Sulfide Oxidation Products Research Articles

Effect of fly ash addition on the removal of hydrogen sulfide from biogas and air on sewage sludge-based composite adsorbents

Desulfurization adsorbents were prepared from the mixtures of various compositions of New York City sewage sludge and fly ashes from SASOL, South Africa, by pyrolysis at 950 degrees C. The resulting materials were used as adsorbents of hydrogen sulfide from simulated dry digester gas mixture or moist air. The adsorbents before and after H(2)S removal were characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, elemental analysis, pH measurements, XRF, XRD, and thermal analysis. It was found that the addition of fly ash decreases the desulfurization capacity in comparison with the sewage sludge-based materials. The extent of this decrease depends on the type of ash, its content and the composition of challenging gas. Although the presence of CO(2) deactivates some adsorption sites to various degrees depending on the sample composition, the addition of ashes has a more detrimental effect when the adsorbents are used to remove hydrogen sulfide from air. This is likely the result of hydrophobicity of ashes since the H(2)S removal capacity was found to be strongly dependent on the reactivity towards water/water adsorption. On the other hand, the addition of ashes strongly decreases the porosity of materials where sulfur, as a product of hydrogen sulfide oxidation, can be stored.

Thiohalomonas denitrificans gen. nov., sp. nov. and Thiohalomonas nitratireducens sp. nov., novel obligately chemolithoautotrophic, moderately halophilic, thiodenitrifying Gammaproteobacteria from hypersaline habitats

A novel group of moderately halophilic, obligately chemolithoautotrophic, sulfur-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria was found in sediments of various inland hypersaline lakes and a solar saltern. These bacteria were enriched and isolated with thiosulfate as electron donor and nitrate as electron acceptor at 2 M NaCl. Ten isolates (HLD strains) were long non-motile rods. They grew anaerobically as complete denitrifiers, and aerobically under micro-oxic conditions. Sulfate was the final product of thiosulfate and sulfide oxidation, and nitrite and N(2)O were intermediates of nitrate reduction to N(2). The HLD strains grew optimally at pH 7.3-7.8, and at NaCl concentrations of 1.5-2.0 M. On the basis of phenotypic and genetic analysis, the moderately halophilic, thiodenitrifying isolates are proposed to be assigned to a new genus and species, Thiohalomonas denitrificans gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is HLD 2(T) (=DSM 15841(T)=UNIQEM U222(T) ). A single strain, HRhD 3sp(T), with vibrio-shaped cells, was obtained from a co-culture capable of complete denitrification of nitrate in the presence of either thiocyanate or thiosulfate as electron donor. It grew anaerobically with thiosulfate, reducing nitrate to nitrite, or under micro-oxic conditions at 1.0-2.5 M NaCl with an optimum at 1.0 M. Strain HRhD 3sp(T) was genetically related to the HLD strains at the level of a separate species and is described as Thiohalomonas nitratireducens sp. nov. The type strain is HRhD 3sp(T) (=DSM 16925(T)=UNIQEM U248(T)).

Influence of soil minerals on chromium(VI) reduction by sulfide under anoxic conditions

