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Application of a battery of biotests for the determination of leachate toxicity to bacteria and invertebrates from sewage sludge-amended soil
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The objective of the study was to determine the leachates toxicity from sewage sludge-amended soils (sandy and loamy). Samples originated from a plot experiment realized over a period of 29 months. Two types of soil were fertilized with sewage sludges at the dose of 3 % (90 t/ha). Soil samples were taken after 0, 7, 17, and 29 months from the application of sewage sludges. Leachates were obtained according to the EN 12457–2 protocol. The following commercial tests were applied for the estimation of the toxicity: Microtox (Vibrio fischeri), Microbial assay for toxic risk assessment (ten bacteria and one yeast), Protoxkit F™ (Tetrahymena thermophila), Rotoxkit F™ (Brachionus calyciflorus), and Daphtoxkit F™ (Daphnia magna). The test organisms displayed varied toxicity with relation to the soils amended with sewage sludges. The toxicity of the leachates depended both on the soil type and on the kind of sewage sludge applied. Notable differences were also observed in the sensitivity of the test organisms to the presence of sewage sludge in the soil. The highest sensitivity was a characteristic of B. calyciflorus, while the lowest sensitivity to the presence of the sludges was revealed by the protozoa T. thermophila. Throughout the periods of the study, constant variations of toxicity were observed for most of the test organisms. The intensity as well as the range of those variations depended both on the kind of test organism and on the kind of sludge and soil type. In most cases, an increase of the toxicity of soils amended with the sewage sludges was observed after 29 months of the experiment.
KeywordsSewage sludges Toxicity Bioassays Biotests Ecotoxicology
Sewage sludges are an interesting alternative to conventional fertilizers. Thanks to their content of nutrients and organic matter that they used for the improvement of the properties of soils and for soil reclamation (Epstein 2003). At the same time, natural utilization of sewage sludges involves the removal of troublesome wastes, the amounts of which increase year to year. However, due to their origins, sewage sludges may contain pollutants of toxic nature (Harrison et al. 2006). Research reveals that apart from contaminants that are already identified and more and more frequently analyzed, such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and furans (Harrison et al. 2006; Oleszczuk 2006; Smith 2009), sewage sludges may also contain new emerging contaminants (Díaz-Cruz et al. 2009; Muller et al. 2006; Smith 2009). Those newly identified contaminants are not determined on a routine basis during the estimation of sewage sludge applicability as fertilizers, in spite of the fact that they may pose a serious threat to the environment. Determination of those new contaminants often requires costly equipment that is available only at few laboratories, and still, there is no guarantee of achieving a complete estimate of threats related with their presence in sewage sludges. Therefore, it is necessary to search for solutions that will permit the identification of risks involved in the utilization of sewage sludges while permitting such assays to be conducted on a larger scale. In this aspect, estimation of sewage sludges with the use of biological tests may provide a significant complement to analytical studies (Gejlsbjerg et al. 2001; Natal-da-luz et al. 2009b; Oleszczuk 2008, 2010; Ramirez et al. 2008b). Biological tests constitute an interesting alternative to chemical analyses. They provide full representation of threats resulting not only from the presence of the contaminants but also from the properties of sewage sludges that may have a significant effect on the toxicity of the sludges. In addition, ecotoxicological estimation permits also the determination of toxicity resulting from potential interactions among the particular contaminants that appear in sewage sludges, which is something that cannot be achieved with the use of instrumental methods alone.
Issues concerning the toxicity of sewage sludges are a frequent subject of research (Fuentes et al. 2006; Hu and Yuan 2012; Oleszczuk 2008, 2010; Ramirez et al. 2008a, b; Roig et al. 2012). Those studies, however, are focused primarily on estimation of sludges as such, without taking into account other important parameters, e.g., the type of soil in which sewage sludge is applied. Also, studies conducted so far do not provide an answer to the question what is happening with the toxicity of sewage sludges after their application in soils over longer periods of time. It is a known fact that the type of soil may significantly determine the mobility and bioavailability of contaminants and, indirectly, also their toxicity (Domene et al. 2011). Therefore, it is important to conduct estimations of the toxicity of various soils amended with sewage sludges, in order to determine the potential risks involved in their application as fertilizers. With the passage of time, contaminants responsible for the toxic effect can undergo various processes (degradation, leaching, accumulation in plants, and sequestration), which may reduce their negative effect on organisms. There is also a possibility, e.g., as a result of mineralization of organic matter, of an increase in the bioavailability of contaminants, which, over time, can cause an intensification of the toxic effect (Oleszczuk 2009). So far, studies taking into account the above issues have not been undertaken, especially with relation to a broad group of organisms. In recent years, many new tests have appeared on the market, covering an extensive group of organisms. The application of a battery of those tests permits the acquisition of a complete representation of potential toxicity and the determination of potential risk for various groups of organisms (Matejczyk et al. 2011). Despite of the obvious advantages regarding biotests, there are also disadvantages, e.g., the lack of ecological relevance.
The objective of the study presented here was to determine the toxicity of leachates from two different soils (sandy and loamy) fertilized with sewage sludges of varied toxicity. The experiment was realized over a period of 29 months. The toxicity was studied with the use of commonly available ecotoxicological tests. Various groups of organisms (bacteria and invertebrates) were used in the study for the estimation of the potential effect of the leachates on aquatic organisms.
Materials and methods
Physicochemical properties of soils and sewage sludges used in the experiment
mg/100 g soil
mg/100 g soil
mg/100 g soil
Sewage sludges (SL1 or SL2) were introduced into each soil once, at the dose of 90 t/ha. The dose has been chosen regarding to the Polish regulations. Sludge doses were calculated taking into consideration the sludge’s dry mass and the density of the solid soil phase. The sludge was mixed with the surface horizon of the soil (0–20 cm), and the substrate prepared in that manner was sown with a grass mix (Lolium perenne, Festuca pratensis, Lolium multiflorum, and Phleum pratense). The sewage sludges came from two different sewage treatment plants situated in southeast Poland, which purify predominantly municipal wastewater. The sewage sludges were collected at the end point of the sewage sludge digestion process. Sewage sludges were typical aerobically digested. The selected treatment plants were characterized by their catchment area (indicated by the number of inhabitants and amount of sewage treated) as well as by the industrial character of the area (quantity and variety of industrial plants). As in the case of the soils, the sewage sludges differed in most of their parameters. Compared to sludge SL2, sludge SL1 was characterized by a lower CEC value and pH. In sludge SL2, lower levels of organic carbon and nitrogen were noted, by 16.5 and 45.6 %, respectively, as compared to their content in sludge SL1.
The field experiment was carried out for 29 months. Soil samples were collected for analysis after the introduction of sewage sludge and then after 7, 19, and 29 months. Control soil (non-amended) and sewage sludge-amended soil samples were collected from the level of 0–20 cm with a (5–60 cm i.d.) stainless steel corer. Six independent samples (pseudo-replicates) were taken from each plot. The samples were transported to the laboratory, air dried in air-conditioned storage rooms (about 25 °C) for several weeks (in darkness), manually crushed, and sieved (<2 mm) prior to chemical analyses.
Battery of biotests
Leachates from sewage sludge, soil, and sewage sludge-amended soil samples were obtained according to the EN 12457–2 protocol (EC 2002). The samples were mixed with deionized water in a single-stage batch test performed at a liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio of 1 L/100 g. The glass bottles were shaken in a roller-rotating device at 10 rpm. The leachates were filtered by filter with a porosity of 0.45 μm.
A battery of five bioassays was used for this study: Microtox, microbial assay for toxic risk assessment (MARA), Protoxkit F™, Rotoxkit F™, and Daphtoxkit F™. Microtox reagents were purchased from SDI (Delaware, USA); MARA reagents, from NCIMB Ltd. (Aberdeen, UK), while microbiotests (Protoxkit F™, Rotoxkit F™, and Daphtoxkit F™) with all reagents and equipment were purchased from Microbiotests (Creasel, Deinze, Belgium).
The Microtox® toxicity test was used to evaluate the inhibition of the luminescence in the marine bacteria Vibrio fischeri according to the test protocol (SDI 1992). The tests were carried out using a Microtox M500 analyzer. The light output of the luminescent bacteria from sewage sludge or soil’s extract was compared with the light output of a blank control sample. Luminescence inhibition of extract was assessed for 15 min of exposure carrying out the “81.9 % basic test protocol” (screening test; MicrotoxOmni software was used).
Microbial assay for risk assessment is a multispecies assay which allows measurement of toxic effects of chemicals and environmental samples. The test uses a selection of taxonomically diverse microbial species lyophilized in a microplate. Ten prokaryotic species and a eukaryote (yeast) constitute the biological indicators of toxicity assessment. In the present work, the microbial species used consisted of ten bacterial species: (1) Microbacterium sp., (2) Brevundimonas diminuta, (3) Citrobacter freundii, (4) Comamonas testosteroni, (5) Enterococcus casseliflavus, (6) Delftia acidovorans, (7) Kurthia gibsonii, (8) Staphylococcus warnerii, (9) Pseudomonas aurantiaca, and (10) Serratia rubidaea, and one yeast species, (11) Pichia anomala (Wadhia et al. 2007). The growth of the organisms exposed to the test sample is determined with the reduction of tetrazolium red. A scanned image of the microplate obtained using a flatbed scanner is analyzed using Purpose Built software. The MARA test was performed according to the standard protocol described by Wadhia et al. (2007).
Protoxkit F™ test measures growth inhibition of the ciliate protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila after 24 h. The tests were performed according to the standard operational procedure manual of the Protoxkit F™ (Protoxkit 1998).
Twenty-four-hour toxicity tests with Brachionus calyciflorus were conducted using the Rotoxkit F™. The test was carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions (Rotoxkit 2000). Test plates inoculated with B. calyciflorus were incubated at 25 °C in the dark, and immobilization of B. calyciflorus after exposure to the toxicants was used as a toxicity end point.
Daphtoxkit F™ acute test with Daphnia magna makes use of neonates hatched from dormant eggs (ephippia) to determine the inhibition of motility after 24 h. Tests were performed according to the standard operational procedure manual of the Daphtoxkit F™ magna (Daphtoxkit 1996), which follows OECD Guideline 202 (OECD 1984).
The chemical properties of sewage sludges and soils studied were determined by the standard methods. The pH was measured potentiometrically in 1 M KCl after 24 h in the liquid/soil ratio of 10; the cation exchange capacity was determined in the 0.1 N HCl extract. The available potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium were determined according to the method described by Egner et al. (1960). The total nitrogen (Nt) was determined by the Kjeldahl’s method (van Reeuwijk 1995) without the application of Dewarda’s alloy (Cu–Al–Zn alloy reducer of nitrites and nitrates). Total organic carbon was determined by TOC-VCSH (Shimadzu) with Solid Sample Module SSM-5000.
Toxicity data were expressed as the percentage of toxic effect (PE) compared to the control. Effective concentration values (EC10 and EC50) were calculated using analysis of regression. The series of seven dilutions of the crude extract (leachates) of the sewage sludges, soil, and sewage sludges-amended soils were prepared in deionized water. The differences between each treatment and the control as well as between treatments were evaluated using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test.
Ecotoxicological characteristic of sewage sludges
EC10 and EC50 (in percent, volume/volume) values calculated for sewage sludges used in the experiment
The effect of the leachates on the growth of bacteria in the MARA test varied with relation to the kind of sewage sludge. In all the cases, leachates obtained from sludge SL2 had a stimulating effect on the growth of the test organisms relative to the control. In the test with leachates obtained from sludge SL1, also their positive effect on the test organisms was observed in most cases. The exceptions were Microbacterium sp. (47 %), S. warnerii (88 %), and P. anomala (42 %), in the case of which a distinct toxic effect on the test organisms was noted (Fig. S1, electronic supplemental material).
Microtox® (V. fischeri)
Both the level of luminescence inhibition and the directions of the particular changes observed in soil L were totally different to those in soil S (Fig. 1b). Soil L had no negative effect on V. fischeri. The application of the sewage sludges to that soil caused a significant decrease of that parameter, indicating their increased toxicity as compared to the control soil. However, that effect was not as significant as the one observed in soil S (Fig. 1a). The values obtained on the particular dates of experiment did not exceed the level of 12 %. Immediately after the introduction in the soil, both sludges—SL1 and SL2—caused luminescence inhibition at a similar level of about 4 %. However, like in the case of soil S, also in soil L amended with the sewage sludges that further changes in the toxicity depended on the kind of sewage sludge applied. In the case of sludge SL1, inhibition of luminescence remained at a constant level until the 17th month of the study. Whereas in the case of sludge SL2, a gradual increase of toxicity of the matrix under study was observed over the same period. In both cases (sludges SL1 and SL2), the final period of the experiment was characterized by a significant decrease of the inhibition of luminescence which, in the case of sludge SL1, attained the level observed for the control soil. The soil amended with sludge SL2 continued to display a higher toxicity than that of the control soil (Fig. 1b).
Microbial assay for toxic risk assessment
On the first date of experiment in soil S, in the case of both sewage sludges, a distinct positive effect on the test organisms was observed comparing to non-amended soil S (Fig. S2A). The range of the effect clearly depended on the type of organisms and was higher than in soil S in the range from 12.2 to 319 %. The highest values for sludge SL1 were observed for Microbacterium sp. (increase of 171 % comparing to the control), S. warnerii (319 %), and P. anomala (143 %), while for sludge SL2, values above 100 % were observed for C. testosteroni (124.2 %) and S. warnerii (227.2 %). The lowest effect of the addition of the sewage sludges was noted in the case of P. aurantiaca (13.5 %) and S. rubidaea (12.2 %) in sludge SL1, and Microbacterium sp. (20.4 %) and S. rubidaea (0 %, no change) in sludge SL2. With the passage of time, all the test organisms displayed the same tendency in soil S amended with sludge SL1. During the period from the beginning of the experiment till the 17th month of the study, a gradual decrease was observed in the positive effect of the soil amended with sludge SL1. In the case of one third of the test organisms, i.e., C. freundii, K. gibsonii, P. aurantiaca, and S. rubidaea, the values assayed on the third date of analyses were lower than those observed on the corresponding dates in soil S, by 46.6, 32.8, 25.0, and 36.5 %, respectively. On the final date of assays, another increase of the positive effect of the sludges on all test organisms was noted. That increase attained values similar to or higher than the level observed directly after the addition of the sewage sludges. The effect of sludge SL2 on the toxicity of soil S over time had a completely different way. In the case of Microbacterium sp., S. warnerii, S. rubidaea, and P. anomala, throughout the period of the experiment, a gradual increase of positive effect of SL2 on the amended soil was observed. Whereas in the case of four bacteria strains (B. diminuta, C. freundii, D. acidovorans, and P. aurantiaca), no significant changes were noted between the particular dates of assays. For all of the test organisms, the values determined on the final date of analyses were higher, by from 23 to 52 %, than the values observed in the control soil at the same time.
