Phytotoxicity of cobalt,vanadium, titanium,silver, and chromium

Abstract

The phytotoxicity of five nonessential elements (Co, V, Ti, Ag, Cr) to higher plants was studied in solution culture experiments with bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. C.V. Improved Tendergreen). All, but in varying degrees, tended to concentrate in roots with a decreasing gradient to stems and leaves. Cobalt was one of the more mobile of the five trace metals. Its toxicity was expressed as severe chlorosis; 43 (with 10^‐5 M) and 142 (with 10^‐4 M) μg Co/g dry weight in leaves resulted in severe chlorosis. Vanadium as 10^‐4 M vanadate resulted in smaller plants but not in chlorosis. Leaf, stem, and root V, respectively, were 13, 8, and 881 μg/g dry weight. Titanium was somewhat mobile with considerable yield decrease at 10^‐4 M; leaf, stem, and root Ti concentrations, respectively, were 202, 48, and 2420 μg/g. Symptoms were chlorosis, necrotic spots on leaves, and stunting. Silver was very lethal at 10^‐4 M AgNO₃; at 10^‐5 M yields were greatly decreased, but plants were grown without symptoms. Leaf, stem, and root concentrations of Ag for this treatment, respectively, were 5.8, 5.1, and 1760 μg/g dry weight. Plants grown with 10^‐5 N Cr₂O₇ were decreased in yield by about 25% with or without EDTA (ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) while the same level of Cr₂(SO₄)₃ was essentially without effect. For the two salts, the leaf, stem, root concentrations for Cr, respectively were 2.2 and 1.3, 0.7 and 0. 7, and 140 and 104 μg/g. Most of the trace metals studied here had interactions in the uptake and/or distribution of other elements.     

Variation of N,P, K,Ca, Mg,Mn, Zn,and al in slash pine foliage

Abstract

The seasonal patterns of foliage nutrient concentrations and contents were monitored for two growing seasons in an 11‐year—old Pinus el1iottii stand. In the first growing season after needle initiation, N, P, K, Mg, and Zn concentrations decreased, but this was followed by an increase in the fall and winter months. Another drop in concentration of all elements, except P, occurred in the second growing season. Decreases in total contents indicated that this drop was a result of translocation to other tissues. In contrast to the mobile elements, the concentration and fascicle contents of Ca, Mn, and Al increased with aging of the needles.

Between‐tree variability was least for N, P, and Zn and the N, K, Mg, Mn, and Zn in the current foliage had consistently lower variation than that in the 1‐year‐old foliage. Between‐tree variation for K was lower in the winter than the spring.

For pine foliage, recommended sampling period for N, P, Mg, and Zn is mid to late summer and for the other elements it is late fall to late winter.

There are several sources of variation that influence the level of nutrients in tree foliage. The most important of these, apart from the tree nutrient status, are seasonal fluctuations, variation between trees, and age of needles . Smaller sources of variation are associated with position of the needles within the crown, diurnal changes, year to year variation, and analytical errors^1,2. These variables must be studied in order to develop suitable sampling techniques and in Pinus this has been undertaken for P. banksiana ¹, P. taeda ³, P. strobus ⁴, P. resinosa ⁴, P. sylvestris ⁵, and P. radiata ^6,7. However, foliage sampling has not been studied in detail for slash pine (Pinus elliottii Englem var. elliottii) and earlier studies with other pines have been largely confined to temperate or cool climates.

This study reports the variation in elemental concentrations with season, age of foliage, and between slash pine trees growing in a subtropical climate in Florida.     

Thin layer chromatographic determination of aflatoxins, ochratoxins, sterigmatocystin, zearalenone, citrinin, T-2 toxin, diacetoxyscirpenol, penicillic acid, patulin, and penitrem A.

