Electrochemical investigations of micro-droplets formed on metals during the deliquescence of salt particles in atmosphere

CORROSION; WATER; SPECTROSCOPY; CHLORIDE; ZINC; NUCLEATION; INTERFACE; ELECTRODE; SURFACES; GROWTH

Phenomenon of micro-droplets formation on metals during the deliquescence of salt particles in atmosphere

CORROSION; MECHANISM; WATER; ZINC

Study on the concentration and seasonal variation of inorganic elements in 35 species of marine algae

The concentrations of five major and 28 trace elements in 35 marine algae collected along the coast of China were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The concentrations of halogens, rare earth elements and many transition metal elements in marine algae are remarkably higher than those in terrestrial plants. The concentration factors for 31 elements in all collected algae were calculated, those for tri- and tetra-valent elements were higher than those of the mono- and di-valent elements in marine algae. The biogeochemical characteristics of inorganic elements in marine algae were investigated. In addition, the seasonal variation of inorganic elements in Sargassum kjellmanianum was also studied. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioorganic/inorganic hybrid composition of sponge spicules: Matrix of the giant spicules and of the comitalia of the deep sea hexactinellid Monorhaphis

The giant basal spicules of the siliceous sponges Monorhaphis chuni and Monorhaphis intermedia (Hexactinellida) represent the largest biosilica structures on earth (up to 3 m long). Here we describe the construction (lamellar organization) of these spicules and of the comitalia and highlight their organic matrix in order to understand their mechanical properties. The spicules display three distinct regions built of biosilica: (i) the outer lamellar zone (radius: >300 mu m), (ii) the bulky axial cylinder (radius: <75 mu m), and (iii) the central axial canal (diameter: <2 mu m) with its organic axial filament. The spicules are loosely covered with a collagen net which is regularly perforated by 7-10 mu m large holes; the net can be silicified. The silica layers forming the lamellar zone are approximate to 5 mu m thick; the central axial cylinder appears to be composed of almost solid silica which becomes porous after etching with hydrofluoric acid (HF). Dissolution of a complete spicule discloses its complex structure with distinct lamellae in the outer zone (lamellar coating) and a more resistant central part (axial barrel). Rapidly after the release of the organic coating from the lamellar zone the protein layers disintegrate to form irregular clumps/aggregates. In contrast, the proteinaceous axial barrel, hidden in the siliceous axial cylinder, is set up by rope-like filaments. Biochemical analysis revealed that the (dominant) molecule of the lamellar coating is a 27-kDa protein which displays catalytic, proteolytic activity. High resolution electron microscopic analysis showed that this protein is arranged within the lamellae and stabilizes these surfaces by palisade-like pillars. The mechanical behavior of the spicules was analyzed by a 3-point bending assay, coupled with scanning electron microscopy. The load-extension curve of the spicule shows a biphasic breakage/cracking pattern. The outer lamellar zone cracks in several distinct steps showing high resistance in concert with comparably low elasticity, while the axial cylinder breaks with high elasticity and lower stiffness. The complex bioorganic/inorganic hybrid composition and structure of the Monorhaphis spicules might provide the blueprint for the synthesis of bio-inspired material, with unusual mechanical properties (strength, stiffness) without losing the exceptional properties of optical transmission. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effective nonlinear AC response to composite with spherical particles

An effective nonlinear alternative-current (AC) response to granular nonlinear-composite with spherical inclusions embedded in a host medium under the action of an external AC field is investigated by using a perturbation approach. The local potentials of composite at higher harmonics are derived both in a region of local inclusion particles and in a local host region under the action of a sinusoidal field E-1 sin ω t + E-3 sin 3ω t. An effective nonlinear-response to composite and the relationship between the effective nonlinear-responses at the fundamental frequency and the third harmonics are also studied for the spherical inclusions in a dilute limit.

Effective dielectric responses of graded composites of the particles with a general power-law gradation profile

The effective dielectric response of graded spherical composites having general power-law gradient inclusions is investigated under a uniform applied electric field, where the dielectric gradation profile of the spherical inclusions is modeled by the equation epsilon(i) (r) = c(b+r)(k). Analytical solutions of the local electrical potentials are derived in terms of hyper-geometric function and the effective dielectric response of the graded composites is predicted in the dilute limit. From our result, the local potentials of graded spherical composites having both simple power-law dielectric profile epsilon(i)(r) = cr(k) and linear dielectric profile epsilon(i) (r) = c(b+r) are derived exactly by taking the limits b --> 0 and k --> 1, respectively. In the dilute limit, our exact result is used to test the validity of differential effective dipole approximation (DEDA) for estimating the effective response of graded spherical composites, and it is shown that the DEDA is in excellent agreement with exact result. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dielectric response of composites with graded cylindrical particles

