Application of the Haug model for process design of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil bioremediation by composting process

The main scope of this work is applying an aerobic composting model for remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. For this purpose, the reaction kinetics was integrated with the mass and energy balances over the composting system. Literature pilot scale data for bioremediation of diesel oil-contaminated soil was used for model validation. Comparisons of simulation results with experimental data for diesel concentration and oxygen concentration showed good agreement during the remediation process. With validated model for bioremediation of diesel oil-contaminated soil, the influence of amendment type, bulking agent, amendment/soil ratio, bulking agent/soil ratio, moisture content and airflow rate were investigated on diesel biodegradation. The simulation results showed that maximum degradation of diesel occurred in the presence of yard waste as amendment. Furthermore, addition of bulking agent (wood chips) increased the diesel degradation about 6 %. In presence of yard waste as amendment and wood chips as bulking agent, the optimal values for maximum remediation were amendment/soil ratio (2.5 kg kg^?1), bulking agent/soil ratio (2.25 kg kg^?1), initial moisture content (62.5 %) and airflow (0.520 m³ day^?1 kgBVS^?1).     

Determination of atrazine isotherms on agricultural soils

For determination of atrazine isotherms in agricultural soils of Fars Province, composite soil samples from 0 to 5 cm depth with textures of silty clay loam, clay loam and loam were collected. In order to form the atrazine isotherms, 10, 50 and 100 µg atrazine g^?1 soil was added to the soil samples. Soluble atrazine in water:soil ratios of 10:1, 50:1 and 200:1 was measured after 3-h shaking. Finally, for each cases of applied atrazine, water extractable atrazine was determined and quantified using gas chromatography instrument. The results indicated that there was a linear relationship between the logarithms of water extractable atrazine and added atrazine for different water:soil ratios. A general equation of WEA = K(WS) ^α (AA) ^β is obtained experimentally between water extractable atrazine, µg g^?1(WEA), and added atrazine, µg g^?1 (AA), where K, α and β are absorption constants; WS is the water:soil ratio, g g^?1. For the loam, silty clay loam and clay loam soil textures, the α were 0.49, 0.23 and 0.13, respectively, the β were 0.55, 0.806 and 0.21, respectively, and the K were 1.44, 0.78 and 25.38, respectively.     

Chelate enhanced phytoremediation of soil containing a mixed contaminant

Greenhouse tests were conducted to study the effect of chelates on the phytoextraction of cadmium and lead, and the rhizodegradation of used engine oil present as a mixed contaminant in a sandy soil. Indian mustard plants were grown in test pot soil for 30 days and chelates ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS) were individually applied to the test soil. The soil was spiked earlier with 50 mg kg^?1 of CdCl₂, 500 mg kg^?1 of PbCl₂ and 500 mg kg^?1 of used engine oil to form the mixed soil contaminant. At the same concentration of chelates, EDTA was found to be more effective than EDDS in increasing the concentration of metal contaminants Cd and Pb in the plant. Compared to EDDS, EDTA was also more effective in promoting rhizodegradation of the organic contaminant formed by used engine oil. The study demonstrated that the application of chelates to soils containing mixed contaminants such as heavy metals (Cd and Pb) and organics (used engine oil) can simultaneously assist metal accumulation at higher concentrations in the biomass of Indian mustard plant and also reduce the amount of used engine oil in the soil through rhizodegradation.     

Removal of lead(II) from aqueous stream by hydrophilic modified kapok fiber using the Fenton reaction

A hydrophilic kapok fiber was prepared by a chemical process of the Fenton reaction and used as an adsorbent to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The effects of experimental parameters including pH, contact time, Pb(II) concentration, and coexisting heavy metals were estimated as well as evaluated. The optimum concentrations of FeSO₄ and H₂O₂ for the Fenton reaction-modified kapok fiber (FRKF) were 0.5 mol L^?1 and 1 mol L^?1, respectively. The adsorption kinetic models and isotherm equations of Langmuir and Freundlich were conducted to identify the most optimum adsorption rate and adsorption capacity of Pb(II) on FRKF. The FRKF displayed an excellent adsorption rate for Pb(II) in single metal solution with the maximum adsorption capacity of 94.41?±?7.56 mg g^?1 at pH 6.0. Moreover, the FRKE still maintained its adsorption advantage of Pb(II) in the mixed metal solution. The FRKF exhibited a considerable potential in removal of metal content in wastewater streams.     