The addition of sludges SL1 and SL2 to soil L had a more diversified character than it was observed in the case of soil S. The direction of the effect of the sludges was also less positive in character than it was noted in soil S. The application of both sludges to soil L caused a reduction of growth in the case of nearly one half of the organisms tested (Microbacterium sp., D. acidovorans, S. warnerii, S. rubidaea, and P. anomala). The greatest rates of growth reduction, amounting to 51 and 57 %, were noted in the case of organisms S. warnerii and P. anomala, respectively. A positive effect of soil amendment with the sludges was found only for C. freundii (SL1 and SL2) and C. testosteroni (SL1). In the case of the other test organisms, no significant effect of the sludges on their growth was noted relative to the control soil L. Values determined at the beginning of the experiment in soil L fertilized with sludge SL1 remained at a constant level for all the test organisms throughout the period of the experiment. In no case, statistically significant differences were noted between the dates of assays, whereas a greater variation between the dates of assays was observed in soil L with an addition of sludge SL2 (Fig. S2B). In the case of most of the test organisms (B. diminuta, C. freundii, D. acidovorans, C. testosteroni, E. casseliflavus, and K. gibsonii), the same tendency was observed as in the control soil. It consisted in a gradual increase of toxicity up till the third date of assays, and on the final date of analyses, another increase was noted (more significant), usually up to the level observed at the beginning of the experiment. From the beginning to the end of the study, a gradual increase of positive effect of the sludges on organisms, Microbacterium sp., S. rubidaea, and P. anomala, was observed.
Prototoxkit F™ (T. thermophila)
The addition of sludge SL2 to soil L had only a slight (but statistically significant, P ≤ 0.05) increasing effect on its toxicity towards T. thermophila (Fig. 2b). Inhibition of the test organisms greater than that in the control soil continued until the 17th month of the experiment, following which a significant decrease of the toxicity was observed, to below the level observed in the control soil L (Fig. 2b), whereas a significant effect was observed in the case of sludge SL1 which, already from the first date of experiment, caused significant inhibition of T. thermophila at the level of 64 %. With the passage of time, however, a gradual decrease of the toxicity was observed. On the final date of analyses, as in the case of sludge SL2, the value of inhibition of T. thermophila was lower than that observed for the control soil L.
Rotoxkit F™ (B. calyciflorus)
Daphtoxkit F™ (D. magna)
EC10 values at the beginning and the end of the experiment
EC10 (in percent, volume/volume) values determined for leachates received at the beginning (I) and the end (IV) of experiment from soils (S and L) and sewage sludge-amended soils (+SL1 and +SL2)
Analyzing the effect of time on the values of EC10, a notable increase of toxicity on the final date of study relative to the beginning of the experiment was observed in the case of B. calyciflorus. The range of a decrease of EC10 (increase of toxicity) in relation to the beginning of the experiment varied from 48.7 to 64.3 % in soil S and from 27.0 to 41.2 % in soil L, depending on the kind of sewage sludge. In three out of four cases, an increase of toxicity after 29 months of the experiment was observed on soil amended with the sludge also for D. magna. In the case of the remaining two tests, more often, a lack of change or a decrease of toxicity was observed than its increase.
In spite of the lack of legislative regulations concerning the possibility of applying biological tests for the estimation of toxicity of sewage sludges, that method is more and more frequently applied. This results primarily from the fact that biological tests permit more precise determination of toxicity than chemical analyses, indicating directly the potential threats. Studies conducted so far have been mainly focused on the estimation of toxicity of sewage sludges (Fuentes et al. 2006; Hu and Yuan 2012; Oleszczuk 2008, 2010; Ramirez et al. 2008b; Roig et al. 2012), without taking into account such important parameters as the type of soil in which a sewage sludge is applied, or the varied effect of sewage sludges on various organisms. In the case of the latter, it is especially important to apply a battery of biotests that will permit more comprehensive determination of potential threats related with sewage sludge with respect to various organisms. Studies of this type, sparse so far, are focused mainly on effluents from sewage treatment plants (Latif and Licek 2004; Manusadzianas et al. 2003) or landfill leachates (Clement et al. 1996; Matejczyk et al. 2011). Leachates obtained from the sewage sludges used in this study displayed varied levels of toxicity towards the test organisms (Table 2). The addition of the sludges to the soil significantly reduced their toxicity, which was related with the “dilution” of the sludges with the soils studied. Although the sludges differed from each other in the level of toxicity, no identical trends were found after the introduction of the sludges to the soils. For example, sludge SL2 which displayed higher toxicity than sludge SL1 in the Microtox test (Table 2) had a lesser negative effect on V. fischeri after the introduction in the soil (Table 3) than sludge SL1. A similar tendency was observed with relation to the other test organisms. That phenomenon is hard to explain. Most probably, it is related to the multidirectional effect of various factors (mainly the properties of the soils and their components) which, after the application of the sludges, may have various increasing or decreasing effects on toxicity. Undoubtedly, more detailed elucidation of the problem is the key element in further studies on the toxicity of soils amended with sewage sludge. Only in the case of B. calyciflorus that the difference in toxicity between sludges (greater toxicity of sludge SL1 than SL2) was confirmed also after the introduction of the sludges in both of the soils, which indicates that the species may be a potential indicator of toxicity of sewage sludges. However, it should be emphasized that the capacity of B. calyciflorus as an indicator has been tested here only for the two soils. It might behave differently in a different type of soil.
The study demonstrated clearly that the effect of sewage sludges on the toxicity of soils may vary in relation to the biological test applied. This is understandable taking into account that various organisms can be characterized by various levels of sensitivity to particular pollutants (Isidori et al. 2006). In no case, any significant relationships were noted among the results obtained for the particular tests, which indicates diversified sensitivity of the test organisms. This confirms the species-specific as well as chemical-specific nature of toxicity, reflected by the different impacts on different test species (Clement et al. 1996; Latif and Licek 2004). It is difficult to relate the results obtained to the results of research by other authors, due to the lack of publications pertaining to this subject matter. Earlier studies by Matejczyk et al. (2011) showed that such a relationship can occur. However, it usually concerns a single group of organisms, e.g., crustaceans, and is rarely observed in relation to various groups of organisms. This supports the necessity of research on sewage sludges in the aspect of their effect on various organisms to achieve a full characterization of threats.
Studies conducted so far on the toxicity of soils amended with sewage sludges have been concerned mainly with earthworms (Cesar et al. 2012; Natal-da-Luz et al. 2009a), collembola (Domene et al. 2007; Natal-da-luz et al. 2009b), or plants (Oleszczuk et al. 2012). Those studies were mostly focused on the estimation of the solid fraction of sewage sludge. Studies on leachates, as mentioned before, are focused on other environmental matrices. However, leachates can be useful for evaluating toxicity of sewage sludge-amended soils on aquatic organisms in hypothetic situations where soil leaching and erosion processes could mobilize contaminants to surrounding fluvial systems (Baun et al. 2002; Cesar et al. 2012). In the study presented here, the highest sensitivity to the presence of sewage sludge in soil S was a characteristic of B. calyciflorus. That species is relatively rarely used in ecotoxicological studies (Isidori et al. 2003; Matejczyk et al. 2011). Rotifers, however, are an important group of organisms which plays an important role in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems (Ejsmont-Karabin 2012). As demonstrated by results obtained so far (Isidori et al. 2003), rotifers are characterized by greater sensitivity than D. magna, which found support also in the study presented here, whereas Matejczyk et al. (2011) observed a reverse tendency, indicating greater sensitivity of D. magna than B. calyciflorus to landfill leachates. In this study, a similar relation was observed only in soil L amended with sludge SL2. This indicates clearly that the effect of sewage sludges on toxicity may vary radically not only in relation to the kind of sludge (and probably the contaminants contained in it) but also to the type of soil. Relatively, the least sensitive organism in this study proved to be T. thermophila (with the exception of soil L with SL1), which was also supported in other studies (Latif and Licek 2004), whereas rather surprising is the low sensitivity of the bacteria V. fischeri. V. fischeri inhibition (Microtox® assay) is widely accepted as a good indicator of the environmental impact of certain wastes and leachates produced by human activity (Roig et al. 2012). In this study, the sensitivity of that test, compared to others, placed it in the group of the less sensitive ones, which again confirms the necessity of expanding the scope of research onto other groups of organisms.
As follows from the results obtained, the type of soil in which sewage sludge is introduced is an especially important parameter. The results are in agreement with other tests conducted with natural soils, suggesting that soil properties played a vital role in the toxicity (Cesar et al. 2012; Domene et al. 2010; Oleszczuk et al. 2012). In the study presented here, the sensitivity of the particular test organisms was clearly dependent on the soil type. It can be assumed that it was the factor that played the most important role in the variation of toxicity. Also, the changes of toxicity on the particular dates of assays were determined by that parameter. More frequently, the sewage sludges were characterized by greater toxicity when introduced into soil S than into soil L. This is understandable, taking into account the physicochemical properties of the soils studied and their particle size distribution. Soil S was characterized by relatively weak fertilizing properties (Table 1); moreover, the sorption complexes (CEC) and content of clay which could be responsible for bioavailability and mobility of organic and inorganic pollutants (Heemsbergen et al. 2009) were also unfavorable in soil S. Clay minerals in the soil L may have stimulated the reduction of metal contents in the soil solution comparing to soil S, due to its high potential of cationic adsorption (Cesar et al. 2012). Cesar et al. (2012) found lower levels of toxicity associated with the presence of expensive clay minerals, thus suggesting that those minerals are able to decrease not only the mobility of contaminants in the environment but also the toxicity to earthworms. It should also be emphasized that soil S was characterized by low pH (Table 1), which could cause, after the introduction of the sludges, mobilization of heavy metals and their increased transfer to the leachates. It is well-known that pH can influence the oxidation and mobility of metals in the soil, affecting their bioavailability and toxicity (Alkorta et al. 2006; Cesar et al. 2012).
In the estimation of the toxicity of sewage sludges, it is extremely important to determine their toxicity not only immediately after their introduction into soil but also at later times (Natal-da-luz et al. 2009b; Oleszczuk et al. 2012). As demonstrated by the results of this study, the potential toxicity can undergo significant changes. This problem, however, is so far the least elucidated in the literature. The few studies conducted so far (Natal-da-luz et al. 2009b), in which sewage sludges together with soil were incubated for periods of 0, 4, and 12 weeks, showed that the toxicity of sludges can be subject to variation. The range of the variation depended on the kind of sludge and on the parameter tested (avoidance or reproduction of Folsomia candida). Lowering of the toxicity of soils amended with sewage sludges is most probably the result of one of the following factors: (1) biodegradation, (2) sequestration or formation of bound residue contaminants, (3) leaching of contaminants or their uptake by plants, and (4) change of the physicochemical conditions of soils, leading to a decrease or an increase in the intensity of the above-mentioned processes. An example in this case can be the mineralization of organic matter. That process, on the one hand, leads to increased stability of organic matter and to enhancement of its sorptive capacity to organic contaminants (reduction of toxicity as a result of limitation of the mobility of contaminants) (Oleszczuk 2009). On the other hand, however, mineralization of organic matter (26–42 % of the organic matter introduced together with the sewage sludge underwent mineralization very quickly) (Rowell et al. 2001) from sewage sludge may result in the liberation of contaminants that were hard available before, intensifying their negative effect on the test organisms. The phenomenon of increase of toxicity, especially in the case of B. calyciflorus but also of other test organisms (Table 3), was observed on the final date of assays relative to the beginning of the experiment. It is also important to emphasize that the positive effect of the sewage sludges on the test organisms observed initially frequently changed to a negative effect on the later dates of analyses. This was particularly observable in the MARA test, where the leachates from the sewage sludges displayed a positive effect on the growth of the test organisms, which appeared also after the addition of the sludges to the soil. On the one hand, that could have been related with the mobilization of contaminants, as a result of the processes mentioned earlier, but on the other hand, the mineralization of organic matter, constituting a source of nutrients for microorganisms, as well as the leaching of nutrients or reduction of their availability from soil amended with the sludges compared to the beginning of the experiment, notably inhibited the growth of those organisms in later periods, which resulted in a reduction of their activity. No studies making use of the MARA test for the estimation of toxicity of soils fertilized with sewage sludges have been presented so far. As can be seen from the study presented here, the effect of sewage sludges is varied, but as in the case of the preceding tests, it is determined by the soil type to a significant degree.
To our knowledge, the research results presented here are the first to be obtained in a study in which a battery of biotests has been applied for the estimation of the toxicity of soils amended with sewage sludges in a long-term approach. The results show that the addition of sewage sludges to the soils has a significant effect on their toxicity which, depending on the test organism and soil type, may assume various values. The differences between the soils and among the test organisms can vary within very broad ranges. However, the results show clearly that B. calyciflorus was the organism that was characterized by the highest sensitivity to the presence of the sewage sludges. What is interesting with the passage of time is the toxicity of the soils amended with the sewage sludges increased both in the case of B. calyciflorus and of some of the variants with other test species. This indicates the need of estimations of sewage sludges, not only taking into account the soil type, as suggested before, but also of applying the long-term approach to the problem. The most popular in ecotoxicological estimations test with the use of the bacteria V. fischeri proved to be one of the least sensitive. A low level of sensitivity with relation to bacteria has also been found in the case of the MARA test which, in a majority of cases, indicated a positive effect of the sewage sludges. A low level of sensitivity to the presence of sewage sludges was also displayed by T. thermophila. Bacteria and protozoans play a very important role in the self-purification of waters. Contaminants affecting those organisms may have an indirect effect on the transformation of pollutants in waters and soils. Therefore, the demonstration of a slight effect of sewage sludges on those groups of organisms constitutes a positive aspect in the context of utilization of sewage sludges. However, it should be emphasized that without a doubt, as indicated by our study, the estimation of the toxicity of sewage sludges should be based on a comprehensive approach to the problem, taking into account not only various groups of test organisms but also an estimation of the effect of the type of soil into which the sludge is introduced and of the time elapsed since the application of sewage sludge.
The work was founded in the frame of grant no. NN310 306439 financed in 2010–2012 from the budget of the Ministry of Science and Information Society Technologies (Poland).
This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited.
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Open AccessThis article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits any use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and the source are credited.


