THE SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF NUTRIENT CONTENTS IN MANCHURIA ASH-DAHURIAN LARCH MIXED STAND

The yield increasing mechanism of the manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandchurica) and dahurian larch(Larix gmelini) mixed stand was studied on nutrition status of soil and leaves. The results showed that nutrient contents of leaves and contents of the available nutrients of soil in the mixed and pure stands varied with seasons of the year. The available phosphorus contentS of the soil in the larch belt were much higher than those in the manchurian ash belt during growhg season, with the highest value of 3.5 mg/100g, 2~3 times of the latter. The nitrogen contents of leaves of the manchurian ash trees nearest from dahurian larch belt wer 12.7%~80.8% higher than those of its pure stand, and phosphorus 13.4%~140. 8%. The different uptake thythm of the nutrients modified the interspecific competition. The general conclusion is that the high contents of available phosphorus of the soil in dahurian larch belt improved the growing condition of nearby manhurian ash trees.

STUDY ON THE NATURAL REGENERATION EFFECT OF MANCHURIAN ASH BY OPENING UP EFFECT BELT IN DAHURIAN LARCH PLANTATION

Opening up effect belt in dahurian larch (Larix gmelini) plantation can significantly promote the growth and development of manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshur-ica) natural regcneration seedlings. The quantity, growth and distribution characters of manchurian ash natural regeneration seedling and the seed quantity of manchurian ash on the effect belt are significantly much more than that on remained belt. It provides a theoretical basis for using the management method of - Cutting coniferous to introduce broadleal trees in the coniferous stand, improving the stand structure, increasing the ecological stability and biological productivity.

Root secretion stimulating ash growth in larch-ash mixed forest

Allelopathic effect of larch (Larix gmelini ) on the ash growth (Fraximus mandshurica) was studied in artificial cultivation tests. The results revealed that the larch root secretion obviously stimulated the ash growth. In order to determine the main stimulation allelochemicals, the chemical composition was analyzed. By contrasting the contents of carbohydrate and aminoacid in root secretion of larch and ash, it was concluded that the carbohydrate and aminoacid were not important stimulation allelochemicals. The organic acid and other components in root secration of larch and ash were analyzed by GC and GC-MS analysis. The sand culture tests were carried out ed selected model compounds. The results showed that benzeneacetic acid, benzenepropionic acid and phenolic acids in root secretion of larch were the main stimulation allelochemicals.

Photosynthetic Characteristics of Ash and Larch in Mixture and Pure stands

The photosynthesis of ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and larch (Larlk gmelini) in pure and mixture plantation stands was measured and the influence of the microclimate on the photosynthesis was analyzed in this study. The result shows that the net photosynthetic rate (NPR) of ash is higher in mixed stand than in pure one, 61 .64% higher in the measuring day. The NPR of larch is approximately the same in the two stands. The microclimate in the mixed ash-larch stand is much different from that in the pure one. The temperature is moderate in the mixture stand, e.g., the maximum temperature in the mixture stand is lower and the minimum temperature is higher than that in the pure ash stand. The relative air moisture is higher in the mixture stand. The microclimate in the mixture stand benetits the photosynthesis of ash, considered as one of the important reasons that make the mixture stand more productive.

GROWTH EFFECT OF DAHURIAN LARCH-MANCHURIAN ASH MIXED FORESTS

With the method of stem analyses by the microscope, the xylem’s accumulations atdifferent ages were quantitatively studied using the data of typical plant association for Dahurianlarch (Larix gmelini Rupr) and Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica Rupr) mixed forests. Thedeveloping process for this important mixed forest type in the study area was systematically established. The result showed that in the artificial stand of Dahurian larch mixed with naturalManchurian ash. only those which have the same origin as Dahurian larch can grow up before theclosing of stand and form the components of the main layers. After 24 years seif-thinning, when theywere 29 years old, Dahurian larch would be at the stage of no self-thinning. At last the stand woulddevelop to the broad-leaved forests dominating with the Manchurian ash.

