Hydrocarbon Profiles Research Articles

The Biodegradation for Two Kinds of Crude Oils by the Action of Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus flavus

The results showed that two fungi used in this research had positive and effective role in biodegradation of Kirkuk mid crude oil and Al-Qayarah heavy crude oil. Synergism between F.moniliforme and A.flavus was able to biodegrade hydrocarbons of Kirkuk mid crude oil by percent 86.6% then A.flavus could biodegrade the same crude oil by percent 85.3% where's F.moniliforme at third stage by percent 68.6%.
 But the percent of biodegradation of Al-Qayarah heavy crude oil, showed that synergim could biodegrade by percent 81.05%. A.flavus by percent 78.9% but F. moniliforme by percent 65.4%.
 From the results of viable counts for the two grown fungi on the two kinds of crude oil showed adaptation for new ecology and increase in 1st and 2nd weeks from growth but decrease the viable counts for two fungi in the 3rd., 4th. weeks of growth, analysis by gas-chromatography improved biodegradation the hydrocarbons of two kinds of crude oil by the action of two fungi used in this research.
 These two techniques produced another type for measured the profile oil hydrocarbons and disappeared many of peaks include components of crude oil which cleared through hydrocarbons profile before and after using two fungi as biotic analyzed factors, to affirmative results which cleared by weight as percent's in this research.

Plant–treehopper convergence may trick butterflies into trophic oviposition mistakes

AbstractOur research aimed to compare the chemical cues of treehoppers and host plants in two rare cases of herbivorous myrmecophilous butterflies laying eggs on treehoppers. Our hypothesis that the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of the treehoppers would resemble those of their host plants was confirmed.

Detection and Characterization of Gasoline based Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Different Materials by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) profile by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry were recently used for the identification of sources of contamination in environmental forensic investigations. In present study, an effort is given to utilize gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy to obtain PAHs profile that could help forensic scientist in selection of evidence at the scene of fire. In forensic laboratories, the main evidence received in fire burning cases are fire debris which consists of soil, wood, paper, cloth etc. as a piece of individual evidence or mixture. In fire investigation, the type of material collected from the crime scene affects the investigation hence present study focused on which type of material is more suitable while utilizing a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon as a source identifier. Total of nine different materials like paper, cardboard, foam, cloth, metal, hair, soil, meat and wood were selected and these are burned with gasoline in partial burning and complete burning conditions. Debris obtained sonicated at room temperature and concentration of 18 PAHs were determined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results obtained were analyzed with the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) technique to generate a profile of PAHs. It is concluded that partially burned samples provide more information about the use of ignitable liquid to commit the crime as compared to completely burned samples. The meat, hair, metal and soil material provide more information about the presence of ignitable liquid based on the 18 PAHs concentration profile.

Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiling by Fractionation and GC-MS in Socially Parasitic Ants.

Ants use cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) as a semiochemical for recognizing their nestmates. For socially parasitic ants, deceiving the CHC is an important survival strategy. Profiling and quantifying CHC is a potent approach to understanding such nestmate discrimination behavior. Thus, a highly efficient, stable, and reproducible extraction method for CHC is essential for this purpose. This paper describes a method for socially parasitic ants to disguise the host species' CHC profile under laboratory conditions, as well as the extraction and measurement of CHC from ants (from a previous study). First, the artificial isotopic substance is applied to the host worker; then, the socially parasitic ant disguises the host-like CHC profile against the above host worker. Next, the CHC is extracted and fractionated from a socially parasitic ant using hexane and silica gel. After concentrating the fractionated product, this product is then used for measurement by gas chromatographymass spectrometry (GC-MS). The CHC extraction protocol described in this paper may be used for various ant species.

Commercial photocatalyst changes the behavior of Formica pratensis and Formica polyctena

Commercial titania modified the behavior of ants by changing their cuticular hydrocarbon profile composition through photocatalytic oxidation.

