复合污染土壤中水稻根际元素特性及效应研究

【目的】以广东大宝山重金属复合污染农田为生长介质,通过研究水稻不同部位生长量、 金属含量、 对金属的富集系数,及其与根际、 非根际土金属含量、 形态变化的相关关系,探讨根际效应可能对水稻体内金属积累转运以及生物量的影响。【方法】选取了广东大宝山稻田重金属复合污染(As、 Pb、 Fe、 Cu、 Zn)土壤及当地常见的20个水稻品种进行根际袋试验,即将根际袋内的土视为根际土,根际袋外的土视为非根际土,将供试水稻品种种植于根际袋土壤中60天后收获,测定水稻各部位的生长量、 不同金属的含量,根际土和非根际土中各金属有效态的含量。【结果】Fe、 Cu、 Pb、 Zn、 As在根部的富集系数均大于其在茎叶的富集系数,各金属在茎叶和根部的富集能力排序分别为Zn Cu As ≈ Pb ≈ Fe和Fe Zn As Cu Pb。根际土和非根际土中各种金属有效态含量均为Fe Cu Pb Zn As。研究还发现,有效态Fe、 Cu和Zn浓度对整株干重的影响显著,作用强弱顺序为Cu Zn Fe,对水稻生长影响作用显著的三种有效态金属Fe、 Cu和Zn均为植物生长所必需的元素。供试土壤中有效态Cu浓度对水稻的生长所起的作用最强。根际土有效态Fe浓度对根系Fe的积累作用效果显著,有效态As浓度显著抑制了根系Fe的积累,且有效态As浓度的作用强于有效态Fe。【结论】根际土中有效态Fe对株高、 根干重、 茎叶干重和整株干重均起着抑制作用,有效态Cu对水稻生长起到了促进作用。根际土有效态As和非根际土有效态Zn对根部Fe的积累起到了抑制作用,根际土有效态Fe和非根际土有效态Cu则起到了促进作用。非根际土有效态Fe和有效态Zn对水稻根长的增加均起到了促进作用。     

规模化猪场区域农田土壤重金属积累及影响评价分析

为了解长期灌溉猪场废水对农田土壤重金属的影响,采集了河北省京安猪场区域农田清洁区和灌溉8年猪场废水污灌区的耕层(0～20 cm)共52个土壤样品,并测定了样品的pH、养分和Zn、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb和As全量和有效态含量,根据背景资料、相关分析和主成分分析确定重金属污染来源,应用富集因子分析重金属积累程度,并应用污染指数进行重金属影响评价分析。结果表明,灌溉猪场废水对土壤主要带来Zn和Cu的富集,对Ni、Cr和As几乎没有富集效应,Pb和As的富集主要由施用化肥引起。尽管灌溉8年猪场废水后土壤的Zn、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb和As含量在安全范围内,但土壤重金属有效态含量不仅与重金属全量正相关,还与土壤pH负相关,而灌溉猪场废水会降低土壤pH,从而增加土壤重金属有效态含量。因此,长期灌溉猪场废水不但要注意土壤Zn和Cu积累,还需采取措施降低土壤Zn、Cu等重金属有效态含量以防重金属带来环境风险。     

