Evaluating the effects of surface O3 on three main food crops across China during 2015-2018.

In order to tackle China's severe air pollution issue, the government has released the "Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan" (known simply as the "Action Plan") since 2013. A recent study reported a decreased trend in PM2.5 concentrations over 2013-2017, but O3 pollution has become more serious. However, the effects of surface O3 on crops are unclear after the implementation of the "Action Plan". Here, we evaluated the potential negative effects of surface O3 on three main food crops (winter wheat, maize and rice) across China during 2015-2018 using nationwide O3 monitoring data and AOT40-yield response functions. Results suggested that mean O3 concentration, AOT40 and relative yield loss in China showed an overall upward trend from 2015 to 2018. During winter wheat, maize, single rice, double-early rice, and double-late rice growing seasons, mean O3 concentration in recent years ranged from 38.6 to 46.9 ppb, 40.2-43.9 ppb, 39.3-42.2 ppb, 33.8-40.0 ppb, and 35.9-39.1 ppb, respectively, and AOT40 mean values ranged from 8.5 to 14.3 ppm h, 10.5-13.4 ppm h, 9.8-11.9 ppm h, 5.2-9.2 ppm h, and 8.0-9.5 ppm h, respectively. O3-induced yield reductions were estimated to range from 20.1 to 33.3% for winter wheat, 5.0-6.3% for maize, 7.3-8.8% for single rice, 3.9-6.8% for double-early rice and 5.9-7.1% for double-late rice. O3-induced production losses for winter wheat, maize, single rice, double-early rice, and double-late rice totaled 39.5-88.2 million metric tons, 12.6-21.0 million metric tons, 9.5-11.3 million metric tons, 1.2-1.8 million metric tons, and 2.2-2.7 million metric tons, respectively, and the corresponding economic losses totaled 14.3-32.0 billion US$, 3.9-6.5 billion US$, 3.9-4.6 billion US$, 0.5-0.7 billion US$, and 0.9-1.1 billion US$, respectively. Our results suggested that the government should take effective measures to reduce O3 pollution and its effects on agricultural production.

[Simulated Ozone Damage on Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) in a Winter Wheat Field].

An eddy-covariance system combined with a semi-mechanistic model was used to analyze variations in gross primary productivity (GPP) and to simulate the impact of ozone (O3) on GPP under different levels O3 concentrations over a winter wheat field in Nanjing. The results showed that GPP was higher during the middle of the growth period and low during the early and late growth periods, reaching a maximum of 40 µmol·(m2·s)-1. Using high and low ozone sensitivity settings,O3-damage in 150, 100, 50 nL·L-1 and control treatment (CK) reduced GPP by -72%, -36%, -6%, and -10%, and by -13%, -6%, -1%, and -2%, respectively. These results provide a scientific basis for formulating defense strategies for O3 damage to crops.

[Seasonal Variation in Surface Ozone and Its Effect on the Winter Wheat and Rice in Nanjing, China].

In recent years, surface ozone concentration has been increasing. A high concentration of ozone can affect the growth of crops, and reduce crop yields. In this paper, based on hourly ozone concentration data in the Nanjing area obtained from 2014 to 2016, we analyzed the variation characteristic of ozone concentration and its effect on the production and economic loss of winter wheat and rice. The results shows that the mean concentrations of ozone in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 62.9, 68.6 and 69.1 µg·m-3, respectively; the ozone concentration and the number of days exceeding the standard gradually increased each year. The order (high to low) of seasonal average ozone concentrations was summer, spring, autumn, and winter. The diurnal variation of ozone concentration in the four seasons showed a single-peak curve, with the peak and valley ozone values appearing at 15:00-16:00 and 07:00-08:00, respectively. The accumulated ozone exposure over a threshold of 40 ppb (AOT40) values during the growing season of winter wheat in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 10.5, 14.4, and 9.4 µL·L-1·h, respectively. The ozone AOT40 values during the growing season of rice in 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 8.5, 20.0, and 25.6 µL·L-1·h, respectively. At the current ozone level, the impact of surface ozone on winter wheat is higher than that on rice; the range of ozone effect on the yield loss rate of winter wheat was 21.4%-32.8%, and the annual economic loss amounted to 150.766-277.996 million Yuan RMB. The range of ozone effect on the yield loss rate of rice was 8.1%-24.3%, and the annual economic loss amounted to 197.472-680.757 million Yuan RMB.

