Microbial Populations in a 110 Ton-Scale Column for the Recovery of Metals from Black Schist Ores

2007 ◽  
Vol 20-21 ◽  
pp. 170-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin B. Hallberg ◽  
D. Barrie Johnson ◽  
Jörg Langwaldt ◽  
Catherine Joulian
Keyword(s):  
Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Sulfide Minerals ◽  
Total Cell ◽  
Microbial Populations ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Solid Media ◽  
One Year ◽  
Black Schist

Black schist ores in Finland are often enriched with sulfide minerals, containing a variety of base metals such as nickel, copper, zinc and cobalt. As these ores are low grade with respect to the metals contained and the sulfide minerals cannot be effectively concentrated from the schists, they are currently being studied with regard to their suitability for bioleaching [1]. As part of this investigation, a large-scale column measuring 3 x 3 x 9 m was built and filled with 110 tons of the crushed black schist ore. A solution was circulated in the column for 95 weeks; this solution was adjusted to 1.8 prior to entry in the column and averaged 2.7 when leaving the column. During this time, approximately 22% of Mn, 10% of Ni and 5% of Zn were leached from the ore. Iron was also leached, but precipitated in the column. Any soluble iron in the effluent was mainly Fe (II). During this same time period, total cell counts averaged 3.6 x 107 cells/ml of effluent. On three different occasions over nearly a one-year period, culturable cells were enumerated on a variety of solid media [2] and represented only about 1% of the total cell counts. Of the culturable cells, ironoxidizing acidophiles (namely Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans) far outnumbered any other acidophile by at least a factor of ten. Changes in populations were also monitored by molecular means (T-RFLP and SSCP) on five different occasions during the same year; again, populations in early samples were dominated by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (at least two strains/sub-species). As the temperature of the column was increased from ~20 to 35°C by heating both the recirculated liquor and the air used for column aeration, the relative abundance of At. ferrooxidans-like bacteria decreased while the abundance of unidentified bacteria increased. Some of these bacteria have also been detected in lab-scale column experiments using the same ore [3]. Total cell counts varied little as the temperature increased, nor was there any change in the rate of metal leaching. It was apparent that even though the leaching of metals from black schist ores was not greatly influenced by increases of temperature in the column, active microbial populations were present and were influenced by temperature.

scholarly journals Insectivorous songbirds as early indicators of future defoliation by spruce budworm

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Germain ◽  
Daniel Kneeshaw ◽  
Louis De Grandpré ◽  
Mélanie Desrochers ◽  
Patrick M. A. James ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Spruce Budworm ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Maximum Probability ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Probability Of Presence ◽  
Time Lagged ◽  
One Year ◽  
Local Sampling

Abstract Context Although the spatiotemporal dynamics of spruce budworm outbreaks have been intensively studied, forecasting outbreaks remains challenging. During outbreaks, budworm-linked warblers (Tennessee, Cape May, and bay-breasted warbler) show a strong positive response to increases in spruce budworm, but little is known about the relative timing of these responses. Objectives We hypothesized that these warblers could be used as sentinels of future defoliation of budworm host trees. We examined the timing and magnitude of the relationships between defoliation by spruce budworm and changes in the probability of presence of warblers to determine whether they responded to budworm infestation before local defoliation being observed by standard detection methods. Methods We modelled this relationship using large-scale point count surveys of songbirds and maps of cumulative time-lagged defoliation over multiple spatial scales (2–30 km radius around sampling points) in Quebec, Canada. Results All three warbler species responded positively to defoliation at each spatial scale considered, but the timing of their response differed. Maximum probability of presence of Tennessee and Cape May warbler coincided with observations of local defoliation, or provided a one year warning, making them of little use to guide early interventions. In contrast, the probability of presence of bay-breasted warbler consistently increased 3–4 years before defoliation was detectable. Conclusions Early detection is a critical step in the management of spruce budworm outbreaks and rapid increases in the probability of presence of bay-breasted warbler could be used to identify future epicenters and target ground-based local sampling of spruce budworm.

scholarly journals Desquamation in Kawasaki Disease

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 317
Author(s):  
Ling-Sai Chang ◽  
Ken-Pen Weng ◽  
Jia-Huei Yan ◽  
Wan-Shan Lo ◽  
Mindy Ming-Huey Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Kawasaki Disease ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Ivig Treatment ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
High Grade ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
Coronary Artery Abnormalities ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Hands And Feet

