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Qatar University Life Science Symposium 2016: Biodiversity, Sustainability and Climate Change, with Perspectives from Qatar

  • Conference date: 4-5 Dec 2016
  • Location: Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
  • Volume number: 2016
  • Published: 30 November 2016

41 - 49 of 49 results

    • Mediation of carbonate minerals formation by aerobic bacterial strains isolated from Dohat Faishakh Sabkha in Qatar

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.41

      Carbon dioxide (CO) is increasingly released to the environment as a result of the extensive use of various industrial facilities. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report (2015), cumulative emissions of CO largely determine global mean surface warming by the late 21st century and beyond”. Different technologies can be applied for capturing and storing CO2 such as sequestration and carbonate mineral storage. Biominerals are of great importance due to their huge impact on the global biogeochemical cycle. Carbonates such as limestone and dolomite are important carbon reservoirs. Calcium carbonate formation and its burial in marine sediments account for approximately 80% of total carbon removal from the Earth's surface by abiotic and biotic precipitation. The biotic precipitation of calcium carbonates, is performed by various organisms, including bacteria, and has been widely reported and discussed in the literature, while, the formation of high-magnesium calcites is extremely challenging, due to the high level of hydration of Mg2+ ions, which promote the formation of Mg-free aragonite, rather than calcite. The dynamic evaporitic systems characteristic of sabkhas are crucial for the precipitation of minerals, and a role for microorganisms in sabkhas in the process of mineralization has been proposed. In this study the Dohat Faishakh Sabkha in Qatar was investigated for evidenc of the role of aerobic bacteria in mediating the formation of high magnesium carbonates and dolomite, two minerals that commonly occur in the sabkha sediments. 29 strains of aerobic microbes isolated from the sabkha and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as belonging to the genera , , and, primarily, . All strains examined caused the pH of the artificial growth medium to increase from 7 to 8.5; however, not all were capable of mediating mineral formation. Only and spp. isolates mediated the formation of detectable solid phases within the agar plates. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray (SEM/EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses indicate that the solid phase produced in the presence of these bacterial strains is MgCa(CO) with a MgCO mol% varying from 0% to 40%. The results of these laboratory experiments suggested that, in the Dohat Faishakh Sabkha, aerobic bacteria may contribute in the formation o very high Mg calcite, a mineral that is considered the precursor of ordered dolomite.

    • Online monitoring of climatic parameters: a statistical study about environmental changes in Qatar

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.42

      Twentieth century has witnessed unprecedented changes in the climate whose profound effects are also observed on ecosystem and human life. The source of these changes are presumed to be increasing concentration of greenhouse gases which result into rise in temperature worldwide. Unwanted effects have also been observed in the Gulf region in terms of reduced but intensive and unpredictable rainfall, average increase in temperature, sea level rise, lack of drinking water and regular drought. Qatar, being a richest country whose economic growth depends on petroleum and natural gas industry, is paying focus on its environmental development programs, which is also a goal of recent national vision. In this study, we have focused on monitoring of temperature and rainfall pattern in Qatar through different control charting schemes, i.e., memory less (Shewhart) and memory type (EWMA and CUSUM) control charting structures; while time series analysis was performed for the period of 1990–2012. It has been observed that temperature have increasing trend while rainfall depicts decreasing trend in last decades. Furthermore, forecasting of average weather is made by memory type structures which may serve as principle tool in environmental development initiatives.

    • Allelopathic effects of . on seed germination of some crop plants and their associated weeds

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.43

      . is a widespread tree that has been known for its allelopathic potential causing biological inhibition on plant seed germination. Leaf extract of . was evaluated for its allelopathic influence on various plant crops. Laboratory and field experiments were conducted to study its allelopathic effects on seed germination and seedling growth. Various concentrations of leaf extract (0, 1.25%, 2.5 and 5%) were prepared and used while in the greenhouse experiment, leaf powder was mixed with soil at concentrations of (0, 15, 30 and 45 g/kg soil). Results revealed that leaf aqueous extract of affected significantly seed germination of all selected plant crops under laboratory condition. Highest inhibition was observed with 5% concentration compared to control that was treated with distilled water. In addition, it was that leaf extract of had maximum inhibitory effect on roots growth compared to shoots of the studied seedling. Greenhouse experiment demonstrated that exhibited significant allelopathic activity on wheat germination but did not affect plant growth characteristics based on all treatments. However, leaf extracts showed positive effect on Mustard germination and plant growth. The inhibitory substances present in L leaves could be used as a potential environmental friendly herbicide. However, allelopathy is a complex process where further studies should be done in order to understand types of chemical molecules, mode of action of the Allelochemicals on physiology and biochemical process of weeds and crop plants. Attention and effort should be made more in allelopathy now a days because of environmental protection issues as well as the need of organic food so allelopathy will have great value in sustainable agriculture in future.

