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A set (n = 37) of new human bone radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (14C AMS) dates from 11 Lithuanian Late Roman Period–Migration Period cemeteries is presented and discussed in the light of the established schemes of archaeological chronology. The focus of the paper is on the burials of the military and social elite, which indicate the emergence of new cultural traditions in E–S and W–Central Lithuania or the immigration that took place during this time. The 14C dates allow us to suggest corrections to the dominant chronological pattern of cultural development in the region.

Shrews are a less studied group of small mammals than rodents. Between 2018 and 2022, we surveyed 23 sites in Lithuania, including natural and anthropogenic habitats, with the aim to assess the proportion of Soricidae in small mammal communities and their diet based on stable isotope analysis. The average representation of Soricidae was 3.1%, about half the long-term average in other habitats in the country. The highest proportions were in meadows and farmsteads, at 4.9% and 5.0% respectively. Shrews were not trapped on farms or in young orchards, and their relative abundance was very low in intensively managed orchards (0.006 individuals per 100 trap days). Neomys fodiens and N. anomalus were unexpectedly found in homesteads, including in outbuildings. Sorex araneus and S. minutus had similar diets. The trophic carbon/nitrogen discrimination factor between invertebrates and shrew hair was 2.74‰/3.98‰ for S. araneus, 1.90‰/3.78‰ for S. minutus in the orchards. The diet of N. fodiens and N. anomalus at the homesteads requires further investigation. We propose that the under-abundance of shrews may be due to contamination by plant protection products and a lack of invertebrates under intensive agricultural practices.

This study aims to characterize the irradiated RBMK-1500 nuclear graphite in terms of both structural and radiological properties. The experimental results of morphological and structural analysis of the irradiated graphite samples by using SEM, Raman spectroscopy as well as the theoretical evaluation of primary displacement damage are presented. Moreover, the experimental and theoretical evaluation of the neutron flux is provided and the presence of several γ emitters in the analyzed graphite samples is assessed. Furthermore, the improved version of rapid analysis method for 14C activity determination is applied and the experimentally obtained results are compared with calculated ones. Results indicate that structural changes are uniform enough in all the analyzed samples. However, the distribution of radionuclides is non-homogeneous in the irradiated RBMK-1500 reactor graphite matrix. The comprehensive understanding of both structural and radiological characteristics of nuclear graphite is very important when dealing with decision about irradiated graphite waste management strategy or treatment options prior to its final disposal.

The house mouse (Mus musculus) is a most extensively distributed omnivorous rodent species, usually living in close association with humans. Its diet includes various vegetable matter, insects and any available human food. For the first time, we assessed the dietary niche of this species by the isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions of animal hair samples in the gradient of habitats, ranging from natural to fully commensal. The main factors explaining the differences in the isotopic niche of the mice, being the proxy of their diet, were the season and the source of available food. Influence of the habitat was weak, while gender, age, body mass and body condition had no influence on the diet differences. We found that M. musculus dietary niches overlap between different habitats if mice have access to human food. Niches diverge when mice forage outdoors on natural food compared to farms where livestock feed is available. Compared to omnivorous bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) living synoptically, M. musculus has much wider dietary niche and consumes more foods of animal origin. Variability of the diet increases the ecological plasticity of this strongly commensal species and, together with behavioural and reproductive adaptability, allows irresistibly occupy various environments.

Until presently, over 60 trilobate arrowheads characteristic of Asian nomads have been found in Lithuanian hillforts or their adjacent settlements, some of them in destruction layers. These finds encouraged Lithuanian archaeologists to create a narrative about the Huns severely raiding into the region in the 5th century AD. However, it is accepted as an axiom rather than a topic for research due to the lack of precise chronology. From the Plinkaigalis cemetery, extremely rare finds are known; two trilobate arrowheads were found embedded in human bones (both were from group burials, where other signs of violent trauma were encountered). These finds offered the unique possibility of radiocarbon dating skeletal material directly related to trilobate arrowheads, providing new insights into the narrative of the Huns’ attack. The results of a set of AMS 14C dates are presented and discussed in the article.

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios are increasingly used to study long-term change in food web structure and nutrient cycling. Whether isotope composition in primary producers and consumers (so-called isotope baselines) reflect environmental changes in a similar manner is largely unknown. We take advantage of long-term oceanographic monitoring data and archived biological samples for the well-studied Baltic Sea to retrospectively analyse elemental composition (C, N and P) and stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N) in the filamentous ephemeral macroalgae Cladophora spp. and in blue mussel Mytilus edulis trossulus from three contrasting regions (coastal Bothnian Sea and Baltic proper, open sea central Baltic) with the aim to statistically link the observed spatial and interannual (8–24 years’ time-series) variability in elemental and isotope baselines with environmental changes. We find clear differences in isotope baselines between the two major Baltic Sea basins. However, the temporal development in Mytilus δ13C was remarkably similar among regions and, at the open sea station, mussels and algae δ13C also correlated over time, likely reflecting a global Baltic Sea or Northern Hemisphere pattern. In contrast, δ15N of both taxa responded to regional and local drivers (water nutrient concentrations). δ15N in source amino acids allowed detection of diazotrophic N signal in Mytilus, which was masked in bulk δ15N. Finally, Cladophora N:P reflected regional nutrient levels in the water while P %, which differed for both taxa, was linked to food quality for Mytilus. This study highlights the potential of a multi-taxa and multi-stable isotope approach to understand nutrient dynamics and monitor long-term environmental changes.

The graphitization of cremated bones by an online Carbonate Handling System (CHS) coupled to Automated Graphitization Equipment (AGE-3) can be complicated due to the presence of impurities in the samples. An online sulfur trap was created for the purification of CO2 during graphitization of cremated bones with the CHS-AGE-3 system for radiocarbon measurements with an accelerator mass spectrometer. High graphitization efficiency was obtained starting from 100 °C and further increase of temperature to 600 °C resulted in graphitization yield improvement of 4–6%. Based on graphitization yield and 14C analyses, our proposed CO2 purification line was successful in removing sulfur impurities and did not contaminate samples due to the continuous flushing of the trap with helium. The expected chronology of most burials was the 5th–6th centuries AD, referring to the grave goods. Sometimes, the radiocarbon dating confirmed that of archaeological typology, while some radiocarbon dates proved older or younger than presumed.

