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Quinn GA, Banat AM, Abdelhameed AM, Banat IM. Streptomyces from traditional medicine: sources of new innovations in antibiotic discovery. J Med Microbiol 2020; 69:1040-1048. [PMID: 32692643 PMCID: PMC7642979 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the increased reporting of multi-resistant bacteria and the shortage of newly approved medicines, researchers have been looking towards extreme and unusual environments as a new source of antibiotics. Streptomyces currently provides many of the world's clinical antibiotics, so it comes as no surprise that these bacteria have recently been isolated from traditional medicine. Given the wide array of traditional medicines, it is hoped that these discoveries can provide the much sought after core structure diversity that will be required of a new generation of antibiotics. This review discusses the contribution of Streptomyces to antibiotics and the potential of newly discovered species in traditional medicine. We also explore how knowledge of traditional medicines can aid current initiatives in sourcing new and chemically diverse antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry A. Quinn
- Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Aiya M. Banat
- Department of Orthopaedics, Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Alyaa M. Abdelhameed
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Diyala, Baqubah, Iraq
| | - Ibrahim M. Banat
- Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, UK
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2
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Krajcarz MT, Szymanek M, Krajcarz M, Pereswiet-Soltan A, Alexandrowicz WP, Sudoł-Procyk M. Shelter in Smoleń III - A unique example of stratified Holocene clastic cave sediments in Central Europe, a lithostratigraphic stratotype and a record of regional paleoecology. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228546. [PMID: 32027712 PMCID: PMC7004378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A cave site Shelter in Smoleń III (southern Poland) contains an approximately 2-m-thick stratified sequence of Upper Pleistocene and Holocene clastic sediments, unique for Central Europe. The sequence contents abundant fossil fauna, including mollusk, rodent and bat remains. The cave sites with long profiles of subfossil fauna present a great value for reconstructions of regional terrestrial paleoenvironment. We explore the stratigraphy of this site through analyses of the lithology and geochemistry of sediments, radiocarbon dating of faunal and human remains and charcoals, and archaeological study, as well as the paleoecology derived from the taxonomic composition of fossil faunal assemblages. Our data show that the entire period of the Holocene is recorded in the rockshelter, which makes that site an exceptional and highly valuable case. We present paleoenvironmental reconstructions of regional importance, and we propose to regard Shelter in Smoleń III as a regional stratigraphic stratotype of Holocene clastic cave sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej T. Krajcarz
- Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warszawa, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Magdalena Krajcarz
- Institute of Archaeology, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Andrea Pereswiet-Soltan
- Department of Paleozoology, Institute of Environmental Biology, University of Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Witold P. Alexandrowicz
- Chair of General Geology and Geotourism, Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environment Protection, AGH University of Science and Technology, Kraków, Poland
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García Paz FA, Gonzalez Romero YA, Zalakeviciute R. Radon (222Rn) concentrations in the touristic Jumandy cave in the Amazon region of Ecuador. J Radiat Res 2019; 60:759-767. [PMID: 31665388 PMCID: PMC7357231 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rrz064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This work consists of the detection and quantification of the concentration levels of radioactive gas radon-222 (222Rn) of natural origin, as well as the determination of the critical points and the estimation of the effective dose absorbed by the tourists and guides inside the Jumandy cavern in Napo, Ecuador. According to the feasibility map of uranium of Ecuador, the study area is located in one of the top-priority areas for obtaining uranium, suggesting possible radioactivity in this unstudied region. The measurements were carried out from July to October of 2017, in three different monitoring points inside the cavern. The average radon concentrations measured in the cavern exceeded the maximum recommended environmental level by a factor of 28, and the effective dose absorbed by the guides exceeded the recommended maximum by a f actor of 10. Meteorological parameters such as temperature and relative humidity have an impact on the 222Rn concentrations in different parts of the cave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Alejandro García Paz
- Universidad de las Américas, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, calle José Queri y Av. de los Granados/Bloque 4, Quito – EC 170125, Ecuador
| | - Yasser Alejandro Gonzalez Romero
- Universidad de las Américas, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, calle José Queri y Av. de los Granados/Bloque 4, Quito – EC 170125, Ecuador
| | - Rasa Zalakeviciute
- Universidad de las Américas, Facultad de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas, calle José Queri y Av. de los Granados/Bloque 4, Quito – EC 170125, Ecuador
- Grupo de Biodiversidad Medio Ambiente y Salud (BIOMAS), Universidad de Las Americas, calleJosé Queri y Av. de los Granados/Bloque 7, Quito – EC 170125, Ecuador
