Biological Activity in a Heavily Organohalogen-Contaminated River Sediment (8 pp)

Background, Aims and Scope Sediments of the Spittelwasser creek are highly polluted with organic compounds and heavy metals due to the discharge of untreated waste waters from the industrial region of Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany over the course of more than one century. However, relatively few data have been published about the chloroorganic contamination of the sediment. This paper reports on the content of different (chloro)organic compounds with special emphasis on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), and chlorobenzenes. Existing concepts for the remediation of Spittelwasser sediment include the investigation of natural attenuation processes, which largely depend on the presence of an intact microbial food web. In order to gain more insight in terms of biological activity, we analyzed the capacity of sediment microflora to degrade organic matter by measuring the activities of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes involved in the biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur. Furthermore, the detection of physiologically active bacteria in the sediment, particularly of those known for their capability to reductively dehalogenate organochlorine compounds, illustrates the potential for intrinsic bioremediation processes. Methods PCDD/F and chlorobenzenes were analyzed by gas chromatography(GC)/mass spectrometry and GC/flame ionization detection, respectively. The activities of hydrolytic enzymes were determined from freshly sampled sediment layers using 4-methylumbelliferyl (MUF) or 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-conjugated model compounds and kinetic fluorescence measurements. Physiologically active bacteria from different sediment layers were microscopically visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Specific bacteria were identified by 16S rRNA gene amplification and sequencing. Results and Discussion The PCDD/F congener profile was dominated by dibenzofurans. In addition, the presence of specific tetra and pentachlorinated dibenzofurans supported the assumption that extensive magnesium production was one possible source for the high contamination. A range of other chloroorganic compounds, including several isomers of chlorobenzenes, hexachlorocyclohexane and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (p-chloro-phenyl)ethane (DDT), was present in the sediment. Activities of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes showed a strong decrease in those sediment layers that were characterized by high contents of absorbable organic halogen (AOX), indicating disturbed organic matter decay. Interestingly, an abnormal increase of cellulolytic enzyme activities below the organochlorine-rich layers was observed, possibly caused by residual cellulose from discharges of sulfite pulping wastes. FISH revealed physiologically active bacteria in most sediment layers from the surface down to the depth of about 60 cm, including members of Desulfitobacterium (D.) and Sulfurospirillum. The presence of D. dehalogenans was confirmed by its partial 16S rRNA gene sequence. Conclusions Results of chemical sediment analyses demonstrated high loads of organochlorine compounds, particularly of PCDD/F. Several years after stopping the waste water discharge to Spittelwasser creek, this sediment remains a main source for pollution of the downstream river system by way of the ongoing mobilization of sediment during high floods. As indicated by our enzyme activity measurements, the decomposition potential for organic matter is low in organochlorine-rich sediment layers. In contrast, the comparably higher enzyme activities in less organochlorine-polluted sediment layers as well as the presence of physiologically active bacteria suggest a considerable potential for natural attenuation. Recommendations and Perspectives From our data we strongly recommend to explore the degradative capacity of sediment microorganisms and the limits for in situ activity towards specific sediment pollutants in more detail. This will give a sound basis for the integration of bioremediation approaches into general concepts to reduce the risk that permanently radiates from this highly contaminated sediment. Submission Editor: Dr. Henner Hollert (Henner.Hollert@urz.uniheidelberg.de)     

从动力地质作用原理探讨沙漠化成因

大规模沙漠化从岩石记录中可以追溯到中生代中期，第四纪以来南北两半球各存在一条中纬度沙漠带，中国的沙漠化是这个全球沙漠化进程的一个组成部分。沙漠化是在地质演化过程中受内、外动力地质作用联合控制的地质事件。是岩石圈与大气圈、生物圈及水圈强烈作用在地壳表层形成的一种特殊地质现象。这种现象的形成与演化是漫长的和具有周期性的，不会因为局部的条件变化而发生整体意义上的突变。人类活动是局部的，在整个地球沙漠化进程中只是起到一个加速剂的作用。沙漠化过程可分为3个阶段，即物理风化与沙源积聚阶段、风沙作用阶段和沙漠化阶段。沙漠期后沙丘沙经过固化生草、胶结成岩阶段后即形成风成砂岩。     

