A new mechanism of invader success： Exotic plant inhibits natural vegetation restoration by changing soil microbe community

Since the 1950s of the last century, the exotic plant, Eupatorium adenophorum, has spread rapidly across southwest China, damaging native ecosystems and causing great economic losses. We examined the pH, N, P, K, and organic matter concentrations, and the bacterial community character (by Biolog EcoPlateTM) in soils from sites heavily and lightly invaded by this exotic species. Also, soil from the lightly invaded site was treated with a water extract of E.adenophorum roots to examine the effect of the plant on soil properties. We grew three plant species, one native and two exotic, in pot experiment using soil from heavily invaded site to examine the effects of the soil on these plants growth. The soil analysis demonstrated that the pH, organic matter, total N, total P and total K in soils from the heavily invaded site were only slightly different from those of the lightly invaded site, but concentrations of NH4^ , NO3^- and available P and K in the heavily invaded site were greater than those in the lightly invaded site. The catabolic activity of soil bacterial community in the heavily invaded site was different from that in the lightly invaded site. The catabolic activity of bacterial community in soils treated by the water extract of E.adenophorum roots changed and became similar to that in soils from the heavily invaded site. The pot experiment showed that the exotic plants growth in heavily invaded soil were not different from in lightly invaded soil; however, the native plant biomass decreased dramatically when grown in soil from the heavily invaded site as compared to soil from the lightly invaded site; and the same phenomenon was found when any potential allelopathic effects by E. adenophorum were eliminated by added activated carbon to those soils. Difference in soil nutrient availability and allelopathy could not explain this phenomenon of the native plant in the soils from the heavily and lightly invaded sites. Changes observed in the soil bacterial community were obviously related to native plant growth in those tow soils. Those results suggest that changing soil microbial community may be an important part of E. adenophorum invasion process. Since the soil microbial community serves as bridge in connection of exotic and natural plants, the exotic plant could inhibit the natural plant growth and reproduction by changing the soil microbial community in invaded site.     

Control of health risks in drinking water through point-of-use systems

The control of health risks and the provision of safe drinking water have received great concern in the research field of the science and technologies of drinking water purification. The chemicals, microor- ganisms, and nano-materials in drinking water exhibit the basic characteristics of low-dosage, complexity, and hard-to-control, and promote potential health risks during the treatment, distribution, and storing of drinking water. The establishment of point-of-use （POU） systems is required for the control of health risks in drinking water according to these practical requirements. This study proposed the phi- losophy of point-of-use （POU） systems which aimed to control the health risks in drinking water, and introduced several key unit processes. Based on the idea above, the POU systems for health risks control have been developed and successfully used in the Olympic Village and its core areas during the period of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.     

Responses of ephemeral plant germination and growth to water and heat conditions in the southern part of Gurbantunggut Desert

Ephemeral plants in the southern part of Gurbantunggut Desert were systematically monitored from 2002 to 2004 and the meteorological data and soil moisture during the same period were analyzed. The results show that the ephemeral plants germination and growth are sensitive to the changes of water and heat condition. The time for daily temperature over 0℃ in early spring in 2003 was delayed nearly 10 d compared with that in 2002, while the soil water changed little in the same period. Observation showed that there were 28 ephemeral species germinated in 2002, their life period was about 70 d in spring, and the maximum cover of ephemeral synusia reached 46.4%. However, only 17 ephemeral species germinated in 2003, their life period was about 50 d in spring, and their maximum cover was only 20.8%. The height of ephemeral plants was significantly higher in 2002 than that in 2003. It can be seen that ephemeral plant germination and growth in spring are strongly dependent on temperature. The changes of water conditions can affect ephemerals germination and growth as well. Because no heavy precipitation occurred during summer in 2002, only a few ephemerophytes were observed in autumn after ephemerals completed their life circle in early spring. However, about 60 mm precipitation was recorded from July to August both in 2003 and in 2004. Some ephemerals such as Erodium oxyrrhynchum and Carex physodes, etc. covered the dune surface rapidly with a cover 〉10%. Therefore, the ephemerals not only germinate in autumn after the early spring, some species may germinate in summer if adequate rainfall occurs. The study on responses of ephemerals growth to water and heat conditions not only has a certain ecological significance but also contributes a better understanding to the effect of climate changes on the desert surface stability.     

Analysis of carbon isotope in phytoliths from C3 and C4 plants and modern soils

The analysis of carbon isotope in phytoliths from modern plants and surface soils in China shows that the values of carbon isotope are consistent with those from C3 and C4 plants,and the processes of photosynthesis of the original plants can be clearly identified by carbon isotope in phytoliths.The value of carbon isotope varied from -23.8‰ to -28‰,with the maximum distributed in the latitude zone from 34° N to 40° N in North China and East China areas,and the minimum in the Northeast China and South China regions.The values of carbon of phytoliths tend to increase from low to high and then reduce to low value again as the latitude increases.In the same latitude zone,the carbon isotope in phytoliths from grassland soil under the trees is obviously lower than that from grassland soil without any trees with the difference of 1‰-2‰.     

