Mating System of the European Hornet Vespa crabro: Male Seeking Strategies and Evidence for the Involvement of a Sex Pheromone

We describe details of the mate finding strategy of drones of the European hornet, Vespa crabro, and present evidence for the involvement of sex pheromones. Tests were carried out with free flying drones in natural habitats. Males patrolled the nest site itself, as well as nearby nonresource-based sites, without showing territorial behavior. Patrolling was restricted to sunny spots in the vegetation, and thus, the locations changed throughout the day. Drones were attracted to both caged gynes and to dead workers treated with gyne extracts, indicating the presence of a female-produced sex attractant. Treated workers also elicited copulation attempts by the attracted drones. Extracts from gynes, workers, and drones contained exclusively cuticular lipids, and the profile from gynes was much more diverse than that of workers and drones. The most striking differences observed related to the alkenes, monomethyl- and dimethylalkanes. The results provide a lead for potential attracting and copulation-releasing semiochemicals in V. crabro.     

Route and Regulation of Zinc,Cadmium, and Iron Transport in Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.) during Vegetative Growth and Grain Filling: Metal Transporters,Metal Speciation,Grain Cd Reduction and Zn and Fe Biofortification

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential but are sometimes deficient in humans, while cadmium (Cd) is toxic if it accumulates in the liver and kidneys at high levels. All three are contained in the grains of rice, a staple cereal. Zn and Fe concentrations in rice grains harvested under different levels of soil/hydroponic metals are known to change only within a small range, while Cd concentrations show greater changes. To clarify the mechanisms underlying such different metal contents, we synthesized information on the routes of metal transport and accumulation in rice plants by examining metal speciation, metal transporters, and the xylem-to-phloem transport system. At grain-filling, Zn and Cd ascending in xylem sap are transferred to the phloem by the xylem-to-phloem transport system operating at stem nodes. Grain Fe is largely derived from the leaves by remobilization. Zn and Fe concentrations in phloem-sap and grains are regulated within a small range, while Cd concentrations vary depending on xylem supply. Transgenic techniques to increase concentrations of the metal chelators (nicotianamine, 2′-deoxymugineic acid) are useful in increasing grain Zn and Fe concentrations. The elimination of OsNRAMP5 Cd-uptake transporter and the enhancement of root cell vacuolar Cd sequestration reduce uptake and root-to-shoot transport, respectively, resulting in a reduction of grain Cd accumulation.     

Discovery and Development of Chemical Attractants Used to Trap Pestiferous Social Wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

Chemical attractants for trapping temperate social wasps have been discovered during the screening of chemicals as attractants for flies, the study of pentatomid bug pheromones, and the testing of volatiles of fermented sweet baits. Wasp attraction to these chemicals seems to be related to either food-finding or prey-finding behavior. Of these attractive chemicals, commercial lures marketed in North America for trapping wasps generally contain heptyl butyrate, or the combination of acetic acid and 2-methyl-1-butanol. Heptyl butyrate is a very good attractant for two major pest wasp species in North America and minor wasp pests in the Vespula rufa species group. The combination of acetic acid with isobutanol attracted nearly all North American pest species of social wasps, including yellowjackets (Vespula and Dolichovespula), a hornet (Vespa crabro), and several paper wasps (Polistes spp.). The testing of wasp chemical attractants in different geographic areas demonstrated responses of many wasp taxa and showed a broad potential scope for the marketing of trap lures. Comparisons of compounds structurally similar to isobutanol revealed similar activity with 2-methyl-1-butanol, which is now used commercially because of a vapor pressure that is more favorable than isobutanol for formulations and dispensers. Doses and concentrations needed for good wasp catches were determined for heptyl butyrate, acetic acid, isobutanol, and 2-methyl-1-butanol, either formulated in water or dispensed from a controlled release device. Trap designs were developed based on consumer considerations; visual appeal, ease and safety of use, and low environmental impact. The resultant lures and traps are marketed in numerous physical and on-line retail outlets throughout the United States and southern Canada.     