The effects of soil minerals on chromate (CrVIO42-, noted as Cr(VI)) reduction by sulfide were investigated in the pH range of 7.67 to 9.07 under the anoxic condition. The examined minerals included montmorillonite (Swy-2), illite (IMt-2), kaolinite (KGa-2), aluminum oxide (γ-Al2O3), titanium oxide (TiO2, P-25, primarily anatase), and silica (SiO2). Based on their effects on Cr(VI) reduction, these minerals were categorized into three groups: (i) minerals catalyzing Cr(VI) reduction – illite; (ii) minerals with no effect – Al2O3; and (iii) minerals inhibiting Cr(VI) reduction- kaolinite, montmorillonite, SiO2 and TiO2 . The catalysis of illite was attributed primarily to the low concentration of iron solubilized from the mineral, which could accelerate Cr(VI) reduction by shuttling electrons from sulfide to Cr(VI). Additionally, elemental sulfur produced as the primary product of sulfide oxidation could further catalyze Cr(VI) reduction in the heterogeneous system. Previous studies have shown that adsorption of sulfide onto elemental sulfur nanoparticles could greatly increase sulfide reactivity towards Cr(VI) reduction. Consequently, the observed rate constant, kobs, increased with increasing amounts of both iron solubilized from illite and elemental sulfur produced during the reaction. The catalysis of iron, however, was found to be blocked by phenanthroline, a strong complexing agent for ferrous iron. In this case, the overall reaction rate at the initial stage of reaction was pseudo first order with respect to Cr(VI), i.e., the reaction kinetics was similar to that in the homogeneous system, because elemental sulfur exerted no effect at the initial stage prior to accumulation of elemental sulfur nanoparticles. In the suspension of kaolinite, which belonged to group (iii), an inhibitive effect to Cr(VI) reduction was observed and subsequently examined in more details. The inhibition was due to the sorption of elemental sulfur onto kaolinite, which reduced or completely eliminated the catalytic effect of elemental sulfur, depending on kaolinite concentration. This was consistent with the observation that the catalysis of externally added elemental sulfur (50 μM) on Cr(VI) reduction would disappear with a kaolinite concentration of more than 5.0 g/L. In kaolinite suspension, the overall reaction rate law was:-d[Cr(VI)]/dt = kobs[H+]2[Cr(VI)][HS-]0.70

Verification of the “first flush” phenomenon in mine water from coal mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland

Case studies of Grodziec and Siersza mines in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin confirm that mine water accumulating in and overflowing from abandoned coal mines is subject to a “first flush” phenomenon. The accumulated products of sulphide oxidation are dissolved in the rising mine water and flushed out at concentrations several times those observed during mine operation. Following the first overflow, sulphate concentration and hydrogen ion activity decay exponentially. In the case of workings in Siersza, decay constants of − 0.003 to − 0.005 day − 1 are observed, corresponding to flushing times of 480 to 820 days, some 10–20 times the period required for the workings to flood. Quantities of leachable sulphur in the abandoned workings of 0.02–0.03% are adequate to explain the observed concentrations of sulphate in the first flush, and this figure is tentatively supported by laboratory analyses.

Influence of arsenic on iron sulfide transformations

The association of arsenate, As(V), and arsenite, As(III), with disordered mackinawite, FeS, was studied in sulfide-limited (Fe:S = 1:1) and excess-sulfide (Fe:S = 1:2) batch experiments. In the absence of arsenic, the sulfide-limited experiments produce disordered mackinawite while the excess-sulfide experiments yield pyrite with trace amounts of mackinawite. With increasing initially added As(V) concentrations the transformation of FeS to mackinawite and pyrite is retarded. At S:As = 1:1 and 2:1, elemental sulfur and green rust are the end products. As(V) oxidizes S(-II) in FeS and (or) in solution to S(0), and Fe(II) in the solid phase to Fe(III). Increasing initially added As(III) concentrations inhibit the transformation of FeS to mackinawite and pyrite and no oxidation products of FeS or sulfide, other than pyrite, were observed. At low arsenic concentrations, sorption onto the FeS surface may be the reaction controlling the uptake of arsenic into the solid phase. Inhibition of iron(II) sulfide transformations due to arsenic sorption suggests that the sorption sites are crucial not only as sorption sites, but also in iron(II) sulfide transformation mechanisms.

Catalysis of Dissolved and Adsorbed Iron in Soil Suspension for Chromium(VI) Reduction by Sulfide

The kinetics of Cr(VI) reduction by sulfide in soil suspensions with various pHs, soil compositions, and Fe(II) concentrations was examined using batch anaerobic experimental systems at constant temperature. The results showed that the reaction rate of Cr(VI) reduction was in the order of red soil < yellow-brown soil < chernozem and was proportional to the concentration of HCl-extractable iron in the soils. Dissolved and adsorbed iron in soil suspensions played an important role in accelerating Cr(VI) reduction. The reaction involved in the Cr(VI) reduction by Fe(II) to produce Fe(III), which was reduced to Fe(II) again by sulfide, could represent the catalytic pathway until about 70% of the initially present Cr(VI) was reduced. The catalysis occurred because the one-step reduction of Cr(VI) by sulfide was slower than the two-step process consisting of rapid Cr(VI) reduction by Fe(II) followed by Fe(III) reduction by sulfide. In essence, Fe(II)/Fe(III) species shuttle electrons from sulfide to Cr(VI), facilitating the reaction. The effect of iron, however, could be completely blocked by adding a strong Fe(II)-complexing ligand, 1,10-phenanthroline, to the soil suspensions. In all the experiments, initial sulfide concentration was much higher than initial Cr(VI) concentration. The plots of In c[Cr(VI)] versus reaction time were linear up to approximately 70% of Cr(VI) reduction, suggesting a first-order reaction kinetics with respect to Cr(VI). Elemental sulfur, the product of sulfide oxidation, was found to accelerate Cr(VI) reduction at a later stage of the reaction, resulting in deviation from linearity for the In c[Cr(VI)] versus time plots.

