Lectures on plant physiology. Authorized English translation by R.J. Harvey Gibson.

suppl.

Development of a rehabilitation system for the red mud waste generated at the Aughinish Alumina Bayer Plant

Aughinish Alumina Limited (AAL) have an obligation by terms of their Integrated Pollution Control Licence (IPCL) and Planning Permission to establish vegetation on the red mud stack at their plant at Aughinish, Co. Limerick. High pH and high exchangeable sodium percentage are the main known factors limiting the establishment of vegetation on red mud. Gypsum addition has been known to assist in alleviating these problems in other countries. However, there is no experience or published information on red mud rehabilitation under Irish conditions. Red mud with organic and inorganic waste-derived ameliorants as well as selected grassland species were examined under laboratory controlled environment conditions as well as in field plot trials. Also, in order that it would be economically achievable, the research utilised locally available waste products as the organic amendments. Screening trials found that physical constraints severely limit plant germination and growth in red mud. Gypsum addition effectively lowers pH, exchangeable sodium percentage and the availability of A1 and Fe in the mud. A strong relationship between pH, ESP and A1 levels was also found. Gypsum addition increased germination percentages and plant growth for all species investigated. Greenhouse trials demonstrated that organic wastes alone did not greatly improve conditions for plant growth but when used in conjunction with gypsum plant performances for all species investigated was significantly increased. There was a high mortality rate for grasses in non-gypsum treatments. An emerging trend of preferential iron uptake and calcium deficiency in non-gypsum treatments was found at pot screening stage. Species also displayed manganese and magnesium deficiencies.

The production of vermicompost from dairy sludge and its value as a plant growth medium

Dairy sludge generated at Glanbia Ingredients Ltd., Kilkenny has up until now been landspread. This study investigated the feasibility of using earthworms to vermicompost the sludge as an alternative method of treatment. It was found that high levels of ammonia in the sludge led to earthworm fatality but that by manually aerating the sludge the ammonia could be volatilised or by adding zeolite the ammonia could be absorbed, thus solving the problem. In a medium scale trial, the earthworm species Dendrobaena veneta and Eisenia fetida dominated the polyculture. Earthworms grew and generated cocoons during vermicomposting. During vermicomposting no leachate was generated. Nutrient changes took place during vermicomposting. There were high levels of nitrate, increased calcium and sulphate in the vermicomposted dairy sludge. The amount of magnesium, potassium and chloride did not change, while phosphate was undetectable after vermicomposting. The levels of nitrate and phosphate were good indicators of the extent of vermicomposting. The vermicomposted dairy sludge provided improved growth and yields of radishes and barley compared to the dairy sludge and control. Compared to the vermicompost, the dairy sludge provided heavier ryegrass yields and more marigolds with larger flower diameters. Generally, it is the amount of phosphate in dairy sludge that dictates how much can be applied as a fertiliser on land. Vermicomposting reduced the amount of phosphate to an undetectable level but on the other hand created a problem of high nitrate levels. In a pot trial with grass grown in vermicompost the nitrate leached from the vermicompost. In field conditions the leaching of nitrate might occur and could cause an increased risk of contamination of groundwater and watercourses.

Modelling and analysis of a production plant for low density polyethylene

Dynamic model, tubular reactor, polyethylene, LDPE, discretization, simulation, sensitivity analysis, nonlinear analysis

Nota preliminar sôbre a absorção e a translocação do radiozinco no cafeeiro [Coffea arabica] cultivado em solução nutritiva

Two water-culture experiments were carried out to study the absorption and the translocation of radiozinc in young coffee plants as influenced by two factors, namely, concentration of heavy metals (iron, manganese, copper and molybdenum) and method of application. Inert zinc was furnished at a uniform rate of 0.05 p.p.m.; the levels of iron supply were 0, 1.0 and 10 p.p.m.; manganese was supplied in three doses 0, 0.5, and 5 p.p.m.; copper - 0, 0.02, and 0.2 p.p.m.; molybdenum - 0, 0.01 and 0.1 p.p.m. When applied to the nutrient solution the activity of the radiozinc was 0.15 microcuries per plant. In the study of the leaf absorption, the radiozinc was supplied at the level of 0.10 microcuries per plant; in this case the material was brushed either on the lower or in the upper surface or both of two pairs of mature leaves. In both experiments the absorption period was 8 weeks. The following conclusions can be drawn: 1. Among the heavy metals herein investigated the iron concentration did not affecc the uptake of the radiozinc; by raising the level of Mn, Cu and Mo ten times, the absorption dropped to 50 per cent and even more whe compared with the control plant; however, when these micronutrients were omitted from the nutrient solution an increase in the uptake of zinc was registered only in the minus - Cu treatment. The effects of high leveds of Mn, Cu and Mo probably indicate an interionic competition for a same site on a common binding substance in the cell surface. 2. The absorption of the radiozinc directly applied to the leaf surface reached levels as high as 8 times that registered when the root uptake took place. Among the three methods of application which have been tried, brushing the lower surface of the leaves proved to be the most effective; this result is easily understood since the stomatal openings of the coffee leaves are preferentially located in the lower surface. In this treatment, about 40 per cent of the activity was absorbed and around 12 per cent were translocated either to the old or to the newer organs. 3. Data herein presented suggest that leaf sprays should be preferred - rather than soil applications - to control zinc deficiency in coffee plants when growing in field conditions.