Aerobic biodegradation of hexachlorobenzene by an acclimated microbial community

The aerobic degradation of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) by an acclimated microbial community which isolated from a contaminated site and acclimated in our laboratory was investigated. The enriched microbial community was capable of biodegrading HCB when cultivated in minimal salts medium and supplied HCB as the sole carbon source. The efficiencies of microbial community in the degradation of HCB under different pH and temperatures were examined. The phylogenetic analysis for the nearly complete sequences of 16S rDNA demonstrated that the bacteria assemblage in the microbial community was dominated by Azospirillum and Alcaligenes groups.

Growth kinetics of 1-2 mm and 3-4 mm colonies of Nostoc sphaeroides (Cyanophyta) in outdoor culture

Nostoc sphaeroides Kutzing was cultivated in paddlewheel-driven raceway ponds and the growth kinetics of 1-2 mm and 3-4 mm colonies of N. sphaeroides was studied. The biomass productivities in 2.5 m(2) raceway ponds inoculated with 1-2 mm and 3-4 mm colonies were 5.2 and 0.25 g dry wt m(-2) stop d(-1), respectively. Furthermore, differently sized colonies showed different relative water content, total soluble carbohydrates, chlorophyll a content and density of filaments. This is the first report on mass culture of N. sphaeroides under outdoor conditions.

The accumulation and metabolism of astaxanthin in Scenedesmus obliquus (chlorophyceae)

The biosynthesis and metabolism of astaxanthin in coenobium alga Scenedesmus obliquus were investigated using a two-stage culture. The first stage was for the analysis of biosynthesis and accumulation of astaxanthin in alga cells which were cultured under induction conditions (incubation at 30 degrees C and illumination of 180 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) for 48 h. The composition of the secondary carotenoids in algal cells was analyzed and seven ketocarotenoids were identified. The results implied that S. obliquus synthesized astaxanthin from beta-carotene through three possible pathways. In the second stage, the cultures were transferred to normal conditions (incubation at 25 C and illumination of 80 mu mol m(-2) s(-1)) for 72 h. Algal cells accumulated more chlorophyll and biosynthesis of secondary carotenoids terminated, the content of secondary carotenoids decreased from 59.48 to 6.57%. The results inferred that accumulation and metabolism of astaxanthin could be controlled by cultivated conditions which also could lead the mobilization of secondary carotenoids to support the algal cell growth. The results also implied that presumed conversions from astaxanthin to lutein or antheraxanthin could be modulated by culturing conditions. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Clonal diversity and genealogical relationships of gibel carp in four hatcheries

To conserve and utilize the genetic pool of gynogenetic gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio), the Fangzheng and Qihe stock hatcheries have been established in China. However, little information is available on the amount of genetic variation within and between these populations. In this study, clonal diversity in 101 fish from these two stock hatcheries and 35 fish from two other hatcheries in Wuhan and Pengze respectively was analysed for variation in serum transferrin. Thirteen clones were found in Fangzheng and Qihe, of which 12 were novel. Six clones were specific to Fangzheng and three specific to Qihe, whereas four were shared among the Fangzheng and Qihe fish. To obtain more knowledge on genetic diversity and genealogical relationships within gibel carp, the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (similar to 920 bp) was sequenced in 64 individuals representing all 14 clones identified in the four hatcheries. Differences in the mtDNA sequences varied remarkably among hatcheries, with the Fangzheng and Qihe lines demonstrating high diversity and Wuhan and Pengze showing no variation. The Fangzheng and Qihe lines might represent two distinct matrilineal sources. One of the Qihe samples carried the haplotype shared by a most widely cultivated Fangzheng clone, indicating that a Fangzheng clone escaped from cultivated ponds and moved into the Qihe hatchery. Four Fangzheng samples clustered within the lineage formed mainly by Qihe samples, most likely reflecting historical gene flow from Qihe to Fangzheng. It is suggested that clones in Wuhan originated from Fangzheng, consistent with their introduction history, supporting the hypothesis that gibel carp in Pengze were domesticated from individuals in the Fangzheng hatchery.