Microbial fuel cell energy from an ocean cold seep

ABSTRACTBenthic microbial fuel cells are devices that generate modest levels of electrical power in seafloor environments by a mechanism analogous to the coupled biogeochemical reactions that transfer electrons from organic carbon through redox intermediates to oxygen. Two benthic microbial fuel cells were deployed at a deep‐ocean cold seep within Monterey Canyon, California, and were monitored for 125 days. Their anodes consisted of single graphite rods that were placed within microbial mat patches of the seep, while the cathodes consisted of carbon‐fibre/titanium wire brushes attached to graphite plates suspended ∼0.5 m above the sediment. Power records demonstrated a maximal sustained power density of 34 mW·m−2 of anode surface area, equating to 1100 mW m−2 of seafloor. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of microbial biofilms that formed on the electrode surfaces revealed changes in microbial community composition along the anode as a function of sediment depth and surrounding geochemistry. Near the sediment surface (20–29 cm depth), the anodic biofilm was dominated by micro‐organisms closely related to Desulfuromonas acetoxidans. At horizons 46–55 and 70–76 cm below the sediment–water interface, clone libraries showed more diverse populations, with increasing representation of δ‐proteobacteria such as Desulfocapsa and Syntrophus, as well as ɛ‐proteobacteria. Genes from phylotypes related to Pseudomonas dominated the cathode clone library. These results confound ascribing a single electron transport role performed by only a few members of the microbial community to explain energy harvesting from marine sediments. In addition, the microbial fuel cells exhibited slowly decreasing current attributable to a combination of anode passivation and sulfide mass transport limitation. Electron micrographs of fuel cell anodes and laboratory experiments confirmed that sulfide oxidation products can build up on anode surfaces and impede electron transfer. Thus, while cold seeps have the potential to provide more power than neighbouring ocean sediments, the limits of mass transport as well as the proclivity for passivation must be considered when developing new benthic microbial fuel cell designs to meet specific power requirements.

Kinetics and Stoichiometry of Aerobic Sulfide Oxidation in Wastewater from Sewers—Effects of pH and Temperature

Kinetics and stoichiometry of aerobic chemical and biological sulfide oxidation in wastewater from sewer networks were studied. In this respect, the effects of temperature and pH were investigated in the ranges 10 to 20 degrees C and 5 to 9, respectively. The temperature dependency of sulfide oxidation kinetics was described using an Arrhenius relationship. The effect of pH on the rate of chemical sulfide oxidation is related to the dissociation of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to hydrogen sulfide ion (HS(-)), with HS(-) being more readily oxidized than H2S. Biological sulfide oxidation exhibited the highest rates at ambient wastewater pH, and the reaction was inhibited at both low and high pH values. Chemical sulfide oxidation was found to produce thiosulfate and sulfate, while elemental sulfur was the main product of biological sulfide oxidation. Based on the investigations, general rate equations and stoichiometric constants were determined, enabling the processes to be incorporated to conceptual sewer process models.

