Tea Plantation–Induced Activation of Soil Heavy Metals

Abstract

The accumulation of heavy metals in tea leaves is of concern because of its impact on tea quality. This study characterized long‐term changes of soil properties and heavy‐metal fractions in tea gardens and their effect on the uptake of metals from soils by the plants. Soil and tea leaf samples were collected from five plantations with a history of 2–70 years in Jinghua, Zhejiang Province, southeast China. The six chemical fractions (water‐soluble, exchangeable, carbonate‐bound, organic‐matterbound, oxide‐bound, and residual forms) of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the soils were characterized. Dissolved organic‐matter accumulation in the soils and effects of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids on solubility of soil heavy metals were also tested. Long‐term tea plantation use resulted in accumulation of dissolved organic matter, decrease of soil pH, and elevation of water‐soluble and exchangeable metal fractions, thereby increasing metal contents in leaves. The influence was more significant when soil pH was less than 4.4. The results indicated that both acidification and accumulation of dissolved organic matter induced by tea plantations were also important causes of increased accumulation of the metals in the tea leaves. This was particularly true for the soils polluted with low concentration of heavy metals, because availability of the metals in these soils was mainly controlled by pH and dissolved organic matter.     

模拟降雨条件下污染土壤中重金属元素径流迁移特征

探明污染土壤中重金属元素随地表径流迁移特征,对于防控重金属污染物的迁移扩散具有重要意义。通过室内模拟降雨试验,研究不同降雨强度下(55,100,120mm/h)污染土壤中Cd、Pb和Cr随地表径流迁移的特征。结果表明:径流中3种重金属元素总量在产流的前20min内逐渐降低,随后趋于稳定;产流初期(产流10min内)颗粒态重金属占径流重金属总量的比例均在80%以上;随产流时间延长,颗粒态Cd和Cr对径流重金属的贡献率快速降低,其颗粒态/溶解态的比值范围分别为47.0～0.4和12.9～0.4,而Pb则主要以颗粒态的形式存在,溶解态Pb对其随径流迁移的贡献率可忽略不计;随降雨强度增大,径流中总Cd和Pb含量显著降低,而径流中总Cr含量以及溶解态重金属含量无明显变化规律。     

中国长江口潮滩湿地土壤重金属含量的时空变化规律及环境指示意义

The environment of estuarine wetlands has been attracting worldwide attention. To study the spatial distribution of pollutants in the tidal flats of the Yangtze Estuary, Southeast China, the Eastern Tidal Flat of Chongming Island (EC) and the Jiuduansha Shoal (JS) of the estuary were selected as the study sites. At each of the two sites, a cross-transect from land to sea was established and topsoil and soil core samples in the cross-transect were collected spatially and seasonally to determine their contents of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Fe) and grain-size characteristics. The results showed that the heavy metal loads were commonly higher in the soils of nearshore high tidal flats and had a tendency of decreasing from land to sea at both of the study sites. The contents of heavy metals in the soils of the high and medial tidal flats were mostly higher in April and November but lower in July. Corresponding spatial and seasonal variations in grain size of the intertidal soils were also observed at the two study sites. The soils in the nearshore high tidal flats were finer and gradually got coarser seawards; they were relatively finer in April and November but coarser in July. Furthermore, the contents of heavy metals in the intertidal soils of both the sites EC and JS were significantly positively correlated with the clay (<2 μm) and 2-20 μm fractions, but negatively with the sand (>63 μm) and 20-63 μm fractions, which suggested that the heavy metals in the intertidal soils were primarily combined with the fine particulate fraction (<20 μm), especially clay, and hence the spatial and seasonal variations in heavy metals were actually caused by the change of the grain-size characteristics of the intertidal soils due to the different sedimentary environments in the estuary. The results of this study may also contribute to a better understanding of the soil formation and classification in the tidal flats of the Yangtze Estuary.     

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.     