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Reboul G, Moreira D, Bertolino P, Hillebrand-Voiculescu AM, López-García P. Microbial eukaryotes in the suboxic chemosynthetic ecosystem of Movile Cave, Romania. Environ Microbiol Rep 2019; 11:464-473. [PMID: 30969022 PMCID: PMC6697535 DOI: 10.1111/1758-2229.12756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Movile Cave is a small system of partially inundated galleries in limestone settings close to the Black Sea in Southeast Romania. Isolated from the surface for 6 million years, its sulfidic, methane and ammonia-rich waters harbour unique chemosynthetic prokaryotic communities that include sulphur and ammonium-metabolizing chemolithotrophs, methanogens, methanotrophs and methylotrophs. The cave also harbours cave-dwelling invertebrates and fungi, but the diversity of other microbial eukaryotes remained completely unknown. Here, we apply an 18S rRNA gene-based metabarcoding approach to study the composition of protist communities in floating microbial mats and plankton from a well-preserved oxygen-depleted cave chamber. Our results reveal a wide protist diversity with, as dominant groups, ciliates (Alveolata), Stramenopiles, especially bicosoecids, and jakobids (Excavata). Ciliate sequences dominated both, microbial mats and plankton, followed by either Stramenopiles or excavates. Stramenopiles were more prominent in microbial mats, whereas jakobids dominated the plankton fraction of the oxygen-depleted water column. Mats cultured in the laboratory were enriched in Cercozoa. Consistent with local low oxygen levels, Movile Cave protists are most likely anaerobic or microaerophilic. Several newly detected OTU clades were very divergent from cultured species or environmental sequences in databases and represent phylogenetic novelty, notably within jakobids. Movile Cave protists likely cover a variety of ecological roles in this ecosystem including predation, parasitism, saprotrophy and possibly diverse prokaryote-protist syntrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Reboul
- Unité d’Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, bâtiment 360, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - David Moreira
- Unité d’Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, bâtiment 360, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Paola Bertolino
- Unité d’Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, bâtiment 360, 91400 Orsay, France
| | - Alexandra Maria Hillebrand-Voiculescu
- Department of Biospeleology and Karst Edaphobiology, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Bucharest, Romania
- Group for Underwater and Speleological Exploration, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Purificación López-García
- Unité d’Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, CNRS, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, bâtiment 360, 91400 Orsay, France
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Schimmelmann A, Fernandez-Cortes A, Cuezva S, Streil T, Lennon JT. Radiolysis via radioactivity is not responsible for rapid methane oxidation in subterranean air. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206506. [PMID: 30383783 PMCID: PMC6211692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atmospheric methane is rapidly lost when it enters humid subterranean critical and vadose zones (e.g., air in soils and caves). Because methane is a source of carbon and energy, it can be consumed by methanotrophic methane-oxidizing bacteria. As an additional subterranean sink, it has been hypothesized that methane is oxidized by natural radioactivity-induced radiolysis that produces energetic ions and radicals, which then trigger abiotic oxidation and consumption of methane within a few hours. Using controlled laboratory experiments, we tested whether radiolysis could rapidly oxidize methane in sealed air with different relative humidities while being exposed to elevated levels of radiation (more than 535 kBq m-3) from radon isotopes 222Rn and 220Rn (i.e., thoron). We found no evidence that radiolysis contributed to methane oxidation. In contrast, we observed the rapid loss of methane when moist soil was added to the same apparatus in the absence of elevated radon abundance. Together, our findings are consistent with the view that methane oxidizing bacteria are responsible for the widespread observations of methane depletion in subterranean environments. Further studies are needed on the ability of microbes to consume trace amounts of methane in poorly ventilated caves, even though the trophic and energetic benefits become marginal at very low partial pressures of methane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arndt Schimmelmann
- Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Angel Fernandez-Cortes
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
- Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Soledad Cuezva
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
| | | | - Jay T. Lennon
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
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Zhang LY, Ming H, Meng XL, Fang BZ, Jiao JY, Salam N, Zhang XT, Li WJ, Nie GX. Ornithinimicrobium cavernae sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from a karst cave. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek 2018; 112:179-186. [PMID: 30123944 DOI: 10.1007/s10482-018-1141-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A novel actinobacterium, designated strain CFH 30183T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from a karst cave in Luoyang, Henan Province. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain CFH 30183T were observed to be Gram-stain positive, motile, asporogenous and coccoid to rod shaped. The strain was found to be aerobic and oxidase positive. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CFH 30183T was found to be closely related to Ornithinimicrobium murale 01-Gi-040T (97.8% sequence identity). The ANIb/ANIm values between strain CFH 30183T and O. murale DSM 22056T were found to be 80.3%/85.9%. Strain CFH 30183T was found to grow optimally at 28-32 °C, at pH 8.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 7% NaCl (w/v). Whole cell hydrolysates of strain CFH 30183T contained L-ornithine as the diagnostic diamino acid, and arabinose, glucose, mannose and rhamnose as whole cell sugars. The respiratory quinone was determined to be MK-8(H4), while the major fatty acids were found to consist of iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0. The polar lipids profile was found to include diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified phosphoglycolipid and four unidentified lipids. The DNA G + C content of strain CFH 30183T was calculated to be 70.9%. Based on the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data obtained, strain CFH 30183T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Ornithinimicrobium, for which the name Ornithinimicrobium cavernae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH 30183T (= KCTC 49018T = CGMCC 1.16393T).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Yu Zhang
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ming
- Synthetic Biology Engineering Laboratory of Henan Province, College of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Lin Meng
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Zhu Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Yu Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Nimaichand Salam
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Tong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Jun Li
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plant Resources, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
| | - Guo-Xing Nie
- College of Fisheries, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, 453007, People's Republic of China.
