Mobility and speciation of Cd, Cu, and Zn in two acidic soils affected by simulated acid rain

Through a batch experiment, the mobility and speciation of heavy metals(Cd, Cu, Zn) in two acidic forest soils from Hunan Province were studied. The results showed that the release and potential active speciation of Cd, Cu, and Zn in the tested contaminated red soil(CRS) and yellow red soil(CYRS) increased significantly with pH decreasing and ion concentrations increasing of simulated acid rain, and these effects were mainly decided by the pH value of simulated acid rain. Cd had the highest potential risk on the environment compared with Cu and Zn. Cd existed mainly in exchangeable form in residual CRS and CYRS, Cu in organically bound and Mn-oxide occluded forms, and Zn in mineral forms due to the high background values.

Cretaceous Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs) Affect Sedimentary Processing: Jordan, Arabian Plate;NW Germany, Central Europe

Both the NE Gondwana Platform (Jordan) and the Carpathian/NW Europe Seaway towards the N Atlantic expose comparable sequence analytical patterns as i.e. the Maximum Flooding Surface (MSF), relating to the Arabian Shelf, throughout one of the warmest Phanerozoic Epochs. Supervolcanic Large Igneous Provinces (LIPs), (explosive island arc andesitic volcanism), Mid-Oceanic Rift Basalts (MORB), (S/N Atlantic, Arctic) and kimberlitic volcanism (W Gondwana) provided striking conditions for an immense influence (tuff, degassing, T) on the sedimentary processing throughout the Cretaceous, mainly verified by K-montmorillonite , dozens of tuff beds (predominantly in NW Germany), zeolite, cristobalite, extremely high chert occurrences as well as the reconfirming of the global anoxic event around the Cenomanian/Turonian b. (94 Ma) by a positive ∂13C-maximum (~0.5%). Thus the lithofacies spectrum (carbonate rocks, chalk, chert, porcellanite, shale) was affected by pH, Eh, T, photosynthesis, and greenhouse gases—change during varying positive/negative climate forcing. While acid sturzrain events caused the transformation of arkosic/subarkosic sediments of the hinterlands to quartz arenite cycles deposited on the Jordanian Platform during early Cretaceous, the other patterns mentioned, led to a rapid change of lithofacies through Late Cretaceous. The southward directed Neotethys transgression can be reconstructed during the Early Cretaceous by glauconite-aged tidalites that give hint on transpressional tectonics during the Upper Cenomanian east of the Dead Sea. The Cretaceous/Paleogene (K-Pg) transitional zone evidences a zone of several cumulative events (island arc-volcanism) and the Chicxulub impact, indicated by at least two extinctions phases. The southward obduction of the Palmyrides, Syria and related transtensional/transpressional strike slip tectonics (partially pull-apart structures) left a fast facies change on the Jordanian Platform.

Effects of Lanthanum on Redox Systems in Plasma Membranes of Casuarina equisetifolia Seedlings Under Acid Rain Stress

The effects of lanthanum on some redox system(PMRS) properties of the plasma membrane(PM) vesicles from Casuarina equisetifolia seedlings under artificial acid rain(pH 4.5)stress were studied. The results show that there are NADH oxidase and EDTA Fe 3+ reductase, and nitrate reductase in the seedling PM, and they have different responses to soaking seeds for 8 h in a series of LaCl 3 solution. The NADH oxidase activities and the Nitrate reductase activities can be stimulated when La 3+ concentrations is in the range of 50～200 mg·L -1 , but their activities are inhibited or fluctuate by the higher La 3+ concentrations. The EDTA Fe 3+ reductase activities can be stimulated by La 3+ concentrations in the range of 50～400 mg·L -1 . The research also revealed that La 3+ reduces the relative permeability of membranes and have the function in protecting membranes under acid rain stress by the way of inhibiting the leakage of electrolyte.