International audience; Cyanobacterial blooms have increased worldwide and decreases in spring blooms of diatoms in temperate aquatic ecosystems are increasingly reported. Whether such shifts in the food base positively or negatively affect primary consumer's physiological status, growth, and more broadly, ecosystem functioning, is poorly known. Here, we test how a widespread filter-feeding blue mussel from the genus Mytilus reacts to diatoms, filamenous non-toxic cyanobacteria and a mixture of the two in a 50 day feeding experiment and compare with mussels in the field. We use a multi-tracer approach to assess mussels' nutritional and physiological status. Diatoms had highest relative proportions of the essential fatty acids 20:5ω3 (EPA) and 22:6ω3 (DHA), but cyanobacteria had a high relative proportion of polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) especially 18:3ω3, a precursor of ω3 FAs. Bulk and amino-acid-δ 15 N demonstrated assimilation of cyanobacterial N or diatom N by the mussels, while fatty acid (FA) composition and δ 13 C-FA analyses demonstrated assimilation of C and FAs from diatoms. Still, C and N from both food sources were utilized when mussels were fed the mix and condition index, scope for growth (SFG; measure of energy status) and the elemental N:P ratio of mussels where higher in mussels fed cyanobacteria only, indicating better growth status in this treatment. It seems like mussels fed cyanobacteria, a food with low proportions of essential FAs compared to diatoms, were able to cover the dietary requirements through FA biosynthesis from precursor FAs. The FA composition and δ 15 N-results from mussels fed cyanobacteria agreed well with seasonal field measurements of mussels. Our study provides the first feeding experiment investigating how blue mussels utilize N from cyanobacteria and shows the rather positive response to this type of food. Our results suggest that imbalances in the biochemical composition of diet of consumers can be overcome through biosynthesis of essential FAs. In the context of climate change with shifting biogeochemical baselines, it is crucial to understand the biological effects of such changes in the quality of the production base.

With only periodic and incomplete studies of its diet over time, all with differing methods and conclusions, the degree of omnivory in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) is not fully clear. We assessed the trophic niche of the species using isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions from hair samples and analysed how C. glareolus shares trophic space with herbivores, granivores and insectivores living syntopically. According to the numbers trapped, C. glareolus was the fourth most numerous species in the apple orchards that we investigated, accounting for 14.4% of all trapped small mammals with a relative abundance of 1.12 individuals per 100 trap nights. The average values of both δ15N and δ13C in the hair of C. glareolus differed from the other trophic groups, with the average of δ15N in orchards and neighbouring habitats (6.55–6.95‰) being closest to that of insectivores. Intraspecific trophic niche differences (depending on age, gender and reproductive status) were not expressed, while correlations between body mass, body condition index and both δ15N and δ13C values were not consistent. In comparison to analysed basal resources, isotopic signatures in the hair were closest to the values in invertebrates and apple seeds. The degree of omnivory in C. glareolus was not the same in different habitats. This may be an indication of ecological plasticity within the species, allowing its inclusion/success in multi-species small mammal communities.

We present a common-garden experiment to examine the amphipod Monoporeia affinis, a key deposit-feeder in the Baltic Sea, a low diversity system offering a good model for studying local adaptations. In the northern part of this system, the seasonal development of phytoplankton is characterized by a single diatom bloom (high nutritional quality), whereas in the south, the diatom bloom is followed by a cyanobacteria bloom (low nutritional quality) during summer. Therefore, the nutrient input to the benthic system differs between the sea basins. Accordingly, the amphipod populations were expected to be dietary specialists in the north and generalists in the south. We tested this hypothesis using a combination of stable isotope tracers, trophic niche analyses, and various endpoints of growth and health status. We found that when mixed with diatomes, the toxin-producing cyanobacteria, were efficiently incorporated and used for growth by both populations. However, contrary to expectations, the feeding plasticity was more pronounced in the northern population, indicating genetically-based divergence and suggesting that these animals can develop ecological adaptations to the climate-induced northward cyanobacteria expansion in this system. These findings improve our understanding regarding possible adaptations of the deposit-feeders to increasing cyanobacteria under global warming world in both limnic and marine ecosystems. It is possible that the observed effects apply to other consumers facing altered food quality due to environmental changes.

The tradition of burying horses in Lithuania lasted from the Early Roman period until the late 14th C AD. It was the longest-lasting custom in Europe, which has left about 2000 known horse burials. This paper publishes the osteometric data and age of horses found in Lithuanian cemeteries and castles of the 3rd–14th C AD, over 200 individuals in total. These are the remains of all the horses still stored in Lithuanian institutions. The paper discusses the dynamics of horse body size in order to test previously suggested hypotheses regarding the relationship between large horse body size and its military use, possibly non-local breed, and high social status of the owner. Moreover, we are publishing the AMS 14C dates of 13 horses previously assigned to the Migration period. The research results corrected the existing chronology. The abundant data also allowed an assessment of the development of the size and age of the horses in Lithuania between the 3rd and 14th C AD. Osteometric analyses have shown that Late Roman–post-Migration-period horses were unusually large compared to the Viking and medieval horses in Lithuania. Meanwhile, we suggest that the semi-slender-legged 118–125-cm-tall horse, which predominated in the Viking period, is the most consistent with the local horse type. In general, the horses in Lithuania in the 3rd–11th C AD were small compared to those in Central and Western Europe or Scandinavia. More significant changes can be observed in the Middle Ages. In the 12–14th C AD, there was a much greater variety of horses and the expansion of taller (140–150 cm) individuals. However, the continued abundance of small horses in the medieval times, found buried with saddles and other equipment, allows one to renew the debate on the formation of the cavalry, the tactics of combat, and the social composition of horsemen in Lithuania.

Various natural and anthropogenic activities generate atmospheric sulfur and carbon aerosol which in turn has an adverse effect on human health, climate change and visibility [1], [2]. Man-made sources of aerosol include power plants, vehicular traffic, domestic heating, biomass burning and other industrial emissions. The stable isotope ratio analysis of bulk aerosol material provides valuable information on the origin of its constituents but a combination of stable isotope and radiocarbon techniques allows for an even greater level of differentiation [3].The aim of this work was to employ stable carbon and sulfur isotope ratio analysis together with radiocarbon data in apportionment of aerosol sources. The collection of aerosol PM1 samples was performed in Vilnius, Lithuania during a period of 5 months. Stable isotope δ34S and δ13C values were measured with a stable isotope mass spectrometer and 14C measurements were done using a single stage accelerator mass spectrometer. Simple isotope mixing equations were applied to stable isotope and radiocarbon data to distinguish inputs of biomass, traffic and coal sources of carbonaceous aerosol. By comparing calculated source fractions to δ34S values we find that biomass and coal combustion were dominant sulfur aerosol pollutants. In addition, average contributions of coal and fossil combustion, biogenic, soil emissions to sulfate aerosol were evaluated. Finally, the preceding results together with total carbon and sulfate concentrations were related to HYSPLIT air mass back trajectory plots. Such an approach allows for a comprehensive description of sulfur and carbon aerosol pollution sources. [1] C. A. Pope and D. W. Dockery, "Health effects of fine particulate air pollution: Lines that connect", J. Air Waste Manag. Assoc., t. 56, nr. 6, 2006.[2] C. Tomasi, C. Lanconelli, M. Mazzola and A. Lupi, "Aerosol and Climate Change: Direct and Indirect Aerosol Effects on Climate", Atmospheric Aerosols, 2016.[3] I. Garbarienė et al., "Origin identification of carbonaceous aerosol particles by carbon isotope ratio analysis", Aerosol Air Qual. Res., 2016.

