A greenhouse study was conducted on phytoextraction and accumulation of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from contaminated soil – water microcosms by the narrow-leaved cattail, Typha angustifolia. The plants were grown in ...A greenhouse study was conducted on phytoextraction and accumulation of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from contaminated soil – water microcosms by the narrow-leaved cattail, Typha angustifolia. The plants were grown in sandy loam soil containing 1,666 and 38.5 mg/L of Pb(NO3)2 and Cd(NO3)2 respectively. The trends of lead and cadmium by T. angustifolia for all soil – water microcosms suggested interaction effects as decreased soil lead concentrations and increased water cadmium concentrations over time. T. angustifolia expressed trends as increased biomass in all contaminated shoots and roots examined. Cadmium uptake in shoot and root biomass slightly decreased when lead was initially added to the soil but cadmium uptake in root biomass increased after 30 days. Data suggested an interaction between lead and cadmium and possible that lead uptake was inhibited when cadmium was present.展开更多
Predicting biodiversity and dynamics of complex communities is a fundamental challenge in ecology.Leveraging bacterial microcosms with well-controlled laboratory conditions,Hu et al.recently performed a direct test of...Predicting biodiversity and dynamics of complex communities is a fundamental challenge in ecology.Leveraging bacterial microcosms with well-controlled laboratory conditions,Hu et al.recently performed a direct test of theory predicting that two community-level parameters(i.e.,species pool size and inter-species interaction strength)dictate transitions between three dynamical phases:stable full coexistence,stable partial coexistence,and persistent fluctuations.Generally,communities experience species extinctions before they lose stability as either of the two parameters increases.展开更多
BACKGROUND Chronic gastritis(CG)is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining.Liver-stomach disharmony(LSD)syndrome is believed to contribute to CG symptoms.AIM To evaluate ...BACKGROUND Chronic gastritis(CG)is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining.Liver-stomach disharmony(LSD)syndrome is believed to contribute to CG symptoms.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microcosmic syndrome differentiation and Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)treatment in patients with CG and LSD syndrome.METHODS Sixty-four patients with CG and LSD syndrome were randomly divided into two groups:The treatment group received CHM based on microcosmic syndrome differentiation and the control group received conventional Western medicine.The treatment course lasted 12 wk.The primary outcome was improvement in dyspeptic symptoms,measured using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index.The secondary outcomes included the improvement rate of endoscopic findings,histopathological findings,and microcosmic syndrome scores and the incidence of adverse events.RESULTS After 12 wk of treatment,the treatment group showed significantly greater improvement in dyspeptic symptoms than the control group(93.75%vs 65.63%,P<0.01).The treatment group also showed a significantly higher improvement rate in endoscopic findings than the control group(81.25%vs 53.13%,P<0.05).The improvement rates of histopathological findings and microcosmic syndrome scores were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).No serious adverse events were observed in either group.CONCLUSION Microcosmic syndrome differentiation and CHM treatment can effectively improve dyspeptic symptoms and endoscopic findings in patients with CG and LSD syndrome and have a good safety profile.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and mechanism of action of this treatment.展开更多
Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining,...Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, improper usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and indiscriminate open waste disposal bring about an increase in the presence of heavy metals in the environment. In the Keffi Metropolis, different elements lead to land contamination which debilitates soil quality, plant survival, human well-being, and the environment as a result of extensive dispersion or quantity of heavy metals in the soil and water. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for mitigating heavy metal pollution due to its unique physicochemical properties. This paper provides the effects of softwood pellet biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. A microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. This research aimed to give an overview of the effects of softwood biochar at different temperatures (550˚C and 700˚C) on the retention of heavy metals and metalloids released from the soil during water inundation. The results show that the addition of organic matter (grass chippings) minimizes heavy metal mobilization. Also, biochar at high temperatures is more effective than those at low temperatures. The expected outcome of the research analysis includes providing insights into the role of biochar in retaining heavy metal contamination and further understanding the use of biochar as a sorbent for the management of contaminated soil.展开更多
The conventional measurement of a relative permeability curve (RPC) is usually conducted at room temperature, which is much lower than the reservoir temperature. Previous research work on high temperature relative...The conventional measurement of a relative permeability curve (RPC) is usually conducted at room temperature, which is much lower than the reservoir temperature. Previous research work on high temperature relative permeability mainly take oil-wetted cores as objective. In this paper, laboratory test and measurement are conducted using water-wet cores from the Lunnan Oilfield. Since irreducible water saturation (Swi) is a critical factor that affects and controls the relative permeability curve, special tests are conducted to measure Swi at different temperatures for water-wet cores in the course of the experiment of relative permeability. The experimental results indicate that for the water-wet cores Swi decreased with the increasing temperature from ambient to 105℃,and the relative permeability curve shifted in a low water saturation direction, i.e. moved toward the left, while it moved toward the right for oil wetness reservoirs. Seen from both macroscopic and microcosmic view, the reasons and mechanisms of relative permeability change with temperature are discussed, and factors including core wetness, viscosity force, capillary forces, contact angle, interfacial tension change are considered.展开更多
The objective of this study is the phytochemical analysis and the determination of the antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts obtained from the leaves and bark of the trunk of Albizia zygia, ag...The objective of this study is the phytochemical analysis and the determination of the antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts obtained from the leaves and bark of the trunk of Albizia zygia, against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi bacteria in aquatic microcosms. Phytochemical screening was performed as described by Pareck. The results obtained show that the hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Albizia zygia trunk bark recorded higher extraction yields (26.71% and 33.2% respectively) compared to the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of leaves of the same plant. Secondary metabolites with antibacterial activities such as anthraquinones, anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and saponins were found in both types of extracts. Flavonoids and anthocyanins were relatively more abundant than the other chemical constituents. The highest cellular inhibition rate of Escherichia coli was 99.88%, obtained after 9 hours of exposure in the hydro-ethanolic extract solution of trunk bark at the concentration 1.5 g/L. The Salmonella typhi rate was 99.95% after 9 hours of exposure of bacterial cells to the hydro-ethanol extract of the bark of the trunk at the concentration 1.5 g/L. This rate increased proportionally with the bacterial-extract contact time. The temperature of the medium did not significantly influence bacterial inhibition (P > 0.05). The obtained results justify the use of the plant Albizia zygia in the reduction of the flow of bacterio-pollutants contained in water intended for consumption.展开更多
