Accumulation Coefficient Research Articles

The ability of Silybum marianum to phytoremediate cadmium and/or diesel oil from the soil

ABSTRACTPhytoremediation is a new ecological and cost-effective technology applied for cleaning heavy metals and total petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated (TPH-contaminated) soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) to phytoremediate cadmium (Cd (II)) from contaminated soils. To this end, the investigators applied a completely randomized design with the factorial arrangement and four replications. The results indicated that all the evaluated parameters of S. Marianum, including shoot and root fresh and dry weight, as well as shoot and root Cd, were significantly influenced by Cd (II) concentration and diesel oil (DO). The Cd-contaminated soil showed minor declining effects on the produced plant biomass, whereas the DO-contaminated soil had more inhibitory effects. Moreover, the soil contaminated with both Cd and DO led to adverse effects on the plant biomass. The shoot and root Cd concentration had an increasing trend in the presence of DO as the bioconcentration factor (BCF) by 1.740 (+90.78%), 1.410 (+36.89%), 2.050 (+31.41%), 1.68 (+32.28%), and 1.371 (+22.41%) compared to the soil without DO at Cd (II) concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Biological accumulation coefficient also showed the same trend as the BCF. In all the treatments, the translocation factor was >1. Therefore, it was demonstrated that milk thistle had high potential for transferring Cd from root to shoot and reducing its concentration in the soil. Moreover, the study revealed that milk thistle had high potential for absorbing Cd in the soil contaminated with Cd and DO.

РАДІОАКТИВНЕ ЗАБРУДНЕННЯ 137СS МОХОВО-ЛИШАЙНИКОВОГО ПОКРИВУ В УМОВАХ СВІЖОГО СУБОРУ

Досліджено сучасне радіоактивне забруднення мохово-лишайникового покриву в умовах свіжого субору в лісах Українського Полісся. Щільність радіоактивного забруднення ґрунту в межах пробної площі варіювала у широких діапазонах – від 315 до 708 кБк/м2. Виявлено значні коливання величин питомої активності та показників інтенсивності надходження 137Cs для всіх досліджуваних видів зелених (брієвих) мохів та епігейних лишайників. Так, на пробній площі для дикрану багатоніжкового середній вміст 137Сs становив 11538±1022 Бк/кг; для плевроцію Шребера – 9312±679 Бк/кг. З'ясовано, що радіоактивне забруднення дикрану багатоніжкового істотно вище, ніж у плевроцію Шребера (в 1,2 раза). Концентрація 137Cs у лишайниках загалом змінювалась в широкому діапазоні – від 3975 до 9182 Бк/кг. Найменші значення вмісту 137Cs встановлено у кладонії м'якої, а найбільші – у кладонії дюймової. Коефіцієнт накопичення 137Cs для лишайників був у діапазоні від 3,2 до 6,5, а для зелених (брієвих) мохів – від 3,8 до 7,7. Коефіцієнт переходу 137Cs у лишайниках родини Кладонієвих змінювався від 11,8 до 24,4 м2·кг-1·10-3. За інтенсивністю накопичення 137Cs епігейні лишайники можна розмістити таким чином: кладонія дюймова > кладонія струнка > кладонія оленяча > кладонія м'яка. Щодо зелених мохів, то для дикрану багатоніжкового середній показник коефіцієнта переходу становив 29,2±0,9 м2·кг-1·10-3, майже в 2 рази більше, ніж для плевроцію Шребера – 16,3±0,06 м2·кг-1·10-3. Значення концентрації 137Сs у мохово-лишайниковому покриві має тісний лінійний зв'язок з величиною щільності радіоактивного забруднення ґрунту.

Laboratory study and mathematical modeling of a novel marsh shoreline protection technology for sand collection