(1) Background: Desquamation is a common characteristic of Kawasaki disease (KD). In this study, we analyzed patients’ varying desquamation levels in their hands or feet, in correlation with clinical presentation, to assess the relationship. (2) Methods: We retrospectively reviewed children with KD. We analyzed their age, laboratory data before intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment and coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) based on the desquamation level of their hands and feet. We classified the desquamation level from 0 to 3 and defined high-grade desquamation as grade 2 and 3. (3) Results: We enrolled a total 112 patients in the study. We found the hands’ high-grade desquamation was positively associated with age and segmented neutrophil percentage (p = 0.047 and 0.029, respectively) but negatively associated with lymphocyte and monocyte percentage (p = 0.03 and 0.006, respectively). Meanwhile, the feet’s high-grade desquamation was positively associated with total white blood cell counts (p = 0.033). Furthermore, we found that high-grade hand desquamation had less probability of CAA formation compared with that of a low grade (7.1% vs. 40.8%, p = 0.016). (4) Conclusions: This report is the first to demonstrate that the desquamation level of hands or feet in KD is associated with different coronary artery abnormalities and laboratory findings.

scholarly journals Asthma in elderly is characterized by increased sputum neutrophils, lower airway caliber variability and air trapping

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Schleich ◽  
S. Graff ◽  
F. Guissard ◽  
M. Henket ◽  
V. Paulus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Lower Airway ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Sputum Induction ◽  
Air Trapping ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Airway Caliber ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Long Acting

Abstract Background Elderly asthmatics represent an important group that is often excluded from clinical studies. In this study we wanted to present characteristics of asthmatics older than 70 years old as compared to younger patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis on a series of 758 asthmatics subdivided in three groups: lower than 40, between 40 and 70 and older than 70. All the patients who had a successful sputum induction were included in the study. Results Older patients had a higher Body Mass Index, had less active smokers and were more often treated with Long Acting anti-Muscarinic Agents. We found a significant increase in sputum neutrophil counts with ageing. There was no significant difference in blood inflammatory cell counts whatever the age group. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC values were significantly lower in elderly who had lower bronchial hyperresponsiveness and signs of air trapping. We found a lower occurrence of the allergic component in advanced ages. Asthmatics older than 70 years old had later onset of the disease and a significant longer disease duration. Conclusion Our study highlights that asthmatics older than 70 years old have higher bronchial neutrophilic inflammation, a poorer lung function, signs of air trapping and lower airway variability. The role of immunosenescence inducing chronic low-grade inflammation in this asthma subtype remains to be elucidated.

scholarly journals A Positive Association of Overactivated Immunity with Metabolic Syndrome Risk and Mitigation of Its Association by a Plant-Based Diet and Physical Activity in a Large Cohort Study

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 2308
Author(s):  
Sunmin Park ◽  
Ting Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Characteristic Curve ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
High Hba1c

The association between immunity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been studied, but its interaction with lifestyles remains unclear. We studied their association and interactions with lifestyles in 40,768 adults aged over 40 years from a large-scale, hospital-based cohort study collected during 2010–2013. White blood cell counts (WBC) and serum C-reactive protein concentrations (CRP) were used as indexes of immune status. The participants were categorized into four groups by the cutoff points of 6.2 × 109/L WBC(L-WBC) and <0.5 mg/dL CRP(L-CRP): L-WBC+L-CRP(n = 25,604), H-WBC+L-CRP(n = 13,880), L-WBC+H-CRP(n = 464), and H-WBC+H-CRP(n = 820). The participants in the H-WBC+L-CRP were younger and had higher numbers of males than the L-WBC+L-CRP. MetS risk was higher by 1.75- and 1.86-fold in the H-WBC+L-CRP and H-WBC+H-CRP, respectively, than the L-WBC+L-CRP. MetS components, including plasma glucose and triglyceride concentrations, and SBP were elevated in H-WBC+L-CRP and H-WBC+H-CRP compared with L-WBC+L-CR+P. The risk of hyperglycemia and high HbA1c was the highest in the H-WBC+H-CRP among all groups. Areas of WBC counts and serum CRP concentrations were 0.637 and 0.672, respectively, in the receiver operating characteristic curve. Daily intake of energy, carbohydrate, protein, and fat was not significantly different in the groups based on WBC counts and CRP. However, a plant-based diet (PBD), physical activity, and non-smoking were related to lowering WBC counts and CRP, but a Western-style diet was linked to elevating CRP. A high PBD intake and smoking status interacted with immunity to influence MetS risk: a low PBD and current smoking were associated with a higher MetS risk in the H-WBC+H-CRP. In conclusion, overactivated immunity determined by CRP and WBC was associated with MetS risk. Behavior modification with PBD and physical activity might be related to immunity regulation.