A general method is described for determining 16 mycotoxins in mixed feeds and other food products used in the manufacture of these feedstuffs. The mycotoxins are extracted and cleaned up by extracting with solvents of different pH. Thin layer chromatography is used to separate the toxins; toxins are then quantitated by the limit detection method. The minimum detectable concentration of mycotoxins in various products is: aflatoxin B1 or G1, 4--5 micrograms/kg; ochratoxin A or ethyl ester A 140--145 micrograms/kg; citrinin 600--750 micrograms/kg; zearalenone, 410--500 micrograms/kg; sterigmatocystin, 140--145 micrograms/kg; diacetoxyscirpenol, 2400--2600 micrograms/kg; T-2 toxin, 800--950 micrograms/kg; patulin, 750--800 micrograms/kg; penitrem A 14,000--14,500 micrograms/kg; penicillic acid 3400--3650 micrograms/kg.     

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.     

Lead Concentrations,Isotope Ratios,and Source Apportionment in Road Deposited Sediments,Honolulu, Oahu,Hawaii

Anthropogenic contributions of lead to the urban environment havebeen dominated by combustion of leaded gasoline. A number of studies have used lead concentrations in road deposited sediments(RDSs) to infer automobile contributions. However, few studies have combined concentration data, enrichment ratios, and lead isotope ratio data into a comprehensive picture of lead contamination of road sediments. An urban, non-industrialized basin, in Oahu, Hawaii, was selected for investigation. Twenty RDSsamples were collected throughout the 11 km² system, with anundisturbed soil profile sampled to a depth of 30 cm to documentbackground lead levels.Median lead concentrations from a weak (cold) HCl digestion and a hot nitric acid digestion were 3 and 7 mg kg^-1 for thebackground soil, and 256 and 303 mg kg^-1 for RDSs. The median Pb enrichment ratio (HCl digestion) for RDSs was 129, witha range from 24 to 883. All the data collected point to a highlycontaminated environment.Lead isotope ratios from potential sources were examined relativeto those observed for RDSs in the system. Host geological rocks,paint, and long-range aerosol transport were ruled-out as significant sources based on an examination of isotope ratios andpotential loadings to road sediments. Leaded gasoline wasidentified as the major contributor to present-day road sedimentsbased on their radiogenic nature, with mean ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 18.787 ± 0.096 (95% confidence interval), ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb = 15.847± 0.074, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb= 38.836 ± 0.221, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.184 ± 0.009. The contribution of gasoline additives to RDS for two periods, pre-1968 and post-1968, were estimated using ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios. The average contribution of post-1968 lead to RDSs was 59%, with a range from 32 to 81%. To explain the mixed age of lead in the RDSs, we suggest that erosional processes have mobilized sediment from roadside reservoirs in the basin that have accumulated automobile emissions primarily since the 1930s. The significant shift in useof radiogenic (J-type) ores, mostly from Missouri, USA, have allowed us to fingerprint and apportion lead in RDSs of thissystem.     

Phytotoxicity and some interactions of the essential trace metals iron,manganese, molybdenum,zinc, copper,and boron

Abstract

The essential trace elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and B in high concentrations can produce phytotoxicities. Iron toxicity resulted from 5 × 10^‐4 M and 10^‐3 M FeSO₄, but not from equivalent amounts of FeEDDHA (ferric ethylenediamine di (o‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid) ). Leaf concentrations in bush beans of 465 μg Mn/g, 291 μg B/g, and 321 μg Zn/g all on the dry weight basis resulted in 27%, 45%, and 34% reduction in yields of leaves, respectively. Zinc was concentrated in roots while Mn and B concentrated in leaves. Solution concentrations of MnS0₄ of 10^‐3 and 10^‐2 M depressed leaf yields of bush beans by 63% and 83%, respectively, with 5140 and 10780 μg Mn/g dry weight of leaves. Copper concentrations were simultaneously increased and those of Ca were decreased. Bush bean plants grown in Yolo loam soil with 200 μg Cu/g soil had a depression in leaf yield of 26% (with 28. 8 μg Cu/g leaf); plants failed to grow with 500 μg Cu/g soil. A level of 10^‐3 M H₂MoO₄ was toxic to bush beans grown in solution culture. Leaves, stems, and roots, respectively, contained 710, and 1054, and 5920 μg Mo/g dry weight.     