重金属复合处理对小麦锌铜镍镉积累和分布的影响

为增加粮食可食用部分有益元素的浓度,同时减少有毒重金属元素的含量,需要更好地了解元素在植株和籽粒内的运输和分布。在温室盆栽条件下,以春小麦为供试材料,设置对照（不添加重金属）和重金属复合处理（同时添加铜、锌、镍、镉,以不影响小麦生长为前提）,研究锌（Zn）、铜（Cu）、镍（Ni）、镉（Cd）在成熟植株和籽粒不同部位的分布特点。结果表明,重金属复合处理对小麦成熟期籽粒和秸秆产量、收获指数以及粒重均无显著影响,但使小麦各器官重金属浓度均显著增加,增幅因不同器官和不同元素而异,籽粒中Zn、Cu、Ni和Cd浓度分别增加1.8、0.5、48.1倍和45.3倍。重金属复合处理还显著改变了Zn和Ni在地上部各器官中的分配模式：对照小麦吸收的Zn更易向生殖器官中转运,处理植株则更多地滞留在营养器官中,而Ni呈相反的趋势。激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱仪（LA-ICP-MS）对籽粒糊粉层和胚乳的定量分析表明,重金属复合处理使糊粉层Zn和Cu浓度仅增加了78%和86%,而糊粉层Ni和Cd浓度分别增加了30倍和121倍。重金属复合处理使胚乳Zn和Cu浓度分别增加了49%和48%,使Ni和Cd浓度均超出小麦标准中Ni和Cd的最大允许浓度（对照籽粒胚乳中没有检验到Ni和Cd）。以上结果表明,在小麦生物强化实践中,在增加有益营养元素（如Cu和Zn）的同时亦存在有毒重金属（如Ni和Cd）超标的巨大风险。     

Dissolved and Particulate Metals in the Mero River (NW Spain): Factors affecting Concentrations and Load during Runoff Events

This article examines the metal [aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)] runoff dynamics in the Mero River (northwestern Spain). At the catchment outlet, metal concentrations, suspended solids, dissolved organic carbon, pH, and discharge were determined during three runoff events. The river drains an agroforestry catchment of 65 km² with relatively high livestock density. Dissolved and particulate metal concentrations increased during the events with respect to pre-event concentrations, but the increase of the dissolved fraction is relatively small compared to that of the particulate fraction. The dissolved metal concentration peaks appeared after the hydrograph peak, suggesting transport associated with subsurface flow. For particulate metals, peaks usually occurred during the falling limb of hydrograph, implying distant-river source of metals. Particulate forms represented more than 90% of total Al, Fe, and Mn load, whereas for Cu and Zn its contributions were 52–76% and 31–56%, respectively. The high positive correlations of all particulate metals, except Zn, with suspended solid concentrations indicate that these constituents play a major role in transport of metals. Soil erosion is the main process responsible for causing elevated Al, Fe, and Mn concentrations in the river during rainfall–runoff events while Zn and Cu come mainly from the addition of slurries and manures to farmland.     

农业废弃物中重金属含量特征及农用风险评估

为了解江西省主要农业废弃物中重金属污染状况和评估其再利用产物农用的安全性,在江西省内采集了水稻秸秆、蔬菜废弃物、猪粪和牛粪等样品,对样品中铬、镍、铜、锌、砷、镉、汞和铅重金属含量进行了测定与风险评估。结果表明,动物性废弃物中重金属含量和超标率明显高于植物性废弃物,其中猪粪属于重度污染,牛粪为轻度污染,植物性废弃物尚处于安全水平。若以江西省农业废弃物为原料制成有机肥,并长期施用于设施菜地,猪粪有机肥施用8.4、15.3和23.9 a后土壤中Cu、Cd和Zn将陆续超标,牛粪有机肥施用23.3 a后土壤中Cu将超标,水稻秸秆、蔬菜废弃物有机肥施用约29a后土壤中Cd将超标,故农业废弃物有机肥须严格控制原料中重金属含量,其农用的长期安全性有待加强监测。     

Arsenic and Heavy Metal Uptake and Accumulation in Native Plant Species from Soils Polluted by Mining Activities

Arsenic and heavy metal (specifically Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) uptake, translocation, and accumulation in ten native plant species spontaneously growing in soils polluted by mining activities were studied, with a focus on future phytoremediation work in polluted soils. Plant and soil samples were collected in the vicinity of the Mónica mine (NW Madrid, Spain). Soil analysis showed the ability of native plants for growing in soils with high concentration levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and especially As. From these elements, the highest percentage of extractable elements was found for Cd and the lowest for Pb. A highly significant correlation was observed between total and extractable element concentrations in soils, except for Cu, indicating that total concentration is the most relevant factor for element mobility in these soils. Extractable elements in soils were better correlated with concentrations in plants than total elements in soils; thus, extraction methods applied are suitable to estimate the element phytoavailable fraction in soils, which depends on the plant species and not only on the element mobility in soils. High element concentrations were found in the aboveground parts of Corrigiola telephiifolia (As and Pb), Jasione montana (Cd and Zn), and Digitalis thapsi (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn). However, considering the translocation and accumulation factors, together with the concentration levels found in roots and aboveground parts, only C. telephiifolia could be considered a Pb accumulator and an As hyperaccumulator plant, which could be used for future phytoremediation work in soils polluted with As.     