The Guadiana river in Las Tablas de Daimiel national park, in Castilla-La Mancha, is finally flowing for the first time in 25 years after heavy rainfall.
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COUNCILS across the Costa Blanca are well into their annual routine to treat pine trees full of processionary caterpillar nests. The pest can kill small...


Mon 26 Mar 2018, 10:46
Watch the Hip Hop Evolution online on DStv Now.
The SA hip hop scene is blowing up from your Cassper's to his protege's Nadia Nakia and Gemini Major and of course Kwesta.
Watch Original artists, producers, DJs and promoters like DJ Kool Herc, Coke La Rock, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Fab Five Freddy, The Sugarhill Gang and Russell Simmons in Hip Hop Evolution, a documentary about the history of hip-hop music, Sundays at 20:00 on BET, DStv Channel 129 which is also available on DStv Now.
Female rapper Rouge, made history by being the first hip hop artist to win a SAFTA. She won in the category Best Micro Budget Film for New Era Sessions a film which was released alongside her deut album and features Atandwa and Fikile Kani and Denise Zimba.
SA has it’s own hip hop legends like Skwatta Kamp who have recently released the track There You Go in loving memory of fallen Skwatta Kamp member Flabba who died at the hands of his girlfriend Sindiswe Manqele.
Proverb is also a hip hop legend in his own right with his albums Book of Proverb and Fourthwrite amongst others.
Can we have a moment for the hip hop 90s groups like H2O and Teargas amongst others. That music gives us nostalgia every time.
K.O who broke off from the group introduced to the unforgettable Caracara and later that year in 2014 Cassper Nyovest gave us Doc Shebeleza which made us take note of him. He’s gone on to do great things like #fillupthedome and #fillupfnb. He’s working towards #fillingupmosesmabhida
Watch his interview with Sips and Mish where he reveals his secret talent:
He’s also worked with the likes of Riky Rick, Kwesta on his Ngud and Major League.
Other hip hop peeps who are making waves include Okmalumkoolkat, Tshego, Yanga Chief, AKA and Fifi Cooper amongst others.
Here are other hip hop peeps you should keep a look out for:
Nomuzi aka Moozlie who is TV presenter on V Entertainment. She’s recently released her EP and single Getting Cash. She also told us all about the making of the music video on #TheDishwithSipsandMish.
Sho Madjozi who has worked with Malumkoolkat on his hit Gqi raps in Xitsonga, also very artsy and visual and it’s apparent in her video for Dumi Hi Phone. She also acts on Isithembiso, Monday – Thursday at 19:30 on Mzansi Magic. Also available online on DStv Now.
Frank Casino made waves on DJ Speedsta’s Mayo single and has collaborated with Riky Rick on The Whole Thang and A$ap Ferg on Low.


