Heavy metals in the lichen Caloplaca aurantia from urban,suburban and rural regions in Israel (a comparative study)

The content of eight heavy metals: Mn, Zn, Fe, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr and Cd in the lichen Caloplaca aurantia growing on roof-tiles in urban, suburban and rural settlements in Israel has been evaluated. The data obtained and their statistical analysis indicated the following: (1) The content of all the above listed metals was generally higher in the lichen growing in ‘town’ than in ‘village’ areas; among these metals Ni and Zn were found most suitable for the distinction between ‘town’ and ‘village’ settlements. (2) Comparisons of the coefficient of variation of metal content values in ‘town’ versus ‘village’ furnished indications on the dispersion capacity of the metal particles. (3) Correlation analysis among the metals in ‘town’ and ‘village’ resulted in suggestive information on the emission sources. (4) Leaching tests indicated the tenacity of metal retainment and incorporation efficiency into the lichen tissue. Lichen species like C. aurantia, which grow both in ‘clean’ and metal contaminated areas are suggested as comparative monitors and for assessing periodical changes in metal output and concentrations.     

Cyanide effects on transport of trace metals in plants

Abstract

Cyanide at levels of 50 to 100 μg NaCN/g soil was not only toxic to bush bean plants, but also resulted in increased uptake of Cu, Co, Ni, Al, Ti, and, to a slight extent, of Fe. Either the phytotoxicity from the cyanide or the metals resulted in increased transport of Na to leaves from roots. In studies with ¹⁴C‐cyanide the transport of some cyanide into plants and to leaves simultaneously with the metals was demonstrated. There was a root, stem, leaf gradient for ¹⁴C. From solutions, cyanide resulted in increased plant uptake somewhat of Cu, Zn, and Fe. The results have bearing on the use of cyanide as a metabolic inhibitor as well as on phytotoxicities of metals.     

Origin and spatial distribution of metals in urban soils

Journal of Soils and Sediments - This study assessed soils from 36 parks and gardens (Vigo City, NW of Spain) where there are different degrees of traffic intensity and activity. The soils were...     

Trace metal distribution in the bed,bank and suspended sediment of the Ravensbourne River and its implication for sediment monitoring in an urban river

Journal of Soils and Sediments - This study aims to identify a suitable sediment compartment for sediment quality monitoring by: (a) studying the concentration of trace metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and...     

Survival of the western pond turtle (Emys marmorata) in an urban California environment

The western pond turtle Emys (formerly Clemmys) marmorata is declining throughout its range, primarily due to loss of habitat via urbanization and conversion to agriculture. Urban waterways present several important challenges to freshwater turtle populations, but they also present an opportunity to maintain declining species in a ubiquitous habitat that has high public visibility. The arboretum waterway on the University of California, Davis campus is an example of an extensively altered urban habitat that supports a relatively large E. marmorata population. Over the last 6 years, we monitored the turtle population inhabiting the arboretum waterway to determine the demographic health of the population, and the challenges and opportunities that urban environments pose for pond turtles. Since 1993, the naturally existing arboretum pond turtle population has declined by approximately 40% and has shown little natural recruitment. During this time, we also introduced 31 headstarted turtles into the arboretum. Headstarting is the process of raising juveniles in captivity until they have outgrown their period of greatest vulnerability to predators, and then releasing them into the wild. Our headstarting results demonstrate that this contentious strategy is a viable option for adding young turtles to the population, although it does not address the causes of decline. Over the course of our study, we encountered nine species of non-native turtles in the waterway, and these appear to be a serious threat to the native species. As more habitat becomes urbanized, it is increasingly important to understand how freshwater turtles, such as E. marmorata, adapt to urban waterways and the impact of non-native turtles on native turtle species. Our strong feeling is that urban waterways can provide habitat for viable populations of freshwater turtles and showcase them to the public, but both the aquatic and terrestrial habitat must be managed according to the biological requirements of individual species.     

The role of sediment-feeding oligochaeteTubifex on the availability of trace metals in sediment pore waters as determined by diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT)

