Alkalinity of virgin solonetzes in northern Kalmykia (the Arshan-Zel’men Experimental Station)

The alkalinity of virgin solonetzes of the Ergeni Upland, Ergeni Plain, and Sarpinsk Lowland has been studied. These soils are characterized by the neutral salinization and the high alkalinity of the solonetzic and subsolonetzic horizons. The analysis of the soil water extracts demonstrated that the highest alkalinity is typical of the subsolonetzic horizons containing calcium carbonates (the B2 and BCca horizons). In the solonetzic horizons without CaCO₃, the alkalinity is lower despite the high exchangeable sodium percentage (up to 42%). The alkalinity of the solonetzic and subsolonetzic horizons may be conditioned by two processes: (a) the hydrolysis of the exchange complex (EC) containing sodium (EC-Na + H₂O ↔ EC-H + Na⁺ + OH⁻) and (b) the reaction of the ion exchange with the substitution of calcium for sodium in the exchange complex (EC-2Na + CaCO₃ ↔ EC-Ca + 2Na⁺ + CO₃²⁻). Calculations performed on the basis of the thermodynamic equations of the physicochemical equilibria according to the LIBRA program indicate that soda is absent in the solonetzic horizons, whose alkalinity is related to the carbonatecalcium equilibria. The high alkalinity of the calcareous subsolonetzic horizons is related to the presence of soda in combination with CaCO₃. The formation of soda in these horizons is due to the reaction of ion exchange described by Gedroits.     

Proton release by N2‐fixing plant roots: A possible contribution to phytoremediation of calcareous sodic soils

With a world‐wide occurrence on about 560 million hectares, sodic soils are characterized by the occurrence of excess sodium (Na⁺) to levels that can adversely affect crop growth and yield. Amelioration of such soils needs a source of calcium (Ca²⁺) to replace excess Na⁺ from the cation exchange sites. In addition, adequate levels of Ca²⁺ in ameliorated soils play a vital role in improving the structural and functional integrity of plant cell walls and membranes. As a low‐cost and environmentally feasible strategy, phytoremediation of sodic soils — a plant‐based amelioration — has gained increasing interest among scientists and farmers in recent years. Enhanced CO₂ partial pressure (P_CO2) in the root zone is considered as the principal mechanism contributing to phytoremediation of sodic soils. Aqueous CO₂ produces protons (H⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO₃^‐). In a subsequent reaction, H⁺ reacts with native soil calcite (CaCO₃) to provide Ca²⁺ for Na⁺ Ca²⁺ exchange at the cation exchange sites. Another source of H⁺ may occur in such soils if cropped with N₂‐fixing plant species because plants capable of fixing N₂ release H⁺ in the root zone. In a lysimeter experiment on a calcareous sodic soil (pH_s = 7.4, electrical conductivity of soil saturated paste extract (EC_e) = 3.1 dS m^‐1, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 28.4, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) = 27.6, CaCO₃ = 50 g kg^‐1), we investigated the phytoremediation ability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). There were two cropped treatments: Alfalfa relying on N₂ fixation and alfalfa receiving NH₄NO₃ as mineral N source, respectively. Other treatments were non‐cropped, including a control (without an amendment or crop), and soil application of gypsum or sulfuric acid. After two months of cropping, all lysimeters were leached by maintaining a water content at 130% waterholding capacity of the soil after every 24±1 h. The treatment efficiency for Na⁺ removal in drainage water was in the order: sulfuric acid > gypsum = N₂‐fixing alfalfa > NH4NO3‐fed alfalfa > control. Both the alfalfa treatments produced statistically similar root and shoot biomass. We attribute better Na+ removal by the N₂‐fixing alfalfa treatment to an additional source of H⁺ in the rhizosphere, which helped to dissolve additional CaCO₃ and soil sodicity amelioration.     

