Peat Types Research Articles

Development of disease-suppressive organic growing media

Vigorous seedlings are an important base for vegetable production. Beside the availability of appropriate amounts of nutrients, the health of seedlings is decisive. Soil-borne diseases are a challenging problem in organic seedling production. Here, we present results on the development of disease-suppressive growing media. Three aspects were examined: (i) use of different components of growing media (peat, coconut fiber, wood fiber, compost), (ii) influence of selected organic nitrogen fertilizers and (iii) use of different microorganisms (including commercial biocontrol agents (BCA)). Three plant-pathogen systems were used in this study: cucumber-Pythium ultimum, cress-Pythium ultimum and basil-Rhizoctonia solani. Green waste compost showed a good capability to protect cress against P. ultimum. This effect was improved by using a chitin-containing N-fertilizer. However, an inappropriate storage of the compost diminished its efficacy. In contrast to coconut fibers, wood fibers showed a suppressive activity against P. ultimum when used as partial substitutes of peat. None of five tested commercial BCAs could improve the suppressiveness of the substrates against P. ultimum. However, one of newly tested strains of Trichoderma sp. was very suppressive against P. ultimum. The tested growing media showed only small differences in suppressiveness against R. solani on basil. In contrast, two of the new strains of Trichoderma sp., which were intermediately active against P. ultimum, could efficiently protect basil against R. solani. At the moment, we test combinations of different Trichoderma strains, compost, different types of peat and peat substitutes. The aim is to determine whether it is feasible to manufacture growing media which allow the production of healthy and robust seedlings also in the presence of high levels of pathogens.

Fuel remains in archaeological contexts: Experimental and archaeological evidence for recognizing remains in hearths used by Iron Age farmers who lived in peatlands

In the archaeological record, ash and charred organic material are the only indications of the type of fuel used by ancient societies to feed their fires. This potential source of information may help further understanding of past human behaviour in relation to fuel selection, applied type of fire and function of fires lit in hearths. This study examined ash from reference samples and ash and char samples recovered from an Iron Age peatland site in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands. Local availability and abundance made it possible for the occupants of the site to choose from different fuel resources. Peat and cattle dung were readily available, while wood was less abundant. Reference samples from various locations were collected to investigate the properties of ash. Different types of wood, peat and cattle dung were accordingly ashed and analysed. In total, two techniques were used, that is, chemical analyses (x-ray fluorescence (XRF)) for the determination of the elemental composition and microscopic studies on field images of these ashes, mounted on glass slides, to investigate phytoliths quantitatively (Si and Ca types), siliceous aggregates and spherulites. The properties of the archaeological samples were compared with these results. The archaeological char samples were used for identification and analysed using reflective microscopy to study structure and temperature by reflectance (%Ro). It provided the necessary information to determine the type of fuel used by the Iron Age farmers and obtain more information on the function of the present fire structures. The results are strong indications that Iron Age farmers used all available fuels, that is, peat, cattle dung and wood, to feed their fires. The integrated application of phytolith, geochemical and char analyses has a high potential for the identification of the fuel selected by ancient societies.

Influence of Humic Acids Extracted from Peat by Different Methods on Functional Activity of Macrophages in Vitro.

We studied activation of macrophages with humic acids extracted from peat of large deposits in the Tomsk region by two extraction methods: by hydroxide or sodium pyrophosphate. Humic acid of lowland peat types containing large amounts of aromatic carbon, phenolic and alcohol groups, carbohydrate residues and ethers, irrespectively of the extraction methods contained LPS admixture that probably determines their activating properties. Humic acid of upland peat types characterized by high content of carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester groups enhance NO production and reduce arginase expression, but these effects were minimized when sodium hydroxide was used as an extraction solvent. Pyrophosphate samples of the upland peat types were characterized by aromaticity and diversity of functional groups and have a significant advantage because of they induce specific endotoxin-independent stimulating action on antigen presenting cells.