Evidence for a chemical arms race between cuckoo wasps of the genus Hedychrum and their distantly related host apoid wasps

BackgroundBrood parasites can exert strong selection pressure on their hosts. Many brood parasites escape their detection by mimicking sensory cues of their hosts. However, there is little evidence whether or not the hosts are able to escape the parasites’ mimicry by changing these cues. We addressed this question by analyzing cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of Cerceris and Philanthus wasps and their brood parasites, cuckoo wasps mimicking the CHC profiles of their hosts. Some of these hosts use hydrocarbons to preserve their prey against fungal infestation and thus, they cannot significantly change their CHC composition in response to chemical mimicry by Hedychrum brood parasites.ResultsWe found that the CHC overlap between brood parasites and their hosts was lower in case of host wasps not preserving their prey than in case of prey-preserving host wasps, whose CHC evolution is constrained. Furthermore, the CHC profiles in non-preserving host wasps is more strongly diversified in females than in males, thus in the sex that is chemically mimicked by brood parasites.ConclusionOur results provide evidence for a chemical arms race between those hosts that are liberated from stabilizing selection on their chemical template and their parasites.

Real-Time Investigation of Primary Ship Engine Emissions by Vacuum Resonance-Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization High-Resolution Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry.

The comprehensive chemical description of air pollution is a prerequisite for understanding atmospheric transformation processes and effects on climate and environmental health. In this study, a prototype vacuum photoionization Orbitrap mass spectrometer was evaluated for field-suitability by an online on-site investigation of emissions from a ship diesel engine. Despite remote measurements in a challenging environment, the mass spectrometric performance could fully be exploited. Due to the high resolution and mass accuracy in combination with resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization, the aromatic hydrocarbon profile could selectively and sensitively be analyzed. Limitations from commonly deployed time-of-flight platforms could be overcome, allowing to unraveling the oxygen- and sulfur-containing compounds. Scan-by-scan evaluation of the online data revealed no shift in exact m/z, assignment statistics with root mean square error (RMSE) below 0.2 ppm, continuous high-resolution capabilities, and good isotopic profile matches. Emissions from three different feed fuels were investigated, namely, diesel, heavy fuel oil (HFO), and very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO). Regulations mainly concern the fuel sulfur content, and thus, exhaust gas treatment or new emerging fuels, such as the cycle-oil-based VLSFO, can legally be applied. Unfortunately, despite lower CHS-class emissions, a substantial amount of PAHs is emitted by the VLSFO with higher aromaticity compared to the HFO. Hence, legislative measures might need to take further chemical criteria into account.

Characterisation of bio-oil extracted from microalgae Botryococcus sp. biomass grown in domestic and food processing wastewaters for valuable hydrocarbon production

Microalgae cultivation for biofuels feedstock and value-added chemicals is a sustainable approach to renewable energy generation development. This study aims to establish a detailed hydrocarbon profile for freshwater green microalgae oil extracted from local Botryococcus sp. biomass cultivated using domestic wastewater (DW) and food processing wastewater (FW). The cultivation experiment was conducted using an enclosed photobioreactor in triplicate for 18 days under an outdoor condition. Microalgae bio-oil was extracted by employing the Soxhlet extraction method (EPA 9071B), and the various potential hydrocarbon characterisations were obtained using GC-MS analysis. The extracted microalgae oil content was higher when Botryococcus sp. was cultivated in DW (70.7%) compared to FW (53.1%) as a culture medium. The GC-MS analysis found that Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl) -(C14H22O), contributed the highest peak percentage (29.6%) of the total hydrocarbon compounds when utilised DW as a culture medium. Meanwhile, Hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester (C17H34O2) was found as the major compound revealed from Botryococcus sp. that grew in FW with 41% of peak total hydrocarbon. Both wastewater types show potential for cultivating Botryococcus sp. for hydrocarbon production and may serve as environmentally friendly feedstocks for biofuels and chemical ingredients in many industries.

