[Hygienic standards for peat dust].
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Animals↗
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[Physiological bases of balneotherapy. XI. Local application of peat at 48 degrees C].
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Balneology↗
[Comparative evaluation of the effect of mud and peat applications on the content of ascorbic acid in the liver of animals].
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Animals↗
Lithogenic, oceanic and anthropogenic sources of atmospheric Sb to a maritime blanket bog, Myrarnar, Faroe Islands.
Antimony concentrations were measured in a core collected from Myrarnar, a blanket bog on the Faroe Islands which has been accumulating peat for more than six thousand years. The vertical distribution of Sb indicates that it has been supplied to the peat exclusively from the atmosphere. Despite the proximity to the ocean, the contribution of Sb to the peat from marine aerosols amounts to less than ca. 10% of the natural inputs. Although the peat core contains four notable layers of volcanic ash originating from Iceland, these have not contributed significantly to the Sb inventory. However, the distribution of Sb closely resembles that of Pb, with most of the Sb found in peats dating from the industrial period. Peat samples dating from the Roman Period are not only contaminated with Pb, but also with Sb. Lead is known to be immobile in peat bogs, and in Europe has been derived predominantly from industrial sources for thousands of years. The correlation between Sb and Pb in the peat core from the Faroe Islands supports the hypothesis that Sb is also effectively immobile in peat, and that ombrotrophic bogs are faithful archives of atmospheric Sb deposition. The data presented here also reinforces the view that natural Sb inputs during the past two centuries are dwarfed by industrial inputs, and that human activities have affected the atmospheric Sb cycle to a comparable extent to that of Pb. The natural rate of atmospheric Sb deposition recorded by the peat core (0.33 microg m(-2) year(-1)) is remarkably similar to the value obtained from a Swiss peat bog (Etang de la Gruère) in the samples dating from ca. 6000 to 9000 years ago (0.35 microg m(-2) year(-1)) which suggests that the background rates obtained from the peat cores have broader validity. Consistent with previous work, the data from the Faroe Islands suggests that the natural flux of Sb to the global atmosphere may have been overestimated by a factor of ten, and that the influence of human activities has been underestimated to the same extent.
Antimony↗
Composted grape marc as growing medium for hypostases (Hypostases phyllostagya).
The use of composted grape marc (CGM) as a plant growth medium was investigated with Hypostases (Hypostases phyllostagya). Seven media were prepared using CGM mixed, in different ratios, with native peat and perlite. The following mixtures were used: 100% CGM, 75% CGM + 25% peat, 50% CGM + 50% perlite, 25% CGM + 75% peat, 50% CGM + 25%) peat + 25% perlite, 25%, CGM + 50%, peat + 25% perlite and 100% peat. The experiment was arranged in a randomized plot design with four replicates under greenhouse conditions. After a growing period of three months, some horticultural parameters were measured. Besides, some physical and chemical properties of the growing medium were determined. The mixtures of 50% CGM + 50% peat, 25% CGM + 75% peat and 100% peat were found to be most suitable based on the horticultural parameters. This was confirmed through the physical characteristics. Up to 50% composted grape marc can be used in mixtures with peat on account of its low cost and high nutrient content.
Botany↗
Effects of adding organic materials to an acid sulfate soil on the growth of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings.
Acid sulfate soils having a pH of less than 3.5 are widespread in Malaysia. Some of these soils are planted to cocoa, but the yield is reported to be low due to soil infertility related to Al toxicity. Cocoa growth is sensitive to the presence of Al in the soil. To a certain extent, Al toxicity in soils can be reduced by organic matter application and to a greater extent in iron-poor acid sulfate soil. A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of various types of organic materials easily available in the country to ameliorate acid sulfate soil infertility for growing cocoa seedlings. The treatments were control (nil), lime (3 t/ha), peat (10% w/w), peat plus green manure (10% w/w), peat plus rice straw (10% w/w), peat plus chicken dung (10% w/w) and peat plus POMS (Palm oil mill sludge) (10% w/w). The growth of cocoa seedlings was affected significantly by the presence of Al in the cocoa tissues. As the amount of Al in the leaves increased, the relative top dry weight of cocoa seedlings decreased. Likewise, the relative plant height was negatively correlated with Al in the leaves. Peat as well as peat in combination with green manure, rice straw, chicken dung or palm oil mill sludge was able to reduce Al toxicity in acid sulfate soil; the highest top dry weight of cocoa seedlings were obtained in the peat plus green manure treatment. The best cocoa seedlings root growth was found for the peat treatment alone. The relative top dry weight of cocoa seedlings was negatively correlated with Al(3+) as well as Al(3+)+Al(OH)(2+)+Al(OH)(2)(+) activity in the soil solution. The critical values for Al(3+) and the combination of Al(3+)+Al(OH)(2+)+Al(OH)(2)(+) activity in the soil solution were 10 microM and 15 microM, respectively.
