BIOSPHERE: BIOMEMBRANE OR BIOMATRIX?
http://scipeople.com/publication/99402/;
S.A.Ostroumov
Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow
Epigraph: …whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.
Isaac Newton (1642-1727)...
BIOSPHERE: BIOMEMBRANE OR BIOMATRIX?
http://scipeople.com/publication/99402/;
S.A.Ostroumov
Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow
Epigraph: …whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.
Isaac Newton (1642-1727)
Key words: biosphere, V.I. Vernadsky, fundamental concepts and principles, migration of elements, immobilization, living matter, biogenic matter, components of the biosphere, chemico-biotic interactions
The fundamental concept of the biosphere was a central focus of attention of the classical works by V.I. Vernadsky [1, 2 ]. Many authors contributed to the studies of the biosphere [3- 12].
The goal of this publication is to comment on some basic fundamental concepts and principles that are relevant to modern understanding of what is the biosphere.
Traditionally, the biosphere is considered as one of “spheres’ around the globe. Some time ago, a number of scientific terms were coined: lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Among them, the entity that corresponds to the concept and term ‘biosphere’ features some unique qualities:
(1) The biosphere is probably the thinnest among all other ‘spheres’ except perhaps the hydrosphere. As a result, the biosphere could be considered as a thin skin or film or membrane that surrounds the hard surface of the globe.
(2) The biosphere is probably the most vague entity among the other ‘spheres’ in terms of where its limits or boundaries are.
There are various views on that what exactly is included into the biosphere, what exactly should be considered as components (parts, constituents) of the biosphere.
In the narrow sense (sensu stricto), it includes living organisms.
In the broader sense (sensu lato), it includes both living organisms and the matter that was produced or transformed by living organisms.
In that latter case – if that latter broader approach is applied – the biosphere includes all types of detritus, excretions, and all type of former living matter.
In latter case, in aquatic ecosystems a significant part of bottom sediments is definitely a part of the biosphere. All organic matter of the bottom sediments and soils should be considered a part of the biosphere.
Our recent studies provided new facts on the high ability of living organisms and the matter produced by them (e.g., detritus) to accumulate, absorb, and immobilize some chemical elements that initially were added to the system in the form of salts dissolved in water. To be more specific, it was shown in our experiments with aquatic microcosms. Several metals as a water solution of salts were added to the water of those microcosms [13, 14, 16, 18, 19].
Continuation - see in the attached file. BIOSPHERE: BIOMEMBRANE OR BIOMATRIX? - Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions, 2010, vol.15, p.13-16.
A key term in ecology is 'ecosystem'.
Examples of bad definition of ecosystem:
These are two definitions of ecosystem that can be found in Internet:
1. "a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical...
A key term in ecology is 'ecosystem'.
Examples of bad definition of ecosystem:
These are two definitions of ecosystem that can be found in Internet:
1. "a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment" (see:
wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn)
The drawbacks of this definition: another term is used , namely, 'community'; why only physical environment is mentioned? if you mention 'physical', you are to mention 'chemical' one as well...
2. "An ecosystem is a complex set of relationships among the living resources, habitats, and residents of an area. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, microrganisms, water, soil, and people".
http://forest.mtu.edu/kidscorner/ecosystems/definition.html
The drawbacks of this definition: another term is used , namely, 'habitats'; why only 'living resources' are mentioned? if you mention 'living resources' , you are to mention non-living as well... ; it is wrong to list 'animals, fish, birds, ' (as 'fish' and 'bird' are part of the general term 'animals'); by the same token, it is wrong to list 'plants, trees,...' (as 'trees' are part of the general term 'plants') .