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Mansor M, Harouaka K, Gonzales MS, Macalady JL, Fantle MS. Transport-Induced Spatial Patterns of Sulfur Isotopes (δ 34S) as Biosignatures. Astrobiology 2018; 18:59-72. [PMID: 29227145 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2017.1650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Cave minerals deposited in the presence of microbes may host geochemical biosignatures that can be utilized to detect subsurface life on Earth, Mars, or other habitable worlds. The sulfur isotopic composition of gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) formed in the presence of sulfur-oxidizing microbes in the Frasassi cave system, Italy, was evaluated as a biosignature. Sulfur isotopic compositions (δ34SV-CDT) of gypsum sampled from cave rooms with sulfidic air varied from -11 to -24‰, with minor deposits of elemental sulfur having δ34S values between -17 and -19‰. Over centimeter-length scales, the δ34S values of gypsum varied by up to 8.5‰. Complementary laboratory experiments showed negligible fractionation during the oxidation of elemental sulfur to sulfate by Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans isolated from the caves. Additionally, gypsum precipitated in the presence and absence of microbes at acidic pH characteristic of the sulfidic cave walls has δ34S values that are on average 1‰ higher than sulfate. We therefore interpret the 8.5‰ variation in cave gypsum δ34S (toward more negative values) to reflect the isotopic effect of microbial sulfide oxidation directly to sulfate or via elemental sulfur intermediate. This range is similar to that expected by abiotic sulfide oxidation with oxygen, thus complicating the use of sulfur isotopes as a biosignature at centimeter-length scales. However, at the cave room (meter-length) scale, reactive transport modeling suggests that the overall ∼13‰ variability in gypsum δ34S reflects isotopic distillation of circulating H2S gas due to microbial sulfide oxidation occurring along the cave wall-atmosphere interface. Systematic variations of gypsum δ34S along gas flow paths can thus be interpreted as biogenic given that slow, abiotic oxidation cannot produce the same spatial patterns over similar length scales. The expression and preservation potential of this biosignature is dependent on gas flow parameters and diagenetic processes that modify gypsum δ34S values over geological timescales. Key Words: Gypsum-Sulfur isotopes-Biosignature-Sulfide oxidation-Cave. Astrobiology 18, 59-72.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muammar Mansor
- 1 Geosciences Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park , Pennsylvania
- 2 Current address: Dept. of Geological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
| | - Khadouja Harouaka
- 1 Geosciences Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park , Pennsylvania
- 3 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Matthew S Gonzales
- 1 Geosciences Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park , Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer L Macalady
- 1 Geosciences Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park , Pennsylvania
| | - Matthew S Fantle
- 1 Geosciences Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park , Pennsylvania
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Jarc S, Miler M, Šebela S, Zupančič N. Sources of sulphate minerals in limestone cave-a possible evidence of anthropogenic activity: a case study in Črna Jama Cave (Slovenia). Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2017; 24:26865-26873. [PMID: 29067612 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0486-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In the caves, the formation of cave minerals is a consequence of a variety of chemical reactions, some of them also due to human activity. There are many caves in Slovenia, but sulphate minerals are not very often reported and analysed. In this study, the presence of sulphate minerals is detected by SEM/EDS analysis of speleothems from Črna Jama, a cave near Kočevje (southern Slovenia). The cave is characterised by its dark, almost black colour on cave walls, floor and speleothems. Anthropogenic influence in the cave is still visible, including the remains of a fireplace, some inscriptions on the walls and wooden containers. The analyses of some of the black-coated speleothems reveal the presence of calcium sulphate, confirmed by XRD as gypsum. Gypsum crystals are around 50 μm in size, and they occur in thin crusts. Additionally, some rare authigenic baryte crystals a few micrometres in size are detected. The sulphates δ34S value in gypsum found on dark coloured speleothems is + 10.4‰ Vienna Canyon Diablo Troilite (VCDT), while the sulphate δ34S of the bedrock is + 8.6‰ VCDT. The more likely source of sulphate ions is thus biomass burning rather than bedrock. Also, bedrock and biomass ash are a very probable source of calcium and barium. The highly probable pyrogenous origin of sulphates draws attention to human impact on cave mineralogy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Jarc
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department of Geology, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 12, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Miloš Miler
- Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanka Šebela
- ZRC SAZU, Karst Research Institute, Titov trg 2, 6230, Postojna, Slovenia
| | - Nina Zupančič
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department of Geology, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 12, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- ZRC SAZU, Ivan Rakovec Institute of Palaeontology, Novi trg 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Różkowski J, Różkowski K, Rahmonov O, Rubin H. Nitrates and phosphates in cave waters of Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, southern Poland. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2017; 24:25870-25880. [PMID: 28936578 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-0215-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The paper presents the varied presence of nitrates and phosphates in water from caves located in Częstochowa and Kraków, in urban, strongly anthropogenic conditions, representing the vadose zone of the fissure-karstic-porous massif of Upper Jurassic limestones. Hydrochemical research was carried out by the authors in the Cave on the Stone in Częstochowa in 2012-2015, in caves of the Zakrzówek horst from 1996 to 2002, and in the Dragon's Cave by the research team of J. Motyka in 1995-1998. A number of NO3 and PO4 measurements were performed in waters sampled at these research sites: 20 measurements each of NO3 and PO4 at the Cave on the Stone, 228 of NO3 and 422 of PO4 at Zakrzówek, and 19 each of NO3 and PO4 at the Dragon's Cave. To assess the quality aspect of N and P compounds in waters from the Cave on the Stone, the results of geochemical modelling were processed using PHREEQC software. In cave waters, the oxidised form of nitrogen NO3- predominates; in surface waters in the vicinity, unoxidised forms prevail: NH4+, NH3, and NH4SO4-. Among phosphorus speciations, dissolved forms are dominant: HPO42-, H2PO4-, and the insoluble form CaHPO4; in surface waters, these forms are practically absent. Transformations of water chemistry in 'urban' caves, often centuries old, manifest themselves in, inter alia, the occurrence of multi-ionic waters, including seasonal variations and extremely diversified concentrations, with very high concentrations in subpopulations of NO3 (0.2-485 mg dm-3) and P (0.02-6.87 mg dm-3). The common presence of NO3 in waters of the phreatic zone of the Częstochowa Upland, an area developed in an agricultural direction, is documented by, inter alia, the exploitation of intakes supplying the city of Częstochowa (10-57 mg dm-3, 2011) and crenological studies from 2008 to 2015 (NO3, 2-58 mg dm-3), at simultaneously low phosphate concentrations (PO4, 0.02-0.24 mg dm-3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Różkowski
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Kazimierz Różkowski
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Mining and Geoengineering, Kraków, Poland
| | - Oimahmad Rahmonov
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Sosnowiec, Poland.
| | - Hanna Rubin
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty of Earth Sciences, Sosnowiec, Poland
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Jackson D. Revisiting Trichloroethylene Contaminated Hazardous Waste Sites After New Science Indicates the Need for a Lower Health Guideline. J Environ Health 2017; 79:34-36. [PMID: 29155524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
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Daujeard C, Geraads D, Gallotti R, Lefèvre D, Mohib A, Raynal JP, Hublin JJ. Pleistocene Hominins as a Resource for Carnivores: A c. 500,000-Year-Old Human Femur Bearing Tooth-Marks in North Africa (Thomas Quarry I, Morocco). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152284. [PMID: 27120202 PMCID: PMC4847923 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In many Middle Pleistocene sites, the co-occurrence of hominins with carnivores, who both contributed to faunal accumulations, suggests competition for resources as well as for living spaces. Despite this, there is very little evidence of direct interaction between them to-date. Recently, a human femoral diaphysis has been recognized in South-West of Casablanca (Morocco), in the locality called Thomas Quarry I. This site is famous for its Middle Pleistocene fossil hominins considered representatives of Homo rhodesiensis. The bone was discovered in Unit 4 of the Grotte à Hominidés (GH), dated to c. 500 ky and was associated with Acheulean artefacts and a rich mammalian fauna. Anatomically, it fits well within the group of known early Middle Pleistocene Homo, but its chief point of interest is that the diaphyseal ends display numerous tooth marks showing that it had been consumed shortly after death by a large carnivore, probably a hyena. This bone represents the first evidence of consumption of human remains by carnivores in the cave. Whether predated or scavenged, this chewed femur indicates that humans were a resource for carnivores, underlining their close relationships during the Middle Pleistocene in Atlantic Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Daujeard
- « Histoire Naturelle de l’Homme Préhistorique » (HNHP, UMR 7194), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, UPVD, Paris, France
| | - Denis Geraads
- « Centre de Recherche sur la Paléobiodiversité et les Paléoenvironnements » (CR2P, UMR 7207), Sorbonne Universités, MNHN, CNRS, UPMC, Paris, France
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rosalia Gallotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Antichità, Università di Roma La Sapienza, Via dei Volsci 122, 00185 Roma, Italy
- De la Préhistoire à l'Actuel, Culture, Environnement, Anthropologie » (PACEA, UMR 5199 CNRS), Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - David Lefèvre
- «Archéologie des Sociétés Méditerranéennes » (UMR 5140 CNRS), Université Paul Valéry-Montpellier 3, France
| | - Abderrahim Mohib
- Institut National des Sciences de l'Archéologie et du Patrimoine, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Jean-Paul Raynal
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany
- De la Préhistoire à l'Actuel, Culture, Environnement, Anthropologie » (PACEA, UMR 5199 CNRS), Université de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Hublin
- Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Human Evolution, Leipzig, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Jin ZJ, Zeng HH, Li Q, Cheng YP, Tang HF, Li M, Huang BF. [Comparisons of Microbial Numbers, Biomasses and Soil Enzyme Activities Between Paddy Field and Drvland Origins in Karst Cave Wetland]. Huan Jing Ke Xue 2016; 37:335-341. [PMID: 27078975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to compare microbial number, microbial biomass as well as soil enzyme activity between paddy field and dryland originated karst wetland ecosystems. The soil samples (0-20 cm) of uncultivated wetland, paddy field and dryland were collected in Huixian karst cave wetland, Guilin, China. Microbial numbers and biomass were detected using dilute plate incubation counting and chloroform fumigation-extraction, respectively. Microbial DNA was extracted according to the manufacturer's instructions of the kit. Microbial activity was examined using soil enzyme assays as well. The result showed that the bacteria number in paddy filed was (4.36 +/- 2.25) x 10(7) CFU x g(-1), which was significantly higher than those in wetland and dryland. Fungi numbers were (6.41 +/- 2.16) x 10(4) CFU x g(-1) in rice paddy and (6.52 +/- 1.55) x 10(4) CFU x g(-1) in wetland, which were higher than that in dryland. Actinomycetes number was (2.65 +/- 0.72) x 10(6) CFU x g(-1) in dryland, which was higher than that in wetland. Microbial DNA concentration in rice paddy was (11.92 +/- 3.69) microg x