扬州古运河三湾段沉积物中重金属潜在生态风险评价及形态变化特征

扬州古运河是京杭大运河最古老的一段,为了解沉积物中重金属污染状况,采用Hakanson潜在生态风险评价扬州古运河三湾段沉积物中重金属Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd和Pb的风险水平,并对形态分布特征进行了研究。结果表明:扬州古运河六种重金属的含量均高于背景值,其中Cd含量为其背景值的13.15倍。沉积物中重金属的累积潜在生态风险指数RI高达456.55,沉积物的总体潜在生态风险等级为强。沉积物中Pb的主要赋存形态主要以铁锰氧化态存在,而Zn和Cd主要以酸可溶态形式存在,说明这三种重金属的潜在生态风险水平较高。     

A Comparative Study of Selected Trace Element Content in Malay and Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine (THM) Using an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS)

A total of 60 products of traditional herbal medicine (THM) in various dosage forms of herbal preparation were analyzed to determine selected trace elements (i.e., Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Se) using ICP-MS. Thirty types of both Chinese and Malay THMs were chosen to represent each population. The closed vessel acid microwave digestion method, using CEM MARS 5, was employed for the extraction of the selected trace elements. The digestion method applied was validated by using certified reference material from the Trace Element in Spinach Leaves (SRM1570a). The recoveries of all elements were found to be in the range of 85.3%–98.9%. The results indicated that Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd and Se have their own trends of concentrations in all samples studied. The daily intake concentrations of the elements were in the following order: Mn > Zn > Cu > Se > Cd. Concentrations of all five elements were found to be dominant in Chinese THMs. The essentiality of the selected trace elements was also assessed, based on the recommended daily allowance (RDA), adequate intake (AI) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for trace elements as reference. The concentrations of all elements studied were below the RDA, AI and USP values, which fall within the essential concentration range, except for cadmium.     

用原子吸收法测定金匮肾气丸等中成药中常见微量元素

用原子吸收光谱法对金匮肾气丸、麦味地黄丸、脾肾两助丸３种中成药中的Ｃｕ、Ｚｎ、Ｆｅ、Ｍｎ、Ｂｂ、Ｃｄ、Ｃｏ、Ｎｉ和Ｌｉ等９种微量元素进行了测定。结果表明,金匮肾气丸中的Ｚｎ、Ｍｎ含量远高于其它两种药,因而从微量元素的角度来看,它的补肾益精效果应该更好＾［１］。     

Chemical Heterogeneity in Inbred European Population of the Invasive Hornet <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vespa velutina nigrithorax</Emphasis>

Invasive social insect populations that have been introduced to a new environment through a limited number of introduction events generally exhibit reduced variability in their chemical signatures (cuticular hydrocarbons) compared to native populations of the same species. The reduced variability in these major recognition cues could be caused by a reduction of genetic diversity due to a genetic bottleneck. This hypothesis was tested in an inbred European population of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax. Our results show that, in spite of the limited amount of genetic diversity present in the European population, the chemical signatures of individuals were highly heterogeneous according to their caste, sex, and colony origin. In queens, some specific saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons were identified. These results suggest that epigenetic and/or environmental factors could play a role in modifying cuticular hydrocarbon profiles in this introduced hornet population despite the observed reduction of genetic diversity.     

