Chemoautotrophic symbionts in the gills of the bivalve mollusc Lucinoma borealis and the sediment chemistry of its habitat

1986 ◽  
Vol 227 (1247) ◽  
pp. 227-247 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Gill Tissue ◽  
Elemental Sulphur ◽  
Sulphate Reduction ◽  
Sediment Chemistry ◽  
Dissolved Iron ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Sulphur Species

Lucinoma borealis has enlarged gills, which contain numerous prokaryotes in specialized cells (bacteriocytes) in the subfilamentar region. The gills also contain high concentrations of elemental sulphur and of a c -type cytochrome. Homogenates of gill tissue show ribulosebisphosphate car­boxylase and phosphoribulokinase activity; they also show activity for adenylylsulphate reductase, an enzyme concerned in the oxidation of sulphur, and will phosphorylate ADP on the addition of sulphite or sulphide. Fixation of bicarbonate by gill tissue from starved animals is enhanced in the presence of 100 μm sulphide. The sediment in which the animals live contains 1–6 μg atoms per litre of dissolved iron and hence there is very little dissolved sulphide, 200 nM, or less (80 nmol dm -3 sediment). Thiosulphate concentrations are also low, 300 nM, or less (120 nmol dm -3 sediment). In contrast, there are acid-labile sulphide concentrations up to 14 mmol dm -3 and elemental sulphur concentrations up to 4 mg atom per cubic decimetre of sediment. The mean sulphate reduction rate in the sediment varied seasonally with temperature over the range 1640–4920 nmol sulphate reduced per hour per cubic decimetre. L. borealis was usually found below the region of maximum sulphate reduction. Hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide concentrations were all 160 nmol dm -3 , or less. Despite the low levels of dissolved sulphide the association between prokaryote and host appears to be able to exploit this habitat by the oxidation of reduced sulphur species; ways in which the bivalve may be able to extract these from the sediment are discussed. The bivalves may obtain half their carbon from the autotrophic prokaryotes.

COPPER TO MOLYBDENUM RATIO AND MOLYBDENUM AND COPPER CONCENTRATIONS IN RUMINANT FEEDS

1971 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 193-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. MILTIMORE ◽  
J. L. MASON
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Copper Deficiency ◽  
Corn Silage ◽  
The Other ◽  
Grass Hay ◽  
Extreme Variability ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Mean Concentration

Molybdenum and Cu concentrations and Cu/Mo ratios were determined on samples of legume hay, grass legume hay, grass hay, sedge hay, oat forage, corn silage and grains throughout British Columbia. In addition, the relationships between Cu distribution and both Mo concentration and the Cu/Mo ratio were determined for all feeds. The critical Cu/Mo ratio was selected as 2.0, and samples with ratios below 2.0 would be expected to cause conditioned copper deficiency. Sedge hays had a mean Cu/Mo ratio of 2.1, which was less than half the mean ratio of 4.4 for grass hays. The mean ratios for the other classes of feed were 5.0 or higher. Notwithstanding the favorable mean ratios, 19% of all samples had ratios below 2.0. The lowest Cu/Mo ratio was 0.1 and the highest was 52.7, which shows extreme variability. Molybdenum concentrations were generally low, with 35% of all samples below 1 ppm Mo. There were no unusually high Mo concentrations, as only 1% of all feeds were above 8.0 ppm Mo and the highest value was 9.9 ppm. Copper concentrations were low. Fourteen percent of all samples were below 3.0 ppm and 95% of all samples were below 10.0 ppm. Legume feeds had a mean Cu concentration of 7.5 ppm, in contrast to sedge hays which had a mean concentration of 3.3 ppm Cu. As Cu concentrations increased in all feeds the Cu/Mo ratios also increased, when all feeds were considered in one compilation. Molybdenum concentrations were high, then decreased, but increased to the same high concentrations as Cu concentrations increased. These data indicate an unexpectedly high and nutritionally important variability in Cu/Mo ratios, and add further support to our previous report of extensive low levels of Cu. Both Cu and Mo analyses are required to predict the need for Cu supplementation. This appears to be the first extensive report on Cu/Mo ratios in feeds.

