显著，而对真菌和放线菌数量的影响却不明显；（2）700μmol·mol~(-1) CO_2对红松和长白赤松土壤微生物生物量碳的影响较500μmolmol~(-1)CO_2显著，且主要表现为抑制效应；（3）对红松土壤酶活性来说，高浓度CO_2对蛋白酶、服酶、磷酸酶、过氧化氢酶、多酚氧化酶以及脱氢酶活性主要表现出了促进作用，而对淀粉酶和转化酶的活性主要是抑制作用；对长白赤松说，高浓度CO_2对脉酶、转化酶、淀粉酶、过氧化氢酶、多酚氧化酶以及脱氢酶活性主要表现出了显著的促进作用，而对蛋白酶和磷酸酶的活性却主要起着抑制作用。此外，土壤酶活性的月动态规律在不同程度上也受到了高浓度CO_2的影响；（4）红松和长白赤松土壤酶活性之间、土壤酶活性与微生物生物量C以及微生物数量之间的相关性受到了高浓度CO_2的影响，但不同浓度CO_2其影响规律也不同：（5）不同树种其土壤酶活性、微生物数量以及微生物生物量C对高浓度CO_2的响应规律不同，即土壤生化活性与所研究的树种有关；（6）大气CO_2浓度升高对红松和长白赤松根际和非根际土壤细菌群落结构产生了较大的影响，主要表现为部分新的物种的出现／或原有物种数量的丰富以及原有物种的消失或数量被削弱，但主要建群种却未发生改变，此外，细菌群落结构在700μmol·mol~(-1) CO_2条件和500μmol·mol~(-1) CO_2下的变化规律亦不同。