Lateral expansion and carbon exchange of a boreal peatland in Finland resulting in 7000 years of positive radiative forcing

AbstractData on past peatland growth patterns, vegetation development, and carbon (C) dynamics during the various Holocene climate phases may help us to understand possible future climate‐peatland feedback mechanisms. In this study, we analyzed and radiocarbon dated several peat cores from Kalevansuo, a drained bog in southern Finland. We investigated peatland succession and C dynamics throughout the Holocene. These data were used to reconstruct the long‐term atmospheric radiative forcing, i.e., climate impact of the peatland since initiation. Kalevansuo peat records revealed a general development from fen to bog, typical for the southern boreal zone, but the timing of ombrotrophication varied in different parts of the peatland. Peat accumulation patterns and lateral expansion through paludification were influenced by fires and climate conditions. Long‐term C accumulation rates were overall lower than the average values found from literature. We suggest the low accumulation rates are due to repeated burning of the peat surface. Drainage for forestry resulted in a nearly complete replacement of typical bog mosses by forest species within 40 years after drainage. The radiative forcing reconstruction suggested positive values (warming) for the first ~7000 years following initiation. The change from positive to negative forcing was triggered by an expansion of bog vegetation cover and later by drainage. The strong relationship between peatland area and peat type with radiative forcing suggests a possible feedback for future changing climate, as high‐latitude peatlands may experience prominent regime shifts, such as fen to bog transitions.

Influence of Holocene permafrost aggradation and thaw on the paleoecology and carbon storage of a peatland complex in northwestern Canada

Permafrost in peatlands strongly influences ecosystem characteristics, including vegetation composition, hydrological functions, and carbon cycling. Large amounts of organic carbon are stored in permafrost peatlands in northwestern Canada. Their possible degradation into permafrost-free wetlands including thermokarst bogs may affect carbon (C) stocks, but the direction and magnitude of change are uncertain. Using peat core reconstructions, we characterized the temporal and spatial variability in vegetation macrofossil, testate amoebae, C content, and peat decomposition along a permafrost thaw chronosequence in the southern portion of the Scotty Creek watershed near Fort Simpson, Northwest Territories. The accumulation of limnic and minerotrophic peat prevailed at the site until permafrost formed around 5000 cal. yr BP. Three distinct permafrost periods were identified in the permafrost peat plateau profile, while permafrost only aggraded once in the thermokarst bog profile. Permafrost thawed at ~550 and ~90 cal. yr BP in the thermokarst bog center and edge, respectively. Both allogenic (climatic shifts and wildfire) and autogenic (peat accumulation, Sphagnum growth) processes likely exerted control on permafrost aggradation and thaw. While apparent carbon accumulation rates (ACARs) were lower during present and past permafrost periods than during non-permafrost periods, long-term C accumulation remained similar between cores with different permafrost period lengths. Deep peat was less decomposed in the permafrost plateau compared with the thermokarst bog, which we speculate is due more to differences in peat type rather than differences in decomposition environment between these two ecosystem states. Our study highlights the importance of considering potential deep peat C losses to project the fate of thawing permafrost peat C stores.

Spectral parameters and biological activity of macromolecular compounds of humic etiology

Materials and methods. 18 native humic acids (HAs) were received from nine representative types of peat of the Tomsk region. Two extraction methods were used: sodium hydroxide and sodium pyrophosphate. Molecular structure parameters were investigated by IR-spectroscopy. The assessement of qualitative and quantitative features of the IR-spectra of 18 different humic acids was made. When HAs with mouse macrophages were cultured their ability to influence the NO-stimulation was determined. Thus, the biological activity of HAs and its dependence on the parameters of the molecular structure were studied. Results. The results of infrared spectroscopy showed that the HAs of upland types of peat contain more carbonyl, carboxyl, and ester groups, and HAs of lowland types of peat contain more aromatic carbon, phenolic and alcoholic hydroxyl, ether and carbohydrate fragments. The results of biological activity showed that HAs from upland types of peat induce the formation of nitrogen oxide, wherein the cell activation decreases with HAs obtained by alkali. All types of HAs from lowland types of peat contain an admixture of endotoxin. Some HAs obtained by sodium pyrophosphate have higher immunotropic activity; the HAs can cause antigen-specific stimulation of cells. The activity of HAs does not depend on endotoxin admixture. The results of molecular spectroscopy showed that the most biologically active HAs have higher aromaticity and higher concentration of oxygen-containing functional groups. This result can be used as a marker factor in the standardization of HAs.