原子吸收法测定不同产地三棱中16种微量元素的质量浓度

用浓硝酸-高氯酸(4+1)溶解消化方法进行样品处理,用原子吸收法测定了不同产地三棱中的多种微量元素,其中,使用石墨炉法测定了Cu、Cd、Pb、Ni、Cr、Mn、Fe、Co、Mo、Ag和V(11种)等,使用火焰法测定了K、Mg、Ca、Na、Zn(5种)等微量元素的质量浓度。结果表明,在选定的测定条件下,三棱中各元素间相互干扰小,对测定结果无明显影响。方法的标准曲线线性关系良好(r=0.995 6～0.999 9),方法回收率(n=7)为99.1%～102.5%,RSD值0.23%～1.21%,能用于三棱中多种微量元素的同时测定,方法快速、简单,准确度和精密度均较好,能达到分析要求。     

同一固废全消解液中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Mn的原子吸收光谱测定方法研究

建立了固废中包括Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd和Mn等5种微量、痕量有害金属元素的原子吸收光谱测定方法。试验对微波消解条件、称样量、测定介质与仪器条件等进行了研究,试样经HNO3-HF微波消解,HClO4破坏有机质,在选定的试验条件下,使用原子吸收光谱仪对同一份样品中的痕量元素Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd和Mn进行连续测定。在仪器最佳工作条件下,方法检出限为:Cu0.037mg/L,Pb0.294mg/L,Zn0.030mg/L,Cd0.015mg/L,Mn0.022mg/L。相对标准偏差(RSD):Cu为3.1%,Pb为2.5%,Zn为4.0%,Cd为6.6%,Mn为4.2%。经过国家一级标准物质的分析验证,结果与标准值吻合较好。方法操作简单、可靠,可用于批量样品分析。     

Trace metal contents of acidic,basic and neutral components of a cyclohexanol extract of Kosova Basin lignite

A sample of Kosova Basin lignite was extracted with cyclohexanol. The yield of extract was 19.98 wt%. The extract was fractionated into acidic, basic and neutral components and benzene- and petroleum ether-insoluble fractions. After ashing with HClO₄ and HNO₃, eleven elements (K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd and Ni) were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and seven elements (Al, Ba, Sr, Be, B, Ga and V) by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. A majority of the elements (Fe, B, Al, Zn, Pb, Cu, Ca, Mg, Sr, Ga and V) were found concentrated in the acidic and phenol fractions, while K, Ni, Ga and Cu predominated in the amine fraction. The metals thus analysed were associated with heteroatoms.     

Heavy metals contribution of non-aqueous fluids used in offshore oil drilling

A monitoring program was performed to investigate heavy metal content alteration due to exploratory drilling for oil using non-aqueous fluids (NAFs) in Brazilian offshore, 900 m deep. Fourteen elements were monitored in 54 sites and it was verified that after drilling activities the average Ba concentration was remarkably increased with respect to background level, even 1 year after the activity. A minor increase in Mn and a moderate increase in Al concentrations were verified. The Cd, Cr, Ni, As, Co, Cu, Pb, V, and Zn concentrations were at the background levels, ca. 1 year after the NAFs drilling materials deposition on the seafloor. The Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn mean concentrations were significantly different (P<0.05) between the three sampling operations (cruises) performed, while As, Cd, Fe and Pb presented different mean values according to the distance of the oil well, independent of the sampling operation. Interaction between sampling operation and distance was observed for Mn. In all sediment samples the Hg concentration was below the detection limit (0.07 μg g⁻¹).     

Trace elements (Mn,Cr, Pb,Se, Zn,Cd and Hg) in emissions from a pulverized coal boiler

The concentrations of seven trace elements (Mn, Cr, Pb, Se, Zn, Cd, Hg) in raw coal, bottom ash and fly ash were measured quantitatively in a 220 tons/h pulverized coal boiler. Factors affecting distribution of trace elements were investigated, including fly ash diameter, furnace temperature, oxygen concentration and trace elements' characteristics. Modified enrichment factors show more directly element enrichment in combustion products. The studied elements may be classified into three groups according to their emission features: Group 1: Hg, which is very volatile. Group 2: Pb, Zn, Cd, which are partially volatile. Group 3: Mn, which is hardly volatile. Se may be located between groups 1 and 2. Cr has properties of both Groups 1 and 3. The smaller the diameter of fly ash, the higher is the relative enrichment of trace elements (except Mn). Fly ash shows different adsorption mechanisms of trace elements and the volatilization of trace elements rises with furnace temperature. Relative enrichments of trace elements (except Mn and Cr) in fly ash are larger than that in bottom ash. Low oxygen concentration will not always improve the volatilization of trace elements. Pb forms chloride more easily than Cd during coal combustion.     