The effect of ion exchange on the solubility of fluoride compounds

The influence of ion exchange processes on the apparent solubility of fluoride compounds was examined by observing changes in free F^? and total F levels when suspensions of sparingly soluble fluoride species (e.g., CaF₂, AlF₃) and aluminium smelter wastes were equilibrated with a range of materials having different cation exchange capacities. The exchanger materials used included synthetic resins, clay minerals, a humic acid and Mn(IV) oxide. The amount of fluoride ion released from the fluoride salts and F^? rich wastes was found to increase in the presence of solids capable of exchanging cations, and the magnitude of the effect tended to be determined by the number of exchange sites available and the affinity of the fluoride compound cation for the exchange material. In some instances (e.g., with illite and alumina wastes) the released fluoride ion attacked the substrate and formed soluble complex ions.     

Driving forces for sodium removal during phytoremediation of calcareous sodic and saline–sodic soils: a review

Abstract. Sodic and saline–sodic soils are characterized by the occurrence of sodium (Na⁺) at levels that result in poor physical properties and fertility problems, adversely affecting the growth and yield of most crops. These soils can be brought back to a highly productive state by providing a soluble source of calcium (Ca²⁺) to replace excess Na⁺ on the cation exchange complex. Many sodic and saline–sodic soils contain inherent or precipitated sources of Ca²⁺, typically calcite (CaCO₃), at varying depths within the profile. Unlike other Ca²⁺ sources used in the amelioration of sodic and saline‐sodic soils, calcite is not sufficiently soluble to effect the displacement of Na⁺ from the cation exchange complex. In recent years, phytoremediation has shown promise for the amelioration of calcareous sodic and saline–sodic soils. It also provides financial or other benefits to the farmer from the crops grown during the amelioration process. In contrast to phytoremediation of soils contaminated by heavy metals, phytoremediation of sodic and saline–sodic soils is achieved by the ability of plant roots to increase the dissolution rate of calcite, resulting in enhanced levels of Ca²⁺ in soil solution to replace Na⁺ from the cation exchange complex. Research has shown that this process is driven by the partial pressure of CO₂ (P_CO2) within the root zone, the generation of protons (H⁺) released by roots of certain plant species, and to a much smaller extent the enhanced Na⁺ uptake by plants and its subsequent removal from the field at harvest. Enhanced levels of P_CO2 and H⁺ assist in increasing the dissolution rate of calcite. This results in the added benefit of improved physical properties within the root zone, enhancing the hydraulic conductivity and allowing the leaching of Na⁺ below the effective rooting depth. This review explores these driving forces and evaluates their relative contribution to the phytoremediation process. This will assist researchers and farm advisors in choosing appropriate crops and management practices to achieve maximum benefit during the amelioration process.     

The specific sorption of trace amounts of Cu,Pb, and Cd by inorganic particulates

Thin film A.S.V. was used to study the specific sorption of Cd, Pb and Cu by hydrous oxides (Mn, Fe, and Al) or clay mineral suspensions from acetate buffer solutions containing 10 to 100 μg L^?1 of each metal ion. The amount sorbed varied with system pH (range 3 to 9), substrate crystal form, the ratio of adsorbent to absorbate present, and the metal ion involved. Uptake by hydrous Mn(IV) oxide was near total over the whole pH range. With other particulates the pH required for onset of sorption varied with solid phase composition, with uptake subsequently increasing steadily with increasing pH. In general, affinity and relative uptake values followed the sequences Pb > Cu > Cd and Mn(IV) oxides > Fe(III) oxides > A1(OH)₃ > clays > iron ores. The solid phases loaded with sorbed metal were equilibrated with a range of extractant solutions used in soil/sediment studies, and the results confirmed that chemi-sorption was the main retention process. Significant release was achieved using extractants that attacked the substrate or formed stable complexes with the metal ion.     