生姜化感作用机理及其栽培模式研究

近年来，随着对作物重茬（连年种植）障碍原因的深入研究，植物的化感作用越来越受到国内外众多学者的重视。而作为重要调料和药用植物的生姜，其连作障碍也备受关注，系统地研究生姜化感作用将有助于理解和最终解决生姜连作障碍问题。本文通过研究生姜不同部位、不同浓度的水浸液对与其间作的两个物种（大豆和四季葱）种子的萌发及幼苗生长的影响，从而证明生姜化感作用的存在；并通过温室盆栽实验研究了生姜的自毒作用（即研究生姜不同部位、不同浓度的水浸液对其幼苗的形态、生理生化、光合作用、土壤酶、土壤微生物多样性及土壤养分的影响），从而揭示生姜退化和衰老的机制，并为生姜筛选出合适的间作物种提供科学依据，对生姜连作障碍提出科学的解决方法。主要研究结果如下： 1. 与对照相比，生姜所有部位（根茎、茎、叶）、所有浓度（10、20、40、 80 g l-1）的水浸液均抑制了大豆种子和葱籽的萌发率、幼苗生长、水分吸收和脂肪酶活性，并且其抑制程度随着水浸液浓度的增加而增强，其生姜各部位水浸液抑制效应的强弱顺序为茎＞叶＞根茎。这一结果表明生姜根茎、茎、叶含有能够抑制大豆种子和葱籽种子萌发和幼苗生长的水溶性化感物质。根茎是生姜的主要收获部位，而生姜的残株（主要是茎和叶）应该从大田中处理掉以减轻其抑制效应。生姜水浸液中主要化感成分包括：根茎水浸液中主要是丁香酸和伞花内脂；茎水浸液中主要是阿魏酸，且其含量最高为73.4 ug/g；叶水浸液中除了阿魏酸，其他六种物质均检测出来，但含量较高的主要有丁香酸、伞花内脂和香豆酸。 2. 生姜茎和叶不同浓度的水浸液均显著抑制了生姜幼苗的株高、每株叶片数和叶面积，其抑制程度随着水浸液浓度的增加而有所增强，而生姜幼苗每株分枝数差异不显著；同时生姜水浸液也极大程度地影响了生姜幼苗的生物量（包括地下生物量、地上生物量和总生物量，均为鲜重）。在同一浓度下，茎水浸液对生姜幼苗形态指标及生物量指标均显示出最强的抑制作用，叶水浸液次之，根茎水浸液最弱。与对照相比，低浓度的生姜根茎水浸液提高了生姜幼苗叶片内四种抗氧化酶（SOD、POD、CAT、APX）活性，高浓度的根茎水浸液抑制了四种抗氧化酶活性，而茎和叶水浸液均随着浓度的增加而抑制了四种抗氧化酶活性，三种水浸液均随着浓度的增加降低了生姜幼苗叶片内叶绿素的含量，而增加了生姜幼苗叶片的相对电导率和丙二醛含量。同时，三种水浸液均随着浓度的增加降低了生姜幼苗的光合参数（包括胞间CO2浓度、气孔导度、蒸腾速率及净光合速率）。 3. 三种生姜水浸液对所测六种土壤酶活性均产生了不同程度的影响，其中影响最大的是酸性磷酸酶和蔗糖酶，在10 g l-1 时就达到了显著水平，并且所有酶均有随着水浸液浓度增加而增大的趋势；相同部位的水浸液随着浓度的增加，细菌和真菌的数量呈增加趋势，而放线菌的数量呈减少趋势；三种生姜水浸液均随着浓度的增加降低了土壤中有机质的含量，加剧了土壤中硝态氮含量的积累，根茎水浸液对土壤有效磷、速效钾和铵态氮均显示出低浓度提高其含量而高浓度降低其含量的趋势，而茎和叶水浸液则随着浓度的增加均降低了其含量。 4. 与生姜单作相比，所有间作系统均在旺盛生长期和收获期不同程度地提高了土壤酶活性，同时也增加了土壤细菌数量及土壤微生物总数但不显著；所有间作系统在旺盛生长期和收获期均不同程度地影响了土壤真菌及放线菌数量（增加或减少），所有间作系统间的多样性指数差异不显著，除了旺盛生长期四种作物（生姜-大豆-四季葱-大蒜）的间作模式显著降低了多样性指数，其值仅为生姜单作的33.18%；生姜与大豆间作不仅提高了19.6%的生姜产量而且获得了较好的经济效益，并且，所有间作系统均显著抑制了生姜姜瘟病的发生。 5. 不同栽培模式不同程度地影响了收获期生姜的株高、分枝数、根茎产量及内在品质。其中处理2显著地促进了生姜的分枝（10.5%），同时处理2、3和4也促进了生姜的生长（株高分别增加了15.0%、11.4%和14.0%），并且这三个处理提高了生姜的产量；处理2和3能有效提高生姜块茎中维生素C（分别较单作生姜显著提高了3.29%和4.05%）、处理3显著提高了可溶性糖（8.2%）、姜辣素（4.6%）和蛋白质等有益物质的含量，降低硝酸盐有害物质的含量（处理2显著降低了14.0%），改善了姜块的外观和内在品质。并且，生姜与大豆间作具有最高的纯收入和产投比，分别较生姜单作提高了24.80%和8.8%。Recently, allelopathy has been more and more paid attentions by national and foreign scholars with profound research on reasons of crop replanted (continuous planted) obstacle. Ginger rhizome is valuable all over the world either as a spice or herbal medicine and ginger replanted obstacle is also paid attentions. Systematic research on ginger allelopathy will contribute to understanding and ultimate solving problem of ginger replanted obstacle. The effects of ginger aqueous extracts with different parts and concentrations on seed germination and early seedling growth of soybean and chive were studied in this article to testify that ginger existed allelopathy. Furthermore, ginger autotoxicity was also studied by pot experiment in greenhouse (namely research on effects of ginger aqueous extracts with different parts and concentrations on morphological indexes, physiological and biochemical indexes, photosynthesis, soil enzymes, soil microbial diversity and soil nutrients) to reveal mechanism of ginger degeneration and senescence, provide scientific basis for selecting appropriate intercropping species and put forward scientific resolvent for ginger replanted obstacle. The main results were as follows: 1. All aqueous extracts at all concentrations inhibited seed germination, seedling growth, water uptake and lipase activity of soybean and chive compared with the control, and the degree of inhibition increased with the incremental extracts concentration. The degree of toxicity of different ginger plant parts can be classified in order of decreasing inhibition as stem＞leaf＞rhizome. The results of this study suggested that rhizome, stem and leaf of ginger contained water soluble allelochemicals which could inhibit seed germination and seedling growth of soybean and chive. The rhizome is the main harvested part of ginger. The residue (mainly stems and leaves) of the ginger plant should be removed from the field so as to diminish its inhibitory effect. The main allelopathic components of three kind of aqueous extracts were as follows: Rhizome extract chiefly contained syringic acid and vmbelliferone and stem extract mainly contained frulic acid whose content was the highest (73.4 ug/g). The other six substances were detected except of frulic acid, but only contents of syringic acid, vmbelliferone and p-coumaric acid were higher. 