Enrichment pattern of leachable trace metals in roadside soils of Miri City,Eastern Malaysia

This article presents the results on distribution and enrichment pattern of acid-leachable trace metals (ALTMs) from roadside soil of Miri city, Sarawak, East Malaysia. The city is one of the fastest developing in the Malaysian region with huge petroleum resources. ALTMs Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn and Cd along with organic carbon and carbonates (CaCO₃) were analyzed in 37 soil sediments collected from roadside. The enrichment of ALTMs [especially Cu (0.4–13.1 μg g^?1), Zn (9.3–70.7 μg g^?1), Pb (13.8–99.1 μg g^?1)] in the roadside soils indicate that these metals are mainly derived from sources related to traffic exhausts, forest fires and oil refineries. The comparative study and enrichment pattern of elements indicates that Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb are enriched multi-fold than the unpolluted soil and Ni, Pb, Cd in some samples compared to Sediment Quality Guidelines like Lowest Effect Level (LEL) and Effects Range Low (ERL) in the region which is mainly due to the recent industrial developments in the region.     

The Role of CaCO<Subscript>3</Subscript> Reactions in the Contemporary Oceanic CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Cycle

The present analysis adjusts previous estimates of global ocean CaCO₃ production rates substantially upward, to 133 × 10¹² mol yr^?1 plankton production and 42 × 10¹² mol yr^?1 shelf benthos production. The plankton adjustment is consistent with recent satellite-based estimates; the benthos adjustment includes primarily an upward adjustment of CaCO₃ production on so-called carbonate-poor sedimentary shelves and secondarily pays greater attention to high CaCO₃ mass (calcimass) and turnover of shelf communities on temperate and polar shelves. Estimated CaCO₃ sediment accumulation rates remain about the same as they have been for some years: ~20 × 10¹² mol yr^?1 on shelves and 11 × 10¹² mol yr^?1 in the deep ocean. The differences between production and accumulation of calcareous materials call for dissolution of ~22 × 10¹² mol yr^?1 (~50 %) of shelf benthonic carbonate production and 122 × 10¹² mol yr^?1 (>90 %) of planktonic production. Most CaCO₃ production, whether planktonic or benthonic, is assumed to take place in water depths of <100 m, while most dissolution is assumed to occur below this depth. The molar ratio of CO₂ release to CaCO₃ precipitation (CO₂↑/CaCO₃↓) is <1.0 and varies with depth. This ratio, Ψ, is presently about 0.66 in surface seawater and 0.85 in ocean waters deeper than about 1000 m. The net flux of CO₂ associated with CaCO₃ reactions in the global ocean in late preindustrial time is estimated to be an apparent influx from the atmosphere to the ocean, of +7 × 10¹² mol C yr^?1, at a time scale of 10²–10³ years. The CaCO₃-mediated influx of CO₂ is approximately offset by CO₂ release from organic C oxidation in the water column. Continuing ocean acidification will have effects on CaCO₃ and organic C metabolic responses to the oceanic inorganic C cycle, although those responses remain poorly quantified.     