Temporal and Spatial Variation in, and Population Exposure to, Summertime Ground-Level Ozone in Beijing.

Ground-level ozone pollution in Beijing has been causing concern among the public due to the risks posed to human health. This study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of, and investigated population exposure to, ground-level ozone. We analyzed hourly ground-level ozone data from 35 ambient air quality monitoring sites, including urban, suburban, background, and traffic monitoring sites, during the summer in Beijing from 2014 to 2017. The results showed that the four-year mean ozone concentrations for urban, suburban, background, and traffic monitoring sites were 95.1, 99.8, 95.9, and 74.2 µg/m³, respectively. A total of 44, 43, 45, and 43 days exceeded the Chinese National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) threshold for ground-level ozone in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. The mean ozone concentration was higher in suburban sites than in urban sites, and the traffic monitoring sites had the lowest concentration. The diurnal variation in ground-level ozone concentration at the four types of monitoring sites displayed a single-peak curve. The peak and valley values occurred at 3:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., respectively. Spatially, ground-level ozone concentrations decreased in gradient from the north to the south. Population exposure levels were calculated based on ground-level ozone concentrations and population data. Approximately 50.38%, 44.85%, and 48.49% of the total population of Beijing were exposed to ground-level ozone concentrations exceeding the Chinese NAAQS threshold in 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively.

[Long Term Variations of Ozone Concentration of in a Winter Wheat Field and Its Loss Estimate Based on Dry Matter and Yield].

Surface ozone pollution and its negative effects on crops and food safety have attracted the attention of many people. In this study, ozone concentration and meteorological parameters in a winter wheat field were measured from 2014 to 2016. We analyzed the variations in ozone concentration and AOT40 during the growing season for winter wheat. According to the revised stomatal model, the leaf stomatal conductance of winter wheat was simulated and verified by comparing with measured results. Based on the flux model, the leaf stomatal fluxes of winter wheat were calculated. In addition, we estimated the effects of ozone concentration on winter wheat dry matter and yield by using exposure-response relationships and flux-response relationships. The results suggested that the concentration of ozone gradually increased during the growing season for winter wheat and showed a distinct unimodal pattern of diurnal variation. The mean concentrations of ozone were 36.2, 37.7, and 33.6 nL·L-1, respectively, and the ozone AOT40 values were 17.08, 17.90, and 11.84 µL·(L·h)-1, respectively, during the growing seasons for winter wheat from 2014 to 2016. The Jarvis-type factorial model of stomatal conductance could be used to simulate the stomatal conductance of winter wheat in the region, and approximately 81% of the variation of measured stomatal conductance could be accounted for by the model. The leaf stomatal ozone fluxes of winter wheat were 9.36, 9.32, and 8.65 mmol·m-2, respectively, from 2014 to 2016. Winter wheat yield decreased about 18.03%, and its dry matter decreased about 19.31% under ozone stress during these three years.

[Influencing Mechanism and Spatio-temporal Pattern of Stomatal Ozone Flux of Winter Wheat Under Ozone Pollution].

