Calcium Concentration In Water Research Articles

Humic substances and the water calcium content change the toxicity of malachite green

Summary Laboratory experiments were conducted to test interactive effects of calcium(Ca 2+ ) content and the presence of humic substance (HS) on malachite green (MAG)-induced toxicity in fish embryos and larvae by means of a semistatic 144-hembryo-larval-test with zebrafish (Danio rerio). Two kinds of reconstituted water samples were used to produce the test media by mixing salts into deionized water resulting in either hard water (›Ca ) HS), or soft water (flCa ) HS). By adding HS two additional test media were produced (›Ca + HS, flCa + HS). MAG was tested in concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 mg L )1 . The toxicity ranking of MAG (mg L )1 ) to embryos based on 96-h-LC50 in the different test water samples is: ›Ca ) HS (0.061) > ›Ca + HS (0.123) ¼ flCa ) HS (0.12) ‡fl Ca + HS (0.134) and on 144-h-LC50 to larvae is: ›Ca ) HS (0.038) > ›Ca + HS (0.06) > flCa ) HS (0.077) ¼ flCa + HS (0.077). Mortality of all the groups was significantly different (P < 0.05). Increased Ca 2+ concentrations did not protect zebrafish embryos and larvae from MAG-induced toxicity. At high Ca 2+ conditions, the mortality of the embryos as well as of the larvae is reduced in the ›Ca + HS group relative to the ›Ca ) HS group. Thus, at high Ca 2+ conditions the HS does affect the MAG-induced mortality. The mechanism which causes the higher toxicity of MAG in the presence of higher Ca 2+ concentrations is poorly understood. A probable explanation could be the stimulation of the calcium-binding protein calmodulin as well as the calmodulin kinase II in cell membranes in the presence of high Ca 2+ concentrations.

COMPOSITION AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF MOLLUSCAN COMMUNITIES IN RELATION TO VEGETATION AND WATER CHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN CARPATHIAN SPRING FENS: THE POOR–RICH GRADIENT

Molluscs, vegetation and water chemistry were investigated at 48 spring fens situated in the borderland between the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1997–2000. The purpose of this study was to test whether the gradient from mineral-poor to mineral-rich fens is reflected in the composition and species richness of mollusc communities, and to determine the importance of vegetation in predicting the mollusc community composition. A cluster analysis of mollusc communities separated the fens studied into five basic clusters which accord well with the results of detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). These clusters are arranged along the first DCA axis following the poor–rich trophic gradient. Ca, Mg, Fe, K, pH and conductivity are strongly correlated with the first DCA axis of the mollusc data. Similarly, Ca, Mg, Fe, pH and conductivity explain a substantial part of species-data variation, as verified by separated canonical correspondence analyses (CCAs) with a single variable. When sites with Sphagnum spp. were excluded, no significant correlations with K, pH and conductivity were found, whereas the significance of correlation with Fe increased markedly. Site classifications based on mollusc data are applicable to vegetation data and vice versa. Vegetation composition is a more important factor for explaining the variation in mollusc species than water chemistry when both are included in two separated CCAs as constraining variables. We found a linear correlation between mollusc species richness and water calcium concentration in the poor fens. In the rich fens, such a correlation was not found, and species richness was dependent on other abiotic and biotic factors, namely the Fe concentration and the water regime.

The influence of calcium and magnesium in drinking water and diet on cardiovascular risk factors in individuals living in hard and soft water areas with differences in cardiovascular mortality.