g(-1), which was higher than that in dryland. Invertase activity was (66.87 +/- 18.61) mg x (g x 24 h)(-1) in rice paddy and alkaline phosphatase activity was (2.07 +/- 0.99) mg x (g x 2 h)(-1) in wetland, both of which were higher than those in dryland. Statistical analysis showed there was a significant positive correlation of microbial DNA content, alkaline phosphatase activity and microbial carbon with soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, soil moisture, exchangeable Ca2+ and exchangeable Mg2+, as well as a significant positive correlation of intervase activity with the former three microbial factors. The above results indicated that microbial biomass and function responded much more sensitively to land-use change than microbial number in karst cave wetland system. Soil moisture, SOC and some factors induced by land-use change could affect mainly microbiological characteristics. We suggest that rice paddy, a kind of constructed wetland, should be kept and protected in experimental area or buffer area of Huixian karst cave wetland in the light of its similar property with the natural wetland.
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Martín Sánchez A, de la Torre Pérez J, Ruano Sánchez AB, Naranjo Correa FL. Measuring radon concentrations and estimating dose in tourist caves. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2015; 167:279-283. [PMID: 25948834 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncv262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Caves and mines are considered to be places of especial risk of exposure to (222)Rn. This is particularly important for guides and workers, but also for visitors. In the Extremadura region (Spain), there are two cave systems in which there are workers carrying out their normal everyday tasks. In one, visits have been reduced to maintain the conditions of temperature and humidity. The other comprises several caves frequently visited by school groups. The caves were radiologically characterised in order to estimate the dose received by workers or possible hazards for visitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martín Sánchez
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain
| | | | - A B Ruano Sánchez
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz 06006, Spain
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Brasier AT, Rogerson MR, Mercedes-Martin R, Vonhof HB, Reijmer JJG. A Test of the Biogenicity Criteria Established for Microfossils and Stromatolites on Quaternary Tufa and Speleothem Materials Formed in the "Twilight Zone" at Caerwys, UK. Astrobiology 2015; 15:883-900. [PMID: 26496527 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2015.1293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The ability to distinguish the features of a chemical sedimentary rock that can only be attributed to biology is a challenge relevant to both geobiology and astrobiology. This study aimed to test criteria for recognizing petrographically the biogenicity of microbially influenced fabrics and fossil microbes in complex Quaternary stalactitic carbonate rocks from Caerwys, UK. We found that the presence of carbonaceous microfossils, fabrics produced by the calcification of microbial filaments, and the asymmetrical development of tufa fabrics due to the more rapid growth of microbially influenced laminations could be recognized as biogenic features. Petrographic evidence also indicates that the development of "speleothem-like" laminae was related to episodes of growth interrupted by intervals of nondeposition and erosion. The lack of any biogenic characteristics in these laminae is consistent with their development as a result of variation in the physicochemical parameters that drive calcite precipitation from meteoric waters in such environmental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Brasier
- 1 School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen , Old Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
| | - M R Rogerson
- 2 Department of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, University of Hull , Hull, UK
| | - R Mercedes-Martin
- 2 Department of Geography, Environment and Earth Sciences, University of Hull , Hull, UK
| | - H B Vonhof
- 3 Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J G Reijmer
- 3 Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Martín Sánchez A, de la Torre Pérez J, Ruano Sánchez AB. Experimental studies about the ratio between 210Po deposited on surfaces and retrospective indoor 222Rn concentrations. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2014; 160:206-209. [PMID: 24729559 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncu082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of radon concentration may not be sufficiently representative for the cumulative total exposure suffered by a person throughout his life. Retrospective dosimetry can help estimating from the direct measurement of 210Po (descendant of 222Rn) implanted on surfaces, because this quantity is related (through the conversion factor) with the mean indoor 222Rn concentration existing in a room for long time. This factor depends on multiple variables. Theoretical models can provide some values. Experiments are tedious and very time consuming. The 210Po activity concentration was measured in mirrors, which were previously exposed to 222Rn concentrations under real environmental conditions. This work deals with the preliminary results in two known places (a room and a cave), which have very different characteristics, in order to show experimentally the large differences found in the values of this factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Martín Sánchez
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - A B Ruano Sánchez
- Department of Physics, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
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Smetanová I, Holý K, Zelinka J, Omelka J. Temporal variability of radon in the atmosphere of Domica and Važecká Karst caves (Slovakia). Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2014; 160:65-9. [PMID: 24707003 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncu097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Continual monitoring of radon activity concentration was performed in two caves: Domica and Važecká. Radon in the air of the Domica cave was monitored from June 2010 to July 2011. Radon research in the Važecká cave started in June 2012 and it is still being carried out. Radon concentration in cave atmosphere exhibited seasonal, short-term and daily variations. Daily average of radon in Domica varied from 0.5 to 2.7 kBq m(-3). Seasonal trend was characterised by the highest concentration in September and the lowest from February to March. Radon concentration in the Važecká cave was significantly higher, and the daily average ranged from 1.0 to 5.3 kBq m(-3). The highest values were registered from June to September and in January. The seasonal and daily variations of 222Rn activity concentration in the atmosphere of both caves are assumed to be associated with the atmospheric temperature. No effect of atmospheric pressure on radon short-term variation was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Smetanová