That is why it is important that an attempt was made to give a better definition. An example of such attempt see:
http://blog.researchgate.net/masterblog/2220_New_Definition_of_Ecosystem; (in English);
http://scipeople.com/publication/99205/; (in Russian);
http://scipeople.com/publication/70259/; (in Russian);
http://scipeople.com/publication/66938/ (in Russian)
Also see the paper:
Ostroumov S.A., New definitions of the concepts and terms ecosystem and biogeocenosis. — Doklady Biological Sciences. 2002. Vol. 383: 141-143. 2 tables. Bibliogr. 15. [Publisher: MAIK Nauka / Interperiodica distributed exclusively by Springer Science+Business Media LLC.] ISSN 0012-4966 (Print) 1608-3105 (Online). DOI 10.1023/A:1015393924967. http://www.springerlink.com/content/vpg4yu2v3yd6t97b/ In 1935 the term 'ecosystem' was coined by A. Tansley. In the 1940s, another important term, 'biogeocoenosis', was introduced by V. N. Sukachev. Since that time, a lot of new facts have accumulated in ecology. It is necessary to revisit the formulation of the basic concepts and terms in ecology, including the two terms mentioned above. The author proposed some new variants of the definition of the two terms that (1) reflect the modern vision of the basics of ecology; and (2) avoid the vicious circle of using other terms that in turn request their require definitions. The author realizes that the new variants of the terms cannot be ideal and some other variants of the definitions are also possible. Tables: 5 specific features of the proposed definition of ecosystem (Table 1); 8 specific features of the proposed definition of biogeocenosis, and 8 distinctions between the proposed definition and the classical definition by V.N.Sukachev (Table 2).
Aslo see:
Ecological concepts "ecosystem", "biogeocenosis", "ecosystem boundaries": search for new definitions. – Moscow University Biological Sciences Bulletin. 2003. Vol. 58. No. 3. P.29-38. Tab. Bibliogr. 44 refs. [ISSN 0096-3925; Publisher: Allerton Press, Inc., 18 West 27th Street, N.Y., NY 10001].
Фундаментальные инновации: экология, окружающая среда, биосфера. 14. Биосфера как эколого-биохимический...
Фундаментальные инновации: экология, окружающая среда, биосфера. 14. Биосфера как эколого-биохимический континуум.http://scipeople.com/publication/99251/ Biosphere as ecological-biochemical continuum.
Остроумов С.А.
Автором впервые предложено трактовать биосферу как эколого-биохимический континуум (Biosphere as ecological-biochemical continuum). При этом обращается внимание на цепочки связей в биосфере – в которых организмы связаны с помощью выделяемых ими химических веществ, которые переносят информацию для других организмов. Как результат, организмы оказываются связанными друг с другом при посредстве химических веществе. Инновации изложены в книге:
Остроумов С.А. Введение в биохимическую экологию. (http://scipeople.ru/publication/67928/)
Книга переведена на другие языки, в том числе польский.
Русское издание включено в списки рекомендуемой литературы в университетах РФ, Украины, Белоруссии, Литвы.
Польское издание включено в списки рекомендуемой литературы в университетах Польши.
Using the books (Introduction to Biochemical Ecology’, ‘Introduction to Problems of Biochemical Ecology’) in university education http://scipeople.com/publication/99092/; Об использовании книг («Введение в биохимическую экологию», «Введение в проблемы биохимической экологии») в университетском образовании.
Опубликованы рецензии- http://scipeople.ru/publication/69892/ - О книге: Остроумов С.А. Введение в биохимическую экологию. Авторы рецензий – акад. Н.П.Дубинин, проф. М.В.Гусев, проф. С.С.Ставская, Prof. B. Stugren, Prof. E. Symonides и другие.
Стенограмма беседы на тему БИОРЕГУЛЯЦИЯ СООБЩЕСТВ [04.12.03] в рамках серии телевизионных передач по актуальным проблемам науки (телекомпания НТВ, ведущий А.Гордон)http://scipeople.com/publication/70366/; Участники: Исаев Александр Сергеевич – академик РАН; Остроумов Сергей Андреевич
Ключевые слова: биосфера, новая трактовка, интерпретация, эколого-биохимический континуум; связи между организмами, экологические связи, концепции экологии, биосферные науки, Biosphere, ecological-biochemical, continuum, links among organisms, ecological interactions
Ostroumov S.A. Trends in modernizing the fundamental concept of ecosystem: self-repairing, self-cleaning, self-reforming, energy-saving, and labile biomachinery. - Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions, 2007, v. 12, p. 24-29....