Contaminant monitoring in biota is important for determining environmental status and to detect or prioritize action on hazardous substances. Predators higher up a food chain are often used for monitoring of contaminants that bioaccumulate. However, it is not always possible to find higher predators that are both abundant and have a wide distribution for national or international contaminant monitoring. Great cormorants (Phalocrocorax carbo) are a widespread and increasingly common top predator of fish in fresh, brackish and salt water. We evaluate the suitability of great cormorant eggs as a matrix for contaminant monitoring by using stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur. Despite the fact that cormorants are migratory, egg isotope values showed a significant separation between five breeding colonies in Sweden (1 fresh water lake, 3 Baltic sites and 1 marine site). This high degree of separation indicates that eggs are primarily produced using local resources (not stored body resources) and that contaminants (mercury concentrations in this study) measured in eggs likely reflect levels in fish prey caught close to the breeding area. Compound specific stable isotope analysis was used to estimate cormorant trophic position (TP) and concentrations of mercury in eggs were positively related to TP. The results show that a multi-isotope approach, combined with good ecological diet knowledge allow for meaningful and comparative interpretation of mercury concentrations in biota and that great cormorant eggs appear a suitable matrix to measure locally derived and maternally transferred contaminants.

According to ecological theory, two species cannot occupy the same niche. Using nitrogen isotope analyses (δ15N) of amino acids, we tested the extent to which two sympatric deposit‐feeding amphipods, Monoporeia affinis and Pontoporeia femorata, partition their trophic resources. We found that trophic position (TP) and resynthesis index (∑V; a proxy for degradation status of ingested material prior to assimilation by the consumer) differ between species. The surface‐feeding M. affinis had higher TP and intermediate ∑V, both pointing to a large contribution of metazoans in its diet. P. femorata, which feeds in the subsurface layers, had lower TP and a bimodal distribution of the ∑V values, supporting previous experimental evidence of a larger feeding niche. We also evaluated whether TP and ∑V values have consequences for amphipod fecundity and embryo viability and found that embryo viability in M. affinis was negatively linked to TP. Our results indicate that the amino acid‐δ15N data paired with information about reproductive status are useful for detecting differences in the trophic ecology of sympatric amphipods., This is a field study on niche partitioning in sympatric amphipods using the amino acid nitrogen‐isotope method. Fecundity and embryo viability were measured for each individual analyzed for isotopes, meaning that ecological and physiological causes behind observed patterns could be tested and discussed in a unique way. We demonstrate that the amino acid method was useful in detecting differences in trophic ecology between two deposit‐feeding species, but that it is crucial to include measurements of physiological status when interpreting nitrogen isotope data in amino acids of consumers.

The partitioning of trophic niches is central for understanding the ecosystem processes associated with biological invasions. The recent successful establishment of Neogobius melanostomus in the Baltic Sea posed questions whether this invader found its own trophic niche, to what extent it competes with native benthivores, and if commercially important fish could be affected. In this study conducted along the Lithuanian Baltic coast, we used the stable isotope approach to identify potential trophic competitors of N. melanostomus. We also employed gut content analysis to quantify the incorporation of N. melanostomus into the diet of native piscivores. Furthermore, pre-invasion gut content data enabled us to check if there were any changes in the piscivorous fish diet after the invasion. We found N. melanostomus to be a subdominant benthivorous fish during the warm season of 2012–2013. It occupied a higher trophic position in spring (3.9) than in autumn (2.9), but spring specimens were also larger. The invader exploited a narrow (standard ellipse area 0.3–0.5‰2) and distinct core isotopic niche, but total niche area overlaps indicated potential trophic competition with Pleuronectes platessa, Platichthys flesus, Pomatoschistus minutus and Gasterosteus aculeatus in spring, and with P. minutus in autumn. The invader dominated the warm season (spring–autumn) diet of piscivorous fish (Gadus morhua, Myoxocephalus scorpius, Perca fluviatilis, Scophthalmus maximus) and its invasion was generally associated with decreased crustacean and increased fish-prey content. Therefore, it is plausible that N. melanostomus has created novel trophic links within the food web.

We report source specific isotope ratios of levoglucosan, the specific biomass burning tracer, in aerosol particle from the combustion of selected woods used for domestic heating in Europe, of coals containing cellulose (lignites) as well as of corn, a C4 plant. Here, we combine compound specific δ13C measurements of levoglucosan with total carbon δ13C of parent materials, to assess isotopic fractionations due to biosynthetic pathways or combustion processes. Levoglucosan formed during the combustion of cellulose from coals shows with δ13C of −21.1‰ and −18.6‰ a moderate enrichment in the heavier isotope compared to the C3 plant samples. Contrarily, observed levoglucosan isotope ratios of −25.0 to −21.5‰ for C3 plant samples are significantly lower than for the C4 plant sample (−12.4‰), as expected from the stronger 13C discrimination during the carbon fixation process by C3 compared to C4 plants. Overall, the C4 plant sample shows a 13C enrichment in all bulk measurements, on average by 12.2‰, 14.2‰ and 14.2‰ for total carbon (TC) in aerosol particle, whole plant/coal material and cellulose samples, respectively. Further, δ13C measurements of levoglucosan and TC of biomass burning aerosol particles, bulk plant/coal and cellulose in C3 plant samples agree well with the published observations. The combined levoglucosan/TC isotopic analyses can be used to differentiate among C3/coal/C4 origin of the smoke emissions from the cellulose-containing-fuel combustion. Noticeably, there is a consistent δ13C offset between C3 plant material and levoglucosan, which allows deriving emission levoglucosan isotope ratios when the combusted plant types are known.

In recent years it has become commonplace to formalize chemostratigraphic units and identify isotopic zones (chemo - stratigraphic units) from excursions. Stable carbon isotopes have been used in solving stratigraphic problems in the Silurian for more than 30 years. δ13C data supplement other stratigraphic proxies, allowing the subdivision of geological sections and more precise correlation. In this paper we give new δ13C data from the Silurian section of the Jočionys-299 borehole, which is located in eastern Lithuania, crossing shallow marine and lagunal deposits. Based on δ13C variability, the Ireviken carbon isotope excursion (CIE), the Šlilalė CIE, and probably the Valgu CIE have been identified in the investigated section. The Valgu CIE is linked to the lower part of the Švenčionys Formation. The Ireviken CIE is linked to the upper parts of the Švenčionys Formation and the Paprieniai Formation (rise in δ13C values), the Jočionys Formation (moderately stable δ13Ccarb values) and the Verknė Formation (fall in δ13C values). A small negative δ13C shift is documented in the Pabradė Formation. Chemostratigraphy together with biostratigraphic data allow us to correlate eastern Lithuanian lithostratigraphic units (shallow marine environment) with the global Silurian Geochronological Scale more accurately.

