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.     

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.     

Formation of one-dimensional composites of poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">m</Emphasis>-phenylenediamine)s based on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptomyces</Emphasis> for adsorption of hexavalent chromium

Here, a novel one-dimensional composite of poly(m-phenylenediamine)s coating on filamentous Streptomyces was successfully constructed via a controllable polymerization reaction. The synthesized composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their adsorption isotherm and kinetics for aqueous hexavalent chromium were also systematically examined. The results of scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the obtained composites based on Streptomyces were showed a uniform and stable one-dimensional morphology with distinct core–shell configuration. Moreover, the Langmuir isotherm model (R ² > 0.96) and pseudo-second-order equation (R ² = 0.9996) described well the equilibrium adsorption behavior and kinetics of hexavalent chromium adsorption by the composites. In addition, bath adsorption experiments demonstrated the highest adsorption capacity of hexavalent chromium by the composites reached 320.03 mg g^?1 in an acid solution, which was 5.6 times as that of the pure Streptomyces filaments. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses suggested that the adsorption of hexavalent chromium by the composites possibly involved the protonation, redox, and chelation reactions. Therefore, a promising application of these composites in treating acid hexavalent chromium-contaminated wastewater is expectable.     

Sulfate Reduction and Sulfur Cycles at Two Seagrass Beds Inhabited by Cold Affinity <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zostera marina</Emphasis> and Warm Affinity <Emphasis Type="Italic">Halophila nipponica</Emphasis> in Temperate Coastal Waters

To evaluate the impact of invading seagrass on biogeochemical processes associated with sulfur cycles, we investigated the geochemical properties and sulfate reduction rates (SRRs) in sediments inhabited by invasive warm affinity Halophila nipponica and indigenous cold affinity Zostera marina. A more positive relationship between SRR and below-ground biomass (BGB) was observed at the H. nipponica bed (SRR = 0.6809 × BGB ? 4.3162, r ² = 0.9878, p = 0.0006) than at the Z. marina bed (SRR = 0.3470 × BGB ? 4.0341, r ² = 0.7082, p = 0.0357). These results suggested that SR was more stimulated by the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) exuded from the roots of H. nipponica than by the DOC released from the roots of Z. marina. Despite the enhanced SR in spring-summer, the relatively lower proportion (average, 20%) of acid-volatile sulfur (AVS) in total reduced sulfur and the strong correlation between total oxalate-extractable Fe (Fe_(oxal)) and chromium-reducible sulfur (CRS = 0.2321 × total Fe_(oxal) + 1.8180, r ² = 0.3344, p = 0.0076) in the sediments suggested the rapid re-oxidation of sulfide and precipitation of sulfide with Fe. The turnover rate of the AVS at the H. nipponica bed (0.13 day^?1) was 2.5 times lower than that at the Z. marina bed (0.33 day^?1). Together with lower AVS turnover, the stronger correlation of SRR to BGB in the H. nipponica bed suggests that the extension of H. nipponica resulting from the warming of seawater might provoke more sulfide accumulation in coastal sediments.     

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.     

CO<Subscript>2</Subscript>-assisted removal of nutrients from municipal wastewater by microalgae <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella vulgaris</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Scenedesmus obliquus</Emphasis>

Axenic culture of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris ATCC^® 13482 and Scenedesmus obliquus FACHB 417 was used for phycoremediation of primary municipal wastewater. The main aim of this study was to measure the effects of normal air and CO₂-augmented air on the removal efficacy of nutrients (ammonia N and phosphate P) from municipal wastewater by the two microalgae. Batch experiments were carried out in cylindrical glass bottles of 1 L working volume at 25 °C and cool fluorescent light of 6500 lux maintaining 14/10 h of light/dark cycle with normal air supplied at 0.2 L min^?1 per liter of the liquid for both algal strains for the experimental period. In the next set of experiments, the treatment process was enhanced by using 1, 2 and 5% CO₂/air (vol./vol.) supply into microalgal cultures. The enrichment of inlet air with CO₂ was found to be beneficial. The maximum removal of 76.3 and 76% COD, 94.2 and 92.6% ammonia, and 94.8 and 93.1% phosphate after a period of 10 days was reported for C. vulgaris and S. obliquus, respectively, with 5% CO₂/air supply. Comparing the two microalgae, maximum removal rates of ammonia and phosphate by C. vulgaris were 4.12 and 1.75 mg L^?1 day^?1, respectively, at 5% CO₂/air supply. From kinetic study data, it was found that the specific rates of phosphate utilization (q _phsophate) by C. vulgaris and S. obliquus at 5% CO₂/air supply were 1.98 and 2.11 day^?1, respectively. Scale-up estimation of a reactor removing phosphate (the criteria pollutant) from 50 MLD wastewater influent was also done.     