Seasonal variations in the composition of mine drainage-contaminated groundwater in Dalarna, Sweden

Groundwater down-gradient from a mine rock dump in Dalarna, Sweden was sampled from the onset of snowmelt runoff (April) until October in order to investigate seasonal variations in groundwater composition. The results demonstrate that considerable variation in solute concentration (Al, Cu, Fe, SO 4 2−, Zn) and acidity occurs in groundwater; the greatest change in solute concentrations occurs during the melting of the snow cover, when sulfide oxidation products are flushed from the rock dump. During this period, groundwater flow is concentrated near the soil surface with an estimated velocity of 1 m/day. Groundwater acidity varied by a factor of four closest to the rock dump during the sampling period, but these variations were attenuated with distance from the rock dump. Over a distance of 145 m, groundwater pH increases from 2.5 to 4.0 and acidity decreases from 3–13 to 0.8–1.1 meq/L, which is the combined effect of ferric iron precipitation and aluminosilicate weathering. As a result of flushing from the upper soil horizons, peaks in total organic carbon and ammonium concentrations in groundwater are observed at the end of snowmelt. In soils impacted by acidic surface runoff, the sequential extraction of C horizon soils indicates the accumulation of Cu in well-crystallized iron oxyhydroxides in the upper C horizon, while Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn accumulate in a well-crystallized iron oxyhydroxide hardpan that has formed 2.5m below the ground surface. Surface complexation modeling demonstrates that SO 4 2− and Cu adsorb to the abundant iron oxyhydroxides at pH < 4, while Zn adsorption in this pH range is minimal.

Evaluation of long-term sulfide oxidation processes within pyrrhotite-rich tailings, Lynn Lake, Manitoba

Oxidation reactions have depleted sulfide minerals in the shallow tailings and have generated sulfate- and metal-rich pore water throughout the East Tailings Management Area (ETMA) at Lynn Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Information concerning the tailings geochemistry and mineralogy suggest the sulfide oxidation processes have reached an advanced stage in the area proximal to the point of tailings discharge. In contrast, the distal tailings, or slimes area, have a higher moisture content close to the impoundment surface, thereby impeding the ingress of oxygen and limiting sulfide oxidation. Numerical modelling of sulfide oxidation indicates the maximum rate of release for sulfate, Fe, and Ni occurred shortly after tailings deposition ceased. Although the sulfide minerals have been depleted in the very shallow tailings, the modelling suggests that sulfide oxidation will continue for hundreds and possibly thousands of years. The combination of sulfide minerals, principally pyrrhotite, that is susceptible to weathering processes and the relatively dry, coarse-grained nature of the tailings have resulted in the formation of a massive-hardpan layer in the proximal area of the ETMA. Because extensive accumulations of secondary oxyhydroxides of ferric iron are already present, remediation strategies for the ETMA should focus on mitigating the release of sulfide oxidation products rather than on preventing further oxidation.

Photometric and Gas-Chromatographic Determination of Hydrogen Peroxide and Peroxybutanoic Acid in Oxidized Butanoic Acid

Procedures were developed for determining hydrogen peroxide and peroxy acids mixed with peroxide compounds of other classes in the oxidation products of butanoic acid with atmospheric oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. Conditions were found for the selective decomposition of hydrogen peroxide with catalase in the presence of an excess of the carboxylic acid deactivating the enzyme. The errors introduced by the acylation of hydrogen peroxide with the carboxylic acid in the course of sample treatment with the enzyme were eliminated by adding diphenyl sulfide or dimethyl sulfoxide, which selectively reduced the peroxy acids. The concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and the peroxy acid were found from the difference between the total concentration of the peroxide compounds before and after treating a sample with catalase and a sulfur-containing reagent by the photometric method using a reagent containing Fe2+ ions and N, N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine. Peroxy acids were determined by GLC from the yields of the oxidation products of diphenyl sulfide with the peroxy acid (diphenyl sulfoxide and diphenyl sulfones).

Evaluation of redox indicators for determining sulfate-reducing and dechlorinating conditions