Este artículo contiene 12 páginas, 6 figuras, 1 tabla., Seagrass meadows store significant carbon stocks at a global scale, but land-use change and other anthropogenic activities can alter the natural process of organic carbon (Corg) accumulation. Here, we assessed the carbon accumulation history of two seagrass meadows in Zanzibar (Tanzania) that have experienced different degrees of disturbance. The meadow at Stone Town has been highly exposed to urban development during the 20th century, while the Mbweni meadow is located in an area with relatively low impacts but historical clearing of adjacent mangroves. The results showed that the two sites had similar sedimentary Corg accumulation rates (22–25 g m􀀀 2 yr􀀀 1) since the 1940s, while during the last two decades (~1998 until 2018) they exhibited 24–30% higher accumulation of Corg, which was linked to shifts in Corg sources. The increase in the δ13C isotopic signature of sedimentary Corg (towards a higher seagrass contribution) at the Stone Town site since 1998 points to improved seagrass meadow conditions and Corg accumulation capacity of the meadow after the relocation of a major sewage outlet in the mid–1990s. In contrast, the decrease in the δ13C signatures of sedimentary Corg in the Mbweni meadow since the early 2010s was likely linked to increased Corg run-off of mangrove/terrestrial material following mangrove deforestation. This study exemplifies two different pathways by which land-based human activities can alter the carbon storage capacity of seagrass meadows (i.e. sewage waste management and mangrove deforestation) and showcases opportunities for management of vegetated coastal Corg sinks., This research was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through the Bilateral Marine Science Program between Sweden and Tanzania and The Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) (project grant number: DNR 2019-04038) as well as Bolin Centre for Climate Research, and through the Edith Cowan University School of Science Collaborative Research Grant Scheme 2018. Additional funds were provided by the Australian Research Council LIEF Project (LE170100219) and I+D+i projects RYC2019-027073-I and PIE HOLOCENO 20213AT014 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and FEDER.

The wide applications of the radiocarbon (

The Mulde event was one of several significant turnover events during the Silurian. This event is mostly recognized in the fossil record of graptolites and conodonts, as well as stable carbon isotopic data. Therefore, the ostracods – a significant part of the benthos – comprise a new and important dimension in understanding this global geobiological episode. Here, a new ostracod and δ 13 C high-resolution record from the upper Wenlock interval from a Gėluva-118 core (central Lithuania) are presented. Analyses revealed that the Mulde/lundgreni event had a negligible effect on the increasing alpha diversity trend during the Mid- to Upper Wenlock. A stratigraphically constrained time series analysis of ostracod palaeocommunities revealed the presence of six temporally distinct compositional states/assemblages consistent with the Milankovitch scale (presumably eccentricity) fourth- and fifth-order sea level fluctuations. An analysis of ostracod recurrence plots revealed a sudden disruption during the Mulde/lundgreni event and a hierarchical pattern of intercalating compositionally stable states, a pattern expected under the ‘sloshing bucket’ hypothesis of community change. A recurrence quantification analysis of subdominant species revealed that, in the aftermath of the Mulde event, there was a sudden transition to compositionally more stable communities, suggesting a strong ecosystem-level effect from this oceanic perturbation. Supplementary material: Ostracod abundance and isotopic data are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5538271

Simple Summary Granivorous murids, namely striped field (Apodemus agrarius), yellow-necked (Apodemus flavicollis), and harvest (Micromys minutus) mice, occur in a variety of habitats and live syntopically in agricultural areas. Agroecosystems may be quite complex isotopically with δ15N values being influenced by many internal and external fluxes. Using isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions from hair samples, we analysed isotopic niches of granivores in apple and plum orchards, raspberry and currant plantations, and nearby meadows in Lithuania. As the main hypothesis, we expected differences in the isotopic niches of these species (being a proxy for their diet), minimising interspecific competition. Striped field and yellow-necked mice were trapped in every habitat. Therefore, syntopic co-occurrence of granivores depended on the presence of harvest mice in the apple orchards, raspberry plantations, and meadows that served as control habitats. All species were fully separated according to δ15N values, presuming different amounts of food of animal origin in their diet. The separation of species according to δ13C was not expressed in all habitats. The core dietary niches of these species were fully separated in the apple orchards and raspberry plantations. Intraspecific differences of the isotopic niche were not present in any of the three species: that is, resources were equally used by males and females, adults, subadults, and juveniles. Abstract In agricultural habitats, diets and trophic positions of syntopic granivorous small mammals are not known sufficiently. Agroecosystems may be quite complex isotopically and the most complex situation concerns the nitrogen-15 isotope as δ15N values are influenced by many internal and external fluxes. We analysed the isotopic niches of striped field (Apodemus agrarius), yellow-necked (Apodemus flavicollis), and harvest (Micromys minutus) mice living sympatrically and syntopically in apple and plum orchards, raspberry and currant plantations, and nearby meadows that were used as control habitats. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope ratios from hair samples were used as a proxy for their diet. As the main hypothesis, we expected differences in the isotopic niches of these three species, minimising interspecific competition. All species were fully separated according to δ15N values, presuming different amounts of food of animal origin in their diet. The separation of species according to δ13C was not expressed in all habitats. The core dietary niches of these species were fully separated in the apple orchards and raspberry plantations. Intraspecific differences of the isotopic niche were not present in any of the three species: that is, resources were equally used by males and females, adults, subadults, and juveniles.

The stability of diversity of syntopic (inhabiting the same habitat in the same time) small mammals in commensal habitats, such as farmsteads and kitchen gardens, and, as a proxy of their diet, their isotopic niches, was investigated in Lithuania in 2019–2020. We tested whether the separation of species corresponds to the trophic guilds, whether their diets are related to possibilities of getting additional food from humans, and whether their diets are subject to seasonal trends. We analyzed diversity, dominance and distribution of hair δ13C and δ15N values. Diversity and dominance was not stable and differed according to human influence. The highest small mammal species richness occurred in commensal habitats that provided additional food. The degree of separation of species was higher in homestead habitats than in kitchen gardens, where a 1.27% to 35.97% overlap of isotopic niches was observed between pairs of species. Temporal changes in δ13C and δ15N values in the hair of the mammals were not equally expressed in different species. The isotopic overlap may depend on dietary plasticity, minimizing interspecific competition and allowing co-existence of syntopic species. Thus, small mammal trophic ecology is likely related to intensity of agricultural activities in the limited space of commensal habitats.

The evidence regarding BMAA occurrence in the Baltic Sea is contradictory, with benthic sources appearing to be more important than pelagic ones. The latter is counterintuitive considering that the identified sources of this compound in the food webs are pelagic primary producers, such as diatoms, dinoflagellates, and cyanobacteria. To elucidate BMAA distribution, we analyzed BMAA in the pelagic and benthic food webs in the Northern Baltic Proper. As potential sources, phytoplankton communities were used. Pelagic food chain was represented by zooplankton, mysids and zooplanktivorous fish, whereas benthic invertebrates and benthivorous fish comprised the benthic chain. The trophic structure of the system was confirmed by stable isotope analysis. Contrary to the reported ubiquitous occurrence of BMAA in the Baltic food webs, only phytoplankton, zooplankton and mysids tested positive, whereas no measurable levels of this compound occurred in the benthic invertebrates and any of the tested fish species. These findings do not support the widely assumed occurrence and transfer of BMAA to the top consumers in the Baltic food webs. More controlled experiments and field observations are needed to understand the transfer and possible transformation of BMAA in the food web under various environmental settings.