On the crystal chemistry and elastic behavior of a phlogopite 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>

The crystal chemistry and the elastic behavior under isothermal conditions up to 9 GPa of a natural, and extremely rare, 3T-phlogopite from Traversella (Valchiusella, Turin, Western Alps) [(K_0.99Na_0.05Ba_0.01)(Mg_2.60Al_0.20Fe _0.21 ²⁺ )[Si_2.71Al_1.29O₁₀](OH)₂, space group P3₁12, with a = 5.3167(4), c = 30.440(2) Å, and V = 745.16(9) ų] have been investigated by electron microprobe analysis in wavelength dispersion mode, single-crystal X-ray diffraction at 100 K, and in situ high-pressure synchrotron radiation powder diffraction (at room temperature) with a diamond anvil cell. The single-crystal refinement confirms the general structure features expected for trioctahedral micas, with the inter-layer site partially occupied by potassium and sodium, iron almost homogeneously distributed over the three independent octahedral sites, and the average bond distances of the two unique tetrahedra suggesting a disordered Si/Al-distribution (i.e., 〈T1-O〉 ~ 1.658 and 〈T2-O〉 ~ 1.656 Å). The location of the H-site confirms the orientation of the O–H vector nearly perpendicular to (0001). The refinement converged with R ₁(F) = 0.0382, 846 unique reflections with F _O > 4σ(F _O) and 61 refined parameters, and not significant residuals in the final difference-Fourier map of the electron density (+0.77/?0.37 e ^?/ų). The high-pressure experiments showed no phase transition within the pressure range investigated. The P–V data were fitted with a Murnaghan (M-EoS) and a third-order Birch-Murnaghan equation of state (BM-EoS), yielding: (1) M-EoS, V ₀ = 747.0(3) ų, K _T0 = 44.5(24) GPa, and K′ = 8.0(9); (2) BM-EoS, V ₀ = 747.0(3) ų, K _T0 = 42.8(29) GPa, and K′ = 9.9(17). A comparison between the elastic behavior in response to pressure observed in 1M- and 3T-phlogopite is made.     

Impacts of Varying Estuarine Temperature and Light Conditions on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zostera marina</Emphasis> (Eelgrass) and its Interactions With <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ruppia maritima</Emphasis> (Widgeongrass)

Seagrass populations have been declining globally, with changes attributed to anthropogenic stresses and, more recently, negative effects of global climate change. We examined the distribution of Zostera marina (eelgrass) dominated beds in the York River, Chesapeake Bay, VA over an 8-year time period. Using a temperature-dependent light model, declines in upriver areas were associated with higher light attenuation, resulting in lower light availability relative to compensating light requirements of Z. marina compared with downriver areas. An inverse relationship was observed between SAV growth and temperature with a change between net bed cover increases and decreases for the period of 2004–2011 observed at approximately 23 °C. Z. marina-dominated beds in the lower river have been recovering from a die-off event in 2005 and experienced another near complete decline in 2010, losing an average of 97 % of coverage of Z. marina from June to October. These 2010 declines were attributed to an early summer heat event in which daily mean water temperatures increased from 25 to 30 °C over a 2-week time period, considerably higher than previous years when complete die-offs were not observed. Z. marina recovery from this event was minimal, while Ruppia maritima (widgeongrass) expanded its abundance. Water temperatures are projected to continue to increase in the Chesapeake Bay and elsewhere. These results suggest that short-term exposures to rapidly increasing temperatures by 4–5 °C above normal during summer months can result in widespread diebacks that may lead to Z. marina extirpation from historically vegetated areas, with the potential replacement by other species.     