While studies have focused on the use of biochar as soil amendment, little attention has been paid to its effect on soil fauna. The biochar was produced from slow pyrolysis of wheat straw in the present study. Four tr...While studies have focused on the use of biochar as soil amendment, little attention has been paid to its effect on soil fauna. The biochar was produced from slow pyrolysis of wheat straw in the present study. Four treatments, no addition (CK) and three rates of biochar addition at 2 400 (B1), 12 000 (B5) and 48 000 kg ha-1 (B20), were investigated to assess the effect of biochar addition to soil on nematode abundance and diversity in a microcosm trial in China. The B5 and B20 application significantly increased the total organic carbon and the C/N ratio. No significant difference in total nematode abundance was found among the treatments. The biochar addition to the soil significantly increased the abundance of fungivores, and decreased that of plant parasites. The diversity of soil nematodes was significantly increased by B1 compared to CK. Nematode trophic groups were more effectively indicative to biochar addition than total abundance.展开更多
A column microcosm was conducted by amending crude oil into Dagang Oilfield soil to simulate the bioremediation process. The dynamic change of microbial communities and metabolic genes in vertical depth soil from 0 to...A column microcosm was conducted by amending crude oil into Dagang Oilfield soil to simulate the bioremediation process. The dynamic change of microbial communities and metabolic genes in vertical depth soil from 0 to 80 cm were characterized to evaluate the petroleum degradation potential of indigenous microorganism. The influence of environmental variables on the microbial responds to petroleum contamination were analyzed. Degradation extent of 42.45% of n-alkanes(C8–C40) and 34.61% of 16ΣPAH were reached after 22 weeks. Relative abundance of alkB, nah, and phe gene showed about 10-fold increment in different depth of soil layers. Result of HTS profiles demonstrated that Pseudomonas, Marinobacter and Lactococcus were the major petroleum-degrading bacteria in0–30 and 30–60 cm depth of soils. Fusarium and Aspergillus were the dominant oil-degrading fungi in the 0–60 cm depth of soils. In 60–80 cm deep soil, anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroidetes, Lactococcus, and Alcanivorax played important roles in petroleum degradation.Redundancy analysis(RDA) and correlation analysis demonstrated that petroleum hydrocarbons(PHs) as well as soil salinity, clay content, and anaerobic conditions were the dominant effect factors on microbial community compositions in 0–30, 30–60, and 60–80 cm depth of soils, respectively.展开更多
Composites containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) remineralize tooth lesions and inhibit caries. A recent study synthesized quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) with chain lengths (CLs...Composites containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) remineralize tooth lesions and inhibit caries. A recent study synthesized quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) with chain lengths (CLs) of 3-18 and determined their effects on a bonding agent. This study aimed to incorporate these QAMs into NACP nanocomposites for the first time to simultaneously endow the material with antibacterial and remineralizing capabilities and to investigate the effects of the CL on the mechanical and biofilm properties. Five QAMs were synthesized: DMAPM (CL3), DMAHM (CL6), DMADDM (CL12), DMAHDM (CL16), and DMAODM (CL18). Each QAM was incorporated into a composite containing 20% NACP and 50% glass fillers. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The flexural strength and elastic modulus of nanocomposites with QAMs matched those of a commercial control composite (n = 6; P 〉 0.1). Increasing the CL from 3 to 16 greatly enhanced the antibacterial activity of the NACP nanocomposite (P 〈 0.05); further increasing the CL to 18 decreased the antibacterial potency. The NACP nanocomposite with a CL of 16 exhibited biofilm metabolic activity and acid production that were 10-fold lesser than those of the control composite. The NACP nanocomposite with a CL of 16 produced 2-log decreases in the colony-forming units (CFU) of total microorganisms, total streptococci, and mutans streptococci. In conclusion, QAMs with CLs of 3-18 were synthesized and incorporated into an NACP nanocomposite for the first time to simultaneously endow the material with antibacterial and remineralization capabilities. Increasing the C/reduced the metabolic activity and acid production of biofilms and caused a 2-log decrease in CFU without compromising the mechanical properties. Nanocomposites exhibiting strong anti-biofilm activity, remineralization effects, and mechanical properties are promising materials for tooth restorations that inhibit caries.展开更多
The terrestrial ecosystem may be either a source or a sink of CH_4 in rice paddies, depending, to a great extent, on the change of ecosystem types and land use patterns. CH_4 emission fluxes from paddy fields under 4 ...The terrestrial ecosystem may be either a source or a sink of CH_4 in rice paddies, depending, to a great extent, on the change of ecosystem types and land use patterns. CH_4 emission fluxes from paddy fields under 4 cultivation patterns (conventional plain culture of rice(T1), no-tillage and ridge culture of rice(T2), no-tillage and ridge culture of rice and wheat (T3), and rice-wheat rotation(T4)) were measured with the closed chamber technique in 1996 and 1998 in Chongqing, China. The results showed that differences existed in CH_4 emission from paddy fields under these land management practices. In 1996 and 1998, CH_4 emission was 71 48% and 78 82%(T2), 65 93% and 57 18%(T3), and 61 53% and 34 22%(T4) of that in T1 during the rice growing season. During the non-rice growing season, CH_4 emission from rice fields was 76 23% in T2 and 38 69% in T1 The accumulated annual CH_4 emission in T2, T3 and T4 in 1996 decreased by 33 53%, 63 30% and 65 73%, respectively, as compared with that in T1 In 1998, the accumulated annual CH_4 emission in T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 116 96 g/m^2, 68 44 g/m^2, 19 70 g/m^2 and 11 80 g/m^2, respectively. Changes in soil physical and chemical properties, in thermal and moisture conditions in the soil and in rice plant growth induced by different land use patterns were the dominant causes for the difference in CH_4 emission observed. The relative contribution of various influencing factors to CH_4 emission from paddy fields differed significantly under different land use patterns. However, the general trend was that chlorophyll content in rice leaves, air temperature and temperature at the 5 cm soil layer play a major role in CH_4 emission from paddy fields and the effects of illumination, relative humidity and water layer depth in the paddy field and CH_4 concentration in the crop canopy were relatively non-significant. Such conservative land use patterns as no-tillage and ridge culture of rice with or without rotation with wheat are thought to be beneficial to reducing CH_4 emission from paddy fields and are, therefore, recommended as a significant solution to the problems of global(climatic) change.展开更多