Aluminum↗
High risk pediatric emergency air transport.
INTRODUCTION: Pediatric Emergency Air Transports (PEATs) at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, were reviewed between November 1986 and December 1987. Severity of illness, complications, and outcome of PEATs were compared with ground transports. Factors associated with PEAT survival were identified. METHODS: Severity of illness was measured using a modified Denver Patient Status Category (DPSC) method and the Therapeutic Intervention Scoring System (TISS). There were 35 PEATs (30 helicopter, five fixed-wing) and 96 ground transports. RESULTS: Mean severity of illness for patients was greater in PEAT than for the ground transport (PEAT DPSC score=4.23+/-1.06 versus ground DPSC=3.57+/-0.89 [SD], p=.0005). The PEAT mortality was associated with a greater mean severity of illness (TISS survivors=19.1+/-11.4 versus non-survivors=44.3+/-9.5, p=.0001), but not with: the presence of an on-flight physician; transport delay; transport duration; age; sex; history of chronic illness; or intra-transport medical complications. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to ground transports, PEATs were used for higher risk patients.
Adolescent↗
Atmospheric deposition of V, Cr, and Ni since the late glacial: effects of climatic cycles, human impacts, and comparison with crustal abundances.
Vanadium, Cr, and Ni accumulating in a Swiss peat bog since 12 370 14C yr B.P. have been measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after acid dissolution in a microwave autoclave. Strict quality control schemes were applied to guarantee the accuracy of the applied analytical methodology. The concentration gradients in the peat column and comparison with Pb indicate that V, Cr, and Ni are effectively immobile in the ombrotrophic section of the peat profile but that Ni is added to the minerotrophic peat layers by chemical weathering of the underlying sediments. The lowest metal concentrations were found during the Holocene climate optimum (5320-8230 14C yr B.P.) when "natural background" values averaged 0.55 +/- 0.13 microg g(-1) V, 0.76 +/- 0.17 microg g(-1) Cr, and 0.46 +/- 0.09 microg g(-1) Ni (n = 18); given the average bulk density (0.05 g/cm3) and accumulation rate (0.05 cm/ yr) of peat in this zone, the corresponding atmospheric fluxes are approximately 14, 19, and 12 microg m(-2) yr(-1) for V, Cr, and Ni, respectively. The highest concentrations of V, Cr, and Ni were found during the Younger Dryas cold climate event (centered at 10 590 14C yr B.P.) when background values were exceeded by about 40 times. Elevated concentrations and accumulation rates were also found at 8230 and 5320 14C yr B.P., which are consistent with the elevated dust fluxes recorded by Greenland ice cores. By far the greatest contribution of the three elements to the peat inventory is atmospheric soil dust, and the metal fluxes vary not only with climate change but also land-use history (especially the beginning of forest clearing for agriculture ca. 6 millennia ago). The V/Sc, Cr/Sc, and Ni/ Sc ratios were remarkably similar to their corresponding ratios in the earth's crust until the onset of the Industrial Revolution (240 14C yr B.P.), which largely validates the use of crustal concentrations for calculating enrichment factors (EF) for these elements. In modern samples, the EFs of V, Cr, and Ni reach maximum values between 2.4 and 4.1, relative to background; anthropogenic emissions are a more likely explanation of the elevated EFs than either plant uptake or chemical diagenesis. This study demonstrates the usefulness of peat bogs as archives of atmospheric metal deposition and underpins the potential of peat cores to help distinguish between lithogenic and anthropogenic metal sources.
Air Pollutants↗
Methane production in Minnesota peatlands.
