<Emphasis Type="Italic">Robinia pseudoacacia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melandrium album</Emphasis> in trace elements biomonitoring and air pollution tolerance index study

The accumulation efficiency of selected trace elements in the leaves of Melandrium album and Robinia pseudoacacia grown on heavy metal contaminated sites in comparison with a non-contaminated one was evaluated. The study was undertaken to calculate air pollution tolerance index and to determine the contents of selected metabolites: glutathione, non-protein thiols, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll and the activity of antioxidant enzymes: guaiacol peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Such estimations can be useful in better understanding of plants defense strategies and potential to grow in contaminated environments. The results in the most contaminated site revealed higher contents of metals in M. album leaves, especially Zn, Cd and Pb (3.4, 6 and 2.3 times higher, respectively) in comparison with the R. pseudoacacia. Better accumulation capacity found in M. album was shown by metal accumulation index values. The plants could be used as indicators of Zn, Cd (both species) and Pb (M. album) in the soil. Glutathione content (in both species) and peroxidase activity (in M. album), general markers of heavy metals contamination, were increased in contaminated sites. In most cases in contaminated areas R. pseudoacacia had decreased ascorbic acid and chlorophyll levels. Opposite tendency was recorded in M. album leaves, where similar or higher contents of the above-mentioned metabolites were found. In our study, M. album and R. pseudoacacia proved to be sensitive species with the air pollution tolerance index lower than 11 and can be recommended as bioindicators.     

Soil bacterial strains with heavy metal resistance and high potential in degrading diesel oil and <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanes

Four bacterial strains, capable of degrading diesel oil, n-alkanes or hexadecane, were isolated from soils contaminated with petroleum oil and identified. Strains of Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas putida TPHK-1 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa TPHK-4, were more efficient in degrading high concentrations of the hydrocarbons than the other two strains, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia TPHK-2 and Acenitobacter sp. TPHK-3. P. putida TPHK-1 exhibited tolerance to very high concentrations of heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, zinc and copper. The innate ability of P. putida TPHK-1, as evidenced by the amplified genes alkB1 and alkB2 that encode alkane hydroxylases, and cat12o and cat23o coding for catechol dioxygenase, in degrading diesel oil in the presence of heavy metals is far greater than that of the strains reported in the literature. Heavy metal tolerance coupled with rapid degradation of hydrocarbons, even at high concentrations, suggests that P. putida TPHK-1 has a great potential in remediating soils contaminated with mixtures of hydrocarbons and heavy metals.     

Surface modification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nizimuddinia zanardini</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stoechospermum marginatum</Emphasis> using 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide to improve heavy metals biosorption from water

Surface modification of two algal biomasses, Nizimuddinia zanardini and Stoechospermum marginatum, using 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide ligand was performed to investigate the consequences on the adsorption of heavy metals from aqueous solution. Stabilization of amino group of 4-phenyl-3-thiosemicarbazide on the surface of biomasses was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Chemical modification was found to exert significant positive effects on biosorption. Adsorption capacities for Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) using modified N. zanardini were observed to be 19.3, 16.75 and 15.75 mg/g, respectively, compared to 17.48, 14.18 and 11.85 mg/g for raw N. zanardini biomass. Also, adsorption of Pb(II), Cd(II) and Cr(VI) by the modified S. Marginatum was found to be 17.54, 15.62 and 14.77 mg/g, respectively, in comparison with that of the raw biomass which were 16.86, 12.9 and 11.2 mg/g. The obtained results of the equilibrium adsorption were studied through different isotherm models of Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin, where the Langmuir model was observed to agree well with the results. Prevalent kinetic models including pseudo-second order and intra-particle diffusion were applied, and the pseudo-second order was found to describe the adsorption kinetics data adequately. Intra-particle model was also utilized in order to show penetration of metal ions, where it was realized that the biosorption took place in two or three steps including film diffusion, molecular diffusion and chemical reaction.     