Different tolerances and responses to low temperature and darkness between waterbloom forming cyanobacterium Microcystis and a green alga Scenedesmus

The dynamics of planktonic cyanobacteria in eutrophicated freshwaters play an important role in formation of annual summer blooms, yet overwintering mechanisms of these water bloom forming cyanobacteria remain unknown. The responses to darkness and low temperature of three strains (unicellular Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB-905, colonial M. aeruginosa FACHB-938, and a green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda FACHB-45) were investigated in the present study. After a 30-day incubation under darkness and low temperature, cell morphology, cell numbers, chlorophyll a, photosynthetic activity (ETRmax and I-k), and malodialdehyde (MDA) content exhibited significant changes in Scenedesmus. In contrast, Microcystis aeruginosa cells did not change markedly in morphology, chlorophyll a, photosynthetic activity, and MDA content. The stress caused by low temperature and darkness resulted in an increase of the antioxidative enzyme-catalase (CAT) in all three strains. When the three strains re-grew under routine cultivated condition subjected to darkness and low temperature, specific growth rate of Scenedesmus was lower than that of Microcystis. Flow cytometry (FCM) examination indicated that two distinct types of metabolic response to darkness and low temperature existed in the three strains. The results from the present study reveal that the cyanobacterium Microcystis, especially colonial Microcystis, has greater endurance and adaptation ability to the stress of darkness and low temperature than the green alga Scenedesmus.

Man-made desert algal crusts as affected by environmental factors in Inner Mongolia, China

Man-made desert algal crusts were constructed on a large scale (3000m(2)) in Inner Mongolia, China. Microcoleus vaginatus was mass cultivated and inoculated directly onto unconsolidated sand dune and irrigated by automatic sprinkling micro-irrigation facilities. The crusts were formed in a short time and could resist the erosion of winds and rainfalls 22 days after inoculation. The maximum biomass in the man-made algal crusts could also reach 35 mu g Chl a/cm(2) of soil. Effects of environmental factors such as temperature, irrigation, rainfall and soil nutrients on algal biomass of man-made algal crusts were also studied. It was found that rainfalls and lower light intensity had significantly positive effects on the biomass of man-made algal crusts. The preliminary results suggested that man-made algal crusts could be formed rapidly, and thus it might be a new feasible alternative method for fixing unconsolidated sand. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Growth promotion of vegetative gametophytes of Undaria pinnatifida by blue light

Through an acclimation period of 10 days, compared to white light, the maximal net photosynthetic rates were significantly higher for gametophytes of Undaria pinnatifida cultivated under blue light (400-500 nm), and were lower under red light (600-700 nm). Chlorophyll c and the carotenoid content of gametophytes were similar under blue light and red light but were much lower under white light. The growth rate of female gametophytes under blue light was higher than that under other lights, and the growth rate of male gametophytes showed little variation with respect to blue and white light. Male and female gametophytes were mixed together to form sporophytes under white, blue and red light. After approximately 5 days, 50% gametophytes became fertile under blue and white light, but remained vegetative under red light after 10 days.

Composition of volatile oil of Primula obconica in Central China

Primula obconica was introduced to Europe from Hubei, China in 1880, and has been cultivated worldwide as one of popular ornamental plants. The volatile oil of wild P. obconica collected from its original place, Yichang, Hubei was first investigated. A total of 43 compounds constituting 93.49% of the oil were identified by using GC and GC-MS. The major compounds were methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-5-methyl benzoate (30.41%), methyl 2,6-dihydroxy-4-methyl benzoate (29.27%), and hypnone (8.92%) etc. In comparison with the published data of some European cultivars, the native P. obconica seems to be allergen-free due to absence of primin and miconidin.

陕西省米脂县耕地动态变化与粮食安全研究

根据米脂县1990—2007年粮食生产的相关数据,对该县耕地、人口和粮食生产动态变化以及粮食总产与其影响因素进行了灰色关联度分析。结果表明,退耕还林还草工程是耕地总面积迅速减少的主要原因;提高粮食单产保障粮食总产是实现粮食安全的最关键因子;持续增长的人口造成耕地的承载压力越来越大,并对该区实现粮食安全提出了更大的挑战。最后,根据分析结果提出了增加科技投入,提高单产,保护耕地,挖掘耕地潜力等措施以保障该区域的粮食安全,为政府部门制定相关粮食安全政策提供科学的理论依据。