Background  Available fractions of metal concentrations in sediment pore water are difficult to measure without disturbing the sediment core. The available fraction is an important parameter in understanding the risks for benthic organisms. Not much is known about the influence of the presence of benthic organisms to the available fraction. Objectives  The aim of this study was to discuss the dynamics of metal behaviour in natural sediments and the influence of the presence ofTubifex on sediment chemistry using DGT. Methods. DGT-probes were added to six beakers to cover a depth profile of 0 to 13 cm. The six beakers contained three different sediments. For each sediment, one beaker had 1 g ofTubifex added, the other beaker contained noTubifex. After two weeks of exposure, the probes were withdrawn and strips were analysed for their content of cadmium, copper and zinc. Results and discussion  Available concentrations were higher in the upper layer (0–1 cm) of the sediment core, where conditions are generally more oxic. The presence ofTubifex worms led to a decrease of the available concentrations in the upper layer, due to the competition of the worms with the DGT for the available metal fraction. On the other hand, the presence of the worms led, via bioturbation, to an increased oxygen penetration depth in the sediment, and, as a consequence, to an increase of the available fraction in the next-higher sediment layer. Conclusions  In sediment cores without organisms, very steep gradients of the available metal concentration in pore water have been found. The change from a high to low amount of available fraction corresponds to the change from oxidised conditions in the surficial sediment layer to reduced conditions in the lower sediment layers. The tunnelling behaviour ofTubifex worms leads to a penetration of oxygen to deeper sediment layers, and to an increase of the available metal fraction in the pore water.Tubifex competes with DGT for the available fraction, resulting in lower metal amounts accumulated in the DGT probe. Competition is the prevailing effect in the top 1 cm layer of all sediments. In the second 1 cm layer, competition, in most cases, is not strong enough to compensate the increase in metal availability due to the broadening of the oxidised zone. Recommendations  The effects of sediment organisms on the deepening of the oxidised layer and on the availability of metals in pore water need further investigations and quantification. DGT is recommended as an instrument for measuring available metal concentrations in these studies.     

Concentration and partitioning of particulate trace metals in the Changjiang (Yangtze River)

Suspended sediments from the lower Changjiang (Yangtze River) were sampled to determine concentrations of Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr. The particulate trace element values in the Changjiang are higher than in the Huanghe (Yellow River), but lower than in the other large Chinese rivers (e.g. Pearl River) and polluted rivers. A general pattern of high element levels in the clay minerals and low element concentrations in coarse sediment fractions are observed in the Changjiang. Sequential extraction shows the predominance of metals in the residual fraction relative to labile fractions in the Changjiang, emphasizing the importance of natural weathering and erosion in the drainage basin on the transport of particulate metals. Elevated Enrichment Factors (EF: the ratio of element concentration in microsurface to that in subsurface layer minus 1.0) suggest a potential influence of atmospheric input on the concentrations of particulate metals in the river.     

Measuring bioavailable trace metals by diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT): soil moisture effects on its performance in soils

Conventional methods of measuring labile chemical species of trace metals in soil solutions, such as chemical competition following centrifuging, are inadequate if the speciation changes during sampling and extraction. A new technique, diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), measures labile species of trace metals in natural waters and sediments in situ. A well-defined diffusive gel layer distinguishes it from other resin-based techniques. It perturbs the soil in a controlled way by introducing an in situ local sink for metal ions. Resulting fluxes to the device are quantitatively measured, allowing assessment of re-supply kinetics and in some cases measurement of in situ soil solution concentrations. We used DGT to measure fluxes of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in a sludge-treated soil at various moisture contents (27–106%). Replicate measurements showed that the precision of DGT-measured fluxes was within 10%. For moisture contents exceeding the field capacity (42%), the DGT response reflected soil water concentrations. At smaller moisture contents, changes related to tortuosity and dilution were reflected in the measurements. This technique has the potential for in situ measurements in the field where it should provide quantitative flux data on individual soils and provide a good surrogate for bioavailable metal.     

Regional patterns of contaminants (PAH,pesticides and trace metals) in snow of Northeast Bavaria and their relationship to human influence and orographic effects

In January 1978, 31 snow samples were collected throughout NE-Bavaria and were analyzed for trace metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu), pesticides (α-BHC, Lindane, Aldrin, Dieldrin) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) (3,4-benzopyrene, 1,12-benzoperylene, fluoranthene and 3,4-(o-phenylene)-pyrene). The regional pattern of PAH-concentrations can be explained as follows: above urban areas and through orographic uplifting of the air, PAH's are scavenged from the atmosphere by snow. The trace metals and specific conductance show similar regional patterns, although the pattern for Pb is influenced by automobile traffic as well as by glass and ceramic industries. The pesticides show less distinct patterns relative to the other two groups of contaminants. Using multivariate statistics it was shown that the trace metals with the exception of Pb and the PAH's had regional patterns similar to each other but distinct from the pesticides. Although orography, urbanization and industries are shown to affect the regional patterns of PAH's and the trace metals, this is not the case for pesticides. They originate from diffuse sources in agricultural and f forested lands.     

Desorption and distribution of pentachlorophenol (PCP) on aged black carbon containing sediment

Purpose

There is a strong affinity between organic compounds and black carbon (BC) in sediments, but the release of adsorbed organic compounds from BC may vary with the duration of contaminant–sediment contact (i.e., aging). The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of the application of rice straw carbon (RC) on the control of hydrophobic ionizable organic compounds (HIOCs) pollution and investigate whether aging affects the release of adsorbed pentachlorophenol (PCP) in RC-amended sediment.