Removal of U(VI) from Nuclear Waste Solutions by Bio-sorbents

Six bio-sorbents were used to remove uranium from simulated radioactive solutions UO2(NO3)2. Three types of peats, Polytrichium moss, Eichhórnia crássipes water plant and Cladonia stellaris lichen were used. About 2.7mg of uranium per 1g of sorbent was found in the peat samples after their interaction with UO2(NO3)2 solution (uranium initial concentration was 26mg/L, pH 4.4) during 24hours. Polytrichium moss, Cladonia stellaris lichen and Eichhórnia crássipes water plant were less effective: 2.3, 2.1 and 0.6mg of uranium per g of the sorbent respectively. The sorption on the peats is described by Freundlich isotherm. Numerous spherical compounds containing uranium 10 nanometers in diameter were found in the newly formed biotic sediments on the Polytrichium moss after the experiment.

Limnic Condition In Rheotrhopic Peat Type As the Origin of Petai Coal, Central Sumatra Basin, Indonesia

Petrographic coal is the study of organic and inorganic components of bearing coal formation. This study aims to determine the composition, depositional facies, type and stage of the genesis of coal in the area of research. This research method using a diagram approach Diessel, 1986, Calder et al., 1991 to determine the depositional facies and peat ecosystems formation of coal carrier. Microscopic observations using Carl Zeiss Microscope and Point Counter Model F was conducted to determine the micro-organic components of coal.
 Based on microscopic investigation of the overall sample average abundance maceral vitrinite reached 66.3%, 30.32% mineral matter, maceral liptinite 3:26%, and to absent maceral inertinit no indicates oxidation process that occurs during the decomposition of organic matter. Syngenetic depositional pyrite component type spread sporadically on the surface of the coal seam in the form frambiodal and particulates.
 Facies deposition of coal based on the calculation of tissue prevetion index versus gelification index show faises limnic while the calculation of ground water index versus vegetation index show atmosphere rheotropic mires (correlation +) supported the absence maceral inertinit and funginite, hypothesized water level in stable condition was high watertable during the decomposition process takes place in an atmosphere ph 6-8 and eh balanced. Average rate comparison gelifikasi the preserved tissues of plant cells (tellocolinite) is smaller than the 23.6% plant cell tissue is not preserved (desmocollinite) amounted to 52.6% indicated from plants of the type herbaceous plant.

Variability of Cation-Exchange Capacity (CEC) of Fen Peats in Vertical Profiles from Eastern and Central Poland in Relation to Function of Peatlands as Natural Geological Barriers

Abstract An analysis of cation-exchange capacity(CEC) variability of peats is presented in vertical pro files from eastern and central Po land. CEC values were com pared with ash con tent (Ac), pH and CaCO3 content. Eight peatlands were selected for re search in the fol lowingareas: War saw Plateau (2 objects), Siedlce Plateau (2 objects), Lubartów Plateau (2 objects), Nałęczów Table land (1 object) and Dobrohusk Depression (1 object). The peatlands represented a fen peat type of similar botanic compositions of sediments, but they differed in the area, peat thickness and drain age conditions. Characteristic regular i ties in CEC variability were noted in the peatlands and there were three types of CEC variability in vertical pro files. Carbonate peats (types 1 and 2) had the high est pH and definitely the high est values of CEC. In vertical pro files, there was also a zonation, but the regularities similar to non-carbonate peats were not observed. Different distribution of phys i cal and chem i cal parameters were establishedin vertical pro files in partly drained peatlands (with a muck layer on top) with non-carbonate peats (type 3) and there were three distinct zones in vertical pro files, with different Ac and CEC. Determination of the vertical CEC variability and other phys i cal and chem i cal parameters in peatlands made it possible to distinguish zones with potentially most beneficial isolation conditions.

Re-vegetation processes in cutaway peat production fields in Estonia in relation to peat quality and water regime.