Effective dielectric responses of graded cylindrical composites are investigated when an external uniform field is applied to the composites. Considering linear random composites of cylindrical particles with a specific dielectric function, which varies along the radial direction of the particles, we have studied three cases of dielectric profiles: exponential function, linear and power-law profiles. For each case, the effective dielectric response of graded composites is given on the basis of exact solutions of the local potentials of composites in the dilute limit. For a larger volume fraction, we have proposed an effective medium approximation to estimate the effective dielectric response.

三种红藻光合作用色素系统的比较研究

本研究分为三个部分：1.以坛紫菜（Porphyra haitanesis Chang et Zheng）的叶状体和丝状体为研究对象，比较坛紫菜叶状体和丝状体的光合色素、色素蛋白的组成，并提取纯化藻红蛋白、藻蓝蛋白、藻胆体及类囊体膜和光系统。研究结果表明坛紫菜叶状体和丝状体色素及色素蛋白的含量不同，藻红蛋白是主要的色素蛋白，坛紫菜叶状体和丝状体的藻红蛋白的含量分别为2.9mg藻红蛋白/g鲜重、4.2mg藻红蛋白/g鲜重，这表明坛紫菜叶状体和丝状体藻红蛋白含量丰富，是提取藻红蛋白很好的材料。藻胆体的性质差异不大，但类囊体膜差异显著，从坛紫菜叶状体中分离到了两种不同的类囊体膜带，光系统Ⅰ(PSⅠ)和PSⅡ分别结合在两条类囊体膜带上，但从坛紫菜丝状体中也分离到两条类囊体膜带，它们的光谱性质和蛋白组成相似，仅放氧速率和DCIP活性有差异，从坛紫菜丝状体中我们仅分离到PSⅡ。坛紫菜叶状体PSⅡ有5种外在蛋白(33、20、Cytc 550、15、12kDa蛋白)，而坛紫菜丝状体外在蛋白仅有4条，缺少12kDa蛋白。2. 以在中国江苏部分地区进行了大规模的商业化栽培的突变体条斑紫菜（Porphyra yezoensis Ueda）和野生型条斑紫菜为研究对象，比较其色素及色素蛋白组成、对不能光质的利用率及藻胆体的组成。条斑紫菜和突变型条斑紫菜对不同的光质利用效果有差异，在白光的照射下，野生型紫菜的放氧速率最大，而突变型紫菜在黄光照射下的放氧速率最大。条斑紫菜野生型与突变型色素含量上有明显的差异,突变型紫菜的藻红蛋白含量明显减少而藻蓝蛋白的含量增加。通过杂交的方法证实诱变所获得条斑紫菜突变体为细胞质突变，但是突变型紫菜却发生了由细胞核编码的γ亚基的缺失，这表明突变型紫菜藻红蛋白含量和性质发生了明显的变化。3. 为了找出淡水红藻-深紫美芒藻(Compsopogon coeruleus (Balbis) Montagne)分布狭窄及生物产量低的原因，本文对深紫美芒藻在不同的盐离子浓度下的放氧速率及藻胆体色素组成和结构上进行研究。结果显示：微量的NaCl（0.1mM）促进深紫美芒藻放氧，而深紫美芒藻在较高的NaCl（1、10mM）, NaH2PO4 （0.1、1、10mM）和 NH4NO3（0.1、1、10mM）溶液中却没有检测到氧气的产生。这与深紫美芒藻生长的环境一致即深紫美芒藻生活在低盐浓度、低营养的泉水中。深紫美芒藻的藻胆体是由藻红蛋白、藻蓝蛋白及别藻蓝蛋白组成，上面结合α、β和γ亚基，含有藻红胆素、藻篮胆素，但缺乏缺少藻尿胆素。

Distribution of calcifying and silicifying phytoplankton in relation to environmental and biogeochemical parameters during the late stages of the 2005 North East Atlantic Spring Bloom