2. Stem and leaf aqueous extracts of ginger with different concentrations significantly inhibited plant height, leaf numbers per plant and leaf area, and the degree of inhibition increased with the incremental extracts concentration. However, tiller number per plant of ginger seedling showed no significant difference. At the same time, ginger aqueous extracts also influenced biomass including under-ground biomass, above-ground biomass and total biomass (fresh weight) to a large extent. Under the same concentration, stem aqueous extract showed the mostly inhibitory effect on morphological indexes and biomass indexes of ginger seedling. Rhizome aqueous extract showed the leastly inhibitory effect and leaf aqueous extract was intervenient. Enhanced concentration of ginger aqueous extracts significantly reduced total chlorophyll content, accompanying with increases in memberane permeability (REL) and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Compared with the control, rhizome ginger aqueous extract of lower concentration (10 g l-1) increased the activities of major antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; peroxidase, POD; catalase, CAT; ascorbate peroxidase, APX) of ginger leaf tissue and higher concentration inhibited the activities of four antioxidant enzymes. However, stem and leaf aqueous extract inhibited the activities of four antioxidant enzymes with increase in concentration. Meanwhile, enhanced concentration of ginger aqueous extracts significantly reduced photo-parameters of ginger seedling (including CO2 concentration, stoma conductivity, net photosynthesis rate and transpiration rate). 3. Rhizome, stem and leaf ginger aqueous extract showed different effect on six soil enzyme activities, and acid phosphatase and invertase showed significant effect when aqueous extract concentration got 10 g l-1. Furthermore, six soil enzyme activities increased with increase in aqueous extract concentration. Bcterial and fungi number tended to increase while antinomyces tented to decrease with the increase in aqueous extract concentration of identical part. Ginger aqueous extracts reduced soil organic matter content with increased concentration, accompanying with NO3-—N accumulation in soil. Rhizome aqueous extract showed the same tendency for available P, available K and NH4+—N, namely lower concentration increased their contents in soil and higher concentration reduced their contents. While stem and leaf aqueous extracts reduced their contents with the increamental concentration. 4. All intercropping systems increased soil enzyme activities to different extent both at VGS and at HS compared to solo ginger. All intercropping systems increased the colony numbers of soil bacteria and total of soil microbe but not significantly either at VGS or at HS. All intercropping systems increased the colony numbers of soil fungi and actinomytes to a different extent (increase or decrease) both at VGS and at HS. For DI, difference between all cultivation patterns and S-G was not significant either at VGS or at HS except that G-S-C-G whose value was only 33.18% of S-G at VGS significantly decreased. G-S not only increased ginger yield by 19.6% but also obtained better economic benefit. Furthermore, all intercropping systems significantly inhibited occurrence of bacterial wilt of ginger. 5. Different cultivated pattern influenced plant height, tiller numbers, rhizome yields and intrinsic quality of ginger. Treatment 2 significantly facilitated tiller occurring (10.5%). Treatment 2, 3 and 4 promoted ginger growth (plant height respectively increased 15.0%、11.4% and 14.0%) and enhanced rhizome yields. Treatment 2 and 3 effectively increased vitamin C content (significantly increased 3.29% and 4.05% compared to solo ginger). Treatment 3 significantly increased contents of beneficial substances such as soluble sugar (8.2%), gingerols (4.6%) and protein. Treatment 2 significantly decreased contents of deleterious substance namely nitrate (14.0%) and improved appearance and intrinsic quality of ginger rhizome. Furthermore, treatment 2 (ginger/soybean intercropping) could obtain better economic benefit and showed the highest net income and ratio of benefit and cost whose values respectively increased by 24.80% and 8.8% compared to solo ginger.

