scholarly journals pH Gradient-Induced Heterogeneity of Fe(III)-Reducing Microorganisms in Coal Mining-Associated Lake Sediments

2007 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 1019-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Blöthe ◽  
Denise M. Akob ◽  
Joel E. Kostka ◽  
Kathrin Göschel ◽  
Harold L. Drake ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Lakes formed because of coal mining are characterized by low pH and high concentrations of Fe(II) and sulfate. The anoxic sediment is often separated into an upper acidic zone (pH 3; zone I) with large amounts of reactive iron and a deeper slightly acidic zone (pH 5.5; zone III) with smaller amounts of iron. In this study, the impact of pH on the Fe(III)-reducing activities in both of these sediment zones was investigated, and molecular analyses that elucidated the sediment microbial diversity were performed. Fe(II) was formed in zone I and III sediment microcosms at rates that were approximately 710 and 895 nmol cm−3 day−1, respectively. A shift to pH 5.3 conditions increased Fe(II) formation in zone I by a factor of 2. A shift to pH 3 conditions inhibited Fe(II) formation in zone III. Clone libraries revealed that the majority of the clones from both zones (approximately 44%) belonged to the Acidobacteria phylum. Since moderately acidophilic Acidobacteria species have the ability to oxidize Fe(II) and since Acidobacterium capsulatum reduced Fe oxides at pHs ranging from 2 to 5, this group appeared to be involved in the cycling of iron. PCR products specific for species related to Acidiphilium revealed that there were higher numbers of phylotypes related to cultured Acidiphilium or Acidisphaera species in zone III than in zone I. From the PCR products obtained for bioleaching-associated bacteria, only one phylotype with a level of similarity to Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans of 99% was obtained. Using primer sets specific for Geobacteraceae, PCR products were obtained in higher DNA dilutions from zone III than from zone I. Phylogenetic analysis of clone libraries obtained from Fe(III)-reducing enrichment cultures grown at pH 5.5 revealed that the majority of clones were closely related to members of the Betaproteobacteria, primarily species of Thiomonas. Our results demonstrated that the upper acidic sediment was inhabited by acidophiles or moderate acidophiles which can also reduce Fe(III) under slightly acidic conditions. The majority of Fe(III) reducers inhabiting the slightly acidic sediment had only minor capacities to be active under acidic conditions.

Author(s):  
S. A. Gorbanev ◽  
S. A. Syurin ◽  
N. M. Frolova

Introduction. Due to the impact of adverse working conditions and climate, workers in coal-mining enterprises in the Arctic are at increased risk of occupational diseases (OD).The aim of the study was to study the working conditions, causes, structure and prevalence of occupational diseases in miners of coal mines in the Arctic.Materials and methods. Th e data of social and hygienic monitoring “Working conditions and occupational morbidity” of the population of Vorkuta and Chukotka Autonomous District in 2007–2017 are studied.Results. It was established that in 2007–2017 years, 2,296 ODs were diagnosed for the first time in 1851 coal mines, mainly in the drifters, clearing face miners, repairmen and machinists of mining excavating machines. Most often, the ODs occurred when exposed to the severity of labor, fibrogenic aerosols and hand-arm vibration. The development of professional pathology in 98% of cases was due to design flaws of machines and mechanisms, as well as imperfections of workplaces and technological processes. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system (36.2%), respiratory organs (28.9%) and nervous system (22.5%) prevailed in the structure of professional pathology of miners of coal mines. Among the three most common nosological forms of OD were radiculopathy (32.1%), chronic bronchitis (27.7%) and mono-polyneuropathy (15.4%). In 2017, coal miners in the Arctic had a professional morbidity rate of 2.82 times higher than the national rates for coal mining.Conclusions. To preserve the health of miners of coal mining enterprises, technical measures to improve working conditions and medical interventions aimed at increasing the body’s resistance to the effects of harmful production and climatic factors are necessary.