Different climatic controls of soil δ~(13)C_(org) in three mid-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere since the Last Glacial period

Paleoecological records of soil δ13Corg from three regions in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP), the Great Plains and adjacent areas of North America and northwestern Europe, showed different variations since the Last Glacial period. An at-tempt was made to evaluate the causes for the difference in δ13Corg on the basis of the modern climatic data collected in these regions and of the modern C3 and C4 plant distributions. The analysis indicates that temperature, especially the growing season temperature, has a dominant control on the growth of C4 plants. When the mean annual or growing season temperatures are below the "threshold value" , the growth of C4 plants is limited. When the temperature is above the "threshold value" , C4 plants can grow under a wide range of precipitation. However, when the precipitation is high enough to favor the growth of trees, the proportions of C4 plants in local biomass will decline. The implicit control factor recovered by sedimentary records is consistent with the control factor on modern C3/C4 distribution. Pure C3 plants have been dominating the local biomass since the Last Glacial period in European loess region, mainly owing to the low local temperature. The increases in C4 plants from the late Pleistocene to the Holocene in the Chinese Loess Plateau, the Great Plains and adjacent areas, mainly reflect the influ-ence of increasing temperature.     

Different climatic controls of soil δ 13Corg in three mid-latitude regions of the Northern Hemisphere since the Last Glacial period

Paleoecological records of soil δ^13Corg from three regions in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, including the Chinese Loess Plateau （CLP）, the Great Plains and adjacent areas of North America and northwestern Europe, showed different variations since the Last Glacial period. An attempt was made to evaluate the causes for the difference in δ^13Corg on the basis of the modern climatic data collected in these regions and of the modern C3 and C4 plant distributions. The analysis indicates that temperature, especially the growing season temperature, has a dominant control on the growth of C4 plants. When the mean annual or growing season temperatures are below the ＂threshold value＂, the growth of C4 plants is limited. When the temperature is above the ＂threshold value＂, C4 plants can grow under a wide range of precipitation. However, when the precipitation is high enough to favor the growth of trees, the proportions of C4 plants in local biomass will decline. The implicit control factor recovered by sedimentary records is consistent with the control factor on modern C3/C4 distribution. Pure C3 plants have been dominating the local biomass since the Last Glacial period in European loess region, mainly owing to the low local temperature. The increases in C4 plants from the late Pleistocene to the Holocene in the Chinese Loess Plateau, the Great Plains and adjacent areas, mainly reflect the influence of increasing temperature.     

Retinoid X receptor activities of source waters in China and their removal efficiencies during drinking water treatment processes

There is increasing evidence of estrogenic activities of source waters and drinking waters in China based on estrogen receptors(ERs) testing.However,relating such activities to retinoid X receptors(RXRs) in both drinking and source waters are lacking.To rectify this situation,we assessed 23 source water samples from six major river systems in China.We also collected samples at various stages of water processing from three drinking water treatment plants(DWTPs) using a two-hybrid RXR yeast assay with and without metabolism.No RXR agonistic activity was observed,but significant antagonistic activity was detected in all sample extracts.The RXR antagonistic activities of source water sample extracts ranged from 15.2% to 57.8% without metabolism and 11.5% to 68.3% with metabolism,respectively.In the drinking water treatment processes,RXR antagonistic activities without metabolism and with metabolism of up to 31.4% and 37.5% were removed,respectively.Nevertheless,the remaining RXR antagonists in treated drinking water from these source waters could still be harmful to human health.To the best of our knowledge,the occurrence of in vitro RXR disruption activities in source and drinking water has not been previously reported in China.Therefore,an attempt was made to conduct detailed studies investigating RXR disrupting activities and their possible risks in source and drinking water.     

Editorial: advanced catalytic materials for environmental application

Environmental protection is directly related to the sus- tainable development of the economy and society. Controlling the release of major air and water pollutants remains a daunting challenge in China. The removal of major air pollutants [PM, SO2, NOx, volatile organic compounds （VOCs）, and Hg] from stationary and mobile sources is becoming increasingly urgent to improve air quality. Additionally, the removal of numerous industrial and natural chemical compounds from contaminated water systems is essential to maintaining the availability of clean water. Therefore, cost-effective and appropriate air pollution control and water treatment technologies must be explored and implemented. Regarding air pollution control, the selective catalytic reduction of NOx （SCR） by ammonia and hydrocarbons over metal oxide and zeolite catalysts is discussed; non-toxic transition metal oxides supported on titania and zeolite matrices are emerging new catalysts.     