Volatile trace element behaviour in the Sasol fixed-bed dry-bottom (FBDB)™ gasifier treating coals of different rank

Trace element simulation and validation of model predictions for the elements Hg, As, Se, Cd and Pb have recently been undertaken for the Sasol^® FBDB™ gasification process operating on lump coal. The validation was conducted by interpolating the residual trace elements content remaining behind in the solid coal/char/ash fractions after sequential mining of a quenched commercial-scale gasifier operating on low rank grade C bituminous Highveld coal used for gasification in South Africa. This paper extends the research understanding by comparing the volatile trace element behaviour of these same elements, using the same gasification technology, but operating on North Dakota lignite. The focus will be on the behaviour of the volatile Class III trace elements: Hg, As, Se, Cd and Pb within the Sasol^® FBDB™ gasifier as function of coal rank. This study excludes the downstream gas cleaning partitioning and speciation behaviour of these elements.Findings indicate that although the feed concentration and mode of occurrence of these elements differ quite substantially between the two coal types studied, that the volatilization profiles of the elements are indeed quite similar; being within 0.1%-15% lower in the case of the lignite when compared to the bituminous coal. In both cases, Hg was found to be the most volatile and As the least; with the volatility order varying slightly for the metals Se, Cd and Pb for the two coal types. The differences observed in the trace element volatilization rate are supported by the temperature profile which was inferred from the reflectance of vitrinite (RoV) measurements of the dissected fuel bed material. The highly reactive lignite, is successfully gasified at a lower temperature than is the case for bituminous coal using the Sasol^® FBDB™ gasification process. Speciation predictions have earlier shown that: H₂ Se, CdS, PbS/Pb/PbCl, and AsH₃ species possibly exist in the gas phase. In reality, organically-associated trace elements will also be volatilized into the gas phase, but due to a lack of thermodynamic data for the lignite organo-metallic species at this stage only inorganic associations could be modelled.     

Condensing species from flue gas in Puertollano gasification power plant,Spain

The occurrence and distribution of trace elements (Pb, Zn, As, Ge, Cd, Tl, Bi, Sn, and also Ni, Fe and V) in condensates arising from coal gasification was investigated through the study of samples physically deposited on the gas cooling system from the Puertollano IGCC 335 MW power plant. These highly metal enriched samples are suitable for a comprehensive evaluation of the mode of occurrence of these elements in IGCC fly ash. Pb, Zn, Ge, and Fe sulfides, Ni–Fe arsenides, Ge and V oxides as well as traces of K chloride and Pb, Zn and Fe sulfates were determined as the major bearing phases for these elements. Three condensation zones were differentiated as function of the condensation temperatures and metal content: 1. Pb zone (520–750 °C), characterized by the dominance of galena (70–90% of the main crystalline phases), and by the condensation of pyrrhotite and nickeline. 2. Ge–Zn–Pb zone (520–470 °C), with sphalerite and wurzite being the dominant crystalline phases (over 40%), and Ge compounds, GeS₂ and GeO₂, reaching 30% of the bulk condensates. 3. Zn zone (300–400 °C), characterized by the dominance of Zn sulfides (over 85% of the main crystalline phases). The results obtained from these highly metalliferous condensates show similar forms of occurrence for the studied elements to those obtained in the bulk Puertollano IGCC fly ash (by using XAFS spectroscopy), where the contents of these elements are much lower. Furthermore, the sequential condensation of sulfides during coal gasification is similar to that from volcanic fumaroles, and may thus promote a better understanding of volcanic deposits.     