Partitioning of metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in soils: concepts, methodologies, prediction and applications – a review

Prediction of the fate of metals in soil requires knowledge of their solid–liquid partitioning. This paper reviews analytical methods and models for measuring or predicting the solid–liquid partitioning of metals in aerobic soils, and collates experimental data. The partitioning is often expressed with an empirical distribution coefficient or K_d, which gives the ratio of the concentration in the solid phase to that in the solution phase. The K_d value of a metal reflects the net effect of various reactions in the solid and liquid phases and varies by orders of magnitude among soils. The K_d value can be derived from the solid–liquid distribution of added metal or that of the soil‐borne metal. Only part of the solid‐phase metal is rapidly exchangeable with the solution phase. Various methods have been developed to quantify this ‘labile’ phase, and K_d values based on this phase often correlate better with soil properties than K_d values based on total concentration, and are more appropriate to express metal ion buffering in solute transport models. The in situ soil solution is the preferred solution phase for K_d determinations. Alternatively, water or dilute‐salt extracts can be used, but these may underestimate in situ concentrations of dissolved metals because of dilution of metal‐complexing ligands such as dissolved organic matter. Multi‐surface models and empirical models have been proposed to predict metal partitioning from soil properties. Though soil pH is the most important soil property determining the retention of the free metal ion, K_d values based on total dissolved metal in solution may show little pH dependence for metal ions that have strong affinity for dissolved organic matter. The K_d coefficient is used as an equilibrium constant in risk assessment models. However, slow dissociation of metal complexes in solution and slow exchange of metals between labile and non‐labile pools in the solid phase may invalidate this equilibrium assumption.     

A comparison of methods for measuring extractable Ca,Mg, K,Na, Mn,Al, Fe,and P from New England forest soils

Abstract

An experiment was designed to evaluate several of the commonly used extractants and methods for determining “available”; elements in soils. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the suitability of these extraction procedures for use on forest soils typical for New England commercial forests. The extraction procedures selected included NH₄OAc pH 4.8, NH₄OAc pH 7.0, NH₄Cl, Double Acid, Bray, and Mehlich methods. The elements measured varied somewhat by procedure but included the base cations, Al, Fe, Mn, and P. As a bioassay of element availability, a greenhouse study was conducted using six forest soil materials from different horizon types (i.e. O, Ap, B) and three conifer seedling species (red spruce, balsam fir, and white pine). Relatively small differences among extraction procedures were found among the methods used for exchangeable Ca, Mg, K, and Na. Large differences, however, were found among the different horizon types in the amount of exchangeable base cations present. In contrast, significant differences were found among extraction procedures for Al, Fe, Mn, and P depending on the degree of buffering and acidity of the extracting solution. Of the elements measured in this study, only P appeared to be growth limiting with the NH₄OAc pH 4.8 being best correlated with P uptake by seedlings. Further work under field conditions over longer time periods is required to evaluate these methods for measuring P availability in forest soils     

Estimation of Reference Values for Cadmium,Cobalt, Chromium,Copper, Nickel,Lead, and Zinc in Brazilian Soils

Abstract

The objectives of this study were 1) to recommend reference values (RVs) and tolerance limits (TLs) for representative Brazilian soils and 2) to propose a model to calculate natural contents of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in a soil from the silt, clay, manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) values. A set of 256 soil samples was classified by similarity in seven groups, and the concentrations corresponding to the upper quarter of data collected were then calculated. These concentrations are proposed as RVs for Brazilian soils. Additionally, TLs were obtained for each group from the antilog expression (m+2s), where m=mean value and s=standard deviation of data transformed in log₁₀. The classification functions of discriminant analysis proved to be suitable to allocate new samples in the established groups. Thus, it is possible to evaluate soils under anthropic activity and, by comparison with reference values, to be aware of pollution risks in a given area.     