- Geophysical Institute, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, Bratislava 845 28, Slovakia
| | - K Holý
- Department of Nuclear Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University, Mlynská dolina, Bratislava 842 48, Slovakia
| | - J Zelinka
- State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic, Slovak Caves Administration, Hodžova 11, Liptovský Mikuláš 031 01, Slovakia
| | - J Omelka
- MicroStep-MIS, Čavojského 1, Bratislava 841 04, Slovakia
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Thinová L, Solc J. MCNPX evaluation of gamma spectrometry results in high radon concentration areas. Radiat Prot Dosimetry 2014; 160:87-91. [PMID: 24729561 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncu108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The radon concentration in underground workplaces may reach tens of thousands of Bq m(-3). A simple MCNPXTM Monte Carlo (MC) model of a cave was developed to estimate the influence of radon on the in situ gamma spectrometry results in various geometries and radon concentrations. The detector total count rate was obtained as the sum of the individual count rates due to 214Bi in the air, radon in the walls and deposition of radon daughters on surfaces. The MC model was then modified and used in the natural conditions of the Mladeč Caves, Czech Republic. The content of 226Ra was calculated from laboratory gamma spectrometry measurements, and the concentrations of unattached and attached 214Bi were measured using the FRITRA4 device (SMM-Prague). We present a comparison of the experimental results with results calculated by the MCNPXTM model of the Gamma Surveyor spectrometry probe (GF Instruments) with a 3″×3″ NaI(Tl) detector and a 2″×2″ BGO detector.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Thinová
- CTU in Prague, FNSPE, DDAIR, Břehová 7, 115 19 Praha 1, Czech Republic
| | - J Solc
- Czech Metrology Institute, Radiová 1, 102 00 Praha 10, Czech Republic
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Grgić I, Iskra I, Podkrajšek B, Gerjevič VD. Measurements of aerosol particles in the Škocjan Caves, Slovenia. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2014; 21:1915-1923. [PMID: 24006157 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2080-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
For the first time, continuous aerosol measurements were performed in the Škocjan Caves, one of the most important cave systems in the world, and listed by UNESCO as a natural and cultural world heritage site since 1986. Measurements of PM10 were performed during three different periods: (1) in December 2011, the average background concentration was found to be about 4 μg m(-3); (2) in June 2012, a higher concentration was measured (8 μg m(-3)); and (3) from 8 to 20 August 2012, the highest concentration of 15.3 μg m(-3) was measured. Based on the PM10 measurement results, and as compared to similar measurements outside the cave, it can be hypothesized that the increase in the cave's aerosol concentration during the summer was connected to both the higher number of visitors and the polluted atmospheric air entering the cave upon entering of the cave system. Additional measurement of nanoparticles with scanning mobility particle sizer spectrometer (size between 14.1 and 710.5 nm) confirmed these findings; during the summer period, a severe raise in the total aerosol concentration of 30-50 times was found when groups of visitors entered the cave. Our results on nanoparticles demonstrated that we were able to detect very small changes and variations in aerosol concentration inside the cave. To our knowledge, these are the first results on nanoaerosol measurements in a cave, and we believe that such measurements may lead to the implementation of better protection of delicate cave systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Grgić
- Laboratory for Analytical Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Ivan Iskra
- A.P.E Research, BioNanoLab, Area Science Park, Basovizza ss. 14, Km 163.5, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Boštjan Podkrajšek
- Institute of Occupational Safety, Chengdujska cesta 25, 1260, Ljubljana-Polje, Slovenia
| | - Vanja Debevec Gerjevič
- Department for Research and Development, Škocjan Caves Regional Park, Škocjan 2, 6215, Divača, Slovenia
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Jung A, Karabin B, Matusiak K. Evaluation of spatial and seasonal radioactivity dose fluctuations in a Wierzchowska Górna limestone cave. Isotopes Environ Health Stud 2013; 49:180-187. [PMID: 23452261 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2013.739563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Measurements of the dose rate changes were carried out in order to assess seasonal and spatial radioactivity variations in the largest limestone cave of the Polish Jura Wierzchowska Górna. Thermoluminescence detectors, which were annealed, calibrated and protected against humidity were used. Measurements were repeated four times in 13 locations to observe possible changes. The external dose rate was in the range of 0.004-0.106 mGy/quarter. The results were influenced by the detector locations - lower doses were estimated closer to the cave entrance and the highest doses were in the so-called 'primitive man room'. Doses measured in four periods were statistically significantly different. The external dose level as well as seasonal and spatial dose changes measured in the cave were low. In other caves where external doses are higher, seasonal and spatial dose changes may have a stronger impact on radiological hazard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Jung
- Faculty of Physics and Applied Computer Science, Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, AGH University of Science and Technology, al. A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.
