Zum Einfluß von Rückständen von Zink- und Bleiverbindungen im Wasser auf die Assimilation von Fontinalis antipyretica

The carbon-dioxide assimilation of Fontinalis antipyretica is inhibited by 100 mg/1Zn²⁺ or Pb²⁺, without a lethal effect being caused. With increasing time of exposure from one to six days the threshold value of toxicity is lowered and at the same time the net assimilation is reduced within the range of concentration of 0.1 mg/1. In the ecological optimum of the environmental conditions the toxicity is weaker than under other unfavourable environmental conditions at the same time. Therefore, the photoecologically optimum illumination of 1200 lx is an effective bioprotector against phytotoxic lead ion concentrations, so that at 1200 lx also at a comparatively high load a positive photosynthesis balance can be maintained. In the dark, in the first hour after the application of the lead ions dissimilation is a function of concentration, subsequently the respiration differences decrease very much in the range between 0 and 100 mg/1 lead(II)-ions. Stimulating effects could be demonstrated only by 0.01 mg/1 Pb²⁺ and only for the carbondioxide assimilation.     

Das Entwässerungsverhalten von Klärschlamm in Gegenwart von Polyelektrolyten

Dewatering Behaviour of Sludge in the Presence of Polyelectrolytes Interactions of sludge particles with well defined synthetic polyelectrolytes of different charge, molecular mass, and molecular geometry were investigated by means of zeta- and streaming potential measurements and polyelectrolyte titrations. Different mechanisms of flocculation were discussed with regard to the dewatering behaviour of the sludge. In dependence on the flocculation procedure (cationic monoflocculation, anionic-cationic, and cationicanionic dual flocculation) as well as on the chain length and branching of the polyelectrolytes used, different mechanisms of sludge dewatering were discussed: Polyanions are not adsorbed on the sludge particles and lead to a decline of the dewatering results. Linear short chain polycations result in a flocculation after surface charge neutralization of the particles according to a patch mechanism. Long chain linear polycations cause a bridging of the particles leading to a flocculation without charge neutralization of the aggregates formed. With branched polycations, a flocculation according to a patch mechanism is observed. These polycations form sludge particle aggregates which are surface charge neutralized at the flocculation point. In anionic-cationic dual flocculations using long chain polycations, an inclusion flocculation due to polyanion-polycation complex formation is the predominating mechanism. The cationic-anionic dual flocculation with complete covering of the particles with polycations in the first step can be discussed by a patch mechanism quite similar to an anionic monoflocculation of cationic particles. By knowing the mechanism of interaction for a given flocculation agent, an optimal sludge dewatering procedure can be predicted.     

Beeinflusst die Strukturgüte von Fließgewässern das Vorkommen von Makrophyten?

Does the Structural Quality of Running Waters Affect the Occurrence of Macrophytes? The morphological structure plays, besides e.g. nutrient concentration, an important role for the integrated assessment of running waters. This paper focuses on the relationship between structural quality and macrophyte vegetation. During summer 2000 structural quality according to LAWA, macrophyte vegetation, and selected habitat parameters were recorded in 135 mapping sections in running waters in Southern Germany. In streams of high structural diversity, generally higher species richness is expected than in rivers of low diversity of habitats. However, no significant differences in macrophyte species richness were detected between different classes of structural quality. In contrast, bryophytes alone showed a significant decrease in species richness with degradation of structural quality. The number of species of other macrophytes increased, respectively. The relationship between occurrence of macrophytes, structural quality, and other environmental variables was analysed using canonical correspondence analysis. Rivers of high structural quality mostly showed high flowing velocities and were heavily shaded. These environmental conditions, which characterize river types of mountainous regions, were predominantly tolerated by bryophytes. Vascular plants and charophytes generally prefer slowly flowing and unshaded habitats. River types exhibiting these environmental conditions often are more influenced by human activities and are more structurally degraded, respectively. With respect to these fundamental differences between river types, species richness of macrophytes and class of structural quality are not correlated when all types of rivers are taken into account. Type‐specific ecomorphological parameters, which conceal the differences in species richness caused by structural quality, are discussed. Structural degraded rivers can provide good environmental conditions for vascular plants and charophytes. To predict macrophyte species richness from structural quality, a differentiation of river types is essential.     