    • The fate of in the face of climate change: A Qatar case study

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.44

      Over the past 22 years, annual mean temperatures have increased by 1C in Qatar and even greater increases are projected in the future. Since lizards depend on thermoregulation to survive, how do such rises in air temperature affect the Eastern sandfish in Qatar? exclusively inhabit Barchan dunes, which are restricted to the South-Eastern region of the country and are currently disappearing due to the North-Westerly Al Shamal winds driving them into the sea. Loss of this ecosystem, coupled with climate change pose serious risk to the survival of . Our study was carried out in two tiers. In the first we set out to estimate dune-dependent population densities, while in the second tier of the study we observed sandfish activity in relation to soil temperature. Sandfish (106) were captured and tagged from 5 terrestrial Barchan dunes in Qatar over a period of 10 months. The captured sandfish ranged from 6 to 29 cm in length and, weighed between 2 and 47 g. Sandfish population estimates were generated for 3 large dunes (Slip face area 1.7 × 104 −  2.5 × 104 m2) and ranged from 30–92 individuals while survival probability ranged from 0.39–0.76 per dune, respectively. Population size (R2 = 0.645) and survival probability (R2 = 0.953) were positively correlated with insect abundance within each dune. Sandfish were observed on the surface of sand dunes at soil temperatures of 35 to 55C. However sandfish were absent at the mean soil temperature of 44.7C and present at the mean soil temperature of 43.5C, a small difference of 1.2C between the 2 means. Heating of the sandfish significantly affected their ability to carry out activities such as foraging, traveling and interacting. This is the first attempt at creating population baselines and understanding the ecology of in the Barchan dunes of Qatar. Our results may be used to inform environmental management policies in order to preserve this fragile ecosystem.

    • Waste audit: Pathway to attain sustainability at Qatar University

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.45

      Waste audit has proved to be a valuable first step in development of a viable waste minimization and recycling program. Waste characterization has been successfully used at many educational institutions in the United States and elsewhere for advancing campus sustainability plan. As part of the requirements for the special topic course: “Solid and Hazardous Waste Management,” taught by the first author at the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, in Spring 2016, students conducted waste audit of selected buildings on the campus. The designated buildings were visited before performing the waste audit and a questionnaire was used to record vital information about each building. Using common materials along with a portable electronic balance, the students sorted the waste into various categories to determine relative amount of each type generated at a particular building. The audit was conducted twice at each of the four buildings to obtain an average value. While the waste stream at the four buildings consisted essentially of paper, plastics, metals, and food waste, it was found that the relative abundance of each of type of waste was a function of the purpose and use of the building. Details of the waste audit procedure, materials and methods, along with discussion of the results obtained are included in the presentation. Results of the waste audit should provide baseline data for developing a sound waste minimization and recycling program at Qatar University. This information, combined with assessment of energy and water use on the campus, would serve as major steps in reduction of greenhouse gases by preventing recyclables from ending up in landfills; saving natural resources by increased recycling; and conservation of energy and water resources. Recommendations are made for expanding waste audit to cover all buildings on the campus to obtain comprehensive data for advancing Qatar University's sustainability plan. We recommend that a concerted effort be initiated to encourage the campus community to sort paper, plastic, metal, and food waste before tossing them into the trash receptacles; avoid co-mingling the waste, and to practice energy and water conservation.

    • Waste management and climate change mitigation

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.46

      Waste management has been identified as a viable option for mitigation of climate change (IPCC, 2007; UBA; 2011). This presentation surmises that buildup of greenhouse gases (GHGs) to alarming level–corresponding to CO concentration in excess of 400 ppm–would not have occurred if we had prevented release of environmental pollutants by managing the waste in an effective manner. As a society, we failed to manage our waste in an environmentally-safe way, which first resulted in causing pollution of land and water, followed by air. Even after becoming aware of the severity of land and water degradation around the middle of the 20th century, atmospheric pollution remained ignored because the turbulence in the troposphere quickly and effectively dispersed the polluting emissions, making it temporarily invisible. This thinking led to the slow but sure accumulation of harmful substances in the atmosphere to the point that its natural self-regulating ability got compromised resulting in heating of atmosphere, causing global warming and the ensuing climate change. Currently humanity is at an unprecedented juncture in its history, facing the critical issue of climate change that calls for concerted global effort to tackle global warming. While many of the suggested measures require large investment of capital and would take long time to achieve desired results, solid waste management to increase recycling, capture methane, minimize pollution; and simple steps to conserve water and energy resources, are measures that can be easily adopted. Combating climate change calls for strong political will and involvement of each individual. Recent events of 22 April, 2016 (USA Today, 2016) when 175 countries pledged to adopt recommendations of the Paris Agreement (UN, 2015), and the historic Kigali event of 15 October, 2016 (USEPA, 2016) where nearly 200 nations agreed to phase out/eliminate hydrofluorocarbons, are positive affirmation of the international community's will to move forward as global citizens of our home—the Earth. The presentation explains simple, common sense strategies to minimize the severity of climate change impacts, and the role citizens can play in accomplishing it. Importance of proper management of solid, liquid, and gaseous waste emissions in pollution abatement and climate change mitigation are highlighted in the presentation. Details of how proper waste management can cut down GHGs emissions, thus contributing to mitigation efforts, are discussed in the presentation.