Ostroumov S.A. Trends in modernizing the fundamental concept of ecosystem: self-repairing, self-cleaning, self-reforming, energy-saving, and labile biomachinery. - Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions, 2007, v. 12, p. 24-29.
http://scipeople.com/publication/99066/;
There are various concepts of ecosystem (e.g., Tansley, 1935; Alimov, 2000; Wetzel, 2001). Some authors consider an ecosystem to be a kind of organism or superorganism. Other authors consider it as a mechanism with a structure formed by a certain pattern of transfer of energy and matter.
There are many types of ecosystems and possibly all of the various types of definition and vision are adequate in one or another specific situation. Recently, we published our own definition of an ecosystem that seems to be useful in some situations (Ostroumov, 2002c).
The goal of this paper is to re-visit the formulations of some of the fundamental concepts underlying the functional organization of ecosystems. As our experience was mainly with aquatic organisms, we plan to use mainly the empirical data of studies of aquatic ecosystems and organisms. We hope that some part of our analysis will be applicable to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Our analysis leads to the following vision of an ecosystem that seems to be applicable to some natural and artificial aquatic ecosystems: we propose to see some of the aquatic ecosystems as self-repairing, self-cleaning, self-reshaping, energy-saving, and labile biomachinery.
To support and substantiate this view, we locate some evidence from both our studies and the literature (see Table 1 in the article). The following issues were analyzed in the article:
1. Superorganism, mechanism or biomachinery?
2. Rigid structure or labile entity? We consider the aquatic ecosystem as a labile entity because…< see in the full text of the paper>
3. Energy wasting or energy saving? We consider the aquatic ecosystem as an energy-saving entity because…< see in the full text of the paper>
4. Needing an external repair shop or self-repairing? The aquatic ecosystem as a self-repairing, self-cleaning entity because…< see in the full text of the paper>
5. Paradox of identity: constancy of self-reforming? The aquatic ecosystem as a self-reforming, self-reshaping entity because…< see in the full text of the paper>
6. Sum of elements or hi-technology?
7. A new concept of competitive symbiosis.
8. Entropy and ecological repair. We studied effects of some chemicals on … < see in the full text of the paper> We consider ecological repair in aquatic ecosystems as another example of anti-entropy processes in life systems.
9. Individual elements of ecosystems: independent species or groups of species? We developed a new concept of groups of species that we call ecological clusters (Ostroumov, 2004b). Ecological clusters are…< see in the full text of the paper>
The article contribute to the evolution of ecology that is on the verge of revolution in conceptual terms, which is of importance in order to understand and use ecosystem services.
Key words: innovations in ecology, ecosystem, fundamental concepts, ecotechnology, biosphere, ecological clusters, entropy, symbiosis, biomachinery, energy-saving, ecological repair, theoretical biology and ecology, superorganism, ecosystem services
http://scipeople.ru/publication/70348/; Ostroumov S.A. Biosphere: biomembrane or biomatrix?
see: http://scipeople.ru/publication/70166/;
at that site the file (Text.vol.15.doc) with the all papers of the volume is attached;
in the volume, the...
http://scipeople.ru/publication/70348/; Ostroumov S.A. Biosphere: biomembrane or biomatrix?
see: http://scipeople.ru/publication/70166/;
at that site the file (Text.vol.15.doc) with the all papers of the volume is attached;
in the volume, the full text of the paper is on pages 13-16.
Ostroumov S.A. Biosphere: biomembrane or biomatrix? Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions, 2010, vol.15, p. 13-16.