Dental composites are commonly used restorative materials; however, secondary caries due to biofilm acids remains a major problem. The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a composite containing quaternary a...Dental composites are commonly used restorative materials; however, secondary caries due to biofilm acids remains a major problem. The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a composite containing quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate (QADM), nanoparticles of silver (NAg), and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP), and (2) to conduct the first investigation of the mechanical properties, biofilm response and acid production vs water-ageing time from 1 day to 12 months. A 4 x 5 design was utilized, with four composites (NACP-QADM composite, NACP-NAg composite, NACP-QADM-NAg composite, and a commercial control composite), and five water-ageing time periods (1 day, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). After each water- ageing period, the mechanical properties of the resins were measured in a three-point flexure, and antibacterial properties were tested via a dental plaque biofilm model using human saliva as an inoculum. After 12 months of water-ageing, NACP-QADM- NAg had a flexural strength and elastic modulus matching those of the commercial control (P〉 0.1). Incorporation of QADM or NAg into the NACP composite greatly reduced biofilm viability, metabolic activity and acid production. A composite containing both QADM and NAg possessed a stronger antibacterial capability than one with QADM or NAg alone (P〈0.05). The anti-biofilm activity was maintained after 12 months of water-ageing and showed no significant decrease with increasing time (P〉0.1). In conclusion, the NACP-QADM-NAg composite decreased biofilm viability and lactic acid production, while matching the load- bearing capability of a commercial composite. There was no decrease in its antibacterial properties after 1 year of water-ageing. The durable antibacterial and mechanical properties indicate that NACP-QADM-NAg composites may be useful in dental restorations to combat caries.展开更多
Small-particle interlayers(lenticles)show some characteristic hydraulic properties and can affect the movement of unsaturated water.In this study,we developed a novel online capillary-water-absorption monitoring devic...Small-particle interlayers(lenticles)show some characteristic hydraulic properties and can affect the movement of unsaturated water.In this study,we developed a novel online capillary-water-absorption monitoring device and conducted three groups of comparison tests to simulate lenticle positions and thicknesses with respect to the capillary rise.The results show that the characteristic wetting front exhibits a fast rise in the early stage,a slow rise in the middle stage,and stability in the later stage.The motion of the capillary water in the lenticle is mainly transversal,with the upward curve being"flat,"and the longer is"flat,"the longer is the time needed for the water to move.The interlayer can form a capillary stagnation zone with moisture content close to saturation.The high interlayer may form a discontinuous corrugated capillary zone.Thus,when the wetting front reaches the"coarse-grain(lower)-fine-grain(upper)"interface,the"anti-capillary barrier effect"results in more moisture in the upper layer.Thus,when the wetting front of the capillary water reaches the"fine-grain(upper)-coarse-grain(lower)"interface,the"capillary barrier effect"causes the moisture content of the upper tailings to decreases sharply because of the horizontal movement of the water in the fine medium.It is clear that the presence of lenticles can retard the rise of capillary water by storing water.展开更多
The growth processes of Microcystis aeruginosa (FACHB-41) in simulated Taihu Lake water with different phosphorus concentrations were investigated using laboratory microcosms. The algal biomass increased with the in...The growth processes of Microcystis aeruginosa (FACHB-41) in simulated Taihu Lake water with different phosphorus concentrations were investigated using laboratory microcosms. The algal biomass increased with the increase of phosphorus concentration when it was lower than 0.445 mg/L, while the dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH increased, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and light intensity underwater(I) decreased. Responding to the changes of the “environmental factors”, the cellular carbohydrate and its ratio to cellular protein decreased generally as phosphorus increased. However, when phosphorus concentration was higher than l. 645 mg/L, the biomass, the “environmental factors”, the cellular carbohydrate and its ratio to cellular protein did not change likewise. Since the environmental factors and the physiological and biochemical responses are important factors, the change of environmental factors and cell physiology and biochemistry induced by phosphorus may become the key factors that steer the growth and dominance of Microcystis under certain conditions. To sum up, phosphorus not only stimulate the growth of Microcystis directly by supplying nutrient element, but also has complex interactions with other “environmental factors” and play important roles in the growth processes of Microcystis .展开更多
The relationships between mechanical characteristics of rock and microcosmic mechanism at high temperatures were investigated by MTS815, as well as the stress-strain behavior of granite under the action of temperature...The relationships between mechanical characteristics of rock and microcosmic mechanism at high temperatures were investigated by MTS815, as well as the stress-strain behavior of granite under the action of temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1200 ℃. Based on a micropore structure analyzer and SEM, the changes in rock porosity and micro structural morphology of sample fractures and brittle-plastic characteristics under high temperatures were analyzed. The results are as follows: 1) Mechanical characteristics do not show obvious variations before 800 ℃; strength decreases suddenly after 800 ℃ and bearing capacity is almost lost at 1200 ℃. 2) Rock porosity increases with rising temperatures; the threshold temperature is about 800 ℃; at this temperature its effect is basically uniform with strength decreasing rapidly. 3) The failure type of granite is a brittle tensile fracture at temperatures below 800 ℃ which transforms into plasticity at temperatures higher than 800 ℃ and crystal formation takes place at this time. Chemical reactions take place at 1200 ℃. Failure of granite under high temperature is a common result of thermal stress as indicated by an increase in the thermal expansion coefficient, transformation to crystal formation of minerals and structural chemical reactions.展开更多