Volatilization of trifluralin,atrazine, metolachlor,chlorpyrifos, alpha-endosulfan,and beta-endosulfan from freshly tilled soil

The volatile and soil loss profiles of six agricultural pesticides were measured for 20 days following treatment to freshly tilled soil at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. The volatile fluxes were determined using the Theoretical Profile Shape (TPS) method. Polyurethane foam plugs were used to collect the gas-phase levels of the pesticides at the TPS-defined critical height above a treated field. Surface-soil (0-8 cm) samples were collected on each day of air sampling. The order of the volatile flux losses was trifluralin > alpha-endosulfan > chlorpyrifos > metolachlor > atrazine > beta-endosulfan. The magnitude of the losses ranged from 14.1% of nominal applied amounts of trifluralin to 2.5% of beta-endosulfan. The daily loss profiles were typical of those observed by others for volatile flux of pesticides from moist soil. Even though heavy rains occurred from the first to third day after treatment, the majority of the losses took place within 4 days of treatment, that is, 59% of the total applied atrazine and metolachlor and >78% of the other pesticides. Soil losses generally followed pseudo-first-order kinetics; however, leaching due to heavy rainfall caused significant errors in these results. The portion of soil losses that were accounted for by the volatile fluxes was ordered as follows: alpha-endosulfan, 34.5%; trifluralin, 26.5%; chlorpyrifos, 23.3%; beta-endosulfan, 14.5%; metolachlor, 12.4%; and atrazine, 7.5%.     

Biodegradation and persistence of several acetamide,acylanilide, azide,carbamate, and organophosphate pesticide combinations

The effect of potassium azide (KN₃), O,O-diethyl O-(2-isopropyl-6-methyl-4-pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate (diazinon), O,O-diethyl S-[(ethylthio)- methyl] phosphorodithioate (phorate), 1-naphthyl methylcarbamate (carbaryl), and p-chlorophenyl methylcarbamate (PCMC) on the biodegradation and persistence of several amide, carbamate, and urea herbicides in soil and microbial culture systems was examined. KN₃ inhibited the biodegration of isopropyi m-chlorocarbanilate (chlorpropham) in both soil perfusion and microbial culture system, but was limited in increasing chlorpropham persistence in soil under greenhouse conditions. PCMC and diazinon, inhibited the metabolism of chlorpropham by isolated cultures of soil bacteria (Pseudonwnas striata Chester and Achromobacter sp). Phorate inhibited chlorpropham metabolism by P. striata, but did not inhibit chlorpropham metabolism by Achromobacter sp. Carbaryl, PCMC, and diazinon increased the persistence of chlorpropham in soil under greenhouse conditions. PCMC also inhibited the microbial metabolism of isopropyl carbanilate (propham), 3',4'-dichloropropionanilide (propanil), 2-chloro-N,N-diallylacetamide (CDAA), 1,1-dimethyl-3 (α,ga,α-trifluoro-m-tolyl)urea (fluometuron) and 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (diuron), but not that of 2-chloro-N-isopropylacetanilide (propachlor) in isolated culture systems.     

Evaluation of Decomposition Procedure to Determine Ba,Co, Cr,Cu, Ni,Mn, V,and Zn Total Content in Soil Samples

Different procedures have been proposed to decompose soil samples. Most of them regard determination with fertility aims. In this case, the contents available to the plants are considered. On the other hand, there are procedures to determine total content. The objective of this work was to propose a new decomposition procedure to determine barium (Ba), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) total content in tropical soils with high content of oxides and silicate. According to the results, the digestion procedure proposed in this study provided satisfactory results for the contents recovery for the elements Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, and Zn, above 90%, and the use of inverted aqua regia, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), hydrofluoric acid (HF), pre-digestions and agitation was shown as a new alternative for the high silicate content soil sample total digestion, such as the oxisols.     