Potential of Aquatic Macrophytes as Bioindicators of Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban Stormwater Runoff

The concentrations of heavy metals in water, sediments, soil, roots, and shoots of five aquatic macrophytes species (Oenanthe sp., Juncus sp., Typha sp., Callitriche sp.1, and Callitriche sp.2) collected from a detention pond receiving stormwater runoff coming from a highway were measured to ascertain whether plants organs are characterized by differential accumulations and to evaluate the potential of the plant species as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in urban stormwater runoff. Heavy metals considered for water and sediment analysis were Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and As. Heavy metals considered for plant and soil analysis were Cd, Ni, and Zn. The metal concentrations in water, sediments, plants, and corresponding soil showed that the studied site is contaminated by heavy metals, probably due to the road traffic. Results also showed that plant roots had higher metal content than aboveground tissues. The floating plants displayed higher metal accumulation than the three other rooted plants. Heavy metal concentrations measured in the organs of the rooted plants increased when metal concentrations measured in the soil increased. The highest metal bioconcentration factors (BCF) were obtained for cadmium and nickel accumulation by Typha sp. (BCF = 1.3 and 0.8, respectively) and zinc accumulation by Juncus sp. (BCF = 4.8). Our results underline the potential use of such plant species for heavy metal biomonitoring in water, sediments, and soil.     

Photocatalytic Degradation of Phytotoxic Substances in Waste Nutrient Solution by Various Immobilized Levels of Nano-TiO2

Biosolids are nutrient-rich waste products often used as soil amendments. To evaluate the impact of repeated application of biosolids on heavy metal accumulation and lability, composite soils (at 0–15- and 15–30-cm depths) were collected from 0-, 2-, 5-, and 25-year biosolid-applied Genesee silt loam (fine loamy, mixed, nonacid, mesic Typic Udifluvent). While the biosolid application did not influence the pH, the electrical conductivity and heavy metal concentration varied significantly. Among the heavy metals, the concentration of total and residual cadmium (Cd) was the highest (3 and 2.8 times), and copper (Cu) was the lowest (1.3 to 1.2 times) in the 25-year biosolid-applied field than in the control. The exchangeable chromium (Cr) concentration was the highest (6 times), and Cu was the lowest (1.9 times) in the 25-year biosolid-applied field as compared with the control. The lability of Cr, lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), Cu, nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As) significantly increased by 20, 11, 9, 9, 8, 6, and 4 %, respectively, in the 25-year biosolid-applied field compared to the control field. The extractable Pb, As, Zn, and Cu concentrations were significantly higher at 0–15 cm than at 15–30 cm depth. The labilities of Pb, Cu, and Ni were significantly varied between depths. Biosolids × depth significantly influenced the total As and residual As, Cu, and Pb concentrations. All the heavy metals except total and residual As significantly correlated with the total organic carbon. Results suggest that the accumulation and lability of heavy metals are related to complexation of heavy metals with organic carbon in response to years of biosolid application.     