Trace element behaviour in the Sasol-Lurgi MK IV FBDB gasifier. Part 1 - The volatile elements: Hg, As, Se, Cd and Pb

Coal-fired power and heat production are the largest single source of Hg in the atmosphere, and in March 2005, the US-EPA ruled regarding Hg reduction from coal utilization in the USA. Appropriate Hg pollution control of technology, as well as reductions in the uses of Hg and coal-containing Hg can readily reduce the releases of Hg from coal utilities. Integrated multi-pollutant (SOx, NOx, particulate matter and Hg) control technologies may be a cost-effective approach. Prior to considering mitigation technologies, it is necessary to understand the quantity of mercury in the feed coal, its mode of occurrence (i.e. mineral or organic associations), its partitioning behaviour during the process, and the volume and species in which it is being emitted via stacks. These factors have all been investigated up to the point of release for the Sasol gasification and steam-raising plants, including other trace elements.The focus of this paper is to discuss the more recent environmental research developments by Sasol, where trace element simulation and validation of model predictions have been undertaken for the Sasol-Lurgi gasification process operating on lump coal. Fact-Sage thermodynamic equilibrium modeling was used to simulate the trace elements: Hg, As, Se, Cd and Pb gas phase and ash phase partitioning and speciation behaviour occurring in a fixed-bed pressurised gasifier. A Sasol-Lurgi Mark IV (MK IV) fixed-bed dry bottom (FBDB) gasifier was mined via turn-out sampling in order to determine the trace element changes through the gasifier, findings being used to validate the modeled results. This paper will focus on the behaviour of the volatile Class I trace elements: Hg, As, Se, Cd and Pb within the Sasol-Lurgi MK IV FBDB gasifier as function of coal quality. This study excludes the downstream gas cleaning partitioning and speciation behaviour of these elements, which will form the basis of a future paper.Good agreement between model-predictions and measurements have been attained in this study, with the exception of As. Hg, Cd, Pb, As and Se were all found to be highly volatile, partitioning into the gas phase. Hg was found to be the most volatile element during fixed-bed gasification and is present in the gas phase in the form of elemental Hg (g). As, Se, Cd and Pb have lower volatilities when compared to Hg, and they vary in an order: Hg > Se > Cd > Pb > As. Speciation predictions showed that: Hg, AsH₃, H₂Se, PbSe, Cd, CdS, and PbS/Pb/PbCl, species could potentially exist in the raw gas phase.     

A new method for the simultaneous determination of Fe(III), Cu(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Ni(II) in wine using differential pulse polarography

A new and simple differential pulse polarographic method for the analysis of wine has been established. With this method, it was possible to determine simultaneously six trace elements in wine. There was no need for time consuming extraction and separation procedures with danger of contamination. The polarogram of wet digested wine was taken initially in pH 2 acetate buffer and Pb, Cd, and Zn were determined by standard additions. Ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was added and pH was increased to six by addition of NaOH. Fe and Cu were determined subsequently. The ammonia buffer, pH 9.5, was identified as the best medium for separation and determination of Ni and Zn. The quantities of trace elements were found as Cu 290 ± 20 μg L⁻¹, Fe 8960 ± 50 μg L⁻¹, Pb 148 ± 17 μg L⁻¹, Cd 16 ± 8 μg L⁻¹, Zn 460 ± 25 μg L⁻¹, and Ni 78 ± 17 μg L⁻¹.     