Corrosion of Copper Canisters Through Microbially Mediated Sulphate Reduction

2006 ◽  
Vol 932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Magnus Sidborn ◽  
Ivars Neretnieks
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Sulphate Reduction ◽  
Biogeochemical Model ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Reaction Products ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Abiotic Reduction ◽  
Favourable Environment ◽  
Reaction Processes

ABSTRACTA biogeochemical model was developed with an aim to illustrate the transport and reaction processes that may be involved in copper canister corrosion by sulphide in a deep repository for nuclear waste. Sulphide concentrations in the groundwaters in Sweden are relatively low and are generally considered to be of little importance for corrosion of the copper canisters. Sulphate, however, is present in relatively large amounts (50-700 mg/L) and may be reduced to sulphide by reaction with organic matter. Mediated by microbes, the reduction rate may be increased considerably compared to abiotic reduction. Microbially mediated sulphate reduction occurs in many natural environments, provided that reactive organic matter is available. Groundwater analyses indicate relatively high concentrations of dissolved methane (up to 16 mg/L) which thermodynamically is a suitable reducing agent. This processes could occur in fractures inthe bedrock provided that substrates are continuously supplied and that there is a sink for the reaction products. In the repository, the copper canisters may provide a sink for sulphide that yields a favourable environment for the microbe population. The model domain includes a canister with surrounding backfill material intersected by a hydraulically conductive fracture. Transport of substrates and reaction products in the fracture and backfillas well as microbially mediated reaction at the fracture opening is included in the model. Results indicate that microbially produced sulphide could potentially contribute to canister corrosion.

scholarly journals Demonstration of simultaneous biological sulphate reduction and partial sulphide oxidation in a hybrid linear flow channel reactor

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
TS Marais ◽  
RJ Huddy ◽  
STL Harrison ◽  
RP van Hille
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Development ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Flow Channel ◽  
Elemental Sulphur ◽  
Sulphate Reduction ◽  
Channel Reactor ◽  
Linear Flow ◽  
Sulphide Oxidation ◽  
Concept Evaluation

AbstractSemi-passive remediation systems have the potential to treat low-volume, sulphate-rich, mining impacted waters in a cost-effective and sustainable way. This paper describes the “proof of concept” evaluation of a hybrid linear flow channel reactor, capable of sustaining efficient biological sulphate reduction and partial oxidation of the sulphide product to elemental sulphur. Key elements include the presence of a sulphate-reducing microbial community, immobilised onto carbon fibres and the rapid development of a floating biofilm at the air-liquid interface. The biofilm consists of heterotrophic species and autotrophic sulphide oxidisers. It impedes oxygen mass transfer into the bulk volume and creates a suitable pH-redox microenvironment for partial sulphide oxidation. Demonstration of the concept was successful, with near 20 complete reduction of the sulphate in the feed (1 g/l), effective management of the sulphide generated (95-100% removal) and recovery of a portion of the sulphur by harvesting the elemental-sulphur-rich biofilm. The biofilm re-formed within 24 hours of harvesting, with no decrease in volumetric sulphate reduction rate during this period. Colonisation of the carbon microfibers by sulphate reducing bacteria ensured biomass retention, suggesting the reactor could remain effective at high volumetric flow rates.

Chemoautotrophy in Bivalve Molluscs of the Genus Thyasira

1986 ◽  
Vol 66 (4) ◽  
pp. 915-929 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. Dando ◽  
A. J. Southward
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Sulphide ◽  
Gill Tissue ◽  
Elemental Sulphur ◽  
Sediment Surface ◽  
Bivalve Molluscs ◽  
High Hydrogen ◽  
Ribulosebisphosphate Carboxylase ◽  
High Concentrations

The bivalves Thyasiraflexuosa and T. sarsi have enlarged gills which contain numerous prokaryotes. Gills from freshly collected animals contain high concentrations of elemental sulphur. Homogenates of gill tissue show activity for ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase, adenylylsulphate reductase, sulphate adenylyltransferase and sulphate adenylyltransferase (ADP), indicating that the prokaryotes are sulphur-oxidizing autotrophs. Both species can burrow to depths of 8 cm below the sediment surface and use their vermiform feet to construct channels penetrating deeper into the sediment. T.flexuosa and T. sarsi are scarce in sediments with high hydrogen sulphide concentrations and are not found in sediments where the sulphide zone is below their burrowing depth.

Studies of the oestrous cycle, oestrus and pregnancy in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 49-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
SD Johnston ◽  
MR McGowan ◽  
P O'Callaghan ◽  
R Cox ◽  
V Nicolson
Keyword(s):  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
External Genitalia ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Phascolarctos Cinereus ◽  
Pregnant Females ◽  
Peripheral Plasma ◽  
The Mean ◽  
High Concentrations