Rectangular AgIn(WO4)(2) nanotubes: A promising photoelectric material

Rectangular AgIn(WO4)(2) nanotubes with a diameter range of 80 to 120 nm and length up to 2 mu m have been synthesized by a hydrothermal method. These nanotubes exhibit interesting white light emissions when using 320 nm as the excitation wavelength. A photocatalytic reaction for water decomposition to evolve K, was performed under UV irradiation, and the rate of H, evolution is nearly seven times that of the sample prepared by a solid-state reaction, which shows much higher photocatalytic activities compared with their bulk counterparts.

Purification and characterization of two types of chitosanase from a Microbacterium sp.

Two extracellular chitosanases (ChiX and ChiN) were extracted from Microbacterium sp. OU01 with Mr values of 81 kDa (ChiX) and 30 kDa (ChiN). ChiN was optimally active at pH 6.2 and 50 degrees C and ChiX at pH 6.6 and 60 degrees C (assayed over 15 min). Both the activities increased with the degree of deacetylation (DDA) of chitosan. ChiN hydrolyzed oligomers of glucosamine (GlcN) larger than chitopentaose, and chitosan with 62-100% DDA; but ChiX acted on chitosan and released GlcN. Hydrolysis of chitosan with 99% DDA by ChiN released chitobiose, chitotriose and chitotetraose as the major products.

