scholarly journals Marine ammonia-oxidising archaea and bacteria occupy distinct iron and copper niches

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxana T. Shafiee ◽  
Poppy J. Diver ◽  
Joseph T. Snow ◽  
Qiong Zhang ◽  
Rosalind E. M. Rickaby

AbstractAmmonia oxidation by archaea and bacteria (AOA and AOB), is the first step of nitrification in the oceans. As AOA have an ammonium affinity 200-fold higher than AOB isolates, the chemical niche allowing AOB to persist in the oligotrophic ocean remains unclear. Here we show that marine isolates, Nitrosopumilus maritimus strain SCM1 (AOA) and Nitrosococcus oceani strain C-107 (AOB) have contrasting physiologies in response to the trace metals iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), holding potential implications for their niche separation in the oceans. A greater affinity for unchelated Fe may allow AOB to inhabit shallower, euphotic waters where ammonium supply is high, but competition for Fe is rife. In contrast to AOB, AOA isolates have a greater affinity and toxicity threshold for unchelated Cu providing additional explanation to the greater success of AOA in the marine environment where Cu availability can be highly variable. Using comparative genomics, we predict that the proteomic and metal transport basis giving rise to contrasting physiologies in isolates is widespread across phylogenetically diverse marine AOA and AOB that are not yet available in pure culture. Our results develop the testable hypothesis that ammonia oxidation may be limited by Cu in large tracts of the open ocean and suggest a relatively earlier emergence of AOB than AOA when considered in the context of evolving trace metal availabilities over geologic time.

1991 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 893-903 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inderjit Singh ◽  
Donald S. Mavinic

Samples were taken from 72 high-rise apartment suites (6 suites in 12 individual high-rise towers) and 60 single-family houses located within the Greater Vancouver Regional District. The influence of the following factors on trace metal concentrations in 1-L first-flush drinking water samples and “running” hot water samples was investigated: building height, location, plumbing age, type of plumbing, and type of building. Results of this survey show that with the exception of building height, all factors had a correlation with one or more of the trace metals investigated. The trace metals examined were lead, copper, iron, and zinc. Lead was influenced primarily by building type, copper by plumbing age and type of plumbing, and iron by location. Elevated lead levels were associated with high-rise samples. New copper plumbing systems resulted in high copper levels. Highest iron levels in the drinking water were measured in the East Vancouver location. Zinc did not show a distinct correlation with any of the factors investigated. Brass faucets were the primary source of zinc in tap water. They also contributed substantially to the lead detected in the 1-L first-flush sample. Metal concentrations measured in the high-rise and house samples were compared with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and the proposed “no-action” level for lead. In high-rise samples, the 0.01 mg/L “no-action” level proposed for lead was exceeded in 43% of the samples, and 62% of the samples exceeded the current 1.0 mg/L MCL standard for copper. In single-family house samples, these values were 47% and 73%, respectively. The average lead concentrations were 0.020 mg/L for all high-rise samples and 0.013 mg/L for house samples. Regulatory levels stated above would still be exceeded in 6% of the cases for lead and 9% of the cases for copper, even after prolonged flushing of the tap in a high-rise building. In all cases associated with single-family houses, flushing the cold water tap for 5 minutes was successful in achieving compliance levels. Key words: aggressive water, compliance, corrosive, drinking water, first-flush, GVRD, high-rise, single-family house, trace metals, USEPA.


2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 4251-4263 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Venter ◽  
Pieter G. van Zyl ◽  
Johan P. Beukes ◽  
Micky Josipovic ◽  
Johan Hendriks ◽  
...  

Abstract. Atmospheric trace metals can cause a variety of health-related and environmental problems. Only a few studies on atmospheric trace metal concentrations have been conducted in South Africa. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine trace metal concentrations in aerosols collected at a regional background site, i.e. Welgegund, South Africa. PM1, PM1–2. 5 and PM2. 5–10 samples were collected for 13 months, and 31 atmospheric trace metal species were detected. Atmospheric iron (Fe) had the highest concentrations in all three size fractions, while calcium (Ca) was the second-most-abundant species. Chromium (Cr) and sodium (Na) concentrations were the third- and fourth-most-abundant species, respectively. The concentrations of the trace metal species in all three size ranges were similar, with the exception of Fe, which had higher concentrations in the PM1 size fraction. With the exception of titanium (Ti), aluminium (Al) and manganese (Mg), 70 % or more of the trace metal species detected were in the smaller size fractions, which indicated the influence of industrial activities. However, the large influence of wind-blown dust was reflected by 30 % or more of trace metals being present in the PM2. 5–10 size fraction. Comparison of trace metals determined at Welgegund to those in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex indicated that at both locations similar species were observed, with Fe being the most abundant. However, concentrations of these trace metal species were significantly higher in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex. Fe concentrations at the Vaal Triangle were similar to levels thereof at Welgegund, while concentrations of species associated with pyrometallurgical smelting were lower. Annual average Ni was 4 times higher, and annual average As was marginally higher than their respective European standard values, which could be attributed to regional influence of pyrometallurgical industries in the western Bushveld Igneous Complex. All three size fractions indicated elevated trace metal concentrations coinciding with the end of the dry season, which could partially be attributed to decreased wet removal and increases in wind generation of particulates. Principal component factor analysis (PCFA) revealed four meaningful factors in the PM1 size fraction, i.e. crustal, pyrometallurgical-related and Au slimes dams. No meaningful factors were determined for the PM1–2. 5 and PM2. 5–10 size fractions, which was attributed to the large influence of wind-blown dust on atmospheric trace metals determined at Welgegund. Pollution roses confirmed the influence of wind-blown dust on trace metal concentrations measured at Welgegund, while the impact of industrial activities was also substantiated.