南通市城市边缘带土壤重金属污染现状及评价

通过对不同土地利用方式下的7个样区进行系统的采样测定,对南通城市边缘带土壤重金属富集与污染状况进行了分析与评价。结果显示,研究区土壤未发生明显的重金属污染。但3个样区的土壤有轻度的重金属污染现象,Zn是发生富集最普遍的元素,约76%的样点土壤Zn富集指数>1,18%的样点土壤出现Zn的轻度污染。Cu、Pb等重金属元素导致的污染也在零星样点被发现。方差分析表明,土地利用方式不是导致研究区土壤重金属含量空间差异的主要因素,而土壤类型、样区空间环境与土壤重金属含量及富集、污染有相对密切的关系。     

Comparison of routine soil tests and EPA method 3050 as extractants for heavy metals in Delaware soils

Abstract

Agricultural use of sewage sludges can be limited by heavy metal accumulations in soils and crops. Information on background levels of total heavy metals in soils and changes in soil metal content due to sludge application are; therefore, critical aspects of long‐term sludge monitoring programs. As soil testing laboratories routinely, and rapidly, determine, in a wide variety of agricultural soils, the levels of some heavy metals and soil properties related to plant availability of these metals (e.g. Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, pH, organic matter, texture), these labs could participate actively in the development and monitoring of environmentally sound sludge application programs. Consequently, the objective of this study was to compare three soil tests (Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, and DTP A) and an USEPA approved method for measuring heavy metals in soils (EPA Method 3050), as extractants for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in representative agricultural soils of Delaware and in soils from five sites involved in a state‐monitored sludge application program.

Soil tests extracted less than 30% of total (EPA 3050) metals from most soils, with average percentages of total metal extracted (across all soils and metals) of 15%, 32%, and 11% for the Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, and DTPA, respectively. Statistically significant correlations between total and soil test extractable metal content were obtained with all extractants for Cu, Pb, and Zn, but not Cd and Ni. The Mehlich 1 soil test was best correlated with total Cu and Zn (r=0.78***, 0.60***, respectively), while the chelate‐based extractants (DTPA and Mehlich 3) were better correlated with total Pb (r=0.85***, 0.63***). Multiple regression equations for the prediction of total Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, from soil test extractable metal in combination with easily measured soil properties (pH, organic matter by loss on ignition, soil volume weight) had R² values ranging from 0.41*** to 0.85***, suggesting that it may be possible to monitor, with reasonable success, heavy metal accumulations in soils using the results of a routine soil test.     

Content of some heavy metals in soil and corn grain

Abstract

In an attempt to find causes for lower than expected corn (Zea mays L.) production along the bottomlands of the Green and Pond Rivers in western Kentucky, corn fields were sampled for soil and corn grain to determine heavy metal content. Samples from sixteen carefully selected fields were analyzed for Cd, Cr, Pb, and Ni content. Yield of corn was not related to either soil or grain content of these heavy metals. There was also no relationship between soil pH and heavy metal accumulation by grain or heavy metal accumulation by grain and soil content of heavy metals within the range of levels found. Soil contents of Cr, Pb, and Ni were within the range of values reported in the literature for uncontaminated soils. However, soil content of Cd was near or above the upper end of the ranges reported in the literature, even on control samples taken upstream from sites of potential heavy metal pollution. Karnak soils (fine, montmorillonitic, nonacid, mesic Vertic Haplaquepts), which are high in montmorillonitic clay content and have high cation exchange capacities, had higher Cd content than the other soils sampled. Except for two sites, grain Cd content was similar to values reported in the literature. Corn yields were found to be generally lower on Karnak soils than on other soils, raising the possibility that observed lower than expected yields are related to the poor physical characteristics of these soils rather than heavy metal pollutants in floodwaters.     

黄壤旱坡地退耕还林还草对减少土壤磷流失的作用

在贵州中部黄壤旱坡地上 ,通过无界径流小区以及野外坡面径流小区试验 ,对退耕还林还草初期阶段旱坡地地表径流中水溶态磷和颗粒态磷流失量的变化进行了研究。结果表明 :退耕还林还草后黄壤旱坡地地表径流中颗粒态磷含量比相应的旱地减少 2 2 .17%～ 6 3.4 8% ,而水溶态磷含量也减少 3.0 3%～ 4 4 .2 9% ;退耕还林区土壤水溶态磷和颗粒态磷的流失量分别比玉米种植区减少 38.6 5 %和 35 .0 8% ,退耕还草区土壤水溶态磷和颗粒态磷的流失量分别比玉米种植区减少 5 3.4 2 %和 4 1.94 %。退耕还林还草一方面减少了肥料的施用量 ,另一方面能明显减少土壤磷的流失量 ,特别是水溶态磷的流失 ,退耕还林还草工程是减少土壤磷流失和控制非点源污染的有效途径。     