Specific ion effect of H+ on variably charged soil colloid aggregation

Specific ion effects (Hofmeister effects) have recently attracted the attention of soil scientists, and it has been found that ionic non-classic polarization plays an important role in the specific ion effect in soil. However, this explanation cannot be applied to H⁺. The aim of this work was to characterize the specific ion effect of H⁺ on variably charged soil (yellow soil) colloid aggregation. The total average aggregation (TAA) rate, critical coagulation concentration (CCC), activation energy, and zeta potential were used to characterize and compare the specific ion effects of H⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺. Results showed that strong specific ion effects of H⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺ existed in variably charged soil colloid aggregation. The TAA rate, CCC, and activation energy were sensitive to H⁺, and the addition of a small amount of H⁺ changed the TAA rate, CCC, and activation energy markedly. The zeta potential results indicated that the specific ion effects of H⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺ on soil colloid aggregation were caused by the specific ion effects of H⁺, K⁺, and Na⁺ on the soil electric field strength. In addition, the origin of the specific ion effect for H⁺ was its chemical adsorption onto surfaces, while those for alkali cations were non-classic polarization. This study indicated that H⁺, which occurs naturally in variably charged soils, will dominate variably charged soil colloid aggregation.     

Continual pH lowering and manganese dioxide solubilization in the rhizosphere of the Mn-hyperaccumulator plant Chengiopanax sciadophylloides

Abstract

The Japanese woody plant Chengiopanax sciadophylloides is well known for its extraordinary accumulation of manganese (Mn), and is used as a model for studying Mn uptake and utilization by plants. To clarify the role of manganese dioxide (MnO₂) solubilization for Mn acquisition and further Mn hyperaccumulation in this plant, we examined the lowering of pH in the rhizosphere and Mn accumulation of this plant using regenerated plants. Plants regenerated from C. sciadophylloides calli lowered the pH of the culture broth continuously and simultaneously solubilized MnO₂ added to the medium. The Mn content of the plant increased up to 1,300 mg kg^?1 within 4 weeks of culture. Release of protein or specific organic acid from the roots was not observed. The medium used for plant culture maintained MnO₂ solubilization ability after removal of the plant; however, this ability was lost by adjustment to the same medium pH of pre-culture conditions. In addition, pH lowering and MnO₂ solubilization were suppressed by adding 1 mmol L^?1 of the plasma H⁺-ATPase inhibitor Na₃VO₄ to the medium, and completely inhibited when 5 mmol L^?1 of Na₃VO₄ was added. These results suggested that H⁺ leaking from plasma H⁺-ATPase plays an important role in MnO₂ solubilization in the rhizosphere of C. sciadophylloides and in Mn accumulation in this plant.     

Ion input/output budgets for five wetlands constructed for acid coal mine drainage treatment

Five wetlands, each 6 m wide and 30 m long and containing 30 cm of an organic substrate (Sphagnum peat to which limestone and fertilizer were surface-applied on a quarterly basis, Sphagnum peat, sawdust, straw/manure, spent mushroom compost), were exposed to controlled inputs of acid coal mine drainage (AMD; pH 2.89, soluble Fe, Mn, and SO₄ ^2? concentrations of 119, 19, and 3132 mg L^?1, respectively) at a mean flow rate of 8513 L da^?1 for 111 weeks, beginning in July of 1989. All wetlands were net sources, rather than sinks, for base cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺). The Sphagnum peat wetland was the least effective in treating the AMD, retaining 35% of the soluble Fe influx, but not retaining substantial H⁺, soluble Mn, soluble Al, SO₄ ^2?, or acidity. The straw/manure and mushroom compost wetlands were the most effective in treating the AMD, retaining 53 and 67% of the H⁺ influx, 80 and 78% of the soluble Fe influx, 7 and 20% of the soluble Mn influx, 54 and 53% of the soluble Al influx, 15 and 11% of the SO₄ ^2? influx, and 57 and 63% of the acidity influx. For these two wetlands especially, treatment effectiveness was substantially diminished during the cold winter months of January through March. Moreover, from March through July of the final year of the study, treatment effectiveness was minimal with outflow pH and concentrations of soluble Fe, Mn, Al, SO₄ ^2? and acidity that were similar to inflow values. Decreases in treatment effectiveness over time appeared to be related to a decrease in the ability to counter the substantial acid load entering the wetlands in the AMD. Lime or limestone dissolution and bacterial dissimilatory sulfate reduction may have contributed substantially to pH improvement and acidity consumption in the straw/manure and mushroom compost wetlands, but after 2 years the cumulative input of acidity apparently had overwhelmed biotic and abiotic alkalinity generating mechanisms, as reflected in a progressive decrease in both substrate pH and abiotic acid neutralization capacity (ANC) over time, especially in the surface substrates. Also over time, effluent H⁺ and acidity concentrations became more like influent and H⁺ and acidity concentrations. Although samples of wetland interstitial water were not collected for chemical analysis, as substrate pH and ANC decreased and as influent and effluent water chemistry became more similar, it is likely that wetland interstitial water became progressively more acidic, potentially inhibiting bacterial processes that could contribute to effective treatment, favoring dissolution rather than formation of insoluble metal precipitates, and thereby contributing to the eventual failure of the wetlands to effectively treat the AMD. In general, when constructed wetlands are used to treat particularly acidic (pH<4) AMD, if abiotic and biotic alkalinity generation cannot balance the influent acid load, long-term effective treatment will not be achieved.     