As one of the main atmospheric pollutants over surface layer,researches on the increasing surface ozone concentration and its impact on main crops have become the focus of every government and the public.In this paper,based on the observations in Nanjing using the main local cultivars in China's major winter wheat producing areas,it was expected to obtain the data including ozone concentration,meteorological data and stomatal conductance by continuous observation.Stomatal conductance model was used and parameterized,combined with flux model,we analyzed the characteristics of stomatal flux in winter wheat under ozone pollution.At the same time,the stomatal conductance and stomatal ozone absorption flux of winter wheat were simulated in Jiangsu Province.The main results were as follows:Elevated ozone concentration could reduce stomatal conductance of winter wheat leaf and stomatal conductance decreased with the increase of ozone concentration.According to the observational data through the experiment,based on the boundary line technology,stomatal conductance model was parameterized to simulate stomatal conductance of wheat leaves from environmental factors.Approximately 90%,77% and 83% variation of measured stomatal conductance could be explained by the stomatal conductance model.In the experiment,the total ozone absorption flux in ozone concentration of CK (53.67 nL·L-1),100nL·L-1,150nL·L-1 was 6.42 mmol·m-2,12.27 mmol·m-2,13.90 mmol·m-2 respectively.The ozone concentration gradually increased from early period to late period during the period of winter wheat growth in Jiangsu area.The average stomatal conductance followed the order of the middle stage >the later stage >the early stage.Winter wheat ozone cumulative absorption flux was the highest during the middle stage.

[Ozone Deposition and Risk Assessment for a Winter Wheat Field:Partitioning Between Stomatal and Non-stomatal Pathways].

To better understand the ozone deposition and risk assessment over agroecosystems based on the ozone flux indices, an eddy-covariance system was used for measuring the ozone deposition continuously and dynamically in a winter wheat field. We analyzed the variations in ozone concentration, total ozone flux, and stomatal and non-stomatal flux. The relationships between stomatal/non-stomatal ozone deposition velocity and the main meteorological factors were investigated. Finally, the yield losses of winter wheat based on the ozone-dose index (AOT40) and ozone flux index (DFs06) were calculated. Results showed that average daily ozone concentration (cO3) was 32.9 nL·L-1. The daytime (08:00-18:00) and nighttime total ozone flux (FO3) were -7.6 nmol·(m2·s)-1 and -3.1 nmol·(m2·s)-1, respectively, and the mean diurnal FO3 was -5.1 nmol·(m2·s)-1. The mean daily stomatal ozone flux (Fs) and non-stomatal ozone flux (Fns) ranged from 0 to -5.1 nmol·(m2·s)-1 and from -1.43 to -10.31 nmol·(m2·s)-1, respectively. The mean diurnal Fs and Fns were -1.43 nmol·(m2·s)-1 and -3.66 nmol·(m2·s)-1. High solar radiation (SR), high temperature (T), and moderate humidity were used to analyze stomatal ozone deposition; high SR, moderate T, and high humidity were suitable to analyze non-stomatal ozone deposition. The cumulative total ozone flux (DFO3), cumulative stomatal ozone flux (DFs), and cumulative non-stomatal ozone flux (DFns) were 31.58, 9.99, and 21.59 mmol·m-2 during the entire experimental period, and DFs and DFns accounted for 32% and 68% of DFO3. The ranges of yield loss in winter wheat were estimated at 11.58%-20.37% and 20%-23.56% using different assessment models based on the ozone dose index AOT40 and ozone flux index DFs06, respectively.

The Effect of Elevated Ozone Concentrations with Varying Shading on Dry Matter Loss in a Winter Wheat-Producing Region in China.