BackgroundThe role of water hardness as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease has been widely investigated and evaluated as regards regional differences in cardiovascular disease. This study was performed to evaluate the relation between calcium and magnesium in drinking water and diet and risk factors for cardiovascular disease in individuals living in hard and soft water areas with considerable differences in cardiovascular mortality.MethodsA random sample of 207 individuals living in two municipalities characterised by differences in cardiovascular mortality and water hardness was invited for an examination including a questionnaire about health, social and living conditions and diet. Intake of magnesium and calcium was calculated from the diet questionnaire with special consideration to the use of local water. Household water samples were delivered by each individual and were analysed for magnesium and calcium.ResultsIn the total sample, there were positive correlations between the calcium content in household water and systolic blood pressure (SBP) and negative correlations with s-cholesterol and s-LDL-cholesterol. No correlation was seen with magnesium content in household water to any of the risk factors.Calcium content in diet showed no correlation to cardiovascular risk factors. Magnesium in diet was positively correlated to diastolic blood pressure (DBP). In regression analyses controlled for age and sex 18.5% of the variation in SBP was explained by the variation in BMI, HbA1c and calcium content in water. Some 27.9% of the variation in s-cholesterol could be explained by the variation in s-triglycerides (TG), and calcium content in water.ConclusionsThis study of individuals living in soft and hard water areas showed significant correlations between the content of calcium in water and major cardiovascular risk factors. This was not found for magnesium in water or calcium or magnesium in diet. Regression analyses indicated that calcium content in water could be a factor in the complexity of relationships and importance of cardiovascular risk factors. From these results it is not possible to conclude any definite causal relation and further research is needed.

Calcium as a limiting resource to insectivorous bats: can water holes provide a supplemental mineral source?

Data are presented on a bat assemblage captured among 10 water holes in Colorado over 5 years. The assemblage consists of Myotis ciliolabrum, M. evotis, M. lucifugus, M. thysanodes, M. volans, Eptesicus fuscus, Lasiurus cinereus, Lasionycteris noctivagans and Corynorhinus townsendii. Results show that reproductive females and juveniles are captured in higher frequencies at water holes containing higher water hardness and that water hardness correlates highly significantly with dissolved calcium content. Also presented are laboratory test data on the stomach volume of Eptesicus fuscus that provide a model for understanding the effect of dissolved calcium content in water as a significant resource. These data indicate that water holes provide supplemental sources of calcium for bats not provided by diet.

The vegetation and ecological gradients of calcareous mires in the South Park valley, Colorado

The vegetation, environment, and ecological gradients present on three calcareous mires in the South Park valley, Park County, Colorado, were investigated. Vegetation was classified into four habitat classes, nine subclasses, and twelve species associations using two-way species indicator analysis (TWINSPAN). Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was used to ordinate vegetation samples along two axes representing the three predominant ecological gradients: water table height, miremargin to expanse, and region. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to directly relate local environmental conditions to vegetation. Water table depth, microtopographical development, soil and water pH and nutrient level, soil organic matter, and hydraulic head were significantly correlated with vegetation gradients. The mire soils consist of intermixed areas of organic and mineral soils. Mire soils and water are highly alkaline and nutrient-rich. Mean pore water calcium concentration on these mires is 115 mg/L, electrical conductivity averages 575 µS, and mean pH is 7.4. Owing to these conditions, the fen floras include a number of highly minerophilic species. Based on water chemistry and species criteria, each site was classified as rich to extremely rich fen, with the two fen types mixing in complex patterns according to local environmental conditions. The species Trichophorum pumilum, Salix candida, Salix myrtillifolia, Carex microglochin, Carex viridula, Carex scirpoidea, Eriophorum gracile, Triglochin maritimum, Triglochin palustris, Kobresia myosuroides, Kobresia simpliciuscula, Thalictrum alpinum, Scorpidium scorpioides, Scorpidium turgescens, and Calliergon trifarium were determined to be indicative of extremely rich fen conditions in the southern Rocky Mountains.Key words: Colorado, canonical correspondence analysis, detrended correspondence analysis, extremely rich fen, gradient analysis, mire.

The effect of digenea larvae on calcium content in the shells of Lymnaea stagnalis (L.) individuals.

The objective of this work was to examine the calcium concentration in the shells of naturally infected individuals of Lymnaea stagnalis. Calcium concentration in the water of lakes and in snail shells was examined by the EDTA method. Calcium concentration in the shells of infected snails was found to be higher than that in the shells of uninfected ones only in the lake with the lowest calcium concentration in water. However, this difference is not evidence of hypercalcification of snail shells caused by trematode larvae but suggests that the limited calcium concentration in the environment can be a very good factor for studying snail shell calcification under natural conditions. Moreover, small adult snails from 2 lakes had more calcium in their shells than did large ones. Different reproductive rates of different-sized snails could be the cause of this phenomenon.