2013 ◽  
Vol 67 (11) ◽  
pp. 2503-2510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guolian Li ◽  
Guijian Liu ◽  
Chuncai Zhou ◽  
Yu Kang ◽  
Wanqing Yuan ◽  
...  

The trace metal pollution of sediments in Chaohu Lake, one of the most highly eutrophic lakes in East China, was investigated. Surface sediment (0–5 cm) samples were collected from 35 different positions and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry to determine trace metal contents. Results showed that the mean content of trace metals was as follows: Cr, 85.09 mg kg−1; Cu, 34.49 mg kg−1; Ni, 26.46 mg kg−1; Pb, 34.17 mg kg−1 and Zn, 107.46 mg kg−1. The trace metal concentrations from different sampling sites displayed spatial diversity; the heavily polluted sampling sites were close to where estuaries flow in to the lake. A four-step sequential extraction was used to examine the partitioning of the trace metals. Results demonstrated that the percentage of the species bound to the oxidizable phase for all trace metals ranged from 15.6 to 37.7%, while for Cu, Cr and Ni, the main forms were residual (41.3, 62.3 and 69.8%, respectively). Trace metals in the oxidizable fraction may mainly exist in the form of sulfides. The ecological potential risks of trace metals decreased as follows: Pb > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni.


2019 ◽  
Vol 266 ◽  
pp. 04003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Norpadzlihatun Manap ◽  
Kavitha Sandirasegaran ◽  
Noor Shahifah Syahrom ◽  
Amnorzahira Amir

The primary objective of this study is to determine trace metal contamination in environmental samples obtained from Pahang River and Kelantan River, Malaysia which may help to identify the risk of sustainable dredging in these areas. This research also proceeds to compare the trace metal concentration with the National Water Quality Standards of Malaysia, Interim Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines and Malaysian Food Act 1983 to determine its limits and risks. Samples of water, sediment, snails and fishes were collected and analyzed for As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Hg by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was found that the concentration of trace metals namely As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Hg in river water, sediment, snail and fish samples in Pahang River were lower than the maximum allowable limits, except for Fe and Mn. In Kelantan River, the concentration of trace metals indicating that it is contaminated with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Hg, and As as all trace metals exceeded the maximum allowable limits. Negative impacts may arise, and the river may contaminate more in future if there is no proper management to tackle this issue during execution of dredging activities.


Author(s):  
Qiong Gong ◽  
Peizhen Chen ◽  
Rongguang Shi ◽  
Yi Gao ◽  
Shun-An Zheng ◽  
...  

The application of organic fertilizer could be accompanied by potential hazards to soil and humans caused by trace metals. A wide survey of organic fertilizers was carried out in northern China. A total of 117 organic fertilizer samples were collected to analyze the concentrations of seven trace metals. Simulation models were used to estimate the trace metal accumulation risk in soil and non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to the human body. The concentrations of trace metals varied widely (Cr: 2.74–151.15; Ni: 2.94–49.35; Cu: 0.76–378.32; Zn: 0.50–1748.01; As: 1.54–23.96; Cd: 2.74–151.15; and Pb: 1.60–151.09 mg·kg−1). Chinese organic fertilizer standard limits were exceeded by0.85% for Cr, 5.98% for As, 1.71% for Cd, and 4.27% for Pb. Monte Carlo simulations showed that repeated application of organic fertilizer likely significantly increased the concentrations of Zn, Cd, and As in soil compared with the soil background levels according to the Soil Environmental Quality Standards of China. As and Cr pose high risks to human health, especially as carcinogenic risk factors with a skin exposure pathway. Reducing the content of Cr, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd in organic fertilizer would be of great significance for minimizing the damage caused by trace metals.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zang-Ho Shon ◽  
Ju-Hee Jeong ◽  
Yoo-Keun Kim

The effect of large-scale firework events on urban background trace metal concentrations was investigated using 24 hr data collected over 3 days at three sites in Busan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea, during the falls (Oct.) of 2011–2013. The firework events increased local background concentrations of trace metals as follows: K (1.72 times), Sr (2.64 times), As (2.86 times), Pb (2.91 times), and Al (5.44 times). The levels of some metals did not always drop to background level one day after the firework event. The contribution of fireworks to trace metal concentration levels (and emissions) for 2011 event was negligible compared to 2012 and 2013 events due to different meteorological conditions (precipitation). In addition, the impact of firework events on the ambient concentration levels of trace metals was likely to be different depending on their chemical speciation. The impact of firework events in Busan on urban air quality (trace metal) was less intense compared to other similar festivals worldwide. The largest emission of trace metals and elements from firework burning was represented by K (128–164 kg), followed by Pb, Cd, Cu, Mg, Ba, As, Al, Ga, Co, and Na.


