Activated sludge acclimation for toluene and DEHP degradation in a two-phase partitioning bioreactor

The effect of activated sludge acclimation on the biodegradation of toluene in the presence of a biodegradable non-aqueous phase liquid, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), in a two-phase partitioning bioreactor was characterized. The influence of the presence of DEHP, at a ratio of 0.1 % (volume ratio), and of the acclimation of activated sludge (AS) on the biodegradation of hydrophobic VOC was studied. AS was acclimated to both toluene and DEHP simultaneously. Using acclimated cells, 73 and 96 % improvement of the mean biodegradation rates was recorded for toluene and the organic solvent (DEHP), respectively, if compared to the values recorded in the absence of acclimation, during tests performed in Erlenmeyer flasks. Degradation rates were further improved by the use of acclimated AS in a reactor with a large head space; degradation yields for toluene and DEHP were above 99 and 89 %, respectively.     

3-D paleotemperature modeling of the geothermal regime of sedimentary basins: Example of the Lunskaya depression,Sakhalin Island

The task of 3-D modeling of the thermal field of a sedimentary basin during sedimentation is considered. The aim of the modeling is to determine the temperature at any point of the basin at a given moment of geological time. The mathematical model is based on a system of equations of thermal conductivity for a heterogeneous layered medium with dynamic boundaries. The conditions of the continuous temperature and thermal flow are given at the boundaries of the adjacent layers. The temperature values, which are determined by the values of the secular course of the earth temperature, are given at the upper boundary coinciding with the sedimentation surface. The thermal flow value is considered to be given at the lower boundary. The medium is approximated using a vertical triangle prism, which is accepted in algorithms of interpretation of the gravitation field and characterized by random upper and lower basements and given values of the thermal physical parameters. The equations of thermal conductivity are solved on the basis of potential theory. The precision of this algorithm is demonstrated by calculation of a test example. The thermal evolution of the sedimentary complexes and dynamics of the major zone of oil formation are reconstructed and possible errors of paleotemperature interpretations caused by ignored 3-D modeling medium are determined on the example of the sedimentary basin of the Lunskaya depression of Sakhalin.     

A helping hand: artificial nest site provisioning increases breeding success of a tropical seabird

Common white terns Gygis alba lay a single egg balanced on rocks or branches and consequently are at risk of low nesting success. A novel technique of hollowing out coconut husks and providing artificial nest sites was developed on Cousine Island, Seychelles. Our study aimed to critically assess whether common white tern nesting success differed between artificial and natural nest sites. For natural nest sites, nesting success and the stage of nest failure were also compared between seasons, nest heights, and tree species. Finally, we compared results from our study to those of a study conducted 10 years ago on the same island. Nesting success differed significantly between artificial nests and natural nests, with the success of artificial nests nearly double that of natural nests. Hatching success was similar for artificial and natural nests (65% and 52% respectively), suggesting coconut husks do not reduce egg losses, but rather provide secure perches for young chicks. Most natural nest failures occurred during the egg phase (70%), followed by the youngest chick phase (21%). Of the eggs that hatched in natural nests, 61% fledged successfully. Tree species and season significantly influenced nesting success for natural nests and nest height varied significantly between tree species. Higher nesting success was observed during the mixed seasonal period (50%) followed by the cooler, windier and drier South-East Monsoon season (33%). The hotter and more humid North-West Monsoon period had the lowest nesting success (20%). Comparisons of nesting success at natural and artificial nest sites with the earlier study did not differ significantly, despite a smaller population of common white terns being present on the island at that stage. Our results support the use of artificial nest sites to improve nesting success for this species and serve as a model for similar species currently under threat.     

Basic formation mechanisms of Lake Doroninskoye soda water,East Siberia,Russia

The primary scientific goal of studying salt lakes is to better understand the formation of small continental-type hydrogeochemical systems. Many scientists have attributed the metamorphism of the chemical composition of salt lakes to the evaporative concentration of water. However, the formation of soda water is inconsistent with this hypothesis. Thus, analyzing intrabasinal biochemical processes and water—rocks interactions during the evaporative concentration of water allows us to understand the major mechanisms of the formation and evolution of water compositions. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify the key processes involved in the formation of the chemical composition of the water in Lake Doroninskoye. An analysis of the distribution of major components shows that Na⁺, HCO₃ ^?, CO₃ ^2?, and Cl^? are dominant in this water. High concentrations of these elements are the result of evaporative water concentration. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are not accumulated because the water is saturated in minerals containing these elements. The main barrier to the growth of the sulfate content of water is sulfate reduction. This process also contributes to the additional reproduction of carbon dioxide, which reacts with the products of the hydrolysis of aluminosilicates OH^? to form HCO₃ ^? and CO₃ ^2?, thus further contributing to the natural processes of soda formation.     

Geodynamic Evolution Model of the Major Structures of Amerasian Basin

We have analyzed the geodynamic evolution of the lithosphere and upper mantle of the Amerasian basin based on the stress-strain state simulation. It is shown that the asthenospheric spreading in the return upflow region of the mantle convection, results in formation of two local uplifts, which can be interpreted as Lomonosov Ridge and Mendeleev/Alfa Ridge. The further long-term action of the mantle convection leads to formation of Makarov and Podvodnikov Basins.     

Estimating the Contributions of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Variations in the Atmospheric Concentration of Greenhouse Gases to Surface Air Temperature Trends from Observations

We have quantitatively estimated the contributions of anthropogenic forcing characterized by variations in the atmospheric content of greenhouse gases and of natural variability characterized by the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation to the trends of global surface air temperature from observations since the middle of the nineteenth century on the basis of three-component autoregressive models.     

First Data about Mercury in Modern Hydrothermal Process in the Ocean,Juan de Fuca Ridge

The results of studying Hg in an underwater hydrothermal system in the ocean using the Middle Valley of the Juan de Fuca ridge as an example are presented. A significant part of Hg is accumulated in the basalt fundament (Holes 858F, G), forming anomalously high concentrations (up to 29.30 ppm) in certain parts. The high Hg contents were established in metalliferous sediments (323 ppm) of the sedimentary cover (Hole 858D) and in sulfide deposits (up to 10.30 ppm). In other parts of the section, Hg content is 0.02–0.76 ppm (Holes 858B, D, F), background Hg contents in sediments—0.08–0.28 ppm and in basalts—0.17–0.31 ppm (Holes 855A, C, D).