1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom McLean

This paper examines the roles of accounting and costing in the management of coal mining during the Industrial Revolution in Britain, and considers the impact of the agent's reputation in the development and use of these systems.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6592
Author(s):  
Ana Moldovan ◽  
Maria-Alexandra Hoaghia ◽  
Anamaria Iulia Török ◽  
Marius Roman ◽  
Ionut Cornel Mirea ◽  
...  

This study aims to investigate the quality and vulnerability of surface water (Aries River catchment) in order to identify the impact of past mining activities. For this purpose, the pollution and water quality indices, Piper and Durov plots, as well vulnerability modeling maps were used. The obtained results indicate that the water samples were contaminated with As, Fe, Mn, Pb and have relatively high concentrations of SO42−, HCO3−, TDS, Ca, K, Mg and high values for the electrical conductivity. Possible sources of the high content of chemicals could be the natural processes or the inputs of the mine drainage. Generally, according to the pollution indices, which were correlated to high concentrations of heavy metals, especially with Pb, Fe and Mn, the water samples were characterized by heavy metals pollution. The water quality index classified the studied water samples into five different classes of quality, namely: unsuitable for drinking, poor, medium, good and excellent quality. Similarly, medium, high and very high vulnerability classes were observed. The Durov and Piper plots classified the waters into Mg-HCO3− and Ca-Cl− types. The past and present mining activities clearly change the water chemistry and alter the quality of the Aries River, with the water requiring specific treatments before use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 474
Author(s):  
René Rodríguez-Grimón ◽  
Nestor Hernando Campos ◽  
Ítalo Braga Castro

Since 2013, there has been an increase (>23%) in naval traffic using maritime routes and ports on the coastal fringe of Santa Marta, Colombia. Of major concern, and described by several studies, is the relationship between maritime traffic and coastal contamination. This study proposed a maritime traffic indicator considering the simultaneous effects of several relevant measurements of water quality parameters to estimate the impact of naval activity. The approach involved developing a model including the number of vessels, hull length, and permanence time in berths. In addition, water quality variables, considering climatic seasons, were used to verify association with maritime traffic and touristic activities. The high concentrations of total coliforms (TC) and dissolved/dispersed petroleum hydrocarbons in chrysene equivalents (DDPH) reported by the International Marina of Santa Marta (SM) were affected by the local anthropic activities, including tourism, naval traffic, and urban wastewater discharges. Moreover, our results suggest the occurrence of multiple chemical impacts within Tayrona National Natural Park (PNNT) affecting conservation goals. The estimation of the maritime traffic indicator proposed in this study may be an easy and more complete tool for future studies evaluating the impact of naval activities on environmental quality.


Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sicília Rezende Oliveira ◽  
José Alcides A de Arruda ◽  
Ayda Henriques Schneider ◽  
Valessa Florindo Carvalho ◽  
Caio Machado ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains poorly understood whether NETs participate in the cross-talk between periodontitis and RA. Herein, we investigated the production of NETs in individuals with periodontitis and RA and its association with clinical parameters. The impact of periodontal therapy on RA and NET release was also assessed. Methods The concentration of NETs and cytokines was determined in the saliva and plasma of individuals with early RA (n = 24), established RA (n = 64), and individuals without RA (n = 76). The influence of periodontitis on the production of NETs and cytokines was also evaluated. Results Individuals with early RA had a higher concentration of NETs in saliva and plasma than individuals with established RA or without RA. Periodontitis resulted in an increase in the concentration of NETs of groups of individuals without RA and with early RA. The proportion of individuals with high concentrations of IL-6, IL-10 and GM-CSF was higher among individuals with periodontitis than among individuals without periodontitis. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17/IL-25, and IL-28A were particularly high in individuals with early RA. Worse periodontal clinical parameters, RA onset and RA activity were significantly associated with circulating NETs. Periodontal therapy was associated with a reduction in the concentration of NETs and inflammatory cytokines and amelioration in periodontitis and RA. Conclusion This study reveals that NETs are a possible link between periodontitis and RA, with periodontal therapy resulting in a dramatic switch in circulating NET levels.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Bidaud ◽  
D. Berling ◽  
D. Jamon ◽  
E. Gamet ◽  
S. Neveu ◽  
...  