An in situ methodology based on covalently bonded redox indicators has been developed for determining when sulfate-reducing conditions exist in environmental samples. Three immobilized redox indicators [thionine (Thi, formal potential at pH 7 ( E 7 o ′ ) equals 52 mV), cresyl violet (CV, E 7 o ′ =−81 mV), and phenosafranine (PSaf, E 7 o ′ =−267 mV)] were tested for their response to sulfide in synthetic solutions and under sulfate-reducing conditions in wastewater slurries. The byproduct of the sulfate-reducing process, sulfide, was found to couple well to CV in the concentration range of 1–100 μM total sulfide ([S(-II)]) and the pH range of 6–8. Thi, the indicator with the highest formal potential, reacts rapidly with sulfide at levels well below 1 μM while PSaf, the indicator with the lowest formal potential, does not couple to sulfide at levels in excess of 100 μM [S(-II)]. The degree of reduction of the indicators (i.e., the fraction of cresyl violet oxidized) in contact with a given level of sulfide can be modeled qualitatively with an equilibrium expression for [S(-II)]-indicator based on the Nernst equation assuming that rhombic sulfur is the product of sulfide oxidation. In a groundwater sample with dechlorinating microbes, reduction of Thi and partial reduction of CV correlated with dechlorination of TCE to cis-DCE.

Catalysis of Elemental Sulfur Nanoparticles on Chromium(VI) Reduction by Sulfide under Anaerobic Conditions

Chromate (CrVI) reduction by sulfide was conducted in anaerobic batch experimental systems. The molar ratio of the reduced CrVI to the oxidized S(-II) was 1:1.5 during the reaction, suggesting that the product of sulfide oxidation was elemental sulfur. Under the anaerobic condition, the reaction was pseudo first order initially with respect to CrVI, but the rate was dramatically accelerated at the later stage of the reaction. The rate acceleration was due to catalysis by elemental sulfur nanoparticles; dissolved species such as monomeric elemental sulfur and polysulfides appeared to be ineffective catalysts. Elemental sulfur nanoparticles were capable of adsorbing sulfide and such adsorbed sulfide exhibited much higher reactivity toward CrVI reduction than the aqueous-phase sulfide, resulting in the observed rate acceleration. Kinetic data under various reactant concentrations can be represented by the following empirical kinetic equation: -d[CrVI]/dt = k1 [CrVI][H2S]0.63 + k3[CrVI][triple bond S--SH]0.57. The first term on the right-hand side corresponds to the noncatalytic pathway, with k1 = 1.0 x 10(-3) (microM)(-0.63) min(-1) at pH 7.60 and 8.2 x 10(-5) (microM)-0.63 min(-1) at pH 8.10. The second term, k3[CrVI][triple bond S--SH]b, is the catalytic term with [triple bond S--SH] representing the adsorbed concentration of sulfide on the elemental sulfur nanoparticles (microM). The catalytic term is more important at the later stage of the reaction, as indicated by the observed kinetics and the enhancement of the reaction rate by externally added elemental sulfur nanoparticles. At pH 8.10, k3 = 0.0057 (microM)(-0.57) min(-1).

Evolution of the aqueous geochemistry of mine pit lakes – Blanzy–Montceau-les-Mines coal basin (Massif Central, France): origin of sulfate contents; effects of stratification on water quality

The flooding of two mine pit lakes (Lake St. Louis and Lake Fouthiaux) situated in the Blanzy–Montceau-les-Mines coal basin (Massif Central, France) has been under close scrutiny for 5 a. The aim was to understand: (i) what sources can influence the lake water geochemistry; (ii) what is the role of lake stratification on water chemistry; (iii) how the lake water chemistry evolves during flooding. To answer these questions, T°, conductivity, pH and Eh depth profiles were measured with a specific probe (Seabird ®) in the lakes (seven surveys between July 1998 and February 2002). At the same time, water samples were collected every 5 m along the profiles and were analysed for Na +, Ca 2+, K +, Mg 2+, SO 4 2 - , NO 3 - , F −, Cl −, HCO 3 - , Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Cd and Mn. The geological and hydrogeological contexts play a major role on the water chemistry of the lakes and three sources of influence have been distinguished : (i) the contribution of underlying mine groundwater, enriched in SO 4 2 - , due to the leaching of sulfide oxidation products from old flooded underground works; (ii) the seepage through coal mine spoils also containing sulfides; (iii) to a lesser extent Triassic formations, containing gypsum, present in the Fouthiaux area, which lead to a SO 4 2 - enrichment of lake waters. All these influences result in an enrichment in SO 4 2 - , showing essentially a neutralised acid mine drainage process, that is characterised by neutral to slightly alkaline waters, and an absence of high metal contents (except for Fe and Mn) which are non soluble at the pH and Eh conditions present in the lakes. The two studied lakes were initially meromictic and ions such as SO 4 2 - or Mn can show high concentrations at depth, in the lake layers which are not subject to winter mixing. During the studied period, Lake St. Louis remained meromictic and non removed elements continue to have high concentrations in deep zones. In contrast, Lake Fouthiaux, initially meromictic, became holomictic with time and the bottom layer did not maintain the enrichment in SO 4 2 - , Mn, and other elements shown at the beginning.