Surface-level ozone pollution causes crop production loss by directly reducing healthy green leaf area available for carbon fixation. Ozone and its precursors also affect crop photosynthesis indirectly by decreasing solar irradiance. Pollutants are reported to have become even more severe in Eastern China over the last ten years. In this study, we investigated the effect of a combination of elevated ozone concentrations and reduced solar irradiance on a popular winter wheat Yangmai13 (Triticum aestivum L.) at field and regional levels in China. Winter wheat was grown in artificial shading and open-top-chamber environments. Treatment 1 (T1, i.e., 60% shading with an enhanced ozone of 100±9 ppb), Treatment 2 (T2, i.e., 20% shading with an enhanced ozone of 100±9 ppb), and Control Check Treatment (CK, i.e., no shading with an enhanced ozone of 100±9 ppb), with two plots under each, were established to investigate the response of winter wheat under elevated ozone concentrations and varying solar irradiance. At the field level, linear temporal relationships between dry matter loss and cumulative stomatal ozone uptake were first established through a parameterized stomatal-flux model. At the regional level, ozone concentrations and meteorological variables, including solar irradiance, were simulated using the WRF-CMAQ model (i.e., a meteorology and air quality modeling system). These variables were then used to estimate cumulative stomatal ozone uptake for the four major winter wheat-growing provinces. The regional-level cumulative ozone uptake was then used as the independent variable in field data-based regression models to predict dry matter loss over space and time. Field-level results showed that over 85% (T1: R(2) = 0.85 & T2: R(2) = 0.89) of variation in dry matter loss was explained by cumulative ozone uptake. Dry matter was reduced by 3.8% in T1 and 2.2% in T2 for each mmol O3·m(-2) of cumulative ozone uptake. At the regional level, dry matter loss in winter wheat would reach 50% under elevated ozone concentrations and reduced solar irradiance as determined in T1, and 30% under conditions as determined in T2. Results from this study suggest that a combination of elevated ozone concentrations and reduced solar irradiance could result in substantial dry matter loss in the Chinese wheat-growing regions.

[Nitrous oxide flux at the water-air interface of the rivers in Nanjing during summer].

Employing floating static chamber-chromatography method, the N2O diurnal fluxes at the water-air interface of four rivers (Tuanjie River, Jinchuan River, Inner and Outer Qinhuai River) and Jinniu Lake were monitored in Nanjing during summer. The results show that four rivers act as the sources of N2O emission, but Jinniu Lake is characterized by the absorption of N2O. The highest N2O flux from Inner Qinhuai presented at 20:00 because of the changing of hydrodynamic conditions. Both Jinchuan and Tuanjie rivers' minimum N2O fluxes were detected when the content of dissolved oxygen was extremely low. The tendency of N2O from Outer Qinhuai showed a double-peak because of its daytime nitrification and nocturnal denitrification. The flux of N2O from Jinniu Lake had been noted as being generally higher at night than that during light hours due to the effect of wind. For natural rivers, the proper sampling period is from 08:00 to 12:00, but for the river subjected to interference, the sampling period is different.

[An improved method and its application for agricultural drought monitoring based on remote sensing].

From the viewpoint of land surface evapotranspiration, and by using the semi-empirical evapotranspiration model based on the Priestley-Taylor equation and the land surface temperature-vegetation index (LST-VI) triangle algorithm, the current monitoring technology of agricultural drought based on remote sensing was improved, and a simplified Evapotranspiration Stress Index (SESI) was derived. With the application of the MODIS land products from March to November in 2008 and 2009, the triangle algorithm modeling with three different schemes was constructed to calculate the SESI to monitor the agricultural drought in the plain areas of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, in comparison with the Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI). The results showed that SESI could effectively simplify the remote sensing drought monitoring method, and there was a good agreement between SESI and surface soil (10 and 20 cm depth) moisture content. Moreover, the performance of SESI was better in spring and autumn than in summer, and the SESI during different periods was more comparable than TVDI. It was feasible to apply the SESI to the continuous monitoring of a large area of agricultural drought.

An analysis of influential factors on outdoor thermal comfort in summer.