Erosion along shorelines is a major cause in the conversion of shoreline wetlands to open water bodies. Conventional shoreline protection structures are expensive to construct and may impede environmental exchanges essential for connectivity and functionality. A novel marsh shoreline protection technology, the Wave Suppressor and Sediment Collection (WSSC) system, addresses these issues. Laboratory studies were conducted on three WSSC units to determine the governing parameters of sediment collection efficiency of this technology. The three units had varying open areas and pipe sizes which enabled those parameters to be directly compared. Two types of sands with median particle diameters (d50) of 0.43 and 0.34 mm were used to evaluate the effects of particle size on the collection efficiency of the units. A new mathematical model was developed to predict the sediment collection efficiency using Van Rijn’s equation for particle fall velocity, and Ribberink and Al-Salem’s equation for sand concentration distribution in a water column. Results showed that the Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 3 are capable of collecting sand at 0.30, 0.21 and 0.21 (kg/h) for sand 1, and at 0.39, 0.29, 0.39 (kg/h) for sand 2 respectively. The mathematical model fit the experimental data well and from the model, mass accumulation coefficient (α) alpha was calculated. Mass accumulation coefficients (α) for sand 1 and sand 2 were- 0.94 and 0.97 for Unit 1, 0.63 and 0.70 for Unit 2 and 0.32 and 0.22 for Unit 3 respectively. A sensitivity study of the mathematical model was also performed to determine the governing factors behind the sand collection. The sensitivity study found that water depth, wave height and particle diameter affected the sand collection efficiency the most. The amount of open area on the units, frequency and wavelength were also found to have some effect on collection efficiency.

Особливості біоакумуляції важких металів деревною рослинністю в зоні локальної дії Черкаської теплоелектроцентралі (на прикладі м. Черкаси)

<p>Woody plants are able not only to absorb metals of anthropogenic origin, but also to deposit their significant quantities in wood, leaves, and thereby temporarily remove them from the cycle of substances of urban ecosystems. The paper compares the content of heavy metals – Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the leaves of the bioindicator species <em>Pоpulus рyramidalis</em> Roz and their mobile forms in soils collected from 6 test locations from various functional zones of the Southern industrial district of the City of the Cherkassy. Soil-geochemical associations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd content in the investigated locations indicate that the main source of Zn, Cu is the emissions of of the Cherkassy thermal power plant, and Pb, Cd – of urban transport. According to the total accumulation in the leaves of <em>P. pyramidalis</em>. The heavy metals are located as follows: Pb> Cd> Cu> Zn. It was established that the content of mobile forms of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the soils of the experimental sites was several times higher than background values, and the coefficient of biological accumulation in the leaves fluctuated in insignificant limits. According to the results of indicators of the accumulation coefficient, the leaves of <em>P. pyramidalis</em> have low bioavailability in Cu and Zn, and the availability of Pb and Cd approaches the average. The obtained data can be used for the creation and reconstruction of green plantings of urban transport highways, sanitary protection zones of industrial sites of enterprises, recreational areas, squares.</p>

Description of artificial reservoirs within the catchment area of the Great Kuyalnik River and regulation of their operation at the present time and in future

The paper presents the results of surveys of artificial reservoirs of the Great Kuyalnik River and its tributaries which, due to their considerable number and filling volumes, significantly reduce the runoff of the river and thus cause shallowing of the Kuyalnik Liman and deterioration of its hydroecological state. Preparation of a list of artificial reservoirs within the catchment area of the Great Kuyalnik River took place using the data of the Odessa Regional Water Resources Administration and satellite images taken from Google Earth and Google Maps applications. Water surface areas and volume of unexplored water bodies were determined via generalization of existing data for other reservoirs using the invariance postulates considering the morphology of the arid zone. It was established that, as of 2016, the total number of artificial reservoirs is 121 with a total filling volume constituting 15.98 million m3. Using the climate-runoff model the characteristics of the natural runoff (not disturbed by economic activity) were estimated for periods before warming and for 2021-2050 (scenario A1B). To assess a degree of influence of artificial reservoirs on the state of the ecosystem the accumulation coefficient is calculated. It is shown that the coefficient of water accumulation in artificial reservoirs increased from 0.76 in past century to 1.23 after warming (scenario A1B). This circumstance indicates a tendency towards lack of free (unregulated) runoff in the river and formation of its deficit. The loss of runoff because of filling of artificial reservoirs exceeds the runoff of certain tributaries and ultimately the river's runoff itself. This leads to reduction and complete cessation of fresh water entering into the Kuyalnik Liman which gradually dries up. In order to regulate the impact of artificial reservoirs on the river's runoff it is necessary to determine permissible (limiting) volumes of their filling. These volumes were defined as 10 and 25 percent of the natural annual runoff. The natural (not disturbed by economic activity) annual runoff of the river was calculated on the basis of the climate-runoff model using meteorological data. Under conditions of warming the natural runoff of the river and the associated permissible (limiting) volumes would decrease which would require reduction of an even greater number of ponds.