Billy Ray Cyrus Makes Surprise Appearance at Station Inn
Emerging Powerhouse Vocalist, Camille Rae, Releases New Single, “But I Want You”
Ty Herndon Set to Release Much Anticipated New Album, “House On Fire” Nov. 11
Billy Ray Cyrus Releases 14th Studio Album Thin Line; Available Now on iTunes and Amazon
Rob Potts Announces New Joint Label Deal FANGATE Music with Sony Music Entertainment Australia
(Nashville, Tenn. – Aug. 10, 2011) Country artist Lacy Green recently visited BMI’s Nashville offices during a brief break from her ongoing radio tour. Green, who is signed with BMI, was in town...
North Carolina native marks first release with racecar sponsorship at nationally televised ARCA race
(Nashville, Tenn. – June 22, 2011) SwanGate Records recording artist Lacy Green is officially...
WHO: SwanGate Records recording artist Lacy Green
WHAT: Release party celebrating Lacy’s debut Country music single, “For the
Summertime,” from her upcoming 2011 EP release


2020 Ford Bronco Transmission Redesign, Price, Release Date – Any gossips are usually that this 2020 ford bronco puncture is on its way for the marketplaces in a one year time. That revival on this hits us many together with enthusiasm. While things are all nonetheless a supposition, this famous unique SUV could operate on a Ranger’s passenger truck foundation. A body-on-framework design and numerous powertrain choices expected. The new version makes use of a similar serps that will is incorporated in the F-150 design and another optionally available gas system. The diesel-powered electric motor will beyond doubt stay in that supply, but not just before 2020.
Additionally, a 2020 ford bronco television broadcasting will require a lot of design tips from the Ford Ranger pickup truck. Nonetheless, we still wait for an official affirmation in the Glowing blue Oblong carmaker, and this is how new Bronco may be like and what performance it is going to take.
2020 Ford Bronco Transmission Exterior Is Old style And Modern
An upcoming 2020 ford bronco transmission will blend this vintage old-university outdoor using the plenty of contemporary functions and collections. This SUV will have plenty of commonalities with all Ford’s F-150 together with Ranger passenger truck. Bronco can be a mid-size SUV, therefore never consider it would feature a rugged outer.
The front grille is horizontal, and round front lights are looking lovely. Before Bronco was a two-door SUV now a brand new Bronco needs to get there as being a 4-front door model. Contemporary wheels and rims are searching relaxing. In any way, there must be two body styles and two wheelbase lengths within the offer.
2020 Ford Bronco Transmission Interior Will Get A Big Touchscreen display Display
While the exterior will probably be the same as the Ranger design, and the interior is going to be distinctive in the very own way. The latest infotainment method will make a generation and will also have a big touch-screen, this can be inserted into the ultimate edition of the SUV. Also, it will include a driver information and facts exhibit that reveals essential stuff like rate and engine temperature. However, the concept version is there without having the screen.
A shifter using a rotary dial is placed from the heart and push-switch begin is going to be regular, combined with the keyless entry. Rear car seats will mostly depend upon which kind of the Bronco will probably be, two or a number of-entrance SUV. However, sitting for five people is really what everyone is wanting. Enhanced comfort must be premium with this portion, but Ford is aware of to surprise anyone so that we ought to wait for the carmaker to broadcast Bronco’s specs.
2020 Ford Bronco Transmission Engine Is Lent Through The F-150 Version
The 2020 ford bronco transmission will borrow an engine from the F-150 product. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 is a standard model that creates 325 HP and 375 lb-ft of torque. With these amounts, Bronco ought to slot over the existing Wrangler JK. The optional powertrain is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 that may develop 365 HP and 420 lb-feet of torque.
Each motor is providing a 10-rate automatic transmission. Nonetheless, genuine Bronco’s followers are anticipating a 6-rate guide gearbox. A part-time 4WD set up is going to be standard.
2020 Ford Bronco Transmission Price And Release Date
The price is perhaps the largest puzzle at this particular moment. Anticipate from the 2020 ford bronco transmission to arrive using the very competitive price. For the occasion, the Wrangler JK Unlimited product starts at $28,000, and so the Bronco will surely cost somewhat basically. The latest 2020 ford bronco transmission will go discounted afterward in 2019.