538 Study on Eco-Friendly Oil on Water Drop Cutting Fluid : Water Properties and Machining Performance of Oil on Water Drop Cutting Fluid

A new ecological-cutting fluid application in which relatively large water particles covered with thin oil ilm are sprayed on a machining point was developed and is being modified by authors. This method is called an Oil-on-Water drop cutting fluid; abbreviating to "OoW". The OoW achieves both effective lubrication and strong cooling performance as well as conformability to environmental issue. An oil mass ratio to the OoW cutting fluid is only around 1%. That is, the OoW cutting fluid almost consists of water, and then it should be said that effects of water properties on cutting performance is worth investigating. In this paper it is noted how calcium concentration in water, which roughly represents hardness of water in the case of tap water, influences cutting performance. For this purpose variation of cutting force with the hardness of water is experimentally investigated on two kinds of oil. In the case of vegetable oil the cutting force is considerably reduced with the hardness of water while, in the case of synthetic biodegradable ester with surface active agent, the hardness of water has almost no influence.

Epididymal lithiasis in roosters and efferent ductule and testicular damage

Epididymal stones have been reported in roosters in the USA and Japan. The cause of this dysfunction, which is associated with low fertility, is not known. The hypothesis of the present study is that a potential cause is the aggressive selection of birds over many centuries based upon female egg laying traits, without concern for potential effects on the male. If this hypothesis is correct, one potential consequence would be the presence of epididymal stones only in domesticated fowl and this observation would be worldwide in distribution. The present study investigated epididymal lithiasis in Brazilian crossbreed roosters and two other fowl strains, in addition to several domestic and wild bird species. The efferent ductules contained stones in 94.3% of the roosters, but stones were absent in all other domestic and wild birds. The stones were irregular in shape, size and colour and consisted mainly of calcium. In affected roosters, the efferent ductules showed epithelial cell vacuolization and sloughing and peritubular mononuclear cell infiltration, culminating with atrophy. Signs of epithelial re-canalization were seen in ductules occluded by abnormal content, such as stones. In the testis, decrease in mass, sloughing of epithelium, mononuclear cell infiltration and tubular atrophy occurred. No correlation was found between the occurrence of stones and a positive test for ELISA IBV (infectious bronchitis virus), or between the number of stones and calcium concentration in water and food, indicating that IBV infection and calcium in the diet were not related to stones formation. This study confirms and extends information about the epididymal lithiasis, which appears to be unique for roosters but to occur around the world. The severity of the lesion points to potentially severe economical impact in the poultry industry.

Epididymal lithiasis in roosters and efferent ductule and testicular damage

Epididymal stones have been reported in roosters in the USA and Japan. The cause of this dysfunction, which is associated with low fertility, is not known. The hypothesis of the present study is that a potential cause is the aggressive selection of birds over many centuries based upon female egg laying traits, without concern for potential effects on the male. If this hypothesis is correct, one potential consequence would be the presence of epididymal stones only in domesticated fowl and this observation would be worldwide in distribution. The present study investigated epididymal lithiasis in Brazilian crossbreed roosters and two other fowl strains, in addition to several domestic and wild bird species. The efferent ductules contained stones in 94.3% of the roosters, but stones were absent in all other domestic and wild birds. The stones were irregular in shape, size and colour and consisted mainly of calcium. In affected roosters, the efferent ductules showed epithelial cell vacuolization and sloughing and peritubular mononuclear cell infiltration, culminating with atrophy. Signs of epithelial re-canalization were seen in ductules occluded by abnormal content, such as stones. In the testis, decrease in mass, sloughing of epithelium, mononuclear cell infiltration and tubular atrophy occurred. No correlation was found between the occurrence of stones and a positive test for ELISA IBV (infectious bronchitis virus), or between the number of stones and calcium concentration in water and food, indicating that IBV infection and calcium in the diet were not related to stones formation. This study confirms and extends information about the epididymal lithiasis, which appears to be unique for roosters but to occur around the world. The severity of the lesion points to potentially severe economical impact in the poultry industry.