Remediation Potential of Forest Forming Tree Species Within Northern Steppe Reclamation Stands

Abstract The aim of the research was to study the features of accumulation of heavy metals by assimilation apparatus of coniferous and deciduous arboreous plants. The research identified excess of factual concentrations for Arsenic in mining rock in relation to values stated in IPC (indicative permissible concentrations). It is stated that the metals can be divided into three groups according to their absolute content in unit of foliage biomass. The element of excessive concentration is Mn, medium concentration is characteristic for Pb and Zn and low concentration is observed for Sb, Cr, As, Cu, Ni and Sn. Calculation of coefficient of biological accumulation of the metals under research has shown its high values for Crimean pine. The data presented for Black locust indicate low values of coefficient of biological accumulation, which is best noticeable for Chromium, Antimony and Tin. It is determined that a small amount of Sb and Sn are a subject to uptake by Black locust leaves, whilst for Crimean pine needles, Sb and As are characterised by the lowest inflow. The average content of lead is 209.11 kg·ha−1 for Crimean pine in all age groups of trees, whilst for Black locust, this index is only 15.52 kg·ha−1, which is 13.5 times less. Zinc accumulation is better performed by Black locust leaves, and it gradually decreases with increasing age. No definite trend of redistribution and subsequent accumulation of copper depending on tree species and age was found.

Monitoring of heavy metal contamination of soil and plants (for example, <i>Potentilla tanacetifolia</i> Willd. ex Schlecht.) of natural ecosystems in Chita urban areas

The paper presents data on the content of gross and mobile forms of zinc, cadmium, lead and copper in the soils of Chita and its surroundings. The paper contains a comparative analysis of the accumulation (Kn) and movement (KP) coefficients of these microelements in organs ( Potentilla tanacetifolia Willd. ex Schlecht.), relative to their gross content and mobile forms in soils. The authors have revealed that soil samples of the studied sites contain unequal gross amount of heavy metals. In some points (6 and 3) the content of cadmium and zinc exceeded the Mac, that is why such soils have been attributed to heavily polluted. The index of biological activity on mobile forms of heavy metals in all sites significantly exceeded the same index on gross forms. It was found that Potentilla tanacetifolia are accumulators of heavy metal ions. Aboveground bodies accumulate and absorb cadmium and copper especially intensively, thus the content of mobile forms of these metals in the soil is insignificant. Excessive adsorption of trace elements in the phytomass of plants can be connected with surface contamination. According to the content of zinc and lead, the accumulation values in the organs of P. tanacetifolia were characterized by small coefficient values, against the background of their high concentration in the soil.

The intensity of accumulation of heavy metals in grain of winter wheat depending on predecessors

The author investigates the effect of longstanding grasses: alfalfa seedlings, clover raccoon, sandstone espaces, white humpback salmon, grizzly beef, oriental goat and corn for silage as predecessors of winter wheat for the concentration of heavy metals: lead, cadmium, copper and zinc in the soil and grain of culture. The coefficient of accumulation of heavy metals in wheat grain of winter after the studied predecessors has been calculated.

Phytoaccumulation of Copper from Irrigation Water and Its Effect on the Internal Structure of Lettuce

There is much concern about the cleanup of toxic contaminants in the environment as human activities increase. The objective of this research was to study the effects of different rates (0, 0.3 and 0.5 g·L−1) of (CuCl2) used for irrigation and its translocation in shoots and roots of three varieties: Romaine lettuce (local), Redina lettuce (red) and iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) after 97 days. There was a significant difference in fresh weight and dry weigh for all varieties of lettuce. Differential accumulation and translocation of copper (Cu) in the root and leaf of vegetables were investigated using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Red plant accumulated higher amounts of Cu (1.89 mg·kg−1) in root and (0.71 mg·kg−1) in shoot compared to the other three plant species. The accumulation coefficient (AC) and translocation factor (TF) of Cu in three varieties was higher in red followed by local and iceberg. At high concentrations (CuCl2: 0.5 g·L−1), the light micrographs obtained from the leaf samples of copper-treated plants showed changes and a reduction in the number and the distribution of chloroplasts in palisade and spongy parenchyma cells. All cultivars were able to accumulate significant amounts of Cu, but they have severe symptoms of phytotoxicity when the copper concentration was high.