Soils,surficial geology,and geomicrobiology of saline-sodic wetlands,North Platte River Valley,Nebraska, USA

Saline-sodic wetlands along a 200-km stretch of the North Platte River Valley in western Nebraska, USA lie within an important agricultural region, but their processes, salt mineralogy, and geomicrobiology have not previously been investigated. Putative anthropogenic salinization has long been a concern, yet early historical accounts of widespread surface salts in the area have never been applied as comparative standards. Surface salts in the area originate from soil capillarity and surface evaporation. Thenardite (Na₂SO₄) and/or mirabilite (NaSO₄·10 H₂O) dominate, depending on ambient conditions. Bloedite (Na₂Mg[SO₄]₂·4[H₂O]), halite (NaCl), burkeite (Na₆CO₃[SO₄]₂), and calcite (CaCO₃) are minor constituents. Historical accounts indicate that salts accumulated naturally long before Euramerican settlement, apparently as a result of rock–water interaction in nearby volcaniclastic sediments of the Brule Formation.Ephemeral to permanent water-holding basins in the wetlands contain Na⁺-rich waters that vary widely in electrical conductivity (as high as 159 mS/cm) and in ionic composition, but local spring waters are extremely dilute. Basin floors exhibit a unique type of microrelief, which appears to form by the filling of microlows with water and the dispersal of soil material therein by Na⁺, followed by dewatering and collapse of the soil with drying. Illite dominates basin surface soils, but smectite dominates at depth; high soil pH, available K⁺, and frequent wetting–drying cycles in the wetlands suggest that in-situ illitization may have occurred. Soil crusts and vesicular surface horizons are common as are upward increases in electrical conductivity. The activity of sulfate-reducing microbes forms prominent near-surface horizons of sulfate reduction in saturated soils, which retract or disappear entirely during dry episodes.Saline-sodic wetland soils in the study area change on daily to seasonal scales. Cycles of surface salt development, microbial activity, and microrelief genesis are all controlled by regular wetting–drying cycles and the interaction of ponded surface waters and shallow groundwaters. Relatively unique aspects of microbial ecology and surface processes make the soils important as “geomicrobial reactors” wherein important parts of hydrological and geochemical cycles occur.     

