Comparson of the metal content in acid sulfate soil runoff and industrial effluents in Finland

The magnitude of the diffuse leakage of metals (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) from Finnish acid sulfate soils (AS soils) into streams was assessed and then compared to the metal discharges in effluent from Finnish industry. The diffuse leakage was calculated by using median metal concentrations for a total of 30 ditches draining AS soils and the mean annual runoff from such soils. In comparison to the present-day industrial discharges, AS soils are a massive supplier of Al, Cd, Co, Mn, Ni, and Zn to the aquatic environment. Also Cu exists abundantly in runoff from such soils, while Pb, Cr, Fe, As, and V in general do not. Since the AS soils are anthropogenic (developed as a result of deep ditching for farming purposes), the comparison with industry is justified and shows that there is an urgent need to take measures against the extensive metal leakage from these soils. It is likely that high quantities of metals are leached, in a similar manner, from corresponding soils distributed in many coastal plains worldwide.     

Reduced inorganic sulfur speciation in drain sediments from acid sulfate soil landscapes

We examined processes regulating reduced inorganic sulfur (RIS) speciation in drain sediments from coastal acid sulfate soil (ASS) landscapes. Pore water sulfide was undetectable or present at low levels (0.6-18.8 microM), consistent with FeS(s) precipitation in the presence of high concentrations of Fe2+ (generally >2 mM). Acid-volatile sulfide (AVS), with concentrations up to 1019 micromol g(-1), comprised a major proportion of RIS. The AVS to pyrite-S ratios were up to 2.6 in sediment profiles containing abundant reactive Fe (up to approximately 4000 micromol g(-1)). Such high AVS:pyrite-S ratios are indicative of inefficient conversion of FeS(s) to pyrite. This may be due to low pore water sulfide levels causing slow rates of pyrite formation via the polysulfide and H2S oxidation pathways. Overall, RIS speciation in ASS-associated drain sediments is unique and is largely regulated by abundant reactive Fe.     

Sorption mechanisms of phenanthrene, lindane, and atrazine with various humic acid fractions from a single soil sample

The sorption behavior of organic compounds (phenanthrene, lindane, and atrazine) to sequentially extracted humic acids and humin from a peat soil was examined. The elemental composition, XPS and (13)C NMR data of sorbents combined with sorption isotherm data of the tested compounds show that nonspecific interactions govern sorption of phenanthrene and lindane by humic substances. Their sorption is dependent on surface and bulk alkyl carbon contents of the sorbents, rather than aromatic carbon. Sorption of atrazine by these sorbents, however, is regulated by polar interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding). Carboxylic and phenolic moieties are key components for H-bonding formation. Thermal analysis reveals that sorption of apolar (i.e., phenanthrene and lindane) and polar (i.e., atrazine) compounds by humic substances exhibit dissimilar relationships with condensation and thermal stability of sorption domains, emphasizing the major influence of domain spatial arrangement on sorption of organic compounds with distinct polarity. Results of pH-dependent sorption indicate that reduction in sorption of atrazine by the tested sorbents is more evident than phenanthrene with increasing pH, supporting the dependence of organic compound sorption on its polarity and structure. This study highlights the different interaction mechanisms of apolar and polar organic compounds with humic substances.     

Acidification properties of lactic acid bacteria in rye sour doughs

The acidification properties of 33 different sour dough bacteria and starter cultures, one spontaneously generated sour dough and one commercial sour dough starter, a ‘Reinzuchtsauer’ from West Germany, were characterized. The bacteria were tested in three different sour dough processes, the Berliner short-sour-process, the Detmolder one-stage-process and the recently developed Lönner one-stage-process.The Lönner one-stage-process showed a number of advantages in comparison with the other processes. The organisms produced their lowest pH-values and their highest acid equivalents in this process. The rates of pH-decrease were also higher as well as the fermentation quotients. Some of the organisms previously isolated from sour doughs, showed very good properties of acidification. Among the homofermentative organisms, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. alimentarius, L. plantarum and the unidentified organisms Lactobacillus spp. I and f showed the best properties. Among the heterofermentative organisms the best properties were displayed by L. brevis ssp. lindneri I and II and the unidentified Lactobacillus spp. e, g, h, k and n.     