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Memorize: Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. Psalms 67:5-6
Devotional Reading: Psalm 67:1-7
I am concluding this topic in today’s devotional, I explained last Friday in part 1 how praise is a weapon of warfare that can give us victory. I will explain today, the effects of positive changes that can take place through praise.
A bible character that stood out and became notable for his ability to praise God so much that he won God’s heart was David. Prophet Samuel described him as a man after God’s own heart in 1 Samuel 13:14; confirmed by Apostle Paul in Acts 13:22.
King David was renowned for his ability to offer quality praise unto God. He danced before the Lord with all his might, and all his mockers were silenced. Even Michal, his wife that mocked him, was barren until the day of her death. 2 Samuel: 6:14-23. One very important thing you must know about praise is that God inhabits the praises of His people. As I said in part 1, Psalms 22:3, God only inhabits the praises of His people, not their knowledge, prayer, fasting, or services. God dwells in praise, He will not dwell outside praise. David said I will enter his gate with thanksgiving in my heart, i will enter His court with praise, the atmosphere that God enjoy most, is the atmosphere of praise, and this is what guarantees divine presence and obtained victory for us. God cannot resist the praises of His people, especially when offered with holy hands.
Lazarus was dead and buried for four days. But Jesus arrived and said, “Father, I thank you,” just at the sound of praise death gave way for life and Lazarus that was dead four days came out by himself. That is the effect of praise and the victory it brings.
As you praise God today those chains around you, your marriage, family, businesses or ministry shall lose, fall and be broken forever in Jesus name, Victory is coming your way today as s result of your praise in Jesus name, amen.
Don’t allow your visible situations to hinder your invisible breakthroughs, remember king Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20; he got a landslide victory in a battle between Judah a small nation againt 3 much bigger nations, the bible describe these 3 nations as multitudes, Jehoshaphat knew he stood no chance, but ‘Praise’ gave him a chance, not just a chance, praise won the battle and gave him VICTORY, that is another effect of praise.
As a church, in obedience to prophetic revelation, we are confident that our praise in this month of October will release overflowing blessings upon us and win landslide VICTORY for us as individuals, families and as a church, we are also confident that it will give our nation the much needed direction that the country need especially at this special time. The power of praise will also give our world divine intervention at this challenging global time.
The psalmist gave a wise admonition in Psalm 122:6; Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.
The God of Jehoshaphat is still the same God today who honours praise and answers prayers. As you start a new working week today, let your praise go up and you will see your overflowing blessings and abundant breakthroughs come down upon you in Jesus name.
I pray for you, that the power of praise will work out your victory today in Jesus name.
Prayers point : O LORD, please teach me how to offer acceptable praise unto you that will provoke the release of my overflowing blessings and breakthroughs.
Key Dose: No battle is too big for the force of praise to conquer.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
In His Presence Christ Tabernacle

domain: literature


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A portrait of a remote village in his hometown where a buffalo excapes and causes a frenzy of ecstatic violence.
Jallikattu in cinemas now
Jallikattu is in the cinemas right now. Jallikattu was released on Oct 04, 2019 in cinemas in India. Above, you can book your movie tickets in cinema near you in one click. Get your movie tickets for Jallikattu now!
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India turned the mirror on Pakistan after its Prime Minister Imran Khan delivered a speech at the UN attacking India, and recalled its record of genocide in Bangladesh, being a haven for terrorists and suppression of minorities.
Indian UN Mission’s First Secretary Mijito Vinito said on Friday: “The leader of Pakistan today called for those who incite hate and violence to be outlawed. But, as he went on, we were left wondering, was he referring to himself?”
During his pre-recorded speech shown at the General Assembly earlier in the day, Pakistan PM Khan had repeated the same allegations about India as last year, focused on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and how the government was allegedly persecuting minorities.
He also raised the Kashmir issue, suggesting Security Council action there with a peacekeeping force.
Vinito, an Indian Foreign Service diplomat of the 2010 batch, who had walked out during Khan's speech, took him on exercising New Delhi's right of reply.
“Let me assert here loud and clear. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inalienable part of India. The rules and legislations brought in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are strictly internal affairs of India.”Mijito Vinito, Indian UN Mission’s First Secretary
The only dispute, he said, was Islamabad's illegal occupation of Kashmiri territory, which it must vacate, Vinito said.
India Calls Khan’s Speech ‘Incessant Rant’
He said that Khan's speech was a "new low" and his words "demean the very essence of the UN".
"For a nation that is deeply buried in medievalism, it is understandable that the tenets of a modern civilized society such as peace, dialogue and diplomacy are farfetched," Vinito said.
He called Khan's speech the "incessant rant of someone who had nothing to show for himself, who had no achievements to speak of, and no reasonable suggestion to offer to the world".
“The only crowning glory that this country has to show to the world for the last 70 years is terrorism, ethnic cleansing, majoritarian fundamentalism, and clandestine nuclear trade.”Mijito Vinito, Indian UN Mission’s First Secretary
India Calls Out Pak on Double Speak
Vinito reminded Pakistan of what he sarcastically called its "stellar record."
Referring to the massacre of over a million people by Pakistani troops and its allies in what was its province of East Pakistan in 1971 and is now Bangladesh, Vinito said: "This is the country that brought genocide to South Asia 39 years back when it killed its own people. This is also the country that is shameless enough not to offer a sincere apology for the horrors it perpetrated even after so many years."
On Pakistan's record in terrorism, Vinito recalled that Khan had hailed Al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden as a "martyr". Pakistan had harboured him for several years till US Special Forces took him out in Abbottabad.
Pakistan had the "dubious distinction of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UN" and provides them pensions, Vinito said.
“The same leader who spewed venom today” had himself publicly admitted last year that Pakistan had 30,000 to 40,000 terrorists trained by it and they have fought in Afghanistan and in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Vinito added.
On Pakistan's record on minorities, Vinito said: "This is the country that has systematically cleansed its minorities including Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and others, through the abuse of its blasphemy laws and through forced religious conversions."
While claiming to champion the rights of Muslims, Islamabad "has encouraged killing of fellow Muslims merely because they belonged to a different sect, or to a different region in Pakistan, and through sponsoring terrorist attacks against its neighbours", he said.
Pakistan’s Counter Reply
Pakistan subsequently exercised its own right of reply to India's reply. Muhammad Zulqarnain Chheena, a First Secretary, like his Prime Minister aimed his attacks on the BJP and RSS.
He said the Delhi riots earlier this year exposed the Hindutva ideology.
Chheena said the RSS-BJP were “changing India’s history to obliterate the thousand years of Muslim civilization and culture”.
He also referred to Kulbhushan Jadhav, who India says was kidnapped in Iran and taken to Pakistan, as someone who helped terrorists in his country.
(With inputs from IANS.)

domain: news


Returning after three years in continental wilderness, skipper of the Peoples' Elephant wants to start up their Champions League campaign with a win in front of home fans in Aba
Captain Chinedu Udoji says he is very confident Enyimba will get all the three points over CAF Champions League opponents, Anges de Notse of Togo when both teams clash at the Aba Township Stadium.
Enyimba, who won the CAF Champions League back-to-back in 2003 and 2004, will host the Togolese side in the first fixture of the continental competition on Sunday.
Defender Udoji said that he and his teammates are determined to ensure the club starts their Champions League campaign with a victory over the visitors.
“Our target is to win by as many as four goals and I’ll like to play a decisive role given the go ahead by the coaches in the victory campaign,” said Chinedu.
On chances against their opponents, Chinedu said, “We’re putting everything right to ensure we secure a gallant win on Sunday even though we don’t know much about the visiting side.
“I don’t think it does us any good worrying our heads over who but to strengthen our resolve to win well so as to make the reverse fixture a bit easier.
Enyimba won the Glo Premier League pre-season Super Four tournament in Abuja last month following a 3-0, 2-0, 1-0 victories over Bayelsa United, Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars respectively.
He believes the club’s exploit at the Super Four pre-season tourney have prepared them adequately to take on their opponent from Togo in the Preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
“The pre-season tourney has actually boosted our confidence and prepared us for the quality of opposition to face the Togolese side,” he said.
The Aba Millionaires will be away to the Togolese side in a week’s time at the Stade Anges de Notse for the reverse fixture.
The winner of the two-legged encounter will progress to the round of 32 of the money-spinning competition.


