The application ofin situ dialysis samplers for close interval investigations of total dissolved mercury in interstitial waters

The suitability of the dialysis technique for the close interval sampling of total dissolved mercury (Hg) in interstitial waters was evaluated through field tests conducted in flooded soils of two hydroelectric reservoirs, as well as in lake sediments and peat bogs. In these shallow water and weakly contaminated environments, we have demonstrated that peepers offer simplicity and yield more consistent results when compared with the squeezed sediment technique; that the presence of O₂ in the initial filling solution does not significantly influence total dissolved Hg concentrations, [Hg_tot]D, in samples collected from anoxic environments; and that an equilibration period of 8 to 9 days yields slightly less variable results than one of 6.5 days. Using the dialysis technique, we were able to generate close interval vertical profiles of [Hgtot]D, in interstitial waters. A comparison of preliminary results indicates that [Hgtot]D in porewaters collected in both artificial and natural systems are similar and independent of the sampling environment, the depth of the overlying water column, and the history of reservoir impoundment.     

Effects of an acid precipitation event on the near-surface water chemistry of an oligotrophic lake

Reported here are the first data that examine direct chemical interactions between acid precipitation and near-surface lake waters. Temporal snapshots of the dissolved phase chemical dynamics at several depths in the surface 0.5 m water column of an oligotrophic low-alkalinity lake are presented for a storm event which occurred on August 17, 1983. During precipitating periods pH decreases of up to 0.35 pH units were observed in surface waters. The good agreement between the time-depth profiles of temperature, excess H⁺, and excess SO₄ ^2? strongly suggested that the major acidity component of the rain water (H₂SO₄) was primarily responsible for the decreased surface water pH. As a result of intrusion of cooler rain water into warmer surface waters, suspended particulate matter apparently became trapped within layers of cooler water and was subsequently removed from near-surface waters by the sinking of these layers. Significant solubilization of Zn occurred within these layers, presumably representing release from particulate matter subjected to lowered solution pH. In contrast to Zn, significant decreases occurred in the concentrations of dissolved Al and Fe that may have resulted principally from formation of solid phases.     

Copper Release, Speciation, and Toxicity Following Multiple Floodings of Copper Enriched Agriculture Soils: Implications in Everglades Restoration

This study characterizes the effects of water–soil flooding volume ratio and flooding time on copper (Cu) desorption and toxicity following multiple floodings of field-collected soils from agricultural sites acquired under the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) in south Florida. Soils from four field sites were flooded with three water–soil ratios (2, 4, and 6 [water] to 1 [soil]) and held for 14 days to characterize the effects of volume ratio and flooding duration on Cu desorption (volume ratio and flooding duration study). Desorption of Cu was also characterized by flooding soils four times from seven field sites with a volume ratio of 2 (water) to 1 (soil) (multiple flooding study). Acute toxicity tests were also conducted using overlying waters from the first flooding event to characterize the effects of Cu on the survival of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas), cladocerans (Daphnia magna), amphipods (Hyalella azteca), midges (Chironomus tentans), duckweed (Lemna minor), and Florida apple snails (Pomacea paludosa). Acute tests were also conducted with D. magna exposed to overlying water from the second and third flooding events. Results indicate that dissolved Cu concentrations in overlying water increased with flooding duration and decreased with volume ratio. In the multiple flooding study, initial Cu concentrations in soils ranged from 5 to 223 mg/kg (dw) and were similar to Cu concentration after four flooding events, indicating retention of Cu in soils. Copper desorption was dependent on soil Cu content and soil characteristics. Total Cu concentration in overlying water (Cu_w) was a function of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), alkalinity, and soil Cu concentration (Cu_s): log(Cu_w)?=?1.2909?+?0.0279 (DOC)?+?0.0026 (Cu_s)???0.0038 (alkalinity). The model was validated and highly predictive. Most of the desorbed Cu in the water column complexed with organic matter in the soils and accounted for 99% of the total dissolved Cu. Although total dissolved Cu concentrations in overlying water did not significantly decrease with number of flooding events, concentrations of free Cu²⁺ increased with the number of flooding events, due to a decrease in DOC concentrations. The fraction of bioavailable Cu species (Cu²⁺, CuOH⁺, CuCO₃) was also less than 1% of the total Cu. Overlying water from the first flooding event was only acutely toxic to the Florida apple snail from one site. However, overlying water from the third flooding of six out of seven soils was acutely toxic to D. magna. The decrease in DOC concentrations and increase in bioavailable Cu²⁺ species may explain the changes in acute toxicity to D. magna. Results of this study reveal potential for high Cu bioavailability (Cu²⁺) and toxicity to aquatic biota overtime in inundated agricultural lands acquired under the CERP.     