浑善达克沙地全新世气候变化与风沙活动—夏日淖湖泊沉积记录

Atmospheric dust as an important factor for climate feedbacks is mainly derived from and drove by the aeolian activities of the semi-arid regions in Asia. Therefore, reconstructing the history of aeolian activities in this region has a great significance in understanding the dynamics of past and future climate changes. This paper made a systematical sedimentology, geochemisty and high-resolution chronology analysis on the sediments from the Xiarinao Lake, which located in Hunshandake Desert, Inner Mongolia, and compared with the meteorological records for identifying the indicator of aeolian activities and climate changes. Based on above work, the evolution history of the aeolian activities and climate changes since 11,000 a BP was reconstructed and the dynamics of the aeolian activities and climate changes in the Hunshandake Desert was discussed. The indicator of aeolian activities was established through the comparison of the clastic and chemical records with the meteorological registers in recent 50 years: 1. The sediments of Xiarinao Lake are mainly derived from eaolian clastic materials and composed of two major components: one is the sand fraction (<4 ) similar to the composition of sand dunes, the other is the silt fraction (>4 ) similar to the atmospheric dust. The sand content and the median grain size, particularly the sand content, show a close association with the intensity of wind, indicating that the particle-size composition of the sediments reflect the variations of the aeolian activities. 2. The proportion of soluble salts relative to the total carbonates in the sediments was correlated to the arid degree registered in meteorological records, suggesting that arid degree might be associated with changes of wind speed and the relative proportion of soluble salts to the total carbonate could be used as the indicator of aridity. 3. The δ18O of authigenic calcite in the Xiarinao Lake show a well correlation with both the atmosphere precipitation and variation of the moisture indicated by the concentrations of soluble salts, suggesting that δ18O of anthigenic calcite is a reliable indicator of humidity. Based on above studies, the evolution history of the aeolian activities and climate changes since 11,000 a BP was reconstructed. At the same time, their association and underlying dynamics was discussed: 1. The evolution history of the eaolian activity was reconstructed by the sand content and median grain size. The result showed that aeolian activities had experienced several different climate periods in the Holocene: the aeolian activities fluctuated with a 500-year cycles during the interval from 10,900 to 8200 a BP; no significant aeolian activities had been developed from 8200 to 6300 a BP; during the interval of 6300 to 2600 a BP, sand content and media grain size had increased gradually, the sand content increased from about 5% to 25%, indicating the intensity of aeolian activity increased in the Hunshandake Desert; since 2600 a BP, intensity of aeolian activity has become stronger and activated the sand dunes. 2. The relative arid degree indicated by the proportion of soluble salts relative to the total carbonate show that both the wind speed and dry degree had being increased since 11,000 a BP. During the interval of 10900 to 6300 a BP, no detectable soluble salt was found in the sediments, indicating the humidity condition; the proportion increased to 20% from 6300 to 4200 a BP, showing the climate became drier; the little change of proportion (20%) suggest that the climate was relative stable during the interval of 4200 to 2600 a BP; after 2600 a BP, the proportion increased, showing the climate became further dry. 3. The δ18O evolution of the lake water was established through analysis of authigenetic calcite δ18O for revealing the variations of relative effective humidity in the Hunshandake Desert. δ18O maintained around -6 ‰ during the interval of 10900 to 8200 a BP, showing the climate was a little dry relative to that of the whole Holocnene; in the period of 8200 to 6300 a BP, δ18O had the most negative values, indicating that it was the most humid interval in Holocene; from 6300 to 4200 a BP, δ18O increased from about -7.5 ‰ to about -3 ‰ gradually, suggesting increased aridity; since 4200 a BP, the climate has become stable and dry. On the whole, the records in this study show that the variation of the relative humidity and aridity is consistent with that of summer monsoon in the Hunshandake Desert. The relationships among the grain size, soluble salts relative content, and the authigenic calcite δ18O indicate aeolian activities is controlled by the aridity in the studied area, and the increased aeolian activities is closely associated with the temperature changes under the relative dry condition. The high wind speed under the low temperature leads to the increased aeolian activity, and the temperature change associated with the aeolian activities might be related with the perturbations of the Siberian High Pressure.

In vitro antioxidative activities of extract and semi-purified fractions of the marine red alga, Rhodomela confervoides (Rhodomelaceae)

The methanol-chloroform extract of the marine red alga, Rhodomela confervoides, was measured for antioxidant activity, using the alpha,alpha-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay and the beta-carotene-linoleate bleaching assay systems, and compared with those of the positive Controls of butylated hydroxytoluene, gallic acid and ascorbic acid, The active extract was further purified by liquid-liquid partition to afford four fractions, of which the ethyl acetate-soluble (EA) fraction exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity in both assay systems. This fraction was further divided into seven subfractions, designated as EA1-EA7, by silica gel vacuum liquid chromatography. in most cases, EA1 and EM Were found to possess the strongest activity. The total phenolic contents and reducing powers of the extract, fractions, and subfractions were also determined. Significant associations between the antioxidant potency and the total phenolic content, as well as between the antioxidant potency and the reducing power, were found for the tested fractions and subfractions. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

REE and epsilon(Nd) of clay fractions in sediments from the eastern Pacific Ocean: Evidence for clay sources