灌溉方式对樱桃番茄产量和品质的影响

研究灌溉方式对樱桃番茄产量和品质的影响,为番茄栽培过程中合理用水提供理论依据。【方法】采用棚室内小区试验,研究6种灌溉方式(Ⅰ.常规沟灌;Ⅱ.交替沟灌;Ⅲ.固定灌溉种植行;Ⅳ.固定灌溉操作行;Ⅴ.前期采用常规沟灌,结果期采用交替沟灌;Ⅵ.前期采用交替沟灌,结果期采用常规沟灌)对樱桃番茄产量与品质的影响。【结果】不同灌溉方式之间樱桃番茄产量与品质特征值达到极显著差异水平,其中处理Ⅰ和Ⅵ的果形指数、单果质量及产量均极显著高于其他4种处理,果形指数分别为1.22和1.21,平均单果质量高达14.28和14.05g;但处理Ⅱ~Ⅳ的果实糖酸比、VC含量、可溶性固形物含量及干物质含量均极显著高于处理Ⅰ、Ⅵ和Ⅴ,只是造成硝酸盐含量轻度积累。【结论】前期采用交替沟灌,而结果期采用常规沟灌,不仅提高了樱桃番茄的产量与品质,而且还有节水的效果,这种灌溉方式可以在番茄生产中加以推广应用。

TDR和FDR测定黄绵土土壤含水量的标定

时域反射仪(TDR)与频率反射仪(FDR)是目前最为先进,并且最具有发展前途的土壤含水量测量仪器。有便利、快捷、准确的优点。介绍了6种基于TDR或FDR原理的仪器对黄绵土含水量进行试验标定的方法与结果。标定结果表明:仪器的测量值与烘干法的测量值之间有一定的差异,CS616和Trime-T3烘干法测定结果接近,但是其余的4种仪器测定值均高于烘干法测定值,在应用这些仪器测定土壤含水量时需要进行标定。

吴起县退耕还林(草)政策实施情况调查研究

吴起县退耕还林(草)政策经过8 a的实施取得了显著成效。项目实施区生态环境得到明显改善,农业综合生产能力得到很大的提高,农民通过退耕补助得以直接增收,为形成面对农户的生态补偿制度探索了经验。然而政策实施过程中仍然存在着诸如退耕地块分布和林分结构不合理,草畜业发展滞后,牧草资源利用率不高,退耕政策不够灵活,补偿标准缺乏弹性等问题。建议在以后退耕政策中注重加强规划指导,合理确定退耕范围,在生态补偿制度框架下优化退耕补助标准,通过深化土地产权改革,促进退耕土地合理流转和规模化经营,继续推动农业后续产业发展,巩固退耕成果。

黄土高原沟壑区果园还耕对土壤水分的影响

在黄土高原沟壑区王东沟小流域,在塬面、梁地和坡地三种地貌类型上,分别选取了盛果期果园、老果园和退耕还田等3种土地利用与管理方式,测定土壤0~400 cm(塬面0~600 cm)水分含量分布,研究果园的利用管理方式变化对土壤剖面中水分含量变化的影响。结果表明,梁地和坡地上,盛果期果园、老果园土壤水分含量均接近作物凋萎湿度(10%);塬面上,盛果期果园、老果园土壤水分含量为15%。退果4年的耕地、坡地0~400 cm土层土壤储水量显著增加,梁地和塬面虽有增加但与老果园相比,剖面储水量并没有达到显著水平;退果4年耕地、坡地和梁地剖面中的60~140 cm和220~400 cm含水量提高最显著,塬面上220~600 cm土层中水分提高显著。

无压灌溉日光温室番茄作物-皿系数研究

以-25 kPa作为土壤水势临界值,将作物—皿系数(Kcp)设为0.2,0.4,0.6,0.8,1.0,1.2六个处理,研究了不同灌溉水量时的番茄产量、品质和灌溉水利用效率。通过经济效益评价,研究了杨凌地区无压灌溉温室番茄获得最高经济效益时的作物—皿系数。通过张力计读数变化规律,研究了利用张力计测量无压灌溉湿润体内土壤水势的特点。研究结果表明,Kcp为0.2~0.8时,灌溉水量的增加对番茄产量影响不大;Kcp为1.0~1.2时,灌溉水量的增加能显著提高番茄产量和果实大小;Kcp为0.2时的灌溉水量能极显著提高番茄的灌溉水利用效率。在综合考虑了杨凌地区水价、番茄使用目的和市场价格波动规律后,Kcp取值1.2能获得最高的经济效益。作物—皿系数法计算灌溉水量时的滞后性特点和张力计埋设位置,是判断利用张力计监测土壤水势临界值方法有效性的两个重要因素。