scholarly journals The Revitalization of the Historic Centre of the Town Slany

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 3-11
Author(s):  
Zuzana Pešková
Keyword(s):  
Regional Policy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Test Theory ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Practical Design ◽  
Historic Centre ◽  
Reconstruction Project ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Town ◽  
Large Scale Project

In 2006, the town council of Slany decided to respond to the new trend of regional policy in the Central Bohemia region and focused on the revitalization of the historic core of the town. The large-scale project was assigned to a team of professionals (teachers and graduates of the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the Czech Technical University in Prague), led by Professor Sykora. Team members are to deal with issues of historical centre. The project presented a challenge to test theory, principles and procedures in practical design. The projected area featured Masaryk Square and 22 adjacent streets defined by the existing town walls. The reconstruction project of Vinarickeho Street was the first part of the overall project of revitalization of the historic core of the town chosen to implement. This reconstruction was one of the most technically, organizationally and financially complex works that have been undertaken in Slany recently. Construction started in November 2010 and lasted one year. Although this is a project of smaller scope, thanks to its complexity, sensitive approach and craftsmanship it brought the creators the price Construction of the Year 2012 in the Central Bohemia region and advanced to the second round in the competition Construction of the Year 2012 in Czech Republic.

scholarly journals GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array (GLEAM) survey III: South Galactic Pole data release

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. M. O. Franzen ◽  
N. Hurley-Walker ◽  
S. V. White ◽  
P. J. Hancock ◽  
N. Seymour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Beam Model ◽  
Spectral Variability ◽  
Extragalactic Source ◽  
Automated Algorithm ◽  
Data Release ◽  
Murchison Widefield Array ◽  
Source Populations ◽  
One Year

Abstract We present the South Galactic Pole (SGP) data release from the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array (GLEAM) survey. These data combine both years of GLEAM observations at 72–231 MHz conducted with the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA) and cover an area of 5 113 $\mathrm{deg}^{2}$ centred on the SGP at $20^{\mathrm{h}} 40^{\mathrm{m}} < \mathrm{RA} < 05^{\mathrm{h}} 04^{\mathrm{m}}$ and $-48^{\circ} < \mathrm{Dec} < -2^{\circ} $ . At 216 MHz, the typical rms noise is ${\approx}5$ mJy beam–1 and the angular resolution ${\approx}2$ arcmin. The source catalogue contains a total of 108 851 components above $5\sigma$ , of which 77% have measured spectral indices between 72 and 231 MHz. Improvements to the data reduction in this release include the use of the GLEAM Extragalactic catalogue as a sky model to calibrate the data, a more efficient and automated algorithm to deconvolve the snapshot images, and a more accurate primary beam model to correct the flux scale. This data release enables more sensitive large-scale studies of extragalactic source populations as well as spectral variability studies on a one-year timescale.

Preliminary monthly gravity field models from kinematic orbits of SWARM Satellites

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingfu Zhang ◽  
Qiujie Chen ◽  
Yunzhong Shen
Keyword(s):  
Gravity Field ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Earth System ◽  
The Earth ◽  
Swarm Satellites ◽  
Variable Gravity ◽  
Data Gap ◽  
One Year ◽  
Gravity Recovery ◽  
Gravity Field Models

&lt;p&gt;&amp;#160; &amp;#160; &amp;#160; Although the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and GRACE Follow-On (GRACE FO) satellite missions play an important role in monitoring global mass changes within the Earth system, there is a data gap of about one year spanning July 2017 to May 2018, which leads to discontinuous gravity observations for monitoring global mass changes. As an alternative mission, the SWARM satellites can provide gravity observations to close this data gap. In this paper, we are dedicated to developing alternative monthly time-variable gravity field solutions from SWARM data. Using kinematic orbits of SWARM from ITSG for the period January 2015 to September 2020, we have generated a preliminary time series of monthly gravity field models named Tongji-Swarm2019 up to degree and order 60. The comparisons between Tongji-Swarm2019 and GRACE/GRACE-FO monthly solutions show that Tongji-Swarm2019 solutions agree with GRACE/GRACE-FO models in terms of large-scale mass change signals over amazon, Greenland and other regions. We can conclude that Tongji-Swarm2019 monthly gravity field models are able to close the gap between GRACE and GRACE FO.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals Epilithic community development on artificial reefs deployed along a cross-shelf environmental gradient off Paraná state, southern Brazil