Sodium removal from a calcareous saline–sodic soil through leaching and plant uptake during phytoremediation

Saline–sodic and sodic soils are characterized by the occurrence of sodium (Na⁺) to levels that can adversely affect several soil properties and growth of most crops. As a potential substitute of cost‐intensive chemical amelioration, phytoremediation of such soils has emerged as an efficient and low‐cost strategy. This plant‐assisted amelioration involves cultivation of certain plant species that can withstand ambient soil salinity and sodicity levels. It relies on enhanced dissolution of native calcite within the root zone to provide adequate Ca²⁺ for the Na⁺ Ca²⁺ exchange at the cation exchange sites. There is a lack of information for the Na⁺ balance in terms of removal from saline–sodic soils through plant uptake and leaching during the phytoremediation process. We carried out a lysimeter experiment on a calcareous saline–sodic soil [pH of saturated soil paste (pH_s) = 7.2, electrical conductivity of the saturated paste extract (EC_e) = 4.9 dS m⁻¹, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) = 15.9, CaCO₃ = 50 g kg⁻¹]. There were three treatments: (1) control (without application of a chemical amendment or crop cultivation), (2) soil application of gypsum according to the gypsum requirement of the soil and (3) planting of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as a phytoremediation crop. The efficiency of treatments for soluble salt and Na⁺ removal from the soil was in the order: gypsum ≈ alfalfa > control. In the phytoremediation treatment, the amount of Na⁺ removed from the soil through leaching was found to be the principal cause of reduction in salinity and sodicity. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Residual metal reactivity of humic acids extracted,from soil amended with sewage sludge

Copper, Fe, and Mn were used as probes to investigate residual metal reactivity for humic acid (HA) samples extracted from a loam soil, either non-amended or amended with anaerobically digested sewage sludge for 4, 5, 6, or 7 yr at 90 t ha^?1. yr^?1. Irrespective of their origin, the HA complexes significant amounts of metal, in forms stable against intense water-leaching, in the order Fe > Cl > Mn. Sludge-amended soil HA adsorbed and retained Fe in amounts greater than HA extracted fron non-amended soil. Metal adsorption occurred mainly by cation-exchange replacement of metals previousl: bound to HA. Water-stable Fe³⁺-HA complexes prepared in the laboratory were partially stable agains H⁺ and metal ion exchange reactions, whereas Cu²⁺ and Mn²⁺ in laboratory-prepared, water-stabl HA complexes were desorbed almost completely by these two reactions. Electron spin resonance spectra indicated that the laboratory-prepared metal-HA complexes had a chemical composition and molecula structure similar to that of indigenous metal-HA complexes, which were stable against all leachin, and cation-exchange treatments. Although the HA samples showed a maximal metal binding (i.e. saturation) as metal loading of the sludge-amended soil increased, they still exhibited a high residua binding capacity for the three metals used as probes.     

Metal ion interaction with the hydrous oxides of aluminium

Suspensions of Al(OH)3 gel, gibbsite or alumina were loaded with varying amounts of Cu, Cd, Zn, or Pb ions by varying the system pH. A complex relationship between metal uptake and equilibrium pH was noted (due to substrate buffering) but total loss of metal ion from solution was observed at pH > 6.5. The pre-loaded particles were back-extracted with fifteen different chemical solutions and the percentage of sorbed ion retrieved generally varied along the sequence NaCl, CaCl₂ < MgCl₂, NH₄NO₃ < CH₃OOONH₄, Na citrate, Na₄P₂O₇, EDTA, DTPA ≈ CH₃OOOH, H₂C₂O₄, HCI, HN0₃. The recovery value varied with initial surface loading and an observed minimum around 1 gruel M²⁺ per 20 mg solid is considered to reflect changes in metal species nature (e.g., bonded M²⁺, MOH⁺, precipitated M(OH)₂) and substrate surface charge. In the ‘minima’ region less than 10% of metal ion was displaced by many reagents. With different loadings up to 40% was displaceable by salts (i.e., weakly sorbed) while acids or complex formers at times released over 90 % of the pre-sorbed metal species. It was concluded that the degree of metal ion interaction varied with the initial system pH, with retention being due to a combination of weak adsorption, occlusion in gels, chemi-sorption and precipitation of M(OH)₂.     