Allelopathic effect of larch leaching on ash growth in mixed forest

Allelopathic effect of larch (Larix gmelini) leaching on ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) growth was studied with sand culture test. It was understood that the ash growth was stimulated by the larch leaching. The chemical compositions of the larch and ash leaching were identified and determined by chemical and instrumental analysis. The results showed that in the larch and ash leaching there were fatty acids (including monocarboxylic, dicarboxylic and tricarboxylic acids), phenolic acids, tannin, aromatic alcohols, polylol, aminoacids and carbohydrate, etc. on the basis of the analytical results of chemical composition, with reference to the results of model compound test, it is considered that the citric acid in the larch leaching was the main simulative allelochemical to the ash growth, and trihydroxybenzeneacetic acid was the subordinate stimulative allelochemical.

THE CHARACTERS AND EFFECTS OF AVAILABLE PHOSPHORUS IN DAHURIAN LARCH-MANCHURICA ASH MIXED SEEDLING STAND

The characters and effects of available phosphorus in dahurian larch-Manchuria ash mixed stand was analyzed through measuring available phosphorus of rhizosphere-soil, phosphorus of living and withered leaves and tree height The study results showed that the phosphorus of living leaves of larch was equal to or less than that of ash. For 5-year-old larch-ash ndxed seedlings stand,larch has more available phosphorus in soil, which is not caused by the decomposition of leaves, but the acts of root. The root of larch activates available phosphorus by acidoid fme rhisosphere-soil. At the site with a high concentration of available phosphorus (grondg bean before), 5 aged larch grows faster than the same aged ash in pure stand. The ash at the site with a high concentration of available phosphorus at 20 cm soil layer showed a trend to grow over larch, and at the site, with a low concentration of available phosphorus at 20 cm soil layer, had a trend to be suppressed by same aged larch.

QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS FOR INTERSPECIFIC RELATIONSHIP OF LARCH STAND MIXED WITH ASH

Permanent sample plots were set up for researching interspecific relationship of the artificia1 larch stand mixed with natural ash in the slash site in Maoershan Experiment Forestry Farm of Northeast Forestry University. All trees in the plots were taken as objective trees and tree number,DBH, distance between trees and that of crown diameter were measured in range of 1-6m from every objective tree. Then study by Alemdag competition index, variance analysis and quantitation method were made. The result showed that the intraspecific competition was more intensive than the interspecific competition. Especially the competition between larch and ash was least relatively. For these kinds of site, the suitable mixture at 20-30 ages should be 2800 Ind/hm2 in density and 2 larch;1 ash in mixed ratio, which might improve site condition to promote stand produetivity.

Life forms affect beta-diversity patterns of larch forests in China

Beta-diversity reflects the spatial changes in community species composition which helps to understand how communities are assembled and biodiversity is formed and maintained. Larch(Larix) forests, which are coniferous forests widely distributed in the mountainous and plateau areas in North and Southwest China, are critical for maintaining the environmental conditions and species diversity. Few studies of larch forests have examined the beta-diversity and its constituent components(species turnover and nestedness-resultant components). Here, we used 483 larch forest plots to determine the total betadiversity and its components in different life forms(i.e., tree, shrub, and herb) of larch forests in China and to evaluate the main drivers that underlie this beta-diversity. We found that total betadiversity of larch forests was mainly dependent on the species turnover component. In all life forms,total beta-diversity and the species turnover component increased with increasing geographic, elevational, current climatic, and paleoclimatic distances. In contrast, the nestedness-resultant component decreased across these same distances. Geographic and environmental factors explained 20%-25% of total beta-diversity, 18%-27% of species turnover component, and 4%-16% of nestedness-resultant component. Larch forest types significantly affected total beta-diversity and species turnover component. Taken together, our results indicate that life forms affect beta-diversity patterns of larch forests in China, and that beta-diversity is driven by both niche differentiation and dispersal limitation. Our findings help to greatly understand the mechanisms of community assemblies of larch forests in China.