Bioavailability of potentially toxic elements in soil–grapevine (leaf, skin, pulp and seed) system and environmental and health risk assessment

Monitoring of potentially toxic elements in agricultural soil represents the first measure of caution regarding food safety, while research into element bioavailability should be a step forward in understanding the element transportation chain. This study was conducted in the grapevine growing area (“Oplenac Wine Route”) for investigating element bioavailability in the soil–grapevine system accompanied by an assessment of the ecological implications and human health risk. Single extraction procedures (CH3COOH, Na2EDTA, CaCl2, NH4NO3 and deionised H2O) and digestion were performed to estimate the bioavailability of 22 elements (Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, V and Zn) from the topsoil (0–30 cm) and subsoil (30–60 cm) to the grapevine parts (leaf, skin, pulp and seed) and wine. The extractants were effective comparing to the pseudo-total concentrations in following order Na2EDTA ˃ CH3COOH ˃ NH4NO3 ˃ CaCl2, H2O 2 h and 16 h. The most suitable extractants for assessing the bioavailability of the elements from the soil to the grapevine parts were CaCl2, NH4NO3 and Na2EDTA, but deionised H2O could be suitable, as well. The results showed that Ba was the most bioavailable element in the soil–grapevine system. Contamination factor implied a moderate contamination (1 < CF < 3) of the soil. The concentrations of Cr, Ni and Cd in the soil were above the maximum allowed concentrations. According to the biological accumulation coefficient (BAC), the grape seeds and grapevine leaves mostly accumulated Cu and Zn from the soil, respectively. Based on ratio factor (RF > 1), the influence of atmospheric deposition on the aerial grapevine parts (leaves and grape skin) was observed. Nevertheless, low adverse health risk effects (HI < 1 and R ≤ 1 × 10−6) were estimated for farmers and grape and wine consumers.

Properties of Epoxy-Asphalt Pavement Mixture for Bridge Decks

Improving the ability of asphalt pavement to survive the heavily repeated axle loads and weathering challenges in Iraq has been the subject of research for many years. The critical need for such data in the design and construction of more durable flexible pavement in bridge deck material is paramount. One of new possible steps is the epoxy asphalt concrete, which is classified as a superior asphalt concrete in roads and greatly imparts the level of design and construction. This paper describes a study on 40-50 penetration graded asphalt cement mixed with epoxy to produce asphalt concrete mixtures. The tests carried out are the Marshall properties, permanent deformation, flexural fatigue cracking and moisture damage. Epoxy asphalt mixes performed better on resistance to fatigue and permanent deformation. They also performed significantly better on low-temperature properties and resistance to moisture damage. The addition of 30 percent of epoxy (by weight of asphalt cement) resulted in increase of Marshall stability by 39.8 percent, improve the tensile strength ratio by 22.9 percent, lowering both the rate of permanent deformation by 26.8 percent and the fatigue accumulation coefficient by 53.5 percent, in comparison with control HMA. Based on the above findings, it is recommended to use epoxy asphalt mixes as an optimal material for paving bridges deck in Iraq since it showed good prospects for this application due to the valuable performance and durability improvement.

Copper, Manganese and Zinc Bioaccumulation in Some Common Poaceae Species Along Romanian Black Sea Coast

Copper, manganese and zinc bioaccumulation potential was screened for three common Poaceae species, Hordeum murinum ssp. murinum L., Leymus racemosus ssp. sabulosus (M. Bieb.) Tzvelev and Lollium perenne L., abundantly growing along the Romanian Black Sea Coastal area, Constanta County. The concentration of the selected heavy metals was analyzed though atomic absorption spectrometry in samples of aboveground plant organs and soils. To assess the potential for phytoaccumulation, the Biological Accumulation Coefficients (BAC) were calculated. Considering the minimal thresholds widely accepted in literature for Cu, Mn and Zn hyperaccumulators, none of the selected species can fit in this category. The highest average copper concentration was found in Hordeum murinum ssp. murinum L. (5.45 mg/kg). For manganese, the highest value was found in Lollium perenne L. (104.08 mg/kg), while for zinc, the maximum was reached in Leymus racemosus ssp. sabulosus (M. Bieb.) Tzvelev, tissue (62.95 mg/kg). BAC values showed that all species are manganese excluders, with a remarkable maximum value of 0.55 in Lollium perenne. L. All species had average BAC above 1 for Cu and Zn, with a maximum in Leymus racemosus ssp. sabulosus (M. Bieb.) Tzvelev (4.85 and 2.98, respectively). However, there was a significant variation among individuals, usually, a high metal content in plant tissue being associated with low metal concentration in soil. The exception was Lollium perenne L., with BAC constantly above 1 (average BAC of 2.27 for Cu and 1.69 for Zn). These results emphasize a significant potential for phytostabilization of copper- and zinc-rich soils and open the way for heavy metals phytoextraction capacity studies of the Poaceae species along Romanian littoral.