江苏省典型高速公路沿线土壤重金属分布特征及影响因素研究

【目的】加强高速公路沿线土壤重金属污染管控及农业安全生产,亟需明确高速公路周边土壤重金属的分布特征与影响因素。【方法】选择贯穿江苏省境内的4条典型高速公路（沪宁、京沪、宁通和连霍）周边土壤为研究对象,利用高精度X射线荧光光谱仪（XRF）测定土壤重金属含量,从而分析高速公路沿线土壤重金属的空间分布特征,并探究其主要影响因素。【结果】(1)高速公路沿线表层土壤镉（Cd）、铅（Pb）、铜（Cu）、锌（Zn）含量总体呈南高北低、南北向公路小于东西向公路的分布特征,部分点位土壤Cd存在超标现象;(2)距公路路肩距离是影响两侧土壤重金属含量的重要因素,主要影响范围在50 m内,不同土地利用类型条件下土壤金属含量差异较大,路龄越长,土壤重金属富集系数越大。【结论】高速公路沿线表层土壤均存在重金属累积现象,其中Cd的累积最为明显,深层土壤重金属受到公路交通的影响较小。公路交通对沿线土壤重金属含量的影响主要在50 m以内,并且受到沿线土地利用类型、路龄和车流量的共同影响。在高速公路两侧设置不同范围的绿化带种植防护林,可在一定程度上防控重金属向周边农田的扩散与风险。     

Heavy‐metal toxicity in plants 1. A crisis in embryo

Abstract

Heavy metals are often added indiscriminantly to soils in pesticides, fertilizers, manures, sewage sludges, and mine wastes, causing an imbalance in nutrient elements in soils. Heavy‐metal toxicity causes plant stress in various degrees dependent on the tolerance of the plant to a specific heavy metal. The objectives of this study were (i) to show that plant species and soils respond differently to heavy metals and (ii) to show the necessity for proper quantity and balance of heavy metals in soils for plant growth.

Three Fe‐inefficient and three Fe‐efficient selections of soybean, corn, and tomato were grown on two alkaline soils with Cu and Zn ranging from 14 to 340 and Mn from 20 to 480 kg/ha. Heavy‐metal toxicity caused Fe deficiency to develop in these plants. The Fe‐inefficient T3238fer tomato and ys₁/ys₁ corn developed Fe deficiency on all treatments and both soils. T3238FER tomato (Fe‐efficient) did not develop heavy metal toxicity symptoms on any treatment or soil. The soybean varieties and WF9 corn were intermediate in their response.

The unpredictable response of both the soil and the plant to heavy metals make general recommendations difficult. In order to maintain highly productive soils, we need to know what we are adding to soils and the consequences. Without some control, the continued addition of heavy metals to soils is a crisis in embryo.     

Leaching of soil‐derived major and trace elements in an arable topsoil after the addition of biochar

The addition of biochar to soils appears to be attractive for sequestering carbon and improving soil fertility. Biochar has been shown to alter carbon, nutrient and element cycling, but there is little information on the cycling of trace elements, which will be introduced increasingly into soils because of their use in modern technologies (e.g. rare earth elements) and significant concentrations in phosphate fertilizers. This study investigated, using column experiments, the effect of biochar addition on the leaching of soil‐derived trace metals from a soil contaminated with heavy metals. The biochar used in this study showed a clear potential to reduce soil‐derived trace metals, including transition metals, rare earth elements and heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb), while increasing the amounts of essential nutrients such as potassium (K) and molybdenum (Mo). Uranium was mobilized in the presence of biochar, indicating a risk of increased leaching in biochar‐amended soils. During elution under anoxic conditions manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) oxides were reduced and a release of metals typically bound to these oxides such as Pb, cobalt (Co), zirconium (Zr) and niobium (Nb) was observed. The retention of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the amended soil led to a retention of DOM‐associated elements such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and nickel (Ni). Analysis by liquid chromatography followed by ICP‐MS indicated an association with UV‐active DOM. In previous studies conducted with inorganic metal species added to soil, an increased retention of metals has often been interpreted as being caused by cation exchange with the biochar. Our results indicate that the decreased mobility of trace elements is at least partly caused by an enhanced retention of metal‐binding DOM after biochar application.     