Iron and Trace Metals in Microbial Mats and Underlying Sediments: Results From Guerrero Negro Saltern, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Total trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn), Al, and pyrite- and reactive-associated metals were measured for the first time in a microbial mat and its underlying anoxic-sulfidic sediment collected in the saltern of Guerrero Negro (GN), Baja California Sur, Mexico. It is postulated that the formation of acid volatile sulfide (AVS) and pyrite in the area of GN could be limited by the availability of reactive Fe, as suggested by its limited abundance (mat and sediment combined average value of only 19 ± 10 ??mol g^?1; n = 22) as well as the low pyrite (0.89?C7.9 ??mol g^?1) and AVS (0.19?C21 ??mol g^?1) concentrations (for anoxic-sulfidic sediments), intermediate degrees of pyritization (12?C50%), high degrees of sulfidization (14?C100%), generally low degrees of trace metal pyritization, and slight impoverishment in total Fe. This is a surprising result considering the large potential reservoir of available Fe in the surrounding desert. Our findings suggest that pyrite formation in the cycling of trace metals in the saltern of GN is not very important and that other sedimentary phases (e.g., organic matter, carbonates) may be more important reservoirs of trace elements. Enrichment factors [EF_Me = (Me/Al)_sample/(Me/Al)_background] of Co, Pb, and Cd were high in the mat (EF_Me = 2.2 ± 0.4, 2.8 ± 1.6 and 34.5 ± 9.8, respectively) and even higher in the underlying sediment (EF_Me = 4.7 ± 1.5, 14.5 ± 6.2 and 89 ± 27, respectively), but Fe was slightly impoverished (average EF_Fe of 0.49 ± 0.13 and 0.50 ± 0.27 in both mat and sediment). Organic carbon to pyrite-sulfur (C/S) molar ratios measured in the mat (2.9 × 10²?C27 × 10²) and sediment (0.81 × 10²?C6.6 × 10²) were, on average, approximately 77 times higher than those typically found in marine sediments (7.5 ± 2.1). These results may indicate that ancient evaporation basins or hypersaline sedimentary environments could be identified on the basis of extremely high C/S ratios (e.g., >100) and low reactive Fe.     

Laboratory-scale analysis of transportation and natural attenuation of diesel fuel in aquifer

Processes that control the distribution and natural attenuation (NA) of petroleum hydrocarbons dissolved from the released diesel fuel in a bench-scale model aquifer were evaluated. The experimental results obtained in two-dimensional aqueous-phase petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations indicated that the total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) in the aquifer migrated in longitudinal and lateral directions. The TPH plume of 2 mg L^?1 spread to the entire area of the aquifer, and the maximum concentration at the center of the plume was 44.15 mg L^?1 after 90 days of release. After diesel fuel release, the NA of TPH was evaluated and quantified. Experimental data indicated that the NA of TPH was immediately implemented to prevent migration of the plume into the downgradient of the aquifer, but controlling the TPH plumes using NA mechanisms requires a long time.     

Nitrous oxide (N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O) emissions from a mesotrophic reservoir on the Wujiang River,southwest China

Aquatic ecosystems have been identified as a globally significant source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) due to continuous active nitrogen involvement, but the processes and influencing factors that control N₂O production are still poorly understood, especially in reservoirs. For that, monthly N₂O variations were monitored in Dongfeng reservoir (DFR) with a mesotrophic condition. The dissolved N₂O concentration in DFR displayed a distinct spatial–temporal pattern but lower than that in the eutrophic reservoirs. During the whole sampling year, N₂O saturation ranging from 144% to 640%, indicating that reservoir acted as source of atmospheric N₂O. N₂O production is induced by the introduction of nitrogen (NO₃ ^?, NH₄ ⁺) in mesotrophic reservoirs, and is also affected by oxygen level and water temperature. Nitrification was the predominate process for N₂O production in DFR due to well-oxygenated longitudinal water layers. Mean values of estimated N₂O flux from the air–water interface averaged 0.19 µmol m^?2 h^?1 with a range of 0.01–0.61 µmol m^?2 h^?1. DFR exhibited less N₂O emission flux than that reported in a nearby eutrophic reservoir, but still acted as a moderate N₂O source compared with other reservoirs and lakes worldwide. Annual emissions from the water–air interface of DFR were estimated to be 0.32 × 10⁵ mol N–N₂O, while N₂O degassing from releasing water behind the dam during power generation was nearly five times greater. Hence, N₂O degassing behind the dam should be taken into account for estimation of N₂O emissions from artificial reservoirs, an omission that historically has probably resulted in underestimates. IPCC methodology should consider more specifically N₂O emission estimation in aquatic ecosystems, especially in reservoirs, the default EF5 model will lead to an overestimation.     