Spring fen vegetation and water chemistry in the western carpathian flysch zone

In the western part of the Carpathian flysch zone, aquifers host several springwater chemistry types. Four vegetation types, distinguished along the poor-rich gradient (tufa-forming and peat forming brown moss fens, moderately rich and poorSphagnum fens), have been compared with respect to the main habitat factors. Water calcium and magnesium concentrations, pH and conductivity as well as the soil organic carbon content were the properties measured that showed the strongest correlation with the main vegetation gradient (the poor-rich gradient). Further, significant differences in iron, sodium, potassium, sulphate and phosphate concentrations were also found between pairs of related vegetation types. The range of calcium concentrations is wide (2–300 mg/l). The calcium concentration in tufa-forming springs is higher than values usually reported from northern and western Europe. Tufa formation is influenced not only by high calcium concentrations, but also by the total chemical composition of springwater and both climatic and topographic conditions. There is a great excess of cations over Cl− and SO 4 2− , balanced by HCO 3 − and CO 3 2− in springs with the most intense tufa precipitation. Unusually high calcium concentrations combined with high iron concentrations were found in peat-forming brown moss fens. RichSphagnum-fens with calcitolerantSphagnum species are distinctively low in phosphates. The Western Carpathian poor fens dominated bySphagnum flexuosum have water and soil calcium concentrations comparable to those reported from rich fens of some other areas. The springwater of these fens are rich in iron, phosphates and sulphates. The poorest spring fens withSphagnum fallax, S. magellanicum, S. papillosum andS. auriculatum are not only poor in calcium, but also in iron, sodium and potassium.

Calcium and pH in north and central Swedish mire waters

Summary We present data on calcium concentrations and pH in mire waters collected from different mire types in central and northern Sweden, compiled from published literature or calculated from field determinations of electrical conductivity and pH. Measurements of electrical conductivity (after subtracting that of H+ ions) were used to calculate the most probable Ca concentrations, but only when pH was 4.7 or higher. At lower pH the possible errors become too large. The data support a continuous gradient in water chemistry, but with considerable overlap, from mineral‐poor ombrotrophic bogs and minerotrophic extremely poor fens, to moderately poor fens, intermediate fens, moderately rich fens and finally to extremely rich fens, rather than a discrete division. However, for hydrological reasons, we wish to retain the separation of ombrotrophy (bog) from minerotrophy (fen). The frequency histogram of pH values from central and northern Sweden shows a bimodal tendency, although a considerable number of mires still occur close to the minimum (pH 5.3). Over‐sampling in species‐rich areas could have contributed to the depth of this apparent minimum, but not to its position along the pH scale. Changes in calcium concentrations in mire waters during the last 50 years are discussed and related to changes in pH and conductivity.

Effect of increased calcium concentration in sea water on calcification and photosynthesis in the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis.

The relationship between calcification and photosynthesis in coral was investigated using standard sea water with enhanced calcium concentration. In standard sea water at 23 degrees C with the calcium concentration increased by 2.5 mmol l(-1), incorporation of calcium into the skeleton increased by 30-61 %, depending on the method of data normalisation, and photosynthesis, measured as (14)C incorporation into the tissues, also increased by 87 %. At 29 degrees C, calcium incorporation into the skeleton increased by 54-84 % and (14)C incorporation increased by 32 % when sea water calcium concentration was increased by 5 mmol l(-1). However, photosynthesis measured as net photosynthetic oxygen production did not increase. Similarly there was no change in respiration rate when coral polyps were incubated in high-calcium sea water. It is conjectured that an increase in photorespiration may be responsible for the latter observations. Bisphosphonate has been considered to inhibit calcification but not photosynthesis in corals. We show that bisphosphonate may not inhibit formation of amorphous calcium carbonate and that the inhibition of calcification is possibly illusory. The data are consistent with the trans-calcification model, which suggests that calcification is a source of CO(2) for photosynthesis in corals.