The late stage of the North East Atlantic (NEA) spring bloom was investigated during June 2005 along a transect section from 45 to 66 degrees N between 15 and 20 degrees W in order to characterize the contribution of siliceous and calcareous phytoplankton groups and describe their distribution in relation to environmental factors. We measured several biogeochemical parameters such as nutrients, surface trace metals, algal pigments, biogenic silica (BSi), particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) or calcium carbonate, particulate organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus (POC, PON and POP, respectively), as well as transparent exopolymer particles (TEP). Results were compared with other studies undertaken in this area since the JGOFS NABE program. Characteristics of the spring bloom generally agreed well with the accepted scenario for the development of the autotrophic community. The NEA seasonal diatom bloom was in the late stages when we sampled the area and diatoms were constrained to the northern part of our transect, over the Icelandic Basin (IB) and Icelandic Shelf (IS). Coccolithophores dominated the phytoplankton community, with a large distribution over the Rockall-Hatton Plateau (RHP) and IB. The Porcupine Abyssal Plain (PAP) region at the southern end of our transect was the region with the lowest biomass, as demonstrated by very low Chla concentrations and a community dominated by picophytoplankton. Early depletion of dissolved silicic acid (DSi) and increased stratification of the surface layer most likely triggered the end of the diatom bloom, leading to coccolithophore dominance. The chronic Si deficiency observed in the NEA could be linked to moderate Fe limitation, which increases the efficiency of the Si pump. TEP closely mirrored the distribution of both biogenic silica at depth and prymnesiophytes in the surface layer suggesting the sedimentation of the diatom bloom in the form of aggregates, but the relative contribution of diatoms and coccolithophores to carbon export in this area still needs to be resolved.

Forms and functions of inorganic carbon in the Jiaozhou Bay sediments

Inorganic carbon forms and their influencing factors, mutual transformation and contribution to carbon cycling in the Jiaozhou Bay sediments were discussed. The results show that inorganic carbon in sediments could be divided into five forms: NaCl form, NH3 center dot H2O form, NaOH form, NH2OH center dot HCl form and HCl form. Thereinto, NH2OH center dot HCl form and HCl form account for more than 70% of total inorganic carbon. There was close relationship among every form of inorganic carbon and their correlativity was clearly different with different sedimentary environment except the similar strong positive correlation among NH2OH center dot HCl form, HCl form and total inorganic carbon in all regions of the Jiaozhou Bay. All forms of inorganic carbon were influenced by organic carbon, pH, Eh, Es, nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments, but their influence had different characteristics in different regions. Every farm of inorganic carbon transformed into each other continuously during early diagenesis of sediments and the common phenomenon was that NaCl form, NH3 center dot H2O form, NaOH form and NH2OH center dot HCl form might transform into steady HCl form. NaCl form, NH3 center dot H2O form, NaOH form and NH2OH center dot HCl form could participate in carbon recycle and they are potential carbon source; HCl form may be buried for a long time in sediments, and it may be one of the final resting places of atmospheric CO2. Inorganic carbon which entered into sediments was about 4.98 x 10(10) g in the Jiaozhou Bay every year, in which about 1.47x10(10) g of inorganic carbon might be buried for a long time and about 3.51. x 10(10) g of inorganic carbon might return into seawater and take part in carbon recycling.

Determination for the different combined-form inorganic carbon in marine sediments

Marine sediment is the important sources and sinks of carbon. The inorganic carbon(IC) in marine sediments plays an important role in carbon cycling. In order to understand IC function in carbon cycling, sequential extraction method based on IC combined chemical strength difference were established to get five phases: NaCl phase (step I), NH3 - H2O phase (step II), NaOH phase (step III), NH2OH . HCl phase (step IV) and HCl phase(step V). The best extraction conditions were obtained by a series of experiments. Extractants were added into plastic centrifuge tubes in Step I - M, the capped tube were placed on a shaker table to keep the solids suspended for two hours. The suspended solution was separated by centrifugal, the residues were washed with water. The two supernatant were combined and the CO, was finally determined by volumetric analysis. The residues were transferred into conical flask in step IV and V, and then the extractants were added. The produced CO2 was adsorbed by saturated Ba(OH)(2) solution, and determined by volumetric analysis. This method for IC has a good precision in the analysis sediment samples.

Dissolved inorganic carbon and CO2 fluxes across Jiaozhou Bay air-water interface

On the basis of data collected in the Jiaozhou Bay in June and July 2003, the DIC distribution in seawater is studied, and an average air-sea flux of CO2 is estimated. The results show that the content of DIC inside the bay is markedly higher than outside the bay in June, but the content of DIC outside the bay is markedly higher than inside the bay in July. The trend of DIC distribution inside the bay is similar, viz. the content is the maximum in the northeast, then decreases gradually toward the west, and the content is the minimum in the west. The total trend of vertical distribution is to increase gradually from surface to bottom. This characteristic of DIC distribution is determined by Jiaozhou Bay hydrology and there is a close relation between DIC and particulate N,P. Average CO2 flux across the air-sea interface is 0.55 mol/(m(2.)a) in June and 0.72 mol/(m(2.)a) in July. Jiaozhou Bay is considered as a net annual source for atmospheric CO2 in June and July, and the total CO2 flux from seawater into atmosphere is about 740 t in June and 969 t in July.

