Seasonal trends in concentrations and fluxes of volatile organic compounds above central London

Concentrations and fluxes of seven volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured between August and December 2012 at a roof-top site in central London as part of the ClearfLo project (Clean Air for London). VOC concentrations were quantified using a proton transfer reaction-mass spectrometer and fluxes were calculated using a virtual disjunct eddy covariance technique. The median VOC fluxes, including aromatics, oxygenated compounds and isoprene, ranged from 0.07 to 0.33 mg m−2 h−1 and mixing ratios were 7.27 ppb for methanol (m / z 33) and <1 ppb for the remaining compounds. Strong relationships were observed between most VOC fluxes and concentrations with traffic density, but also with photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and temperature for the oxygenated compounds and isoprene. An estimated 50–90 % of aromatic fluxes were attributable to traffic activity, which showed little seasonal variation, suggesting boundary layer effects or possibly advected pollution may be the primary causes of increased concentrations of aromatics in winter. PAR and temperature-dependent processes accounted for the majority of isoprene, methanol and acetaldehyde fluxes and concentrations in August and September, when fluxes and concentrations were largest. Modelled biogenic isoprene fluxes using the G95 algorithm agreed well with measured fluxes in August and September, due to urban vegetation. Comparisons of estimated annual benzene emissions from the London and National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory agreed well with measured benzene fluxes. Flux footprint analysis indicated emission sources were localized and that boundary layer dynamics and source strengths were responsible for temporal and spatial VOC flux and concentration variability during the measurement period

Quantification and uncertainty of root growth stimulation by elevated CO₂ in a mature temperate deciduous forest

Increasing CO2 levels are a major global challenge, and the potential mitigation of anthropogenic CO2 emissions by natural carbon sinks remains poorly understood. The uptake of elevated CO2 (eCO2) by the terrestrial biosphere, and subsequent sequestration as biomass in ecosystems, remain hard to quantify in natural ecosystems. Here, we combine field observations of fine root stocks and flows, derived from belowground imaging and soil cores, with image analysis, stochastic modelling, and statistical inference, to elucidate belowground root dynamics in a mature temperate deciduous forest under free-air eCO2 to 150 ppm above ambient levels. eCO2 led to relatively faster root production (a peak volume fold change of 4.52 ± 0.44 eCO2 versus 2.58 ± 0.21 control), with increased root elongation relative to decay the likely causal mechanism for this acceleration. Physical analysis of 552 root systems from soil cores support this picture, with lengths and widths of fine roots significantly increasing under eCO2. Estimated fine root contributions to belowground net primary productivity increase under eCO2 (mean annual 204 ± 93 g dw m−2 yr−1 eCO2 versus 140 ± 60 g dw m−2 yr−1 control). This multi-faceted approach thus sheds quantitative light on the challenging characterisation of the eCO2 response of root biomass in mature temperate forests.</p

Modelling component evaporation and composition change of traffic-induced ultrafine particles during travel from street canyon to urban background

We developed a model (CiTTy-Street-UFP) of traffic-related particle behaviour in a street canyon and in the nearby downwind urban background that accounts for aerosol dynamics and the variable vapour pressure of component organics. The model simulates the evolution and fate of traffic generated multicomponent ultrafine particles (UFP) composed of a non-volatile core and 17 Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC, modelled asn-alkane proxies). A two-stage modelling approach is adopted: (1) a steady state simulation inside the street canyon is achieved, in which there exists a balance between traffic emissions, condensation/evaporation, deposition, coagulation and exchange with the air above roof-level; and (2) a continuing simulation of the above-roof air parcel advected to the nearby urban park during which evaporation is dominant. We evaluate the component evaporation and associated composition changes of multicomponent organic particles in realistic atmospheric conditions and compare our results with observations from London (UK) in a street canyon and an urban park. With plausible input conditions and parameter settings, the model can reproduce, with reasonable fidelity, size distributions in central London in 2007. The modelled nucleation-mode peak diameter, which is 23 nm in the steady-state street canyon, decreases to 9 nm in a travel time of just 120 s. All modelled SVOC in the sub-10 nm particle size range have evaporated leaving behind only non-volatile material, whereas modelled particle composition in the Aitken mode contains SVOC between C26H54and C32H66. No data on particle composition are available in the study used for validation, or elsewhere. Measurements addressing in detail the size resolved composition of the traffic emitted UFP in the atmosphere are a high priority for future research. Such data would improve the representation of these particles in dispersion models and provide the data essential for model validation. Enhanced knowledge of the chemical composition of nucleation-mode particles from diesel engine exhaust is needed to predict both their atmospheric behaviour and their implications for human health.</p

Pangenome comparison of Bacteroides fragilis genomospecies unveils genetic diversity and ecological insights

Bacteroides fragilis is a Gram-negative commensal bacterium commonly found in the human colon, which differentiates into two genomospecies termed divisions I and II. Through a comprehensive collection of 694 B. fragilis whole genome sequences, we identify novel features distinguishing these divisions. Our study reveals a distinct geographic distribution with division I strains predominantly found in North America and division II strains in Asia. Additionally, division II strains are more frequently associated with bloodstream infections, suggesting a distinct pathogenic potential. We report differences between the two divisions in gene abundance related to metabolism, virulence, stress response, and colonization strategies. Notably, division II strains harbor more antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes than division I strains. These findings offer new insights into the functional roles of division I and II strains, indicating specialized niches within the intestine and potential pathogenic roles in extraintestinal sites.ImportanceUnderstanding the distinct functions of microbial species in the gut microbiome is crucial for deciphering their impact on human health. Classifying division II strains as Bacteroides fragilis can lead to erroneous associations, as researchers may mistakenly attribute characteristics observed in division II strains to the more extensively studied division I B. fragilis. Our findings underscore the necessity of recognizing these divisions as separate species with distinct functions. We unveil new findings of differential gene prevalence between division I and II strains in genes associated with intestinal colonization and survival strategies, potentially influencing their role as gut commensals and their pathogenicity in extraintestinal sites. Despite the significant niche overlap and colonization patterns between these groups, our study highlights the complex dynamics that govern strain distribution and behavior, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these microorganisms