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Top Tech Stocks
Technology stocks were solidly lower shortly before Friday's closing bell, extending small declines from earlier in the session. At last look, shares of tech stocks in the S&P 500 were losing almost 0.4% in value this afternoon while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index was dropping over 0.5%.
Among technology stocks moving on news:
(+) Acuity Brands ( AYI ) climbed more than 7% at one point on Friday after analysts at Wells Fargo upgraded the brokerage's stock rating for the electronic components company to Outperform from Market Perform previously and also increased their price target for Acuity by $47 to $187 a share.
In other sector news:
(+) IPG Photonics Corp ( IPGP ) enjoyed a sizable gain on Friday, topping out with a nearly 6% advance, after the fiber laser manufacturer received an upgrade to Strong Buy from Market Perform by analysts at Raymond James.
(+) Texas Instruments ( TXN ) was just over 1% higher Friday afternoon, giving back almost half of its prior advance that followed the analog and embedded processor-maker late Thursday raising its quarterly dividend by 24% over its most recent distribution to investors to $0.77 per share. The upcoming dividend - including the extra $0.15 per share - is payable on Nov. 19 to shareholders of record on Oct. 31. The company also said it has authorized the repurchase of up to $12 billion of its common stock over time on top of the $7.4 billion still remaining under its prior authorization on June 30.
(-) Acorn International ( ATV ) was trading more than 1% on Friday, reversing a similarly sized spike shortly after the opening bell, after announcing the expansion of its e-commerce business into live streaming and short form-videos in China. Acorn also said it has redirected its direct marketing know-how to digital media with the launch of Acorn Streaming, which primarily is focused on live streaming and pre-recorded video content.

domain: finance


African Union Commission chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma would be having it all rosy within the ANC Women League (ANCWL) whenever it’s time to succeed President Jacob Zuma.
Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is rumored to be planning on contesting the position of ANC leader once President Jacob Zuma’s term ends in 2017.
In addition, the ANCWL disclosed that, should any other female candidate indicate interest for the seat of the president, the league won’t hesitate to throw its back behind her.
ANCWL To Support Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma Or Eligible Candidate
ANCWL’s president, Bathabile Dlamini told reporters on Thursday, “this is the decision of the conference of the ANCWL. It’s no longer a decision of an individual. The ANC has called upon all of us to put aside the issues of the coming conference and focus on elections.”
She revealed that the responsibility of queuing behind female candidates starts from the party’s branches, who would be tasked with the responsibility of selecting suitable candidates for the post.
“We don’t want to divide women. Our responsibility is to unite our country. Any candidate that has been selected by the branches we will support. And therefore, after that process, our responsibility will be to back any candidate that will have been selected by branches.
Dlamini said the league would carefully select other eligible candidates and won’t be in a hurry to do so. “We have women that can stand as president of the country. We don’t want to create confusion among ourselves and start deciding on names here,” she said.
Thereafter, the league would meet with selected candidates in a closed-door meeting, where it wold make a final selection of candidate.
The League also announced its preparations for this year’s 60th anniversary celebrations of the women’s rights march on the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
ANCWL Secretary-General Meokgo Matuba said, a range of programmes which would focus attention on Women’s Month in August, as well as the local government elections in the same month have been drawn up, as part of the 60-year celebrations.
Matuba said: “As the ANCWL we also understand that it is women in the main who are in the majority who are members of our movement. We should not disregard the important role that our women play in our politics and in society as a whole.
Since our conference in August, the new leadership of the ANCWL has tried to mobilise women across South Africa to understand that it is in being active in the ANCWL that women’s issues can be addressed because the ANC is the leader of society.”
She also called for gender transformation, particularly in leadership and for a “fifty-fifty representation across all leadership positions”.
However, apart from Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, National Speaker Baleka Mbete is another candidate ‘perceived’ to be willing to take over from Zuma. Though, Mbete is yet to widely announce her ambition, she stated during a traditional ceremony organized in her honour months ago, that she had been severally asked to replace Zuma.


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For decades after its founding, America was really two nations - one slave, one free. There were many reasons why this nation ultimately broke apart in the Civil War, but the fact that enslaved black people repeatedly risked their lives to flee their masters in the South in search of freedom in the North proved that the “united” states was a lie.
The problem of the 1850s - how (for southerners) to preserve slavery without destroying the Union, or (for northerners) how to destroy slavery while preserving the Union - was a political problem specific to a particular time and place. But the moral problem of how to reconcile irreconcilable values is a timeless one that, sooner or later, confronts us all.”
My guest today, Andrew Delbanco, author of The War Before The War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War discusses this topic at depth in this episode. We begin in 1850, with America on the verge of collapse, Congress reached what it hoped was a solution - the notorious Compromise of 1850, which required that fugitive slaves be returned to their masters. But the Fugitive Slave Act, intended to preserve the Union, instead set the nation on the path to civil war.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
The War Before The War: Fugitive Slaves and the Struggle for America's Soul from the Revolution to the Civil War

domain: library


Demolition Work Begins On Future Site of Starkweather Lofts in Plymouth, Mich.
PLYMOUTH, MICH. — Building demolition work is underway at the future site of the 128,000-square-foot Starkweather Lofts in Plymouth, a western Detroit suburb, according to Crain’s Detroit Business. The $21 million apartment property, which is slated for completion in November 2016, will be comprised of two, four-story buildings and a mix of 93 one-and two-bedroom luxury units. The units will range from 800 to 1,330 square feet and offer amenities such as wood flooring, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-unit washer and dryer and outdoor patios or balconies. In addition, Starkweather Lofts will be within walking distance of downtown Plymouth. The project includes the demolition of a 20,000-square-foot building on the site. DevMar Development LLC, based in Bingham Farms, Mich., is the project developer.


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BeyondHeadlines Staff Reporter
New Delhi: The CBI today questioned Suresh Kalmadi and arrested him in connection with Commonwealth Games Scam.He was charged with conspiracy, cheating and possible charges under Prevention of Corruption Act. In earlier planned session with CBI, he had not appeared for questioning on health grounds and being a strong Congress politician from Pune, constituency related work.
The CBI investigators now have sufficient evidence to prove Mr.Kalmadi was involved in irregularities and favouritism. As Chairman of the organising team he was routinely handed out contracts to companies that quoted highest prices over reasonable bids.
It was found London based AM Films was favoured, in hiring of services like taxis,portable toilets,Large Public Display Television Screens for the ceremony and the Queen’s Baton Relay. It is alleged that transfer of large sums of cash to AM Films and to its CEO Ashish Patel without a signed contract took place.Mr. Kalmadi had earlier defended himself by stating the shortage of time in processing the contract to get the show going on time. It was also discovered the three bids for the Queen’s Baton Relay function were forged to favour Mr. Patel in awarding of the contact.The CBI got lead from construction company based in Hyderabad, AKR Construction that acted as his frontal company. CBI has been investigating his locker in New Delhi, bank accounts and homes in Pune and Delhi.Kalmadi began losing ground with the arrest of Shekhar Mukund Deorukhkar, accused of hiding transactions and contract papers which were later discovered in raids conducted by CBI.
His other close associates like Lalit Bhanot, the Secretary General of the organising team and VK.Verma, Director General have already been arrested. In November 2010 Mr. Kalmadi was removed from the post of Secretary of Congress Parliamentary Party.

domain: politics


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Quarterly Connections: Fall 2018
BETTER TOGETHER: City and County Credit Union Merger Update
We are well underway with a collaborative merger with City & County Credit Union, with one mission in mind – to serve you better! This is how things are progressing.
ARTICLE: Using the Growing Equity in your Home
You might not realize that you’re sitting on a growing asset. This asset is the available equity in your home, which can be used to improve your financial situation, such as paying off other high-interest debt. How do you know if using the equity in your home is the right option? Our in-house mortgage expert, Lee Conliffe weighs in.
CALENDAR: Upcoming Events
Get involved in your credit union and your community at one of many events in October and November. Click the buttons below for information on attending an upcoming event, or find even more on our Events page.
|Shred Day||Member Day||Dollar Dog Day|

domain: economics


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Shilpa Shetty and her family have been suffering with hubby’s Raj Kundra case. Shilpa who was recently spotted at the sets of Super Dancer 3, is back in full power. The actress has been feeling overwhelmed and took a break from all her social media accounts. Shilpa is back on all her social media sites and is sharing her life again with her fans.
Raj Kundra, Shilpa Shetty’s husband was recently jailed for allegations regarding involvement in making porn films. Many of the actresses and models came forward and spoke against Raj Kundra. Raj Kundra’s production house was charged for fraud and false promises to the models. While there has been rumours about involvement of Shilpa Shetty in the case, there has been no evidence regarding the same.
Shilpa Shetty was MIA from all her social media accounts as she wanted to spend time with her family amidst the chaos that had been going on. She even took in-charge of her whole family while Raj Kundra was busy in legal matters. Raj Kundra’s case is still going on. But, recently we witnessed Shilpa back on the sets of Super Dancer 3.
Shilpa’s fans are really excited seeing her back on track. Shilpa got emotional while the shoot. She was overwhelmed by the love and support of others. She shared a post on Instagram, captioned, “Liv every Moment.” She is all set to face all the challenges on her path and pave way to her happy life.