Effect of Slope on <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">y</Emphasis> Curves for Laterally Loaded Piles in Soft Clay

Pile foundations are often subject to lateral loading due to various forces on a variety of structures like high rise buildings, transmission towers, power stations, offshore structures and highway and railway structures. The present investigation is to study the effect of slopes on p-y curves (where p is the static soil reaction and y is the pile deflection) due to static lateral loading in soft clay (Consistency index I_c = 0.42). A series of laboratory model tests were carried out on the instrumented model pile on sloping ground (slopes of 1V:1H, 1V:1.5H, 1V:2H, 1V:3H and 1V:5H) and with varying embedment length to diameter ratio (L/D) of 20, 25 and 30. From the experimental results, the bending moment curves along the pile shaft are double differentiated to obtain the soil resistance (p) and double integrated to obtain the deflection (y) using curve fitting method. New p-y curves for piles located on crest of soft clay with different sloping ground surface under static lateral loading are developed. Moreover, the effect of sloping angles on proposed p-y curves was studied.     

Exploring the diverse potentials of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Planococcus</Emphasis> sp. TRC1 for the deconstruction of recalcitrant kraft lignin

Kraft lignin (KL) is the chief contaminant which is responsible for dark coloration, toxicity and high chemical oxygen demand (COD) of paper pulp mill effluent. The present study investigated the diverse potentials of Planococcus sp. TRC1 in the biodegradation of KL. Preliminary evaluation indicated that the strain was able to grow on broad spectrum of lignin-derived compounds, decolorize lignin-mimicking dyes and catabolize substrates of ligninolytic enzymes. Response surface methodology (RSM) was executed to perform the optimization of different process parameters. The results displayed that Planococcus sp. TRC1 could completely utilize 100 mg L^?1 of KL and 78% of 200 mg L^?1 of KL as sole source of carbon with concurrent reduction in COD and color. The biokinetic details of KL biodegradation showed that the values of \(\mu^{*}\), µ _max, \(q^{*}\) and q _max were 0.018 h^?1, 0.01 h^?1, 0.023 g g^?1 h^?1 and 0.05 g g^?1 h^?1, respectively. UV–visible spectrophotometry, SEM and FTIR indicated the significant alterations in the surface morphology, functional groups and chromophores during the course of biodegradation. XRD revealed the emergence of peak signifying the formation of low molecular weight intermediates after bacterial treatment. Considering the environmental impact, bacterial-treated KL illustrated less phytotoxicity using Vigna radiata seed bioassay. These results suggested that Planococcus sp. TRC1 could be a promising strain for the degradation of KL in an ecofriendly way.     

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.     

Enzymatic degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate using lipase from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus subtilis</Emphasis>

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are an important class of biodegradable polymers synthesized by a few bacteria under nutrient-limiting conditions. In this study, the lipase-catalysed degradation of PHA synthesized by Enterobacter sp. was monitored. For this, the lipase-encoding gene from Bacillus subtilis DI2 was PCR-amplified, cloned into a T vector system and sequenced. It was expressed in Escherichia coli DH5α cells, the recombinant enzyme was purified 24.25-fold, and its molecular weight was determined to be around 28 kDa. When PHA biodegradation studies were carried out with this enzyme, gel permeation chromatography showed 21.3 and 28.3 % molecular weight decrease and weight loss, respectively. Further, scanning electron micrographs revealed alterations in polymer surface morphology. Changes in molecular vibrations were noticed in the FTIR spectra. When the chemical shifts in NMR spectra were studied, a steep reduction in area under the peak at 1.57 ppm was observed. In the heating range of 30–930 °C employed during thermogravimetry analysis, the degraded sample showed a total of 45.82 % weight loss, as against 18.89 % for the native sample. The melting temperature (T _m) of the polymer was also brought down from 126.22 to 118.18 °C, as inferred from differential scanning calorimetry. Lipase-catalysed chain scission reactions could thus be used to generate low molecular weight functional biopolymers with wide-ranging pharmaceutical applications, such as in sustained drug release.     

Detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmonella typhi</Emphasis> using four developed kits of ELISA for cleaning in place purification

Lack of reliable knowledge to detect antigen of Salmonella typhi in water samples was our reason to modify ELISA method by alteration ratio of buffer-carbonated solution as new kits. Our study was assigned as six groups based on the different concentrations of S. typhi, 10⁴, 10⁶ and 10⁸ cells mL^?1 of S. typhi, one negative control, two positive controls and different buffer-carbonated solutions at dilution of 1:1000, 1:2000, 1:4000 and 1:8000 as our kits. The ODs of S. typhi were measured with the kits and compared to each other. GLM multivariate statistical analysis also was used for selecting more appropriate ELISA kit to measure more precise ODs of the bacteria concentrations. The closest calculated value to the OD value of 4 (positive control) was dedicated to kit 4 measured for positive control 1 (3.49 ± 0.00), positive control 2 (3.75 ± 0.00) and relatively similar (p > 0.05) to that of positive control 2 (3.27 ± 0.00) measured with kit 1. On the other hand, our results showed that great coefficient variations were measured with kit 1 as well as kits 2 and 3 for all groups except for negative controls. It is concluded that buffer-carbonated solution at dilution of 1:8000, as kit 4 is more capable of detecting S. typhi in water samples using ELISA method.     

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.     

Adsorption study on municipal solid waste leachate using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Moringa oleifera</Emphasis> seed

Effects of initial concentrations of Moringa oleifera seed coagulant for removing Chemical Oxygen Demand and Total Dissolved Solids from municipal solid waste leachate have been evaluated at an optimum pH of 7 and temperature of 318 K. The kinetic data obtained from the experiments were fitted to the pseudo first-order, pseudo second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models. Based on a regression coefficient (R ²), the equilibrium (kinetic) data were best fitted with the Elovich model (R ² = 0.993 for Chemical Oxygen Demand and R ² = 0.996 for Total Dissolved Solids) than that of other models. The results of the kinetic models study indicated that the adsorption capacity of M. oleifera seed as a coagulant for removing Chemical Oxygen Demand and Total Dissolved Solids in a leachate increased up to 100 mg L^?1, beyond which the adsorption capacity got reduced. Finally, the present study concluded that M. oleifera seed coagulant could be employed effectively for the removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand and Total Dissolved Solids in a municipal solid waste leachate.     

Comparative study of the absorptive potential of raw and activated carbon <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia nilotica</Emphasis> for Reactive Black 5 dye

Acacia nilotica was used for the adsorption of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) dye from an aqueous solution. Both the raw and activated (with H₃PO₄) carbon forms of Acacia nilotica (RAN and ANAC, respectively) were used for comparison. Various parameters (including dye concentration, contact time, temperature, and pH) were optimized to obtain the maximum adsorption capacity. RAN and ANAC were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The maximum experimental adsorption capacities for RAN and ANAC were 34.79 and 41.01 mg g^?1, respectively, which agreed with the maximum adsorption capacities predicted by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin–Radushkevich equilibrium isotherm models. The adsorption data of ANAC showed a good fit to the isotherm models based on the coefficient of determination (R ²): Langmuir type II (R ² = 0.99) > Freundlich (R ² = 0.9853) > Dubinin–Radushkevich (R ² = 0.9659). This result suggested monolayer adsorption of RB5 dye. The adsorption of RB5 dye followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The RAN adsorbent reflected an exothermic reaction (enthalpy change, ΔH = ?0.006 kJ mol^?1) and increased randomness (standard entropy change, ΔS = 0.038 kJ mol^?1) at the solid–solution interface. In contrast, ANAC reflected both exothermic [?0.011 kJ mol^?1 (303–313 K)] and endothermic [0.003 kJ mol^?1 (313–323 K)] reactions. However, the ΔS value of ANAC was lower when the RB5 adsorption increased from 313 to 323 K. The negative values for the Gibbs free energy change at all temperatures indicated that the adsorption of RB5 dye onto RAN and ANAC was spontaneous in the forward direction.     