Assessment of heavy metals in soil and terrestrial isopod <Emphasis Type="Italic">Porcellio laevis</Emphasis> in Tunisian industrialized areas

In this study, data on several metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) in soil and isopod Porcellio laevis taken at 21 sites from the most important industrial areas in Tunisia (Bizerte, Nabeul, Zaghouan, Sfax and Gabes) were presented. Heavy metal concentrations in both soil samples and isopods were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Soil contamination was estimated using the contamination factor (CF). On the other hand, the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was determined to estimate metal accumulation in isopods. The CF values show that the level of contamination varies between sampled soils, which may be due to the source of pollution at each site. The BAF values allow defining the order of accumulation in P. laevis which was classified for the majority of the sampled sites as a macro-concentrator of Cu and Zn and a deconcentrator of Cd with some exceptions. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted between soil properties (pH, OM and CaCO₃) and metal concentrations in soils. Through PCA, we obtained four groups in which soils were distinguished by their physicochemical properties and their metal concentrations. Moreover, linear multiple regressions with a downward stepwise procedure were conducted to test the relationships between the physicochemical parameters and metal concentrations in both soils and isopods. Thus, positive correlations (0.78 < R ² < 0.99) were obtained for Pb considering dataset from the groups 1, 2 and for Zn with data of groups 2 and 3. Finally, results showed that P. laevis could be used as a bio-indicator for monitoring and reducing the impact of pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.     

Evaluation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">smtA</Emphasis> expression and <Emphasis Type="Italic">E. coli</Emphasis> survival against cadmium ions

Cadmium and other heavy metals lead to environmental danger, and these heavy metals are a great threat to human and other animal’s health. Investigation of the relationship between survival of E. coli and metallothionein smtA gene expression against cadmium ion is the goal of this research. Survival of recombinant bacteria containing smtA gene was analyzed against various concentrations of cadmium chloride salt using optical density (OD). At the resistive range, recombinant bacteria were subjected to different treatments. At the logarithmic phase of bacterial growth, sampling, RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were performed and smtA gene expression was then analyzed by real-time PCR using designed primers for smtA gene and Amp resistance (as the calibrator gene). Relative gene expression was calculated using the ??C_t method. The resistive range against cadmium chloride was 0.5–0.7 mM (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 0.5 mM)). Survival and gene expression analysis showed that in induced bacteria, smtA expression was increased significantly that in turn conferred resistance to cadmium chloride prominently. There was a direct relationship between increased smtA gene expression and survival of the recombinant bacteria. Therefore, our result may help to confront to cadmium metal environmental pollution using overexpression of smtA gene expression in recombinant bacteria.     

Physiological Constraints in Juvenile <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ostrea chilensis</Emphasis> Fed the Toxic Dinoflagellate <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alexandrium catenella</Emphasis>

Frequent blooms of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella in southern Chile encouraged undertaking the present study which uses the oyster Ostrea chilensis as a model for evaluating the feeding, growth, lipid storage and mortality responses to diets containing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) produced by A. catenella. Medium-term (30 days) physiological responses of two groups of juvenile oysters were measured every 10 days. Five replicates were exposed to diets containing A. catenella and other five replicates were fed with a diet containing the non-toxic algae Isochrysis galbana. Diets were continuously supplied at a concentration of 2 mg L^?1, in which the feeding and metabolic activity was measured, and the scope for growth calculated. Lipids storage, actual growth and mortality were also measured every 10 days. The results showed that the toxic diet has dramatic negative effects on feeding and metabolism of the juvenile individuals of O. chilensis, with high reduction of the lipid storage and growth. Mortality was also increased in individuals fed with the contaminated diet. This study supports the conclusion that the toxic dinoflagellate A. catenella restricts the energy acquisition in the juvenile O. chilensis, an important fishery and aquaculture resource in southern Chile.     

Feeding Behavior of the Native Mussel <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ischadium recurvum</Emphasis> and the Invasive Mussels <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mytella charruana</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna viridis</Emphasis> in FL,USA, Across a Salinity Gradient

The feeding behavior of three species of mussels, the native Ischadium recurvum and the invasives Mytella charruana and Perna viridis, was studied in an invaded ecosystem in Florida (USA). In situ feeding experiments using the biodeposition method were performed along a salinity gradient in four different locations along the St. Johns River. Water characteristics, such as salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and seston loads, were recorded to identify relationships between these variables and the feeding behavior of the mussels. Feeding behavior of the species varied by study site. Clearance, filtration, organic ingestion, and absorption rates of I. recurvum were negatively affected by salinity. For the invasive mussel, M. charruana, rejection was positively related to salinity while total ingestion, organic ingestion, and absorption rates were positively related to the percentage of organic matter in the seston. For P. viridis, total and organic ingestion rates were negatively affected by salinity but positively affected by total particulate matter. Condition indices for P. viridis and M. charruana were 13.16?±?0.64 and 6.63?±?0.43, respectively, compared to 4.82?±?0.41 for the native species I. recurvum, indicating that these mussels are well adapted to the environmental conditions in the area. This study indicates that the three species have different preferred habitats because of their specific responses to water characteristics. Thus, the invasive mussels will not totally occupy the niche of the native mussel in Florida despite overlapping zones. These data may help identify potential invaded areas and understand the extent of the invasion.     