Eighty-one cutaway peat production fields with a total area of about 9000ha exist and were studied in Estonia in 2005-2015. Only a very small number of the fields (seven) have been restored-either afforested or used for growing berries. The re-vegetation of Estonian cutaway peat production fields is mainly the result of natural processes, which are generally very slow due to an unfavourable water regime or a too thin remaining peat layer. The fields are mostly covered by cotton grass and birches. Often sparse vegetation covers 15-20% of a peat field, but some fields have turned into heaths or grasslands with plant coverage up to 60%. However, due to changes in environmental (mainly hydrological) conditions and peat characteristics (mainly peat type), these areas can also be new niches for several species. A number of moss species new to or rare in Estonia, e.g. Pohlia elongata, Ephemerum serratum, Campylopus introflexus and Bryum oblongum, were recorded.

Modelling the engineering behaviour of fibrous peat formed due to rapid anthropogenic terrestrialization in Hangzhou, China

Peat is a very variable but normally weak material. While engineering failures involving peat are common, the full diversity of engineering behaviours exhibited by peat has not been well classified due to its large range of possible compositions. This paper presents the behaviour of a fibrous peat which is a fill (made ground) originating from the most recent dredging of the West Lake, a site of cultural and historic importance in China. Given its relatively unique mechanism of deposition, the distinctive characteristics of this peat are presented in comparison to other peats reported in the literature highlighting its unique engineering behaviour. A laboratory study carried out on the peat at Jiangyangfan Eco-park, located in Hangzhou, China identifies that it has its special aspects when compared to other peats. The shearing behaviour of peat can be described using the framework of critical state theory. The most prominent characteristic of the West Lake Peat is that its undrained stress path bends towards the left at the very beginning of shearing which indicates that plastic deformation occurs at very small stress ratios. A constitutive model based on critical state theory for predicting the undrained shear behaviour of this type of peat from low stress to critical state levels is presented. This model also includes several elements of peat behaviour previously reported and it may therefore be applied to a wider range of peat soils.

Changes in flow and transport patterns in fen peat following soil degradation

The preferential movement of water and transport of substances play an important role in soil, but they are not yet fully understood, especially in degraded peat soil. In this study, we aimed to deduce changes in flow and transport patterns with titanium dioxide (TiO2) as a dye tracer during the course of soil degradation resulting from peat drainage. The dye tracer experiments were carried out on columns of eight types of differently degraded peat soil from three sites taken in both vertical and horizontal directions. The titanium dioxide suspension (average particle size of 0.3 µm; 10 g l−1) was applied in a pulse of 40 mm to each soil core. The cores were subsequently cut into six slices, photographed and the images were analysed for the extent of dye cover and number of pores. In addition, the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was determined. Preferential flow occurred in all of the peat types investigated. From the stained soil structural elements, we concluded that undecomposed plant remains are the major preferential flow pathways in less degraded peat. For more strongly degraded peat, bio‐pores, such as root and earthworm channels, operated as the major transport network. Results show thatKsand the effective pore network in less degraded peat soil are anisotropic. With increasing peat degradation,Ksand the cross‐section of effective pores decreased in the predominant direction only and the anisotropy of both properties decreased. TheKswas closely related to the number of macropores and pore continuity. Therefore, we conclude that changes in flow and transport pathways andKswith increasing peat degradation result from the disintegration of the peat‐forming plant material and the decrease in number and continuity of macropores.HighlightsWe aimed to deduce changes in flow and transport patterns during peat degradation.TiO2(dye tracer) was used to visualize the flow and transport patterns in degraded peat soil.The preferential flow paths,Ksand pore structures changed with peat degradation.Changes in flow and transport paths andKsrelate to peat‐forming plant materials and pore structure.

Field measurements of trace gases and aerosols emitted by peat fires in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, during the 2015 El Niño