Risk of inundation to coastal wetlands and soil organic carbon and organic nitrogen accounting in Louisiana, USA

Exceeding 1.2 million acres (4856 km(2)) since the 1930s, coastal wetland loss has been the most threatening environmental problem in Louisiana, United States. This study utilized high-resolution LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data sets to assess the risk of potential wetland loss due to future sea level rises, their spatial distribution, and the associated loss of soil organic carbon (SOC) and organic nitrogen (SON) estimated from the State Soil Geographic (STATSGO) Database and National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) digital data. Potential inundation areas were divided into five elevation scales: < 0 cm, 0-50 cm, 50-100 cm, 100-150 cm, and 150-200 cm above mean sea level. The study found that southeastern Louisiana on the Mississippi River Delta, specifically the Pontchartrain and Barataria Basins, are most vulnerable to sea-level rise induced inundation. Accordingly, approximately 42,264,600 t of SOC and 2,817,640 t of SON would be inundated by 2050 using an average wetland SOC density (203 t per hectare) for the inundation areas between 0 and 50 cm. The estimated annual SOC and SON loss from Louisiana's coast is 17% of annual organic carbon and 6-8% of annual organic nitrogen inputs from the Mississippi River.     

猪皮残存AS1398酶活力的酸性抑制

对AS1398酶在不同pH值的酸性缓冲溶液中的活力抑制进行了试验,以此为基础,研究了猪皮块中残存的AS1398酶在加NaCl与不加NaCl的酸性缓冲溶液的活力变化,找到了一种通过两次酸性缓冲溶液处理完全抑制皮块中残存酶活力的方法.     

Role,mechanisms and control of lactic acid bacteria lysis in cheese

Lysis of dairy starters is a prerequisite for optimum cheese maturation, since intracellular starter enzymes, particularly peptidases, can then play their role. Here we describe the different methods used to detect starter lysis in situ and current knowledge concerning the impact of lysis on cheese ripening, particularly the increase of free amino acids due to early lysis and the reduction of bitterness by hydrolysis of large hydrophobic peptides. Recent results obtained on the impact of lysis on lipolysis and amino acid catabolism are also described. Then, we present current knowledge regarding the mechanisms involved, focussing mainly on the model most investigated: Lactococcus lactis. Recent advances concerning the molecular characterization of peptidoglycan hydrolases are summarized (sequence, structure, regulation) together with current knowledge of the relationship between lysogeny and lysis. Lastly, we review the different approaches proposed to control or induce lysis in situ. In conclusion, we point out unaddressed questions.     

Acidification,proteolysis and flavour potential in fermenting cocoa beans

Cocoa fermentations in Ghana and Trinidad as well as anaerobic fermentation-like incubations of fresh cocoa beans in Germany were carried out under controlled conditions. Samples of beans were taken during the course of these treatments and determinations were made as to acidification (pH, acetic acid content), proteolysis (free α-amino nitrogen, peptide nitrogen and SDS electrophoresis of the protein peptides) and flavour potential (gas chromatography of the highly volatile compounds, in particular isopentanal and organoleptic analysis after thin layer roasting). A positive correlation between acidification, proteolysis and the development of flavour potential during anaerobic fermentation can be demonstrated in principle. However, the flavour potential is increased if the temperature rise is comparatively slow in both normal fermentation and laboratory incubation. Strong acidification and high accumulation of amino acids and peptides were not essential for a good flavour potential. The isopentanal content proved to be a useful indicator of the progress of normal fermentation in the tropics. These findings can be interpreted on the basis of earlier results about germination-like processes in the protein vacuoles, pre- and post-mortem subcellular structures and the special characteristics of acetic acid diffusion. Conclusions which are relevant to the practice of cocoa fermentation are discussed in more detail.     