In this study, we examined how land use and urbanization changes in adjacent areas affected biological productivity and carbon cycling in a lake ecosystem over 100 years and how these changes are reflected in carbon isotope variations. We performed radiocarbon (14C) activity and stable carbon isotope ratio analysis in two organic fractions: humin and humic acids of lake sediment. Additionally, we performed pigment and diatom analysis and determined the carbonate and organic matter (OM) content in sediments. Over the last century, the estimated 14C reservoir age in both sediment organic fractions varied from 1136 ± 112 yr to 5733 ± 122 yr. The increase in the reservoir age by 1175 ± 111 yr was related with higher inputs of pre-aged organic carbon and 14C depleted hard water due to the opening of the channel connecting two lakes. Nuclear weapons tests caused an increase in the reservoir age of up to 5421 ± 135 yr and 5733 ± 122 yr in humin and humic acids, respectively. 13C values in the humic acid fraction showed a tendency to decrease, depending on the content of autochthonous versus allochthonous OM in sediments, while changes in the sources of OM had a minor impact on the stable carbon isotope composition in the humin fraction.

We analyze concentrations of various elements in small mammals from commercial orchards and berry plantations and test differences between them depending on species, individual body mass, age, gender, type and age of crop and intensity of applied agricultural measures. Skinned front legs (muscle and bones) were used to register the presence and concentration of Ca, Cd, Mo, Ni, Se, Ag, As, Be, Bi, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, U, V and Zn. The most abundant species were common vole (Microtus arvalis), yellow-necked (Apodemus flavicollis) and striped field (A. agrarius) mice. The maximum recorded concentrations exceeded the minimums by 1.7-7.7 times in Mg, Zn, Cu, Ga, Ni and Ca, and 11.0-23.2 times in Mn, Be, Mo, Co, Sr, V, Pb and As. The hypothesis that the use of fertilization and pesticides in commercial orchards should induce differences in the elemental concentrations between crop areas and control habitats was confirmed by the higher concentrations of Cu, Mn, Bi, Co, Cr, Fe, Ni, Sr and Pb in rodents from the crop areas. Spatially controlled generalized linear mixed model confirmed the cumulative influence of species and crop, explaining 30-80% of the distribution of Ca, Ni, Co, Cu, Ga, Mn, Pb and U. The effect of species and the age of the individual was significant for Ni, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, Mn and Pb, while effect of gender was not expressed. Depletion of Cu in older individuals was found in all three species. With species as a grouping factor, the effect of crop type and the intensity of agricultural practices were significant factors in the accumulation of Ca, Ni, Co, Cu, Ga, Mn and Pb, while effect of crop age was not expressed. The obtained elemental concentrations in rodents indicated orchards to be cleaner than heavy polluted areas.

Stable isotope analysis is important tool in investigation of SO2 and sulfate particulate matter chemical processes and provides valuable information on their transport, natural and anthropogenic pollution sources. Around half of atmospheric SO2 is oxidized to sulfate which can then form on existing aerosols or even nucleate to produce new particles [1], [2]. Physical and chemical processes cause fractionation of sulfur isotope ratios which helps us to differentiate between different sulfur sources.The aim of this work was to examine δ34S distribution in atmospheric sulfate aerosol particles and to characterize their sources while applying stable isotope mass spectrometry methods. For this task, the dependence between measurements of atmospheric sulfate aerosol δ34S and particulate sulfate concentration was found. The sample collection was performed in Vilnius, Lithuania from 5 March until 6 May, during the year 2020. By comparing the aerosol sulfate concentrations to air monitoring data it was found that their values change accordingly to the background particulate matter concentrations in Vilnius, however changes in atmospheric SO2 concentrations produced little effect. Subsequently, relationship between δ34S values and aerosol sulfate concentrations was plotted which revealed two possible major sources of sulfate aerosol pollution. These results were then related to atmospheric air parcel trajectory models which were applied to help characterize the pollution sources and their effect on measured δ34S values.The results of this work showed that during the sampling period atmospheric sulfate aerosol δ34S values ranged from 6,1 ‰ to 12,6 ‰. Additionally, it was determined that local pollution sources are represented by lower values of δ34S whereas long range source δ34S values are higher. Finally, two probable dominant sources of atmospheric sulfate aerosol pollution were found. [1] C. Tomasi, A. Lupi, „Primary and Secondary Sources of Atmospheric Aerosol“, Atmospheric Aerosols, 2016.[2] M. Chin, D. J. Jacob, G. M. Gardner, M. S. Foreman-Fowler, P. A. Spiro, D. L. Savoie, „A global three-dimensional model of tropospheric sulfate“, J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., 1996.

The reservoir effect (RE) is defined as the difference between the radiocarbon isotope ratio (14C/12C) in the terrestrial and aquatic samples. Both natural processes and anthropogenic activities affecting carbon cycle in the water ecosystem can lead to changes in the RE. Therefore, reservoir effect studies can help to assess the impact of external factors on a hydrological system [1].The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic 14C contamination from Ignalina nuclear power plant (Ignalina NPP, INPP) on the Lake Drūkšiai system. The lake water was used to cool the reactors of the INPP. The lake sediment and fish (both benthic and pelagic) scale samples were collected from the Drūkšiai lake. ABA (acid-base-acid) chemical pretreatment procedure was used to extract humin (HM) and humic acid (HA) fractions from the sediments. Radiocarbon measurements in these samples were performed using the accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS).In 1963, increased concentrations of radiocarbon due to the testing of nuclear weapons showed that atmosphere-lake CO2 exchange accounted for about 22% carbon in bottom sediments. During the first 15 years of operation of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, 14C-enriched dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) was continuously released into Lake Druksiai. During that period, an average of about 0.24 GBq of radiocarbon was released per year. Measurements of radiocarbon concentrations in fish confirm that the 14C contamination was in dissolved inorganic form.Around 2000, 14C-enriched DIC (2.3 GBq radiocarbon) was released into Lake Druksiai from Ignalina NPP. In addition, organic compounds were additionally released in the same year. These compounds were not 14C-enriched but affected the interaction between humic and humic acids. Almost a decade after the end of operation of the Ignalina NPP, there is still some 14C pollution (from INPP) remaining in Lake Druksiai. The concentration of radiocarbon in the bottom sediments is still higher than in the atmosphere. [1] R. Barisevičiūtė et al., Tracing Carbon Isotope Variations in Lake Sediments Caused by Environmental Factors During the Past Century: A Case Study of Lake Tapeliai, Lithuania, Radiocarbon 61(4), 885–903, (2019).