Dust Storms are an Indication of an Unhealthy Environment in East Asia

Dust storms frequently occur in Mongolia and in northern China. Each year there are 30 to 120 dusty days in source regions of Mongolia and 14–20 dusty days on the Korean Peninsula. Intense sand storms and associated dust falls produce environmental impacts in East Asia. This paper discusses the environmental degradation in Mongolia and the social, economic and atmospheric impacts of dust storms in the sink area. The impact of dust storms on environmental compartments as well as their direct and indirect consequences to basic resources like water and energy demand and supply is explained. Governments are encouraged to take appropriate action in specified regions. For monitoring dust storms there is a need for international cooperation to combat growing environmental and human security concerns.     

玛纳斯河流域生态问题的潜在风险性评估

玛纳斯河流域是中国干旱区最具代表性的山地-绿洲-荒漠生态系统,三大生态系统表现出的区域生态、经济要素的空间状况有所分异,所存在的生态安全问题的表现形式也各不相同。根据流域土地利用和水资源数据库,在生态经济功能分区的基础上,针对流域不同分区存在的生态安全问题,选取相应的17个生态风险评估指标,建立了生态-经济风险性评价模型,对流域各个生态经济功能亚区的生态问题潜在的风险性进行了生态风险评估。结果表明:Ⅰ1,Ⅱ1,Ⅱ2,Ⅱ3,Ⅲ1,Ⅲ2和Ⅲ3亚区的生态问题潜在的风险性在增大,说明生态问题日益突出,而Ⅰ1和Ⅱ4亚区生态问题潜在的风险性指数存在波动;Ⅰ,Ⅱ和Ⅲ三个大区中生态问题潜在的风险性指数最高的分别是Ⅰ1,Ⅱ1和Ⅲ1亚区。评价结果能够较为客观地反映了当地的实际情况,因而对流域可能出现的灾害性的环境问题及由此引起的巨大的经济损失提出了警示。     

The sands of Forvie (Scotland): A case study in geomorphology and conservational management

The Sands of Forvie, National Nature Reserve, Scotland is a complex coastal sand dune system which is associated with the dynamic estuary of the River Ythan. The dune system has developed over more than 5000 years. The south part is a peninsula of dunes, sand hills, sand arcs, erosion and deflation surfaces. The north part is superimposed on a rock plateau with a cliff coastline. This plateau is covered in glacial deposits and is essentially an upland heath landscape. Some of the best examples of large active parabolic dunes in Britain are found in North Forvie. The sequence of geomorphic development is described. As a nature reserve with a rich ecology it has been managed for conservational purposes since 1960s. As such it is an excellent case study of how conservational management has changed to become more flexible and more aware of the importance of dynamic processes.     

Comparison of quartz sand, anthracite, shale and biological ceramsite for adsorptive removal of phosphorus from aqueous solution

The choice of substrates with high phosphorus adsorption capacity is vital for sustainable phosphorus removal from waste water in constructed wetlands. In this study, four substrates were used： quartz sand, anthracite, shale and biological ceramsite. These substrate samples were characterized by X- ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy studies for their mineral components （chemical components） and surface characteristics. The dynamic experimental results revealed the following ranking order for total phosphorus （TP） removal efficiency： anthracite 〉 biological ceramsite 〉 shale 〉 quartz sand. The adsorptive removal capacities for TP using anthracite, biological ceramsite, shale and quartz sand were 85.87, 81.44, 59.65, and 55.98 mg/kg, respectively. Phosphorus desorption was also studied to analyze the substrates＇ adsorption efficiency in wastewater treatment as well as the substrates＇ ability to be reused for treatment. It was noted that the removal performance for the different forms of phosphorus was dependent on the nature of the substrate and the adsorption mechanism. A comparative analysis showed that the removal of particulate phosphorus was much easier using shale. Whereas anthracite had the highest soluble reactive phosphorus （SRP） adsorptive capacity, biological ceramsite had the highest dissolved organic phosphorus （DOP） removal capacity. Phosphorus removal by shale and biological ceramsite was mainly through chemical adsorption, precipitation or biological adsorption. On the other hand, phosphorus removal through physical adsorption （electrostatic attraction or ion exchange） was dominant in anthracite and quartz sand.     