Sugarcane waste straw biochar and its effects on calcareous soil and agronomic traits of okra

Biochar has been considered a safe soil additive to enhance soil fertility and agronomic traits of different crops. This study was conducted to explore the impacts of sugarcane waste straw biochar on soil characteristics and some agronomic traits of okra. The experiment was carried out with four treatments, i.e., control, sugarcane waste straw biochar (10 ton ha^?1), farmyard manure (FYM, 10 ton ha^?1), and chemical fertilizers (NPK; 120:100:80 kg ha^?1) having three replications of each treatment. Soil samples were tested for texture, bulk density, particle density, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter content, nitrate nitrogen (NO₃-N), and extractable-P. The sugarcane waste straw biochar was characterized for plant major nutrient elements. The impact of various treatments was observed on soils and agronomic traits of okra like plant height, fruit size, fruit length, and yield of okra. Results revealed that sugarcane waste straw biochar expressed higher EC value and noticeable amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and magnesium (Mg). The sugarcane waste straw biochar, in comparison with FYM and NPK, significantly improved the NO₃-N, extractable-P, OM and EC of the calcareous soil, and reduced the soil bulk density. Furthermore, plant growth and yield parameters were significantly improved under biochar application over the control, FYM and NPK. Overall, sugarcane waste straw biochar proved to be a good alternative to conventional organic and inorganic fertilizers under calcareous soil conditions.     

Assessment of the ultra-trace mercury levels in selected desert plants

Conventional methods that assessed the mercury (Hg) levels were not only an outcome of atmospheric pollution, but also the possibility of Hg contamination from the sample collection to laboratory analyses. Our studies used the direct mercury analyzer that measured Hg rapidly and precisely at ultra-trace concentrations with detection limit of 0.0015 ng g^?1 on six favored desert plants and their surrounding soil in Kuwait. Analysis revealed elevated Hg concentrations in Tamarix chinensis Lour., and Salsola imbricate Forssk., among the chosen desert plants, especially during summer than in winter, thus labeling the qualities of a bio-indicator to Hg pollution. The overall parts-wise analysis on the six selected plants showed the elevated mean Hg concentrations in the leaves (0.89 ng g^?1) followed by root (0.51 ng g^?1) and stem (0.39 ng g^?1) in the desert plants. Reasons attribute to the capability of these plant parts to absorb, accumulate, and assimilate Hg at varying concentrations. The overall mean Hg concentration was high in soil (2.24 ng g^?1) in comparison with the mean Hg concentrations in the desert plants (0.60 ng g^?1) irrespective of the two seasons. Translocation and bioaccumulation factors indicated low uptake of Hg translocation in the plant parts from the soil. Furthermore, the mean Hg concentration was found high in samples collected from Governorates (GIII) in comparison with the samples collected from other Governorates indicating the effect of pollution from various sources. The present study characterizes the selected plants as bio-indicators and also validates the impact of regional and seasonal variations to Hg pollution at ultra-trace levels in the arid ecosystem.     

Spectrophotometric determination of hydrogen sulfide in environmental samples using sodium 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate and response surface methodology

A simple spectrophotometric method for determination of hydrogen sulfide in wastewater and hot spring samples was developed. The method is based on the reaction between hydrogen sulfide and sodium 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS). The effect of various experimental factors on the reaction between hydrogen sulfide and NQS was investigated and optimized using central composite design. The optimal values of the factors were 5.00 × 10^?4 mol L^?1 for concentration of NQS and 1.00 × 10^?2 mol L^?1 for concentration of hydrochloric acid. The wavelength of the maximum absorption of the reaction product was 320 nm. Constructed calibration curve for hydrogen sulfide determination was linear in the range of 0.5–20.0 mg L^?1 with the detection limit of 0.16 mg L^?1. The method was free from interferences. Percent relative errors below 2 % were obtained for determination of hydrogen sulfide in environmental samples.     