贵阳市城区土壤重金属分布特征及污染评价

调查了贵阳市不同功能区表层土壤中重金属含量及其分布特征,以基线为参比值,采用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对重金属的潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果表明,贵阳市城区土壤重金属(Hg、Cd、As、Pb、Cr、Cu、Ni、Zn)主要来源于工业、交通以及燃煤等活动,其平均含量分别为0.108、0.320、20.53、22.17、35.71、64.87、48.65、217.90mg/kg,除Cr外,均显著高于相应基线。工矿区土壤中Pb、Zn含量显著高于其他功能区(p0.05)。Hg和Cd是主要的生态危害因子,其污染已达强生态危害水平,其余均显示为轻微生态危害水平;不同功能区土壤重金属污染均已达强生态危害水平,且污染程度依次是:商务区工矿区文教区居民区城市绿地交通区。     

Chemical speciation and bioavailability of Cd,Cu, Pb and Zn in Western Balkan soils

Abstract

Three thermal power plants in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia of the Western Balkan region were expected to be metal polluting sources, and this study was performed to investigate the bioavailability and chemical speciation of trace metals in soils and soil water extracts, respectively. Surface (0–15 cm) soil samples along with maize and grass samples were collected at a gradient from the pollution source. The chemical speciation of metals was conducted using the Windereme Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM)/Model VI for water, whereas the Diffusion Gradient in Thin Films (DGT) technique was used to estimate plant availability. The chemical speciation indicated that more than 99% of all four metals in soil water extracts were complexed to fulvic acid. This is connected to relatively high soil pH (> 6.5) and high contents of soil organic matter in these soils. The accumulation of trace metals by DGT was not correlated to plant uptake. This is connected to the very low partitioning of free ions in solution, but also to the low variation in metal solubility and metal concentration in plant tissue between sites. In spite of active thermal power plants located in the areas, hardly any differences in concentration of soil metals between sites were seen and the partition of metals in soil waters was insignificant. The latter indicates that these soils have a large metal-retaining capacity. The only significant soil chemical variable affecting the variation in metal solubility was the soil pH. In a time with large infrastructure and industrial expansion in these areas, this investigation indicates the importance of protecting these high-quality soils from industrial use and degradation. High industrial activity has so far had insignificant effect on soil quality with respect to bioavailability of trace metals in these soils.     

Heavy Metal Contamination in Soils of Urban Highways Comparison Between Runoff and Soil Concentrations at Cincinnati,Ohio

Rainfall runoff from urban roadways oftencontains elevated amounts of heavy metals in both particulate anddissolved forms (Sansalone and Buchberger, 1997). Because metalsdo not degrade naturally, high concentrations of them in runoffcan result in accumulation in the roadside soil at levels thatare toxic to organisms in surrounding environments. This studyinvestigated the accumulation of metals in roadside soils at asite for which extensive runoff data were also available.For this study, 58 soil samples, collected from I-75 nearCincinnati, Ohio, were examined using X-ray fluorescence, C-Sanalyzer, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, atomicabsorption spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The resultsdemonstrated that heavy metal contamination in the top 15 cm ofthe soil samples is very high compared to local backgroundlevels. The maximum measured amount for Pb is 1980 ppm (at 10–15 cm depth) and for Zn is 1430 ppm (at 0–1 cm depth). Metal content in the soil falls off rapidly with depth, and metalcontent decreases as organic C decreases. The correlation toorganic C is stronger than the correlation to depth. The resultsof sequential soil extraction, however, showed lower amounts ofPb and Zn associated with organic matter than was expected basedon the correlation of metals to % organic C in the whole soil.Measurement of organic C in the residues of the sequentialextraction steps revealed that much of the carbon was not removedand hence is of a more refractory nature than is usual inuncontaminated soils. Cluster analysis of the heavy metal datashowed that Pb, Zn and Cu are closely associated to one another,but that Ni and Cr do not show an association with each other orwith either organic C or depth. ICP spectroscopy of exchanged cations showed that only 4.5%of Pb, 8.3% of Zn, 6.9% of Cu and 3.7% of Cr in the soil isexchangeable. Combined with the small amounts of metals bound tosoluble organic matter, this result shows that it is unlikelythat these contaminants can be remobilized into water. At thissite, clays are not an important agent in holding the metals inplace because of low amounts of swelling clays. Instead, insoluble organic matter is more important. Mass balancecalculations for Pb in soil showed that most of the Pb came fromexhausts of vehicles when leaded gasoline was in use, and thatabout 40% of this Pb is retained in the soil.This study shows that, highway environments being a relativelyconstant source of anthropogenic organic matter as well as heavymetals, heavy metals will continue to remain bound to organicmatter in-situ unless they are re-mobilized mechanically. Removalof these heavy metals as wind-blown dust is the most likelymechanism. Another possibility is surface run-off carrying themetals into surface drainages, bypassing the soil. This studyalso shows that for those countries still using leaded gasoline,important reductions in Pb contamination of soils can be achievedby restricting the use of Pb additives.     