Variability in iodine in temperate seaweeds and iodine accumulation kinetics of Fucus vesiculosus and Laminaria digitata (Phaeophyceae, Ochrophyta).

The biogeochemistry of iodine in temperate coastal ecosystems is largely mediated by macroalgae, which act as a major biological sink and source of iodine. Their capacity to accumulate, retain and release iodine has been associated with abiotic and biotic stressors, but quantitative information is limited. We evaluated the seasonal iodine retention capacity of eleven macroalgal species belonging to different systematic groups, collected from two sites in Ireland. Iodine accumulation and retention were then further quantified in Fucus vesiculosus and Laminaria digitata in relation to I- concentrations in seawater and temperature. In general, iodine contents were ~101 -102 μmol·(g dw)-1 for Laminariales, 100 -101 μmol·(g dw)-1 for Fucales, 10-1 -100 μmol·(g dw)-1 for Rhodophyta, and 10-1 μmol·(g dw)-1 for Chlorophyta. Typically, algal iodine contents were above average in winter and below average in summer. Iodine accumulation in F.vesiculosus and L.digitata depended on I- availability and followed the Michaelis-Menten kinetic. The ratio of maximum accumulation rate to half accumulation coefficient (ρmax : Kt ) was 2.4 times higher for F.vesiculosus than for L.digitata, suggesting that F.vesiculosus was more efficient in iodine accumulation. Both species exhibited a temperature-dependent net loss of iodine, and only an exposure to sufficient external I- concentrations compensated for this loss. This study revealed that both environmental (e.g., I- in seawater, temperature) and organismal (e.g., the status of the iodine storage pool) variables determine retention and variability in iodine in temperate seaweeds.

FERUM CONCRETIONS IN THE SOIL OF MALE POLLISYA

Problem Statement and Purpose. In humid conditions the it is common forms of soil neoplasms are glandular: ferum concretions, marsh ore, ocher spots etc. Important identify ferum concretions with the corresponding minerals and detect stable properties of its individual diagnostic forms to establish soil formation and forecast the evolution of soils. The aim of the study is to establish features of the profile distribution of glandular neoplasms in sod glesish soils, to study fractional composition of ferum concretions within the genetic horizons and their chemical properties.Data&amp;Methods. The findings are based on field morphological and laboratory studies. In selected samples of soil and glandular neoplasms by Kirsanov method wedetermined the total iron content, gross chemical composition, and their ratio was calculated based on the accumulation (Kx) and the ratio of Fe:Mn.Results. Sod glesish soils are widespread along the periphery of marshes and are formed under the influence of sod, glesish processes at different soil formation rocks in conditions of sporadic-pulsation of the water regime and excessive moisture under meadow and meadow-bog biocenoses. Ferum concretions are characteristic of all the genetic horizons of the sod gley of soil, except the soil formation rock, and their content is from 3,3% in the sod to 47,1% in the lower transitional horizon. The size fractions of ferum concretions from 2,5 in the sod to 7,2 cm transitional horizon with depth increases.The total iron content in fine grenotometric party sod glesish of soil and ferum concretions increases with depth, and maximum values are characteristic of the lower transition horizon. The lowest values of iron total content is typical of finegrained deposits of soil formatiom rock (of 16,0 mg/100 g of soil) and sod (66,4 mg/100 g soil). In ferum concretions the total iron content is relatively greater and its maximum values (233,6 mg/100 g of soil) are typical ferum concretions transitionto the rock horizon.It is established that in the gross chemical composition of ferum concretions iron oxides with its highest content in ferum concretions sod (48,75%) dominated. Also of ferum concretions are characterized by rather high content of aluminium oxides (5,59 – 7,92%). The highest values of the accumulation coefficient are characteristic of oxides iron (Kх = 7,21 – 2,58), which confirms the hypothesis about the dominant role of its compounds in the formation of ferum concretions.