High-temperature corrosion of sintered RE_(2)Si_(2)O_(7)(RE=Yb and Ho)environmental barrier coating materials by volcanic ash

Rare-earth silicates are promising environmental barrier coatings(EBCs)that can protect SiC_(f)/Si C_(m)substrates in next-genera tion gas turbine blades.Notably,RE_(2)Si_(2)O_(7)(RE=Yb and Ho)shows potential as an EBC due to its coefficient of thermal expansion(CTE)compatible with substrates and high resistance to water vapor corrosion.The target operating temperature for next-generation tur bine blades is 1400°C.Corrosion is inevitable during adhesion to molten volcanic ash,and thus,understanding the corrosion behavior o the material is crucial to its reliability.This study investigates the high-temperature corrosion behavior of sintered RE_(2)Si_(2)O_(7)(RE=Yb and Ho).Samples were prepared using a solid-state reaction and hot-press method.They were then exposed to volcanic ash at 1400°C for 224,and 48 h.After 48 h of exposure,volcanic ash did not react with Yb_(2)Si_(2)O_(7)but penetrated its interior,causing damage.Meanwhile Ho_(2)Si_(2)O_(7)was partially dissolved in the molten volcanic ash,forming a reaction zone that prevented volcanic ash melts from penetrating the interior.With increasing heat treatment time,the reaction zone expanded,and the thickness of the acicular apatite grains increased The Ca:Si ratios in the residual volcanic ash were mostly unchanged for Yb_(2)Si_(2)O_(7)but decreased considerably over time for Ho_(2)Si_(2)O_(7).Th Ca in volcanic ash was consumed and formed apatite,indicating that RE^(3+)ions with large ionic radii(Ho>Yb)easily precipitated apatit from the volcanic ash.

A mini review on the separation of Al,Fe and Ti elements from coal fly ash leachate

The electricity demand is increasing rapidly with the development of society and technology.Coal-fired thermal power plants have become one of the primary sources of electricity generation for urbanization.However,coal-fired thermal power plants produce a great amount of by-product coal fly ash every year.Coal fly ash disposal in landfills requires a sizable space and has negative environmental impacts.Therefore,it is crucial to develop new technologies and methods to utilize this enormous volume of solid waste in order to protect the environment.In this review,the fundamental physical and chemical character-istics of coal fly ash are introduced,and afterward the disposal policies and utilization ways of coal fly ash are discussed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various ways this waste.The leaching of valuable metals in coal fly ash and the extraction of metal elements in leachate under different conditions are also summarized.Furthermore,the possibility of coal fly ash to serve as a supplementary source for mineral resources is analyzed,providing a basis for its extensive use as a raw material in the metal industry in China and worldwide.

Mechanism study of Cu(Ⅱ) adsorption from acidic wastewater by ultrasonic-modified municipal solid waste incineration fly ash

High concentrations of copper ions(Cu(Ⅱ)) in water will pose health risks to humans and the ecological environment. Therefore, this study aims to utilize ultrasonic-cured modified municipal solid waste incineration(MSWI) fly ash for Cu(Ⅱ) adsorption to achieve the purpose of “treating waste by waste.” The effects of p H, adsorption time, initial concentration, and temperature on the modified MSWI fly ash’s adsorption efficiency were systematically studied in this article. The adsorption performance of the modified MSWI fly ash can be enhanced by the ultrasonic modification. At pH = 2, 3 and 4, the adsorption capacity of the modified MSWI fly ash for Cu(Ⅱ) increased by 2.7, 1.9 and 1.2 times, respectively. Furthermore, it was suggested that the adsorption process of the modified MSWI fly ash can be better simulated by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with a maximum adsorption capacity calculated by the Langmuir model of 24.196 mg.g-1. Additionally, the adsorption process is spontaneous,endothermic, and chemisorption-dominated from the thermodynamic studies(ΔH and ΔS > 0, ΔG < 0).Finally, the enhanced adsorption performance of the modified MSWI fly ash for Cu(Ⅱ) may be attributed to electrostatic interaction and chelation effects.