Chemical environment of coastal marshes and swamps, Louisiana

Water, sediment and interstitial water in nearshore marshes and swamps along a proposed oil pipeline route in the Louisiana coastal zone were analyzed. The primary objectives were to understand the chemical mechanisms involved and to depict the levels of chemical components in natural environments and in environments altered by man's activities. The brackish and fresh marshes showed the highest organic deposition due to low tidal flushing and runoff rate. High nutrient levels were found in waters of these environments due in part to release from the nutrientladen interstitial water which maintained a dynamic equilibrium with biological activities and organic matter in sediments. Sulfides, expressed as ratio of FeS to organic content was much higher in the saline environment than in the low saline system. Low activities of sulfate reducing microorganisms, limited sulfate and organic-S concentrations in the freshwater environment accounted for the low sulfide level. Impairment of water circulation in the salt marsh resulted in drastic fluctuation in dissolved oxygen and concurrent but inverse changes in sulfide level in sediments and in interstitial NH⁺₄ and PO⁻³₄ in spite of relatively low sediment organic matter. Drainage of fertilizer from agricultural fields and to stagnation in freshwater swamps resulted in persistently lowest dissolved oxygen in swamp water without raising the sulfide level to a great extent in sediment. Detailed discussion on the interrelationships among various factors is presented.     

Hydrogeochemistry and Water Balance in the Coastal Wetland Area of “Biviere di Gela,” Sicily, Italy

In the study area physical and chemical factors control the composition of surface and groundwaters, which in turn determine the water quality of the “Biviere di Gela” lake. These factors combine to create diverse water types which change their compositional character spatially as rainfall infiltrates the soil zone, moves down a topographically defined flow path, and interacts with bedrock minerals. Low-salinity waters, which represent the initial stage of underground circulation, start dissolving calcium carbonate from the local rocks. The progressive increase in salinity, characterized by substantially higher Ca, SO₄, Na and Cl concentrations, suggests that dissolution of CaSO₄ and NaCl is an important process during water–rock interactions. The “Biviere di Gela” lake is often separated into two units (Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo). “Lago Grande” water is generally of Na-SO₄-Cl-type, whereas “Lago Piccolo” water is of Na-Cl-SO₄-type. Their total content of dissolved salts varies with season, the amount of rainfall, and inflow of ground and drainage water. Over time, an increasing trend towards greater salinity and also sudden changes in the relative abundances of Cl and SO₄ have been recorded for the “Lago Grande.” The isotope composition of the lake water appears to be affected by inflow of ground and surface waters and also by evaporative loss. The nitrate content of waters from the recharge basin is of particular concern because it contributes to lake eutrophication. The trace element contents do not evidence the presence of any significant metal contamination of lake waters, although a future potential hazard of metals bioaccumulation by the aquatic biota must be taken into consideration. Finally, a water balance for the basin shows that a drop in precipitation of about 20% might be critical for lake survival.     

Base neutralizing capacity of sediments from an acidic lake

The base neutralizing capacity (BNC), or alkalinity consumption, of acidic lake sediments may influence the amount of neutralizing agent required to neutralize a lake if the sediment BNC is large relative to the BNC of overlying waters. The extent ofin situ sediment BNC in acidic Bowland Lake (pH 5.0) was inferred by (1) measuring the loss of Ca-45 to acidic sediments from labeled lake water neutralized with CaCO₃, and (2) measuring exchangeable Ca in sediments collected prior to and following neutralization of Bowland Lake with calcite (CaCO₃). The sediment BNC derived from the Ca-45 radiolabeling experiment was 0.01 mg CaCO₃ g^?1 w wt. The mean losses of Ca-45 from the aqueous phase of neutralized and untreated sediment/water mixtures were not significantly different. The mean pH of both neutralized and untreated mixtures decreased to 4.0 during the incubation, possibly because of oxidation of reduced sediments. Sediment BNC estimates derived from literature data for several lakes may be overestimated because of the inclusion of anoxic sediments containing significant amounts of reduced Fe. There was no significant difference in exchangeable Ca between sediments from untreated Bowland Lake and sediments collected 10 m after whole-lake neutralization indicating that little of the supplied alkalinity had been lost to the sediments. Hence,in situ sediment BNC was probably small in Bowland Lake.     