Henry's law and accumulation of weak source for crust-derived helium: A case study of Weihe Basin, China

Crust-derived helium is generated from the radioactive decay of uranium, thorium and other radioactive elements in geological bodies. Compared with conventional natural gas, helium is a typical weak source gas as a result of extremely slow generation rate and absence of helium-generating peak. It is associated with methane or carbon dioxide reservoirs frequently and related to groundwater closely. Helium can meet the industry standard with 0.1% in volume fraction. In order to study the accumulation mechanism of helium, the previous research on Henry's coefficient and solubility of helium, nitrogen and methane are summarized and the key roles of Henry's Law in the helium migration, accumulation and preservation are discussed by simulating calculation taking Weihe Basin as an example. According to the Law, the gas solubility in dilute solution is controlled by the gas partial pressure and the Henry's coefficient. Compared with the carrier gases, the Henry's constant of helium is high, with striking difference at low and high temperature. In addition, the helium partial pressure is greatly different in helium source rocks and gas reservoirs, resulting in the great differences of helium solubility in the two places. The accumulation progresses are as follows. Firstly, helium can dissolve into water and migrate out of helium source rocks due to the high helium solubility, which is caused by high helium partial pressure and high temperature in source rock. Secondly, when dissolved helium is transported to the shallow gas reservoir, it is prone to be out of solution and into reservoir due to the extremely low partial pressure and low temperature. Meanwhile part of carrier gases dissolves into water, as if helium is “replaced” out. Furthermore, the low concentration funnel of dissolved helium is formed near the gas reservoir, then other dissolved helium continues to migrate towards the gas reservoir, which greatly improves the helium accumulation coefficient. Finally, after entering the gas reservoir, helium is difficult to dissolve into the water in cap layers due to its low partial pressure, resulting in the preservation of helium in reservoir. The results show that the helium enrichment mechanism in the aspects of migration, accumulation and preservation, providing theoretical basis for helium resource exploration.

Evaluation of Pollution Level in Zolotoy Rog Bay (Peter the Great Gulf, the Sea of Japan)

The results of the hydrochemical research of water and bottom sediments of the Zolotoy Rog Bay in July 2015 are presented below.It is shown that, as a result of a large amount of polluted sewage entering The Zolotoy Rog Bay, the concentrations of organic substances (BOD5) and petroleum hydrocarbons in the water exceed the MPC.The concentrations of heavy metals in soils exceed both the background level and the level of permissible values. As a result of the calculation of the bottom accumulation (CBA) coefficient for oil hydrocarbons, the situation in the Zolotoy Rog Bay can be classified as an ecological disaster. According to the total pollution index (Zc) of heavy metals, the bottom sediments of the Zolotoy Rog Bay are characterized as strongly and very strongly polluted.

Особенности латерального и радиального распределения металлов в почвах агроландшафтов Самарской области

Одним из факторов, изменяющим структуру и функции почв агроландшафтов, являются соединения металлов. В работе выявлены и оценены особенности латерального и радиального накопления тяжелых металлов (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe) в темно-каштановых, темно-серых лесных типах почвах, а также во всех основных подтипах черноземов (южном, обыкновенном, типичном, выщелоченном, оподзоленном) в условиях Самарской области. Почвенные образцы анализировали методом атомно-абсорбционной спектрометрии с пламенной и беспламенной атомизацией. Установлено, что содержание Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe в гумусовых горизонтах темно-каштановых, темно-серых лесных почв и в подтипах черноземов не выходит за пределы ПДК. Превышение над кларками земной коры выявлено для Pb в темно-серых лесных и темно-каштановых почвах, для Cd — в черноземах типичных и выщелоченных, для Mn и Pb — в темно-серых лесных почвах, черноземе южном, для Zn — в темно-серых лесных почвах. Коэффициенты накопления, показывающие превышение над фоновым значением, в почвах агроландшафтов представлены следующим убывающим рядом: Fe(1,9) &gt; Zn(1,7) &gt; Cu(1,5) &gt; Mn(1,4) &gt; Cr(1,4) &gt; Pb(0,9) &gt; Cd(0,2). По суммарному показателю загрязнения исследованные почвы образуют ряд (в порядке снижения концентрации): темно-серые лесные (16,15) &gt; чернозем южный (9,81) &gt; чернозем выщелоченный (8,72) &gt; чернозем обыкновенный (8,64) &gt; чернозем типичный (8,12) &gt; темно-каштановые (7,83) &gt; чернозем оподзоленный (4,79). Распределение металлов в почвенных горизонтах равномерно-аккумулятивное. Элементами выноса во всех изученных почвах являются Cr(0,42), Fe(0,43), Cu(0,66); Cd активно накапливается в выщелоченных (3,55) и типичных (2,17) черноземах, Mn — в темно-серых лесных почвах (2,04); Pb равномерно распределен в профиле почв и аккумулируется в профиле серых лесных (1,24) и темно-каштановых (0,94) почв; Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr накапливаются в верхнем пахотном горизонте; Fe и Mn мигрируют в нижележащие слои почвы.