2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (9) ◽  
pp. 941 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Reid ◽  
Juhong Liu

The analysis of transport systems involved in the uptake of trace metals in plants is complicated by technical difficulties associated with measurement of uptake and by the likely presence of multiple transporters with broad specificity. In this study, influx of Co was used to illustrate the problems involved and potential solutions. Issues surrounding kinetic descriptions of transport, multiple uptake systems, specificity of transporters, pH effects and the role of membrane surface charge in determining fluxes are addressed. A list of criteria for validation of flux measurements is provided.


Author(s):  
T J Burden ◽  
M W Whitehead ◽  
R P H Thompson ◽  
J J Powell

Urinary analysis of trace metals forms a significant role in clinical chemistry, but the optimal preparation and analysis of urine samples has not been investigated. Human urine is generally supersaturated with dissolved solids. Therefore, samples often precipitate following collection. X-ray microanalysis showed that this precipitate was predominantly rich in calcium and phosphorus but could include some trace metals from urine, potentially lowering their concentrations in solution. Hence, the precipitate must be fully redissolved for accurate analysis of trace metals in urine. Methods are emphasized for the best collection and preparation of urine samples for subsequent trace metal analysis; in this work inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICPOES) was used for the analysis of aluminium. For optimal accuracy, peak profiles were collected over 396.147 nm-396.157 nm. Urinary aluminium levels were investigated from 10 healthy volunteers and concentrations were obtained using either aqueous, pooled or individual urine-based standard curves. Since urine has a highly variable matrix, individual sample-based standards, which are unique to that particular sample, gave the most accurate results. However, where sample size is small or sample numbers are unfeasibly large, pooled sample-based standards give good approximations to within 15% and, with appropriate validation, other elements as internal standards could also be used for approximations. Aqueous standards should be avoided. Spike-recovery experiments confirmed these data since individual sample based standards showed optimal recovery [99.3 (4.4)%], while pooled sample-based standards were a close proxy [101.6 (9.2)%] but aqueous standards were inappropriate [137.4 (12.8)%]. Postprandial urinary aluminium levels of the 10 volunteers were [7.2 (3.7)μg/L] after analysis using individual sample-based standard curves.


1983 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Crammer

Naylor's recent hypothesis that vanadium ‘poisoning’ could be a factor in the severity of manic-depressive illness drew attention to the normal and even essential presence of vanadium in the diet, and in human living tissues. The whole brain may contain only about 45 micrograms of vanadium (Underwood, 1977; 1979), as against 500 micrograms of manganese, 130 μgm selenium, and less than 20 μgm molybdenum—others of the 12 or so essential metals required in traces. We might take copper as the principle trace metal—an important component of over 50 enzymes, including monoamine oxidase and dopamine β-hydroxylase—with a total in the whole man of about 100 mg. In contrast, metals like potassium (140 gm), magnesium (35 gm), iron and zinc (3–4 gm) are not present in traces but in gram quantities. Lithium, present naturally in the body in extremely minute amounts, is raised in therapy to occupy a borderline position in the scale, rather more than copper, less than zinc.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Gao ◽  
Martine Leermakers ◽  
Annelies Pede ◽  
Aurelie Magnier ◽  
Koen Sabbe ◽  
...  

Environmental contextContaminated sediments can have a large and lasting effect on marine ecosystems. It was discovered that significant amounts of pollutants, especially arsenic, were released from contaminated sediments during a phytoplankton bloom in the Belgian Continental Zone. Once released to the water column, these pollutants can accumulate up marine food chains and be a source of contaminants to humans. AbstractField data from the Belgian Continental Zone showed elevated trace metal concentrations at the sediment–water interface after the occurrence of a phytoplankton bloom. In the present study, laboratory incubation experiments were used to investigate the effect of the phytodetritus remineralisation process on the release of trace metals from contaminated muddy sediments. This remineralisation process was followed by the measurement of chlorophyll-a and dissolved organic carbon levels in the top sediment layers. Two gel techniques, diffusive equilibrium in thin films (DET) and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), were used to assess vertical metal profiles in the sediment pore waters and to calculate the metal effluxes. These metal effluxes compared very well with the trace metal concentration variations in the overlying water of the sediment. Much higher effluxes of Mn, Co and As were observed after 2 days of incubation in the microcosms which received additions of phytodetritus. This trend gradually decreased after 7 days of incubation, suggesting that the elevated efflux of trace metals was proportional to the quantity of phytodetritus mineralised at the sediment–water interface. The release of large amounts of toxic elements from the sediments after phytoplankton blooms can therefore potentially affect the marine ecosystem in the Belgian Continental Zone.


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