Physical and chemical characterization of selected natural apatites in synthetic and natural aqueous solutions

Several natural calcium-phosphate apatites, chosen to be representative of the apatite which enters aquatic environments in ground water, runoff and erosion material, were characterized by X-ray diffraction and chemical analyses. Samples were selected to include apatites with widely different structural stabilities and ionic compositions. The solubility of apatite increased as the pH of water and the particle size of apatite crystals were decreased. The concentrations of dissolved ortho-PO₄ ^3? increased in proportion to the amount of apatite added to water and apatite generally increased the pH of water at low slurry densities. The solubility of apatite decreased as the concentrations of ions in water were increased and apatite increased the pH and levels of ortho-PO₄ ^3? in lake water containing relatively high endogenous concentrations of Ca²⁺ and ortho-PO₄ ^3?. Increases in soluble ortho-PO₄ ^3? concentrations in limnetic solutions following apatite addition suggest that partial dissolution of apatite crystals can contribute dissolved ortho-PO₄ ^3? to the P-cycle of aquatic ecosystems. The contribution would probably be of significance under oligotrophic conditions, in areas where anthropogenic P loadings are reduced or in regions receiving high inputs of apatite in the form of erosion material.     

水盐梯度对滨海湿地土壤养分指标和酶活性的影响

[目的]研究海水入侵对滨海湿地土壤性质的影响,为分析水盐梯度对土壤养分指标和酶活性的影响机制提供依据。[方法]采集胶州湾滨海湿地表层土壤并设计室内模拟试验,测定不同水盐梯度上的土壤养分指标和酶活性。[结果]盐分和水分对土壤pH值和容重(BD)的影响显著;土壤有机质(TOM)、氨氮(NH_4~+-N)、速效磷(AP)、速效钾(AK)、蔗糖酶(SA)、脲酶(UA)、碱性磷酸酶(APA)均随水梯度的增加表现为先升高后降低的趋势,在30%水梯度时达到最高值;土壤TOM,AP,AK,SA,UA,APA均随盐梯度的增加而降低,NH_4~+-N随盐梯度的增加而增加。土壤SA与TOM,AP,AK存在显著正相关关系;APA与TOM,AP,AK,BD显著正相关;UA与pH值,BD显著正相关,与NH_4~+-N具有一定的相关性。[结论]在一定范围内,土壤中水分过高或过低、盐分增加均会对土壤养分含量和酶活性产生抑制作用;土壤养分和酶活性之间存在密切的相关关系。     

刚毛藻分解对荣成天鹅湖沉积物磷释放的影响

在荣成天鹅湖刚毛藻暴发和非暴发区域分别采集沉积物进行室内加藻模拟试验,定期监测上覆水的溶解氧（DO）、pH、化学需氧量（COD）和可溶性磷（SRP）等指标的变化,并分析了刚毛藻分解对沉积物磷释放的影响。结果表明,避光培养过程中,刚毛藻分解使上覆水体的DO含量大幅降低,形成厌氧环境（0~0.14 mg.L-1）;COD含量则明显增加,各处理最大值变化在0.59~6.93 mg.L-1之间。刚毛藻分解可明显促进沉积物中磷的释放,培养期间上覆水SRP的含量大幅上升,变幅为0.01~1.51 mg.L-1;暴发区沉积物＋10 g藻和沉积物＋30 g藻处理的最大释磷量分别为沉积物处理的2.06倍和1.91倍。不同湖区沉积物磷的释放能力存在较大差异,暴发区沉积物的释磷量明显高于非暴发区,沉积物释放是前者上覆水磷含量增加的主要来源,而在非暴发区藻类分解释放的磷高于沉积物中释放的磷。     