Abstract. Peat fires in Southeast Asia have become a major annual source of trace gases and particles to the regional–global atmosphere. The assessment of their influence on atmospheric chemistry, climate, air quality, and health has been uncertain partly due to a lack of field measurements of the smoke characteristics. During the strong 2015 El Niño event we deployed a mobile smoke sampling team in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo and made the first, or rare, field measurements of trace gases, aerosol optical properties, and aerosol mass emissions for authentic peat fires burning at various depths in different peat types. This paper reports the trace gas and aerosol measurements obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, whole air sampling, photoacoustic extinctiometers (405 and 870 nm), and a small subset of the data from analyses of particulate filters. The trace gas measurements provide emission factors (EFs; grams of a compound per kilogram biomass burned) for up to ∼ 90 gases, including CO2, CO, CH4, non-methane hydrocarbons up to C10, 15 oxygenated organic compounds, NH3, HCN, NOx, OCS, HCl, etc. The modified combustion efficiency (MCE) of the smoke sources ranged from 0.693 to 0.835 with an average of 0.772 ± 0.053 (n = 35), indicating essentially pure smoldering combustion, and the emissions were not initially strongly lofted. The major trace gas emissions by mass (EF as g kg−1) were carbon dioxide (1564 ± 77), carbon monoxide (291 ± 49), methane (9.51 ± 4.74), hydrogen cyanide (5.75 ± 1.60), acetic acid (3.89 ± 1.65), ammonia (2.86 ± 1.00), methanol (2.14 ± 1.22), ethane (1.52 ± 0.66), dihydrogen (1.22 ± 1.01), propylene (1.07 ± 0.53), propane (0.989 ± 0.644), ethylene (0.961 ± 0.528), benzene (0.954 ± 0.394), formaldehyde (0.867 ± 0.479), hydroxyacetone (0.860 ± 0.433), furan (0.772 ± 0.035), acetaldehyde (0.697 ± 0.460), and acetone (0.691 ± 0.356). These field data support significant revision of the EFs for CO2 (−8 %), CH4 (−55 %), NH3 (−86 %), CO (+39 %), and other gases compared with widely used recommendations for tropical peat fires based on a lab study of a single sample published in 2003. BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) are important air toxics and aerosol precursors and were emitted in total at 1.5 ± 0.6 g kg−1. Formaldehyde is probably the air toxic gas most likely to cause local exposures that exceed recommended levels. The field results from Kalimantan were in reasonable agreement with recent lab measurements of smoldering Kalimantan peat for “overlap species,” lending importance to the lab finding that burning peat produces large emissions of acetamide, acrolein, methylglyoxal, etc., which were not measurable in the field with the deployed equipment and implying value in continued similar efforts. The aerosol optical data measured include EFs for the scattering and absorption coefficients (EF Bscat and EF Babs, m2 kg−1 fuel burned) and the single scattering albedo (SSA) at 870 and 405 nm, as well as the absorption Ångström exponents (AAE). By coupling the absorption and co-located trace gas and filter data we estimated black carbon (BC) EFs (g kg−1) and the mass absorption coefficient (MAC, m2 g−1) for the bulk organic carbon (OC) due to brown carbon (BrC). Consistent with the minimal flaming, the emissions of BC were negligible (0.0055 ± 0.0016 g kg−1). Aerosol absorption at 405 nm was ∼ 52 times larger than at 870 nm and BrC contributed ∼ 96 % of the absorption at 405 nm. Average AAE was 4.97 ± 0.65 (range, 4.29–6.23). The average SSA at 405 nm (0.974 ± 0.016) was marginally lower than the average SSA at 870 nm (0.998 ± 0.001). These data facilitate modeling climate-relevant aerosol optical properties across much of the UV/visible spectrum and the high AAE and lower SSA at 405 nm demonstrate the dominance of absorption by the organic aerosol. Comparing the Babs at 405 nm to the simultaneously measured OC mass on filters suggests a low MAC ( ∼ 0.1) for the bulk OC, as expected for the low BC/OC ratio in the aerosol. The importance of pyrolysis (at lower MCE), as opposed to glowing (at higher MCE), in producing BrC is seen in the increase of AAE with lower MCE (r2 = 0.65).

Fiber Effects on Compressibility of Peat

Fibers found in the soil, especially in peaty soil play an important role in the determination of soil compressibility. Peat soils are the results from the decomposition of organic matter and the type of peat can be classified based on the fibrous material in the soil. In the engineering field, peat soil was mostly known as soils that has a serious settlement with high compressibility index. From the previous research, fibers in the soil were influenced in compressibility in terms of size, shape, fibric, soil arrangement and etc. Hence, this study attempts the determination of fibers effects on the compressibility of peat using a 1-D oedometer consolidation test. The reconstituted peat samples of different particle sizes were used to determine the consolidation parameters and the results obtained from reconstituted samples were also compared with the undisturbed sample. 1-D oedometer consolidation tests were performed on the samples by using the load increment method. The results shows, the higher particle size (R3.35), give higher moisture content (w = 401.20%) and higher initial void ratio (eo = 5.74). In settlement prediction, the higher the fiber content will results the higher the compression index, therefore, it will cause high of settlement.