Due to the potential to fingerprint emissions, carbon stable isotopes are considered a powerful tool to get insight into sources of air pollutants and to study their atmospheric life cycle. Including the independent isotopic knowledge into chemical models, not only concentration but also isotope ratios can be predicted. This provides the possibility to differentiate the impact of source strength from that of chemical reactions in the atmosphere. In a recent study comparing Lagrangian-particle-dispersion-simulations with ambient observations, Betancourt et al. [1] (ACPD2020) found that the observed isotopic age of levoglucosan, a biomass burning tracer, agrees well with the isotopic age derived from back-plumes analyses. This showed that the wintertime aerosol burden from domestic heating observed in residential areas of North-Rheine-Westphalia, Germany, is of local or regional origin. Error analyses though indicated that the largest source of uncertainty was the limited information on emission isotope ratios.In this work, the stable isotope ratios of levoglucosan in aerosol particles emitted from the combustion of 18 different biomass fuels typically used for domestic heating in Western and Eastern Europe (soft and hard woods, brown coals and corn cobs, respectively) were measured by Thermal Desorption- Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatographie- Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (TD-2DGC-IRMS). Additionally to the compound specific measurements, isotopic ratios of total carbon in the fuel parent material, in the precursor cellulose, as well as in sampled aerosol particles were determined.Levoglucosan δ13C was found to vary between -23.6 and -21.7‰ for the C3 plant samples, showing good agreement with Sang et al [2] (EST2012). The brown coal and the C4 plant samples were isotopically heavier, showing isotopic ratios in the range of -21,1 to -18.6‰ and -12.9‰, respectively. In this presentation, the observed levoglucosan δ13C will be discussed with respect to the carbon isotopic composition of the parent materials. The potential of using compound specific δ13C measurements of levoglucosan for improved source apportionment will be addressed.References

Toxin-producing cyanobacteria can be harmful to aquatic biota, although some grazers utilize them with often beneficial effects on their growth and reproduction. It is commonly assumed that gut microbiota facilitates host adaptation to the diet; however, the evidence for adaptation mechanisms is scarce. Here, we investigated the abundance of mlrA genes in the gut of the Baltic copepods Acartia bifilosa and Eurytemora affinis during cyanobacteria bloom season (August) and outside it (February). The mlrA genes are unique to microcystin and nodularin degraders, thus indicating the capacity to break down these toxins by the microbiota. The mlrA genes were expressed in the copepod gut year-round, being >10-fold higher in the summer than in the winter populations. Moreover, they were significantly more abundant in Eurytemora than Acartia. To understand the ecological implications of this variability, we conducted feeding experiments using summer- and winter-collected copepods to examine if/how the mlrA abundance in the microbiota affect: (1) uptake of toxic Nodularia spumigena, (2) uptake of a non-toxic algal food offered in mixtures with N. spumigena, and (3) concomitant growth potential in the copepods. The findings provide empirical evidence that the occurrence of mlrA genes in the copepod microbiome facilitates nutrient uptake and growth when feeding on phytoplankton mixtures containing nodularin-producing cyanobacteria; thus, providing an adaptation mechanism to the cyanobacteria blooms.

Characterization of irradiated graphite in terms of 14C activity is crucial for the optimization of treatment technology: geological disposal, landfill storage, recycling, etc. The main contributor to 14C generation in the RBMK reactor graphite is 14N(n, p)14C reaction. The generation of carbon isotopes 13C and 14C in the virgin RBMK graphite samples irradiated at the LVR-15 research reactor (Research Centre Řež, Ltd.) were investigated in order to obtain the impurity concentration level of 14N. Afterwards the modeling of graphite activation in the RBMK-1500 reactor was performed by computer code MCNP6 using obtained 14N impurity concentrations and new nuclear data libraries. The irradiation parameters – neutron fluence have been checked by method based on coupling of stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry and computer modelling. The activity of 14C in the different constructions of irradiated graphite of the RBMK-1500 reactor has been measured by the β spectrometry technique (LSC) and has been compared with the simulated one. Obtained results have indicated the importance of 14C production from 14N in the RBMK-1500 reactor and in the LVR-15 neutron spectrum. Measured 14C specific activity values in the samples varied from 130-700 kBq/g in the RBMK-1500 irradiated samples and from 3-12.5 Bq/g in the LVR-15 irradiated graphite samples. This corresponds to 15±4 - 80±10 ppm impurity of 14N in various graphite samples of RBMK reactor.

Ocean climate change strongly affects organisms and ecosystems, and the causes, consequences, and underlying mechanisms need to be documented. In the Baltic Sea, a marginal sea under severe eutrophication stress, a longer productive season, and changes in the phytoplankton community over the last few decades have likely impacted diet and condition of keystone species, from individual to population level. This study uses stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, and derived isotope niche metrics) to trace energy and nutrient flows in archived samples of blue mussel (Mytilus edulis trossulus) spanning 24 yr (1993–2016). We test if long-term changes in isotope and elemental composition in mussels, as well as population abundance and biomass, can be explained by changes in abiotic and biotic variables, using partial least square regressions and structural equation modeling. We found decreasing trends in δ13C and δ15N as well as in mean size and total biomass of mussels, but no unidirectional changes in their stoichiometry or condition index. Changes in isotope composition were best explained by nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, by increased terrestrial organic carbon from land runoff (reflecting precipitation) and by decreases in dissolved inorganic nitrogen (indicative of successful eutrophication mitigation) and in biomass of a mixotrophic ciliate species. The trophic niche (assessed from isotope niche) was included as the best predictor for both mussel body condition and the observed decline in their total biomass. This study reveals that altered trophic relationships from climate-induced changes in the productivity base may strongly impact keystone species, with potential knock-on effects on ecosystem functions.

Cation engineering provides a route to control the structure and properties of hybrid halide perovskites, which has resulted in the highest performance solar cells based on mixtures of Cs, methylammonium, and formamidinium. Here, we present a multi-technique experimental and theoretical study of structural phase transitions, structural phases and dipolar dynamics in the mixed methylammonium/dimethylammonium MA1-xDMAxPbBr3 hybrid perovskites (0 ≤ x ≤ 1). Our results demonstrate a significant suppression of the structural phase transitions, enhanced disorder and stabilization of the cubic phase even for a small amount of dimethylammonium cations. As the dimethylammonium concentration approaches the solubility limit in MAPbBr3, we observe the disappearance of the structural phase transitions and indications of a glassy dipolar phase. We also reveal a significant tunability of the dielectric permittivity upon mixing of the molecular cations that arises from frustrated electric dipoles., Understanding the underlying physics and improving the performance of mixed lead halide perovskite materials remains a challenge. Here, the authors present experimental and theoretical study of structural phases, phase transitions, and dipolar dynamics in the mixed cation MA1-xDMAxPbBr3 perovskites.

Here, we present a multitechnique experimental study of structural phase transitions and dipolar dynamics in the novel mixed methylammonium (MA)/dimethylammonium (DMA) MA 1-x DMA x PbBr 3 hybrid perovskites. The obtained results demonstrate a suppression of the structural phase transitions and stabilization of the cubic phase even for a small amount of DMA cations. For high DMA concentration, we observe a disappearance of the structural phase transitions and emergence of a glassy phase of electric dipoles.