Amino acid and mineral digestibility,bone ash,and plasma inositol is increased by including microbial phytase in diets for growing pigs

Background The effect of microbial phytase on amino acid and energy digestibility is not consistent in pigs,which may be related to the phytase dosage or the adaptation length to the diet.Therefore,an experiment was conducted to test the hypotheses that increasing dietary phytase after an 18-day adaptation period:1)increases nutrient and energy digestibility;2)increases plasma P,plasma inositol,and bone ash of young pigs;and 3)demonstrates that maximum phytate degradation requires more phytase than maximum P digestibility.Results Data indicated that increasing inclusion of phytase[0,250,500,1,000,2,000,and 4,000 phytase units(FTU)/kg feed]in corn-soybean meal-based diets increased apparent ileal digestibility(AID)of Trp(quadratic;P<0.05),and of Lys and Thr(linear;P<0.05),and tended to increase AID of Met(linear;P<0.10).Increasing dietary phytase also increased AID and apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD)of Ca and P(quadratic;P<0.05)and increased ATTD of K and Na(linear;P<0.05),but phytase did not influence the ATTD of Mg or gross energy.Concentrations of plasma P and bone ash increased(quadratic;P<0.05),and plasma inositol also increased(linear;P<0.05)with increasing inclusion of phytase.Reduced concentrations of inositol phosphate(IP)6 and IP5(quadratic;P<0.05),reduced IP4 and IP3(linear;P<0.05),but increased inositol concentrations(linear;P<0.05)were observed in ileal digesta as dietary phytase increased.The ATTD of P was maximized if at least 1,200 FTU/kg were used,whereas more than 4,000 FTU/kg were needed to maximize inositol release.Conclusions Increasing dietary levels of phytase after an 18-day adaptation period increased phytate and IP ester degradation and inositol release in the small intestine.Consequently,increasing dietary phytase resulted in improved digestibility of Ca,P,K,Na,and the first 4 limiting amino acids,and in increased concentrations of bone ash and plasma P and inositol.In a corn-soybean meal diet,maximum inositol release requires approximately 3,200 FTU/kg more phytase than that required for maximum P digestibility.

Levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Healthcare Waste Incinerators’ Bottom Ash from Five County Hospitals in Kenya