When aerosol sulfate goes up, so does oxalate: implication for the formation mechanisms of oxalate

Oxalic acid is often the single most abundant water-soluble organic compound identified in ambient aerosols, but its precursors have not been identified, and its formation mechanism is not well understood. On the contrary, sulfate as a major aerosol component, its formation pathways have been established, and in-cloud processing is recognized as its major production pathway. Our measurements of aerosol sulfate and oxalate collected across a wide geographical span in the East Asia region, up to Beijing in the north and down to Hong Kong in the south, indicate that the two species are highly correlated among samples collected at the same location and among samples collected at different locations in the Pearl River Delta region. This good correlation is also found in measurements made elsewhere by other researchers. We argue that a common dominant formation pathway, likely in-cloud processing, explains the close tracking of the two chemically distinct species. This also highlights the potential importance of in-cloud processing as a pathway leading to formation of secondary organic aerosols.     

植酸的食品保鲜机理及应用

本文通过植酸的分子结构,分析了植酸的理化特性及高效螯合金属离子的作用机理。介绍了植酸在食品行业中作为抗氧化剂、护色剂、沉淀剂的理论研究和应用概况,并对植酸食品保鲜技术进行了展望。     

The influence of fibre-type composition and associated biochemical characteristics on the acid buffering capacities of several beef muscles

Several beef forequarter muscles were investigated for fibre-type composition, total pigments, total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, anserine, carnosine and inorganic phosphorus contents, ultimate pH (pH(u)) and acid buffering capacities. In general, the predominantly 'red' fibre-type muscles had significantly higher (P<0·05) pH(u) values and total pigment concentrations than the predominantly 'white' fibre-type muscles which had significantly higher (P< 0·05) total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen and carnosine contents and also significantly higher (P< 0·05) acid buffering capacities. The relationships between the various biochemical parameters of all the muscles studied and their acid buffering capacities were investigated by correlation matrix. The higher buffering capacities of the 'white' fibre-type muscles over the pH range pH(u) to pH 5·0 were attributed to their higher contents of carnosine and inorganic phosphorus. However, over the pH ranges pH(u) to pH 4·5 down to pH(u) to pH 3·0, the higher buffering capacities of the 'white' fibre-type muscles were attributed primarily to their higher lactic acid concentrations, as indicated by their low pH(u) values, and also to their higher non-protein nitrogen contents.     

Eight boreal wetlands as sources and sinks for methyl mercury in relation to soil acidity, c/n ratio, and small-scale flooding

Four years of catchment export and wetland input-output mass balances are reported for inorganic Hg (Hg(inorg)), methyl mercury (MeHg), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and sulfate in eight Swedish boreal wetlands. All wetlands had a history of artificial drainage and seven were subjected to small-scale flooding during the complete study period (two sites) or the two last years (five sites). We used an approach in which specific runoff data determined at hydrological stations situated at a distance from the studied sites were used in the calculation of water and element budgets. All wetlands except one were significant sinks for Hg(inorg). Seven wetlands were consistent sources of MeHg and one (an Alnus glutinosa swamp) was a significant sink. The pattern of MeHg yields was in good agreement with previously determined methylation and demethylation rates in the wetland soils of this study, with a maximum MeHg yield obtained in wetlands with an intermediate soil acidity (pH ～5.0) and C/N ratio (～20). We hypothesize that an increased nutrient status from poor to intermediate conditions promotes methylation over demethylation, whereas a further increase in nutrient status and trophy to meso- and eutrophic conditions promotes demethylation over methylation. Small-scale flooding showed no or moderate changes in MeHg yield, maintaining differences among wetlands related to nutrient status.     