Importance of submicron surface-active organic aerosols for pristine Arctic clouds

Recent results from summer measurement campaigns over the partly ice covered central Arctic Ocean show that thehigh Arctic aerosol has a larger organic fraction than previously thought.We use a Lagrangian parcel model to infer theproperties of the unexplained organic aerosol fraction that is necessary for reproducing the observed concentrations ofcloud condensation nuclei (CCN). With increasing distance from the open ocean a highly surface-active Aitken mode, associated with particles found in the open lead surface microlayer, becomes increasingly important for cloud dropletformation. The presence of such an Aitken mode population increases the high Arctic indirect aerosol effect (addedcooling) relative to just a marine source of CCN from oxidation products of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) released from phytoplankton.

Temporal variation in discharge chemistry and portal flow from the 8-Level adit, Lynx Mine, Myra Falls Operations, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

The Lynx mine, currently inactive, has produced copper and zinc concentrates from massive sulfide deposits on a lease within the rainy, mountainous interior of Vancouver Island. Tailings, used to back-fill a mined-out stope, are being leached by percolating groundwater and the resulting acidic, metal-laden drainage is discharging from the portal of the 8-Level adit. Temporal variations in the flow rate, specific conductance and temperature of the discharge were monitored continuously over a 2-year period while effluent chemistry was sampled weekly. Conductivity was relatively constant throughout most of the year but peaked with the first autumn storm events as accumulated soluble sulfide oxidation products were flushed from the workings. Concentrations of sulfate and most metals were closely correlated with conductivity as were low pH values as stored acidity was released along with dissolved species. Variations in pH controlled the speciation and partitioning of metals between dissolved and particulate phases.

Ferrihydrite-dependent growth of Sulfurospirillum deleyianum through electron transfer via sulfur cycling.

Observations in enrichment cultures of ferric iron-reducing bacteria indicated that ferrihydrite was reduced to ferrous iron minerals via sulfur cycling with sulfide as the reductant. Ferric iron reduction via sulfur cycling was investigated in more detail with Sulfurospirillum deleyianum, which can utilize sulfur or thiosulfate as an electron acceptor. In the presence of cysteine (0.5 or 2 mM) as the sole sulfur source, no (microbial) reduction of ferrihydrite or ferric citrate was observed, indicating that S. deleyianum is unable to use ferric iron as an immediate electron acceptor. However, with thiosulfate at a low concentration (0.05 mM), growth with ferrihydrite (6 mM) was possible and sulfur was cycled up to 60 times. Also, spatially distant ferrihydrite in agar cultures was reduced via diffusible sulfur species. Due to the low concentrations of thiosulfate, S. deleyianum produced only small amounts of sulfide. Obviously, sulfide delivered electrons to ferrihydrite with no or only little precipitation of black iron sulfides. Ferrous iron and oxidized sulfur species were produced instead, and the latter served again as the electron acceptor. These oxidized sulfur species have not yet been identified. However, sulfate and sulfite cannot be major products of ferrihydrite-dependent sulfide oxidation, since neither compound can serve as an electron acceptor for S. deleyianum. Instead, sulfur (elemental S or polysulfides) and/or thiosulfate as oxidized products could complete a sulfur cycle-mediated reduction of ferrihydrite.