Phosphatases in soils

Most studies on phosphatase activity in soils have been concerned with acid phosphatase. This study was conducted to determine the activity of phosphomonoesterases (acid and alkaline phosphatases), phosphodiesterase, and “phosphotriesterase”. The results indicate that acid phosphatase is predominant in acid soils and that alkaline phosphatase is predominant in alkaline soils. With universal buffer, the pH optima of phosphodiesterase and phosphotriesterase were at pH 10. The activities of these phosphatases in soils were much lower than those of the acid and alkaline phosphatases. Studies on the effects of various soil treatments on the activity of phosphatases in soils indicated that air-drying increased the activity of acid phosphatase and phosphotriesterase, decreased the activity of alkaline phosphatase, but did not affect the activity of phosphodiesterase. Steam sterilization of soils at 121 C for 1 h inactivated alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, and phosphotriesterase, but did not completely inactivate acid phosphatase. Addition of toluene to the incubation mixture did not markedly affect the activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase, but increased the activity of phosphotriesterase in soils.Studies of the kinetic parameters of phosphatases in the soils studied showed that the K_m values ranged from 1.11 to 3.40 mm for acid phosphatase. from 0.44 to 4.94 mm for alkaline phosphatase, and from 0.25 to 1.25 mm for phosphodiesterase. Expressed as μg p-nitrophenol released·h^?1·g^?1 soil, the V_max values ranged from 200 to 625 for acid phosphatase, from 124 to 588 for alkaline phosphatase, and from 46 to 127 for phosphodiesterase. The substrate of phosphotriesterase (tris-p-nitrophenyl phosphate) is insoluble in water; hence, the K_m and V_max values of this enzyme in soils could not be determined.     

Surface runoff phosphorus (P) loss in relation to phosphatase activity and soil P fractions in Florida sandy soils under citrus production

Phosphorus losses by surface runoff from agricultural lands have been of public concern due to increasing P contamination to surface waters. Five representative commercial citrus groves (C1-C5) located in South Florida were studied to evaluate the relationships between P fractions in soils, surface runoff P, and soil phosphatase activity. A modified Hedley P sequential fractionation procedure was employed to fractionate soil P. Soil P consisted of mainly organically- and Ca/Mg-bound P fractions. The organically-bound P (biological P, sum of organic P in the water, NaHCO₃ and NaOH extracts) was dominant in the acidic sandy soils from the C2 and C3 sites (18% and 24% of total soil P), whereas the Ca/Mg-bound P (HCl-extractable P) accounted for 45-60% of soil total P in the neutral and alkaline soils (C1, C4 and C5 soils). Plant-available P (sum of water and NaHCO₃ extractable P fractions) ranged from 27 to 61 mg P kg⁻¹ and decreased in the order of C3>C4>C1>C2>C5. The mean total P concentrations (TP) in surface runoff water samples ranged from 0.51 to 2.64 mg L⁻¹. Total P, total dissolved P (TDP), and PO₄³⁻-P in surface runoff were significantly correlated with soil biological P and plant-available P forms (p<0.01), suggesting that surface runoff P was directly derived from soil available P pools, including H₂O- and NaHCO₃- extractable inorganic P, water-soluble organic P, and NaHCO₃- and NaOH-extractable organic P fractions, which are readily mineralized by soil microorganisms and/or enzyme mediated processes. Soil neutral (55-190 mg phenol kg⁻¹ 3 h⁻¹) and natural (measured at soil pH) phosphatase activities (77-295 mg phenol kg⁻¹ 3 h⁻¹) were related to TP, TDP, and PO₄³⁻-P in surface runoff, and plant-available P and biological P forms in soils. These results indicate that there is a potential relationship between soil P availability and phosphatase activities, relating to P loss by surface runoff. Therefore, the neutral and natural phosphatase activities, especially the natural phosphatase activity, may serve as an index of surface runoff P loss potential and soil P availability.     

Nutrient Retention in a Northern Prairie Marsh (Frank Lake,Alberta) Receiving Municipal and Agro-Industrial Wastewater

Agro-industrial wastewater and municipal sewage wereused to restore Frank Lake, a 1246 ha northernprairie marsh in southern Alberta, Canada, to providewaterfowl habitat and improve water quality. Meanannual inflow wastewater nutrient concentrations were17 mg L^-1 NH₃-N, 30 mg L^-1 NO₃-Nand 11 mg L^-1 SRP. Mean flows greater than 5000 m³ day^-1 loaded the marsh with 23 000 kg of P annually. Summer NH₃-N, NO₃-N andtotal phosphorus (TP) surface water concentrationswere decreased by 76, 87 and 64%, respectively, aswaters flowed through the first basin of the marsh.Winter treatment was less successful, with surfacewater NH₃-N, NO₃-N and TP reductions of46, –26 (export) and 26%, respectively.Short-circuiting of water flow through the marsh andcold seasonal conditions with ice cover caused spatialand temporal variation in marsh treatment. Continuedhigh loadings to the marsh may lead to sediment saturation, eutrophication or phosphorus export from the marsh.     