Spectrophotometric estimation of arsenic in nitric acid extracts of soil and soil additives

The spectrophotometric determination of arsenic in solutions containing nitric acid necessitates the removal of nitrate ions without loss of arsenic. A convenient and effective method for its removal was achieved by treatment with formic acid.     

On the acid-base properties of humic acid in soil

Humic acid was isolated from three contrasting organic-rich soils and acid-base titrations performed over a range of ionic strengths. Results obtained were unlike most humic acid data sets; they showed a greater ionic strength dependency at low pH than at high pH. Forward- and back-titrations with the base and acid revealed hysteresis, particularly at low pH. Previous authors attributed this type of hysteresis to humic acid aggregates-created during the isolation procedure-being redissolved during titration as the pH increased and regarded the results as artificial. However, forward- and back-titrations with organic-rich soils also demonstrated a similar hysteretic behavior. These observations indicate (i) that titrations of humic acid in aggregated form (as opposed to the more usual dissolved form) are more representative of the acid-base properties of humic acid in soil and (ii) that the ionic strength dependency of proton binding in humic acid is related to its degree of aggregation. Thus, the current use of models based on data from dissolved humic substances to predictthe acid-base properties of humic acid in soil under environmental conditions may be flawed and could substantially overestimate their acid buffering capacity.     

Nitrogen concentrations in soil solution and surface run-off on irrigated vineyards in Australia

Background and Aims:  Water and nutrients exported from vineyards through surface and subsurface pathways have the potential to adversely affect water quality downstream. This project aimed to improve the scientific understanding of the pathways and quantity of Nitrogen (N) leaking from Australian vineyards.
Methods and Results:  Seasonal water balance and N in soil solution was monitored in one Rutherglen Shiraz and six Riverina Chardonnay vineyards. Surface run-off was monitored in one vineyard in each wine region. Six vineyards were planted 2 years prior and one Riverina vineyard 10 years prior to study commencement. Two vineyards, one drip and one flood irrigated, were selected on each of the three main soil groups of the Riverina, the Rutherglen vineyard was drip irrigated. The annual risk of leaching extended up to 205 days, the average N (nitrate + nitrite) concentrations in soil solution (1 m) ranged from 0.64 to 82 mg N/L and surface run-off from 0.0 to 0.3 kg N/ha.
Conclusions:  The soil N concentration combined with the number of days in which drainage was likely, highlights the potential risk for N export by subsurface pathways, while surface run-off was insignificant. Higher soil N concentrations and fertiliser application increased the risk of N exported beyond the rootzone.
Significance of the Study:  N fertiliser inputs could be reduced without affecting vine performance, since several vineyards monitored were above the recommended petiole N concentrations at flowering. This would decrease production costs and reduce the risk of N leaching out of the soil profile to water tables or waterways.     

Impact of buffering capacity on the acidification of wort by brewing‐relevant lactic acid bacteria

Acidified wort produced biologically using lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has application during sour beer production and in breweries adhering to the German purity law (Reinheitsgebot ). LAB cultures, however, suffer from end product inhibition and low pH, leading to inefficient lactic acid (LA) yields. Three brewing‐relevant LAB (Pediococcus acidilactici AB39, Lactobacillus amylovorus FST2.11 and Lactobacillus plantarum FST1.7) were examined during batch fermentation of wort possessing increasing buffering capacities (BC). Bacterial growth was progressively impaired when exposed to higher LA concentrations, ceasing in the pH range of 2.9–3.4. The proteolytic rest (50°C) during mashing was found to be a major factor improving the BC of wort. Both a longer mashing profile and the addition of an external protease increased the BC (1.21 and 1.24, respectively) compared with a control wort (1.18), and a positive, linear correlation (R ² = 0.957) between free amino nitrogen and BC was established. Higher levels of BC led to significant greater LA concentration (up to +24%) after 48 h of fermentation, reaching a maximal value of 11.3 g/L. Even higher LA (maximum 12.8 g/L) could be obtained when external buffers were added to wort, while depletion of micronutrient(s) (monosaccharides, amino acids and/or other unidentified compounds) was suggested as the cause of LAB growth cessation. Overall, a significant improvement in LA production during batch fermentation of wort is possible when BC is improved through mashing and/or inclusion of additives (protease and/or external buffers), with further potential for optimization when strain‐dependent nutritional requirements, e.g. sugar and amino acids, are considered. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Prevention of Mold-Induced Softening in Air-Purged, Brined Cucumbers by Acidification