How water use of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">psammophila</Emphasis> bush depends on groundwater depth in a semi-desert area

To investigate the groundwater levels changes effects on the transpiration of Salix psammophila (S. psammophila) bush, systemic measurements of meteorological conditions, sap flow of S. psammophila, soil water contents and groundwater levels were conducted in the Hailiutu River catchment, NW of China. Based on the collected field data, Hydrus-1D software package was used to calibrate water movement for root uptake in the saturated–unsaturated zone. The soil hydraulic parameters and root uptake function parameters were calibrated. The simulated results of soil water contents and sap flow fitted well with the observed ones. Based on the calibrated hydraulic parameters, different groundwater levels were imposed at the low boundary to simulate the groundwater levels changes effects on the transpiration. The relationship between ratio of actual transpiration and potential (T/T _p) and groundwater water table depth was established. The results shows that the ratio of actual transpiration and potential transpiration decreases with groundwater table depth increase as inverse ‘S’ shape. And the turn point is corresponding to the extinct depth, i.e., no groundwater contribution to S. psammophila transpiration. To further verify this phenomenon is universal, the soil hydraulic parameters were replaced with the other five groups in the calibrated forward model. The results confirmed the similar changes of T _a/T _p with the groundwater levels changed, i.e. inverse ‘S’ shape. However, the extinction depth is different corresponding to different soil hydraulic parameters. So, the research results indicated the relationship between transpiration and groundwater levels is non-linear function.     

Investigation of tolerance to different nickel concentrations in two species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Matricaria chamomilla</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Matricaria aurea</Emphasis>

Contamination of soil with heavy metals is one of the important concerns of public health and food production. Nickel is a heavy metal whose toxic properties have been confirmed. In some plants, nickel has also been known as a useful metal for their growth. In this research, the response of two chamomile species to different levels of nickel was investigated in two stages of germination and callogenesis in vitro conditions in factorial experiment based on completely randomized design. In the first experiment, the effect of different concentrations of nickel sulfate (0, 60, 120, and 180 µM) was examined on germination of German (Matricaria chamomilla) and Aurea (M. aurea) chamomile seeds in the MS culture medium. The results indicated that at high levels of nickel sulfate, the speed and percentage of germination increased in both types of chamomile. In M. chamomilla, with the increase in the concentration of nickel sulfate, the length of the seedling decreased, but the seed weight vigor, length of the radicle, and dry weight of the seedling increased. M. aurea showed elevation in most indices. The results of the second experiment indicated that the M. chamomilla leaf explants had callogenesis and its callogenesis indices showed a significant decrease at high levels of nickel, when compared with the control In M. aurea, the calluses did not grow sufficiently, suggesting the sensitivity of M. aurea’s callogenesis to the presence of different levels of nickel. In conclusion, chamomile appears to be tolerant to nickel stress.     

Phytotoxicity test applied to sewage sludge using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactuca sativa</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepidium sativum</Emphasis> L. seeds

Sewage sludge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has increased in recent years in Spain and Europe in general. Agriculture seems a viable solution when seeking alternatives for its final disposal. Sewage sludge reuse can, however, pose risks given presence of heavy metals, pathogen microorganisms or toxic compounds, which must be controlled to minimize risks for human health and the environment. In the present study, the phytotoxicity of sewage sludge from the Alcázar de San Juan WWTP using two types of seeds (Lactuca sativa L. and Lepidium sativum L.) in bioassays was analyzed. The relative germination rates (RGP), relative radicle growth (RRG) and germination index were determined for both species. Hypocotyl length was measured in lettuce. Negative (distilled water) and positive (zinc sulfate) controls were prepared. Depending on the biological material and residue phytotoxicity dose, analyses can be modified given the different sensitivities of plants. Lepidium sativum L. was more sensitive to phytotoxic compounds than Lactuca sativa L. Hypocotyl measurements provide complementary toxicity information. A general agreement between authors and researchers to standardize this type of analysis would be useful to make criteria uniform.     