DAMAGE FUNCTIONS AND MECHANISM EQUATIONS DERIVED FROM LIMESTONE WEATHERING IN FIELD EXPOSURE

In this article damage functions and mechanism equations areelaborated for Massangis limestone, exposed to ambientatmospheric conditions. Limestone slabs were placed in fivedifferent environments in Belgium and run-off water wascollected for chemical analyses, over a 3 yr period. Toelucidate the weathering mechanism and the relativecontributions of different deleterious factors, calciumconcentrations in run-off water were regressed versus thetotal (wet + dry) deposition of ions onto the stone, gaseousatmospheric pollutant concentrations and meteorological parameters. The data matrix (30 000 analytical results) was interpreted using Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and PartialLeast Squares Regression (PLS). Mechanism equations and damagefunctions were first established for each of the five studiedsites separately and subsequently pooled regressions were calculated. A damage function is proposed and compared with limestone damage functions found in the literature, after introducing the field data presented in this work into the respective functions. Massangis limestone mass loss is bestpredicted with a PLS model. Rainwater volume is the most decisivefactor in causing mass loss at all sites, and sulphate andbicarbonate are the most important weathering products.Models established using MLR result in less reliablepredictions of mass loss compared to PLS.

Urinary Composition and Lithogenic Risk in Normal Subjects following Oligomineral versus Bicarbonate-Alkaline High Calcium Mineral Water Intake

Objective: A normal dietary calcium intake to reduce intestinal oxalate absorption is essential to avoid recurrence of calcium oxalate stone formation. It is also important in the prevention of osteopenia in idiopathic hypercalciuria. The calcium content of waters used for hydration may vary from very low to relatively high and is an important factor in prevention or additional risk of stone formation. Therefore, the effect of drinking mineral waters of different calcium concentrations on lithogenic risk factors was studied in normal volunteers. Materials and Methods: Normal subjects were divided into two groups of 11 and 10 individuals each. All followed a prescribed diet with an average calcium content of 800 mg/day. The water intake for hydration consisted of 2 liters of an oligomineral water with a low calcium content, <20 mg/l (group A) or of a bicarbonate alkaline water with a high calcium content, 370 mg/l (group B). Results: Diuresis increased similarly in both groups; urine calcium increased by about 80 mg/day in group B. A rise in urine oxalate was observed in both groups, along with the increased urine volume. Osmolar excretion increased in group B; urine osmolality decreased significantly only in group A. In spite of the increase in calciuria in group B, Ca/citrate ratio was constant, due to an increase in citrate excretion. Inter-group differences in terms of activity products of calcium phosphate, calculated according with Tiselius’s methods, were found. The differences in AP(CaP) index 1 and AP(CaP) index 2 were significant, with higher values in group B, who drank the bicarbonate alkaline mineral water. Conclusions: Increased water intake between meals to prevent renal stone recurrence should preferably be achieved with a relatively low calcium water and calcium-rich mineral waters should be avoided.

Implication of somatolactin in the regulation of sexual maturation and spawning of Mugil cephalus.

Specific antibody for chum salmon somatolactin (SL) was used for immunocytochemical investigation of SL cell activity of Mugil cephalus during the gonadal cycle in both natural habitat and captivity. The SL-immunoreactive cells showed strong and specific immunoreactivity to antichum salmon SL. The number of SL-immunoreactive cells increased, as did the secretory and synthetic activity during sexual maturation and spawning in the natural habitat. The SL cells were rather small and moderately immunoreactive in immature fish; they were enlarged, their numbers increased, and they frequently showed more SL immunoreactivity during gonadal development. In addition, during late stages of maturation, small cell size with more or less SL immunoreactive cells were noted, indicating an active release of SL granules. Prespawning females tended to have more enlarged SL cells with stronger immunoreactivity than equivalent males. The SL cells showed an increase in the secretory activity during spawning as indicated by small size and weak immunoreactivity. The SL cells of M. cephalus reared in captivity showed high activity. This may be due to the low concentration of calcium in fresh water. The gradual stimulation of SL synthesis and release during sexual maturation and spawning of M. cephalus suggest that SL may be involved in the control of some steps of reproductive processes, such as steroidogenesis, calcium metabolism, and energy mobilization.