改善太仓城区水环境原型调水实验研究及模型建立

为达到改善太仓城区水环境的目的,于2004年4月21日进行了调水实验.调水历时14 h,期间向城区调水21.8万m3.通过对监测点采样,得到水量、水质实测数据.根据实验数据,建立了符合太仓河网的水量水质数学模型,分析了从长江引水对太仓城区水环境的改善程度.同时对不同引水方案情况下城区水环境改善效果,以及截污和清淤对水环境的影响做了分析.研究表明,引水只能短期改善水环境;要根治水环境,必须从源头抓起,进行截污.     

河湖水系连通的理论探讨

在全球气候变化和水资源形势日趋严峻的背景下,为了从根本上提高水资源统筹配置能力、改善河湖健康状况和增强抵御水旱灾害能力,河湖水系连通作为国家新时期的一个治水方略被提出。当前关于河湖水系连通的理论基础研究要落后于实践,尚在探索之中。论文尝试从河、湖与水系等水循环基本概念入手,探讨水系的结构、特征和连通性,揭示水系连通的水循环物理机制,并进一步分析河湖水系连通的战略思想,探明其中涉及的几个关键水循环基础问题,包括水量平衡、能量平衡、水资源可再生性、水循环尺度等问题,为河湖水系连通战略的实施和理论体系的建立奠定基础。     

贵阳城市污水及南明河中氯霉素和四环素类抗生素的特征

采用固相萃取-高效液相色谱（UV检测）分析了贵阳城市污水、南明河水和沉积物中氯霉素和四环素类抗生素的特征.结果显示,南北两岸污水中氯霉素、土霉素、四环素和金霉素的平均含量分别为27.0、 2.3、 11.0、 1.1 μg·L^-1和21.2、 2.1、 9.5、 0.5 μg·L^-1,其中以氯霉素的污染为主;污水中抗生素的含量呈现明显的季节变化,这与用水量和疾病特点有关.南明河已广泛受到包括农业、养鱼塘、城市污水等来源的抗生素污染,其中城市污水是最重要的来源,受其影响,污水口下游的抗生素污染尤为严重.河水中氯霉素、土霉素和四环素在冬季的含量范围分别在2.1～19.0、ND～3.0、 0.8～6.8 μg·L^-1之间,夏季分别在0.2～1.3、ND～0.03、 0.2～0.3 μg·L^-1之间,金霉素只在冬季检出,含量范围在0.09～0.14 μg·L^-1之间;沉积物中4种抗生素在冬季的平均含量分别为147.6、 76.6、 99.2和1.6 μg·kg^-1;在夏季分别为195.8、 89.1、 34.4和9.0 μg·kg^-1.数据表明,河水中抗生素的含量受河水流量及来源特点的影响很大,冬季河水中抗生素的含量明显高于夏季;沉积物中抗生素的季节变化不明显.     

大龙潭水电站扩建小机组释放生态流量

恩施大龙潭水利枢纽于1995年5月完成环境影响评价,2003年8月开工建设,2006年5月建成投入使用,2006年10月进行竣工环保验收,验收审查时专家组发现,大坝下游至清江与带水河汇入口约700 m清江江段出现脱水现象,环保主管部门提出通过技术改造使大龙潭水利枢纽直接释放生态流量至电站坝下游,通过技术经济论证,大龙潭水利枢纽工程实施在水库大坝左岸8#坝段,将一处原用于龙凤坝自来水供给的预留管道口管道上追加连接一根长107 m直径为1.4 m的管道,将大坝上游的水引至左岸导流洞,在导流洞出口处安装一台1 600 kW小机组发电将出水直接放坝下游清江,使该河段电站坝下游脱水状态得到了恢复,经济和环境效益明显。