Bioindikation zur Verminderung von Stickstoffdüngerverlusten und der Stickstoffbelastung von Gewässern

Prerequisite to the nitrogen leaching from agricultural soils in spring is the ecologically optimum control of the first nitrogen fertilizer application. On the basis of investigations having been carried out for some years, a method for determining the optimum time of fertilization with the aid of phenological data is presented. The blossoming data of Anemone nemorosa proved to be a suitable sensitive indicator, their onset of blossoming is the optimum time for the first nitrogen application. In dependence on the height and variation of weather, in the subdued mountains this time is 90 … 116 d after the beginning of the year and corresponds to a temperaturetotal ≥ 5°C of 80 … 120°C or > 0°C: 160 … 230°C. Possibly, the leaf development of Alchemilla vulgaris or the first development of Poa pratensis are suitable as other bioindicators. The boundary conditions and disturbance variables of the bioindication are discussed. By the phenological date-determination of the beginning of fertilization the nitrogen losses can be reduced by 10 … 20% and the nitrate leaching can be considerably reduced especially in drinking-water protection areas.     

Einsatz von Pflanzenkläranlagen zur Behandlung von schadstoffbelastetem Oberflächenabfluß städtischer Straßen

A combination of retention pond and reed bed was tested for its effectiveness in reducing non-point source runoff pollution from an urban area. This paper presents data on the development of reed plants (Phragmites australis Cav. Trin.), on the effectiveness of runoff purification and on the accumulation of contaminants in the pond sediment and the reed bed for the years 1993–1995. P. australis was well established and grew according to normal development. The measured length and biomass values of P. australis were larger on sand than on gravel and coarse materials. Toxic levels of heavy metals in the plants were not reached. Harvested plants can be composted. The purification system is effective within the following ranges: The rate of retention of suspended solids and heavy metals varies between 16% and 91%. For chemical oxygen demand the average values is 25%. Poor retention rates usually occur along with very low input concentrations. Generally retention within the reed bed is higher than in the pond. Between 1993 and 1995 the concentration of contaminants within the organic layer of the reed bed increased by 50% for lead and by 90% for poly aromatic hydrocarbons. Until 1994 the concentrations of mineral oil hydrocarbons also increased by 60%. Between 1994 and 1995 however the concentration of mineral oil hydrocarbons in the reed bed decreased rapidly by more than 50%: Mineral oil hydrocarbons underlie biological degradation within the reed bed. In the pond sediment a significant accumulation of heavy metals, poly aromatic hydrocarbons and mineral oil hydrocarbons has also been found. The concentrations of these contaminants are still far from inhibiting the function of the system.     

Reduktive Dehalogenierung von Chlorkohlenwasserstoffen während der anaeroben Stabilisierung von Hausmüll

Reductive Dehalogenation of Chlorinated Hydrocarbons during Anaerobic Stabilization of Municipal Wastes During sequential anaerobic digestion of municipal wastes, distinct biogeochemical phases exist which show different capabilities to transform halogenated hydrocarbons. Chlorophenols, tetrachloroethylene, and chloroanilines codisposed together with organic-rich waste substrates are reductively dehalogenated during methanogenic conditions. Lindane is degraded during acidogenesis as well as during methanogenesis. However, degradation in methanogenic leachates is faster by a factor of 10. The poor transformation potential during acidogenesis compared to subsequent transient methanogenic and stabile methanogenic phases cannot be explained by inadequate acclimation of prevailing microorganisms to the codisposed organochlorines. Thus, observed transformation capabilities are a pertinent feature of methanogenic leachates, probably due to prevailing low redox potential and/or presence of suitable microbial activities (not necessarily methanogenis). Dehalogenation of 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol as a model compound is hampered in methanogenic leachate by addition of a surplus of sulfate and is completely suppressed by addition of molybdate which selectively inhibits sulfate reducing microorganisms. Competition for common electron donators (e.g. H₂) is discussed as an explanation of these results. The results point to sulfate reducing microorganisms being involved in reductive dehalogenation of chlorophenols.     