Geographical Variation of Cuticular Hydrocarbon Profiles of Adult Flies and Empty Puparia Amongst Three Populations of Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Blowflies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are of great importance in forensic entomology and in determining the minimum post-mortem interval, as they may be the first group of insects to colonize decomposing remains. Reliable species identification is an essential prerequisite. Classically, morphological characters or DNA sequences are used for this purpose. However, depending on the species and the condition of the specimen, this can be difficult, e.g., in the case of empty fly puparia. Recent studies have shown that cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles are species-specific in necrophagous taxa and represent another promising tool for identification. However, the population-specific variability of these substances as a function of e.g., local climatic parameters has not yet been sufficiently investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the geographical variation of CHC profiles of the blowfly Calliphora vicina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) depending on different countries of origin. Flies were reared in the United Kingdom, Germany, and Turkey in common garden experiments under ambient conditions. CHC profiles of the resulting adult flies and their empty puparia were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data were visualized by principal component analysis and clustered by population. The populations of the United Kingdom and Germany, both having similar climates and being geographically close to each other, showed greater similarities in CHC profiles. However, the CHC profile of the Turkish population, whose climate is significantly different from the other two populations, was very different. Our study confirms the high potential of CHC analysis in forensic entomology but highlights the need to investigate geographical variability in chemical profiles.

The effect of temperature on hydrocarbon profiles and the microbial community composition in North Saskatchewan River water during mesoscale tank tests of diluted bitumen spills

Despite many studies of diluted bitumen (DB) behavior during spills in saltwater, limited information is available on DB behavior in fresh water. This study examined the collective weathering processes on changes of fresh DB spilled in the North Saskatchewan River water and sediment mixture in a mesoscale spill tank under average air/water temperatures of 14 °C/15 °C and 6 °C/2 °C. Temporal changes of the hydrocarbon and microbial community compositions in the water column were assessed during the two 35-day tests under intermittent wave action. The contents of total organic carbon (TOC), benzene/toluene/ethylbenzene/xylenes (BTEX) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water decreased with time during both tests. The final contents remained at higher values in warm water (15 °C) than in cold water (2 °C) after the collective weathering processes. A quick response of the main phyla, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, was observed, where the members of Proteobacteria enriched during both DB spills. In contrast, the members of Actinobacteria reduced with time. The microbial shifts coincided with the changes of PAHs in the waters at both temperatures. A comparison of the physical properties and chemical compositions of fresh and weathered DBs at both temperatures showed that the oil had undergone weathering that increased oil density and viscosity due to losing the light oil fraction with boiling points < 204 °C and emulsifying with water. This corresponded to losses of 19.0 wt% and 17.2 wt% of the fresh DB at 15 °C and 2 °C tests, respectively. For organic compounds in the DB with boiling points > 204 °C, there were small losses of saturates and 2- & 3-ring PAH aromatics (more during the 15 °C test than the 2 °C test), and negligible losses in the subfractions of resins and asphaltenes by the ends of the tests. <1.0 wt% of the DB was recovered from the bottom sediment, regardless of the temperature.

Investigations of the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Elemental Profile of Smoked Fish.

Fish are vulnerable to environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metals. As one of the most commonly applied processing methods, the smoking of different species has been applied globally. Hence, this study aims to investigate the smoking process on the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and elemental accumulation of the five different species (rainbow trout, Atlantic bonito, horse mackerel, sea bass, and Atlantic bluefin tuna) which are commonly processed and traded in the smoked fish industry. The processing yield, water holding capacity, and pH were also investigated. The results revealed that the proximal differences among fish species influence the water holding capacity, processing yield, and pH which are very important for process sustainability and the quality of the end product. The main finding was the proximal composition impact on the accumulation of both PAHs and heavy metals at different levels. While all of the tested samples were below the maximum permissible limit, some of the heavy metals, especially toxic elements, were found above the acceptable limit. Horse mackerel is determined to be the species most vulnerable to PAHs and heavy metal accumulation.