Clay fractions in the non-calcareous surface sediments from the eastern Pacific were analyzed for clay minerals, REE and Nd-143/Nd-144. Montmorillonite/illite ratio (M/I ratio), total REE contents (Sigma REE), LREE/HREE ratio and cerium anomaly (delta Ce) may effectively indicate the genesis of clay minerals. Clay fractions with M/I ratio > 1, delta Ce < 0.85, Sigma REE > 400 mu g/g, LREE/HREE ratio approximate to 4, and REE patterns similar to those of pelagic sediments are terrigenous and autogenetic mixed clay fractions and contain more autogenetic montmorillonite. Clay fractions with M/I ratio < 1, delta Ce=0.86 to 1.5, Sigma REE=200 to 350 mu g/g, LREE/HREE ratio approximate to 6 and REE distribution patterns similar to that of China loess are identified as terrigenous clay fraction. The Nd-143/Nd-144 ratios or epsilon(Nd) values of clay fractions inherit the features of terrigenous sources of clay minerals. Clay fractions are divided into 4 types according to epsilon(Nd) values. Terrigenous clay minerals of type I with the eNd values of -8 to -6 originate mainly from North American fluvial deposits. Those of type 11 with the epsilon(Nd) Values of -9 to -7 are mainly from the East Asia and North American fluvial deposits. Those of type III with epsilon(Nd) values of -6 to -3 could come from the central and eastern Pacific volcanic islands. Those of type IV with epsilon(Nd) values of -13 to -12 may be from East Asia eolian. The terrigenous and autogenetic mixed clay fractions show patchy distributions, indicating that there are volcanic or hot-spot activities in the eastern Pacific plate, while the terrigenous clay fractions cover a large part of the study area, proving that the terrigenous clay minerals are dominant in the eastern Pacific.

Antioxidant activities of sulfated polysaccharide fractions from Porphyra haitanesis

Three sulfated polysaccharide fractions (F1, F2, and F3) were isolated from Porphyra haitanesis, an important economic alga in China, through anion-exchange column chromatography and their in vitro antioxidant activities were investigated in this study. Galactose was the main sugar unit of the three fractions. The analytical results indicated that polysaccharide fractions from P. haitanesis had similar chemical components to porphyran from other species, but differed in their high sulfate content. The sulfate content of F1, F2 and F3 was 17.4%, 20.5% and 33.5% respectively. All three polysaccharide fractions showed antioxidant activities. They had strong scavenging effect on superoxide radical, and much weaker effect on hydroxyl free radical. Lipid peroxide in rat liver microsome was significantly inhibited, and H2O2 induced hemolysis of rat erythrocyte was partly inhibited by F1, F2 and F3. Among them, F3 showed strongest scavenging effect on superoxide radical; F2 had strongest effect on hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxide.

Antioxidant activity of sulfated polysaccharide fractions extracted from Laminaria japonica

Fucoidan, a group of sulfated heteropolysaccharide, was extracted from Laminaria japonica, an important economic alga species in China. Three sulfated polysaccharide fractions (F1, F2, and F3) were successfully isolated through anion-exchange column chromatography and had their antioxidant activities investigated employing various established in vitro systems, including superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, chelating ability, and reducing power. Chemical analysis suggested that F1 and F3 were heteropolysaccharide in which galactose was the major component, while F2 was a typical fucoidan. All fractions possessed considerable antioxidant activity, and F1, F2 and F3 had stronger antioxidant ability than fucoidan in certain tests. The correlation between the sulfate content and scavenging superoxide radical ability was positive. Available data obtained with in vitro models suggested that the ratio of sulfate content/fucose was an effective indicator to antioxidant activity of the samples. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phosphorus fractions and alkaline phosphatase activity in sediments of a large eutrophic Chinese lake (Lake Taihu)

Spatial, vertical, and seasonal variations in phosphorus fractions and in alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) were investigated in sediments in a large-shallow eutrophic Chinese lake (Lake Taihu) in 2003-2004. The phosphorus content was highest in the most seriously polluted lake area. Iron-bound phosphorus (Fe(OOH)-P) dominated (47% on average) among the phosphorus fractions determined according to Golterman (Hydrobiologia 335:87-95, 1996). Notably, organically-bound P comprised a further significant additional portion (acid-soluble + hot NaOH-extractable organic P = 25%), which was highest at the most polluted sites. The Fe(OOH)-P content was the lowest in spring (April, 2004), suggesting that degradation of organic matter led to the release of iron-bound phosphates. Sediment APA showed a significant positive relationship with both organically-bound P and Fe(OOH)-P. Consequently, organically-bound P is an important portion of the sediment phosphorus in Lake Taihu. It is mainly derived from freshly-settled autochthonous particles and from external discharges. Organically-bound P induces APA and may lead to the release of bioavailable phosphates from the organic sediments, thereby accelerating lake eutrophication.