Excessive automotive engine exhaust emissions of gases and particulate matter (PM) pose a threat to public health and urban air quality. In an effort to reduce automotive emissions modern cars use a variety of engine modifications, catalytic systems and filters which in turn alter the isotope ratio of carbonaceous particles (isotope fractionation effect). Diesel engines are of particular interest due to higher production of particulates (soot) in comparison to gasoline engines [1].The aim of this work was to examine particulate matter δ13C variation in automotive emissions using stable carbon isotope ratio measurements. Emission experiments were performed in dynamometer laboratory using four light passenger vehicles with differing liquid fuels - diesel, diesel with additives, 92 RON and 95 RON. Vehicles were tested with varying engine power and using simulated transient cycles in urban and rural areas. Engine exhaust particulate matter was collected on quartz filters. Later, isotope ratio δ13C values of fuel and exhaust carbonaceous particulates were measured using IRMS. δ13C values were then compared and level of isotope fractionation determined.The obtained results show particulate matter δ13C values ranging from -28.8 ‰ to -27.2 ‰ during separate driving modes. Isotope fractionation Δ (particulates-fuel) values varied between 1.8 ‰ and 3.5 ‰. It was determined that δ13C values of automotive emissions depend on the type of fuel used, applied engine power, driving modes (urban, rural) and can be used to characterize automotive carbonaceous particle emissions. [1] M. V. Twigg, “Progress and future challenges in controlling automotive exhaust gas emissions,” Appl. Catal. B Environ., 2007.

Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and nuclear fuel reprocessing sites are main producers of anthropogenic radiocarbon. Anthropogenic 14C can be released into the environment in gaseous forms, with liquid effluents or with spent nuclear fuel [1]. During photosynthesis radiocarbon can be easily assimilated into the plants. As a result, carbon-14 can be transported through the food chain and accumulate in a human body. Therefore, radiocarbon is considered a primary source of increased human radiation dose from industrial nuclear activities [2].Main goal of this research was to evaluate the influence Ignalina NPP on carbon-14 content in the Lake Druksiai. The sediment core was collected from the Lake Druksiai. The ages of sediment layers were estimated using 137Cs and 210Pb dating methods. ABA (acid-base-acid) chemical pretreatment procedure was used to extract humin (HM) and humic acid (HA) fractions from the sediments. Chemically pretreated samples were graphitized with the Automated Graphitization Equipment AGE 3 (IonPlus AG). Carbon-14 measurements in prepared samples were performed using the single stage accelerator mass spectrometer (SSAMS, NEC, USA).Radiocarbon content was measured in the sediment core which covers all phases of the NPP exploitation (commissioning, operation and decommissioning). These measurements in HM and HA fractions showed that after the start of the operation of the Ignalina NPP in 1983, the 14C concentration in these organic fractions increased by 4 pMC and 3 pMC, respectively. In addition, a sharp increase of radiocarbon content (concentration almost doubled) in HA fraction was observed in the year 1999. Similar increase in 14C activity in fish samples from Lake Druksiai was measured. In HM fraction such drastic changes in radiocarbon concentration were not observed. These results suggest that 14C enriched effluents were released from the Ignalina NPP in 1999.[1] Z. Ezerinskis et al., Annual Variations of 14C Concentration in the Tree Rings in the Vicinity of Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, Radiocarbon 60, 1227–1236 (2018).[2] IAEA, Generic Models for Use in Assessing the Impact of Discharges of Radioactive Substances to the Environment (2001).

The difference of radiocarbon (14C) concentration between terrestrial and aquatic samples is called the freshwater reservoir effect (FRE). The FRE is a potential issue for archaeologists dating fish bones, shells, human bones, or food crusts on pottery from sites near rivers or lakes. Studies on the FRE showed its variability in space and time, significant variations within one river or lake, different aquatic plants, and animals, or even single fish species of the lake [1, 2 and the references therein]. Therefore, dating the artifacts, it is very important to understand the nature of the FRE by studying processes that determine the redistribution of carbon isotopes in water ecosystems. It is important to obtain new knowledge on temporal variation of the FRE of a water system as due to climate change and anthropogenic activities it could be completely different at ancient times since such periods as Mesolithic, Neolithic and Early Bronze Age when aquatic resources were an important contribution to human nutrition are relatively poorly studied. The objective of the research was to examine how known anthropogenic factors affected carbon cycling in the lake systems, including how these changes are reflected in carbon isotope variations as well as the FRA of lake sediments and different species of fish.Two completely different lake systems of eastern Lithuania were studied. Lake Tapeliai belongs to the huge drainage system and is permanently affected by hydrological changes. When Lake Drūkšiai served as a cooling pond for the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, its average temperature increased by 3-4 °C. Results revealed that over the last century the estimated radiocarbon freshwater reservoir age (FRA) in sediments of Lake Tapeliai varied from 1136±112 y to 5733±122 y. These changes were caused by old organic carbon import to the lake from a neighboring peat bog. The FRA in samples of different fish species differed by up to 500 y, whereas the variations in the FRA measured in samples of the same species reached up to 300 y. Radiocarbon activity measurements in the samples of fish caught in Lake Drūkšiai during the operation of the nuclear power plant were performed. During 1984-1999 years measurements showed that 14C activity in fish slightly exceeded (up to 5 pMC) atmospheric activity. However, during 2000-2009 it exceeded by 40 pMC. Unfortunately, no information about increased activity levels of aquatic effluents or different chemical agents used could be found in INPP reports. Data of the fish scales 14C activity measurements are in good agreement with the data of the humic acid fraction of lake bottom sediments.This data clearly indicates that there was an event in the year 2000 when substances from NPP with elevated 14C content were introduced into the lake, although not exceeding the permissible levels. This research was funded by a grant (No. S-MIP-19-16) from the Research Council of Lithuania References[1] Heritage Science (2013) 1(1), 1–622.[2] Quaternary Science Reviews (2012) 48: 67–79.

The main idea of this research was to combine carbon stable isotope ratio (δ13C) analysis and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) diagnostic ratios for the identification of pollution sources in Kaunas city, Lithuania. Aerosol particle sampling was performed in wintertime simultaneously in outdoor and indoor environments using cascade impactors.Due too low mass not all impactors stages were analysed, especially in the indoor environment. It was determined that total carbon concentrations were higher in outdoor samples in the most cases. The outdoor δ13C values varied from -27.5 to -24.5 ‰. The indoor δ13C values varied from -28.5 to -25.8 ‰ and were close to δ13C values reported for biomass burning [1].δ13C and PAH analysis revealed that main aerosol sources were biomass combustion and traffic emissions. Also coal combustion was identified as common source for aerosol particles in one location. [1] A. Garbaras et al., “Stable carbon fractionation in size-segregated aerosol particles produced by controlled biomass burning,” J. Aerosol Sci., 2015.