HYDROCARBON PROFILE AND HEAVY METAL LEVELS OF EDE-ONYIMA LAKE IN OKARKI-ENGENNI, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Freshwater quality is deteriorating as a result of ongoing threats from both anthropogenic and natural sources, resulting in an overall loss of ecological integrity petroleum hydrocarbon profiles and heavy metals (Mg, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were determined in water samples collected at six sampling sites in Ede Onyima lake, Okarki-Engenni, Rivers State, Nigeria using gas chromatography, flame ionization detector, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Results showed that total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) varied from (0.27 -252.20 mg/L) with mean : 77.30 mg/L; Total hydrocarbon content (0.43 - 347.70 mg/L) with mean : 97.97 mg/L; Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene (9.00E-04- 6.60 mg/L) with mean : 0.11mg/L; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (0.16- 3.51mg/L) with mean : 1.93mg/L. The heavy metal results showed Mg (1.11- 8.67mg/L) with mean : 2.87 mg/L; Fe (0.13 - 20.73mg/L) with mean : 7.29mg/L; Mn (0.001- 5.92 mg/L) with mean : 1.69 mg/L; Pb (0.06 - 0.06 mg/L) with mean : 0.06 mg/kg; Cu (6.33E-04- 0.31 mg/L) with mean : 0.07mg/L; Zn (9.90E-04- 0.38 mg/L) with mean : 0.08 mg/L; Ni (0.04 - 0.04 mg/L) with mean : 0.04 mg/L; Cd and Cr were less than 0.01 mg/L. The CWQI was used to capture the overall spatial and temporal trends in water quality in the Ede Onyima lake. The results showed that while PAHs and Fe exceeded guideline values and failed 100% of the time. The large magnitude of F3 is as a result of varying degrees of failure of Mn, Fe, THC, TPH, and PAHs, all of which exceeded regulatory thresholds by several magnitudes. Furthermore, the flood event had a significant effect on the quality of the water, remobilizing pollutants' availability while washing away legacy contaminated streambed deposits during baseflow.

Regulation of organic hydrocarbon pollutants in coal volatiles combustion with CO2 addition

Considering the important effect of coal volatiles combustion on coal-fired organic pollutants formation, coal pyrolysis gas was selected as fuel in this work. Spatial profiles of light hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons in counterflow diffusion flames (CDFs) were detected by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, combined with chemical reaction kinetic analysis. As the main component of exhaust gas, CO2 could significantly affect hydrocarbons formation in flames. By adding CO2 to the oxidizer of CDF, the regulation of CO2 addition on organic products during coal pyrolysis gas combustion was studied. The results showed that the dilution/thermal and chemical effects of CO2 all decreased the mole fractions of H, thereby inhibiting the formation of acetylene (C2H2), propargyl (C3H3), propyne (PC3H4), 1,3-butadiene, vinylacetylene, diacetylene, benzene (C6H6), toluene and naphthalene in the flame. With CO2 addition, the path from C2H2 to PC3H4 was inhibited, and less C3H3 formed C6H6 through self-recombination, while more favored to form C6H6 through fulvene. Decrease in the concentration of above-mentioned soot precursors indicated that adding CO2 could effectively inhibit the emission of organic pollutants during coal combustion process.

Iterative analysis of metabolic modulation in the cyanobacterium Aphanizomenon flos-aquae 2012 KM1/D3 upon nitric oxide synthase derived NO induction