Variability of Winter-Spring Bloom <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaeocystis pouchetii</Emphasis> Abundance in Massachusetts Bay

Abundance of the prymnesiophyte Phaeocystis pouchetii was quantified via light microscopy at 2-week to monthly intervals in Massachusetts Bay (southern Gulf of Maine, NW Atlantic) during 1992–2012. Variability in the abundance and seasonal cycle of Phaeocystis are described and synoptic hydrographic, nutrient, and meteorological data were analyzed to identify factors that may influence Phaeocystis abundance. The maximum Phaeocystis abundance was 14?×?10⁶ cells L^?1 (10 Apr 2008). It was frequently (5 of 8 years) absent prior to year 2000, but not thereafter. Seasonally, it first appeared in February to early March, reached peak abundance in mid-April, and persisted until May or early June for a duration of 0–112 days (mean 34 days). A long-term alternation between Phaeocystis and centric diatom abundance was apparent, suggesting winter-spring selection of either Phaeocystis or centric diatoms. Phytoplankton community analysis suggested that blooms affected the rest of the phytoplankton community. Phaeocystis blooms were manifest as a substantial increase in particulate nutrients above normal levels. Phaeocystis blooms were preceded in February by a slightly elevated concentration of NO₃ (9.3 vs. 6.5 μM when absent) and PO₄ (0.99 vs. 0.79 μM when absent). Blooms were also preceded by elevated ratios of NO₃/PO₄, NO₃/Si, and PO₄/Si, and warmer, saltier waters reflecting reduced river discharge. The correlation with salinity and river discharge suggests that Phaeocystis bloom variability is partially determined by annually varying circulation processes that determine the degree of low nutrient, low salinity coastal water intrusion into Massachusetts Bay.     

Tunisian landfill leachate treatment using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorella</Emphasis> sp.: effective factors and microalgae strain performance

The potential of the autoclaved Tunisian landfill leachate treatment using microalgae (Chlorella sp.) cultivation was investigated in this study. Landfill leachate was collected from Borj Chakir landfill, Tunisia. A full factorial experimental design 2² was proposed to study the effects of the incubation time and leachate ratio factors on the organic matter removal expressed in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₄─N) and on the biological response of Chlorella sp. expressed by the cell density and chlorophyll content. All experiments were batch runs at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C). The Chlorella sp. biomass and chlorophyll a concentrations of 1.2 and 5.32 mg L^?1, respectively, were obtained with 10% leachate spike ratio. The obtained results showed that up to 90% of the ammoniacal nitrogen in landfill leachate was removed in 10% leachate ratio spiked medium with a residual concentration of 40 mg L^?1. The maximum COD removal rate reached 60% within 13 days of incubation time indicating that microalgae consortium was quite effective for treating landfill leachate organic contaminants. Furthermore, with the 10% leachate ratio spiked medium, the maximum lipid productivity was 4.74 mg L^?1 d^?1. The present study provides valuable information for potential adaptation of microalgae culture and its contribution for the treatment of Tunisian landfill leachate.     

Isolation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Virgibacillus</Emphasis> sp. strain KU4 from agricultural soil as a potential degrader of endocrine disruptor bisphenol-A

Bisphenol-A is one of the highest volumes of chemicals produced worldwide and released into the atmosphere each year. Recent extensive literature has raised concerns about its possible endocrine-disrupting effect in animals and humans. A bacterium having high tolerance of bisphenol-A (1000 mg L^?1) was isolated from agriculture soil of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India, and identified as Virgibacillus sp. KU4 by 16S ribosomal RNA sequence analysis. Bisphenol-A removal efficiency of this strain was measured as greater than 92% at seventh day of incubation in a basal mineral medium supplemented with 1000 mg L^?1 at seventh day. Gas chromatography analysis showed that 1000 mg L^?1 BPA in distilled water was degraded by the Virgibacillus sp. KU4 in an efficient way. A 70 ± 3% bisphenol-A degradation was observed in the suspended cell pellet-mediated degradation study, where distilled water supplemented with 1000 mg L^?1 bisphenol-A was sole carbon and energy source for bacterial growth. Further, Virgibacillus sp. KU4 is expected to be a candidate as a biological cleaner of BPA in the environment.     

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.