HYDROLYSIS REACTIONS IN SODIUM-MONTMORILLONITE SUSPENSIONS

Explanation of the hydrolysis of Na-montmorillonite in NaCl solutions if based on Donnan equilibria, the order of the hydrolysis reaction, and CO₂–H₂O-NaCl-NaOH equilibria. Equations describe quantitatively the extent of hydrolysis as a function of per cent clay in suspension, and initial NaCl concentration. Lack of fit between experimental and calculated Na⁺ and H ? activities is attributed predominantly to lack of equilibrium with atmospheric CO₂ in the first stages of the reaction, and thereafter to secondary reactions due to chemical instability of protonized clay, when H⁺ activity continuously decreases. The presence of CaCO₃ in natural clay samples leads to pH values 1 to 2 units higher than those due only to hydrolysis.     

THE ROLE OF CALCIUM IN PLANTS' SALT TOLERANCE

High concentrations of sodium (Na) are toxic to most plant species, making soil salinity a major abiotic stress in plant productivity world wide. It has been shown that, calcium (Ca²⁺) is an important determinant for plant salt tolerance and confers protective effects on plants under growing in sodic soils. Calcium plays an essential role in processes that preserve the structural and functional integrity of plant cell membranes, stabilizes cell wall structures, regulates ion transport and selectivity, and controls ion-exchange behavior as well as cell wall enzyme activities. The nature of these responses will vary depending on the plant genotype. One of the essential functions of Ca²⁺ is acting as a second messenger in stress signaling. Genetic evidence suggests that perception of salt stress leads to a cytosolic calcium-signal that activates the calcium sensor protein SOS₃. SOS₃ binds to and activates a ser/thr protein kinase SOS₂. The activated SOS₂ kinase regulates the activities of SOS₁, a plasma membrane Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter, and NHX₁, a tonoplast Na⁺/H⁺ antiporter. This results in either Na⁺ efflux out of cytosol or its compartmentation in vacuole.     

番茄SlMIP基因参与转基因拟南芥的渗透调节

本实验以野生型（WT）和转番茄SlMIP基因的拟南芥为材料,研究NaCl胁迫条件下对二者体内渗透调节特征的影响。结果发现, 在NaCl胁迫下,转SlMIP基因的拟南芥细胞膜损伤程度较轻,组织渗透势显著降低,并保持较高的组织含水量,生长受抑制程度明显低于野生型植株。转基因植株体内Na+ 含量和Na+/K+ 比值显著低于野生型拟南芥,K+含量虽有所下降但仍显著高于野生型植株,而且在盐胁迫下脯氨酸和可溶性糖含量也高于野生型拟南芥,表明转入番茄SlMIP基因后的拟南芥,通过增加水分子的吸收,减少钠离子的进入,增加了细胞内脯氨酸和可溶性糖的含量,进而影响植物的有机渗透调节能力,与此同时可能通过离子化区隔机制以及与质膜Na+/H+逆向转运蛋白的相互作用更有效地调节细胞内外的无机离子交换能力,使植物更有效地抵御盐害,表明番茄SlMIP水通道蛋白基因在植物盐胁迫下具有重要的渗透调节作用。     

Evaluation of Salinity Effects on Ionic Balance and Compatible Solute Contents in Nine Grape (Vitis L.) Genotypes

The salinity tolerance of nine grape genotypes was studied. Salinity was applied as nutrient solutions containing 0, 25, 50, and 100 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) for two weeks. Growth was significantly reduced by salinity, whereas chloride (Cl^?) and sodium (Na⁺) contents increased. Sodium ion accumulation exceeded that of Cl^? in all treatments. Shirazi and H₆ had higher and lower Cl^? concentrations in their lamina than others. There were significant positive correlations (P < 0.01) between Cl^? and Na⁺ and negative correlation between Na⁺ and potassium (K⁺) in roots and laminas of all genotypes. Soluble sugars, proline, and glycine betaine contents increased in laminas of all of the genotypes with moderate salinity. There were positive correlations (P < 0.01) between lamina and root Na⁺ and Cl^? contents and compatible solutes in all genotypes. Overall results revealed that unlike Shirazi with higher Na⁺ and Cl^? accumulation in shoot, H₆ showed a higher capacity to restrict Na⁺ and Cl^? transport to shoot.     