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Nagy HÉ, Szabó Z, Jordán G, Szabó C, Horváth A, Kiss A. Time variations of 222Rn concentration and air exchange rates in a Hungarian cave. Isotopes Environ Health Stud 2012; 48:464-472. [PMID: 22462600 DOI: 10.1080/10256016.2012.667809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
A long-term radon concentration monitoring was carried out in the Pál-völgy cave, Budapest, Hungary, for 1.5 years. Our major goal was to determine the time dependence of the radon concentration in the cave to characterise the air exchange and define the most important environmental parameters that influence the radon concentration inside the cave. The radon concentration in the cave air was measured continuously by an AlphaGuard radon monitor, and meteorological parameters outside the cave were collected simultaneously. The air's radon concentration in the cave varied between 104 and 7776 Bq m(-3), the annual average value was 1884±85 Bq m(-3). The summer to winter radon concentration ratio was as high as 21.8. The outside air temperature showed the strongest correlation with the radon concentration in the cave, the correlation coefficient (R) was 0.76.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Éva Nagy
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Lab, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
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Frost RL, Xi Y, Palmer SJ, Pogson RE. Identification of montgomeryite mineral [Ca4MgAl4(PO4)6·(OH)4·12H2O] found in the Jenolan Caves-Australia. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2012; 94:1-5. [PMID: 22495251 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2012.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we report on many phosphate containing natural minerals found in the Jenolan Caves - Australia. Such minerals are formed by the reaction of bat guano and clays from the caves. Among these cave minerals is the montgomeryite mineral [Ca(4)MgAl(4)(PO(4))(6)·(OH)(4)·12H(2)O]. The presence of montgomeryite in deposits of the Jenolan Caves - Australia has been identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy has been used to characterise the crystal structure of montgomeryite. The Raman spectrum of a standard montgomeryite mineral is identical to that of the Jenolan Caves sample. Bands are assigned to H(2)PO(4)(-), OH and NH stretching vibrations. By using a combination of XRD and Raman spectroscopy, the existence of montgomeryite in the Jenolan Caves - Australia has been proven. A mechanism for the formation of montgomeryite is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray L Frost
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, GPO Box 2434, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia.
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Wang Y, Guo S, Xu Y, Wang W, Qi S, Xing X, Yuan D. The concentration and distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the air from the karst cave, South China. Environ Geochem Health 2012; 34:493-502. [PMID: 22161154 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-011-9441-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the air of Dayan Cave in Guilin were analyzed, to investigate the source and contamination levels. Generally, air outside of the cave had much higher concentrations than inside air, and both outside and inside air showed much lower contamination levels than those observed in other regions in China and abroad. The ratios of α-/γ-HCHs and the percentages of β-(or δ-)HCH implied a residue of historical local technical HCH contamination. The DDT concentrations, o,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDT, and p,p'-DDE/p,p'-DDT suggested fresh DDT-containing products acted as the primary source of DDT for the air in Dayan Cave. An intermediate level concentration of α-endosulfan (156.00 pg/m(3)) was observed in the outside air, implying local source was dominant. Based on the similar sources of HCH and DDT and the relationships between outside and inside air, it appeared that outside air pollutants affected on inside HCH and DDT's distribution. For other OCPs, outside air might be major contributor to inside air contamination under conditions of high concentrations in outside air compared with low levels in inside air for semi-closed karstic caves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Wang
- School of Environmental Studies, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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Grasby SE, Beauchamp B, Bense V. Sulfuric acid Speleogenesis associated with a glacially driven groundwater system-paleo-spring "pipes" at Borup Fiord Pass, Nunavut. Astrobiology 2012; 12:19-28. [PMID: 22204399 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2011.0700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Gypsum filled "pipe" features were discovered in the proglacial area of the Borup Fiord Pass supraglacial sulfur spring. Stable isotope data suggest that gypsum is formed through oxidation of sulfides and are consistent with models of sulfuric acid speleogenesis. These results suggest that gypsum pipes are paleo-spring discharge channels analogous to those that feed the modern sulfur spring at Borup Fiord. A conceptual model is proposed whereby retreat of the glacial front and associated growth of permafrost in ground exposed now to low arctic temperatures leads to "freezing-in" of the spring system and abandonment of old channels in favor of more open flow systems in the subglacial region. Results provide a model for glacially driven groundwater systems that may form in association with Mars' polar icecaps and potential geological signatures for paleo-groundwater discharge.