FEATURES OF TRACE ELEMENTS ACCUMULATION IN VACCINIUM VITIS-IDAEA LEAVES IN THE LIGHT-CONIFEROUS FORESTS OF IKATSKIY RANGE (BAIKAL REGION)

The aim of our study was to determine the trace elements content (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Co, and Cd) in Vaccinium vitis-idaea leaves grown in the light-coniferous forests of Ikatskiy range. Element content was measured by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS,AAnalyst 400 PerkinElmer). Results obtained indicated that the metals concentrations in the leaves ranged from 0,05 (Cd) to 576 (Mn) ppm. The row of the elements accumulation in the leaves is: Mn &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt;Ni ≥ Co &gt;Cd.According to the coefficients of accumulation leaves acted as accumulators of Mn, Cu, Zn (CA &gt; 1) and excluders of Fe, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Cd (CA &lt; 1). Significant correlations were found between content acid-soluble forms Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu in the soil and leaves (r = 0,48–0,76). The toxic trace element (Pb, Cd) analysis demonstrated that their content was safe for human consumption.

Acute toxicity, 28-day repeated-dose toxicity and toxicokinetic study of timosaponin BII in rats

Timosaponin BII (TBII), a major steroidal saponin isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge., displays a variety of promising pharmacological activities, such as neuroprotection, enhancement of learning and memory, vascular protection and inhibition of platelet aggregation; therefore, it has been developed as a pharmaceutical for prevention or treatment of dementia. Given the safety concerns surrounding timosaponins and the absence of studies on the safety of TBII, the potential toxicity of TBII was evaluated in toxicity and toxicokinetic studies in rats. In the acute oral toxicity study, loose stools were observed in rats receiving 4000 mg/kg, and the symptoms recovered within 1 day. In the 28-day repeated-dose oral toxicity and toxicokinetic study, rats receiving 540 mg/kg showed loose stools and a slight deceleration of body weight growth in both sexes, and the females also showed a slight decrease in food consumption. Moreover, urinalysis indicated reversible treatment-related toxicity in rats receiving 540 mg/kg. The toxicokinetic study demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in systematic exposure to TBII after 28 successive days of oral treatment with TBII. The accumulation coefficients of TBII were 4.35, 1.70 and 1.81, respectively, in rats that received 60, 180 and 540 mg/kg. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) is proposed to be 180 mg/kg.

Environmental Status of Kam’yanske Reservoir (Ukraine)

Abstract Environmental status of Kam’yanske reservoir (47°55′51.6″N 33°46′08.4″E) as one of the small water bodies belonging to southeast Ukraine was investigated. The integrated environmental assessment based on the quality indices of salt content, trophic–saprobiological indicators and specific toxic water indicators of Kam’yanske reservoir are characterised as ‘satisfactory’ and ‘slightly polluted’. Defined bottom accumulation coefficient (BAC) shows continuing heavy metals enlargement in the upper layer of the bottom sediments and chronic pollution in ecosystem. The content of heavy metals in the muscles of industrial fish in the researched pond did not exceed maximal allowed concentration (MAC) for fish as food according to Ukrainian standards. Accumulation of heavy metals in fish was due to the peculiarities of their ways of nutrition and existing. The total contents of heavy metals in common carp was almost twice as large compared to other fish. The maximum accumulation rates set for fish muscles of essential elements – zinc and iron.