A variety of research has linked high temperature to outdoor thermal comfort in summer, but it remains unclear how outdoor meteorological environments influence people's thermal sensation in subtropical monsoon climate areas, especially in China. In order to explain the process, and to better understand the related influential factors, we conducted an extensive survey of thermally comfortable conditions in open outdoor spaces. The goal of this study was to gain an insight into the subjects' perspectives on weather variables and comfort levels, and determine the factors responsible for the varying human thermal comfort response in summer. These perceptions were then compared to actual ambient conditions. The database consists of surveys rated by 205 students trained from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm outdoors from 21 to 25 August 2009, at Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China. The multiple regression approach and simple factor analysis of variance were used to investigate the relationships between thermal comfort and meteorological environment, taking into consideration individual mood, gender, level of regular exercise, and previous environmental experiences. It was found that males and females have similar perceptions of maximum temperature; in the most comfortable environment, mood appears to have a significant influence on thermal comfort, but the influence of mood diminishes as the meteorological environment becomes increasingly uncomfortable. In addition, the study confirms the strong relationship between thermal comfort and microclimatic conditions, including solar radiation, atmospheric pressure, maximum temperature, wind speed and relative humidity, ranked by importance. There are also strong effects of illness, clothing and exercise, all of which influence thermal comfort. We also find that their former place of residence influences people's thermal comfort substantially by setting expectations. Finally, some relationships between thermal perception and amount of exercise, thermal experience, mood, clothing, illness and microclimate, etc., are established. Our findings also shed light on how to resist or adapt to outdoor hyperthermic conditions during summer in subtropical monsoon climate areas.

[Effects of reduced solar radiation on winter wheat flag leaf net photosynthetic rate].

Taking winter wheat Triticum aestivum L. (cv. Yangmai 13) as test material, a field experiment was conducted in Nanjing City to study the effects of simulated reduced solar radiation on the diurnal variation of winter wheat flag leaf photosynthetic rate and the main affecting factors. Five treatments were installed, i. e., 15% (T15), 20% (T20) , 40% (T40), 60% (T60), and 100% (CK) of total incident solar radiation. Reduced solar irradiance increased the chlorophyll and lutein contents significantly, but decreased the net photosynthetic rate (Pn). Under different solar irradiance, the diurnal variation of Pn had greater difference, and the daily maximum Pn was in the order of CK > T60 > T40 > T 20 > T15. In CK, the Pn exhibited a double peak diurnal curve; while in the other four treatments, the Pn showed a single peak curve, and the peak was lagged behind that of CK. Correlation analysis showed that reduced solar irradiance was the main factor affecting the diurnal variation of Pn, but the physiological parameters also played important roles in determining the diurnal variation of Pn. In treatments T60 and T40, the photosynthesis active radiation (PAR), leaf temperature (T1) , stomatal conductance (Gs) , and transpiration rate (Tr) were significantly positively correlated with Pn, suggesting their positive effects on Pn. The intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and stomatal limitation (Ls) had significant negative correlations with Pn in treatments T60 and T40 but significant positive correlations with Pn in treatments T20 and T15, implying that the Ci and Ls had negative (or positive) effects on Pn when the solar irradiance was higher (or lower) than 40% of incident solar irradiance.

[Influences of Potamogeton crispus population on the lake water quality distribution].