云南滇池沉积物中重金属的形态分布特征

Fractionation of heavy metals in sediments can help in understanding potential hazards of heavy metals. The present study analyzed total concentrations and fractions of selected heavy metals （Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn） in surface sediments from Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Province, China, as well as factors that may affect distributions of the various heavy metal fractions. Total concentrations of the heavy metals decreased in the order Zn 〉 Cu 〉 Pb 〉 Cr 〉 Cd. These heavy metals, except Cr, were much higher than their background levels, indicating that Dianchi Lake was polluted by Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu. Cadmium occurred mainly as the non-residual fraction （sum of the HOAc-soluble, reducible, and oxidizable fractions） （97.6%）, and Zn （55.7%） was also predominantly found in the non-residual fraction. In contrast, most of the Cr （88.5%）, Pb （81.8%）, and Cu （59.2%） occurred in the residual fraction. Correlation analysis showed that total heavy metal concentrations, organic matter and reducible Fe were the main factors affecting the distributions of the various heavy metal fractions. In the Walhai section of Dianchi Lake （comprising 97% of the lake area）, the concentrations of Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu in the non-residual fraction were significantly lower （P ≤ 0.01 or 0.05） than those of the Caohal section （3% of the lake area）. This indicated that potential heavy metal hazards in the Caohai section were greater than the Waihai section.     

Effect of excess lead,cadmium, copper,and zinc on water relations in sunflower

The effect of excess concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) on water relations in young sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants was studied in water culture under greenhouse conditions. The accumulation of the heavy metals was more intensive in the root than in the shoot. The rates of heavy metal accumulation in root were arranged in the following decreasing order: Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb. Their transport into the above‐ground parts followed the order: Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. Transpiration and relative water content were significantly decreased by excess concentrations of the heavy metals. The number of stomata per unit leaf area was increased while the size of the stomata was decreased. The concentration of free proline significantly increased in the leaves of intact plants as well as in leaf discs incubated in the presence of heavy metals. The concentration of soluble proteins decreased as well, particularly when plants were exposed to high concentrations of the heavy metals. It was concluded that excess concentrations of the heavy metals significantly affected plant water status, causing water deficit and subsequent changes in the plants. The most intensive effect on the plants was exerted by Cd, less intensive by Cu and Zn and the least intensive by Pb.     

Long-term fertilization with pig-biogas residues results in heavy metal accumulation in paddy field and rice grains in Jiaxing of China

Pig-biogas residue is widely used as organic fertilizer for rice (Oryza sativa L.) in China. To evaluate the risk of heavy metal contamination in paddy soil and rice grains caused by long-term pig-biogas residue fertilization, this study was conducted in paddy fields which had been fertilized continuously with pig-biogas residue for 8 years. We found that pig-biogas residues contained high concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn). As a result, the concentrations of these four metals in paddy soils and rice grains sampled from biogas residue fertilized fields were significantly higher than those from control fields. In addition, in biogas residue fertilized fields, the concentrations of these four metals rapidly increased in the tillage layer compared with those in deep soil layers, and biological availability was significantly higher than in control fields. Moreover, we found that the accumulation of these four metals in paddy soils and rice grains increased in the second year compared with the first year. To reduce heavy metal accumulation in rice grains, we screened for rice genotype among 20 local rice genotypes. We found obvious genotypic differences in grains’ accumulation of heavy metals, and identified some rice genotypes which had low accumulation of multiple heavy metals. These low-accumulating genotypes predicate the possibility to reduce heavy metal accumulation in rice grains grown in pig-biogas residue fertilized fields.     

宝鸡市街尘重金属元素含量及其环境风险分析

分析了宝鸡市街尘中重金属元素的含量,结果表明:宝鸡市街尘中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Cd、As和Hg的平均含量分别为123.2、408.4、715.1、126.7、5.5、19.8和1.1μg g-1。在工业区、交通区及商业区,除Cr和As略微高于陕西省土壤元素背景值(1.6~2.2倍),其他重金属元素均远远高于陕西省土壤元素背景值(5~64倍)。不同功能分区街尘中重金属元素含量存在显著差异,Hg在交通区含量最高,其他重金属元素均在工业区最高。地累积污染指数法的评价结果表明,宝鸡市街尘中除Cr和As的污染较轻外,其他重金属元素的污染均比较严重,尤其是Cu和Pb在工业区尤为突出。潜在生态风险指数法的评价结果表明,宝鸡市街尘中重金属元素的污染水平和生态危害达到了严重程度,其中,Cr和As属于中等污染,其他重金属元素达到了重度以上污染,Cu、Zn、Cr、As和Pb属于中等潜在生态危害,Hg和Cd达到严重潜在生态危害。     