Use of earthworms Eisenia andrei on the bioremediation of contaminated area in north of Tunisia and microbial soil enzymes as bioindicator of change on heavy metals speciation

Purpose

A better understanding is required of the potential of soil biota in controlling the availability and mobility of heavy metals and ascertaining their toxicity. The objectives of this work are to assess, first, the modification of heavy metal speciation induced by earthworms Eisenia andrei and, second, the consequence of this metal speciation change on soil enzyme activities as an easy bioindicator of stress.

Materials and methods

The experiment was conducted on six sites from Jebel Ressas Mines, which are characterized by a gradient heavy metal contamination (Pb, Zn, and Cd). Earthworms E. andrei were introduced in these six soils for 60 days. We had performed heavy metal speciation both in the presence and absence of worms. Modifications of activities of seven enzymes implicated in C, N, and P biochemical cycles were used as a bioindicator of metal stress. We had used the co-inertia statistical method to evaluate the correlation between change in heavy metal speciation induced by earthworms and the enzyme activities in soils.

Results and discussion

Our results suggested that earthworms modified the heavy metal dynamic and speciation. They decrease the amount of metal associated with the most available fraction, such as exchangeable one, and increase the amount of metal bound to the more stable fraction, like Mn and Fe oxide ones. On the same hand, enzyme activities increased in majority of the soils, following earthworm activity, but this effect is dependent on the amount of soil contamination. Moreover, the co-inertia results denote that change in heavy metal speciation significantly influences the soil enzyme activities in Jebel Ressas soils, especially β-glucosidase, urease, deshydrogenase, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDA), and can be considered as bioindicators of metal toxicity and biological quality in the contaminated area.

Conclusions

By reducing the availability of heavy metals, the earthworms are useful in the bioremediation of heavy metal contaminated soils. Soil enzymes β- glucosidase, urease, deshydrogenase, and FDA can be used to assess the changes in metal speciation and can let us, therefore, predict if the soils are bioremediated.

     