Carbon and Nitrogen Stable Isotope Fractionation in the Sediment of Lake Bled (Slovenia)

Stable isotope composition of carbon and nitrogen in the sediment and pore water of a eutrophic freshwater lake was studied. Based on changes in the δ¹¹C and δ¹⁵N values of dissolved components and sediment fraction. possible processes involved in the decomposition of sedimentary organic matter are outlined. The relative importance of acetate fermentation and CO₂ reduction was estimated using known mathematical models, and ammonia assimilation by methanogenic bacteria is hypothesised to be the main process governing the isotope fractionation of dissolved nitrogen in pore water.     

Arylsulfatase and Alkaline Phosphatase (APASE) Activity in Sediments of Lake Kinneret, Israel

Arylsulfatase and APase activities were monitored in the upper sediment layer, of Lake Kinneret, Israel, a warm, freshwater, monomictic lake characterized by a heavy spring bloom of the dinoflagellatePeridinium gatunense. Activity of both enzymes varied with depth and season. Highest activity was measured in July and high activities were monitored during the stratified period. Low values were observed in winter, when oxic conditions prevail in the water column and no organic sedimentation occurred. The values for APase ranged from 14–438 nmol PNP g⁴h⁴ and for arylsulfatase from 103 to 843 nmol PNP g⁴h⁴. Highest APase activity was recorded at 29°C. and most of it took place on mud particles and not in the interstitial waters. There were differences in enzyme activity at different stations in the lake, corresponding to differences in nutrient pore water concentrations. Enzymatic activity in Lake Kinneret sediments was related to lake trophic status, water levels, and climate conditions, all of which have an impact on the amount of organic matter reaching the sediments.     

Geochemistry of the Hyperalkaline Gorka Pit Lake (pH?>?13) in the Chrzanow Region, Southern Poland

The Gorka pit lake was formed in an inactive Jurassic limestone quarry after cessation of open-pit dewatering. The main problem of the water quality in this area is linked to a large volume of extremely alkaline leachate disposed in the flooded quarry. The lake is meromictic due to a large density contrast between shallow and deep water layers. Water in the lake is of the Na?CCO₃?COH type, pH is in the range from 11.5 to 13.3, and there are high concentrations of sulfate and several toxic elements (Al, As, Cr, Mo, P, and V). The chemical composition of the extremely alkaline leachate was formed as a result of the groundwater interaction with the industrial red mud wastes containing 5?C10 wt.% of sodium carbonate. There is a trend of increasing concentrations and pH values with depth, mainly due to the in-gassing of atmospheric CO₂ into the surface layer and due to density stratification in the water column. Similar stratification is observed in groundwater wells around the lake. High dissolved concentrations of oxyanionic contaminants such as As, Cr, and V are caused by their high mobility and desorption under extremely alkaline conditions. In spite of reducing conditions at the bottom of the lake, caused by high concentrations of dumped organic matter, sulfate behaves conservatively because sulfate reducing bacteria do not survive in this pH range.     

养殖池塘底泥磷酸酶活性与释磷关系及其调控的研究

以天津市东丽区和西青区2个养殖池塘为对象,采用室内试验方法,研究了底泥中各有机磷组分与上覆水中可溶性磷（DRP）含量、底泥磷酸酶活性与有机磷各组分及上覆水中可溶性磷之间的关系,并采取不同处理对底泥酸性磷酸酶（ACP）和碱性磷酸酶（ALP）活性进行调控。结果表明,底泥中活性有机磷（LOP）、中等活性有机磷（MLOP）、中稳性有机磷（MROP）与上覆水中DRP之间呈显著正相关。底泥中ALP与MLOP、MROP之间相关显著,并对其直接影响较大;ACP与MLOP之间相关显著,对其产生的直接影响也很大。A、B两池塘底泥中ALP与上覆水中DRP随时间变化规律基本一致,二者之间呈显著正相关。在养殖水体中加入酶抑制剂和沸石能抑制ALP和ACP活性,并以酶抑制剂加沸石的处理效果最好。     

Geochemistry of HCO3- at the Sediment-Water Interface of Lakes from the Southwestern Chinese Plateau