Fragments of the text of the paper:
The fundamental concept of the biosphere was a central focus of attention of the classical works by V.I. Vernadsky [1, 2 ]. Many authors contributed to the studies of the biosphere [3- 12].
The goal of this publication is to comment on some basic fundamental concepts and principles that are relevant to modern understanding of what is the biosphere.
[…]
There are various views on that what exactly is included into the biosphere, what exactly should be considered as components (parts, constituents) of the biosphere.
[…]
Our recent studies provided new facts on the high ability of living organisms and the matter produced by them (e.g., detritus) to accumulate, absorb, and immobilize some chemical elements that initially were added to the system in the form of salts dissolved in water. To be more specific, it was shown in our experiments with aquatic microcosms. […]
It is noteworthy that several aspects of interaction of biomass and biogenic matter with chemical species are highly relevant to our analysis: […]
All in all, our new data and a vast amount of data in the current literature show that living organisms and the matter that is being produced by them serve as an efficient matrix which binds and immobilize a broad range of chemical species from the aquatic medium.
By the same token, organisms and biogenic material can bind some molecules and particles from the surrounding air.
On that basis, the view is justified according to which the total sum of components of the biosphere serve a kind of matrix to bind chemical components and particles from water and air.
As this matrix is represented by organisms (the biota) and biogenic matter, it is logical to call it ‘biomatrix’.
Also, a slightly extended interpretation could be given to the term ‘biomatrix’. Many studies have shown the existence and vital role of a variety of physical fields generated by organisms. Those fields include electromagnetic, acoustic, infrared, optical (the visible range of wavelengths) ones ... Moreover, the physical space between organisms contains also an immense number of infochemicals and other molecules of biogenic origin that carry information and produce a broad range of effects on the organisms receiving them (Ostroumov, 1986) . All those factors are in accord with the vision of the surrounding of the organisms – the surrounding that is essentially packed with the matter and physical fields, - both of which may produce some profound effects on the organisms - rather as a matrix than just as ‘a space’.
The answer to the question posed in the title of this publication – the biomembrane or biomatrix? - is dualistic: both the biomembrane and biomatrix.
New scientific revolution in ecology and hydrobiology: hi-ecological technologies. http://scipeople.com/publication/70236/;
S.A.Ostroumov
Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991
Published: Ostroumov S.A. New scientific...
New scientific revolution in ecology and hydrobiology: hi-ecological technologies. http://scipeople.com/publication/70236/;
S.A.Ostroumov
Faculty of Biology, Moscow State University, Moscow 119991
Published: Ostroumov S.A. New scientific revolution in ecology and hydrobiology: hi-ecological technologies. — Ecological Studies, Hazards, Solutions, 2006, v. 11, p. 22-24.
[This is the second draft for the site, with slight additional editing].
Key words: new scientific revolution, ecology, hydrobiology, ecological technology, biotechnology, environmental science, biology, biosphere, fundamental concepts, chemical communication, signals, preventing global change, ecosystems
The scientific achievements in several areas of modern science made less visible some important advances made in ecology and environmental science. They are:
Re-visiting some basic concepts. Several fundamental notions of ecology are undergoing a significant change. E.g., among the basic concepts of ecology is the concept of ecological optimum associated with many ecological factors. According to that concept, each or almost each of ecological factors there is some optimum (say, optimal temperature etc), at which organisms of the given species feel most comfortable and demonstrate maximum productivity. The research done by Professor A. S. Konstantinov (his presentation at this session, Aquatic Ecosystems, Organisms, Innovations, Moscow, 2005) (12) demonstrated that this concept is no longer correct. He proposed and substantiated a new concept of ecological optimum that is different from the currently accepted.
Information network in the biosphere. We see now that the biological communities are not only the trophic webs but also networks of the information flows. The information channel are based on several types of communication: physical (optical, acoustical, possibly electromagnetic), and chemical (chemical signals). The details of the chemical communication were analyzed in our publications (9-11).