Rates of methane production in Minnesota peats were studied. Surface (10- to 25-cm) peats produced an average of 228 nmol of CH(4) per g (dry weight) per h at 25 degrees C and ambient pH. Methanogenesis rates generally decreased with depth in ombrotrophic peats, but on occasion were observed to rise within deeper layers of certain fen peats. Methane production was temperature dependent, increasing with increasing temperature (4 to 30 degrees C), except in peats from deeper layers. Maximal methanogenesis from these deeper regions occurred at 12 degrees C. Methane production rates were also pH dependent. Two peats with pHs of 3.8 and 4.3 had an optimum rate of methane production at pH 6.0. The addition to peat of glucose and H(2)-CO(2) stimulated methanogenesis, whereas the addition of acetate inhibited methanogenesis. Cysteine-sulfide, nitrogen-phosphorus-trace metals, and vitamins-yeast extract affected methane production very little. Various gases were found to be trapped or dissolved (or both) within peatland waters. Dissolved methane increased linearly to a depth of 210 cm. The accumulation of metabolic end products produced within peat bogs appears to be an important mechanism limiting carbon turnover in peatland environments.
Journal Article↗
Effects of ozone on three open-pollinated families of Pinus taeda L. grown in two substrates.
Seedlings from three open-pollinated loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) families grown in a mixture of commercial peat moss and grade 3 vermiculite (1:3 by volume) or a mixture of mineral soil and peat (1:1 by volume) were exposed to 0, 160 or 320 ppb ozone (O3) for 6h/day, 4 days/week for 8 weeks beginning 12 weeks after transplanting. Before exposures began, seedlings grown in the vermiculite-peat substrate were taller but smaller in diameter than those grown in the mineral soil-peat substrate. After 8 weeks of exposure, seedlings grown in the mineral soil-peat substrate were significantly larger in diameter and total biomass than those grown in the vermiculite-peat substrate. Primary needle and secondary needle injury increased with increasing O3 concentrations. Suppression of diameter growth, shoot weight and root weight was linear as O3 concentration increased. The effect of O3 on height or diameter growth or shoot biomass was not influenced by substrate type; but the suppression of root biomass due to O3 was dependent on substrate, with greater suppression in biomass occurring in the vermiculite-peat substrate. Foliar injury due to O3 was slightly greater in family 8-103, but growth suppression due to O3 was not significantly different among the families. Based on root biomass, response of seedlings to O3 was substrate-dependent.
Journal Article↗
Drain blocking: an effective treatment for reducing dissolved organic carbon loss and water discolouration in a drained peatland.
Peatlands are an important terrestrial carbon store. However, heightened levels of degradation in response to environmental change have resulted in an increased loss of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and an associated rise in the level of discolouration in catchment waters. A significant threat to peatland sustainability has been the installation of artificial drainage ditches. However, recent restoration schemes have pursued drain blocking as a possible strategy for reducing degradation, fluvial carbon loss and water discolouration. This paper investigates the effect of open cut drainage and the impact of drain blocking on DOC and colour dynamics in blanket peat soil-water solutions. Three treatments (intact peat, drained peat and drain-blocked peat) were monitored in an upland blanket peat catchment in the UK. DOC and colour values were significantly higher on the drained slopes compared with those of the intact peat, which in turn had greater DOC and colour values than the drain-blocked slopes. Consequently, drain blocking is shown to be a highly successful technique in reducing both the DOC concentration and level of discolouration in soil waters, even to values lower than those observed for the intact site, which suggests a process of store exhaustion and flushing may operate. The colour per carbon unit (C/C) ratio was significantly higher at the drain-blocked site than either the intact or the drained treatments, while the E4/E6 ratio (fulvic acid/humic acid) was significantly lower at the blocked site compared to the two other treatments. The high C/C and low E4/E6 ratios indicate that drain blocking also modifies the composition of DOC, such that darker-coloured humic substances become more dominant compared to the intact site. This implies disturbance to DOC production and/or transportation processes operating within the peat.
Carbon↗
Wastewater sludge as a substrate for growth and carrier for rhizobia: the effect of storage conditions on survival of Sinorhizobium meliloti.