Materials and methods

Two experiments were conducted in this study: Tenax-mediated desorption kinetics experiment and PCP’s distribution experiment over aging time. The Tenax-mediated desorption kinetics data were fit with a modified two-domain model. PCP’s distribution pools in sediment involves water soluble (F ₁), 48 h desorption (F ₂), 432 h desorption minus 48 h desorption (F ₃), strongly complexed (F ₄), and nonextractable fractions (F ₅).

Results and discussion

A good fit of the desorption kinetics data was obtained with the modified two-domain model, and R ² ranged from 0.979 to 0.999. The presence of RC in the sediment reduced the rapid and slow desorption fractions (F _rap and F _slow) as well as the rapid and slow rates of desorption of PCP (k _rap and k _slow) from the sediment, and the RC also increased the desorption-resistant fraction (F _r ). F _rap and F _slow both increased, while F _r decreased after aging. The PCP content of F ₁, F ₂, and F ₃ increased but decreased in F ₄ and F ₅ with contact time. Furthermore, the segregation of PCP varied less with aging time in sediments with 2.0 % RC than in sediments with 0.5 % RC.

Conclusions

RC played a dominant role in hindering PCP mass transfer and reducing PCP availability in sediments. After the RC-amended sediment was aged for 98 days, the PCP was released more easily and became more readily available, which was attributed primarily to the RC–sediment aging rather than of the PCP–sediment aging. Furthermore, 0.5 % RC is not sufficient to control PCP release from sediments, and 2.0 % RC is needed to fix PCP in sediments over long periods of time.     

Relating banana flowering distribution in the Jordan Valley (Israel) to climate and phenology

A method for forecasting banana flowering distribution in the Jordan Valley, using the previous year's meteorological and flowering data, is described. The forecasting is done at the beginning of May of each year, for the subsequent flowering season.Reliable prediction of flowering distribution is of great importance for planning agrotechnical operations, work scheduling and establishing marketing policy.     

Dissolution of magnetite and redistribution of heavy metals in urban soils (model experiment)

Technogenic magnetite in urban soils is extremely various in properties. Its particles strongly differ in magnetic susceptibility and degree of association with heavy metals. In the city of Perm, particles of magnetite enriched with different heavy metals are precipitated, which indicates different sources of technogenic magnetite within the limits of the city. The dissolution of magnetite and the effect of this process on the behavior of heavy metals have been simulated by the magnetochemical method. In strongly magnetic soils, the dissolution of highly magnetic macrocrystalline magnetite is accompanied by the dissolution of heavy metals: Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cu. The secondary precipitates of hydroxides of iron and heavy metals (predominantly Pb, Cu, and Ni) are formed relatively rarely, mainly in weakly magnetic soils, where slightly magnetic and dispersed magnetite is present. In cities, the dissolution of magnetite is favored by the added salts and organic acids released by plants.     

The effects of suspended sediment on walleye (Sander vitreus) eggs

Purpose

Sediment resuspension is among the most widely cited concerns that lead to restricted dredging timeframes. Protection of fish species is a primary concern regarding the effects of dredging operations, yet experimental data establishing thresholds for uncontaminated suspended sediment effects are largely lacking. We conducted research to determine suspended sediment effects on walleye (Sander vitreus) egg hatching success and gross morphology following exposures mimicking sediment resuspension during dredging operations.

Materials and methods

Newly spawned eggs of northern and southern walleye strains were continuously exposed for 3?days to suspended sediment concentrations of 0, 100, 250, and 500?mg?l^?1, using sediment from Maumee Bay, OH, USA. These concentrations spanned the range measured in the vicinity of dredging operations in the Western Basin of Lake Erie.

Results and discussion

Northern and southern strain egg hatching rates were 53% and 39% of exposed eggs and 82% and 74% of viable eggs exposed, which are within reported ranges for this species. Data indicated no statistically significant effects of suspended sediment on hatching success. Gross morphological observations of exposed fry yielded no evidence of detrimental effects.

Conclusions

Experimental results indicated that walleye eggs are relatively tolerant to exposures likely to be encountered at dredging projects as performed in the Great Lakes region. Our results suggest that, given detailed knowledge of dredging project site-specific conditions and the mode of dredging to be used, better informed decisions can be made regarding adequate protective management practices. In many cases, flexibility could be given to the dredging contractor while maintaining a very low probability of risk to walleye spawning habitat.     

典型潮土剖面主要性质和微量金属垂直分布特征

对不同利用方式下石灰性潮土剖面主要性质和微量金属元素含量垂直分异规律进行了初步研究。结果表明,长期耕种的菜地和旱地0～15cm表层土壤有机碳含量高于其他土层,pH和CaCO3含量低于下层土壤;表层土壤Cd已明显积累;但Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn含量均未超过国家土壤环境质量二级标准。几种微量金属全量在菜地和旱地表层土壤之间没有显著差异,但菜地表层土壤DTPA可提取态Cd含量显著高于旱地。从微量金属的剖面分布看,石灰性潮土全量Cd和DTPA可提取态Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn均有明显的表聚现象,这种分布与土壤有机碳含量、pH和CaCO3含量显著相关。聚类分析表明,该区域耕作土壤环境分析样品的采集以表层土壤0～15cm多点混合样品为宜。     

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.     