Climate and peat type in relation to spatial variation of the peatland carbon mass in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Canada

AbstractNorthern peatlands store ~500 Pg of carbon (C); however, controls on the spatial distribution of the stored C may differ regionally, owing to the complex interaction among climate, ecosystem processes, and geophysical controls. As a globally significant C sink, elucidation of controls on the distribution of C in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, Canada (HBL), is of particular importance. Although peat age is related to timing of land emergence and peat depth in the HBL, considerable variation in the total C mass (kg m−2) among sites of similar peat age suggests that other factors may explain spatial patterns in C storage (Pg) and sequestration. Here we quantify the role of two key factors in explaining the spatial distribution of the C mass in the HBL (n = 364 sites), (i) climate variability and (ii) peat lithology, for two major peatland classes in the HBL (bogs and fens). We find that temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration each explained nearly half of the C mass variability. Regions characterized by warmer and wetter conditions stored the most C as peat. Our results show that bogs and fens store similar amounts of C within a given climate domain, although via distinct storage mechanisms. Namely, fen peats tend to be shallower and more C dense (kg m−3) compared to bogs. Following geophysical controls on the timing of peat initiation, our results reveal that both the widespread bog‐fen patterning and variability in regional climate contribute to explaining the spatial distribution of the peat C mass in the HBL.

Present-day vegetation and the Holocene and recent development of Egelsee-Moor, Salzburg province, Austria

This paper describes the present-day vegetation, stratigraphy and developmental history of the mire of Egelsee-Moor (Salzburg, Austria; 45°45′N, 13°8.5′E, 700 m a.s.l., 15 ha in area) since the early Late Glacial on the basis of 4 transects with 14 trial borings across the peatland. We present a vegetation map of the mire, a longitudinal section through the peat body based on six cores showing the peat types, overview macrofossil diagrams of six cores showing the local mire development and two pollen diagrams covering the Late Glacial and Holocene. The chronology of the diagrams depends on biostratigraphic dating for the Late Glacial and early Holocene and radiocarbon dating for the remaining Holocene. The northern part of the mire originated through terrestrialisation of nutrient-rich, mostly inundated fen and the southern part through paludification of wet soils. The very small lake of today was a reservoir until recently for providing water-power for timber rafting (‘Holztrift’). The mire vegetation today is a complex of forested parts (mainly planted Pinus sylvestris and Thuja occidentalis, but also spontaneous Picea abies, Betula pubescens and Frangula alnus), reed-lands (Phragmites) and litter meadows (Molinietum, Schoenetum, etc.). The central part has hummock-hollow complexes with regionally rare species of transitional mires (Drosera anglica, D. intermedia, Lycopodiella inundata, Scorpidium scorpioides, Sphagnum platyphyllum, S. subnitens). The results indicate that some of the mid-Holocene sediments may have been removed by the timber-rafting practices, and that water extraction from the hydrological catchment since 1967 has resulted in a partial shift of transitional mire to ombrotrophic bog. The latter potentially endangers the regionally rare species and was used as an argument to stop further water extraction.

Influence of climatic and hydrological factors on structure and composition of peat from northern wetland territories with low anthropogenic impact

Northern wetlands ecosystems play an important role in the hydrological balance of neighboring areas, where they act as chemical barriers against anthropogenic and technogenic contaminations. Studied region is well known for quantity of peat deposits and the volume of peat resources. Peat can be considered as a highly informative marker for assessing change in environmental conditions. The study presents the results of the first investigation of peat samples, collected from representative ecosystems of northern wetland territories with low anthropogenic impact.Component and element composition of various peat types were studied in a relation to hydrologic, climate and sampling conditions. It was found out that organic and ash contents are more dependent on the type of the bog, than geographic location. Climatic factors are more important for the formation of bitumen. The degradation degree in peat increases proportionally to content of humates. High content of biogenic and lithogenic elements was observed in transition- and low-moor peat. The content of trace elements in peat samples do not depend on the type of the peat.The structural properties of peat were studied by the light microscopy, AFM and dynamic light scattering. It was determined that the conformation of studied peat samples is characterized by elements of asymmetry. The observed particles in the solutions exist in dynamic equilibrium with separated globular macromolecules. The size of these nanoparticles is comparable with the size of the particles of other biopolymers of similar nature.Swelling of peat in liquid water was studied. The relationship between structural specificities, origin of peat and its maximum degree of swelling was found. The degree of swelling can be used as structural-sensitive parameter in further research.