Hg, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn Accumulation in Macrophytes Growing in Tropical Wetlands

The concentrations of Hg, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn accumulated by regional macrophytes were investigated in three tropical wetlands in Colombia. The studied wetlands presented different degrees of metal contamination. Cu and Zn presented the highest concentrations in sediment. Metal accumulation by plants differed among species, sites, and tissues. Metals accumulated in macrophytes were mostly accumulated in root tissues, suggesting an exclusion strategy for metal tolerance. An exception was Hg, which was accumulated mainly in leaves. The ranges of mean metal concentrations were 0.035?C0.953 mg g^?1 Hg, 6.5?C250.3 mg g^?1 Cu, 0.059?C0.245 mg g^?1 Pb, 0.004?C0.066 mg g^?1 Cd, and 31.8?363.1 mg g^?1 Zn in roots and 0.033?C0.888 mg g^?1 Hg, 2.2?C70.7 mg g^?1 Cu, 0.005?C0.086 mg g^?1 Pb, 0.001?C0.03 mg g^?1 Cd, and 12.6?C140.4 mg g^?1 Zn in leaves. The scarce correlations registered between metal concentration in sediment and plant tissues indicate that metal concentrations in plants depend on several factors rather than on sediment concentration only. However, when Cu and Zn sediment concentrations increased, these metal concentrations in tissues also increased in Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia helminthorriza, and Polygonum punctatum. These species could be proposed as Cu and Zn phytoremediators. Even though macrophytes are important metal accumulators in wetlands, sediment is the main metal compartment due to the fact that its total mass is greater than the corresponding plant biomass in a given area.     

Tillage,lime, and poultry litter effects on soil zinc,manganese, and copper

Abstract

Long‐term no‐tillage has profound effects on soil properties which can affect the availability of plant nutrient elements. The objectives were to study the effects of tillage and lime treatments on soil pH and extractable soil micronutrients where poultry litter was used as a nitrogen (N) source. Surface soil samples were taken in the spring and fall for two years from a long‐term tillage experiment that had been in place for nine years. There were two tillage treatments [conventional (CT) and no‐tillage (NT)] and six lime/ gypsum treatments (control, 8,960 kg gypsum ha^‐1 every fourth year, 4,480 kg lime ha^‐1 every fourth year, and three treatments of 8,960 kg lime ha^‐1 in a four‐year period divided by application times into 1, 2, and 4 treatments per year). Poultry litter was applied each year of the two‐year experiment at a rate of 8.96 Mg ha^‐1 on a dry weight basis. The crop was corn (Zea maize L.). Soil samples were analyzed for pH and Mehlich‐1 zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu). Soil pH was higher for NT than CT and was higher in the spring than in the fall. Lime rates resulted in soil pH increases, but showed less difference for CT than NT. The three 8,960 kg ha^‐1 per four yr treatments caused an interaction in that for CT the pH increased more for 2,240 kg ha^‐1each year than for 8,960 kg ha^‐1 every fourth year and the opposite was true for NT. Extractable Zn, Mn, and Cu all responded to this interaction being lower for the higher pH plots. Extractable Zn was higher for NT possibly due to high Zn from the poultry litter and non‐incorporation for NT. Extractable Cu was lower for NT as expected from the soil pH, whereas extractable Mn was not affected by tillage. Extractable Zn and Cu both increased over time due to inputs from the poultry litter. Neither extractable Zn nor Mn responded to increasing lime rates, however Cu decreased with increasing lime rate. Extractable Cu was influenced mainly by soil pH differences due to tillage and lime. Extractable Zn was influenced much more by tillage and from inputs by the poultry litter and not as much by pH differences. Extractable Mn was the least responsive to tillage and lime treatments of the three micronutrients studied.     