不同人工植被群落对铅锌矿废弃地径流重金属流失特征的影响

研究不同人工植被群落及土壤改良对铅锌矿废弃地径流重金属流失特征的影响,为矿区废弃地的生态恢复提供前期修复思路。采用径流小区试验,通过混合施加有机肥和钙肥对土壤进行改良,在自然降雨条件下,分别在铅锌矿废弃地原状土及改良土上构建不同人工植被群落(草、灌—草、乔—灌—草),对地表径流的产生量与径流中泥沙、Cd、Pb、As的含量和流失量进行了分析研究。结果表明:(1)原状土下,乔—灌—草模式相较于草模式和灌—草模式,累计径流产生量分别减少11.3%和0.8%,同一人工植被群落,改良土相较于原状土累计径流产生量减少3.2%~18.8%;原状土下,灌—草模式相较于草模式、乔—灌—草模式,累计泥沙量分别减少28.9%,14.0%,同一人工植被群落,改良土相较于原状土累计泥沙量减少40.0%~63.3%。(2)原状土下,不同人工植被群落溶解态Cd、Pb、As累计流失量分别为2.7~7.2,104.3~295.1,1.4~5.4 mg/m²,改良土相较于原状土,不同人工植被群落溶解态Cd、Pb、As累计流失量分别减少47.7%~61.0%,43.8%~64.6%,43.8%~63.8%。(3)原状土下,不同人工植被群落颗粒态Cd、Pb、As累计流失量分别为2.5~9.0 g/m²,437.5~1347.2,16.2~89.9 mg/m²;改良土相较于原状土,不同人工植被群落颗粒态Cd、Pb、As累计流失量分别减少53.7%~72.0%,55.4%~65.8%,60.2%~71.1%。(4)颗粒态Cd、Pb、As流失量分别占总流失量的99.8%~99.9%,77.1%~84.1%,85.1%~96.7%。综上所述,人工植被群落越复杂,径流量、泥沙和重金属的流失量越低;施加改良剂能进一步强化植被群落的截流功能;重金属的流失主要以颗粒态为主。     

Relationship Between Extractable Metals in Acid Soils and Metals Taken Up by Tea Plants

Abstract

The accumulation of heavy metals in plants is related to concentrations andchemical fractions of the metals in soils. Understanding chemical fractions and availabilities of the metals in soils is necessary for management of the soils. In this study, the concentrations of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in tea leaves were compared with the total and extractable contents of these heavy metals in 32 surface soil samples collected from different tea plantations in Zhejiang province, China. The five chemical fractions (exchangeable, carbonate‐bound, organic matter‐bound, oxides‐bound, and residual forms) of the metals in the soils were characterized. Five different extraction methods were also used to extract soil labile metals. Total heavy metal contents of the soils ranged from 17.0 to 84.0 mgCukg^?1, 0.03 to 1.09 mg Cd kg^?1, 3.43 to 31.2 mg Pb kg^?1, and 31.0 to 132.0 mg Zn kg^?1. The concentrations of exchangeable and carbonate‐bound fractions of the metals depended mainly on the pH, and those of organic matter‐bound, oxides‐bound, and residual forms of the metals were clearly controlled by their total concentrations in the soils. Extractable fractions may be preferable to total metal content as a predictor of bioconcentrations of the metals in both old and mature tea leaves. The metals in the tea leaves appeared to be mostly from the exchangeable fractions. The amount of available metals extracted by 0.01 mol L^?1 CaCl₂, NH₄OAc, and DTPA‐TEA is appropriate extractants for the prediction of metals uptake into tea plants. The results indicate that long‐term plantation of tea can cause sol acidification and elevated concentrations of bioavailable heavy metals in the soil and, hence, aggravate the risk of heavy metals to tea plants.     

Some effects of tramlines on surface runoff, sediment and phosphorus mobilization on an erosion-prone soil

Although introduced into UK farming to help ensure more even application of agrochemicals, tramlines (marked wheelways through crops) are a potential cause of surface runoff and transfer of diffuse pollutants, including sediment and phosphorus (P), into watercourses. To help quantify these potential effects, the impact of tramlines on sediment and P movement in surface runoff was assessed on an erosion‐prone sloping (5°) fine sandy soil over two successive winters. Three replicate and hydrologically isolated runoff plots measuring 15 m long and 2 m wide, and either with, or without, a tramline, were established on field demonstration areas which had received different soil (traditionally ploughed vs. reduced cultivated) and crop (early vs. late drilling) management practices. Reduced cultivation (minimum tillage) consisted of heavy discing (5–8 cm depth) instead of ploughing (20–25 cm depth). Over monitoring periods ranging up to 5 months, plots with tramlines running up and down the slope generated, on average, 46% more runoff (+1–2 mm) compared with plots without tramlines on ploughed soils. This extra runoff resulted in up to fivefold greater sediment loss (+0.4 t ha^?1) and up to fourfold greater total P loss (+0.3 kg ha^?1) from the plots. However, the presence of tramlines had no significant impact on runoff, or sediment and P transfers, where the soil received reduced cultivation. Plots with tramlines that were partially crop covered, or which ran across the slope rather than up and down the slope, produced the same amount of runoff, sediment and P transfer as plots without tramlines. Greatest entrainment of sediment and P in runoff occurred where tramlines coarsely indented the soil, or caused erosion rills to form. Establishing tramlines in dry soils reduced the degree of soil indentation and the risk of channelled runoff causing sediment and P entrainment. The data suggest that tramlines can be managed more sensitively on erosion vulnerable soils to help minimize the risk of sediment and P pollution of our surface waters, and various options are discussed.     