Toxinogenicity and cytotoxicity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alternaria,Aspergillus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penicillium</Emphasis> moulds isolated from working environments

There is currently limited research available on the secondary metabolites of moulds in workplaces. The aim of this study was to determine the mould contamination in museums (N = 4), composting plants (N = 4) and tanneries (N = 4) and the secondary metabolite profiles of Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium isolates from these workplaces. Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium species were identified using the ITS1/2 sequence of the rDNA region. Mould metabolites were quantitatively analysed on standard laboratory medium and mineral medium containing materials specific to each workplace using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We also examined the cytotoxicity of the moulds using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays. Air microbiological contamination analyses showed a number of microorganisms, ranging from 2.4 × 10³ CFU m^?3 (composting plants) to 6.8 × 10⁴ CFU m^?3 (tanneries). We identified high percentages of Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium moulds (air 57–59%, surfaces 10–65%) in all workplaces. The following moulds were the most cytotoxic (>90%): Alternaria alternata, A. limoniasperae, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium biourgeianum, P. commune and P. spinulosum. The same mould species isolated from different working environments exhibited varying toxigenic and cytotoxic properties. Modifying the culture medium to simulate environmental conditions most often resulted in the inhibition of secondary metabolite production. Moulds isolated from the working environments produced the following mycotoxins (ng g^?1): chanoclavines (0.28–204), cyclopiazonic acid (27.1–1045), fumigaclavines (0.33–10,640,000), meleagrin (0.57–13,393), roquefortins (0.01–16,660), rugulovasines (112–220), viridicatin (0.12–957), viridicatol (4.23–2753) and quinocitrinines (0.07–1104), which may have a negative impact on human health.     

Representatives of genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Malbosiceras</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomeliceras</Emphasis> (Neocomitidae,Ammonoidea) from the Berriasian of the Crimean Mountains

The revised representatives of ammonite genera Malbosiceras and Pomeliceras from the Berriasian of the Crimean Mountains are classed with seven species, four of the first genus [M. malbosi (Pictet), M. chaperi (Pictet), M. broussei (Mazenot), M. pictetiforme Tavera] and three of the second one [P. aff. boisseti Nikolov, P. breveti (Pomel), P. (?) funduklense Lysenko et Arkadiev sp. nov.]. The identified species are described. The genus Mazenoticeras is considered as synonym of Malbosiceras. The above species prove that all the Berriasian zones (jacobi, occitanica and boissieri) are characteristic of corresponding deposits in the Crimean Mountains.     

In situ formation of AgNPs on <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. cerevisiae</Emphasis> surface as bionanocomposites for bacteria killing and heavy metal removal

Novel bionanocomposites, S. cerevisiae–AgNPs, were synthesized by in situ formation of AgNPs on S. cerevisiae surface using fulvic acids as reductants under simulated sunlight. S. cerevisiae–AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These analyses showed that AgNPs were distributed on the surface of S. cerevisiae. The application of S. cerevisiae–AgNPs in bacteria killing and heavy metal removal was studied. S. cerevisiae–AgNPs effectively inhibited the growth of E. coli with increasing concentrations of S. cerevisiae–AgNPs. E. coli was killed completely at high concentration S. cerevisiae–AgNPs (e.g., 100 or 200 µg mL^?1). S. cerevisiae–AgNPs as excellent heavy metal absorbents also have been studied. Using Cd²⁺ as model heavy metal, batch experiments confirmed that the adsorption behavior fitted the Langmuir adsorption isotherms and the Cd²⁺ adsorption capacity of S. cerevisiae–AgNPs was 15.01 mg g^?1. According to adsorption data, the kinetics of Cd²⁺ uptake by S. cerevisiae–AgNPs followed pseudo second-order kinetic model. Moreover, S. cerevisiae–AgNPs possessed ability of different heavy metals’ removal (e.g., Cr⁵⁺, As⁵⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Ni²⁺). The simulated contaminated water containing E. coli, Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺ was treated using S. cerevisiae–AgNPs. The results indicated that the bionanocomposites can be used to develop antibacterial agents and bioremediation agents for water treatment.     