To visually describe the sanding pattern,this study constructs a new particle-scale microstructure model of weakly consolidated formation,and develop the corresponding methodology to simulate the sanding process and p...To visually describe the sanding pattern,this study constructs a new particle-scale microstructure model of weakly consolidated formation,and develop the corresponding methodology to simulate the sanding process and predict sand cavity shape.The microstructure model is a particle-objective model,which focuses on the random sedimentation of every sand grain.In the microstructure,every particle has its own size,sphericity and inclination angle.It is used to simulate the actual structure of cemented granular materials,which considers the heterogeneity and randomness of reservoir properties,provides the initial status for subsequent sanding simulation.With the particle detachment criteria,the microscopic simulation of sanding can be visually implemented to investigate the pattern and cavity shapes caused by sand production.The results indicate that sanding always starts initially from the borehole border,and then extends along the weakly consolidated plane,showing obvious characteristic of randomness.Three typical microscopic sanding patterns,concerning pore liquefaction,pseudo wormhole and continuous collapse,are proposed to illustrate the sanding mechanism in weakly consolidated reservoirs.The nonuniformity of sanding performance depends on the heterogeneous distribution of reservoir properties,such as rock strength and particle size.Finally,the three sanding patterns are verified by visually experimental work.The proposed integrated methodology is capable of predicting and describing the sanding cavity shape of an oil well after long-term sanding production,and providing the focus objective of future sand control measure.展开更多
A test for crumb rubber modified asphalt containing 20% crumb rubber particles(30 mesh) was performed using a scanning electron microscope(SEM).The experimental results indicate that the crumb rubber particles are...A test for crumb rubber modified asphalt containing 20% crumb rubber particles(30 mesh) was performed using a scanning electron microscope(SEM).The experimental results indicate that the crumb rubber particles are evenly distributed in the asphalt.Shear rate sweep and shear-temperature sweep tests on the crumb rubber modified asphalt at-20-80 ℃ using a dynamic shear rheology(DSR) instrument,were carried out.The tests show that the complex modulus decreases with increasing temperature;at equivalent temperature,higher load frequencies lead to a larger complex modulus,and this value increasingly decreases as the temperature increases;the phase angle increases with temperature and decreases as the load frequency increases.It can be concluded that the rutting resistance limiting temperature of crumb rubber modified asphalt is 78 ℃,and the anti-fatigue limiting temperature is 16 ℃,which shows that the asphalt has preferable rutting resistance characteristics at high temperature,as well as anti-fatigue characteristics.In addition,the complex modulus master curve at different temperatures was plotted according to the time temperature equivalence principle,which allows the study of the dynamic state behavior of crumb rubber modified asphalt at a wide range of load frequency.展开更多
The Daliao River, as an important water system in Northeast China, was reported to be heavily polluted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Aerobic biodegradations of four selected PAHs (naphthalene, phenant...The Daliao River, as an important water system in Northeast China, was reported to be heavily polluted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Aerobic biodegradations of four selected PAHs (naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluorene and anthracene) alone or in their mixture in river sediments from the Daliao River water systems were studied in microcosm systems. Effects of additional carbon source, inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, temperature variation on PAHs degradation were also investigated. Results showed that the degradation of phenanthrene in water alone system was faster than that in water-sediment combined system. Degradation of phenanthrene in sediment was enhanced by adding yeast extract and ammonium, but retarded by adding sodium acetate and not significantly influenced by adding phosphate. Although PAHs could also be biodegraded in sediment under low temperature (5~C), much lower degradation rate was observed. Sediments from the three main streams of the Daliao River water system (the Hun River, the Taizi River and the Daliao River) demonstrated different degradation capacities and patterns to four PAHs. Average removal rates (15 or 19 d) of naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluorene and anthracene by sediment were in the range of 0.062-0.087, 0.005-0.066, 0.008- 0.016 and 0-0.059 mg/(L.d), respectively. As a result, naphthalene was most easily degraded compound, anthracene was the hardest one. In multiple PAHs systems, the interactions between PAHs influenced each PAH biodegradation.展开更多
Meiofauna samples from intertidal sediments of Qingdao No.2 Bathing Beach, China, were collected for field study, and subjected to organic enrichment in a laboratory microcosm experiment for 21 d. There were three dif...Meiofauna samples from intertidal sediments of Qingdao No.2 Bathing Beach, China, were collected for field study, and subjected to organic enrichment in a laboratory microcosm experiment for 21 d. There were three different treatments including non-organic addition as the control, low-organic enrichment (2 g DW green algae per 150 mL) and high-organic enrichment (10 g DW green algae per 150 mL). After 21 d, the meiofauna richness decreased in both organic enrichment treatments. Among the three treatments, total meiofauna abundance was significantly different, and the control groups had higher abundance than the other two treatment groups. However, the responses of the meiofauna abundance in the two organic enrichment treatments were non-significantly different. The relationship of meiofaunal abundance and nematode/copepod ratios to organic matter and oxygen level in the microcosm experiments were discussed.展开更多
Microcosmic experiments were performed under a simulated marine environment to investigate the natural attenuation of C9 aromatics using nine components(propylbenzene,isopropylbenzene,2-ethyltoluene,3-ethyltoluene,4-e...Microcosmic experiments were performed under a simulated marine environment to investigate the natural attenuation of C9 aromatics using nine components(propylbenzene,isopropylbenzene,2-ethyltoluene,3-ethyltoluene,4-ethyltoluene,1,2,3-trimethylbenzene,1,2,4-trimethylbenzene,1,3,5-trimethylbenzene,and indene).This research aims to assess the contribution of biodegradation and abiotic activity to total attenuation of C9 aromatics and ascertain the changes in the comprehensive toxicity of seawater in the natural environment.The process of natural attenuation indicates the agreement with pseudo-first-order kinetics for all nine components in microcosmic experiments.The half-lives of the nine main compounds in C9 aromatics ranged between 0.34 day and 0.44 day under optimal conditions.The experiments showed that the natural attenuation of nine aromatic hydrocarbonsmainly occurred via abiotic processes.Seawater samples significantly inhibited the luminescence of P.phosphoreum(the luminescence inhibition ratio reached 100%)at the beginning of the experiment.In addition,the toxicity declined slowly and continued for 25 days.The attenuation kinetics and changes in toxicity could be applied to explore the natural attenuation of C9 aromatics in the marine environment.展开更多
文摘A greenhouse study was conducted on phytoextraction and accumulation of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from contaminated soil – water microcosms by the narrow-leaved cattail, Typha angustifolia. The plants were grown in sandy loam soil containing 1,666 and 38.5 mg/L of Pb(NO3)2 and Cd(NO3)2 respectively. The trends of lead and cadmium by T. angustifolia for all soil – water microcosms suggested interaction effects as decreased soil lead concentrations and increased water cadmium concentrations over time. T. angustifolia expressed trends as increased biomass in all contaminated shoots and roots examined. Cadmium uptake in shoot and root biomass slightly decreased when lead was initially added to the soil but cadmium uptake in root biomass increased after 30 days. Data suggested an interaction between lead and cadmium and possible that lead uptake was inhibited when cadmium was present.