Health-care waste contains potentially harmful microorganisms and compounds which can infect and affect hospital patients, healthcare workers, the general public and environment. Therefore, management of health care waste requires safe handling, treatment and disposal procedures. While incineration reduces the volume and quantity of waste for final disposal, it leads to the production of fly and bottom ashes laden with toxic incomplete combustion products such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins, furans and heavy metals. This exposes workers who handle and dispose the bottom ashes, hospital patients, the general public and environment. The goal of this study was to determine the total and individual levels of 16 most prevalent and toxic PAHs. Bottom ash samples were collected from incinerators in five county hospitals in Kenya, namely;Moi-Voi, Narok, Kitale, Makindu and Isiolo. Bottom ash samples were collected over a period of six months from the five hospitals. The samples were then sieved, homogenised and stored at 4°C in amber coloured glass containers. The PAHs were extracted using 30 ml of a hexane-acetone solvent (1:1) mixture by ultrasonication at room temperature (23°C) for 45 minutes. The PAHs were then analyzed with a GC-MS spectrophotometer model (Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE) connected to a computer work station was used for the PAHs analysis. The GC-MS was equipped with an SGE BPX5 GC capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 μm) for the separation of compounds. Helium was used as the carrier gas at a flow rate of 15.5 ml/minute and 14.5 psi. 1 μl of the sample was injected at 280°C, split mode (10:1). The oven programming was set for a total runtime of 40 minutes, which included: 100°C (2-minute hold);10°C /min rise to 200°C;7°C /min rise to 249°C;3°C /min rise to 300°C (2-minute hold). The interface temperature was set at 290°C. Analysis was done in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode and the peak areas of each of the PAHs were collected from the chromatograph and used for quantification of the 16 PAHs listed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which included, BaA (benz[a]anthracene: 4 rings), BaP (benzo[a]pyrene: 5 rings), BbF (benzo [b]fluoranthene: 5 rings), BkF (benzo[k]fluoranthene: 5 rings), Chr (chrysene: 4 rings), DbA (dibenz[a,h]anthracene: 5 rings), InP (indeno[1,2,3 - cd] pyrene: 6 rings) and Acp (acenaphthene: 3 rings), Acpy (acenaphthylene: 3 rings), Ant (anthracene: 3 rings), BghiP (benzo[g,h,i]perylene: 6 rings), Flu (fluorene: 3 rings), FluA (fluoranthene: 4 rings), Nap (naphthalene: 2 rings), PhA (phenanthrene: 3 rings) and Pyr (pyrene: 4 rings). Ion source-interface temperature was set at 200°C - 250°C. Internal standards from Sigma Aldrich were used in the analysis and the acquired mass spectra data were then matched against the NIST 2014 library [1] [2]. The mean PAHs concentration in the bottom ashes of each hospital varied broadly from 0.001 mg/kg to 0.4845 mg/kg, and the mean total concentration levels of individual PAHs ranged from 0.0072 mg/kg to 1.171 mg/kg. Low molecular weight PAHs (Phenanthrene, Naphthalene and Fluorene) were predominant in all the hospital wastes whereas Kitale and Narok presented the lowest PAHs concentrations and the lowest number of individual PAHs. Moi/Voi recorded the highest total PAHs concentration at 1.3129 ± 0.0023 mg/kg from a total of 11 PAHs being detected from the bottom ash samples. Narok had only three PAHs being detected at very low concentrations of 0.0041 ± 0.00 mg/kg, 0.0076 ± 0.00 mg/kg and 0.012 ± 0.00 mg/kg for phenanthrene, anthracene and chrysene respectively. This study presents hospital incinerator bottom ash as containing detectable levels of both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PAHs. Continued unprotected exposure of hospital workers (waste handlers) to the bottom ash PAHs could be hazardous to their health because of their cumulative effect. Preventive measures e.g. the use of Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be prioritised to minimise direct contact with the bottom ash. The study recommends an upgrade on incinerator technology for efficient combustion processes thus for better pollution control.

Fabrication of Silane and Desulfurization Ash Composite Modified Polyurethane and Its Interfacial Binding Mechanism

Polyurethane/desulfurization ash(PU/DA)composites were synthesized using"one-pot method",with the incorporation of a silane coupling agent(KH550)as a"molecular bridge"to facilitate the integration of DA as hard segments into the PU molecular chain.The effects of DA content(φ)on the mechanical properties,thermal stability,and hydrophobicity of PU,both before and after the addition of KH550,were thoroughly examined.The results of microscopic mechanism analysis confirmed that KH550 chemically modified the surface of DA,facilitating its incorporation into the polyurethane molecular chain,thereby significantly enhancing the compatibility and dispersion of DA within the PU matrix.When the mass fraction of modified DA(MDA)reached 12%,the mechanical properties,thermal stability,and hydrophobicity of the composites were substantially improved,with the tensile strength reaching 14.9 MPa,and the contact angle measuring 100.6°.