Hydrology, groundwater chemistry and peat chemistry in relation to habitat conditions in a mire on the South – eastern Alps of Italy

The habitat conditions in a mire on the southern Alps of Italy were defined based on data on topography, hydrology, water chemistry, peat chemistry and floristic composition. Water flowed along the main longitudinal axis from the eastern dry sector to the western wet sector of the mire. Along the transverse axes the water table assumed a convex shape during dry periods, which resulted in water flowing towards the margins of the mire. During wet periods the water table assumed a concave shape, determining a flow of water from the margins towards the mire centre. The absence of any vertical groundwater flows enhanced habitat acidification, particularly in the eastern sector of the mire characterised by a smaller peat thickness. Surface water in the central portion of the mire had low calcium concentration and low electrical conductivity, comparable to those found in ombrotrophic bogs. Calcium concentration and electrical conductivity in surface water were higher along the margins, indicating a certain degree of mineral soil water inflow. Total contents of major nutrients (N, P and K) in the peat were rather homogeneous over the mire, while calcium concentrations were slightly higher in the peat layers of the wet portion of the mire. Species distribution was strongly influenced, rather than by surface water chemistry, by water table position and rate of surface water flow.

Removal of Carbonate Encrustation by Electrolysis of Calcareous Solutions

Due to high calcium content in water, precipitation of calcium salts in equipment and piping is a problem in industry as well as in the home. The author presents the electrochemical removal of calcium from water with the resulting calcite crystals adhering to the cathode as an alternative to ‘chemical’ softening of water.

Removal of Carbonate Encrustation by Electrolysis of Calcareous Solutions

Due to high calcium content in water, precipitation of calcium salts in equipment and piping is a problem in industry as well as in the home. The author presents the electrochemical removal of calcium from water with the resulting calcite crystals adhering to the cathode as an alternative to ‘chemical’ softening of water.

Does water calcium content influence the distinctness of daily growth increments in the otoliths of larval whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.)?

In larval and juvenile whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus L.) from Lake Constance, Germany, the otolith increments are deposited daily, whereas daily deposition could not be confirmed in larval whitefish from Lake Pyhäselkä, Finland. The calcium concentration in Lake Constance is high (around 1.3 m m), while calcium deficiency is typical for Finnish lakes (around 0.15 m m). Therefore, the hypothesis that the distinctness of daily otolith increments in whitefish is related to water calcium content was tested by rearing three groups of Lake Constance whitefish in water of 0.2, 1.3 and 4.7 m m Ca. The eggs were incubated in lake water (1.3 m m Ca), and the larvae were acclimated to the experimental calcium concentrations on the day of hatching. After 39 days of ad libitum-feeding with Artemia nauplii, the three groups did not differ significantly in total length, wet and dry weight, and otolith length and width. The daily increments were easily recognizable, and contrast between dark (D)- and light (L)-zones was the same in the fish of all test groups. For the experimental set-up of this study, and particularly the range of calcium concentrations tested, the hypothesis that water calcium content influences the distinctness of daily otolith increments was rejected.

Spatial patterns of plant species in a poor mire on the Southern Alps (Italy)

In a poor mire on the southern Alps of Italy the local distribution of plant species was related to the main hydrological and hydrochemical gradients of the study site. A consistent trend of decreasing water‐table depth was observed from the mire margin towards the mire expanse. Water pH did not show any significant pattern, while electrical conductivity, calcium and magnesium concentrations in pore water decreased from the mire margin towards the mire expanse. The vascular and bryophyte species were divided into three groups on the basis of their distribution on the mire, as defined using a kriging interpolation analysis: 1) species located on the mire margin (i.e., Vaccinium myriillus, Vaccinium vitis‐idaea and Vaccinium uliginosum); 2) species located on the mire expanse (i.e., Drosera rotundifolia, Trichophorum caespttosum, Scheuchzeria palustris, Carex limosa, Drepanocladus fluitans and Sphagnum compactant); 3) species evenly distributed over the mire (i.e., Carex rostrata, Calluna vulgaris, Eriophorum vaginatum, Carex pauciflora, Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum russowii and Polytrichum strictum). Water‐table depth was as the main factor controlling the local distribution of plant species. Vascular species reflected more accurately the boundary between the mire margin and the mire expanse, their distribution probably being affected to a greater extent by waterlogging and dehydration. Among bryophytes, Sphagnum species were less predictive in delimiting the mire margin as a probable consequence of low interspecific competition.