Discovery of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Elephas</Emphasis> cf. <Emphasis Type="Italic">namadicus</Emphasis> from the late Pleistocene strata of Marginal Ganga Plain

We describe an elephant skull recovered from a cliff section of Dhasan river of Marginal Ganga Plain. The dental morphology and cranial features of the skull have been compared with the known species of Elephas from the Indian subcontinent. Although it shows very near resemblance to Elephas namadicus, but being an isolated specimen its specific identity cannot be proclaimed with certainty. As such, the specimen is provisionally referred as E. cf. namadicus. The Optically Stimulated Luminescence ages place this find at ~56 ka BP. This is the first chronologically well constrained report of E. cf. namadicus from the Ganga Plain.     

Biodegradation of ortho-dimethyl phthalate by a binary culture of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Variovorax</Emphasis> sp. BS1 and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Achromobacter denitrificans</Emphasis>

Binary mixture of Variovorax sp. BS1 and Achromobacter denitrificans degraded >99 % of 300 mg l^?1 of ortho-dimethyl phthalate (DMP) within 24 h of incubation at 30 °C. Rate of degradation of DMP followed the order: A. denitrificans > binary mixture > Variovorax sp. BS1. Transient intermediate metabolites were not detected using HPLC analyses at any time points using Variovorax sp. BS1 and binary mixture. However, using pure culture of A. denitrificans, monomethyl phthalate was accumulated during the course of DMP biodegradation which disappeared with time of incubation. Binary mixture of Variovorax sp. BS1 and A. denitrificans exhibited better efficiency in terms of biodegradation of DMP as compared to either individual bacterial strain. In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization technique was used to estimate the population dynamics of Variovorax sp. BS1 in binary mixture. A. denitrificans in mixed culture were estimated by subtracting total number of cells of Variovorax sp. BS1 from the total counts of microbial cells using an epifluorescence microscope after staining with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole. Results obtained at mid-exponential growth phase suggested the abundance of both bacterial strains as primary degraders.     

The Bloom-Forming Macroalgae, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva</Emphasis>, Outcompetes the Seagrass, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zostera marina</Emphasis>, Under High CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Conditions

While multiple species of macroalgae and seagrass can benefit from elevated CO₂ concentrations, competition between such organisms may influence their ultimate responses. This study reports on experiments performed with a Northwest Atlantic species of the macroalgae, Ulva, and the seagrass, Zostera marina, grown under ambient and elevated levels of pCO₂, and subjected to competition with each other. When grown individually, elevated pCO₂ significantly increased growth rates and productivity of Ulva and Zostera, respectively, beyond control treatments (by threefold and 27%, respectively). For both primary producers, significant declines in tissue δ¹³C signatures suggested that increased growth and productivity were associated with a shift from use of HCO₃^? toward CO₂ use. When grown under higher pCO₂, Zostera experienced significant increases in leaf and rhizome carbon content as well as significant increases in leaf carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, while sediments within which high CO₂ Zostera were grown had a significantly higher organic carbon content. When grown in the presence of Ulva; however, above- and below-ground productivity and tissue nitrogen content of Zostera were significantly lower, revealing an antagonistic interaction between elevated CO₂ and the presence of Ulva. The presence of Zostera had no significant effect on the growth of Ulva. Collectively, this study demonstrates that while Ulva and Zostera can each individually benefit from elevated pCO₂ levels, the ability of Ulva to grow more rapidly and inhibit seagrass productivity under elevated pCO₂, coupled with accumulation of organic C in sediments, may offset the potential benefits for Zostera within high CO₂ environments.     

Heavy metal distribution and accumulation in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spartina alterniflora</Emphasis> from the Andong tidal flat,Hangzhou Bay,China

In order to study the heavy metal accumulation and distribution in the roots, stems, and leaves of Spartina alterniflora, we collected S. alterniflora samples and the associated sediments along three transects at the Andong tidal flat, Hangzhou Bay. Co, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn were mainly accumulated in the aerial parts (stems and leaves) of the plants, and their distributions depended on their mobility and their roles during the metabolism processes of S. alterniflora. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb were significantly enhanced with the increasing of heavy metal concentrations in the sediments, while those of Co and Ni remained relatively constant. Bioaccumulation factors results showed that the serious heavy metal contamination in the sediments from the transect A may overwhelm the accumulation capability of the plants. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the sediments and the pore water therein also play a role in the heavy metal concentrations and accumulations in the plants, because they can influence the behaviors and bioavailabilities of heavy metals during nutrition and bioaccumulation processes of the plants. The sediments with vegetation did not show significantly decreased heavy metal concentration with respect to the unvegetated sediments, although the plants did absorb heavy metals from the sediments. Principal component analysis and correlation analyses indicated that Co–Ni, Cu–Cd–Hg behaved coherently during accumulation, which may be ascribed to their similar accumulation mechanisms. This work provided essential information on the heavy metal accumulation by plants in a tidal flat, which will be useful for the environmental control through phytoremediation at estuaries.     