As an integral part of the development of an artificial insemination programme in the captive koala, female reproductive physiology and behaviour were studied. The oestrous cycle in non-mated and mated koalas was characterized by means of behavioural oestrus, morphology of external genitalia and changes in the peripheral plasma concentrations of oestradiol and progestogen. The mean (+/- SEM) duration of the non-mated oestrous cycle and duration of oestrus in 12 koalas was 32.9 +/- 1.1 (n = 22) and 10.3 +/- 0.9 (n = 24) days, respectively. Although the commencement of oestrous behaviour was associated with increasing or high concentrations of oestradiol, there were no consistent changes in the morphology or appearance of the clitoris, pericloacal region, pouch or mammary teats that could be used to characterize the non-mated cycle. As progestogen concentrations remained at basal values throughout the interoestrous period, non-mated cycles were considered non-luteal and presumed anovulatory. After mating of the 12 koalas, six females gave birth with a mean (+/- SEM) gestation of 34.8 +/- 0.3 days, whereas the remaining six non-parturient females returned to oestrus 49.5 +/- 1. 0 days later. After mating, oestrous behaviour ceased and the progestogen profile showed a significant increase in both pregnant and non-parturient females, indicating that a luteal phase had been induced by the physical act of mating. Progestogen concentrations throughout the luteal phase of the pregnant females were significantly higher than those of non-parturient females. Parturition was associated with a decreasing concentration of progestogen, which was increased above that of basal concentrations until 7 days post partum.

Earth’s Middle Ages: What Came after the GOE

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Eugene Canfield
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Organic Carbon ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Atmospheric Oxygen ◽  
Iron Formation ◽  
Banded Iron Formation ◽  
Dissolved Iron ◽  
Great Oxidation Event ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Substantial Rise

This chapter considers the aftermath of the great oxidation event (GOE). It suggests that there was a substantial rise in oxygen defining the GOE, which may, in turn have led to the Lomagundi isotope excursion, which was associated with high rates of organic matter burial and perhaps even higher concentrations of oxygen. This excursion was soon followed by a crash in oxygen to very low levels and a return to banded iron formation deposition. When the massive amounts of organic carbon buried during the excursion were brought into the weathering environment, they would have represented a huge oxygen sink, drawing down levels of atmospheric oxygen. There appeared to be a veritable seesaw in oxygen concentrations, apparently triggered initially by the GOE. The GOE did not produce enough oxygen to oxygenate the oceans. Dissolved iron was removed from the oceans not by reaction with oxygen but rather by reaction with sulfide. Thus, the deep oceans remained anoxic and became rich in sulfide, instead of becoming well oxygenated.

Trihalomethane Formation Potential and Disinfection

1992 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-202
Author(s):  
C.R. Erland Jansson
Keyword(s):  
Hydroxyl Radicals ◽  
Giardia Lamblia ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Formation Potential ◽  
Trihalomethane Formation Potential ◽  
Resistant Species ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Operational Data ◽  
Surface Water Supply

Abstract The UVOX process was developed to reduce the high concentrations of trihalomethanes, a potentially hazardous disinfection by-product found in a surface water supply for a community in northeastern Saskatchewan. Pilot plant tests were conducted at a throughput of 1.25 l/s utilizing UV to produce hydroxyl radicals from photolysis of H2O2 with air cooled UV units. These tests continued through 1985 andl986 to provide operational data for all seasons of the year. Test results indicated that the UVOX process was effective in reducing trihalomethane formation potential to very low levels. Recent concerns have also centred on the biocidal effectivenesss of disinfectants, particularly when applied to inactivation of resistant species of microogranisms, such as the cysts of Giardia lamblia. The UVOX process in a single pass configuration slightly enhanced the ability of UV to inactivate Giardia cysts.

Growth responses of periphyton and chironomids exposed to biologically treated bleached kraft pulp mill effluent

1997 ◽  
Vol 35 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 339-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. G. Dubé ◽  
J. M. Culp
Keyword(s):  
Kraft Pulp ◽  
Pulp Mill ◽  
Pulp Mill Effluent ◽  
Growth Responses ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Wood Extractives ◽  
Kraft Pulp Mill ◽  
Bleached Kraft Pulp ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
High Concentrations

Experiments were conducted in artificial streams to determine the effects of increasing concentrations of biologically treated bleached kraft pulp mill effluent (BKPME) on periphyton and chironomid growth in the Thompson River, British Columbia. Periphyton growth, as determined by increases in chlorophyll a, was significantly stimulated at all effluent concentrations tested (0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 5.0% and, 10.0%). Chironomid growth (individual weight) was also significantly stimulated at low effluent concentrations (≤1.0%). At higher concentrations (5.0% and 10.0%), chironomid growth was inhibited relative to the 1.0% treatment streams. Increases in growth were attributed to the effects of nutrient and organic enrichment from BKPME. The effluent contained high concentrations of phosphorus and appears to be an important source of carbon for benthic insects grazing on the biofilm. In high concentration effluent streams, chironomid growth decreased despite low levels of typical pulp mill contaminants. This suggests that other compounds in the effluent, such as wood extractives, may be inhibiting chironomid growth. These results support findings of field monitoring studies conducted in the Thompson River where changes in periphyton and chironomid abundance occurred downstream of the bleached kraft pulp mill.