A simple and accurate method for determining accurately dissolved inorganic carbon in seawaters

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) account for more than 95% of total carbon in seawater, so it is necessary to make reliable and precise measurements of DIC to study marine carbon cycling. In order to establish a simple and speed method, an airproof device of gas extraction-absorption was designed. Finally a simple method was developed for the determination of DIC in seawater through a large mount of experiments. The determination procedure is as follows: 100 similar to 150 mL seawater was put into conical flask, then add 10% H3PO4, the DIC in seawater sample was dissolved to form CO2 gas and carried by pure N-2, then the CO2 gas was absorbed by two grades 0.1 mol/L NaOH solution. Finally the absorbed solution was titrated by HCl standard solution of 0.01000 mol/L with the end points detected with the indicator phenolphthalein and bromocresol green-methyl red mixture. The precision and accuracy of the method were satisfied. This method was used to analyse seawater samples from Jiaozhou bay in June, 2003. The result shows that the average DIC in surface seawater is 2066 mumol/L, DIC in bottom seawater is 2075 mumol/L inside bay, but the average DIC in surface seawater is 1949 mumol/L, DIC in bottom seawater is 2147 mumol/L outside bay.

The release behavior of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in sediment during disturbance

Sediments and surface water were sampled in a tide flat in the Huiquan Bay, Qingdao, China in January 2004 to simulate the exchange of NH4-N/NO3-N/PO43- between sediments and surface water. A working system was designed with which samples were shaken at 60, 120 and 150 revolutions per minute (r/min). Experiment results show that NH4-N concentration in water at shaking rate of 60 r/min decreased gradually, while at 120 r/min increased gradually. In resuspension, fine-grained sediments contributed most NH4-N to the seawater, followed by medium-grained and coarse-grained sediments. The NO3-N concentration in water had a negative relation, with the shaking rate; the medium-grained sediments contributed more NO3-N to seawater than the coarse- and fine-grained sediments. The PO43- concentration is positively related with the shaking rate, the fine-grained sediments were the main N and P contributor to the seawater, followed by medium- and coarse-grained sediments.

Is inorganic nutrient enrichment a driving force for the formation of red tides? A case study of the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella trochoidea in an embayment

Red tides (high biomass phytoplankton blooms) have frequently occurred in Hong Kong waters, but most red tides occurred in waters which are not very eutrophic. For example, Port Shelter, a semi-enclosed bay in the northeast of Hong Kong, is one of hot spots for red tides. Concentrations of ambient inorganic nutrients (e.g. N, P), are not high enough to form the high biomass of chlorophyll a (chl a) in a red tide when chl a is converted to its particulate organic nutrient (N) (which should equal the inorganic nutrient, N). When a red tide of the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella trochoidea occurred in the bay, we found that the red tide patch along the shore had a high cell density of 15,000 cells ml(-1), and high chl a (56 mu g l(-1)), and pH reached 8.6 at the surface (8.2 at the bottom), indicating active photosynthesis in situ. Ambient inorganic nutrients (NO3, PO4, SiO4, and NH4) were all low in the waters and deep waters surrounding the red tide patch, suggesting that the nutrients were not high enough to support the high chl a >50 mu g l(-1) in the red tide. Nutrient addition experiments showed that the addition of all of the inorganic nutrients to a non-red-tide water sample containing low concentrations of Scrippsiella trochoidea did not produce cell density of Scrippsiella trochoidea as high as in the red tide patch, suggesting that nutrients were not an initializing factor for this red tide. During the incubation of the red tide water sample without any nutrient addition, the phytoplankton biomass decreased gradually over 9 days. However, with a N addition, the phytoplankton biomass increased steadily until day 7, which suggested that nitrogen addition was able to sustain the high biomass of the red tide for a week with and without nutrients. In contrast, the red tide in the bay disappeared on the sampling day when the wind direction changed. These results indicated that initiation, maintenance and disappearance of the dinoflagellate Scrippsiella trochoidea red tide in the bay were not directly driven by changes in nutrients. Therefore, how nutrients are linked to the formation of red tides in coastal waters need to be further examined, particularly in relation to dissolved organic nutrients. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.