Speciation of cadmium,copper, lead,and zinc in contaminated soils

Abstract

To investigate the activity of free cadmium (Cd²⁺), copper (Cu²⁺), lead (Pb²⁺), and zinc (Zn²⁺) ions and analyze their dependence on pH and other soil properties, ten contaminated soils were sampled and analyzed for total contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn (Cd_T, Cu_T, Pb_T, and Zn_T, respectively), 0.43 MHNO₃‐extractable Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn (Cd_N, Cu_N, Pb_N, and Zn_N, respectively), pH, dissolved organic matter (DOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), ammonium oxalate extractable aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe), and dissolved calcium [Ca²⁺]. The activity of free Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions in soil solutions was determined using Donnan equilibrium/graphite furnace atomic absorption (DE/GFAA). The solubility of Cd in soils varied from 0.16 to 0.94 μg L^‐1, Cu from 3.43 to 7.42 μg L^‐1, Pb from 1.23 to 5.8 μg L^‐1, and Zn from 24.5 to 34.3 μg L^‐. In saturation soil extracts, the activity of free Cd²⁺ ions constituted 42 to 82% of the dissolved fraction, for Cu²⁺the range was 0.1 to 7.8%, for Pb²⁺ 0.1 to 5.1% and for Zn²⁺2 to 72%. The principal species of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the soil solution is free metal ions and hydrolyzed ions. Soil pH displayed a pronounced effect on the activity of free Cd²⁺, Cu^2t, Pb²⁺, and Zn²⁺ ions.     

THE SPECIFIC ADSORPTION OF DIVALENT Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, AND Zn ON GOETHITE

The specific adsorption of divalent Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn on goethite is measured as a function of pH. For each mole of heavy metal adsorbed approximately two moles of H+ ions are displaced from the interface. Using these results the heavy metal adsorption data are expressed as functions of the solution concentrations of both H+ and metal ions, and the interfacial reaction is described by the equation, ₂SH+M²⁺= S₂M+₂H⁺. The adsorption data are consistent with an electrochemical model of the simultaneous adsorption of H⁺ ions and divalent metal ions on to the oxide. The intrinsic affinities of the metal ions for the oxide surface increase in the order, Cd < Co < Zn < Pb < Cu. However, besides the affinity of the metal ion for the surface, the adsorption curves are considered to be influenced by surface charge, the adsorption density of the metal ions and their size. The analysis of the data in terms of H⁺ and M²⁺ ion adsorption is considered to be complementary to the hydrolysis model for heavy metal adsorption.     

ADSORPTION OF LEAD, COPPER, ZINC, COBALT, AND CADMIUM BY SOILS THAT DIFFER IN CATION-EXCHANGE MATERIALS

The adsorption of Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, and Cd²⁺ (M²⁺) by soils was measured at concentrations ranging from 10-⁷ to 10-² M in 10-³ to 10-² M CaCI₂. Exchange between Ca²⁺ and M²⁺, and solubility products [M²⁺][OH^?]² indicate that M²⁺ is not precipitated as hydroxide but is adsorbed on cation-exchange sites. The proportion of selective adsorption sites with specified values of the selectivity coefficient calculated using Ca as reference ion, increased in the order montmorillonite < humus, kaolinite, < allophane. imogolite < halloysite, iron oxides. Raising the soil pH by Ca-saturation increased both the amount and affinity of adsorption. Selectivity of adsorption increased in the order Mg, Ca < Cd, Co < Zn < Cu, Pb, and the selectivity coefficient varied from < 1 to > 10 000. The formation of the coordination complexes of heavy metal with deprotonoted OH and COOH groups as ligands is suggested as a possible mechanism of selective adsorption.     

Dry Matter,Nitrogen, Phosphorous,and Potassium Partitioning,Accumulation, and Use Efficiency in Transgenic Cotton-Based Cropping Systems