A continuing 26-hour monitoring is given on the physical and chemical indicators of the water around the Potamogeton crispus population in Xuanwu Lake, Nanjing City to study the consequent environmental effects. The result shows that both the highest (11.85 mg/L) and the lowest (9.90 mg/L) DO concentrations occur in the population, while the DO concentration decreases with increasing distance from the population. The DO concentration difference of the surface and bottom waters within the population and the open waters is slight, yet it is more obvious in the junction between the population and the open waters. The pH value declines from the population to the open waters. The maximum pH value of the surface water within the population is 10.3, and the minimum value outside the population is 9.2. The pH value of surface water is higher than the bottom within the population, but there is no such difference in the open waters. The TDS content increases with increasing distance from the population, which shows the maximum is 216.9 mg/L of the surface water and the minimum is 177.7 mg/L outside the population. The TDS value of the surface is lower than that in the bottom. The TN, NO2(-) -N, NO3(-) -N contents also increase with the increasing distance from the population, in that the TN content is lower than 2.00 mg/L within the population while the outside is higher than 2.00 mg/L; the NO2(-) -N content is less than 0.026 mg/L within the population while the outside is higher than 0.026 mg/L; the NO3(-) -N content is lower than 1.25 mg/L within the population while the outside is mostly higher than 1.25 mg/L. The TN, NO2(-) -N, NO3(-) -N contents of the surface water are lower than those in the bottom, but the difference is insignificant (p > 0.05). There is no significant difference of the NH4(+) -N content between the inner population and the external and the surface and the bottom. The TP and PO4(3-) -P contents of the surface water are lower than those in the bottom within the population, in that the TP, PO4(3-) -P contents of the highest point of the surface water within the population are 90.9% and 69.64% higher than the lowest point outside the population. The TP and PO4(3-) -P contents of the bottom water are significantly higher than those of the surface within the population, but the difference is slight from outside the population. Therefore, the Potamogeton crispus population plays an important role in improving the lake water quality.

[Combination effects of enhanced UV-B radiation and O3 stress on photosynthetic characteristics of winter wheat].

Experiments were conducted under open-top-chambers conditions to assess the photosynthetic responses of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L., YangMail6) to supplemental UV-B radiation (10%-10.9% higher then control group, T1) and enhanced ozone [(100 +/- 9) nmol x mol(-1), T2], separately and in combination (combination treatment, T3), making use of LCpro + Portable Photosynthesis System and DIVING-PAM Fluorometer to determine gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Results indicated that P(n), G(s), T(r), P(m) and I(k) of T1, T2 and T3 treatments decreased significantly compared to CK (control group, natural air and UV-B radiant intensity condition), while there were no differences between T3 and T1 or T2 or both in major growth stages. UV-B fiercely inhibited the stomatal conductance and transpiration of plants, while T1 stimulated stomata opening and transpiration in jointing stage. Dark respiration (R(d)) of T1 was increased, while no significance difference was found between T2 and CK or T3 and CK in most stages. T1 and T2 reduced F(v)/F(m) value only in booting stage, while T3 was significant lower than CK except jointing stage. qP value declined significantly in treatments of T1, T2 and T3 as Compared to CK, with decreasing amplitude occurring in the order T3 > T1 > T2. NPQ, Y (NPQ), Y (NO) value of T1, T2 and T3 treatments increased significantly compared to CK, with maximum increasing amplitude occurring in the order T3 > T1 > T2, of which NPQ of T1 and T2 turned to decrease since filling stage, and T3 turned to decrease since flowering stage to a greater degree than T1 and T2. T1, T2 and T3 also caused significance reduction in Y (II), with reducing amplitude occurring in the order T3 > T1 > T2. Obviously, supplemental UV-B radiation and enhanced ozone caused a significant decrease in gas exchange capacity, maximum photochemical capacity and photosynthetic activity of winter wheat, and the photoprotective mechanism was damage, leading to greater proportion of excitation energy dissipated in the form of non-regulated heat and fluorescence. The photosystems of winter wheat were damaged by both excess energy and UV-B or excess energy and O3, or excess energy, UV-B and O3 together. UV-B and O3 in combination enhanced the negative effects on photo-protective mechanisms and excitation energy distribution in PS II compared to UV-B or O3 alone, while the interactive effects were less than addition.

[Effects of ozone stress upon winter wheat photosynthesis, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems].