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in mammals is recognized for its essentialities in several metabolism including blood vascular relaxation and nerves transmission etc. yet their functionalities in prokaryotes are largely unknown. Our study aimed to evaluate the putative role of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) derived nitric oxide (NO) during oxidative burst in the cyanobacterium, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae 2012/KM1/D3. Here, the accumulation of NO was dramatically reduced upon NOS inhibitor L-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) supplementation, exhibiting significant NO synthesis by NOS, whereas addition of L-arginine increase NOS derived NO in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, the reduction in the growth and metabolic activities of the cyanobacterium were evident upon L-NAME treatment that possibly pertained to decline in photopigments, PSII efficiency, loss in membrane integrity and DNA damage due to oxidative burst which culminated into cell death. Besides, the increment in carbohydrates and lipid content ensued with a decrease in protein content, indicating gluconeogenesis. Additionally, NOS inhibition disrupted the fatty acid and hydrocarbon profile, suggesting diminished membrane fluidity and cell integrity. However, higher content of flavonoids, phenolics, thiols and proline in L-NAME treated cells was also observed. Furthermore, L-arginine supplementation enhanced pigment content, photosynthetic efficiency, and reduced oxidative stress, thereby enhancing cyanobacterial growth. Further, L-arginine supplementation maintained Asc/DHAsc and GSH/GSSG ratio, conferred redox homeostasis. These results suggest that the NOS activity plays a critical role in protecting cyanobacteria from oxidative burst, maintaining their physiological balance.

Variation in contact chemical cues may mediate differential predator response in the colour polymorphic tortoise beetle,Chelymorpha alternans

AbstractDifferential predation on species with intraspecific colour variation has been explored in various systems and is often implicated as the driving force behind colour polymorphism maintenance.Here, investigation done on whether predation contributes to the maintenance of extensive colour variation in the Neotropical tortoise beetle,Chelymorpha alternans(Chrysomelidae). Recorded predation rates on different colour pattern phenotypes by three common, generalist invertebrate predators, and identified potential chemical signals of unpalatability.Predaceious mantids (Orthoptera, Mantidae) consumed no beetles, regardless of phenotype, whereas the giant orb‐weaving spider (Trichonephila clavipes; Araneidae) consumed all three beetle phenotypes. The carton‐nest ant,Azteca chartifex(Formicidae), displayed differential predation; the rufipennis phenotype ofC. alternanswas sometimes consumed, the metallic phenotype was never consumed, and the veraguensis phenotype was consumed in the first three encounters and subsequently discarded, suggesting a learned avoidance behaviour.Using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, it was determined that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles were similar between the metallic and militaris‐a phenotypes. The rufipennis phenotype showed pronounced differences and displayed the greatest among‐individual variation in elytral cuticular profiles.Between‐phenotype variation in chemical cues, and differences in how predators receive those cues, may mediate predator response, and play a role in maintaining colour variation in this species.

Trophic specialization of a newly described spider ant symbiont, Myrmecicultor chihuahuensis (Araneae: Myrmecicultoridae)

The spider Myrmecicultor chihuahuensis Ramírez, Grismado & Ubick (Myrmecicultoridae) was described in 2019 and hypothesized to be a myrmecophile, living inside the nests of Novomessor (Myrmicinae) and perhaps also Pogonomyrmex (Myrmicinae) ants. To test the hypothesis that M. chihuahuensis are chemical mimics of their host ants, we carried out behavioral bioassays to observe interactions between the spiders and the host ants. We compared the cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles of the spiders and the ants. We discovered that this new species of spider is a myrmecophage, displaying hunting strategies similar to other myrmecophagous spiders, particularly those in the genus Zodarion Walckenaer, 1826 (Zodariidae). The CHC profile of M. chihuahuensis did not match the profile of the ants with which it associates, Novomessor albisetosus (Mayr), but ants and spider shared several compounds, potentially involved in species recognition.

Ontogeny can provide insight into the roles of natural and sexual selection in cricket cuticular hydrocarbon evolution.