Effects of La^(3+) on ATPase Activities of Plasma Membrane Vesicles Isolated from Casuarina Equisetifolia Seedlings under Acid Rain Stress

The effects of La^(3+) on the growth and the ATPases activities of plasma membrane(PM) vesicles isolated from Casuarina equisetifolia seedlings under artificial acid rain(pH 4.5) stress were studied. The results show that the height, length of roots, fresh weight and PM H^+-ATPase activites of Casuarina equisetifolia seedlings increase by the treatments of soaking seeds in LaCl_3 solutions with lower concentrations, and those can reach their peak values by treating with 200 mg·L^(-1) La^(3+). However, in comparison with the CK, those are inhibited by the higher La^(3+) concentrations; PM Ca^(2+)-ATPase activity is inhibited with the treatments of La^(3+). The results also reveal that the H^+-ATPase activity and the growth of cell enlarge have a remarkable positive correlation, and La^(3+) activating H^+-ATPase can facilitate plant growth. La^(3+) also can alleviate cytosolic acidification of plant under acid rain stress and indirectly maintain the stability of intracellular environment. In order to resistant to acid rain and accelerate the growth of Casuarina equisetifolia, the suitable range of La^(3+) concentrations to soak seeds for 8 h is 50～200 mg·L^(-1).

Accumulation of Rare Earth Elements in Spinach and Soil under Condition of Using REE and Acid Rain Stress

The content and distribution characteristics of REE in spinach and soil under using REE and acid rain stress were studied by pot experiments. The results show that the content of REE is 0 527～0 696 (μg·g -1 ) in the above ground portion of spinach, 2 668～3 003 (μg·g -1 ) in the under ground portion of spinach and 229 09～250 30 (μg·g -1 ) in the soil. With the acidity of acid rain increasing, the leaching of REE in plants and soil is strengthened and the amount of REE reduces with decreasing of pH value. After REE are used, though plants show the selective absorption to Ce group elements (especially spraying on leaves), regardless under acid rain stress or using REE or not, the distribution model of REE in the above ground and under ground portion of plants is basically the same with the control. Plants also follow the Oddo Harkins rule of the REE of distribution abundance, light rare earth elements is enriched, the minus of Eu is abnormal and admeasure of Ce is a rich model. The results show that REE in plants mainly come from soil and are affected by it.

Responses of antioxidant enzyme and photosynthesis in rape seedling to the combined stresses of acid rain and ultraviolet-B radiation

Effects of the simulated acid rain（AR） and ultraviolet-B（UV-B, 280-320 nm） radiation with a single or two ways simultaneously （AR ＋ UV-B） on the antioxidant enzyme and photosynthesis of the rape seedlings were investigated by the hydroponic culture. The results of static experiment indicated that the tolerance of rape seedling to single stress（AR or UV-B） is stronger than that to dual stresses（AR ＋ UV-B）. Furthermore, the dual stresses had additive effect on catalase activity, and a synergistic effect on MDA content, net photosynthesis rate, water use efficiency as well as intercellular CO2 concentration. Meanwhile, it has an independent effect on chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate as well as membrane permeability. During 64 h restoration course, the dynamic change in the curves of physiological and biochemical indices were not identical, and none of them show a simple linear variation. According to the static and dynamic experiments, it was found that a responsive sequence of catalase activity, membrane permeability, MDA content and photosynthetic characteristics to the above-mentioned stresses was as follows： AR ＋ UV-B 〉 UV-B 〉 AR.

Effects of simulated acid rain on fertility of litchi

The regulatory role of calcium in fertility of pollen and pistil under simulated acid rain was investigated. The germination percentage of pollen treated with acid rain of pH 4.5 was 9.42% lower than that of control, and that of pH 3.5, pH 2.5 and pH 1.5 were 22.47%, 45.49% and 71.62%, respectively. Simultaneously, the injury character of pollen was obviously observed when flowers were treated with acid rain of pH 3.5. The difference in fruit setting rate between the female flower treated with acid rain of pH 4.0 and the control was significant at p 〈 0.05. Ca（NO3 ）5 of 0.2-0.4 mmol/L could promote pollen germination under the stress of acid rain. The beneficial function was reduced when calcium concentration surpassed 0.8 mmol/L. Spraying 2 mmol/L Ca（NO3 ）5 reduced the injury of acid rain to pistil and increased fruit-setting rate significantly. The physiological importance of calcium during pollen germination and pistil development was also discussed.