Quantification of methane emission from bacterial mat sites at Quepos Slide offshore Costa Rica

Seafloor methane emission from the Quepos Slide on the submarine segment of the Costa Rica fore-arc margin was estimated by extrapolating flux measurements from individual seeps to the total area covered by bacterial mats. This approach is based on the combination of detailed mapping to determine the abundance of seeps and the application of a numerical model to estimate the amount of benthic methane fluxes. Model results suggest that the majority of the studied seeps transport rather limited amount of methane (on average: ~177 μmol cm^?2 a^?1) into the water column due to moderate upward advection, allowing for intense anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM; on average: 53 % of the methane flux is consumed). Depth-integrated AOM rates (56–1,538 μmol CH₄ cm^?2 a^?1) are comparable with values reported from other active seep sites. The overall amount of dissolved methane released into the water column from the entire area covered by bacterial mats on the Quepos Slide is estimated to be about 0.28 × 10⁶ mol a^?1. This conservative estimate which relies on rather accurate determinations of seafloor methane fluxes emphasizes the potential importance of submarine slides as sites of natural methane seepage; however, at present the global extent of methane seepage from submarine slides is largely unknown.     

Evaluation of trace element concentration (acid leachable) in sediments from River Pánuco and its adjacent lagoon areas, NE México

A set of forty-one surface sediment samples were collected in River Pánuco and its adjoining lagoon areas in NE Mexico to identify the enrichment pattern of trace elements. The samples were analyzed for sediment texture, carbonates, organic carbon and acid leachable trace elements (ALTEs) using autoclave method [Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cd, V, Be, Ba, Sr, As]. Geochemical results of Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, V and Sr in zone 1 indicate that erosion in the upland region (Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains) is very high. The above feature is supported by the supremacy of finer sediments (82.12 %), carbonates (44.67 %) and organic carbon (10.74 %), which are brought down from the drainage basin. The overall average concentration of ALTEs Mn (607 μg g^?1), Cu (28.29 μg g^?1), Ni (16.56 μg g^?1), Pb (46.11 μg g^?1), Cd (1.81 μg g^?1) and Zn (92.18 μg g^?1) indicates higher values than the lowest effect level (LEL) and effects range low (ERL) of environmental indicators. The results suggest that they are due to the increase in oil refineries, metal based industries, shipping activities and the effluent input which could enter the biological cycle and might create human health problems.     

Biodegradation of diazinon by the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</Emphasis> PS: pesticide dissipation kinetics and breakdown characterization using FTIR

A diazinon-degrading bacterium was isolated from paddy soils under flooded conditions. Biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA sequencing showed the isolate was an oxidase-positive Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. The isolate could grow on a mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with diazinon as the main carbon source (50 µg ml^?1) and dissipate the pesticide in a simple first-order manner with DT₅₀ and DT₉₀ of 4.54 and 15.09 days, respectively. The addition of glucose favored the bacterial growth and reduced the pesticide’s DT₅₀ and DT₉₀ to 3.39 and 11.27 days, respectively. The dissipation of diazinon in MSM was accompanied by a slight reduction of the pH which was more significant in the glucose-treated media. FTIR analysis proved the separation of the heterocyclic leaving group by hydrolyzing the ester bond and aerobic cleavage of the aromatic ring as the main pathways of diazinon degradation in the MSM. The dissipation of diazinon (150 µg g^?1) in the inoculated sterilized flooded paddy soils was biphasic, and based on this, only 31.55 µg g^?1 of the initial concentration declined with a faster rate while the rest of the residue dissipated slowly as the adsorbed phase. In the non-inoculated non-sterilized soils, diazinon dissipated more slowly with an initial lag phase.     