Spatial distribution of soil heavy metal concentrations as indicator of pollution sources at Mount Križna (Great Fatra,central Slovakia)

The objective of this study was to test the suitability of a simple approach to identify the direction from where airborne heavy metals reach the study area as indication of their sources. We examined the distribution of heavy metals in soil profiles and along differently exposed transects. Samples were taken from 10 soils derived from the same parent material along N-, S-, and SE-exposed transects at 0—10, 10—20, and 20—40 cm depth and analyzed for total Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations. The heavy metal concentrations at 0—10 cm were larger than background concentrations in German arable soils except for Cr (Cd: 0.6—1.8 mg kg^—1; Cr: 39—67; Cu: 40—77; Ni: 87—156; Pb: 48—94; Zn: 71—129; Fe: 26—34 g kg^—1; Mn: 1.1—2.4). Decreasing Cd, Cu, Mn, and Pb concentrations with increasing soil depth pointed at atmospheric inputs. Aluminum and Ni concentrations increased with soil depth. Those of Fe, Cr, and Zn did not change with depth indicating that inputs at most equalled leaching losses. The Pb accumulation in the surface layer (i.e. the ratio between the Pb concentrations at 0—10 to those at 20—40 cm depth) was most pronounced at N-exposed sites; Pb obviously reached Mount Križna mainly by long-range transport from N where several industrial agglomerations are located. Substantial Cd, Cu, and Mn accumulations at the S- and SE-exposed sites indicated local sources such as mining near to the study area which probably are also the reason for slight Cr and Zn accumulations in the SE-exposed soils. Based on a principal component analysis of the total concentrations in the topsoils four metal groups may be distinguished: 1. Cr, Ni, Zn; 2. Mn, Cd; 3. Pb (positive loading), Cu (negative loading); 4. Al, Fe, indicating common sources and distribution patterns. The results demonstrate that the spatial distribution of soil heavy metal concentrations can be used as indication of the location of pollution sources.     

Trace metals in Valencia lake (Venezuela) sediments

An exploratory study of the trace metals Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediments of lake Valencia (Venezuela), South America, 10° 10′N, 68°68′W, gave the following results: (A) Total amounts of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were within the normal range reported by the literature. (B) No consistent pattern of variation with depth was found. A and B could be taken as lack of evidence for contamination by Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn of the studied sediments. Absence of Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn pollution after more than 40 yr of anthropogenic discharges on this lake, was attributed mainly to the exploratory nature (limited sampling) of this work, together with some possible dilution effects due to the high CaCO₃ content of these lake sediments. (C) Manganese was above normal values in most samples, but in absence of known anthropogenic sources of this metal, the results found could not be clearly ascribed to metal pollution. (D) Cadmium showed enrichment factors of 10 to 30 indicating pollution of the lake sediments by this metal (probably by urban effluents, runoff, and electroplating industries). (E) The proportion of exchangeable metals was nil in most cases. Exceptions (Ni and Mn) had very low exchangeable fractions (<1.22%). (F) The most abundant fraction (except for Mn) was the residual one (59.7–97.8% of total metal). Other fractions (carbonates, oxides, and organic) showed intermediate values. The general pattern was that the bulk of trace metals studied were present in non-mobile, slightly or non-reactive, poorly or non-available forms.     

Heavy‐metal mobilization and uptake by mycorrhizal and nonmycorrhizal willows (Salix × dasyclados)