Sediments were cored, and the sediment-water interface and overlying waters were sampled in 5 lakes from the southwestern Chinese plateau during 1991-95. The geochemistry of HCO3- at the sediment-water interface was examined by studying detailed profiles of pH, HCO3- concentrations and δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in overlying lake water and porewater near the sediment-water interface. Dissolution-precipitation equilibrium of carbonates, diffusion flux, and the extent of the influence of diffusion on the whole lake were calculated. The results show that the HCO3- near the interface carried isotopic characteristics of decomposition of organic matter during early diagenesis, and that the porewater in surface sediments was unsaturated relative to calcite, and gradually saturated with depth. Furthermore, the interface is a source of HCO3- to the overlying water. Alkalinity (Alk) diffusion flux from sediments to the overlying water due to concentration gradients ranged from 0.51 to 24.33 × 10-4 mol cm-2 a-1. The calculated contribution of the diffusion of Alk to the overlying water ranged from 0.46% to 49.42%. Diffusion is an important source of Alk in lakes with a long residence time and a relatively shallow depth.     

Variation of enzyme activities, CO2 evolution and redox potential in an Eutric Histosol irrigated with wastewater and tap water

An Eutric Histosol soil was irrigated for 4 years with municipal wastewater to compare its characteristics with a soil under natural rainfall that had never received wastewater and a soil that was irrigated with normal tap water. Four years irrigation of the soil with wastewater caused significant (P<0.001) increase in dehydrogenase, urease, acid and alkaline phosphate activities and CO₂ evolution, and reduced the redox potential (P<0.05). The influence of treatments and plant cover on soil properties were significant (P<0.05) under both salix and grasses, except for few properties (redox potential and urease and alkaline phosphatase activities). It is suggested that, although different toxicants, e.g. heavy metals, may accumulate in wastewater-treated soils, enrichment of soil with organic substances and nutrients stimulated CO₂ evolution and enzyme activities in the irrigated soil.     

Nitrogen Mobility at the Sediment-Water Interface of Lake Maracaibo,Venezuela

Nitrogen is one of the two most important elements in the metabolism of aquatic ecosystems. At low concentrations it can limit primary productivity and when present at very high concentrations it can participate in the eutrophication process of these environments. The mechanism of nitrogen transport in sediments is almost unknown, nevertheless it is of vital importance for establishing mass balances in aquatic systems. In the study presented here, we assessed the nitrogen flux in sediments of the central part of tropical Lake Maracaibo, Venezuela, in particular with regard to dissolved oxygen concentrations. Experiments were performed under laboratoryconditions in a batch system, and at varying dissolved oxygenregimes (aerobic and anaerobic). Every two days, during 3 months,overlying water samples were taken to analyze nitrite, nitrate,ammonium and Kjeldahl total nitrogen. Average release rates oftotal nitrogen were 0.86 in aerobic, and 1.06 mmol N m^-2 d^-1 in anaerobic systems corresponding to 41.7% of total N input to the lake. The behavior of nitrogen was strongly influenced by nitrate concentrations under aerobic conditions, and by organic nitrogen under anaerobic conditions during the course of the experiment. A major trend for the release of organic nitrogen during anaerobic conditions, and of nitrate, during aerobic conditions, was observed. Also fluxes of NO₃ ^-, NH₄ ⁺, organic N and Total N across the sediment-water interface were measured. In anaerobic conditions, which are predominant in the hypolimnetic cone of LakeMaracaibo, denitrification was estimated to be 0.02 mmol N m^-2 d^-1, which corresponds to 1.89% of the total N released from sediments.This is to our knowledge the first study of nitrogen fluxes insediments from Lake Maracaibo. The laboratory data presented herereflects conditions in the lake when major nutrients accumulation occurs.     

Techniques for observing phosphorus mobilization in the rhizosphere

Summary The techniques described here were developed to visualize the dissolution of sparingly soluble calcium phosphate and the presence of root-borne phosphatase in the rhizosphere. Newly formed calcium phosphate precipitate was suspended in agar containing other essential nutrients. The agar was poured into Petri dishes and acrylglass boxes and was used as a growth medium for seedlings of wheat, rape, buckwheat, and rice. With NH ₄ ⁺ applied as the N source, the precipitate dissolved in the root vicinity and this was attributed to acidification. No dissolution occurred with NO ₃ ^– as the N source. The release of a neutral phosphatase from roots was verified by embedding the roots of young seedlings in agar at pH 7 containing phenolphthalein phosphate. After pH was raised to the alkaline range by adding sodium hydroxide, the agar around the roots turned purple, especially around the roots of P-deprived plants. The most intensive phosphatase activity was found in apical root regions.