    • Qatar University culture collection: A source of biodiversity and numerous applications

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.47

      Microalgae are photosynthetic microorganisms that can grow in different environments (sea water, fresh water, waste water soil, rocks….) and under various conditions (Light, pH, temperature, salinity….). During their phases of growth, they produce a variety of metabolites such as lipids, proteins and carbohydrates in large amounts over a short period of time. These metabolites can be processed into both biofuels and other useful bioproducts. Microalgal lipids can be converted to biodiesel via process called transesterification. The use of biodiesel will decrease the emission of harmful gases, which can help in reducing the greenhouse effects and global warming. It is nontoxic, biodegradable and has the potential to replace the conventional diesel fuel. The isolation of autochthonous microalgae, with high lipid-contents and biomass productivities, is a crucial aspect of the development of commercial production of microalgae-based biodiesel as well as food security. This is especially important for deployments in climates such as are found in Qatar, a peninsula in the west Arabian Gulf, which is characterized by an extreme desert climate. 53 autochthonous strains of microalgae were isolated from various freshwater, marine and terrestrial environments in Qatar that led to the establishment of the Qatar University Culture Collection of Cyanobacteria and Microalgae (QUCCCM). Strains were identified via ribotyping and characterized in terms of growth rate and lipid production. The molecular identification of the isolated strains showed a biodiversity and 13 different known genera were identified. Among them, is the most abundant freshwater known genus (22.64%), followed by (13.21%). Growth rate study evidenced a thermo and halotolerant isolate QUCCCM31. The strain is able to tolerate 45°C and wide salinity range 35–100 ppt. Determination of lipid content and lipid profiling indicated the presence of promising strains for biodiesel production such as sp. (strain QUCCCM31) with a promising FAME profile for biodiesel production. This study proved a biodiversity inside the Qatar University Culture collection with strains having different applications such as Biofuel as an environmental friendly alternative to the fossil fuel, and/or source of food and feed.

    • Atmospheric chemistry of (CF)CF-C ≡ N

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.48

      FTIR/smog chamber experiments and ab initio quantum calculations were performed to investigate the atmospheric chemistry of (CF)CFCN, a proposed replacement compound for the industrially important sulfur hexafluoride, SF. The present study determined (Cl+(CF)CFCN) = (2.33 ± 0.87) × 10–17, (OH + (CF)CFCN) = (1.45 ± 0.25) × 10− 15 and (O + (CF)CFCN) ≤  6 × 10− 24 cm3 molecule–1 s–1, respectively. The experiments were performed in 700 Torr of N or air diluent at 296 ± 1 K. The main atmospheric sink for (CF)CFCN was determined to be the reaction with OH radicals. In assessing the atmospheric impact of (CF)CFCN, an infrared spectrum was recorded, and the atmospheric lifetime, the radiative forcing, and the global warming potential (GWP) were calculated. The integrated cross section (650–1500 cm− 1) for (CF)CFCN is (2.22 ± 0.11) × 10− 16 cm2 molecule− 1 cm− 1 which results in a radiative efficiency of 0.217 W m− 2 ppb− 1. The 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) for (CF)CFCN was calculated to be 1490. The climate impact of (CF)CFCN is significantly lower than that of SF. This study provides a comprehensive description of the atmospheric fate of (CF)CFCN.

    • Atmospheric chemistry of E- and Z-CFCH = CHCF

      https://doi.org/10.5339/qproc.2016.qulss.49

      FTIR smog chamber experiments were performed to investigate the atmospheric fate of E- and Z-CFCH = CHCF (1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene). The experiments were performed to study reactions of E-CFCH = CHCF or Z-CFCH = CHCF with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O in 700 Torr of N/O diluents at 296 ± 2 K. The study determined the Cl atom, OH radical, and O kinetics and the mechanism of the atmospheric oxidation of E- and Z-CFCH = CHCF. The main atmospheric fate for both compounds is reaction with OH radicals. Atmospheric chemistry of the reaction of Z-CFCH = CHCF with OH and OD radicals were investigated by Baasandorj et al. in 2011, no other previous studies are available. The results of the present study are compared to the findings of Baasandorj et al. assessing the atmospheric impact of E- and Z-CFCH = CHCF. Infrared spectra were recorded, and the atmospheric lifetimes, the radiative forcings and global warming potentials (GWP) of the two butenes were calculated. This study provides a comprehensive description of the atmospheric fate of E- and Z-CFCH = CHCF. We present here the first results on the atmospheric chemistry of E-CFCH = CHCF and of the Cl- and O-initiated chemistry of Z-CFCH = CHCF.

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