Self-maintenance mechanisms. The relative stability of ecological systems and the biosphere as whole is a surprising fact. The stability of the thermal conditions, the stability of the biotic communities, the stability of the chemical composition of water are important things that cannot be taken for granted. There are some complex ecological mechanisms behind those facts of stability. One of those mechanisms is the ecological mechanism for water self-purification in freshwater bodies and streams, as well as in marine systems. It was described in (8).
Practical applications. There are several interrelated ways of practical usage of new ecological knowledge.
Example 1: phytoremediation. More detail, in (3).
Example 2: preventing global change. It was shown that the global change is prevented or mitigated by a number of ecological or biogeochemical processes (5, 7). Those processes and the biota which is the driving force for the processes should be better studied and protected.
Example 3: preventing new potential forms of terrorism (bioterrorism, ecoterrorism). Usually the term 'bioterrorism' is interpreted as something to do with harmful microorganisms and other infectious agents, including genetically constructed. They are dangerous, but the prophylaxis of bioterrorism must cover a broader range of potential threats. In our ecological analysis, we found the threats that we designated as 'the ecological hazard of the first type' and 'the ecological hazard of the second type' (1, 4, 6). Those threats are to be better studied and we are looking for sponsorship in studying them and the ways to counter the threats. We already discovered important biotic mechanisms that serve as a beneficial remedy to prevent the threat of the ecological hazard of the second type (1, 4, 6).
Concluding remark. The common denominator of many of the ecological mechanisms mentioned above is that they meet the criteria that we formulated in some of our recent publications as the criteria for a hi-tech device in the field of technology. Hence, we can consider some ecological mechanisms (involved in information transfer, in self-purification etc) as ecological analogy of high technology. We suggest to use the term 'hi-ecological technologies' that we can found in natural ecosystems; we may create them in artificial ecosystems. The systems for phytoremediation is a good example.
Literature - see the attached file.
Course Titled: Environmental Problems and Sustainability. http://scipeople.com/publication/70030/;
Lecturer: Serguei Ostroumov (Dr. Sergei A. Ostroumov)
Institution: Moscow State University
Country: Russia
Site:...
Course Titled: Environmental Problems and Sustainability. http://scipeople.com/publication/70030/;
Lecturer: Serguei Ostroumov (Dr. Sergei A. Ostroumov)
Institution: Moscow State University
Country: Russia
Site: http://web.ceu.hu/crc/Syllabi/alumni/envsci/ostroumov.html
The course is intended to show the problems of the modern environment and importance of the fundamental concept of sustainable development. It is important to make a point in stressing the role of science in finding the solutions. The course is intended for the university students mainly of the 2nd and 3rd years of education but can be adapted for students of other years as well. The course can be included in the program of education of the students majoring in both science and humanities. The lecture course can be supplemented by the assignment of writing a course work on any relevant topic mentioned in the course. The course work can be focused on a scientific aspect of environmental change or on environmental law or on implementing environmental law and agreements. The course is structured into 9 blocks that are labeled below as 'parts'. Because the parts are of unequal size, they do not coincide with the division into lectures.
Most cited books and articles: environmental science. http://scipeople.com/publication/70028/;
1. Book: Conservation of living nature and resources: problems, trends, and prospects. A.V. Yablokov, S.A. Ostroumov. 1991. Publisher: Springer-Verlag....