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Frost RL, Xi Y, Palmer SJ, Pogson RE. Vibrational spectroscopic analysis of taranakite (K,NH4)Al3(PO4)3(OH)·9(H2O) from the Jenolan Caves, Australia. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2011; 83:106-111. [PMID: 21889394 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2011.07.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 07/24/2011] [Accepted: 07/26/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Many phosphate containing minerals are found in the Jenolan Caves. Such minerals are formed by the reaction of bat guano and clays from the caves. Among these cave minerals is the mineral taranakite (K,NH(4))Al(3)(PO(4))(3)(OH)·9(H(2)O) which has been identified by X-ray diffraction. Jenolan Caves taranakite has been characterised by Raman spectroscopy. Raman and infrared bands are assigned to H(2)PO(4), OH and NH stretching vibrations. By using a combination of XRD and Raman spectroscopy, the existence of taranakite in the caves has been proven.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray L Frost
- Chemistry Discipline, Faculty of Science and Technology, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Northup DE, Melim LA, Spilde MN, Hathaway JJM, Garcia MG, Moya M, Stone FD, Boston PJ, Dapkevicius MLNE, Riquelme C. Lava cave microbial communities within mats and secondary mineral deposits: implications for life detection on other planets. Astrobiology 2011; 11:601-18. [PMID: 21879833 PMCID: PMC3176350 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2010.0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/03/2011] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Lava caves contain a wealth of yellow, white, pink, tan, and gold-colored microbial mats; but in addition to these clearly biological mats, there are many secondary mineral deposits that are nonbiological in appearance. Secondary mineral deposits examined include an amorphous copper-silicate deposit (Hawai'i) that is blue-green in color and contains reticulated and fuzzy filament morphologies. In the Azores, lava tubes contain iron-oxide formations, a soft ooze-like coating, and pink hexagons on basaltic glass, while gold-colored deposits are found in lava caves in New Mexico and Hawai'i. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular techniques was used to analyze these communities. Molecular analyses of the microbial mats and secondary mineral deposits revealed a community that contains 14 phyla of bacteria across three locations: the Azores, New Mexico, and Hawai'i. Similarities exist between bacterial phyla found in microbial mats and secondary minerals, but marked differences also occur, such as the lack of Actinobacteria in two-thirds of the secondary mineral deposits. The discovery that such deposits contain abundant life can help guide our detection of life on extraterrestrial bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- D E Northup
- Biology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA.
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Davalieva K, Kungulovski D, Atanasova-Pancevska N, Bojkovska R, Stafilov T, Efremov GD. Microbiological and chemical characteristics of water and sediment from Vrelo Cave, Republic of Macedonia. Pril (Makedon Akad Nauk Umet Odd Med Nauki) 2011; 32:169-186. [PMID: 22286621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Vrelo Cave is the deepest cave in Macedonia, located in the canyon Matka which is home to many endemic species not found anywhere else in Europe. Until now, Vrelo Cave has not been investigated in terms of its composition and biodiversity. The purpose of this study was to offer some preliminary data for physical and chemical parameters of water and sediments from Vrelo Cave, as well as its microbiological diversity. Samples were taken from 5 locations. They were analysed for a wide array of physico-chemical parameters, macro- and microelements and concentration of selected organic pollutants. All samples were investigated for several groups of bacteria, yeasts and moulds by a conventional selective media approach. Molecular identification of the isolated bacterial species was done by sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Regarding the total dry components, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, biochemical and chemical consumption of oxygen, water from Vrelo Cave belongs to Class I. All of the investigated groups of microorganisms except anaerobic sporogenic bacteria were present in water and sediment samples. Notably, a large number of coliformic bacteria (total and faecal) were isolated from all of the investigated samples which classify this water in Class IV, as ecologically unsuitable drinking water. Most of the identified non-coliformic bacteria belonged to the genus Bacillus. We have also identified representatives from Staphylococcus, Proteus, Brevundimonas and Enterobacter. Overall findings suggest a possible connection between the water from the cave and surface waters. Further investigation should be performed to determine the origin of these waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Davalieva
- Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Centre, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Krste Misirkov 2, Skopje, R. Macedonia
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