文摘Predicting biodiversity and dynamics of complex communities is a fundamental challenge in ecology.Leveraging bacterial microcosms with well-controlled laboratory conditions,Hu et al.recently performed a direct test of theory predicting that two community-level parameters(i.e.,species pool size and inter-species interaction strength)dictate transitions between three dynamical phases:stable full coexistence,stable partial coexistence,and persistent fluctuations.Generally,communities experience species extinctions before they lose stability as either of the two parameters increases.
文摘BACKGROUND Chronic gastritis(CG)is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining.Liver-stomach disharmony(LSD)syndrome is believed to contribute to CG symptoms.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of microcosmic syndrome differentiation and Chinese herbal medicine(CHM)treatment in patients with CG and LSD syndrome.METHODS Sixty-four patients with CG and LSD syndrome were randomly divided into two groups:The treatment group received CHM based on microcosmic syndrome differentiation and the control group received conventional Western medicine.The treatment course lasted 12 wk.The primary outcome was improvement in dyspeptic symptoms,measured using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index.The secondary outcomes included the improvement rate of endoscopic findings,histopathological findings,and microcosmic syndrome scores and the incidence of adverse events.RESULTS After 12 wk of treatment,the treatment group showed significantly greater improvement in dyspeptic symptoms than the control group(93.75%vs 65.63%,P<0.01).The treatment group also showed a significantly higher improvement rate in endoscopic findings than the control group(81.25%vs 53.13%,P<0.05).The improvement rates of histopathological findings and microcosmic syndrome scores were not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).No serious adverse events were observed in either group.CONCLUSION Microcosmic syndrome differentiation and CHM treatment can effectively improve dyspeptic symptoms and endoscopic findings in patients with CG and LSD syndrome and have a good safety profile.Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are required to confirm the long-term efficacy and mechanism of action of this treatment.
文摘Heavy metals have been viewed as hazardous environmental pollutants, and anthropogenic activities due to their high toxicity and persistent nature in the environment. Anthropogenic activities such as artisanal mining, industrial activities, improper usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and indiscriminate open waste disposal bring about an increase in the presence of heavy metals in the environment. In the Keffi Metropolis, different elements lead to land contamination which debilitates soil quality, plant survival, human well-being, and the environment as a result of extensive dispersion or quantity of heavy metals in the soil and water. In recent years, biochar has emerged as a promising soil amendment for mitigating heavy metal pollution due to its unique physicochemical properties. This paper provides the effects of softwood pellet biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. A microcosm experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of biochar on the retention of heavy metals in contaminated soils. This research aimed to give an overview of the effects of softwood biochar at different temperatures (550˚C and 700˚C) on the retention of heavy metals and metalloids released from the soil during water inundation. The results show that the addition of organic matter (grass chippings) minimizes heavy metal mobilization. Also, biochar at high temperatures is more effective than those at low temperatures. The expected outcome of the research analysis includes providing insights into the role of biochar in retaining heavy metal contamination and further understanding the use of biochar as a sorbent for the management of contaminated soil.
文摘The conventional measurement of a relative permeability curve (RPC) is usually conducted at room temperature, which is much lower than the reservoir temperature. Previous research work on high temperature relative permeability mainly take oil-wetted cores as objective. In this paper, laboratory test and measurement are conducted using water-wet cores from the Lunnan Oilfield. Since irreducible water saturation (Swi) is a critical factor that affects and controls the relative permeability curve, special tests are conducted to measure Swi at different temperatures for water-wet cores in the course of the experiment of relative permeability. The experimental results indicate that for the water-wet cores Swi decreased with the increasing temperature from ambient to 105℃,and the relative permeability curve shifted in a low water saturation direction, i.e. moved toward the left, while it moved toward the right for oil wetness reservoirs. Seen from both macroscopic and microcosmic view, the reasons and mechanisms of relative permeability change with temperature are discussed, and factors including core wetness, viscosity force, capillary forces, contact angle, interfacial tension change are considered.