Control strategy for sulfur dioxide and acid rain pollution in China

Several factors, namely, coal dominated primary energy mix, extensive economic development mode, inefficient energy utilization, and the imperfect environmental regulations, result in the serious urban sulfur dioxide pollution and large scale sulfate type acid precipitation in China. In 1995, China′s sulfur dioxide emissions reached 23.70 Mt, and the areas affected by acid rain accounted for 40% of the territory. Chinese government accords considerable importance to the sulfur dioxide and acid rain contamination. New sets of environmental friendly policies have been promulgated. But enforcement of laws and regulations on SO 2 emissions need to be further improved and broadened, especially those respond to market conditions. This paper focuses particular attention on the analysis of strategy, policies, and national actions which had or should be taken against sulfur dioxide emissions nationwide to achieve the environmental targets, on the basis of which gives the technical options in future.

Effect of Cerium on Seed Germination under Acid Rain Stress

Effect of Ce on barley seed germination under acid rain stress was studied. The experiment results show that the seed germination percentage, germination viability, dry weight of seedling and chlorophyll content decrease with increasing pH value, but root membrane permeability increases with decreasing acid rain pH value. Ce can reduce the acid rain stress when barley seed is soaked with Ce. It indicates that Ce mitigates the germination by acid rain inhibition of seed.

Effect of Acid Rain Erosion on Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete

Acid rain can deteriorate the performance of reinforced concrete structure.Combined with the characteristics of acid rain in China,the properties of steel fiber reinforced concrete subjected to acid rain were studied.The effects of steel fiber content and pH value of acid rain on the mass loss,erosion depth,neutralization depth,and splitting tensile strength of tested concrete were investigated.The mercury intrusion pore（MIP） test was used to analyze the influence of steel fiber on the acid rain resistance of concrete matrix.The results show that the corrosion of steel fiber reinforced concrete subjected to acid rain results from the combined effect of H^＋ and SO4^2- in the acid rain,and steel fiber can improve the acid rain resistance of the tested concrete by improving the pore structure and enhancing the tie effect of the concrete matrix.The experiment further indicates that the optimum content of steel fiber is 1.5%compared to the various mixing proportion in this tests.The tested concrete mass loss and splitting tensile strength decrease followed by increasing as a function of corrosion time when the pH value of the simulation solution is 3 or 4,while they decrease continuously in the simulation solution at pH 2.Thanks to the tie effect of steel fiber,the spalling of concrete matrix is significantly improved,and the erosion depth and neutralization depth are less than those of conventional concrete.

UV-Vis Spectroscopy Study on Interaction between Microperoxidase-11 and Pr Ion Under Acid Rain Stress

Interaction between rare earth ion praseodymium (Pr(Ⅲ)) and MP11 with/without hydrogen ion (H +) in different media( aqueous, phosphate buffer, physiological condition) were studied by UV Vis spectroscopy. All the results indicate that Pr(Ⅲ) interacts with MP11, increasing the non planarity of porphyrin periphery, leading MP11 to form two conformations when titrated by Pr(Ⅲ). Excessive Pr(Ⅲ) acts as a contaminant in living organism. H + and Pr(Ⅲ) have antagonistic effect on MP11, suggesting that at suitable concentration under physiological conditions, Pr(Ⅲ) can be used as biomodulator in protecting plants from acid rain stress or in rehabilitating the harm.