Stress effects of surface increased ozone concentration on winter wheat photosynthesis, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant systems in varied growth stages (jointing stage, booting stage, blooming stage and grain filling stage) were studied, the winter wheat was exposed to open top chambers (OTCs) in an open field conditions to three levels ozone concentrations (CK, 100 nmol x mol(-1), 150 nmol x mol(-1)). The results revealed that within 150 nmol x mol(-1) ozone concentration, as the ozone concentration and time increased,total chlorophyll content,chlorophyll a and b contents of winter wheat leaves were general declined,but compared to CK, the total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a content of T1 treatment groups were a little higher at booting and blooming stage; the conductance of stomatal was affected, the activation of unit leaf area decreased, intercellular CO2 concentration and stomatal limitation value showed a fluctuation change tendency. At the same time, a self-protective mechanism of winter wheat were launched. Concrete expression of SOD activity first increased rapidly and then gradually decreased, the activity of POD showed a decrease firstly and then rapidly increased. From the jointing stage to the blooming stage and from the grain filling stage one to grain filling stage two, the activity of CAT rapidly increased first and then comparatively decreased, but the content of MDA kept steadily rising. The carotenoid content increased first and then decreased, heat dissipation of unit leaf area increased. These results indicate that antioxidant enzymes can not completely eliminate excessive reactive oxygen species in vivo of winter wheat, then lead to accumulation of reactive oxygen species, further exacerbate the lipid peroxidation, that result in the increase of membrane permeability, degradation of chlorophyll, reduction of net photosynthetic rate, imposing on the winter wheat leaves senescence process.

[Effects of long-term ozone exposure on chlorophyll a fluorescence and gas exchange of winter-wheat leaves].

In order to provide basis for evaluating the effects of air pollutant such as O3 on crops yield and food security, the effects of O3 fumigation (ambient air, CK; 100 nL x L(-1), T1; 150 nL x L(-1), T2) on chlorophyll a fluorescence and gas exchange of a field-grown winter-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Yang Mai 13) in different growing period were conducted via open-top chamber technique in conjunction with Diving-PAM fluorometer and LC pro + photosynthesis system. Results indicated that Fv/Fm caused by T1 was higher than 0.8, while the Pm, qP, (1-qP)/NPQ and Y(NO) were similar to those of CK, the NPQ and Y(NPQ) were increased by 13.5%-29.0% and 13.3%-22.7% respectively due to O3 stress. Under nature light (rapid light curve, RLC) and after dark adaptation (induction curve in steady-state, IC) the Yield of T1 was decreased by 4.6%-7.6% and 11.3%-19.3% respectively, with 8.0%-9.8% and 11.0%-23.1% reductions in Pn, and Gs compared to CK, respectively. In heading stage and blooming stage, the Ls of T, was greater than CK, but in filling stage and mature stage, it became lower compared to CK. The Fv/Fm was slightly lower than 0.8 under T2 treatment, with the Y(NO), (1-qP)/NPQ and c(i) were increased by 37.9%-75.6%, 157.1%-325.8% and 3.4%-18.1% relative to CK. Under RLC and IC condition, the Yield of T2 was respectively decreased by 10.2%-13.6% and 21.4%-29.1%, and the Pn, Ls, qP, Pm, NPQ and Y(NPQ) were decreased by 28.1%-39.9%, 5.2%-21.3%, 15.8%-30.4%, 27.6%-45.6%, 3.3%-52.9% and 5.7%-17.9% in comparison, respectively. Obviously the enhanced O3 causes a significant decrease in the capacity of photosynthesis of winter wheat, and the influence mechanism presents a series of dynamic changes according to growing seasons. The reduction of Fv/Fm under T1 treatment is a response of PS II reaction center to the increase of NPQ, and the decrease in Pn and Yield is a consequence of protective adjustment, by this approach, the antioxidant system and energy dissipation mechanism can thus prevent light damage to the PS II reaction center of winter wheat. Under T2 treatment, the CO2 assimilation and Q(A) re-oxidizing during actinic illumination are restricted, the energy dissipation mechanism was destroyed, and the reduction of photosynthesis was mainly due to damage in photosystem caused by O3 and excess light. The critical loads for O3 of PS II reaction center is between 100 nL x L(-1) and 150 nL x L(-1) close to 100 nL x L(-1). While the Fv/Fm value is not an effective index for assessing O3 influence on winter-wheat. Although the winter-wheat can have certain adapted ability to O3 stress, the growing enhancement of surface O3 is still a great threat to agricultural production in China.