Most cited books and articles: environmental science. http://scipeople.com/publication/70028/;
1. Book: Conservation of living nature and resources: problems, trends, and prospects. A.V. Yablokov, S.A. Ostroumov. 1991. Publisher: Springer-Verlag. http://scipeople.com/publication/69671/ ; On the book: http://scipeople.com/publication/69894/
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2. Inhibitory analysis of top-down control: new keys to studying eutrophication, algal blooms, and water self-purification // Hydrobiologia. 2002. vol. 469. P.117-129. [Authored: S.A.Ostroumov]. 8 tables. Bibliogr. 71 refs. A step toward modernization of the contemporary understanding of how ecosystem functions and how it performs useful ecosystem services] (Springer Press, Dordrecht). ISSN 0018-8158 (Print) 1573-5117 (Online) DOI 10.1023/A:1015559123646; http://www.moipros.ru/files/author_4_article_9.doc; www.springerlink.com/index/R9PTJEQ5FK8VLA6M.pdf; http://scipeople.com/uploads/materials/4389/2Hydrobiologia469p117w%20Addendum.DOC
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3. Polyfunctional role of biodiversity in processes leading to water purification: current conceptualizations and concluding remarks // Hydrobiologia. 2002. v. 469 (1-3): P.203-204. [Authored: S.A.Ostroumov]. Bibliogr. 8 refs. ISSN 0018-8158 (Print) 1573-5117 (Online). [Selected elements of a new vision of the role of biodiversity in water purification and maintaining the natural purification potential of ecosystems, elements of the theory of water self-purification. Some fundamental principles that characterize the pivotal roles of the biodiversity of filter-feeders in ecosystems. The inhibition of the filtration activity of filter-feeders may lead to the situation previously described as that of an ecological impairment of the second type]. DOI 10.1007/s10750-004-1875-1. http://scipeople.com/uploads/materials/4389/2H469p203.Polyfunctional.role.w.Addendum.rtf
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4. Biological filtering and ecological machinery for self-purification and bioremediation in aquatic ecosystems: towards a holistic view // Rivista di Biologia / Biology Forum. 1998. 91: 247-258. [Authored: S.A.Ostroumov]. According to one of the approaches to the definition of criteria for the phenomenon of life, the key attribute is the ability of the system for some self-regulating and self-supporting. Part of such holistic functions of aquatic ecosystems as self-regulating and self-supporting is their cleaning the water via a multitude of various mechanisms. This paper presented some fundamental elements of the theory of ecosystem self-purification which emphasizes the importance of the four functional biological filters that are instrumental in purification and upgrading the quality of water in aquatic ecosystems. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9857844?dopt=Abstract; PMID: 9857844 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]; http://scipeople.com/publication/69542/;
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5. On the biotic self-purification of aquatic ecosystems: elements of the theory. - DAN (Doklady Akademii Nauk), Vol. 396, 2004, No. 1, p. 136–141. [Authored: S.A.Ostroumov]. [System of elements of the theory of biotic maintaining the natural purification potential of ecosystems]. The paper was awarded the honorary Diploma from the Academy of Water Sciences (2006). In Russ., translated into Eng.: On the biotic self-purification of aquatic ecosystems: elements of the theory. - Doklady Biological Sciences, V. 396, 2004, p. 206–211. (Translated from DAN, V.396, No.1, 2004, p.136–141). ISSN 0012-4966 (Print) 1608-3105 (Online). Distributed by Springer, orderdept@springer-sbm.com. DOI: 10.1023/B:DOBS.0000033278.12858.12; http://scipeople.ru/users/2943391/; https://www.researchgate.net/file.FileLoader.html?key=60f338228d6f3c5114d223ab81e15d3b; http://www.springerlink.com/content/t0nv6rk522230175/;
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6. [book] Introduction to Biochemical Ecology. 1986. Moscow. Moscow University Press. 176 p. [Authored: S.A.Ostroumov]. Figures, tables. Bibliogr.: pp. 168-174.
Authors of the reviews: Goldsmith F. B. Hartshorn G. S. and others
, 2010
On the book ‘Conservation of Living Nature and Resources: Problems, Trends, and Prospects’
Authors of the reviews: Goldsmith F. B. Hartshorn G. S. and others.
Some reviews of the book (A.V. Yablokov, S.A.Ostroumov. Conservation of Living...
Публикации (экология, биология, охрана окружающей среды), информация о которых доступна он-лайн на сайте SciPeople. http://scipeople.com/publication/69872/;...