Ectomycorrhizal fungi have been shown to affect metal transfer from the soil to the host plant, but the use of these fungi for increased phytoextraction of heavy metals has been scarcely investigated. Therefore, a two‐factorial pot experiment was conducted with Salix × dasyclados and (1) two contaminated soils with different concentrations of NH₄NO₃‐extractable metals and (2) two strains of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Paxillus involutus (one strain originating from a noncontaminated site—Pax1, and another from a contaminated site—Pax2). The inoculation with Pax2 increased the phytoavailability of Cd in the soils. Inoculation with both fungal strains increased the stem and root biomass, but had no effect on metal concentrations in the stems. Decreased Cd and increased Cu concentrations were observed in the roots of inoculated willows. The inoculation with P. involutus increased Cd (up to 22%), Zn (up to 48%), and Cu content in the stems. Decreased Pb content (Cu and Pb content were always <1 mg per plant) occurred in the stems from plants at the soil with the higher concentration of NH₄NO₃‐extractable metals. Contrary to this, in the soil with lower concentrations of NH₄NO₃‐extractable metals, the inoculation had no significant effects on the total uptake of Zn and Cu and even caused decreased Cd (Pax2) and Pb (Pax1) contents in the stems. Strain Pax2 had higher colonization densities, but the plants had lower mycorrhizal dependencies in the contaminated soils than after inoculation with the strain Pax1. Generally, metal extractability in the soils substantially affected the mycorrhizal dependency and heavy‐metal uptake of the willows. We concluded, that the inoculation with P. involutus offers an opportunity to particularly increase the phytoextraction of Zn, but the metal extractability and fungal strain effects have to be tested.     

Toxicity of heavy metals (Zn,Cu, Cd,Pb) to vascular plants

The literature on heavy metal toxicity to vascular plants is reviewed. Special attention is given to forest plant species, especially trees, and effects at low metal concentrations, including growth, physiological, biochemical and cytological responses. Interactions between the metals in toxicity are considered and the role of mycorrhizal infection as well. Of the metals reviewed, Zn is the least toxic. Generally plant growth is affected at 1000 μg Zn L^?1 or more in a nutrient solution, though 100 to 200 µg L^?1 may give cytological disorders. At concentrations of 100 to 200 μg L^?1, Cu and Cd disturb metabolic processes and growth, whereas the phytotoxicity of Pb generally is lower. Although a great variation between plant species, critical leaf tissue concentrations affecting growth in most species being 200 to 300 μg Zn g^?1 dry weight, 15 to 20 μg Cu g^?1 and 8–12 μg Cd g^?1. With our present knowledge it is difficult to propose a limit for toxic concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in soils. Besides time of exposure, the degree of toxicity is influenced by biological availability of the metals and interactions with other metals in the soil, nutritional status, age and mycorrhizal infection of the plant.     

Soil Contamination in Dumps on the Karstic Areas from the Plateaus (Southeast of Madrid, Spain)

After over 10 years of accumulation of residues in the studied dumps near Madrid, it has been registered low or moderate heavy metals concentrations on the surrounding area. Only occasionally, some rubbish dumps contain significant quantities of Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb. The concentration levels of Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu are safe when they are compared with the surrounding areas levels of heavy metals. The aim of this paper is the analysis of pollutants existing around in the dumps located at the sides of the plateaus of the central valley of the Tajo River (provinces of Madrid and Toledo, Spain). The high karstification rate of the upper layer of these tablelands and the existence of numerous dumps on them (even on their slopes) make these areas vulnerable to heavy metal pollution. However, after several years of use, the concentration of pollutants only reaches moderate values in the studied areas. Dumping materials were collected at four rubbish dumps. The mineralogical composition of the materials were analysed by XRD. Sequential extraction procedure was applied for speciation of the metal forms in the collected samples. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr and Cd in extracts were determined by AAS. The studied samples showed high carbonate concentration. Contamination processes are combined there with weathering processes. Heavy metals concentration in control samples (gypsum, limestones, red soils and colluviums) were compared with samples of the studied dump in order to evaluate the pollution level. Concentrations of Zn, Pb, Ni and Cu were variable. The contamination was elevated for samples in depth in relation with weathering process of heavy metals.     

