Nitrogen removal in a small constructed wetland: an isotope mass balance approach

The nitrogen (N) removal potential of constructed wetlands is increasingly used to lower the N load from agricultural nonpoint sources to inland and coastal waters. To determine the removal efficiency and key factors limiting wetland N removal, N fluxes were studied in a small constructed wetland in Central Switzerland. With an isotope mass balance approach integrating the natural isotope signature of nitrate (NO3-, ammonium (NH4+), and particulate nitrogen (PN), the N transformations such as assimilation, mineralization, nitrification, and denitrification were quantified. On average, the wetland removed 45 g m(-2) yr(-1) N during the studied 2.5 years, corresponding to a removal efficiency of 27%. Denitrification contributed 94% to the N removal, while only 6% of the removed N accumulated in the sediments. Denitrification was most efficient during periods with an oxic water column overlying anoxic sediments, as NH4+ released during mineralization of sediment organic matter was completely nitrified and subsequently denitrified at the sediment-water interface. During water column anoxia, NH4+ accumulated in the water and fueled assimilation by duckweed and internal recycling. The NO3-N isotope signature in the wetland mainly reflected the mineralization of sediment organic matter and subsequent nitrification, while denitrification at the sediment-water interface produced no fractionation.     

Profiling of bioactive compounds in cultivars of Runner and Valencia peanut market-types using liquid chromatography/APCI mass spectrometry

Peanuts are classified into four market-types (Runners, Spanish, Virginia and Valencia). Studies on their phytochemical composition have focused mainly on market-types other than Valencia. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the phytochemical composition of cultivars of Valencia and Runner market-types. Extracts of 25 peanut cultivars of Runner and Valencia market-types were analysed using HPLC-DAD-MS analysis. Results showed major differences in UV profile of the market-types. A major peak with m/z 317 identified as isorhamnetin was present only in Valencia cultivars while its glycoside (isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside) having m/z 625 was identified in both market-types. Genistein, daidzein, rutin, quercetin and trans-resveratrol were also identified and quantified. Genistein and daidzein concentrations (0.03 mg/100 g) were similar in both market-types. trans-Resveratrol and rutin were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Runner cultivars while quercetin was 10-fold higher (0.60 ± 0.04 mg/100 g) in Valencia cultivars making them a better source of this phytochemical.     

Physiologically based persistent organic pollutant accumulation in pig tissues and their edible safety differences: An in vivo study

As one of the most important animal food sources, pigs are an important model in the assessment of human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In the present study, the distribution of the administrated polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxin/furan (PCDD/F)–polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixture and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the different tissues of pigs, including liver, lung, kidney, subcutaneous fat, mesentery and muscle, for understanding the physiologically based pollutant accumulation in these tissues and their edible safety was investigated. It was found that liver had a much higher potential to accumulate PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like pollutants like PCB-126 than the other tissues, but it did not specifically concentrate PBDE congeners as compared to the other tissues. The different PCDD/F congeners and PCB-126 followed a similar distribution pattern in the different tissues; also the different PBDE congeners have the similar pattern in these tissues. The liver’s higher concentrating potency for dioxin-like pollutants may result from its detoxification function, however, it can concentrate dioxin-like pollutants but not PBDEs may suggest that it is the toxicity but not lipophilic property of these POPs dominated their accumulation in liver tissues. Also the result suggested that liver is a high-risk edible tissue for dioxin-like pollutants. In conclusion, the present study suggested that physiologically based assessments are necessary for evaluating edible tissue safety in animal source foods.     