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (spe1) ◽  
pp. 43-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederico Brandini ◽  
Ariel Scheffer da Silva
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Artificial Reef ◽  
Larval Abundance ◽  
Percent Cover ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Hydrographic Conditions ◽  
One Year ◽  
General Community

Concrete modules were deployed on the bottom of the 11, 18 and 30 meters isobaths along a cross-shelf hydrographic gradient off Paraná State, Southern Brazil, with the purpose of studying the colonization of sessile epilithic macroinvertebrates on artificial surfaces. After one year of submersion a total of 63 species of epilithic organisms were identified, dominated by Ostrea puelchana, Chthamalus bisinuatus, Balanus cf spongicola, Astrangia cf rathbuni, Didemnum spp, poryphers and bryozoans. Diversity index and percent cover at reef stations placed at 11, 18 and 30 meters isobaths were respectively 2.28 and 66.7%, 2.79 and 96.6% and 1.66 and 77.4%. Differences of general community structure among the three assemblages were not clearly related to the general environmental conditions at the bottom layers near the reef stations. Turbidity and larval abundance are discussed as important factors affecting colonization processes. Results indicate that depths between 15-20 meters are more suitable for the implementation of large scale artificial reef systems in the inner shelf off Paraná and, possibly, throughout the inner shelves off southern Brazil with similar hydrographic conditions.

Bioleaching of Phosphorus from Low Grade Ores and Concentrates with Acidophilic Iron- and Sulphur-Oxidizing Bacteria

2013 ◽  
Vol 825 ◽  
pp. 266-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuija H. Sarlin ◽  
Outi K. Priha ◽  
Mona E. Arnold ◽  
Päivi Kinnunen
Keyword(s):  
Energy Source ◽  
Acidithiobacillus Ferrooxidans ◽  
Elemental Sulphur ◽  
Phosphorus Leaching ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Sulphide Minerals ◽  
Bacterial Cultures ◽  
Acid Generation ◽  
Phosphorus Extraction ◽  
Shake Flasks

Bioleaching experiments of phosphorus from low grade fluorapatite ore containing 8.2% P2O5 and from fluorapatite concentrate containing 29.8% P2O5 were carried out in shake flasks. Elemental sulphur was supplemented as an energy source for acid generation. Mixed and pure acidophilic bacterial cultures consisting of iron-and/or sulphur-oxidizing bacteria Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, A. thiooxidans and Leptospirillum ferrooxidans were used in the experiments. These acidophiles are commonly used in bioleaching of sulphide minerals, but their application on phosphorus bioleaching has been limited. Phosphorus leaching was shown to be a pH-dependant phenomenon. Phosphorus leaching yields of up to 97% and 28% were obtained in 3 weeks for low grade fluorapatite ore and concentrate, respectively. These results indicate a potential for applying bioleaching for phosphorus extraction from low grade materials.

scholarly journals Status quo report on wastewater treatment plant, receiving water's biocoenosis and quality as basis for evaluation of large-scale ozonation process

2017 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 337-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Brückner ◽  
K. Kirchner ◽  
Y. Müller ◽  
S. Schiwy ◽  
K. Klaer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Wastewater Treatment Plant ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Antibiotic Resistant ◽  
Cell Counts ◽  
Endocrine Disrupting ◽  
Ozonation Process ◽  
Receiving Water

Abstract The project DemO3AC (demonstration of large-scale wastewater ozonation at the Aachen-Soers wastewater treatment plant, Germany) of the Eifel-Rur Waterboard contains the construction of a large-scale ozonation plant for advanced treatment of the entire 25 million m³/yr of wastewater passing through its largest wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). In dry periods, up to 70% of the receiving water consists of treated wastewater. Thus, it is expected that effects of ozonation on downstream water biocoenosis will become observable. Extensive monitoring of receiving water and the WWTP shows a severe pollution with micropollutants (already prior to WWTP inlet). (Eco-)Toxicological investigations showed increased toxicity at the inlet of the WWTP for all assays. However, endocrine-disrupting potential was also present at other sampling points at the WWTP and in the river and could not be eliminated sufficiently by the WWTP. Total cell counts at the WWTP are slightly below average. Investigations of antibiotic resistances show no increase after the WWTP outlet in the river. However, cells carrying antibiotic-resistant genes seem to be more stress resistant in general. Comparing investigations after implementation of ozonation should lead to an approximation of the correlation between micropollutants and water quality/biocoenosis and the effects that ozonation has on this matter.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document