Chemical analysis of Teucrium species (Lamiaceae) growing on serpentine soils in Bulgaria

Trace elemental concentrations (Fe, Ni, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and As) in aerial biomass (stems, leaves, and flowers) of the medicinal plants Teucrium chamaedrys, T. montanum, and T. polium growing on serpentine soils in Bulgaria were examined in relation to the total element contents in their respective rhizospheric soils. The objectives of the study were to evaluate: (1) elemental concentrations in plant tissues and associated soil samples together with the plants ability to tolerate/accumulate metal concentrations; (2) correlations between total metal concentrations in plants and their rhizospheric soils. Metal concentrations varied across species and sites. Their levels in plant tissues from nonserpentine sites were always lower compared to those from serpentine ones. The highest concentrations for Fe, Ni, Mn, Cr, As, Cu, and Pb were found in T. polium. Positive correlation coefficients were established between Ni, Cr, Fe, Co, and Cu in plants and Ca in the soil. None of the species tested hyperaccumulated metals although the metal concentration in some of them exceeded the range naturally found in plants. The Teucrium species can be considered as “excluders”, containing relatively low metal concentrations in their aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) even in cases of high elemental concentrations in the rhizospheric soil. In all three medicinal plants, metal concentrations for toxic elements were above the permissible limits for pharmaceutical purposes. Therefore, plants found on serpentine bedrock are not recommended to be collected for pharmaceutical purposes.     

After effects of metals derived from a highly metal-polluted sludge on maize (Zea mays L.)

High Cd and Ni concentrations in sandy soils were built up in a field experiment, receiving an unusually metal-polluted sewage sludge between 1976 and 1980, at Bordeaux, France. The study evaluates the availability of metals and their after effects on maize at one point in time, the 8th year following termination of sludge application (1988). Plant parts (leaves, stalks, roots, grains) and soil samples were collected from plots which received 0 (Control), 50 (S1) and 300 Mg sludge DW ha^?1 (S2) as cumulative inputs. Dry-matter yield, plant metal concentrations, total, and extractable metals in soils were determined. Metal inputs resulted in a marked increase in total and extractable metals in soils, except for extractable Mn and Cu with either 0.1 N Ca(NO₃)₂ or 0.1 N CaCl₂. Total metal contents in the metal-loaded topsoils (0–20 cm depth) were very often lower, especially for Cd, Zn, and Ni, than the expected values. Explanation was partly given by the increases of metal contents below the plow layer, particularly for Cd at the low metal loading rate, and for Cd, Ni, and Cu at the high one (Gomez et al., 1992). In a control plot beside a highly metal- polluted plot, Cd, Zn, and Ni concentration in soil increased whereas the concentration of other metals was unchanged; lateral movement, especially with soil water, is plausible. Yield of leaves for plants from the S2 plot was reduced by 27%, but no toxicity symptoms developed on shoots. Yields of stalks for plants in both sludge-treated plots numerically were less than the controls but the decrease was not statistically significant. Cd and Ni concentrations increased in all plant parts with metal loading rate while Mn concentrations decreased. Leaf Cd concentration in plants from sludge-treated plots (i.e. 44 and 69 mg Cd kg^?1 DM for S1 and S2) was above its upper critical level (i.e. dry matter yield reduced by 10%: 25μg Cd g^?1 DM in corn leaves, Macnicol and Beckett, 1985). Yield reduction at the high metal-loading rate was probably due to 3 main factors: Mn deficiency in leaves, the accumulation of Ni especially in roots, and the increase of Cd in leaves. The amount of metal taken up by plants from the control plot ranked in the following order (mole ha^?1): Fe(22)? Mn(7)>Zn (5.6)?Cu (0.7), Ni (0.6), Cd (0.4). For sludge-treated plots, the order was (values for S1 and S2 in mole ha ^?1): Fe (16, 15)>Zn (7.9, 7.7)>Ni (4.3, 4.7)>Cd (1.9, 2.1)>Cu (1.0,1.2), Mn (1.5, 1.1). Zn and Cd had the greatest offtake percent from the soil to the above ground plant parts. Cd or Ni uptake by maize were correlated with extractable metals by unbuffered salts (i.e. 0.1 N Ca(NO₃)₂ and 0.1 N CaCl₂). It is concluded that part of the sludge-borne Cd and Ni can remain bioavailable in this sandy soil for a long period of time (e.g. 8 yr) after the termination of metal-polluted sludge application.