Estimation and prediction of black carbon emissions in Beijing City

Black carbon is a by-product of incomplete combustion of carbon containing fuels. It can alter atmospheric radiation property and make adverse impacts on human health. The energy consumption in Beijing City depends largely on coal burning. Recently, Beijing City has been performing the municipal energy structure adjustment as a tool for air pollution abatement, aiming at the air quality goal for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Based on Beijing energy use data in 2000, combined with emission factors of major sources of black carbon, the emission of black carbon in Beijing City is estimated to be 7.77 Gg. Coke, raw coal and biomass as non-commercial energy are the main contributors to municipal black carbon emissions. Based on Beijing energy planning in the year 2008, the emission of black carbon in 2008 will be 2.97 Gg if the contribution from biomass is not taken into account. Assuming that the black carbon emission from rural biomass in 2008 is the same as that in 2004, the biomass burning will be the largest emitter of black carbon to Beijing City in 2008.     

Physiological response of natural plants to the change of groundwater level in the lower reaches of Tarim River, Xinjiang

Based on the analysis of the three-year (2000-2002) monitoring data of the four times intermittent stream water conveyance to the lower reaches of Tarim River where the stream flow was dried up for more than 30 years and the measurement of PRO, SOD and POD in plants collected from 24 vegetation plots, it is concluded that the stream water conveyance plays an important role in lifting groundwater level. The groundwater nearby the watercourse was raised from 5～8 m in depth before the stream water conveyance to 2.5～5 m after stream water conveyance. The physiological response of Phragmites communis, Tamarix spp. And Populus euphratica to the change of groundwater is sensitive and represents a grads change obviously. The growth of the plants in the lower reaches of Tarim River is stressed by drought to various degrees. Lengthways, the drought stress exposed to the plants increases with groundwater depth from the upper sections to the lower sections; and breadthwise, the drought stress exposed to the plants is increased with the increase of distance away from the river channel of stream intermittent water releases and of the groundwater depth. Combining the field investigation and the analysis of the plots, it is considered that the stress groundwater depths for the Phragmites communis, Tamarix spp. And Populus euphratica are 3.5 m, 5 m and 4.5 m respectively.     

油田居住区土壤中多环芳烃污染特征与风险评价：以胜利油田为例

油田城市作为一类与采油厂共同发展起来的特殊城市,长期的原油开采和城市活动导致了其居住区土壤多环芳烃污染特征的特殊性和复杂性。本文以胜利油田内的居民区土壤为研究对象,调查了城镇、郊区和农村3种不同土地利用类型的45个土壤样品,从污染水平、空间分布和潜在来源等方面阐明了研究区土壤中16种多环芳烃的污染特征,并且根据毒性当量计算了16种多环芳烃的终生癌症风险增量。结果表明：16种多环芳烃总量的浓度范围为16.24～685.2 ng/g,平均为（126.0±158.3）ng/g。在三种土壤类型中,城镇和郊区土壤普遍受到多环芳烃的污染,且主要成分为菲、?、芘和荧蒽。在土壤剖面中,表层多环芳烃的浓度水平通常高于底层,该趋势在郊区和城市地区的剖面中尤为明显。通过分析土壤中多环芳烃的特征比值结果以及多环芳烃与与总石油烃含量的相关性,揭示了油田居民区土壤中多环芳烃主要来源于石油污染。致癌风险评估结果指出了油田区农村、城郊的表层土壤以及城区的所有土层土壤中的多环芳烃均存在致癌风险,需要研究人员和政府人员对这类地区中的多环芳烃污染开展进一步的监测、分析和管理工作。     

煤电气载污染物人体健康风险生命周期评价

以国外的流行病研究资料、健康统计资料和国内的有关统计资料为基础,采用污染物生命周期分析的方法,依据归宿分析-效应分析-危害分析这条途径,研究了采煤-运输-发电过程产生的气载污染物通过空气、水和食品三种暴露途径对人体健康的危害,将煤-电生产整个生命周期排放的气载污染物与人体健康危害之间的定量关系以单位质量污染物所引起的残疾调整生命年(D)表示,提出了煤-电气载污染物对人体健康危害的定量评价方法.对广东茂名热电厂实例分析表明,在煤-电生产的整个生命周期过程中,由SOx、NOx、Cr6 三种污染物引起的健康危害为总健康危害的90.7%,气载致癌物中Cr6 的健康危害最大,三个不同生产阶段以燃煤发电阶段产生的人体健康风险最大.     