The inoculation of legumes with rhizobia is used to maximise nitrogen fixation and enhance the plant yield without using N fertilisers. For this reason many inoculant types were developed and optimised. In our study, the effects of the growth medium, the carrier, the temperature and the storage period were determined on the survival of Sinorhizobium meloliti. Secondary sludge from Communauté Urbaine de Quebec wastewater treatment plant and standard medium (YMB) were used for rhizobial growth. Dehydrated sludge from Jonquière wastewater treatment plant, peat and a mixture of peat and sludge were used as carrier materials. Results showed that the wastewater sludge offered better protection for rhizobia survival during freezing and thawing at -20 degrees C than the standard medium. In general, results also showed the suitability of using sludge as a carrier because it had the same or a higher potential than peat to support survival of S. meliloti. In the case of YMB-grown rhizobia, peat- and sludge-based carriers appeared to be similar in terms of survival rate during the storage at 4 and 25 degrees C. For secondary sludge-grown rhizobia, the survival was better in sludge than in peat based carrier. Generally, the cell count remained higher than 10(8) cells/g for up to 80 days at 4 and 25 degrees C in both carriers (sludge and peat). However, for the secondary sludge-grown cells stored in peat-based carrier at 4 degrees C, the viable cells decreased under 10(8) cells/g at the 81st day of storage but remained acceptable compared to the standard (10(7) cells/g of carrier).
Biotechnology↗
Using tea waste as a new casing material in mushroom (Agaricus bisporus (L.) Sing.) cultivation.
In this study, the possibility of using tea production waste as a new casing material in mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) cultivation was investigated. Some physical and chemical characteristics of tea waste, fermented tea waste and a mixture of tea waste with peat were compared with that of peat casing, as were their effects on yield. The highest yield was obtained from peat casing. Using tea production waste alone as a casing was not acceptable for assured yield when it was compared with peat. But, a mixture of tea production waste with peat in 1:1 (v:v) ratio increased the yield. There was no significant difference between the mushroom yields of tea production waste+peat and peat casing materials at the end of 30 and 40 days. High salt content, organic and inorganic compounds in casing materials caused reduction of yields. However, a high iron content in casing material gave a significant positive correlation with total yield at 40 days.
Agaricales↗
Red list plants: colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and dark septate endophytes.
Since information concerning the mycorrhization of endangered plants is of major importance for their potential re-establishment, we determined the mycorrhizal status of Serratula tinctoria (Asteraceae), Betonica officinalis (Lamiaceae), Drosera intermedia (Droseraceae) and Lycopodiella inundata (Lycopodiaceae), occurring at one of two wetland sites (fen meadow and peat bog), which differed in soil pH and available P levels. Root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytes (DSE) was quantified. Colonization by AMF appeared to be more frequent in the fen meadow than in the peat bog, and depended on the host plant. Roots of S. tinctoria and B. officinalis were well colonized by AMF in the fen meadow (35-55% root length) and both arbuscules and vesicles were observed to occur in spring as well as in autumn. In the peat bog, L. inundata showed a low level of root colonization in spring, when vesicles were found frequently but no arbuscules. In roots of D. intermedia from the peat bog, arbuscules and vesicles were observed, but AMF colonization was lower than in L. inundata. In contrast, the amount of AMF spores extracted from soil at the peat bog site was higher than from the fen meadow soil. Spore numbers did not differ between spring and autumn in the fen meadow, but they were higher in spring than in autumn in the peat bog. Acaulospora laevis or A. colossica and Glomus etunicatum were identified amongst the AMF spores extracted from soil at the two sites. S. tinctoria and B. officinalis roots were also regularly colonized by DSE (18-40% root length), while L. inundata was only rarely colonized and D. intermedia did not seem to be colonized by DSE at all.
Asteraceae↗
Survival of several Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium strains on different inoculant formulations and inoculated seeds.
The effect of a variety factors on the survival of several rhizobia strains on inoculants and inoculated seeds has been evaluated. Since the rhizobia strains showed different cell-density-evolution patterns on peat-based inoculants and on inoculated seeds, several inoculant formulations with highly effective Rhizobium/Bradyrhizobium strains (for Lupinus, Hedysarum, Phaseolus and Glycine max.) were monitored under the following storage conditions: (a) the inoculants were kept refrigerated (at 4 degrees C), or (b) at room temperature (25 degrees C). The effect of water content (30-50%, w/w) in the inoculants as well as that of several seed-coating adhesives were also investigated. Alternative carriers including perlite and vermiculite were tested. For all of the strains, survival on sterile peat-based inoculants was higher than on the corresponding unsterile peat formulation; for the latter, refrigerated storage conditions are recommended to ensure high bacterial densities. The water content of the inoculants had a differential effect on strain survival depending on the sterility of the peat, such that a high water content was more detrimental when unsterilized peat was employed. The best adherent for rhizobia survival was a gum arabic/water solution. Perlite was as effective as peat in maintaining a high population of rhizobia, at least for 6 months of storage.