Ernährung und Klimaschutz: Orientierung für Verbraucher

Zusammenfassung:  Als Ursache der globalen Klima?nderung wird vor allem der Energieverbrauch in Industrie, Haushalten und bei Transporten diskutiert. Erheblichen Anteil haben auch die Klimagase aus der Landwirtschaft und dem Ern?hrungssektor, doch fehlt es hier bislang an klaren Forderungen zu deren Reduzierung. Besondere Dramatik bekommt die Klima?nderung durch die Tatsache, dass historisch vor allem die Industriel?nder dafür verantwortlich sind, die L?nder des Südens aber st?rker beeintr?chtigt werden. Immer mehr landwirtschaftliche Fl?chen dienen nicht mehr direkt der menschlichen Ern?hrung, sondern der Produktion von Tierfutter, Energietr?gern und Rohstoffen – vorwiegend für die reichen Industriel?nder. Der Kampf gegen den Hunger in der Welt wird durch die Klima?nderung mit der Ausweitung von Wüsten und Ernteeinbu?en zus?tzlich erschwert. Deshalb müssen die Emissionen rasch und verbindlich zurückgeführt und die Klima?nderung begrenzt werden – auch im Sektor Landwirtschaft / Ern?hrung. Verbraucher in Deutschland und Europa sind grunds?tzlich über die Klima?nderung sehr besorgt und entsprechend motiviert, etwas für den Klimaschutz zu tun. H?ufig fehlen aber handlungsorientierte und alltagsad?quate Informationen und Empfehlungen. Für den Ern?hrungssektor sollen CO ₂-Labels, Energie- und ?kobilanzen solche Informationen liefern, führen aber oft zu widersprüchlichen Aussagen und tragen daher mehr zur Verwirrung als zur Orientierung der Verbraucher bei. Die Aussagen und Empfehlungen sollten leicht verst?ndlich und attraktiv formuliert sein, um zu motivieren. Sie sollten eine Bandbreite verschiedener Ma?nahmen er?ffnen, um individuelle Vorlieben zu erm?glichen. Und sie sollten eine grunds?tzliche Orientierung geben und dabei vermeintliche Widersprüche im Detail vernachl?ssigen. Zum Füllen dieser Lücke m?chten die Verbraucherzentralen mit der Ausstellung „Klimaschutz schmeckt“ beitragen. Eingegangen: 8. April 2009; angenommen: 14. April 2009     

Synthese von substituierten benzotriazolen zur stabilisierung aromatischer polyamide gegen UV-licht

2-(2′-Hydroxyphenyl)-benzotriazoles, containing a carbonamide group in 5- or 5′-position, were synthesized to stabilize polyamides. The influence of the ortho-positioned hydroxy group for the stabilizing effect of these substances was examined by methylating it. The synthesized benzotriazoles were characterized, especially with regard to their UV-absorption-spectra. The photolytic resistance of poly-(m-phenyleneisophthalamide), containing these stabilizers, for example 2-(2′-hydroxy-5′-tert-butylphenyl)-benzotriazol-5-carbonic acid anilide, was examined by measuring the viscosity.     

Heat capacities of polyethylene and linear fluoropolymers

Heat capacities at constant pressure, C_p, and at constant volume C_v, were calculated with the help of normal mode frequency spectra and compared to experimental data for crystalline or semicrystalline polyethylene, poly(vinyl fluoride), poly(vinylidene fluoride), polytrifluooroethylene and poly(tetrafluoroethylene). A calculation scheme using a Tarasov function for 2N skeletal vibrational modes and an approximation of the residual 7N normal modes from known data on polyethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene is developed for all homologous, linear fluoropolymers. N is the number of carbon backbone atoms of the repeating unit. Calculations can be carried out over the whole temperature range 0 K to melting. For the two theta temperatures and the constant A₀ used for C_v to C_p conversion, fluorine-concentration dependent curves are given. The relations are expected to hold also for copolymers and blends of intermediate fluorine contents. Recommended experimental (data bank) heat capacities agree to ±2.5% with the calculations.     

Victrex® poly(ethersulfone) (PES) and Victrex® poly(etheretherketone) (PEEK)

Properties of two high performance engineering thermoplastics, amorphous polyethersulfone (PES) and semicrystalline polyetheretherketone (PEEK), are discussed. Both resins can be processed by conventional techniques, compounded with high performance fibers, and have high service temperature (up to 300°C). Due to the amorphous character PES can be dissolved and spray coated into metals.     

On the structure of polybutadiene: 4. 13C n.m.r. spectrum of polybutadienes with cis-1,4-, trans-1,4- and 1,2-units

¹³C n.m.r. spectra of polybutadienes with different contents of cis-1,4- and 1,2-units are assigned in the resonance region of the cis and trans carbon double bond. The observed signals are assigned to configurational triads.     

Einsatz von mathematischer Simulation und Miniplant-Technik in der Verfahrensentwicklung

Use of mathematical simulation and miniplant techniques in process development . An integrated study of synthesis and workup or of entire processes is often required in the development of chemical processes. This leads to a large number of possible solutions, of which the most economic one must be selected. This variety can only be mastered at reasonable expense with the aid of present-day techniques. Examples are presented to show how just a few economic possibilities can be selected and optimized from the plethora of alternatives in simulation calculations based on just a few properties of the materials involved. Economics is the basis of all evaluation. Use of miniplants is considered in the second part of the article, and costs and time-expenditure are compared with those for industrial pilot plants. Planning and evaluation of experiments raise the effectiveness of this empirical work. Problems of scale-up are considered, and the advantages of physico-chemically sound scale-up models are demonstrated.