文摘The objective of this study is the phytochemical analysis and the determination of the antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts obtained from the leaves and bark of the trunk of Albizia zygia, against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi bacteria in aquatic microcosms. Phytochemical screening was performed as described by Pareck. The results obtained show that the hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Albizia zygia trunk bark recorded higher extraction yields (26.71% and 33.2% respectively) compared to the aqueous and hydro-ethanolic extracts of leaves of the same plant. Secondary metabolites with antibacterial activities such as anthraquinones, anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and saponins were found in both types of extracts. Flavonoids and anthocyanins were relatively more abundant than the other chemical constituents. The highest cellular inhibition rate of Escherichia coli was 99.88%, obtained after 9 hours of exposure in the hydro-ethanolic extract solution of trunk bark at the concentration 1.5 g/L. The Salmonella typhi rate was 99.95% after 9 hours of exposure of bacterial cells to the hydro-ethanol extract of the bark of the trunk at the concentration 1.5 g/L. This rate increased proportionally with the bacterial-extract contact time. The temperature of the medium did not significantly influence bacterial inhibition (P > 0.05). The obtained results justify the use of the plant Albizia zygia in the reduction of the flow of bacterio-pollutants contained in water intended for consumption.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China (No. 2011CB100504)the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (No. KZCX2-YW-Q1-07)the Bluemoon Foundation, USA
文摘While studies have focused on the use of biochar as soil amendment, little attention has been paid to its effect on soil fauna. The biochar was produced from slow pyrolysis of wheat straw in the present study. Four treatments, no addition (CK) and three rates of biochar addition at 2 400 (B1), 12 000 (B5) and 48 000 kg ha-1 (B20), were investigated to assess the effect of biochar addition to soil on nematode abundance and diversity in a microcosm trial in China. The B5 and B20 application significantly increased the total organic carbon and the C/N ratio. No significant difference in total nematode abundance was found among the treatments. The biochar addition to the soil significantly increased the abundance of fungivores, and decreased that of plant parasites. The diversity of soil nematodes was significantly increased by B1 compared to CK. Nematode trophic groups were more effectively indicative to biochar addition than total abundance.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,China(Nos.41473070,U1806216)the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin,China(No.17JCQNJC07800)+1 种基金Tianjin S&T Program(Nos.17ZXSTSF00050,16YFXTSF00520,17PTGCCX00240)111 Program,Ministry of Education,China(No.T2017002)
文摘A column microcosm was conducted by amending crude oil into Dagang Oilfield soil to simulate the bioremediation process. The dynamic change of microbial communities and metabolic genes in vertical depth soil from 0 to 80 cm were characterized to evaluate the petroleum degradation potential of indigenous microorganism. The influence of environmental variables on the microbial responds to petroleum contamination were analyzed. Degradation extent of 42.45% of n-alkanes(C8–C40) and 34.61% of 16ΣPAH were reached after 22 weeks. Relative abundance of alkB, nah, and phe gene showed about 10-fold increment in different depth of soil layers. Result of HTS profiles demonstrated that Pseudomonas, Marinobacter and Lactococcus were the major petroleum-degrading bacteria in0–30 and 30–60 cm depth of soils. Fusarium and Aspergillus were the dominant oil-degrading fungi in the 0–60 cm depth of soils. In 60–80 cm deep soil, anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroidetes, Lactococcus, and Alcanivorax played important roles in petroleum degradation.Redundancy analysis(RDA) and correlation analysis demonstrated that petroleum hydrocarbons(PHs) as well as soil salinity, clay content, and anaerobic conditions were the dominant effect factors on microbial community compositions in 0–30, 30–60, and 60–80 cm depth of soils, respectively.
基金supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01DE17974 (Hockin HK Xu)National Natural Science Foundation of China grant 81400540 (Ke Zhang)a seed fund (Hockin HK Xu) from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry
文摘Composites containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) remineralize tooth lesions and inhibit caries. A recent study synthesized quaternary ammonium methacrylates (QAMs) with chain lengths (CLs) of 3-18 and determined their effects on a bonding agent. This study aimed to incorporate these QAMs into NACP nanocomposites for the first time to simultaneously endow the material with antibacterial and remineralizing capabilities and to investigate the effects of the CL on the mechanical and biofilm properties. Five QAMs were synthesized: DMAPM (CL3), DMAHM (CL6), DMADDM (CL12), DMAHDM (CL16), and DMAODM (CL18). Each QAM was incorporated into a composite containing 20% NACP and 50% glass fillers. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The flexural strength and elastic modulus of nanocomposites with QAMs matched those of a commercial control composite (n = 6; P 〉 0.1). Increasing the CL from 3 to 16 greatly enhanced the antibacterial activity of the NACP nanocomposite (P 〈 0.05); further increasing the CL to 18 decreased the antibacterial potency. The NACP nanocomposite with a CL of 16 exhibited biofilm metabolic activity and acid production that were 10-fold lesser than those of the control composite. The NACP nanocomposite with a CL of 16 produced 2-log decreases in the colony-forming units (CFU) of total microorganisms, total streptococci, and mutans streptococci. In conclusion, QAMs with CLs of 3-18 were synthesized and incorporated into an NACP nanocomposite for the first time to simultaneously endow the material with antibacterial and remineralization capabilities. Increasing the C/reduced the metabolic activity and acid production of biofilms and caused a 2-log decrease in CFU without compromising the mechanical properties. Nanocomposites exhibiting strong anti-biofilm activity, remineralization effects, and mechanical properties are promising materials for tooth restorations that inhibit caries.
文摘The terrestrial ecosystem may be either a source or a sink of CH_4 in rice paddies, depending, to a great extent, on the change of ecosystem types and land use patterns. CH_4 emission fluxes from paddy fields under 4 cultivation patterns (conventional plain culture of rice(T1), no-tillage and ridge culture of rice(T2), no-tillage and ridge culture of rice and wheat (T3), and rice-wheat rotation(T4)) were measured with the closed chamber technique in 1996 and 1998 in Chongqing, China. The results showed that differences existed in CH_4 emission from paddy fields under these land management practices. In 1996 and 1998, CH_4 emission was 71 48% and 78 82%(T2), 65 93% and 57 18%(T3), and 61 53% and 34 22%(T4) of that in T1 during the rice growing season. During the non-rice growing season, CH_4 emission from rice fields was 76 23% in T2 and 38 69% in T1 The accumulated annual CH_4 emission in T2, T3 and T4 in 1996 decreased by 33 53%, 63 30% and 65 73%, respectively, as compared with that in T1 In 1998, the accumulated annual CH_4 emission in T1, T2, T3 and T4 was 116 96 g/m^2, 68 44 g/m^2, 19 70 g/m^2 and 11 80 g/m^2, respectively. Changes in soil physical and chemical properties, in thermal and moisture conditions in the soil and in rice plant growth induced by different land use patterns were the dominant causes for the difference in CH_4 emission observed. The relative contribution of various influencing factors to CH_4 emission from paddy fields differed significantly under different land use patterns. However, the general trend was that chlorophyll content in rice leaves, air temperature and temperature at the 5 cm soil layer play a major role in CH_4 emission from paddy fields and the effects of illumination, relative humidity and water layer depth in the paddy field and CH_4 concentration in the crop canopy were relatively non-significant. Such conservative land use patterns as no-tillage and ridge culture of rice with or without rotation with wheat are thought to be beneficial to reducing CH_4 emission from paddy fields and are, therefore, recommended as a significant solution to the problems of global(climatic) change.