AbstractThis paper is aimed at investigating the process of photocrosslinking under Deep-UV irradiation of nanocomposite thin films doped with cobalt ferrite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). This material is composed of a hybrid sol–gel matrix in which MNP can be introduced with high concentrations up to 20 vol%. Deep-UV (193 nm) is not only interesting for high-resolution patterning but we also show an efficient photopolymerization pathway even in the presence of high concentration of MNPs. In this study, we demonstrate that the photocrosslinking is based on the free radical polymerization of the methacrylate functions of the hybrid precursor. This process is initiated by Titanium-oxo clusters. The impact of the nanoparticles on the photopolymerization kinetic and photopatterning is investigated. We finally show that the photosensitive nanocomposite is suitable to obtain micropatterns with sub-micron resolution, with a simple and versatile process, which opens many opportunities for fabrication of miniaturized magneto-optical devices for photonic applications.


2007 ◽  
Vol 73 (14) ◽  
pp. 4609-4618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Ohene-Adjei ◽  
Ronald M. Teather ◽  
Michael Ivan ◽  
Robert J. Forster

ABSTRACT Association patterns between archaea and rumen protozoa were evaluated by analyzing archaeal 16S rRNA gene clone libraries from ovine rumen inoculated with different protozoa. Five protozoan inoculation treatments, fauna free (negative control), holotrich and cellulolytic protozoa, Isotricha and Dasytricha spp., Entodinium spp., and total fauna (type A) were tested. We used denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, quantitative PCR, and phylogenetic analysis to evaluate the impact of the protozoan inoculants on the respective archaeal communities. Protozoan 18S ribosomal DNA clone libraries were also evaluated to monitor the protozoal population that was established by the inoculation. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that archaeal clones associated with the fauna-free, the Entodinium, and the type A inoculations clustered primarily with uncultured phylotypes. Polyplastron multivesiculatum was the predominant protozoan strain established by the holotrich and cellulolytic protozoan treatment, and this resulted predominantly in archaeal clones affiliated with uncultured and cultured methanogenic phylotypes (Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, and Methanobacterium bryantii). Furthermore, the Isotricha and Dasytricha inoculation treatment resulted primarily in archaeal clones affiliated with Methanobrevibacter smithii. This report provides the first assessment of the influence of protozoa on archaea within the rumen microbial community and provides evidence to suggest that different archaeal phylotypes associate with specific groups of protozoa. The observed patterns may be linked to the evolution of commensal and symbiotic relationships between archaea and protozoa in the ovine rumen environment. This report further underscores the prevalence and potential importance of a rather large group of uncultivated archaea in the ovine rumen, probably unrelated to known methanogens and undocumented in the bovine rumen.


2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (16) ◽  
pp. 5682-5687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin E. King ◽  
Rachel P. Smith ◽  
Benoit St-Pierre ◽  
André-Denis G. Wright

ABSTRACTIn the dairy cattle industry, Holstein and Jersey are the breeds most commonly used for production. They differ in performance by various traits, such as body size, milk production, and milk composition. With increased concerns about the impact of agriculture on climate change, potential differences in other traits, such as methane emission, also need to be characterized further. Since methane is produced in the rumen by methanogenic archaea, we investigated whether the population structure of methanogen communities would differ between Holsteins and Jerseys. Breed-specific rumen methanogen 16S rRNA gene clone libraries were constructed from pooled PCR products obtained from lactating Holstein and Jersey cows, generating 180 and 185 clones, respectively. The combined 365 sequences were assigned to 55 species-level operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Twenty OTUs, representing 85% of the combined library sequences, were common to both breeds, while 23 OTUs (36 sequences) were found only in the Holstein library and 12 OTUs (18 sequences) were found only in the Jersey library, highlighting increased diversity in the Holstein library. Other differences included the observation that sequences with species-like sequence identity toMethanobrevibacter milleraewere represented more highly in the Jersey breed, whileMethanosphaera-related sequences and novel uncultured methanogen clones were more frequent in the Holstein library. In contrast, OTU sequences with species-level sequence identity toMethanobrevibacter ruminantiumwere represented similarly in both libraries. Since the sampled animals were from a single herd consisting of two breeds which were fed the same diet and maintained under the same environmental conditions, the differences we observed may be due to differences in host breed genetics.