Synergistic CO_(2) mineralization using coal fly ash and red mud as a composite system

CO_(2) mineralization plays a critical role in the storage and utilization of CO_(2).Coal fly ash(CFA)and red mud(RM)are widely utilized as CO_(2) mineralizers.However,the inert calcium species in CFA limit its carbonation capacity,meanwhile the substantial Ca^(2+)releasing of RM is hindered by a covering layer of calcium carbonate.In this study,CO_(2) mineralization in a composite system of CFA and RM was investigated to enhance the carbonation capacity.Multiple analyzers were employed to characterize the raw materials and resulting mineralization products.The results demonstrated that a synergistic effect existed in the composite system of CFA and RM,resulting in improving CO_(2) mineralization rate and efficiency.The produced calcium carbonate was ectopically attached the surface of CFA in the composite system,thus slowing down its coverage on the surface of RM.This phenomenon facilitated further releasing Ca^(2+)from the internal RM,thereby enhancing CO_(2) mineralization efficiency.Meanwhile,the inclusion of RM significantly improved the alkalinity of the composite system,which not only promoted the dissolution of Ca^(2+)of the inert CaSO4(H2O)2 in CFA,but also accelerated CO_(2) mineralization rate.The investigation would be beneficial to CO_(2) mineralization using industrial solid wastes.

Solvothermal synthesis and adsorption performance of layered boehmite using aluminum chloride and high-alumina fly ash

High alumina fly ash(FAHAl)is a kind of bulk solid waste unique to China,whose availability of high-value aluminum and the threat to the environment makes its high-value utilization urgent.In this work,the alumina containing leaching solution obtained from Na_(2)CO_(3) roasting and HCl leaching of FAHAl was used as the mother liquor to prepare layered boehmite in situ.The preparation process with AlCl_(3) as the raw material was also compared.The formation process and mechanism of boehmite,the choice of solvent,along with the adsorption capability of Congo red were analyzed by X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method and adsorption experiments.Results showed that during the preparation of layered boehmite,the precursor Al(OH)_(3) from the reaction of Al^(3+) and OH-is transformed into boehmiteγ-AlOOH.The existence of ethanol is beneficial to regulate and promote the growth of boehmite crystal effectively.When water and ethanol are mixed with a volume ratio of 2:1 and used as the solvent,the maximum specific surface area of the boehmite is obtained at 135.7 m^(2)·g^(-1),and 99.16%of Congo red can be absorbed after 10 min when AlCl3 is used as a raw material.As purified leaching solution is used as the mother liquid,the crystallinity of boehmite decreases slightly when the pH value decreases from 12.5 to 11.When pH is 11,the removal efficiency of Congo red reaches a maximum of 72.25%.This process not only achieves the extraction of aluminum and high-value utilization of FAHAl but also provides a thought to prepare layered boehmite with adsorption properties.

Experimental study on the activation of coal gasification fly ash from industrial CFB gasifiers

Coal gasification fly ash(CGFA)is an industrial solid waste from the coal circulating fluidized bed(CFB)gasification process,and it needs to be effectively disposed to achieve sustainable development of the environment.To realize the application of CGFA as a precursor of porous carbon materials,the physicochemical properties of three kinds of CGFA from industrial CFB gasifiers are analyzed.Then,the activation potential of CGFA is acquired via steam activation experiments in a tube furnace reactor.Finally,the fluidization activation technology of CGFA is practiced in a bench-scale CFB test rig,and its advantages are highlighted.The results show that CGFA is characterized by a high carbon content in the range of 54.06%–74.09%,an ultrafine particle size(d50:16.3–26.1 μm),and a relatively developed pore structure(specific surface area SSA:139.29–551.97 m^(2)·g^(-1)).The proportion of micropores in CGFA increases gradually with the coal rank.Steam activation experiments show that the pore development of CGFA mainly includes three stages:initial pore development,dynamic equilibrium between micropores and mesopores and pore collapse.The SSA of lignite fly ash(LFA),subbituminous fly ash(SBFA)and anthracite fly ash(AFA)is maximally increased by 105%,13%and 72%after steam activation;the order of the largest carbon reaction rate and decomposition ratio of steam among the three kinds of CGFA is SBFA>LFA>AFA.As the ratio of oxygen to carbon during the fluidization activation of LFA is from 0.09 to 0.19,the carbon conversion ratio increases from 14.4%to 26.8%and the cold gas efficiency increases from 6.8%to 10.2%.The SSA of LFA increases by up to 53.9%during the fluidization activation process,which is mainly due to the mesoporous development.Relative to steam activation in a tube furnace reactor,fluidization activation takes an extremely short time(seconds)to achieve the same activation effect.It is expected to further improve the activation effect of LFA by regulating the carbon conversion ratio range of 27%–35%to create pores in the initial development stage.