Langzeitprognosen zum Sickerwasseraustrag von Schwermetallen aus Deponien von Müllverbrennungsschlacken

Long‐term Assessment for the Leachate Release of Heavy Metals from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Bottom Ash Monofills Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash was investigated by chemical, mineralogical, and microbiological methods as well as leaching‐ and laboratory lysimeter tests. Compared to geological material bottom ash shows a high content of soluble salts, organic carbon, and heavy metals. The heavy metals are mainly bound in alloys and glas. Addition of oxic and acetic solutions quickly oxigenize the metal‐phases and alloys. Only fixation in newly formed phases like carbonates or hydroxides prevents heavy metal release till pH 7 in case of pH‐reduce. In the long‐term the acid buffer is reduced by the environmental acid input in combination with the release of buffering phases (mostly calcite). Internal acid producing processes like decay of organic matter or oxidation of sulfides are not important for the pH‐decrease. Cu, Ni, and Zn are first released between pH 7 and 6 (mainly Zn) and a second time at pH values below 5 (mainly Cu). Pb is significantly released at pH values below 5, Cr only at pH < 4. Mainly metals, alloys, and the rims of glas are destroyed by leaching. Phases like metal hydroxides (mainly Fe‐phases) or amorphous, water bearing Fe‐Al‐Si‐oxides are finally formed. Long‐term leaching by acetic fluids increases the total availability of heavy metals (except Cr) with increasing time. Kinetic effects including changing of metal binding forms seem to be responsible for this development. Within deposit conditions of limited gas exchange (closed system) the pH of the carbonate buffering zone can drop below pH 7 in case of very strong acid input and quickly cause an enhanced metal release. But in reality such a strong acid input is not to be expected. Calcite will buffer between pH 8 and 7 for a long time. Depending on the environmental conditions (water balance, acidity of rain) and landfill design (compaction, permeability, cover, thickness) it can take hundreds till thousands of years until metal release will start. The long‐term metal release of matter with an acid buffer like carbonates can be approximately determined only by short‐term tests with powder (e.g. pH_static tests at pH 4).     

Bestimmung der Aktivität von Belebtschlamm über die Geschwindigkeit der Biosynthese von Aminopeptidasen

The authors describe a possibility of a fast determination of the metabolic activity of various activated sludge samples. There is not used the sludge property of digestion, but the biosynthesis of aminopeptidases. Egg albumin has been found to be the optimum standard indicator. The activity of the investigated activated sludge is derived from the rate of the biosynthesis of aminopeptidases. The technique proposed can be used also for determining the toxic effects of different substances on activated sludge.     

AOX‐Bildung bei der sonolytischen Oxidation von Salicylsäure in Gegenwart von Chlorid

AOX‐formation by the Sonochemical Treatment of Salicylic Acid in Presence of Chloride Ultrasound shows great potential for improving water, wastewater and sludge treatment processes. However, a number of questions exist: for example the influence of suspended solids or salts. In this paper the influence of chloride in view of AOX‐formation should be investigated. As organic model compound salicylic acid (0.05…1 mmol/L) was used. Formation of AOX (adsorbable organically bound halogens) was measured in dependence upon chloride concentrations (1.4…141 mmol/L) and pH 2 and 9. Ultrasound irradiation was performed in glass reactor (500 mL) at 206 kHz and 353 kHz by continuous bubbling argon:oxgen (4:1) at a flow rate of 1 L/min into the solutions. The elimination of salicylic acid and the formation of hydrogen peroxide were not influenced by the presence of chloride (up to 56 mmol/L). The rate of salicylic acid elimination and the formation rate of hydrogen peroxide are at concentrations of mmol/(L min) levels but those of AOX formation of μmol/(L min) levels. The reactions leading to chlorinated by‐products can be seen as minor reaction paths. The yield of AOX depending on frequency, pH and chloride concentration lies between 10 μg/L and 900 μg/L. In acidic medium they were twice as high as in basic medium. Below the ratio chloride : salicylic acid of 2 mol/mol, AOX could not be identified.     