scholarly journals Geographic mapping of choroidal thickness in myopic eyes using 1050-nm spectral domain optical coherence tomography

2015 ◽  
Vol 08 (04) ◽  
pp. 1550012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qinqin Zhang ◽  
Maureen Neitz ◽  
Jay Neitz ◽  
Ruikang K. Wang
Keyword(s):  
Optical Coherence Tomography ◽  
High Myopia ◽  
Choroidal Thickness ◽  
Retinal Pigment ◽  
Reduction Rate ◽  
Radial Distance ◽  
Spectral Domain ◽  
Temporal Region ◽  
Optical Coherence ◽  
The Mean

Purpose: To provide a geographical map of choroidal thickness (CT) around the macular region among subjects with low, moderate and high myopia. Methods: 20 myopic subjects (n = 40 eyes) without other identified pathologies participated in this study: 20 eyes of ≤ 3 diopters (D) (low myopic), 10 eyes between -3 and -6D (moderate myopic), and 10 eyes of ≥ 6D (high myopic). The mean age of subjects was 30.2 years (± 7.6 years; range, 24 to 46 years). A 1050 nm spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) system, operating at 120 kHz imaging rate, was used in this study to simultaneously capture 3D anatomical images of the choroid and measure intraocular length (IOL) in the subject. The 3D OCT images of the choroid were segmented into superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants, from which the CT was measured, representing radial distance between the outer retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer and inner scleral border. Measurements were made within concentric regions centered at fovea centralis, extended to 5 mm away from fovea at 1 mm intervals in the nasal and temporal directions. The measured IOL was the distance from the anterior cornea surface to the RPE in alignment along the optical axis of the eye. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate CT at each geographic region and observe the relationship between CT and the degree of myopia. Results: For low myopic eyes, the IOL was measured at 24.619 ± 0.016 mm. The CT (273.85 ± 49.01 μm) was greatest under fovea as is in the case of healthy eyes. Peripheral to the fovea, the mean CT decreased rapidly along the nasal direction, reaching a minimum of 180.65 ± 58.25μm at 5 mm away from the fovea. There was less of a change in thickness from the fovea in the temporal direction reaching a minimum of 234.25 ± 42.27 μm. In contrast to the low myopic eyes, for moderate and high myopic eyes, CTs were thickest in temporal region (where CT = 194.94 ± 27.28 and 163 ± 34.89 μm, respectively). Like the low myopic eyes, moderate and high myopic eyes had thinnest CTs in the nasal region (where CT = 100.84 ± 16.75 and 86.64 ± 42.6μm, respectively). High myopic eyes had the longest mean IOL (25.983 ± 0.021mm), while the IOL of moderate myopia was 25.413 ± 0.022 mm (**p < 0.001). The CT reduction rate was calculated at 31.28 μm/D (diopter) from low to moderate myopia, whilst it is 13.49 μm/D from moderate to high myopia. The similar tendency was found for the IOL reduction rate in our study: 0.265 mm/D from low to moderate myopia, and 0.137 mm/D from moderate to high myopia. Conclusion: The CT decreases and the IOL increases gradually with the increase of myopic condition. The current results support the theory that choroidal abnormality may play an important role in the pathogenesis of myopic degeneration.

Pattern of plasma progesterone, oestradiol-17β, luteinizing hormone and androgen in non-pregnant buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

1982 ◽  
Vol 100 (2) ◽  
pp. 279-284 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. C. Arora ◽  
R. S. Pandey
Keyword(s):  
Luteinizing Hormone ◽  
Peak Level ◽  
Systemic Circulation ◽  
Bubalus Bubalis ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Androgen Level ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Levels

Abstract. Domestic buffaloes were used to characterize the pattern of progesterone, oestradiol-17β, LH and androgen in the systemic circulation following infertile insemination. Concentrations of hormones were measured by RIA in blood samples collected daily or at alternate days following insemination. The concentration of progesterone was lowest on the day of insemination, and increased significantly to a peak level of 4.00 ± 0.60 ng/ml by day 13 post insemination. After day 17, it declined significantly (P < 0.01) to reach low levels by day 21. The concentration of oestradiol-17β was high at the time of insemination and declined significantly (P < 0.01) by day 2 after insemination. It was maintained around the basal level till day 18 with minor peaks in between this period. It again rose significantly (P < 0.01) at subsequent oestrus. The mean level of LH was highest at the time of insemination, and declined significantly (P < 0.01) by day 1 post insemination. It did not vary appreciably till the animal returned to oestrus. The oestrous value of LH and progesterone were negatively correlated (r = −0.77). The androgen level was observed to be high at insemination in 3 out of 5 animals, but the overall pattern of this steroid was inconsistent during the period studied. A high concentration of androgen was recorded in all the animals from day 2–5 before the onset of oestrus.

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