A better understanding of the fate of nutrients in transgenic cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fields will improve nutrient efficiencies, will optimize crop growth and development, and may help to enhance soil quality. A study was made to evaluate and quantify the effect of cropping system [sole cotton and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) intercropping with transgenic cotton] and nitrogen (N) management [control (0N), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through urea, substitution of 25% RDN through farmyard manure (FYM), and substitution of 50% RDN through FYM] on dry matter (DM) and nutrient partitioning and accumulation by transgenic cotton and groundnut at New Delhi during 2006–2007. Soil and plant samples were collected and analyzed at 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing and at harvest. Results revealed that intercropping of groundnut with cotton did not significantly affect DM and nutrient partitioning in cotton, but residual soil fertility in terms of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) N showed an improvement in contrast to Olsen's P and ammonium acetate (NH₄OAc)–exchangeable K over sole cotton. At harvest, of total DM assimilated, leaves constituted 10–20%, stem 50%, and reproductive parts of cotton accounted for the rest. For each kilogram of seed cotton produced, the crop assimilated 61 g of N, of which 23 g was partitioned to harvested seed cotton. Substitution of 25% RDN through FYM, being on par with 100% RDN through urea, recorded greater DM, nutrient uptake in different parts of cotton, agronomic N-use efficiency (9.5 kg seed cotton kg N^?1), and apparent N recovery (83.3%) over 50% RDN substitution through FYM and control. The control, being on par with 50% RDN substitution through FYM, recorded significantly greater DM and nutrient uptake by intercropped groundnut over other treatments. Apparent N and potassium (K) balance at the end of study was negative in all treatments; however, the actual change in KMnO₄ N was positive in all the treatments except control. Our study suggests that intercropping of groundnut with transgenic cotton and substitution of 25% dose of N through FYM is sustainable in tropical countries.     

Prediction of dry matter, fat, pH, vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, total antioxidant capacity, and color in fresh and freeze-dried cheeses by visible-near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Visible-near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to predict dry matter, fat, pH, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, xanthophylls, sodium chloride, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, total antioxidant capacity, brightness, redness, and yellowness in both fresh and freeze-dried cheeses. A total of 445 cheeses of four cheese varieties were investigated. Composition of samples was analyzed by reference methods. Samples were scanned (400-2500 nm) and predictive equations were developed using modified partial least-squares with both cross-validation and external validation. Coefficient of determination (R(2)) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) in external validation were satisfactory for dry matter (0.97; 5.99), fat (0.90; 3.22), beta-carotene (0.92; 3.43), sodium chloride (0.89; 2.94), calcium (0.95; 4.62), Zinc (0.93; 3.75), brightness (0.96; 4.88), redness (0.96; 5.23), and yellowness (0.93; 3.73) in fresh cheeses. Poor predictions were obtained for pH, retinol, alpha-tocopherol, xanthophylls, potassium, magnesium, and total antioxidant capacity (R(2) < 0.81; RPD < 3).     

Ecological stoichiometry of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in estuarine wetland soils: influences of vegetation coverage, plant communities, geomorphology, and seawalls

Purpose

Little is known about carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus stoichiometrical characteristics and influencing factors in estuary wetland soils. The purpose of this work is to study ecological stoichiometric characteristics of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (R _CN, R _CP, and R _NP) in estuarine wetland soils of Shuangtaizi, northeast China and the potential affecting factors like vegetation coverage, plant communities, geomorphology, and seawall.

Materials and methods

During 2008–2010, soil samples in estuarine wetland were collected for soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and phosphorus, and other elements determination. Mole ratios of R _CN, R _CP, and R _NP were calculated.

Results and discussion

As a whole, R _CN was in the range of 8.26～52.97 (mean, 16.15), R _CP was in the range of 23.21～862.53 (mean, 90.66), and R _NP was in the 0.93～29.52 (mean, 5.07). R _CN, R _CP, and R _NP distribution were all with high spatial heterogeneities and significantly affected by vegetation coverage, plant communities, geomorphology, and seawalls. During the typical plant succession sequence of the halophytes–the mesophyte–the hydrophyte in estuarine wetland, P might be the primary limiting elements for nutrients stoichiometrical characteristics. R _CN, R _CP, and R _NP in soils of low-lying areas were all higher than that in highlands. Plant coverage and communities formation would help to reduce restriction from nitrogen, but to increase restrictions from phosphorus meanwhile.

Conclusions

C, N, and P ecological stoichiometry had high complexities. R _CN in estuarine wetland soils were generally high, whereas R _CP and R _NP were comparatively low, indicating that ecosystems in the estuary were limited by nutrients such as N and P, with the latter being the primary factor. Vegetation covers, plant communities, geomorphology, and seawall all affected nutrient stoichiometry in soils.