Mold-induced cucumber softening was prevented in air-purged fermentations by 0.16% acetic acid (equilibrated). Cucumber softening and pectate depolymerase activity increased in air-purged fermentations when the level of acid was decreased to 0.12% and below. Mold-induced softening was prevented in natural (not acidified) fermentations by delaying purging until indigenous microflora had reduced the brine pH to 4.0. Direct contact of air bubbles and cucumbers was not a requirement for subsurface mold growth. In air-purged commercial brines softening was evidenced by soft spots and skin blisters on cucumbers acidified with 0.05 and 0.0%, but not with 0.16%, acetic acid. In broth culture, growth of four mold isolates from soft cucumbers was inhibited by 0.3% acetic (pH 4.0) but not by up to 0.9% lactic acid (pH 3.0) at 5.3% NaCl.     

Use of Acidification, Low Temperature, and Sorbates for Storage of Orange Juice

The effects of acidification, combination of acidification and low temperature and sorbates on the storage of orange juice were investigated. Acidification of orange juice to pH 2.0 and pH 2.5 followed by storage at 5°C resulted in marked reduction in total plate count and yeast and mold population during twelve weeks of storage. Use of 0.03% sorbic acid or potassium sorbate in combination with acidification at pH 2.5 resulted in preservation of orange juice stored at 10°C over 10 wk period; however, vitamin C degradation was enhanced by the presence of the sorbates. The results also indicated that relatively high concentrations of vitamin C were present in orange juice containing high population of microorganisms.     

Slow desorption mechanisms of volatile organic chemical mixtures in soil and sediment micropores

Desorption profiles of trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), and a TCE-PCE mixture were measured for three natural solids and four zeolites. Initial sorbed mass (Mi) in slow desorbing sites of natural solids and in micropores of zeolites were obtained from desorption profiles. In natural solids, Mi increases with recalcitrant organic matter content. In zeolites, Mi generally increases with decreasing micropore width and increasing micropore hydrophobicity, but the effect of hydrophobicity is stronger. In both natural solids and zeolites, competition between TCE and PCE causes Mi for each sorbate in the mixture to be less than or similar to that for each sorbate alone. Zeolite results indicate that micropore width affects this competition more than micropore hydrophobicity for the solids examined. Desorption in all solids was simulated with the radial diffusion model, either alone or coupled with the advection-dispersion equation when necessary; diffusion rate constants (D/R2) were obtained. In natural solids, mean values of D/R2 increase with decreasing recalcitrant organic matter content. In zeolites, values of D/R2 generally increase with increasing micropore width, while they are a weak function of hydrophobicity. In both natural solids and zeolites, competition between TCE and PCE causes D/R2 for each sorbate in the mixture to generally be larger than that for each sorbate alone. Zeolite results indicate that the effects of competition on D/R2 generally decrease with decreasing micropore width for the solids examined; a trend with micropore hydrophobicity is not apparent. For the three natural solids and four zeolites examined in this study, the similar effects of competition between TCE and PCE on values of Mi and D/R2 and the overlapping range of D/R2 values support the hypothesis that diffusion through hydrophobic micropores affects and may control slow mass transfer processes in the recalcitrant organic matter of natural solids. These results contribute to the fundamental understanding of slow mass transfer processes in natural solids, and they indicate that characterization of micropore width and polarity may be necessary to predict organic chemical transport and fate.