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For the love of basketball! So is the exclamation I hear from time to time in this household. Well, not those words exactly, but when the Chicago Bulls are playing this is what I imagine Dougie’s yelling in his head while Lucky sits comfortably in his lap. Me, I’m not a huge basketball fan except only when the Lakers are good but I do know all about love + basketball.
You may have seen Facebook posts about Grace and John’s engagement session that was recently published in the new Style Sweets Wedding Magazine. Seriously. Who, after playing basketball in collectible Jordans, still looks tremendously gorgeous and sweat free? Grace, that’s who! We started off their engagement session playing their favorite sport. And it’s not just a “favorite” sport they have, it’s a sport they commit to with John playing in his own league… And, yep, Grace playing in her own league, too! But together, they’re a league of their own. (Hahaha. Corny, I know, but I can’t help myself on this lovely day!) After I sweated out the photography (while Grace remained dry and still picture perfect thanks to her awesome makeup artist), we headed over to Solstice Canyon in Malibu to one of their favorite hiking trails for a vintage picnic. After eating cupcakes, we followed it with a hike to the Solstice Canyon waterfall. There are so many hidden gems in Los Angeles and I’m always thrilled to visit any new spot my clients pick out, especially one as unique as the hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Now, let’s give a round of love and applause to Grace + John. I can’t wait for their destination wedding in San Diego this July!
Makeup: Beauty by Jill

domain: hobby


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By Polly Keary, Editor
Fryelands Elementary third grade teacher Randy Brown has developed a teaching skill any teacher would envy.
He can be in two places at once.
Brown long believed that the best single improvement to classrooms that a school district could make would be the addition of another fulltime adult.
It didn’t seem possible, though. Budgets didn’t allow it.
But three years ago, technology did.
Now, using an innovative combination of filmmaking, computer programming, technology and classroom practices, Randy Brown can literally double himself; teaching kids on one side of the classroom while giving them individual instruction on the other.
The technique, which he calls “classroom flipping,” is catching on in the school district and around the region. And now it has caught the attention of the judges of Washington’s most prestigious education awards.
For his unique approach to education, and for the nearly missionary zeal he brings to the job of teaching, Brown has been awarded this year’s Stanley O. McNaughton Award, the highest award offered in the annual KCTS Gold Apple awards, given to exceptional educators statewide.
The Khan Academy insight
Randy Brown, sweater-clad and red-bearded, taps his foot vigorously as he sits on a student’s desk after school and remembers the night that he saw a way to solve one of the biggest problems facing teachers today.
His sister-in-law had been telling him about the Khan Academy, free online lessons in math, science, history and other subjects, taught as they would be in a classroom.
“Three years ago in February I was in the parking lot at Safeway; it was raining at 8 o’clock at night, and my wife was in the store,” he said. “I went online on my phone and I watched the first one. I was totally blown away. It was crystal clear. I had no idea how he was doing that. I knew if I could do that, I could duplicate myself.”
He had spent 25 years wishing for another person to help in the classroom. Now it seemed he could create his own virtual assistant.
If he could make lessons the way Saul Khan did in the Khan Academy videos, with clear lessons being written out on the screen as one watched, he could effectively add a second person to the classroom every day.
Brown just didn’t know how to use technology to create that kind of video.
“My first videos, I just set up the camera to record my computer monitor,” he said. “It wasn’t clear.”
So he kept Google searching, trying to find information on what the Khan Academy used.
“One word kept coming up: Wacom,” said Brown.
Wacom turned out to be a Vancouver, Wash., company that manufactured a tablet computer called a Pen Tablet. It allows the user to draw on a tablet screen so that the writing appears on another screen.
“I begged my wife to let me buy one of the Pen Tablets,” he said. “And then we had a snowstorm.”
All the roads were so dangerous that deliveries everywhere were cancelled.
Desperate to get his hands on the new piece of technology, Brown got in his pickup truck and drove to the UPS distribution center in Redmond to pick it up.
Schools were closed for the next four days.
“I spent the next four days learning how to use it,” he said. “And that was the beginning of learning how to do this.”
“There are two of me”
Friday, the classroom of 26 third-graders was very quiet.
Half the class was gathered around a cluster of open laptop computers, headphones on, all looking up at a flat-screen video monitor on the wall on which images having to do with weather were passing. Every once in a while the kids suddenly said a word or two in unison, answering a question they could hear in their headphones.
The other half of the students worked at their desks, and Brown passed among them like a bee in clover, stopping briefly at each child’s desk to check on their work.
Every five minutes or so, the silence was interrupted by the prerecorded voice of a student, telling the kids it was time to switch.
The group with headphones went to the desks to work on the lesson they’d just seen on the screen.
The second group put on the headphones and started the next lesson.
The lessons they are watching all were recorded by Brown.
Each lesson, (also viewable online at www.mrrbrown.org) begins with a brisk and cheerful greeting, and then writing appears on the screen, along with lessons, pictures and workbook pages as Brown explains each skill, sometimes using such cartoon companions as “The Puzzled Penguin,” who needs help figuring out why his math problem didn’t turn out right.
The little videos are the accumulation of three years of steady work.
“For a while I got here at 5:45 every day, three hours ahead of class,” said Brown. “It took that much time to make the videos. It was a real labor of love.”
As of today, Brown has recorded more than 500 of those short lessons.
“Now there are two of me,” he said. “People laugh when I say that. But it’s true.”
The tech strategy
As Brown taught, he also learned. To look at his classroom, one might think he’d been a tech wizard all his life, but in fact he’s fairly new to gadgetry.
His semi-circular desk has two monitors on it, a table computer, a hard drive, an industrial-sized power supply underneath and cables snaking everywhere.
There are large speakers all around the room, monitors high on the walls, and laptops and headphones are on every surface that’s not a child’s desk.
Four years ago, he hardly had any technology, he said.
But just before Brown saw his first Khan Academy video, he read a book that changed his life.
“This book, Teach With Your Strengths,” he said, lifting a hard-backed book from his desk, “This book opened my eyes like nothing I’ve ever read.”
The book helped him identify his top five strengths, he said, and rose to fetch a placard hanging from the wall on a lanyard. Written there are his five greatest strengths as an individual.
His number-one strength, he learned, is his love for strategy.
And as he thought about strategy and how it could apply to teaching, he began to think about what technology could help him achieve.
Then he started collecting computers.
“Randy has been very resourceful,” said Rosemary O’Neil, school district spokesperson. “Each year teachers get a stipend for supplies and he has used it over several years for technology.”
Brown combed the internet for deals, finding 100-gig laptops for as little as $140 each, and now his room is ringed with 28 laptops, more than enough for every kid to work on his or her own.
Making videos was another strategy, and now the back of the room is walled off by a large piece of green fabric, a “green screen,” that allows him to edit backdrops into photos and videos taken in front of it.
“I learned everything, all of this, from video tutorials,” said Brown. “A buddy taught me how to use a green screen. I can put the kids anywhere in the world and it looks real.”
Once, the kids and he worked on a news story about Diana Nyad, the 64-year-old woman who swam the Atlantic this summer.
“We did a CNN-like report with a student in front of the green screen, and it looked like she was on the beach in Key West, Florida,” said Brown.
The kids even make elaborate puppet movies, edit them with Google images, then make the gym into a movie theater and show the other classes.
Kids seem to love Brown’s teaching methods.
“Mr. Brown, he likes to do fun stuff, like Peak Performance,” said Keegan Locking, 8. “You have to have zero missing assignments, and then you get to get your picture in front of the green screen, and it looks like we’re somewhere else.”
“We get to do electronic stuff,” said Megan Chestine, 9. “It makes it a lot easier.”
A Golden Apple
What Brown has learned, and what he taught himself, he is now teaching to others. Last summer he taught a class on what he calls the “flip classroom model” to 20 other teachers from three schools.
He created eight instructional videos on how teach with video assistance, and divided the teachers into two groups, and quite simply taught the class using the same method he uses with the kids; the groups alternating between watching videos and interacting with the teacher.
Wacom, the Pen Tablet maker, was sufficiently impressed with his work that they loaned him $10,000 worth of Pen Tablets with which to teach the class.
He also met Saul Khan, and Khan later visited Brown’s website.
“He emailed me back and said, ‘I’m impressed; I’m going to share your story with my entire team,’” said Brown.
Brown’s brimming enthusiasm and creativity inspired a colleague to try to get him some recognition.
Traci Adams, a fellow teacher, stayed up until midnight one night filling out an application nominating him for a Gold Apple Award, a prestigious award offered to the state’s best teachers.
She described his classroom innovations, and termed him “a wonderful human being as well as an outstanding innovator in education and child development.”
The Gold Apple Awards for Excellence in Education are sponsored by non-profit television station KCTS 9, in conjunction with the PEMCO Foundation, and it’s funded by the Gates Foundation and judged by professional educators and PTA leaders.
Not only did Brown win, he was awarded the Stanley O. McNaughton Award, only one of which is given away each year. It honors a teacher of extraordinary commitment.
The award is richly deserved, said Jerry Martin, whose daughter was in Brown’s class last year.
“He is one amazing teacher,” Martin said. Martin used to visit the class while volunteering at the school, and he described the flipped classroom as “quite a sight,” and said the kids loved being in it.
At the end of the year, the parents all got a special video with voiceovers by the kids, he said.
“It was truly an amazing year for us, and we were not quite ready to move on,” he said.
But now Brown is running a student volunteering club, so Martin’s daughter still gets to work with Brown, serving dinners at Take The Next Step.
“He is one of the best teachers that I have every come in contact with,” said Martin.
Rebekah Carlson, another parent of a former student, agreed.
“I hope his methods are adopted by all schools,” she said. “It would benefit our kids greatly.”
To see examples of Mr. Brown’s videos, visit http://www.mrrbrown.org/writing.htm.