Removal, preconcentration and determination of trace heavy metal ions in water samples by AAS via chemically modified silica gel N-(1-carboxy-6-hydroxy) benzylidenepropylamine ion exchanger

The use of chemically modified silica gel N-(1-carboxy-6-hydroxy) benzylidenepropylamine (SiG-CHBPA), ion exchanger for removal and preconcentration of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in natural water samples collected from River Nile, Mediterranean Sea and other locations followed by their consecutive AAS determination was described. The effects on the percentage of recovered metal ions including mass change of ion exchanger, stirring time, pH of sample solutions and eluent concentration were studied. The distribution coefficient K_d, ml g^− 1 and the percentage concentration of the studied metal ions on the ion exchanger at equilibrium, C_M,_eqm ,% (Recovery, %) were studied as a function of experimental parameters. The logarithmic values of the distribution coefficients, log K_d are 3-6.3. The interfering effects of some foreign ions on the removal, preconcentration and determination of the investigated metal ions were described. The metal-chelates formed between the ion exchanger and the studied metal ions were characterized by IR (absorption and reflectance), UV spectrometry, potentiometric titration and thermal analysis (TG and DTG). The reliability of the present method was confirmed by the comparison with a standard solvent extraction method. The present method is simple and rapidly applicable for the determination of the studied metal ions, ng ml^− 1 in different natural water samples.     

Market Basket Analysis: A New Tool in Ecology to Describe Chemical Relations in the Environment—A Case Study of the Fern <Emphasis Type="Italic">Athyrium distentifolium</Emphasis> in the Tatra National Park in Poland

In this study, the novel data mining technique Market Basket Analysis (MBA) was applied for the first time in biogeochemical and ecological investigations. The method was tested on the fern Athyrium distentifolium, in which we measured concentrations of the elements Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Plants were sampled from sites with different types of bedrock in the Tatra National Park in Poland. MBA was used to investigate whether specimens of Athyrium distentifolium that contain elevated levels of certain elements occur more frequently on a specific type of bedrock and to identify relationships between the type of bedrock and the concentrations of the elements in this fern. The results were compared with those of the commonly used principal component and classification analysis (PCCA) technique. MBA and PCCA ordination both yielded distinct groups of ferns growing on different types of bedrock. Although the results of MBA and PCCA were similar, MBA has the advantage of being independent of the size of the data set. In addition, MBA revealed not only dominant elements but, in the case of limestone bedrock, also showed very low concentrations of Cd, Fe, Mn, and Pb in ferns growing on this type of parent material. MBA, thus, appeared to be a promising data mining method to reveal chemical relations in the environment as well as the accumulation of chemical elements in bioindicators. This technique can be used to reveal associations and correlations among items in large data sets collected on a national or even larger scale.     

Synthesis of δ-lactonic pheromones ofXylocopa hirsutissima andVespa orientalis and an allomone of some ants of genusCamponotus

Simple preparations ofcis-3,6-dimethyltetrahydro-2-pyrone, VII,6-n-undecyltetrahydro-2-pyrone, XVIIb, and 6-n-pentyl-5,6-dihydro-2-pyrone, XVIa, have been achieved. Products VII and XVIIb, respectively, are the major constituent of the pheromonal blend of a carpenter bee (Xylocopa hirsutissima) and the pheromone of the queens of the Oriental hornet (Vespa orientalis). The lactone XVIa is a suspected defensive allomone in two species of formicine ants of the genusCamponotus. All three compounds have been prepared from dehydroacetic acid, I, a cheap and industrially available starting material.     

Leaching characterisation and geochemical modelling of minor and trace elements released from recycled concrete aggregates

The pH dependent release of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn from different recycled concrete aggregate samples was determined. Geochemical speciation modelling was applied on the concentrations of Cu, Cr, Mo and Ni in the leachates in order to predict the measured concentrations and the specific release mechanisms. The model was able to reproduce the characteristic pH dependent release patterns for these elements and reasonable to sometimes excellent matches between the predicted and measured concentrations were achieved. Binding of Mo and Cr as oxyanions (MoO₄²⁻ and CrO₄²⁻) to ettringite was modelled with fair agreement for Cr only. For Cu and Ni, the predicted and measured concentrations agreed well for the partly carbonated sample at high alkaline pH (11–13). The importance of complexation to humic substances was also shown in samples derived from construction debris.