The urban heat island and its impact on heat waves and human health in Shanghai.

With global warming forecast to continue into the foreseeable future, heat waves are very likely to increase in both frequency and intensity. In urban regions, these future heat waves will be exacerbated by the urban heat island effect, and will have the potential to negatively influence the health and welfare of urban residents. In order to investigate the health effects of the urban heat island (UHI) in Shanghai, China, 30 years of meteorological records (1975-2004) were examined for 11 first- and second-order weather stations in and around Shanghai. Additionally, automatic weather observation data recorded in recent years as well as daily all-cause summer mortality counts in 11 urban, suburban, and exurban regions (1998-2004) in Shanghai have been used. The results show that different sites (city center or surroundings) have experienced different degrees of warming as a result of increasing urbanization. In turn, this has resulted in a more extensive urban heat island effect, causing additional hot days and heat waves in urban regions compared to rural locales. An examination of summer mortality rates in and around Shanghai yields heightened heat-related mortality in urban regions, and we conclude that the UHI is directly responsible, acting to worsen the adverse health effects from exposure to extreme thermal conditions.

Facile synthesis of hollow Co3O4 microspheres and its use as a rapid responsive CL sensor of combustible gases.

The hollow Co(3)O(4) microspheres (HCMs) were prepared by the carbonaceous templates, which did not need the surface pretreatment. The chemiluminescence (CL) and catalytic properties for CO oxidation over these hollow samples were evaluated. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy disperse spectra (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (ED), X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and N(2) adsorption. The influences of filter' band length, flow rate of gas, test temperature, and particle structure on CL intensities were mainly investigated. It was found that compared with the solid Co(3)O(4) particles (SCPs), HCMs had a stronger CL intensity, which was ascribed to its hollow structure; and that CL properties of the catalysts were well correlated with their reaction activities. Moreover, HCMs were used to fabricate a highly sensitive gas detector, which is a rapid and effective method for the selection of catalysts or the detection of environmental deleterious gases.

A CL mode detector for rapid catalyst selection and environmental detection fabricated by perovskite nanoparticles.

La(1-x)Sr(x)MnO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8) nanoparticles were synthesized and their chemiluminescence (CL) and catalytic properties of CO oxidation were determined. We mainly investigated the influences of filter band length, flow rate of gas, test temperature, catalyst compositions, and particle size on CL intensities and catalytic activities of the catalysts. The catalysts were characterized by means of XRD, TEM, N2 adsorption isotherm, CO-TPD, and O2-TPD, etc. It was found that the strong CL response signals occurred over these perovskites nanoparticles; and that CL properties of the catalysts were well correlated with the reaction activities. These nanoparticles can be used to fabricate a stable gas detector due to a high activity and stability of perovskite structure. CL mode could be a rapid and effective method for the selection of new catalysts from thousands of materials, as well as for the detection of environmental deleterious gases.

Degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol by combining sonolysis and different additives.

Based on the effects of various additives on ultrasonic degradation of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) in aqueous solution, the degradation mechanisms and reaction kinetics of DNP in different processes were proposed. The results showed that some additives, such as CuO, CCl(4), O(3), NaCl and KI, were favorable for DNP sonochemical degradation. On the contrary, DNP degradation efficiency was restrained by Na(2)CO(3), indicating that OH radicals oxidation played an important role in DNP ultrasonic removal. The significant increases in DNP degradation in US/CuO/H(2)O(2), US/CCl(4) and US/O(3) systems were also related to the intermediates formed during the reactions, such as HO(2)/O(2)(-) radicals, chlorine-containing radicals and HClO. In addition, DNP ultrasonic removal was observed to behave as pseudo-first-order kinetics under different experimental conditions tested in the present work.