Micrometer-scale internal structure and element distribution of Fe-Mn nodules in Quaternary red earth of Eastern China

Purpose

Fe-Mn nodules are the common feature of tropical and subtropical soils and contain abundant information of pedogenic processes, palaeoenvironmental changes, and element geochemistry. The main aim of the present study was to determine the internal structure and spatial distribution of elements in the Fe-Mn nodules to better understand the 3D internal structure, enrichment, and dynamics of heavy metals in nodules and to provide more aspects to explore the possible heavy metal sequestration and pedoenvironmental implications of Fe-Mn nodules in soils.

Materials and methods

The studied Typic Plinthudult was developed on Quaternary red earths in Èastern China. The Fe-Mn nodules in the Bs horizon of soil were separated and classified into four size fractions (5–8, 3–5, 2–3, and 1–2 mm). The 3D microstructure of Fe-Mn nodules was examined by means of synchrotron radiation-based X-ray microcomputed tomography (SR-mCT), and the spatial distribution of Fe and Mn in nodules was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). The association of heavy metals with Fe and Mn oxides in nodules was described by selective chemical dissolution, SEM/EDS, and principal component analysis.

Results and discussion

The SR-mCT images indicated that the 5–8, 3–5, and 2–3 mm nodules exhibited well-defined ring structures, while the 1–2 mm nodule exhibited homogeneous fabric. The internal microstructures of nodules could be divided into four parts: Fe-rich ring, Mn-rich ring, Fe and Mn overlapped ring, and the gap between ring structures. The Fe-Mn nodules were significantly enriched in Mn, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Zn relative to the soil matrix. In particular, the concentrations of Mn and Pb in the nodules were 150 and 90 times greater than those in the soil matrix, respectively. A clear partitioning of heavy metals between Mn and Fe oxide phases was observed in the nodules, indicating that Pb was mainly present in Fe oxides, while Ni, Cu, and Zn were mainly associated with Mn oxide phases.

Conclusions

The SR-mCT and SEM-EDS revealed the detailed internal microstructure of the Fe-Mn nodules and geochemical dynamics of heavy metals in the soil system. The Fe-Mn nodules have very high scavenging ability in sequestrating toxic heavy metals in soils, such as Pb and Ni. The microstructure and spatial distribution of Fe and Mn in nodules reflected the cycle of alternating drying and wetting conditions and served as an important basis for inferring the pedogenic processes and pedoenvironmental conditions.

     

海南岛三大流域农业土壤源污染物流失特征研究

采用径流场结合人工模拟降雨方式,研究了海南岛万泉河、南渡江和昌化江三大流域土壤中氮、磷、有机质等营养物质的流失特征。结果表明,三大流域土壤径流系数和泥沙流失速率的大小顺序为：暴雨〉大雨〉中雨;相同雨强条件下,万泉河的径流系数与南渡江相近,昌化江最小;泥沙流失速率大小顺序为：万泉河〉南渡江〉昌化江;雨强对总磷（TP）流失速率的影响达到极显著水平,磷随径流流失以颗粒磷（PP）为主;氮在雨强较小时以可溶氮（DN）流失为主,当达到暴雨时则以颗粒氮（PN）流失为主;雨强越大,地表径流中COD、TN、DN和PN流失速率越高。三大流域区土壤养分随泥沙流失特征相似,不同雨强条件下,三大流域的总氮、总磷和有机质流失速率的规律一致,雨强越大,流失速率越高;在同一雨强条件下,三流域区总氮、总磷和有机质随泥沙流失速率为：昌化江〉万泉河〉南渡江。影响面源流失的主要因素为坡度、雨强、土质等。