The often complex cocktails of hydrocarbon compounds found on the cuticles of insects can serve both naturally and sexually selected functions, contributing to an individual's ability to withstand water loss and attract mating partners. However, whether natural and sexual selection act synergistically or antagonistically on a species' cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profile remains unclear. Here, we examined the ontogeny of the CHC profile in a species of cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus, while manipulating humidity during development. We predicted that juvenile crickets should produce only those compounds that contribute to desiccation resistance, while those compounds contributing specifically to male attractiveness should be produced only at sexual maturity. Further, if attractive CHCs come at a cost to desiccation resistance as predicted by some models of sexual selection, then males reared under low humidity should be constrained to invest less in attractive CHCs. Crickets reared under low humidity produced more long-chain methyl-branched alkanes, alkenes and alkadienes than did crickets reared under high humidity. The abundance of n-alkanes was unaffected by humidity treatment. Sexual dimorphism in the CHC profile was not apparent until adult emergence and became exaggerated 10 days after emergence, when crickets were sexually mature. Males produced more of the same compounds that were increased in both sexes under low humidity, but the humidity treatment did not interact with sex in determining CHC abundance. The data suggest that CHC profiles which protect crickets from desiccation might have synergistic effects on male attractiveness, as there was no evidence to suggest males trade-off a CHC profile produced in response to low humidity for one associated with sexual signalling.

Effect of solvent extraction time on the hydrocarbon profile of Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and behavioural effects of 9-pentacosene and dodecane

Hydrocarbons play a major role in the life cycle of insects. Their composition and concentration can be affected by several factors. Hydrocarbons are biosynthesized in oenocytes and subsequently transported to the cuticle of insects, such as Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae). As the extraction procedure markedly affects the type and amount of hydrocarbon obtained we determined the association between the time taken to extract the maximum amounts of these compounds and the behaviour of D. suzukii. The required extraction time to reach a steady state is different for each hydrocarbon, which in most cases is more than one hour. On the other hand, if the entire hydrocarbon profile of D. suzukii needs to be investigated, extraction times significantly longer than one hour were required. By extending the extraction time 5 additional hydrocarbons were detected in D. suzukii for the first time. One of them, dodecane proved to be repulsive to D. suzukii. In addition, it took 3 h of extraction to determine the maximum value of 9-pentacosene, which is responsible for triggering mating behaviour in D. suzukii.

Species recognition limits mating between hybridizing ant species.

Identifying mechanisms limiting hybridization is a central goal of speciation research. Here, we studied premating and postmating barriers to hybridization between two ant species, Formica selysi and Formica cinerea. These species hybridize in the Rhône valley in Switzerland, where they form a mosaic hybrid zone, with limited introgression from F. selysi into F. cinerea. There was no sign of temporal isolation between the two species in the production of queens and males. With choice experiments, we showed that queens and males strongly prefer to mate with conspecifics. Yet, we did not detect postmating barriers caused by genetic incompatibilities. Specifically, hybrids of all sexes and castes were found in the field and F1 hybrid workers did not show reduced viability compared to nonhybrid workers. To gain insights into the cues involved in species recognition, we analyzed the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) of queens, males, and workers and staged dyadic encounters between workers. CHC profiles differed markedly between species, but were similar in F. cinerea and hybrids. Accordingly, workers also discriminated species, but they did not discriminate F. cinerea and hybrids. We discuss how the CHC‐based recognition system of ants may facilitate the establishment of premating barriers to hybridization, independent of hybridization costs.

Pathogenic fungus uses volatiles to entice male flies into fatal matings with infected female cadavers.

To ensure dispersal, many parasites and pathogens behaviourally manipulate infected hosts. Other pathogens and certain insect-pollinated flowers use sexual mimicry and release deceptive mating signals. However, it is unusual for pathogens to rely on both behavioural host manipulation and sexual mimicry. Here, we show that the host-specific and behaviourally manipulating pathogenic fungus, Entomophthora muscae, generates a chemical blend of volatile sesquiterpenes and alters the profile of natural host cuticular hydrocarbons in infected female housefly (Musca domestica) cadavers. Healthy male houseflies respond to the fungal compounds and are enticed into mating with female cadavers. This is advantageous for the fungus as close proximity between host individuals leads to an increased probability of infection. The fungus exploits the willingness of male flies to mate and benefits from altering the behaviour of uninfected male host flies. The altered cuticular hydrocarbons and emitted volatiles thus underlie the evolution of an extended phenotypic trait.