Understanding the Cyclicity of Chemical Weathering and Associated CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Consumption in the Brahmaputra River Basin (India): The Role of Major Rivers in Climate Change Mitigation Perspective

Weathering of rocks that regulate the water chemistry of the river has been used to evaluate the CO₂ consumption rate which exerts a strong influence on the global climate. The foremost objective of the present research is to estimate the chemical weathering rate (CWR) of the continental water in the entire stretch of Brahmaputra River from upstream to downstream and their associated CO₂ consumption rate. To establish the link between the rapid chemical weathering and thereby enhance CO₂ drawdown from the atmosphere, the major ion composition of the Brahmaputra River that drains the Himalaya has been obtained. Major ion chemistry of the Brahmaputra River was resolved on samples collected from nine locations in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons for two cycles: cycle I (2011–2012) and cycle II (2013–2014). The physico-chemical parameters of water samples were analysed by employing standard methods. The Brahmaputra River was characterized by alkalinity, high concentration of Ca²⁺ and HCO₃ ^? along with significant temporal variation in major ion composition. In general, it was found that water chemistry of the river was mainly controlled by rock weathering with minor contributions from atmospheric and anthropogenic sources. The effective CO₂ pressure (log\({{\text{P}}_{{\text{C}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{2}}}}}\)) for pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon has been estimated. The question of rates of chemical weathering (carbonate and silicate) was addressed by using TDS and run-off (mm year^?1). It has been found that the extent of CWR is directly dependent on the CO₂ consumption rate which may be further evaluated from the perspective of climate change mitigation The average annual CO₂ consumption rate of the Brahmaputra River due to silicate and carbonate weathering was found to be 0.52 (×10⁶ mol Km^?2 year^?1) and 0.55 (×10⁶ mol Km^?2 year^?1) for cycle I and 0.49 (×10⁶ mol Km^?2 year^?1) and 0.52 (×10⁶ mol Km^?2 year^?1) for cycle II, respectively, which were significantly higher than that of other Himalayan rivers. Estimation of CWR of the Brahmaputra River indicates that carbonate weathering largely dominates the water chemistry of the Brahmaputra River.     

Variability in Concentrations and Fluxes of Methane in the Indian Estuaries

In order to examine the fluxes of methane (CH₄) from the Indian estuaries, measurements were carried out by collecting samples from 26 estuaries along the Indian coast during high discharge (wet) and low water discharge (dry) periods. The CH₄ concentrations in the estuaries located along the west coast of India were significantly higher (113?±?40 nM) compared to the east coast of India (27?±?6 nM) during wet and dry periods (88?±?15 and 63?±?12 nM, respectively). Supersaturation of CH₄ was observed in the Indian estuaries during both periods ((0.18 to 22.3?×?10³ %). The concentrations of CH₄ showed inverse relation with salinity indicating that freshwater is a significant source. Spatial variations in CH₄ saturation were associated with the organic matter load suggesting that its decomposition may be another source in the Indian estuaries. Fluxes of CH₄ ranged from 0.01 to 298 μmol m^?2 day^?1 (mean 13.4?±?5 μmol m^?2 day^?1) which is ~30 times lower compared to European estuaries (414 μmol m^?2 day^?1). The annual emission from Indian estuaries, including Pulicat and Adyar, amounted to 0.39?×?10¹⁰ g CH₄?year^?1 with the surface area of 0.027?×?10⁶ km² which is significantly lower than that in European estuaries (2.7?±?6.8?×?10¹⁰ g CH₄?year^?1 with the surface area of 0.03?×?10⁶ km²). This study suggests that Indian estuaries are a weak source for atmospheric CH₄ than European estuaries and such low fluxes were attributed to low residence time of water and low decomposition of organic matter within the estuary. The CH₄ fluxes from the Indian estuaries are higher than those from Indian mangroves (0.01?×?10¹⁰ g CH₄?year^?1) but lower than those from Indian inland waters (210?×?10¹⁰ g CH₄?year^?1).     