Effects of simulated acid rain on seedling emergence and growth of five broad-leaved species

Seeds and seedlings of five broad-leaved species were separately exposed to simulated acid rain at pH values of 2.0, 3.5, 5.0, and 6.0, or to distilled water (the control). The results showed that seed germination was remarkably inhibited by pH 2.0 treatment for three species. Significant foliar damage, decline in chlorophyll contents, and retardation of the seedlings growth of all the species, were observed at pH 2.0 treatment. The pH 2.0 treatment seemed to be a threshold level for inhibition of seed germination and seedling growth for all the treated species, while seedling was stimulated at pH value between 3.5 and 5.0.

Effect of Matrix Modification on Durability of Cementitious Composites in an Acid Rain Environment

The durability of silane-modified mortar, a cementitious composite, in acid rain environment was investigated given its extensive usage as a structural material. The results indicated that the addition of silane decreased the compressive strength of the cementitious composite. Wetting angle was increased by incorporating silane into the matrix. Decrease in both water absorption ability and coefficient of capillary suction confirmed hydrophobicity as induced by silane addition. Results of mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that the sulfuric acid resistance of mortar was enhanced by silane. Based on these results, it is revealed that silane addition inhibits the diffusion of water, and consequently, sulfate ion diffusion rate decreases, thereby resulting in reduction in the rate of corrosion of cementitious composites by sulfuric acid.

Corrosion and Runoff Behavior of Carbon Steel in Simulated Acid Rain

Under the condition of simulated rain precipitation in the laboratory, with EIS and SEM observation, the effects of pH value of simulated rain on corrosion and runoff behavior of carbon steel A3 were studied. The corrosion rate of A3 steel increased and runoff action of rain precipitation on A3 steel surface was intensified with decreasing pH value, of simulated rainwater. The runoff and corrosion traces were formed along the flowing direction of rainwater, which appeared more apparently with decreasing pH value.

The characters for the boundary layer and mechanism of acid rain formation in the Qingdao area,China

The vertical distributions of the wind field and temperature field of the boundary layer were very peculiar in Qingdao area, China. Under the height of 1500m, the wind field appeared as one pike two valley type: the wind speed was relatively low near surface, got bigger between 300m to 400m, decreased over 500m, and increased again gradually over 1000m. The temperature stratification was stable in the morning and evening, and it became unstable below 200m after noon. As far as mixed layer was concerned, it was not very high, generally about 400m, sometimes it reached 700m high. Multiple layer inversion often appeared in low altitude. Northern wind was prevailing in winter, so southern in summer. The wind field was often influenced by Jianghuai cyclone and Huanghuai cyclone. Convergence air current between lower level and higher level emerged when the cyclones passed Qingdao area. Introducing straight and shear air current, pollutants emitted from point sources were modeled by advection diffusion equation. The result indicated that pollutants were transported far away under one straight air current. In rainy days, pollutants were accumulated in local area and the concentrations were high. When wind direction appeared shear between higher level and lower level,the transportation of pollutants was more limited. In rain days,acid rain was form by chemical process at a near distance.

Effects of simulated acid rain on saplings of Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata

The effects of simulated acid rain with pH values of 6.63 (control, 4.5, 3.0, and 2.0 on saplings of Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolate, were studied. The results showed that the pH of C.lanceolate, leaf sap and soil decreased as the acidity of rainfall increased. The acid rain with very low pH had significant effects on the photosynthetic rates per plant, but not on that of the per unit weight of dry leaves. The respiration rates of the two species were stimulated. Root and leaf boimass, but not stem biomass, were also reduced tremendously during a seven months period.