Fatty acid profiling as bioindicator of chemical stress in marine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pterocladia capillacea,Sargassum hornschuchii</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva lactuca</Emphasis>

Contaminants are increasing in the aquatic ecosystem due to the development of industrial and agricultural activities. Contaminants include organic pollutants such as pharmaceuticals and endocrine-disrupting compounds, which accumulate in the ecosystem’s primary producers and propagate through the food chain. The total lipid contents and fatty acid profiles in the marine macroalgae Pterocladia capillacea, Ulva lactuca and Sargassum hornschuchii proved to be a good bioindicator to assess contamination levels. The lowest value of the total lipid content was 1.90% obtained in S. hornschuchii under the bisphenol treatment, while the highest value was 4.66% obtained in U. lactuca under exposed to clofibric acid. The fatty acid methyl ester profiles were analysed by using gas chromatography. The total fatty acids varied from 5.85% (U. lactuca after exposure to bisphenol) to 28.38% (P. capillacea treated with clofibric acid). The ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in U. lactuca after exposure to acetyl salicylic acid than in the other macroalgae under different treatments.     

Potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Micranthemum umbrosum</Emphasis> for phytofiltration of organic arsenic species from oxic water environment

Arsenic (As) is a toxic and carcinogenic metalloid that causes various hazards to human health. Phytofiltration is a more eco-friendly and green approach than chemoremediation, or other traditional technologies, for removing As from aquatic environments. Recently, Micranthemum umbrosum was shown as a promising candidate for phytofiltration of inorganic As species. This work examines the potential application of M. umbrosum to phytofiltration of organic As species, such as monomethylarsonic acid (MMAA, CH₅AsO₃) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA, C₂H₇AsO₂), from oxic water environments. M. umbrosum plants were grown in two test concentrations of MMAA and DMAA, or a control, in a hydroponic experiment. After seven days, leaves accumulated 90 ± 3.2 and 48 ± 1.6 µg As g^?1 (oven dry basis) from 1 µg As mL^?1 of water added from MMAA and DMAA, respectively. Bioconcentration factor values and translocation factor values were always greater than 1.0, indicating that M. umbrosum was a good As accumulator and that leaves accumulated significantly higher amounts of As than stems and roots. Analysis of macro- and micronutrient data showed that M. umbrosum had higher resistance to organic As treatments than the control. These results confirm the potential application of M. umbrosum for phytofiltration of organic As from contaminated oxic water environments.     

Seismic anisotropy of the mantle beneath Eastern Asia based on <Emphasis Type="Italic">ScS</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis> waves from deep-focus earthquakes

The seismic anisotropy of the mantle is studied based on the data of S and ScS waves from earthquakes occurred in the mantle transition zone over the period of 2007–2013 and recorded by seismic stations in the continental margin of Asia, on Sakhalin Island, and in the southern part of the Kamchatka Peninsula. The measurements of the azimuths of polarization of the fast S and ScS waves in the continental margin of Asia show that they are predominantly oriented in the E–SE directions. Based on the distribution of the shear wave splitting parameters, the symmetry of the medium can be described in terms of a transversely isotropic model with a horizontal symmetry axis and may correspond to horizontal flow in the upper mantle beneath the Amur Plate. The fast azimuths of polarization of ScS wave, which were determined to be of N–NE directions in the northern area of Sakhalin Island and in the continental part of Asia, may correspond to an inclined flow under the conditions of oblique subduction and complex geometry of the downgoing Pacific Plate. In the south of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the S- and ScS-wave azimuths of polarization from the M 8.4 Sea of Okhotsk earthquake are determined to be oriented along the direction of the Pacific Plate motion. The fast-S-wave azimuths of polarization from the aftershocks of the Sea of Okhotsk earthquake and from other large events of 2008–2009 are determined to be nearly parallel to the motion trend of the Pacific Plate, but orthogonal to it for the events of 2008–2009. On the basis of the distribution of azimuths of polarization of the fast S waves, the symmetry of the medium can be described in terms of a transversely isotropic model with the symmetry axis inclined orthogonally to the plane of downgoing plate and oriented westward orthogonally to the trench strike.