Sediment Denitrification in Two Contrasting Tropical Shallow Lagoons

Sediment denitrification was monthly evaluated in two tropical coastal lagoons with different trophic states using the ¹⁵N isotope pairing technique. Denitrification rates were very low in both environments, always <5.0 μmol N₂ m^?2 h^?1 and were not significantly different between them. Oxygen consumption varied from 426 to 4248 μmol O₂ m^?2 h^?1 and was generally three times higher in the meso-eutrophic than the oligotrophic lagoon. The low denitrification activity was ascribed to both low water NO₃ ^? concentrations (<2.0 μM) and little nitrate supply from nitrification. There was no correlation of denitrification with nitrate or ammonium fluxes. Sediments in temperate environments with similar oxygen consumption rates usually presented a higher proportion of nitrification–denitrification rates. Sediment oxygen consumption was a good predictor of sediment denitrification in both studied lagoons.     

Soil CO2 efflux along an elevation gradient in Qinghai spruce forests in the upper reaches of the Heihe River,northwest China

This study was conducted in six plots along an elevation gradient in the Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia Kom.) forest ecosystem of the Qilian Mountains, northwest China. Soil CO₂ efflux over bare soil (R _s) and moss covered soil (R _s+m) were investigated from June to September in 2010 and 2011 by means of an automated soil CO₂ flux system (LI-8100). The results showed that R _s ranged from 1.51 to 3.96 (mean 2.64 ± 0.72) μmol m^?2 s^?1 for 2010, and from 1.41 to 4.09 (mean 2.55 ± 0.70) μmol m^?2 s^?1 for 2011. The daily change trend of R _s resembled that of air temperature (T _a), and there was a hysteresis between R _s and soil temperature (T _s). The seasonal variations of R _s at lowlands (i.e., Plot 1, Plot 2 and Plot 3) were driven by soil moisture and temperature (T _a and T _s), while that at highlands (i.e., Plot 4, Plot 5 and Plot 6) were obviously affected by temperature. There were higher values at Plot 2 and Plot 6, which were caused by the interaction between soil moisture and temperature. In addition, soil CO₂ efflux over moss covered soil (R _s+m) was 8.83 % less than that over bare soil (R _s), indicating that moss was another factor affecting R _s. It was concluded that R _s had temporal and spatial variations and was mainly controlled by temperature and soil moisture; the main determinants differed at different elevations; moss could reduce R _s.     

Impact of Oyster Farming on Diagenetic Processes and the Phosphorus Cycle in Two Estuaries (Brittany,France)

This study aims to compare the impact of oyster cultures on diagenetic processes and the phosphorus cycle in the sediments of the Aber Benoît and the Rivière d’Auray, estuary of Brittany, France. Our results showed clear evidence of the seasonal impact of oyster cultures on sediment characteristics (grain size and organic matter parameters) and the phosphorus cycle, especially in the Aber Benoît. At this site, seasonal variations in sulfide and Fe concentrations in pore waters, as well as Fe–P concentrations in the solid phase, highlighted a shift from a system governed by iron reduction (Reference) to a system governed by sulfate reduction (beneath oyster). This could be partly explained by the increase in labile organic matter (i.e., biodeposits) beneath oysters, whose mineralization by sulfate led to high sulfide concentrations in pore waters (up to 4,475 µmol l^?1). In turn, sulfide caused an enhanced release of phosphate in the summer, as adsorption sites for phosphate decreased through the formation of iron–sulfide compounds (FeS and FeS₂). In the Aber Benoît, dissolved Fe/PO₄ ratios could be used as an indicator of phosphate release into oxic water. Low Fe/PO₄ ratios in the summer indicated higher effluxes of phosphate toward the water column (up to 47 µmol m^?2 h^?1). At other periods, Fe/PO₄ ratios higher than 2 mol/mol indicated very low phosphate fluxes. In contrast, in the Rivière d’Auray, the occurrence of macroalgae, stranding regularly all over the site, clearly masked the impact of oyster cultures on sediment properties and the phosphorus cycle and made the use of Fe/PO₄ ratios more difficult in terms of indicators of phosphate release.