Quality and comparability of measurement of potentially toxic elements in urban soils by a group of European laboratories

A study has been conducted to assess the quality and comparability of measurement of aqua-regia-soluble cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, and zinc in urban soils within a small cohort of European research laboratories specializing in soil science or environmental analytical chemistry. An initial survey indicated that highly variable levels of analytical quality control (e.g. use of certified reference materials) were routinely implemented in participant laboratories. When a set of soil samples—differing in metal contents and in characteristics such as pH and organic-matter content—were exchanged and analysed, approximately 20% of results differed from target values by more than 25%. A principal-component analysis was applied to data for chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc, and proved successful in assessing overall laboratory performance. The study indicates that greater prominence needs to be given to quality assurance and control if comparable data are to be generated in international, collaborative research projects.     

Chemical characterization of PM10 fractions of urban aerosol

The goal of this investigation was to give an overview about the trace metal and total organic/inorganic carbon (TOC/TIC), water-soluble carbon (WSOC) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) concentrations in the PM10 aerosol fraction in Budapest and to monitor monthly changes during the sampling period, whether there is a tendency in the seasonal change of the concentrations. The sampling took place in Budapest, Hungary between September 2004 and August 2007 in an area with high traffic density. For the sampling, a high-volume aerosol sampler equipped with a PM10 head was used. The samples were taken onto quartz fiber filters. Each month, one sample was collected. Sampling time was 96 h, the air intake was 30 m³/h, resulting in 2880 m³ sampled air volume.To measure the metal concentrations two types of sample preparation were used: microwave assisted aqua regia extraction and water extraction by sonication. In both cases, the solutions were analyzed by using a sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (SF-ICP-MS). The following 23 elements were investigated: V, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Sb, Sn, Cr, Pt, Pb, Te, Tl, U, Mn, Fe, Co, Ga, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Bi, Li. Comparing the data obtained from the aqua regia extraction to some other cities, the measured trace elements were found in moderate concentration. In the water extract, a significant part of zinc and thallium was found. During the sampling period, no proof of seasonal change in trace element concentrations was found. Trace metal and total organic/inorganic carbon concentrations in Budapest were similar to the concentration data measured in other cities with exception of Mn, Ga, Rb, Cd which are present in higher concentration in Budapest. The TOC content in the PM10 fraction amounted to 30-50%, and its value was the highest during the winter period due to the heating.The yearly average concentration of polyaromatic hydrocarbons was almost constant over the investigated period, but its seasonal change is more than one order of magnitude.     

基于Webmap的杭州市土地价格变动研究

随着城市化的快速发展,城乡结合部土地利用问题日益突出.以杭州市为样本,基于土地城市化转变过程中地价形态的动态扩展模型,采用Webmap空间技术,研究了土地城市化转变过程中价格的空间复杂性及城市形态的应激反应,探讨杭州市土地城市化转变过程中价格机制的响应.结果表明,作为土地城市化的重要外生效应,地价与土地城市化转变之间存在相关性.研究结论对于促进农用地向非农用地的有序转化、规范和引导土地流转和转换、合理调整非农用地的内部结构,以及调控城市扩展和城镇数量等有一定的理论和现实意义.     

基于土地利用格局的浙中城市群区域景观稳定性研究

土地利用/覆盖变化不仅影响城市生态系统的平衡, 而且会引发很多复杂的社会问题, 成为地理学人地关系综合研究热点领域. 本文运用1990、2000和2014年的遥感影像数据, 在标准假彩色分类基础上, 计算景观指数并构建景观稳定性模型, 解析土地利用视角下浙中城市群区域的景观稳定性变化. 研究发现: (1)1990~2014年的24a间, 林地占土地总面积的百分比逐年递增, 其中1990~2000年增长较少, 2000~2014年增长较多; 水域占比逐年下降, 1990~2000年从4.94%降到2.90%; 随着建设用地的逐年上涨, 耕地和未利用地的占比逐年下降; 浙中城市群东北方向微量的湿地, 24a间面积占比下降了近一半, 从0.31%降到0.16%. (2)景观结构及其变化表明, 城市的斑块形状从简单化向复杂化发展, 这与城市的发展由无序到有序, 低级到高级的过程相一致; 耕地、林地和湿地受人类活动的影响逐渐加剧, 抗干扰能力减弱. (3)浙中城市群的景观稳定性从1990年到2000年大幅度下降, 2000年到2014年增强; 类型尺度上, 除未利用地外的其他5类景观的稳定性都经历了先降低后增强的过程, 而未利用地的稳定性从1990年开始持续增强, 2000年到2014年间虽有所下降但下降幅度不大.     

Citrus aurantium L. Active Constituents,Biological Effects and Extraction Methods. An Updated Review

Citrus genus is a prominent staple crop globally. Long-term breeding and much hybridization engendered a myriad of species, each characterized by a specific metabolism generating different secondary metabolites. Citrus aurantium L., commonly recognized as sour or bitter orange, can exceptionally be distinguished from other Citrus species by unique characteristics. It is a fruit with distinctive flavor, rich in nutrients and phytochemicals which possess different health benefits. This paper presents an overview of the most recent studies done on the matter. It intends to provide an in-depth understanding of the biological activities and medicinal uses of active constituents existing in C. aurantium. Every plant part is first discussed separately with regards to its content in active constituents. All extraction methods, their concepts and yields, used to recover these valuable molecules from their original plant matrix are thoroughly reported.