Does ash dieback affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L.?

Forest tree species reproduction is a key factor in maintaining the genetic diversity of future generations and the stability of forest ecosystems.The ongoing ash dieback disease could affect the reproductive ecology of Fraxinus excelsior L.and have a major impact on the quantity and quality of pollen and seeds.In this study,we investigated pollen production and viability of pollen and seeds of ash trees with different health status from 2018 to 2022.Inflorescences were collected from 105 trees(pollen production),pollen from 125 trees(pollen viability),and seeds from 53 trees(seed quality)in two seed orchards and in one floodplain forest in southern Germany.Not all parameters were examined at every site every year.The average pollen production per tree was estimated at 471.2±647.9 billion pollen grains.In addition,we found that a high number of inflorescences did not equate to high pollen production per inflorescence.Pollen production of healthy and diseased trees did not differ significantly,although only 47%of severely diseased male trees(vs.72%for healthy trees)produced flowers.With regards to pollen viability,the TTC test showed an average viability of 73%±17%.Overall,there was a slight tendency for diseased trees to have less viable pollen.However,a significant difference could only be calculated for trees in the floodplain forest.The percentage of germinable seeds in 2018 was 38%in the floodplain forest and 57%in one of the seed orchards.The percentage of viable seeds(TTC test)ranged from 17 to 22%in the orchards in 2020.Non-viable seeds were usually heavily infested by insects.In general,seed quality was not significantly different between healthy and diseased trees.Our results indicate that ash dieback affects flower formation and pollen viability but not pollen production or seed quality.Nevertheless,the fact that hardly any flowering was observed,especially for trees that were seriously affected,suggests a negative effect of ash dieback on reproductive performance.Thus,severely diseased trees will transfer their genes to a smaller extent to the next generation.

Performance evaluation of laterite soil embankment stabilized with bottom ash,coir fiber,and lime

In tropical regions,heavy rainfall induces erosion and shallow landslides on road embankments.Cement-based stabilization methods,common in these regions,contribute to climate change due to their high carbon footprint.This study explored the potential application of coir fiber-reinforced laterite soil-bottom ash mixtures as embankment materials in the tropics.The objective is to enhance engineered embankment slopes'erosion resistance and stability while offering reuse options for industrial byproducts.This study examined various mix designs for unconfined compressive strength(UCS)and permeability,utilizing 30%bottom ash(BA)and 1%coir fiber(CF)with varying sizes ranging from 10 to 40 mm,6%lime,and laterite soil(LS),followed by microstructural analyses.The results demonstrate that the compressive strength increases as the CF length increases to 25 mm.In contrast,permeability increases continuously with increasing CF length.Lime-treated mixtures exhibit superior short-and long-term strength and reduce permeability owing to the formation of cementitious materials,as confirmed by microstructural analyses.A lab-scale slope box was constructed to evaluate the surface erosion of the stabilized laterite soil embankment.Based on the rainfall simulation results,the LS-BA-CF mixtures show better resistance to erosion and deformation compared to untreated LS,especially when lime is added to the top layer.This study provides insights into a sustainable and cost-effective approach for slope stabilization using BA and CF,offering a promising solution for tropical regions susceptible to surface erosion and landslides.