浅谈指示植物与环境监测

在查阅大量资料的基础上,概述了指示植物在大气、水体及土壤污染中的应用,总结了指示植物作为环境监测方法的不足之处,展望了其发展方向。     

环境污染与中国常见癌症流行趋势

 在癌症发生与发展过程中,70%以上的致癌和促癌因素与环境污染和人类行为有密切关系。国际癌症研究中心确认砷、石棉、苯、吸烟、空气污染等都是导致人类癌症的环境污染物,这些污染物可通过空气、水和土壤对环境产生污染从而产生致癌作用。中国癌症高发区的研究显示,亚硝胺、霉菌、黄曲霉毒素、人乳头瘤病毒感染、职业环境空气氡污染、室内燃煤空气污染是导致中国部分地区癌症高发的原因。控制癌症危险因素是降低癌症危害的有效途径。回顾环境污染与中国常见的食管癌、胃癌、肝癌、宫颈癌、肺癌的流行趋势及典型案例,可为癌症人群预防工作提供科学依据。     

地表水环境中PAHs源解析的方法比较及应用

通过对比分析水环境领域多环芳烃(PAHs)的源解析方法综述了各种源解析方法的原理、 优缺点及具体适用范围, 并在此基础上, 分别从内陆河流湖泊及沿海区域两方面对国内外地表水环境中（包括上覆水及水底表层沉积物）PAHs的源解析方法的应用及解析结果进行分析比较. 结果表明, 内陆区域河流和湖泊上覆水及沉积物中的PAHs主要来源为矿物燃料及木材等高温燃烧源, 河口及近海海水和沉积物中的PAHs主要来源为燃烧源及石油源, 石油源对PAHs的贡献较内陆区域更明显.     

重庆市农村饮用水水质状况调查与分析

通过对重庆市库区移民安置区域部分城镇的自来水厂、10个区县的农村饮用水以及三峡库区居民直接饮用水水质状况的调查,分析讨论了重庆市农村饮用水结构以及水质状况.结果表明重庆市农村饮用水水源类型以江河水和浅井水为主且供水方式存在安全隐患;水质状况在近几年较为稳定,但有部分地区存在细菌学指标严重超标现象.重庆市农村饮用水卫生的主要任务是控制致病微生物的污染,建议推广集中式饮水,且细菌学指标超标严重地区加强沉淀、过滤以及消毒管理,同时加强对各种形式水源饮用水的保护,提高安全饮水意识,完善农村饮用水安全监测体系.     

利用人工湿地去除饮用水硝酸盐氮研究

文章采用砂砾与土壤层构建垂直流人工湿地栽培芦苇和水花生,通过在同种基质上栽种相同数目的芦苇和水花生,以高质量浓度硝酸盐氮的配水进行浇灌,研究了这2种净水植物对饮用水中硝酸盐氮的脱除效果,并考察了净水效果较好的水花生的种植密度对其人工湿地脱氮的影响。研究表明,在人工湿地系统中,脱氮主要靠植物吸收,同时也存在硝化-反硝化途径;水花生和芦苇均能将饮用水中的硝酸盐氮有效脱除,在15d内,当进水硝酸盐氮质量浓度为50mg/L时,硝酸盐氮的去除率分别为94.0%和83.9%,当进水硝酸盐氮质量浓度为100mg/L时,硝酸盐氮的去除率分别达到96.8%和88%;相同条件下水花生去除硝酸盐氮的效果比芦苇更好;增加湿地植物的种植密度可获得更好的脱氮效果。     

论绿色植物在环境保护中的作用

本文对绿色植物的富集作用，分解转化毒物以及吸附灰尘等作用进行了详细阐述，介绍了绿色植物（尤其是森林）在环保中占有十分重要的地位。     

水库型饮用水水源地非点源污染控制技术方法

为了改善水库型饮用水水源地普遍存在的富营养化和水质达不到功能区划要求的现状,以合肥市为例,在现状调查的基础上,应用功能性模型中国土壤流失预报方程并适当地进行修正,对非点源污染负荷和水环境容量进行了定量分析,得出了非点源污染的主要来源和污染规律,并据此提出了水库型饮用水水源地非点源污染的控制技术方法.     

喀斯特山区晴隆锑矿不同介质砷锑铋污染特征研究

以喀斯特山区锑矿冶炼厂周围旱地农田土壤、水和典型植物为研究对象,对土壤、水和植物中重金属As、Sb和Bi进行分析研究,探讨喀斯特山区晴隆锑矿冶炼As、Sb和Bi对环境介质造成的影响。结果发现:土壤表层受As、Sb和Bi污染程度不同,生物有效性Sb>As>Bi,与贵州省土壤背景值相比差异极显著(P<0.01);作为生活饮用水源的黄家洞山泉水Sb含量符合饮用安全标准;调查3种野生优势本土植物:芒萁(Dicranopteris pedata)、白茅(Imperata cylindrica)和头花蓼(Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham.exD.Don),发现同种植物在不同土壤条件下对重金属的积累有显著差异,芒萁和白茅可作为修复锑矿污染土壤的首选植物,头花蓼可作为修复砷污染的首选植物。