Treatment additives reduced arsenic and cadmium bioavailability and increased 1,2-dichloroethane biodegradation and microbial enzyme activities in co-contaminated soil

Purpose

Bioremediation of co-contaminated environments is difficult because of the mixed nature of the contaminants and the fact that the two components often must be treated differently. This study investigated the use of inorganic treatment additives, namely calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O), and disodium phosphate (Na₂HPO₄) to improve remediation of soil co-contaminated with 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCA) and arsenic or cadmium.

Materials and methods

The soil samples were collected from a specific site in the Westville area in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Microcosms were set up by artificially co-contaminating the soil sample (100 g mixed with 75 ml of synthetic groundwater in sterile screw-capped 250-ml serum bottles) with 1,2-DCA + risk elements; As³⁺ (150 mg/kg); or Cd²⁺ (170 mg/kg). Thereafter, each microcosm was amended with either 5 g CaCO₃, 2 g CaSO₄·2H₂O, or 1.12 g Na₂HPO₄ + 0.046 g NaCl, separately. The samples were analyzed for the degradation of 1,2-DCA using GC–MS, while total 1,2-DCA degrading bacterial populations were determined at different sampling times using a standard spread plate technique. Soil dehydrogenase and urease activities were also monitored during the experimental period using standard enzyme assays.

Results and discussion

Addition of CaCO₃ resulted in an approximately 2-fold increase in 1,2-DCA degradation in both the As³⁺ and the Cd²⁺ co-contaminated soil as compared to the co-contaminated soil without CaCO₃. All the treatment additives were more effective in the As³⁺ co-contaminated soil resulting in 11.19, 9.25, and 5.63% increase in 1,2-DCA degradation in the presence of CaCO₃, Na₂HPO₄ + NaCl, and CaSO₄·2H₂O, respectively, compared to the Cd²⁺ co-contaminated soil. The total 1,2-DCA degrading bacterial population increased in treated soils over time. Overall, soil dehydrogenase and urease activities were lower in the heavy metal co-contaminated samples compared to the treated soil. The inhibitory effect of heavy metal was less in As³⁺ co-contaminated soil for both CaCO₃- and Na₂HPO₄ + NaCl-treated soil, with up to 7.92% increase in dehydrogenase activity obtained compared to soil co-contaminated with Cd²⁺.

Conclusions

Results from this study indicate that treatment additives can be used to reduce bioavailable fractions of risk elements in the soil matrices, thereby limiting the toxicity of these risk elements to 1,2-DCA degrading microorganisms. Thus, this approach can be applied to enhance organic compound degradation in co-contaminated soil environments.

     

Co-Ion Effect on Cr3+ Sorption by Amberlyst-15(H+)

Cr³⁺ sorption on strong acid exchanger Amberlyst-15(H⁺) is studied as a function of time and temperature using CrCl₃.6H₂O and [Cr₄(SO₄)₅(OH)₂] solutions. The rate is found to be governed by a mixed diffusion for both the solutions and faster for Cl^1? solution than SO₄ ^2?. The exchange capacities are found to be higher for Cl^1? system than SO₄ ^2?. From the rate constant values, the energies of activation are calculated using the well-known Arrhenius equation. Equilibrium data is explained with the help of the Langmuir equation. The Langmuir parameters are also found to be higher for exchange from the chloride solutions. Various thermodynamic parameters (??H^o, ??S^o, and ??G^o) for Cr³⁺ exchange on the resin are calculated. The ??G^o values are found to be negative while ??H^o and ??S^o are positive for both the Cr³⁺/Cl^1? and Cr³⁺/SO₄ ^2? systems. It is suggested that in case of Cl^1? solutions, the metal is exchanged as Cr³⁺, while in case of SO₄ ^2? solutions, the metal exchanging specie is CrSO₄ ⁺.     