Differing estrogen activities in the organic phase of air particulate matter collected during sunny and foggy weather in a Chinese city detected by a recombinant yeast bioassay

Total air suspended particles (PM 100) collected from an urban location near a traffic line in Wuhan, China, were examined for estrogen using a recombinant yeast bioassay. Wuhan, located at the central part of China, is the fourth biggest city in China with 7 million populations. Today, Wuhan has developed into the biggest city and the largest traveling center of central China, becoming one of the important bases of industry, education and research. Wuhan is right at the confluent point of Yangzi River, the third longest river in the world, and its largest distributary Hanjiang, with mountains and more than 100 takes in downtown area. Therefore, by its unique landscape, Wuhan has formed clear four seasons with relatively long winter and summer and short spring and autumn. Foggy weather usually happen in early spring. The yeast line used in this assay stably expresses human estrogen receptor-alpha. Weak but clear estrogenic activities were detected in the organic phase of crude extracts of air particle materials (APM) in both sunny and foggy weather by 0.19-0.79 mug E2/gPM(100) which were statistically significantly elevated relative to the blank control responding from 20% to 50% of the maximum E2 response, and the estrogenic activity was much higher in foggy weather than in sunny weather. The estrogenic activities in the sub-fractions from chromatographic separation of APM sampled in foggy days were also determined. The results indicated that the responses of the fractions were obviously higher than the crude extracts. Since there is no other large pollution source nearby, the estrogenic material was most likely from vehicle emissions, house heating sources and oil fumes of house cooking. The GC/MS analysis of the PM100 collected under foggy weather showed that there were many phenol derivatives, oxy-PAHs and resin acids which have been reported as environmental estrogens. These results of the analysis of estrogenic potency in sunny and foggy weather in a subtropical city of China indicate that further studies are required to investigate the actual risks for the associated health and atmospheric system. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation on Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd fractions in the natural surface coatings sampled and surficial sediments collected in the Songhua River, China

Natural surface coatings sampled (NSCSs) from the surface of shingles and surficial sediments (SSs) in the Songhua River, China were employed to investigate the similarities and difference in fractions of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) between NSCSs and SSs using the modified sequential extraction procedure (MSEP). The results show that the differences between NSCSs and SSs in Fe fractions were insignificant and Fe was dominantly present as residual phase (76.22% for NSCSs and 80.88% for SSs) and Fe-oxides phase (20.33% for NSCSs and 16.15% for SSs). Significant variation of Mn distribution patterns between NSCSs and SSs was observed with Mn in NSCSs mainly present in Mn-oxides phase (48.27%) and that in SSs present as residual phase (45.44%). Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were found dominantly in residual fractions (>48%), and next in solid oxides/hydroxides for Zn, Pb and Cd and in easily oxidizable solids/compounds form for Cu, respectively. The heavy metal distribution pattern implied that Fe/Mn oxides both in NSCSs and SSs were more important sinks for binding and adsorption of Zn, Pb and Cd than organic matter (OM), and inversely, higher affinity of Cu to OM than Fe/Mn oxides in NSCSs and SSs was obtained. Meanwhile, it was found that the distributions of heavy metals in NSCSs and SSs were similar to each other and the pseudo-total concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in NSCSs were greater than those in SSs, highlighting the more importance for NSCSs than SSs in controlling behaviours of heavy metals in aquatic environments.