Die Auswirkung von Tensiden und das Verhalten von Bakterien gegen-über grenzflächenaktiven Verbindungen

An investigation was made into the effects of seven anion-active tensides and one non-ionic tenside on the growth and respiration of 19 strains of the bacteria genera Proteus, Pseudomonas, Aerobacter and Sarcina. A nutrient broth with phosphate buffer and partly glucose addition was used as the culture medium. Tenside was added either at the beginning of tests in the lag-phase of cultures or during the logarithmic growth phase. In addition, the development of resistance or adaptation were tested by establishing subcultures. The inhibitory effect of tensides depends on the combination of tenside/species of bacteria, gram-positive bacteria being more sensitive and the inhibitory effect being lower in their logarithmic growth phase. The time course of the inhibition of respiration after the addition of tenside to the medium shows different types of inhibition and adaptation, considerably extended lag-phases occurring frequently.     

Möglichkeiten der Nachreinigung von Abwässern aus der Kunstlederproduktion mit Hilfe von Algen

In the production of a special artificial leather (BAREX) in the CSSR wastewaters containing dimethylformamide (DMF) and dimethylamine (DMA) are produced. Investigations have shown that cultures of algae (Scenedesmus quadricauda) are able to use the two substances as a nitrogen nutrient source after a time of adaptation. In the course of the reactions of decomposition the pH-value plays an important part, since at increased values ammonia is released, which has a temporarily inhibitory effect on the production of algae masses and daughter cells. This detrimental effect can be considerably reduced by aeration with carbondioxide containing (3%) air. Since the production of algal biomass is restricted by a phosphorus deficiency, too, a combined treatment with municipal sewage is very advantageous, according to the results from investigations.     

Präzipitation von Aluminium und Phosphat in Gewässern unter dem Einfluss von Versauerung

Precipitation of Aluminium and Phosphate Affected by Acidification Acidified waters often show elevated concentrations of Al (with up to 6 mg L^–1 being not unusual). A pH increase resulting e.g. from mixing with non‐acidified water or from biological activities may be linked with Al precipitation. Up to now, this phenomenon was described for acid mine drainages. This investigation focuses on a whitish precipitate naturally formed in a brook of an atmospherically acidified catchment in the Ore Mountains, Germany. Based on infrared spectra the precipitate was identified as an Al‐hydroxosulfate with crystal water. A simulation of natural conditions in the laboratory showed that Al precipitated only if sulfate or phosphate ions were added to the solution. In the case of sulfate being added, the infrared spectrum of the precipitate was similar to the natural precipitate. ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy revealed tetrahedrally coordinated Al in some precipitates which evidences the participation of the tridecameric [Al₁₃O₄(OH)₂₄(H₂O)₁₂]⁷⁺ cation beside other polymeric Al cations. Precipitation experiments subjected to the given conditions showed that the phosphate elimination from solution with Al was much higher than with Fe. With Al and Fe added together, the P elimination rate was likewise high, and phosphate was bound onto Al in the precipitate. This was demonstrated by SEM‐EDX spectroscopy. Based on these results we present a possible reaction mechanism. The precipitation of Al together with P allows a significant retention of both elements in sediments because in contrast to Fe, Al immobilizes phosphate even under anoxic conditions.