Effects of acid rain on forest ecosystem in Southwestern China

The study of effects of acid rain in Southwestern China on forest ecosystems .has been inrestigated since 1984. The results have shown that the ecosystem of Pinus massoniana forest has been damaged severely by acid rain. Comparing the areas where the annual mean pH value is lower than 4.5 with that higher than 4.5, the productivity of the ecosystems decreased 50 percent. Both the percentages of the green leaves and the content of chlorophyll cut down; the acidity of soil increased a bit and the fertility showed the tendency to lower. The microbial population components in surface soil were changed and the total number of soil microbes reduced from 63.5 to 92.6 percent. Besides the direct effects of acid rain, the insect pest, especially, Blastophagus piniperdoz and Monochamus galloprovincialis, seized the opportunity to enter and reproduce in it so as to aggravate the forest dieback of P.massoniana in the areas where the annual average pH value is lower than 4.5.Additionally, the simulation study on the symptoms of main tree species in Southwestern China damaged by acid rain has obtained the results in the resistibility of 30 tree species, which provided a foundation for selecting suitable tree species to cultivate in the polluted areas.

Effects of simulated acid rain on root growth of Cunninghamia lanceolata and Schima superba saplings planted in acidified soil

Results from pot culture (with one-year old Cunninghamia lanceolata and Schima superba) are described. It was found that the biomass production and elongation of C. lanceolata was seriously inhibited at pH 2.0 rain, but for S. superba, was not affected markedly. When pH values of experimental rain were higher than 2.0, the root growth of both species was not adversely affected. Aluminium had already accumulated to some degrees in the roots of both trees, and started to affect the root growth of C. lanceolata at pH 2.0 rain. The soil chemistry was also examined. Increased acidity of experimental rain increased the leaching of Ca and Mg. The Al/Ca mol ratio increased from 0.3 to 0.9 in top soil, and in rhizosphere to 1.5 when the pH values of simulated acid rain were 4.5 to 2.0. In this experiment, NO3- fertilization effect was discovered.

Seed germination and seedling emergence of four tree species of southern China in response to acid rain

Acid rain has become a major concern due to increasing atmospheric pollution,particularly in China.We investigated whether acid rain inhibits the germination of seeds and subsequent emergence of seedling of four tree species from southern China:Cunninghamia lanceolata,Fokienia hodginisi,Pinus massoniana and Phoebe zhennan by simulating acid rain with pH of 2.5,3.5,4.5 and 5.5.We hypothesized that the inhibitory effect of acid rain on germination of seeds and emergence of seedling varies between species and the degree of acidity.A solution of 1 N H2SO4 and 1 N HNO 3 in the ratio of 10–1 was prepared and diluted to four pH levels,and seeds were supplied with solutions of these pH values and distilled water as control and tested for germination in a controlled growth chamber.The results revealed that simulated acid rain of pH 2.5 adversely affected the germination capacity of F.hodginisi and P.zhennan;while all acid solutions significantly increased germination of P.Massoniana;but had no effect on germination of C.Lanceolata seeds.Strong acid solution(pH of 2.5)adversely affected elongation of radicle and hypocotyl as well as fresh and dry weights of radicle and hypocotyl of tender seedlings.The result demonstrated that seedling emergence is more sensitive than seed germination to simulated acid rain,and germination of conifer species are less sensitive than broad leaved species to simulated acid rain.As a whole,acid rain of pH of 3.5 is the threshold level and acid rain below this value will have a detrimental effect on seed germination and seedling emergence.

Study on the toxicity of acid rain to microbiota in soils

With simulated acid rain and acidification, the soils from both Nanning and Liuzhou municipalities, Guangxi Zhuang Nationality Autonomous Region have been studied to determine the counts of azotobacter, bacteria, actinomyces and the activity of urease in soils, and the changes in respiratory intensity of soil so as to identify the toxicity of acidic substances to microbiota and enzyme in such soils. The concept of the critical pH of toxicity has been developed and used to discuss the representation of the concept, the basis on which the soil treated with simulated acid rain can be taken as an object of study, and the criteria for the identification of toxicity. Based on that as mentioned above, it was found that acid rain behaved to have toxicity to the microbiota in soils from Liuzhou other than from Nanning. The findings may be regarded as an objective basis to study the toxicity of acidic substances to microbiota and enzyme in soils in this region.