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Proving the Power of Polysulphate in Brazil
Research highlights Polysulphate fertilizer's contribution to Brazil's major crops including sugar cane, soybean, maize, and cotton
Detailed research in Brazil shows the significant contribution that Polysulphate fertilizer makes to crop productivity. This evidence is opening the way for even more trials of Polysulphate, the trademark for ICL’s unique polyhalite fertilizer, in a wide range of key Brazilian crops.
Recognizing Polysulphate’s Potential
Increased fertilizer use has helped boost Brazilian agriculture, but nutritional imbalances remain a limiting factor for crop productivity. Almost a third of the fertilizers used are potash fertilizers, however the full potential of Polysulphate – the natural complex mineral supplying calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and potassium – has not been deeply investigated or recognized until now.
Results of important work at Sao Paulo University have signposted the potential of Polysulphate as a nutrient donor for soybean as well as rice. A potted rice experiment using the typical low nutrient, sandy, Brazilian soil provides convincing evidence that Polysulphate is an effective fertilizer.
Delivering the Sulfur Crops Need
Meanwhile, a soybean field trial showed Polysulphate fertilizer has considerable potential to improve production in no-tillage systems, especially in soils with calcium and magnesium deficiencies. Moreover, it performs as well as potassium chloride fertilizer but without the adverse effects of chloride. More than all that, the major advantage of Polysulphate reported in the research findings is that it delivers sulfur, an essential plant nutrient that is often overlooked.
Brazils’ major crops – sugarcane, soybean, corn, and cotton – all require significant sulfur and could benefit greatly from Polysulphate fertilizer. Wider research in all these crops continues. This is the next step in consolidating the potential of Polysulphate as an important fertilizer for Brazilian crops.
For more details, see the full report Introducing Polyhalite to Brazil: First Steps of a New Fertilizer published in e-ifc No. 48 by the International Potash Institute.


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Lest you think the Book Blather staff is a bunch of rookies, I’d like you to meet Chef Jean Denham. I have always admired people who do things well and Jean definitely meets that standard.
Picture this: Waay back before Julie and Julia, 20 year-old Jean Denham’s first dinner party consisted of recipes she found in the newly released book, Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle. After successfully pulling off this feat, she continued cooking for family, friends and coworkers for another 40 years and then entered the American Culinary Federation’s program to become a full-fledged, accredited chef. The program was a three year commitment including 6,000 hours of cooking certification.
After graduating, she was appointed to the Board of Directors and spent two years as Apprenticeship Chair for the Capitol City Chef's Association, a chapter of the American Culinary Federation, in Sacramento, California She began her working career in country clubs and local hotels; then on to the job of Chef at Foresthill Lodge Hotel, in Foresthill, California after 3 years in the culinary field.
Along the way she became involved with the Chef Scholarship Fundraiser Dinner group and cooked with wonderful chefs and cooks from around the country and England. That program sponsored by Chefs4Students.com is still carrying on these fundraiser dinners and raising monies for scholarships. It was during the time of working with this group that her first book, Share a Recipe Cookbook (a collaboration) came into being. The book has already given a $1,000.00 scholarship to a culinary student attending Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Las Vegas, Nevada. All the proceeds from this book continue to sponsor Chef Scholarships.
In 2007 she turned her attention to writing cookbooks and sharing some of the dishes she has cooked over the past 50 + years, with the world. The second book, A Chef’s Journey…Home, is a collection of recipes she, her family and her friends loved growing up and is dedicated to the women in her family who passed on the love of cooking to her. This book was followed by two more books, Pizza, Pizza, Pizza! and Black Beans and Corn. She is currently working on books five and six, plus a volume 2 of Pizza, Pizza, Pizza! Please scroll down for Jean's recipe for corn fritters.
Please note: Jean’s recipes featured on Book Blather reflect Marilee’s demand for simplicity because Marilee as a cook is . . . um, simple. To learn more about our resident chef’s genius in the kitchen, please check out her books at www.achefsjourney.com

domain: food


Your Broadway Debut
New York City, 2024
Performing arts students from around the country share the stage with the biggest names on Broadway for an inspirational night to benefit those affected by autism!
Teachers - How It All Works
The show is open to dance, choir, and musical theatre groups. In collaboration with our Artistic Director, selected performance groups will choose a musical number that will be rehearsed at your home studio. Throughout the year you will receive both virtual feedback and an in-person work session with someone from our creative team. In New York, student groups will work with Broadway choreographers and directors to finalize routines, integrate Broadway actors into the number, and rehearse onstage.
Our Broadway orchestra and performers will accompany each number and lighting will be timed to set the mood of the evening. Each group will also be a part of the opening song and finale.
We recommend participation in the Arts for Autism benefit concert be booked for a few days in New York City to explore and immerse your students in the performance culture of the Big Apple. We will put together a customized itinerary that fits your educational goals, as well as handle all reservation and logistics. We do it all for you, so you can focus on what's most important, your students.
Your Stage Awaits!
See What Your Time in NYC Will Include
Fill out our quick online application and upload or attach a video submission of a previous performance. We can’t wait to see your students shine!
Explore New York City and immerse your students in the performance culture of the Big Apple!
"This event to me is special because it shows that there isn't one way to tell a story. The power of song. The power of dance. It has a farther reach than just entertainment. We can do something. We can do something really important."
- Kelvin Moon Loh, The King and I & Spongebob
Fill out and submit your application at the link below, or click Download to receive a pdf version. Please submit downloaded applications to email@example.com along with requested video files or links.
We Can't Wait to See You There!
Each year a young performer on the spectrum is given the opportunity to make their Broadway debut! If you would like to audition for this featured solo, please submit an audition here.


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Over the past week, the state of Florida reported over 1,200 new deaths from Covid-19, setting a sobering new high for one of the nation’s coronavirus epicenters, even as other statistics continue to show the state’s crisis improving.
Marlon Warren, a mortician assistant prepares a funeral service for a man who died of COVID-19 at … [+]
Since Sunday, Aug. 9, Florida has reported 1,266 coronavirus deaths.
Other metrics, like new cases, hospitalizations and positive testing rate, have steadily dropped, indicating coronavirus spread in the state is slowing down.
Deaths tend to lag behind other statistics, suggesting that the record breaking week was likely a result of case rises earlier in the summer.
The death count remains far below what New York reported during mid-April, when the state was averaging over 700 coronavirus deaths a day—a number no other state has even approached.
Florida reported 3,779 new coronavirus cases Sunday. That number is higher than what most countries usually report in a day, but it’s actually the lowest daily case increase since June. Sunday also marks five weeks since Florida reported 15,300 new coronavirus cases in a single day—the highest number any state has reported so far in the pandemic.
Florida isn’t alone in reporting a new death high. Its week was actually surpassed by what Texas, which was another summer coronavirus hot spot, reported from Saturday, Aug. 8, to Saturday, Aug. 15. The Lone Star State topped 1,700 deaths over that week alone.
Just because the state reported a new record for deaths in the past week doesn’t mean that 1,266 Floridians died of coronavirus over that period, since there’s also a lag between when a death happens and when it is reported to the state and then added to the database. According to the Orlando Sentinel, at least one of the deaths reported Sunday actually occurred as much as a month earlier.
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW
It will take more time to determine whether the death peak has already happened in the state, and when that peak might have been.

domain: geography


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Delivering healthcare by the use of telecommunications technology and electronic information is known as telehealth. In simple terms, telehealth makes it possible for doctors to provide healthcare to long distance patients whenever a need arises, by means of digital technology. These long distance patients could be patients who lack transport fees to access health facilities, elderly or disabled who may have mobility difficulties and other patients may experience difficulties due serious illnesses or bad weather conditions. Other people choose telehealth care because they want to save time and they don’t want to be late for work. Some people also go for it since its easily accessible and cheaper since patients don’t have to visit the health care offices unnecessarily. Telehealth has more choices in matters of health.
Telehealth is becoming more and more popular today, because of its significant benefits to both healthcare specialists and patients. Telehealth has led to an improved healthcare in a world which doesn’t have enough health care specialists, clinics and healthcare systems. Accessing patients living in remote areas, offering health care education by means of technology platforms like telephones and connecting with patients beyond the care delivery system are some of the ways in which telehealth has promoted healthcare. Telehealth has led to better clinical workflow which has resulted in speedy and efficient solutions to patients. For instance, telehealth platforms, have made it possible for healthcare staff to deliver better healthcare guidelines as they are able to capture patients inquiries faster. Telehealth systems also enable healthcare providers to capture patients’ information in an organized manner. Some of the benefits of storing patients data systematically include; improved medical care, speedy care delivery, and lower medical expenses. The medical examination which uses digital transmission and pathological data is known as telepathology.
Currently, telehealth has played an integral role in improving the healthcare industry. Instead of visiting healthcare facilities, most families are now opting for video consultations with health professionals. Parents that have children with disabilities have to drive to long-distance doctors just to know their test results. However, patients can avoid this, through video consultations as they are more convenient and facilitates interactions between patients and doctors.. Doctors can also benefit from telehealth systems, as they allow them to provide health care to patients living abroad, or those who are unable to travel due to other reasons. Telehealth also makes it possible for doctors to save time, since they don’t have to go to different healthcare clinics and reach more patients by providing health care. Doctors living in rural areas can become more knowledgeable and become more informed in matters relating to health, as they can learn from other doctors through the available telehealth platforms.

domain: medical