A key challenge for natural resource management is how to detect effects of environmental stress on individuals and populations before declines in abundance occur. Variability in carbon and nitrogen isotope composition (δ

Atmospheric particulate matter (PM) constitutes the major part of urban air pollution and is a heterogeneous mixture of solid and liquid particles of different origin, size, and chemistry. Human exposure to PM in urban areas poses considerable and significant adverse effects on the respiratory system and human health in general. Major contributors to PM content are combustion-related sources such as diesel vehicles, household, and industrial heating. PM is composed of thousands of different high molecular weight organic compounds, including poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The aim of this study was to clarify the cytotoxic effects of the extract of actual urban PM1 with high benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) content collected in Eastern European mid-sized city during winter heating season on human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Decreased cell viability, alteration of cell layer integrity, increased apoptosis, and oxidative stress were observed during the 3-day exposure to the PM extract. In addition, following PM exposure pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was upregulated at gene and protein levels. Morphology and motility changes, i.e., decreased cells' ability to cover scratch area, were also documented. We report here that the extract of urban PM1 may induce bronchial epithelium changes and render it pro-inflammatory and compromised within 3 days.

Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende Studie präsentiert die Ergebnisse einer integrierten interdisziplinären Untersuchung von Rückständen verkohlten organischen Materials bzw. Lebensmittelkrusten, die auf der inneren Keramikoberfläche haften und eine wertvolle Informationsquelle für die menschliche Ernährung darstellen. FTIR und Isotopenverhältnis-Massenspektrometrie wurden verwendet, um Haushaltsgefäßen und Miniaturtöpfen zu analysieren, die in der Zeit zwischen dem 3. und der Mitte des 5. Jahrhunderts in Westlitauen mit Toten als Beigaben in Vestattungen gelangten. Die δ13C-Isotopenanalyse zeigt einen beträchtlichen Unterschied zwischen den Rückständen von Haushalts- und Grabkeramik. Die δ13C-Isotopenverhältnisse in den Proben von Miniaturpotentiometern variieren von −28,0 ‰ bis −28,8 ‰. Isotopenwerte in einem relativ engen Bereich weisen darauf hin, dass in den Töpfen vorhandenes organisches Material ähnlichen Ursprungs war. δ13C-Isotopenverhältniswerte lassen vermuten, dass niedergelgte Miniaturtöpfe mit Bier aus Gerste und/oder Hafer gefüllt waren. Der δ15N-Isotopenwert (δ15N = 8,0 ‰) und die Carboxyl-Gruppe der C-O-Gruppe sowie die Polysaccharide zeigen das Vorhandensein von Proteinen in einigen der Miniaturtöpfen an, so dass außerdem angenommen werden kann, dass diese mit fermentiertem Milchgetränk gefüllt waren. Die Miniaturtöpfe wurden in den Bestattungen platziert und mit einer symbolischen Menge Bier oder fermentierten Getränken auf Milchbasis gefüllt (40/50 bis 100 ml). Das Kohlenstoffisotopenverhältnis der Haushaltsgefäße variierte von −23,9 ‰ bis −27,9 ‰, was auf eine auf Getreide vom Typ C3 basierende Ernährung hindeutet. Die aus organischen Rückständen gewonnenen δ15N-Werte liegen zwischen 3,1 ‰ und 9,9 ‰, was als Hinweis zu verstehen ist, dass Bestandteil der menschlichen Ernähung auch Pflanzen- und Allesfresser waren. Zusammenfassend zeigt die Analyse, dass die konsumierte Nahrung terrestrischen Ursprungs ist und aus der Landwirtschaft und der Tierzucht stammt.

In this paper we analyze the radiocarbon (14C) concentration changes over the whole operational period of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant (INPP) including the post-shutdown decommissioning. Environmental samples from the vicinity of the INPP and a rural area as background of pine tree rings were analyzed with the single stage accelerator mass spectrometer (SSAMS). The analysis shows the local influence of the INPP from 3 to 7 pMC. The whole time span from 1983 to 2015 is divided into three periods representing the early and late operational and post-shutdown stages of the INPP with different 14C profiles in analyzed samples. The influence of the maintenance of the INPP and radioactive waste management activities are indicated and discussed.

In this study, the metabolism of yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was utilized for the synthesis of the conducting polymer - polypyrrole (Ppy).Yeast cells were modified in situ by synthesized Ppy. The Ppy was formed in the cell wall by redox-cycling of [Fe(CN)6]3-/4-, performed by the yeast cells. Fluorescence microscopy, enzymatic digestions, atomic force microscopy and isotope ratio mass spectroscopy were applied to determine both the polymerization reaction itself and the polymer location in yeast cells. Ppy formation resulted in enhanced resistance to lytic enzymes, significant increase of elasticity and alteration of other mechanical cell wall properties evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The suggested method of polymer synthesis allows the introduction of polypyrrole structures within the cell wall, which is build up from polymers consisting of carbohydrates. This cell wall modification strategy could increase the usefulness of yeast as an alternative energy source in biofuel cells, and in cell based biosensors.

Stable nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) are used as indicators of trophic position (TP) of consumers. Deriving TP from δ15N of individual amino acids (AAs) is becoming popular in ecological studies, because of lower uncertainty than TP based on bulk δ15N (TPbulk). This method would also facilitate biomagnification studies provided that isotope fractionation is unaffected by toxic exposure. We compared TPAA and TPbulk estimates for a sediment-dwelling bivalve from two coastal sites, a pristine and a contaminated. Chemical analysis of PCB levels in mussels, sediments, and pore water confirmed the expected difference between sites. Both methods, but in particular the TPAA underestimated the actual TP of bivalves. Using error propagation, the total uncertainty related to the analytical precision and assumptions in the TP calculations was found to be similar between the two methods. Interestingly, the significantly higher intercept for the regression between TPAA and TPbulk in the contaminated site compared to the pri...

The Cenomanian–Turonian transition marks one of the most important extinction episodes of the Mesozoic era. This extinction event was associated with the development of widespread oceanic anoxia and pronounced stable carbon isotopic excursion. Despite its importance, the effects of the perturbation on higher latitude biotas, and from the Baltic region in particular, are currently underexplored. Therefore, in this contribution we present the fossil record of a foraminifera succession integrated with δ13C trends from two deep cores: Bliūdsukiai-19 from western Lithuania and Baltasiskė-267 from southern Lithuania. Two foraminiferal zones were distinguished: Rotalipora cushmani from the upper Cenomanian and Whiteinella archaeocretacea from the boundary strata between the Cenomanian and Turonian in the Baltasiskė-267 core section, and a W. archaeocretacea Zone in the Bliūdsukiai-19 core section. A chemostratigraphical analysis of the stable carbon isotopes revealed a positive Cenomanian–Turonian δ13C anomaly, with maximum values reaching 3.57‰ in the upper part of the Bliūdsukiai-19 core section. A non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis of the foraminifera communities revealed that the major changes in their assemblages were strongly temporally organized and associated with the changes in the stable carbon isotopic ratios. This fact points to the significant effects of the C–T extinction event on the northern Neotethys paleocommunities.