Characterization and Dynamic Analysis of Dissolved Proteins in Lake Biwa Using Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis.

Concentrated protein-like fluorophores of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Lake Biwa were analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). As a result, it was found that the protein-like fluorophores in Lake Biwa are likely to be dissolved proteins released from phytoplankton. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that protein-like fluorophores from Lake Biwa usually consist of proteins with molecular weights of 33 - 35, 42 - 45, 56 - 59 and 62 - 66 kDa.

Biodegradation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from phytoplankton in Lake Biwa.

The biodegradation study of algal dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from Microcystis aeruginosa, Staurastrum dorsidentiferum and Cryptomonas ovata was carried out. The algal DOM released from Microcystis aeruginosa and Staurastrum dorsidentiferum is relatively stable, while a part of the algal DOM released from Cryptomonas ovata may be easily decomposed. Before biodegradation, two fulvic-like fluorescence peaks (A and B) and a protein-like fluorescence peak (C) and another peak with E(x)/E(m) values of 320 - 330/390 nm (peak D) were observed in the algal DOM released from three kinds of phytoplankton.

Characterization of protein-like fluorophores released from lake phytoplankton on the basis of fractionation and electrophoresis.

Three kinds of lake plankton were cultivated, and the properties of protein-like fluorophores released from the plankton were characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results were compared with those by gel chromatography with a fluorescence detector and three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3-DEEM). The concentrated protein-like fluorophores of algal dissolved organic matter (DOM) were successfully separated from the fulvic-like fluorophores, and analyzed using SDS-PAGE.

Characterization of fluorophores released from three kinds of lake phytoplankton using gel chromatography and fluorescence spectrophotometry.

Three kinds of phytoplankton were cultivated, and the contribution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from the phytoplankton was examined to clarify the cause of organic pollution of Lake Biwa. Microcystis aeruginosa, Staurastrum dorcidentiferum, and Cryptomonas ovata were evaluated with regard to cultivation. A significant peak (M(w): <3000 Da) was mainly detected in the algal DOM released from plankton during cultivation by gel chromatography with a fluorescence detector (E(x) = 340 nm, E(m) = 435 nm).

Characterization of dissolved organic matter released from Microcystis aeruginosa.

The contribution of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from phytoplankton (Microcystis aeruginosa) during cultivation and biodegradation was examined to clarify the causes of the organic pollution of Lake Biwa. Two peaks, peak 2 (retention time (RT) = 32 min) and peak 3 (RT = 35 min), were detected in the algal DOM released from Microcystis aeruginosa during cultivation and biodegradation by gel chromatography with a fluorescence detector (Ex = 340 nm, Em = 435 nm). As these peaks correspond with the peaks detected in the surface water of Lake Biwa, one can conclude that the algal DOM released from Microcystis aeruginosa during cultivation and biodegradation makes a considerable contribution to the refractory organic matter in Lake Biwa.

Development of a portable instrument for the continuous analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and its application to environmental monitoring.

A small, time efficient and sensitive instrument for the continuous analysis of very volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a boiling point lower than 100 degrees C in addition to the analysis of VOCs with a boiling point in the range of 100-150 degrees C was developed and applied to the measurement of VOCs in the course of university research and environmental monitoring. VOCs, such as n-hexane, acetone, ethyl acetate, alcohols, benzene, toluene and xylene, were continuously measured once every 30 min. The detection limits of hexane, ethyl acetate, benzene and toluene at a preconcentration time of 10 min were 0.

Size distribution and characteristics of chemical components in ambient particulate matter.

Ambient particulate matter and gas in Kyoto were investigated by gravimetric analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and ion chromatography in order to clarify their behavior and origin. The size distribution and characteristics of the chemical components in ambient particulates collected on PTFE membrane filters using an Andersen air sampler were examined from August 2001 to April 2004. A four-stage filter pack method was used to sample the atmosphere for the determination of gas (SO2, HNO3, HCl, NH3) and particulate matter (SO42, NO3, Cl-, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NH4+) concentrations from October 2002 to April 2004.

Preconcentration of trace aluminum from environmental water samples with 5'-chloro-5-dodecyl-2,4,2'-trihydroxyazobenzene impregnated macroporous resin.

5'-Chloro-5-dodecyl-2,4,2'-trihydroxyazobenzene (CDTA) impregnated XAD-4 resin (CDTA resin) was prepared, and applied to the preconcentration of trace aluminum from environmental water samples with satisfactory results. Aluminum was measured by flow-injection analysis (FIA) with fluorescence detection by using lumogallion after the preconcentration of aluminum with CDTA resin. Fe3+ and other coexisting substances had no interference on the determination of aluminum by the present method.

Determinations of humic substances and other dissolved organic matter and their effects on the increase of COD in Lake Biwa.

Humic substances and other dissolved organic matter (DOM) in Lake Biwa and the surrounding rivers were investigated to elucidate their origins and behavior. An annual increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD) has been observed in the northern basin of Lake Biwa since 1985. The concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the northern and southern basins of Lake Biwa were 1.

Simple analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere using passive samplers.

A simple analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, toluene, m,p-xylene, and o-xylene, at low levels in the atmosphere was conducted using passive samplers. The methods were applied to analyzing the behavior and origin of VOCs in Kyoto City. The passive samplers were exposed for 7 - 14 days at sampling sites in Kyoto City and for 30 days in the mountains (Mt.

Speciation of aluminum in soil extracts using cation and anion exchangers followed by a flow-injection system with fluorescence detection using lumogallion.

Flow-injection analysis (FIA) with fluorescence detection of aluminum using lumogallion was applied to the chemical speciation of aluminum in soil extracts after the separation of aluminum species with ionic exchangers. Aluminum complexes with organic substances (anion species) can be specified from other species by using a strongly acidic cation exchanger in the pH range of 3 to 5. Furthermore, aluminum can be separated into three categories, namely, (i) the Al3+ and Al-OH complex, (ii) aluminum organic complexes (cation species), and (iii) its anion species by using a strongly acidic and a weakly acidic cation exchanger at around pH 5.