Biotechnology↗
Inhibition of rat colonic motility and cardiovascular effects of new gut-specific beta-adrenergic phenylethanolaminotetralines.
We have investigated the ability of the new putative beta-adrenergic agonists phenylethanolaminotetralines (PEAT) to inhibit intestinal motility in relation to their cardiovascular effects, in ethylurethane-anesthetized rats. The representative PEAT SR 58375A, SR 58572A and SR 58539B and the reference beta-adrenergic agonists isoproterenol, salbutamol and ritodrine caused dose-related inhibition of proximal colon spontaneous motility: ED50 (microgram/kg, i.v.) 210, 92 and 19; 5.6, 176 and 201, as listed. This inhibition was prevented by the beta-adrenergic antagonist alprenolol, but not by desipramine (which prevented the inhibition of colonic motility by tyramine and enhanced that by norepinephrine). The minimal effective doses (MED) of isoproterenol, salbutamol and ritodrine raising heart rate and/or lowering blood pressure (by 10 to 20%), was substantially lower (about 1/10 to 1/150) than their ED50 for inhibition of colonic motility. The MED raising heart rate of the three PEAT, on the other hand, was about twice (SR 58375A and SR 58572A) to five (SR 58539B) times their ED50 for inhibition of colonic motility. None of the PEAT lowered blood pressure up to the top tested dose. Therefore the PEAT may prove preferable to the currently best tolerated beta-adrenoceptor agonists, because they appear less liable to induce cardiovascular side effects. This supports the prospective therapeutic interest of PEAT for intestinal hypermotility disorders.
Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) core and rice hulls as components of container media for growing Pinus halepensis M. seedlings.
The feasibility of replacing peat or perlite with rice hulls and ground kenaf core to grow a Mediterranean species (Pinus halepensis M.), was investigated. Treatments involved the following growing media: 70 peat:30 perlite as a control, 70 peat:30 rice hulls, 50 peat:50 rice hulls, kenaf (100%) and 60 kenaf:20 peat:20 rice hulls. The seedlings' quality and the physical and chemical properties of the substrates were evaluated. After this, the seedlings were planted in the field and their field performance was recorded. The results showed that the growth medium 70 peat:30 rice hulls can successfully be used for the production of P. halepensis, since the seedlings' nursery and field performance were similar to, or even better than those obtained with the control medium. The seedlings produced in the growth media containing kenaf did not attain a suitable planting size and showed poorer field performance than control seedlings.
Biomass↗
Geochemical evidence for atmospheric pollution derived from prehistoric copper mining at Copa Hill, Cwmystwyth, mid-Wales, UK.
This paper presents geochemical data from a blanket peat located close to a Bronze Age copper mine on the northern slopes of the Ystwyth valley, Ceredigion, mid-Wales, UK. The research objective was to explore the possibility that the peat contained a geochemical record of the pollution generateD by mining activity. Four peat monoliths were extracted from the blanket peat to reconstruct the pollution history of the prehistoric mine. Three different geochemical measurement techniques were employed and four copper profiles have been reconstructed, two of which are radiocarbon-dated. The radiocarbon dates at one profile located close to the mine confirm that copper enrichment occurs in the peat during the known period of prehistoric mining. Similar enrichment of copper concentrations is shown in one adjacent profile and a profile within 30 m away. In contrast, copper was not enriched in the other radiocarbon-dated monolith, collected approximately 1.35 km to the north of the mine. Whilst other possible explanations to explain the copper concentrations are discussed, it is argued that the high copper concentrations represent evidence of localised atmospheric pollution caused by Bronze Age copper mining in the British Isles. The results of this study suggest that copper may be immobile in blanket peat and such deposits can usefully be used to reconstruct atmospheric pollution histories in former copper mining areas.
Air Pollutants↗