Ion mass budgets for small forested catchments in Finland

Ion mass and H⁺ budgets were calculated for three pristine forested catchments using bulk deposition, throughfall and runoff data. The catchments have different soil and forest type characteristics. A forest canopy filtering factor for each catchment was estimated for base cations, H⁺, Cl^? and SO ₄ ^2? by taking into account the specific filtering abilities of different stands based on the throughfall quality and the distribution of forest types. Output fluxes from the catchments were calculated from the quality and quantity of the runoff water. Deposition, weathering, ion exchange, retention and biological accumulation processes were taken into account to calculate catchment H⁺ budgets, and the ratio between external (anthropogenic) and internal H⁺ sources. In general, output exceeded input for Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, HCO ₃ ^? (if present) and A^? (organic anions), whereas retention was observed in the case of H⁺, NH ₄ ⁺ , NO ₃ ^? and SO ₄ ^2? . The range in the annual input of H⁺ was 22.8–26.3 meq m^?2 yr^?1, and in the annual output, 0.3–3.9 meq m^?2 yr^?1. Compared with some forested sites located in high acid deposition areas in southern Scandinavia, Scotland and Canada, the catchments receive rather moderate loads of acidic deposition. The consumption of H⁺ was dominated by base cation exchange plus weathering reactions (41–79 %), and by the retention of SO ₄ ^2? (17–49 %). The maximum net retention of SO ₄ ^2? was 87% in the HietajÄrvi 2 catchment, having the highest proportion of peatlands. Nitrogen transformations played a rather minor role in the H⁺ budgets. The ratio between external and internal H⁺ sources (excluding net base cation uptake by forests) varied between 0.74 and 2.62, depending on catchment characteristics and acidic deposition loads. The impact of the acidic deposition was most evident for the southern Valkeakotinen catchment, where the anthropogenic acidification has been documented also by palaeolimnological methods.     

Saline and alkaline stress genotypic tolerance in sweet sorghum is linked to sodium distribution

Salt and alkali stress limit crop growth and reduce agricultural productivity worldwide, which have led to increased interest in enhancing salt tolerance in crop plants. Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (Linn.) Moench) is a monocotyledonous crop species that shows greater tolerance to salt–alkali stress than most other crops, although the underlying mechanisms behind this tolerance remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effects of salt and alkali stresses on two sweet sorghum varieties M-81E, which is stress tolerant, and 314B, which is stress sensitive. Namely, we surveyed plant growth parameters, measured Na⁺ and K⁺ distributions at the level of the whole plant as well as in three specific tissues, and then determined the activities of H⁺-ATPase, H⁺-PPase and Na⁺/H⁺ exchange in root vacuole membranes under stress conditions. Following treatment of the seedlings for 3 days with salt or alkali solutions, the plant growth was inhibited and Na⁺ levels in the whole plant, leaves, sheath, and roots were increased in both genotypes. Under alkali stress, K⁺ levels in the whole plant, leaves, sheath, and roots were decreased in both genotypes. M-81E roots accumulated significantly higher levels of Na⁺ than leaves, whereas the opposite was true for 314B. Under salt stress, both the hydrolytic and proton-transporting activities of V-H⁺-ATPase were enhanced and Na⁺/H⁺ exchange activity was dramatically upregulated, whereas V-H⁺-PPase activity was decreased. M-81E showed a greater capacity to compartmentalize Na⁺ within root cell vacuoles and maintain higher levels of K⁺ uptake compared with 314B, resulting in higher K⁺/Na⁺ transport selectivity in this genotype. These results also demonstrated that H⁺-ATPase activity and ionic homeostasis (Na⁺/K⁺) were likely important contributors to the tolerance of saline-alkali stress and crucially important for understanding alkaline stress in both crops and wild plants.