基金supported by the International Science and Technology Cooperation Program of China (2014DFE30180) (Xue-Dong Zhou)National Natural Science Foundation of China grant 81430011 (Xue-Dong Zhou),81372889 (Lei Cheng),81400540 (Ke Zhang)+1 种基金?nancial support from the School of Stomatology at the Capital Medical University in China (Ke Zhang),NIH R01 DE17974 (Hockin HK Xu)a seed grant from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (Hockin HK Xu)
文摘Dental composites are commonly used restorative materials; however, secondary caries due to biofilm acids remains a major problem. The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a composite containing quaternary ammonium dimethacrylate (QADM), nanoparticles of silver (NAg), and nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP), and (2) to conduct the first investigation of the mechanical properties, biofilm response and acid production vs water-ageing time from 1 day to 12 months. A 4 x 5 design was utilized, with four composites (NACP-QADM composite, NACP-NAg composite, NACP-QADM-NAg composite, and a commercial control composite), and five water-ageing time periods (1 day, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months). After each water- ageing period, the mechanical properties of the resins were measured in a three-point flexure, and antibacterial properties were tested via a dental plaque biofilm model using human saliva as an inoculum. After 12 months of water-ageing, NACP-QADM- NAg had a flexural strength and elastic modulus matching those of the commercial control (P〉 0.1). Incorporation of QADM or NAg into the NACP composite greatly reduced biofilm viability, metabolic activity and acid production. A composite containing both QADM and NAg possessed a stronger antibacterial capability than one with QADM or NAg alone (P〈0.05). The anti-biofilm activity was maintained after 12 months of water-ageing and showed no significant decrease with increasing time (P〉0.1). In conclusion, the NACP-QADM-NAg composite decreased biofilm viability and lactic acid production, while matching the load- bearing capability of a commercial composite. There was no decrease in its antibacterial properties after 1 year of water-ageing. The durable antibacterial and mechanical properties indicate that NACP-QADM-NAg composites may be useful in dental restorations to combat caries.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.51774228 and51904220)。
文摘Small-particle interlayers(lenticles)show some characteristic hydraulic properties and can affect the movement of unsaturated water.In this study,we developed a novel online capillary-water-absorption monitoring device and conducted three groups of comparison tests to simulate lenticle positions and thicknesses with respect to the capillary rise.The results show that the characteristic wetting front exhibits a fast rise in the early stage,a slow rise in the middle stage,and stability in the later stage.The motion of the capillary water in the lenticle is mainly transversal,with the upward curve being"flat,"and the longer is"flat,"the longer is the time needed for the water to move.The interlayer can form a capillary stagnation zone with moisture content close to saturation.The high interlayer may form a discontinuous corrugated capillary zone.Thus,when the wetting front reaches the"coarse-grain(lower)-fine-grain(upper)"interface,the"anti-capillary barrier effect"results in more moisture in the upper layer.Thus,when the wetting front of the capillary water reaches the"fine-grain(upper)-coarse-grain(lower)"interface,the"capillary barrier effect"causes the moisture content of the upper tailings to decreases sharply because of the horizontal movement of the water in the fine medium.It is clear that the presence of lenticles can retard the rise of capillary water by storing water.
文摘The growth processes of Microcystis aeruginosa (FACHB-41) in simulated Taihu Lake water with different phosphorus concentrations were investigated using laboratory microcosms. The algal biomass increased with the increase of phosphorus concentration when it was lower than 0.445 mg/L, while the dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH increased, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and light intensity underwater(I) decreased. Responding to the changes of the “environmental factors”, the cellular carbohydrate and its ratio to cellular protein decreased generally as phosphorus increased. However, when phosphorus concentration was higher than l. 645 mg/L, the biomass, the “environmental factors”, the cellular carbohydrate and its ratio to cellular protein did not change likewise. Since the environmental factors and the physiological and biochemical responses are important factors, the change of environmental factors and cell physiology and biochemistry induced by phosphorus may become the key factors that steer the growth and dominance of Microcystis under certain conditions. To sum up, phosphorus not only stimulate the growth of Microcystis directly by supplying nutrient element, but also has complex interactions with other “environmental factors” and play important roles in the growth processes of Microcystis .