Classification of Natural and Thermo-Modified Peat by Class-Modeling Techniques

Significant attention is paid to the production of peat-based materials in modern days. The study explores the influence of natural peat thermal modification on its properties by applying class-modeling techniques. Modification of different types of peat is achieved by heating at 250 °C. The set of peat properties such as component composition, g-factor and IR-spectra is used to obtain data matrix. It is shown that class-modeling techniques, such as partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and simple independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), allow estimating peat class (natural or modified) by a set of properties without prediction errors by using three latent variables. According to the results of classification, it is established that thermal modification can be considered as a means of regulating the composition and physico-chemical properties of natural peats as a raw material

Peat origin and land use effects on microbial activity, respiration dynamics and exo-enzyme activities in drained peat soils in the Netherlands

This study assessed the risk of decomposition-driven soil subsidence in drained peat soils in the Netherlands, contrasting in peat origin and current land use. In a full factorial design, fen peat and bog peat were sampled from sites in use for nature conservation and for dairy farming, which contrast in history of drainage and fertilisation. In these four peat types, which frequently occur in the Netherlands, the microbial activity and respiration dynamics were studied in samples from superficial oxic peat layers by measuring Substrate Induced Respiration (SIR) and Substrate Induced Growth Response (SIGR). Total and active microbial biomass, microbial growth potential and potential exo-enzyme activities were determined in unamended samples and after nitrogen and/or glucose amendments.Remarkably, peat origin and land use did not affect basal respiration rates. In contrast, land use affected microbial biomass and potential growth rates as they were quadrupled in dairy meadows compared to nature reserves. This may be attributable to the pulses of organic and inorganic fertiliser that are being supplied in agricultural peatlands. Potential activities of oxidative exo-enzymes (phenol oxidase, POX, and phenol peroxidase, POD), in contrast, depended more on peat type, indicating a difference in peat substrate quality. Basal respiration rates and enzyme activities were not related. Phosphorus enrichment was identified as a potential driver of increased peat decomposition. The activity of the oxidative enzyme phenol oxidase and the concentration of phenolic compounds, which are considered to be the main regulators of peat decomposition according to the enzymic latch theory, were not related to respiration rates. It was concluded that decomposition theories like the enzymic latch theory (attributing a main role in the regulation of decomposition to phenolic compounds and phenol oxidase) were not supported by our research in the drained peat soils in the Netherlands.

Web-Based Clustering Application Using Shiny Framework and DBSCAN Algorithm for Hotspots Data in Peatland in Sumatra

Forest and land fires currently have become serious problems in Indonesia. Peatlands are frequently burnt because of its characteristic, i.e. combustible when it was in dried condition. In the previous work, hotspots as on indicators for forest and land fires including in peatland were analyzed by applying density based clustering algorithm namely Density-Based Spatial Clustering Algorithm with Noise (DBSCAN). Clustering results hotspots distribution that can be used for preventing and controlling fire events. This research aims to build a web-based clustering application for grouping hotspot data in peatlands in Sumatra using the Shiny framework, that is available in programming language R. Clustering was performed on hotspots data in peatland in 2002 and 2013 using the DBSCAN algorithm. This algorithm finds clusters by identifying areas that have a high hotspots density. The application was successfully built and has several features, namely: a) clustering hotspots, b) visualization of clustering results based on a type of landuse, land depth, and peat type, c) providing the value of within cluster for cluster evaluation, and d) displaying a summary of clustering results. These features have been tested using the blackbox approach and the test results show that the features work properly and produce outputs in corresponding to the test scenario.