2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Supriya Tiwari ◽  
Rüdiger Grote ◽  
Galina Churkina ◽  
Tim Butler

High concentrations of ozone (O3) can have significant impacts on the health and productivity of agricultural and forest ecosystems, leading to significant economic losses. In order to estimate this impact under a wide range of environmental conditions, the mechanisms of O3 impacts on physiological and biochemical processes have been intensively investigated. This includes the impact on stomatal conductance, the formation of reactive oxygen species and their effects on enzymes and membranes, as well as several induced and constitutive defence responses. This review summarises these processes, discusses their importance for O3 damage scenarios and assesses to which degree this knowledge is currently used in ecosystem models which are applied for impact analyses. We found that even in highly sophisticated models, feedbacks affecting regulation, detoxification capacity and vulnerability are generally not considered. This implies that O3 inflicted alterations in carbon and water balances cannot be sufficiently well described to cover immediate plant responses under changing environmental conditions. Therefore, we suggest conceptual models that link the depicted feedbacks to available process-based descriptions of stomatal conductance, photosynthesis and isoprenoid formation, particularly the linkage to isoprenoid models opens up new options for describing biosphere-atmosphere interactions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yihang Yu ◽  
Peng Cheng ◽  
Huirong Li ◽  
Wenda Yang ◽  
Baobin Han ◽  
...  

<p>Nitrous acid (HONO) can produce hydroxyl radicals (OH) by photolysis and plays an important role in atmospheric photochemistry. Over the years, high concentrations of HONO have been found in the Pearl River Delta region (PRD), which may be one of the reasons for the high atmospheric oxidation capacity. A comprehensive atmospheric observation was conducted at an urban site in Guangzhou from 27 September to 9 November 2018. During the period, HONO ranged from 0.02 to 4.43 ppbv with an average of 0.74±0.70 ppbv. The combustion emission ratio (HONO/NOx) of 0.9±0.4% was derived from 11 fresh plumes. The primary emission rate of HONO during night was calculated with the emission source inventory data to be between 0.04±0.02 and 0.30±0.15 ppbv/h. And the HONO produced by the homogeneous reaction of OH+NO at night was 0.26±0.08 ppbv/h, which can be seemed as secondary results from primary emission. They were both much higher than the increase rate of HONO (0.02 ppbv/h) during night. Soil emission rate of HONO at night was calculated to be 0.019±0.0003 ppbv/h. Deposition was the dominant removal process of HONO during night, and a deposition rate of at least 2.5 cm/s is required to balance the direct emissions and OH+NO reaction. Correlation analysis shows that NH<sub>3</sub> and relative humidity (RH) may participate in the heterogeneous transformation from NO<sub>2</sub> to HONO during night. In the daytime, the average primary emission P<sub>emis</sub> was 0.12±0.01 ppbv/h, and the homogeneous reaction P<sub>OH+NO</sub> was 0.79±0.61 ppbv/h, which was even larger than the unknown sources P<sub>Unknown</sub> (0.65±0.46 ppbv/h). The results showed that the direct and indirect contributions of primary emission to HONO are great at the site, both during daytime and nighttime. Similar to previous studies, P<sub>Unknown</sub> was suggested to be related to the photo-enhanced reaction of NO<sub>2</sub>. The mean OH production rates by photolysis of HONO and O<sub>3</sub> were 3.7×10<sup>6</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup>·s<sup>-1</sup> and 4.9×10<sup>6</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup>·s<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. We further studied the impact of HONO on the atmospheric oxidation by a Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM) box model. When constraining observed HONO in the model, OH and O<sub>3 </sub>increased 59% and 68.8% respectively, showing a remarkable contribution of HONO to the atmospheric oxidation of Guangzhou.</p><p> </p>


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