MSA in Beijing aerosol

Methane sulphonate (MSA) and sulfate (SO 4 2- ), the main oxidation products of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), are the target of atmospheric chemistry study, as sulfate aerosol would have important impact on the global climate change. It is widely believed that DMS is mainly emitted from phytoplankton production in marine boundary layer (MBL), and MSA is usually used as the tracer of non-sea-salt sulfate (nss-SO 4 2- ) in marine and coastal areas (MSA/SO 4 2- = 1/18). Many observations of MSA were in marine and coastal aerosols. To our surprise, MSA was frequently (>60%) detected in Beijing TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 aerosols, even in the samples collected during the dust storm period. The concentrations of MSA were higher than those measured in marine aerosols. Factor analysis, correlation analysis and meteorology analysis indicated that there was no obvious marine influence on Beijing aerosols. DMS from terrestrial emissions and dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) from industrial wastes could be the two possible precursors of MSA. Warm and low-pressure air masses and long time radiation were beneficial to the formation of MSA. Anthropogenic pollution from regional and local sources might be the dominant contributor to MSA in Beijing aerosol. This was the first report of MSA in aerosols collected in an inland site in China. This new finding would lead to the further study on the balance of sulfur in inland cities and its global biogeochemical cycle.

The acid flux dynamics of two artificial drains in acid sulfate soil backswamps on the Clarence River floodplain, Australia

The export of acidity, iron, aluminium, and sulfate to an estuary from 2 drains in acid sulfate soil backswamps was monitored over 18 months. The backswamps had similar geomorphology, stratigraphy, and drainage density, and comparable soil and groundwater acidity. However, the flux rates, temporal dynamics, and export pathways of acid and other sulfide oxidation products varied greatly and were controlled to first order by (i) the saturated hydraulic conductivity (K) of sulfuric horizons and (ii) the tidally influenced groundwater gradients. The site with very high K and large tidally influenced groundwater gradients had high acid flux rates (5300 mol H+/ha.year), chronic acid discharge, high drain water acid and metal concentrations, and the primary flux pathway was direct groundwater seepage (interflow/bypass flow) to the drain. The site with lower K and smaller groundwater gradients displayed low acid flux rates (50 mol H+/ha.year), infrequent, highly episodic discharge, and the primary flux pathway was dilute surface runoff following dissolution of sulfide oxidation products accumulated on the soil surface. Importantly, the majority of acid export at both sites occurred while the backswamp groundwater level was within a very narrow elevation range.

Ectothiorhodosinus mongolicum gen. nov., sp. nov., a New Purple Bacterium from a Soda Lake in Mongolia

A new purple sulfur bacterium (strain M9) was isolated from the steppe soda Lake Dzun Uldziin Nur (pH 9.4; mineralization, 3.3%) situated in southeastern Mongolia. Individual cells appear as vibrios 0.3-0.5 x 0.7-1 micron in size. The dividing cells often do not separate from each other, forming an almost closed ring. The internal photosynthetic membranes are represented by concentric lamellae lining the cell wall. Photosynthetic pigments are bacteriochlorophyll a and carotenoids of the spirilloxanthin series. The main carotenoid (> 96%) is spirilloxanthin. Two typical light-harvesting complexes (LH1 and LH2) are present in the membranes in a 1:1 ratio. The bacterium is an anaerobe and facultative photoorganoheterotroph. Photolithoautotrophic growth on sulfide is scarce. Thiosulfate is utilized as an electron donor only in the presence of organic matter. Globules of elemental sulfur are formed as an intermediary product of sulfide and thiosulfate oxidation and are deposited outside the cells. The end product of oxidation is sulfate. In the presence of sulfide and carbonates, acetate, lactate, malate, pyruvate, propionate, succinate, and fumarate are used as the additional sources of carbon in anoxygenic photosynthesis. Vitamin are not required. The bacterium is an alkaliphile the pH optimum is at 8.3-9.1, the pH range is 7.6-10.1. The optimum NaCl concentration in the medium is 1 to 7%; the range is 0.5 to 0.9%. The optimum carbonate content in the medium is 2%; the range is 1 to 10%. The best growth occurs at 30-35 degrees C. The DNA G + C content is 57.5 mol%. According to the results of analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, the new isolate M9 belongs to the phylogenetic cluster containing representatives of the family Ectothiorhodospiraceae within the class "Gammaproteobacteria." In this class, the new isolate forms a new branch, which occupies an intermediate position between the representatives of the genera Ectothiorhodospira and Thiorhodospira. Based on the phenotypic and genetic characteristics, the new purple sulfurbacterium was assigned to a new species of a new genus of the family Ectothiorhodospiraceae, Ectothiorhodosinus mongolicum gen. nov., sp. nov.