基金Projects 50579042 supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China2002CB412705 by the National Basic Research and Development(973) Program of Chinaok060122 by the Young Foundation of China University of Mining & Technology
文摘The relationships between mechanical characteristics of rock and microcosmic mechanism at high temperatures were investigated by MTS815, as well as the stress-strain behavior of granite under the action of temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1200 ℃. Based on a micropore structure analyzer and SEM, the changes in rock porosity and micro structural morphology of sample fractures and brittle-plastic characteristics under high temperatures were analyzed. The results are as follows: 1) Mechanical characteristics do not show obvious variations before 800 ℃; strength decreases suddenly after 800 ℃ and bearing capacity is almost lost at 1200 ℃. 2) Rock porosity increases with rising temperatures; the threshold temperature is about 800 ℃; at this temperature its effect is basically uniform with strength decreasing rapidly. 3) The failure type of granite is a brittle tensile fracture at temperatures below 800 ℃ which transforms into plasticity at temperatures higher than 800 ℃ and crystal formation takes place at this time. Chemical reactions take place at 1200 ℃. Failure of granite under high temperature is a common result of thermal stress as indicated by an increase in the thermal expansion coefficient, transformation to crystal formation of minerals and structural chemical reactions.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.51774307,52074331,42002182)partially supported by Major Special Projects of CNPC,China(ZD2019-184)。
文摘To visually describe the sanding pattern,this study constructs a new particle-scale microstructure model of weakly consolidated formation,and develop the corresponding methodology to simulate the sanding process and predict sand cavity shape.The microstructure model is a particle-objective model,which focuses on the random sedimentation of every sand grain.In the microstructure,every particle has its own size,sphericity and inclination angle.It is used to simulate the actual structure of cemented granular materials,which considers the heterogeneity and randomness of reservoir properties,provides the initial status for subsequent sanding simulation.With the particle detachment criteria,the microscopic simulation of sanding can be visually implemented to investigate the pattern and cavity shapes caused by sand production.The results indicate that sanding always starts initially from the borehole border,and then extends along the weakly consolidated plane,showing obvious characteristic of randomness.Three typical microscopic sanding patterns,concerning pore liquefaction,pseudo wormhole and continuous collapse,are proposed to illustrate the sanding mechanism in weakly consolidated reservoirs.The nonuniformity of sanding performance depends on the heterogeneous distribution of reservoir properties,such as rock strength and particle size.Finally,the three sanding patterns are verified by visually experimental work.The proposed integrated methodology is capable of predicting and describing the sanding cavity shape of an oil well after long-term sanding production,and providing the focus objective of future sand control measure.
基金Funded by the Communication Science and Technology Foundation of Inner Mongolia (NJ-2005-25)
文摘A test for crumb rubber modified asphalt containing 20% crumb rubber particles(30 mesh) was performed using a scanning electron microscope(SEM).The experimental results indicate that the crumb rubber particles are evenly distributed in the asphalt.Shear rate sweep and shear-temperature sweep tests on the crumb rubber modified asphalt at-20-80 ℃ using a dynamic shear rheology(DSR) instrument,were carried out.The tests show that the complex modulus decreases with increasing temperature;at equivalent temperature,higher load frequencies lead to a larger complex modulus,and this value increasingly decreases as the temperature increases;the phase angle increases with temperature and decreases as the load frequency increases.It can be concluded that the rutting resistance limiting temperature of crumb rubber modified asphalt is 78 ℃,and the anti-fatigue limiting temperature is 16 ℃,which shows that the asphalt has preferable rutting resistance characteristics at high temperature,as well as anti-fatigue characteristics.In addition,the complex modulus master curve at different temperatures was plotted according to the time temperature equivalence principle,which allows the study of the dynamic state behavior of crumb rubber modified asphalt at a wide range of load frequency.
基金supported by the National Basic Re-search Program (973) of China (No. 2004CB418502)
文摘The Daliao River, as an important water system in Northeast China, was reported to be heavily polluted by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Aerobic biodegradations of four selected PAHs (naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluorene and anthracene) alone or in their mixture in river sediments from the Daliao River water systems were studied in microcosm systems. Effects of additional carbon source, inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, temperature variation on PAHs degradation were also investigated. Results showed that the degradation of phenanthrene in water alone system was faster than that in water-sediment combined system. Degradation of phenanthrene in sediment was enhanced by adding yeast extract and ammonium, but retarded by adding sodium acetate and not significantly influenced by adding phosphate. Although PAHs could also be biodegraded in sediment under low temperature (5~C), much lower degradation rate was observed. Sediments from the three main streams of the Daliao River water system (the Hun River, the Taizi River and the Daliao River) demonstrated different degradation capacities and patterns to four PAHs. Average removal rates (15 or 19 d) of naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluorene and anthracene by sediment were in the range of 0.062-0.087, 0.005-0.066, 0.008- 0.016 and 0-0.059 mg/(L.d), respectively. As a result, naphthalene was most easily degraded compound, anthracene was the hardest one. In multiple PAHs systems, the interactions between PAHs influenced each PAH biodegradation.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NOs.40730847,40906063,41076090)
文摘Meiofauna samples from intertidal sediments of Qingdao No.2 Bathing Beach, China, were collected for field study, and subjected to organic enrichment in a laboratory microcosm experiment for 21 d. There were three different treatments including non-organic addition as the control, low-organic enrichment (2 g DW green algae per 150 mL) and high-organic enrichment (10 g DW green algae per 150 mL). After 21 d, the meiofauna richness decreased in both organic enrichment treatments. Among the three treatments, total meiofauna abundance was significantly different, and the control groups had higher abundance than the other two treatment groups. However, the responses of the meiofauna abundance in the two organic enrichment treatments were non-significantly different. The relationship of meiofaunal abundance and nematode/copepod ratios to organic matter and oxygen level in the microcosm experiments were discussed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42077335).
文摘Microcosmic experiments were performed under a simulated marine environment to investigate the natural attenuation of C9 aromatics using nine components(propylbenzene,isopropylbenzene,2-ethyltoluene,3-ethyltoluene,4-ethyltoluene,1,2,3-trimethylbenzene,1,2,4-trimethylbenzene,1,3,5-trimethylbenzene,and indene).This research aims to assess the contribution of biodegradation and abiotic activity to total attenuation of C9 aromatics and ascertain the changes in the comprehensive toxicity of seawater in the natural environment.The process of natural attenuation indicates the agreement with pseudo-first-order kinetics for all nine components in microcosmic experiments.The half-lives of the nine main compounds in C9 aromatics ranged between 0.34 day and 0.44 day under optimal conditions.The experiments showed that the natural attenuation of nine aromatic hydrocarbonsmainly occurred via abiotic processes.Seawater samples significantly inhibited the luminescence of P.phosphoreum(the luminescence inhibition ratio reached 100%)at the beginning of the experiment.In addition,the toxicity declined slowly and continued for 25 days.The attenuation kinetics and changes in toxicity could be applied to explore the natural attenuation of C9 aromatics in the marine environment.