Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Siegel, S. M..
The similarities and differences in salt and cold tolerance mechanisms of Dunaliella salina and Dunaliella tertiolecta are described.
A preview is presented of the survival and growth capabilities of higher plants in non-aqueous, inert liquids. The two media which were used are mineral (white) oil and fluorochemical inert liquid FC-75. Both liquids dissolve oxygen and carbon dioxide readily, but are insoluble in water. Consequently, plants submerged in these liquids are capable of gas exchange with the atmosphere, but possess a water impermeable coating the dimensions of which are determined by the size of the liquid holding container. In a sense, growing plants in a tank of mineral oil imparts on them a cuticle. Plants plus prescribed volumes of water were innoculated into mineral oil. Organisms with minimal water supplied could then be observed. Also, submersed plants covered with an oil slick were shown to be capable of growth in dessicating atmospheres.
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Volatile, organic solvent soluble mercury has been found in leaves and seeds of several angiosperms. Leaves of garlic vine, avocado, and haole-koa release mercury in volatile form rapidly at room temperature. In garlic vine, the most active release is temperature dependent, but does not parallel the vapor-pressure temperature relationship for mercury. Mercury can be trapped in nitric-perchloric acid digestion fluid, or n-hexane, but is lost from the hexane unless the acid mixture is present. Seeds of haole-koa also contain extractable mercury but volatility declines in the series n-hexane (90%), methanol (50%), water (10%). This suggests that reduced volatility may accompany solvolysis in the more polar media.
The metabolism of winter rye seedlings (Secale cereale, L. cv. Winter) cultured in 99.6% D2O was investigated. Compared with water grown seedlings, the protein content was much lower in the D2O cultured seedlings and the incorporation of H(3)-leucine and H(3)-phenylalanine into medium to high molecular weight proteins was partially blocked. The synthesis of the enzyme peroxidase was also reduced in the D2O plants. Seedlings cultured in D2O incorporate H(3)-thymidine into DNA, but do not take up H(3)-uridine. These results suggest that some of the toxic effects of D2O culture on higher plants can be attributed to a partial block of protein synthesis.
A study was conducted to determine the effects of mercury pollution on the environment. The possible sources of mercury contamination in sea water are identified. The effects of mercury on food sources, as represented by swordfish, are analyzed. The physiological effects of varying concentrations of mercury are reported. Emphasis is placed on the situation existing in the Hawaiian Islands.
An analysis of lead toxicity in the Hawaiian environment was conducted. It was determined that lead enters the environment as an industrial contaminant resulting from the combustion of leaded gasoline. The amount of lead absorbed by the plants in various parts of the Hawaiian Islands is reported. The disposition of lead in the sediments of canals and yacht basins was investigated. The methods for conducting the surveys of lead content are described. Possible consequences of continued environmental pollution by burning leaded gasoline are discussed.
Aerometric studies concerning the level of atmospheric mercury were conducted at a number of sites in Iceland during June and July 1972. Samples from widely separated locations yielded Hg concentrations well above the range commonly cited for unpolluted air. Atmospheric mercury may be introduced in part by degassing fluid magmas. However, the release from fine ash could also serve as a vehicle. It is pointed out that from the mid-17th century to the present, Iceland has recorded nearly 50 volcanic eruptions.
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Comparison of xenon trioxide for toxicity in the few common oxidants using three bioassays. On a molar basis XeO3 and HOCl were similar, but XeO3 was less active than expected when comparisons were based on normality.
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An analysis shows that 98% of mercury from Hawaiian fumaroles is gaseous or solid particles less than 0.3 micron in diameter. It is suggested that both natural and industrial sources may be contributors to mercury pollution of the air in Hawaii.
Investigating inhibitory activity of lichens on growth of seed plants and ferns
Investigating relationship of lignin content to height in dwarf and regular-sized alpine plants of Iceland
Searching for Precambrian relict microorganism in Iceland