Rare earth and other trace and major elemental distribution in a pedogenic calcrete profile (Slimene,NE Tunisia)

A calcrete profile developed on the top of a calcareous consolidated dune located in a coastal area of NE Tunisia (semi-arid climate) was studied with the aim to investigate the behavior of the chemical elements (rare earth elements—REE—and other trace and major elements) during the processes associated with calcrete formation, particularly dissolution and precipitation of carbonates in the vadose zone. The profile shows a vertical sequence, with clear zonations from the surface downwards: a reddish soil at the land surface, a nodular horizon, a laminar-structured level, and the consolidated old dune. Chemical and mineralogical analyses of samples from all levels were performed by neutron activation analysis and X-ray diffraction (bulk samples and < 2 μm fraction). Detailed studies of iron speciation and iron minerals were done by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Microfauna, mineralogical and chemical variations in the Slimene weathering profile point to a long term aerial exposure of the old dune in a semi-arid carbonated environment leading to the development of a pedogenic calcrete profile. The mineralogical variations with depth indicate carbonate dissolution at the surface and downward leaching of calcium. Secondary carbonates overgrow primary ones and precipitate as coating or concretions below. Minerals found in the upper levels correspond to original materials of the old dune and also weathering phases and atmospheric inputs. Phyllosilicates decrease while calcite and K-feldspars increase with depth. Kaolinite was the only clay mineral found in the old dune. Illite and chlorite were also found in all samples with calcrete. Authigenic smectite formation occurs above the laminar-structured calcrete due to restricted drainage conditions. The most significant chemical variations associated with the calcrete formation are (i) enrichment of Co, U, Br, and REE in calcrete; (ii) depletion of middle REE in the upper levels, particularly Eu, and enrichment of middle REE and heavy REE in calcrete; and (iii) Hf, Zr, Cr, Th, Cs, Ta, Ga, Rb, and K appear to be retained in the upper levels, where calcite has been dissolved. Here iron is more reduced. Fe³⁺ occurs in iron oxides (goethite and hematite), and clay minerals. The ratio goethite/hematite appears to increase down the profile; and Fe²⁺ is mainly present in clay minerals.     

不同施氮量对旱地不同品种冬小麦氮素累积、运输和分配的影响

通过田间试验研究了西北旱地4个主要冬小麦品种在不同供氮水平下对氮素的吸收、累积和转移特性。结果表明,增施氮肥显著地促进了小麦地上部分氮素累积总量,子粒氮素累积量在施氮量180.kg/hm2时最高,再增加氮肥用量子粒氮素累积量降低;施氮明显增加了收获时茎秆氮素的残留量。不同品种间氮素累积量差异显著,其中小偃22最高,其后依次为陕253、小偃503和陕229;小偃22的氮肥利用率、氮肥农学效率和氮肥生理效率均高于其它几个小麦品种。不同器官相比,开花前氮素主要累积在叶片中,茎秆的累积量在开花期达到最大。不同部位氮素转移效率为叶片穗茎秆;叶、茎、穗氮素转移效率存在基因型差异。     

Carbon and trace element mobility in an urban soil amended with green waste compost

Background, aim and scope  

The amendment of degraded urban soils using recycled organic wastes offers potential improvements to physicochemical status and functionality, but there is a paucity of knowledge on the potential impact on residual contaminants in soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mobility of trace metals and arsenic (As) through an urban soil following amendment with green waste compost over an annual cycle.     

高产冬小麦的硼素吸收、积累和分配

2005～2006年冬小麦生长期间,通过大田取样研究了高产冬小麦（9000 kg/hm2左右）硼素吸收、积累和分配特点。结果表明,小麦地上部不同器官中硼的含量为1.15～9.56 mg/kg（干重）,表现为叶片穗部叶鞘茎秆子粒。叶片和叶鞘中硼的含量从越冬期到拔节期增加,拔节到开花期下降,开花期到成熟期有较大幅度的提高,并在成熟期与其他器官同时达到高峰。各生育时期不同器官硼的积累量均以叶片最高,孕穗期前叶片中硼的积累量逐渐增加,孕穗到成熟期逐渐降低。其他器官及全株硼的积累量基本上随生育进程逐渐增加,小麦植株硼的累吸收百分率,在越冬前、起身期、拔节期、孕穗期、开花期和成熟期依次达到了全生育期的5%、10%、30%、40%、50%左右和100%,即全生育期硼的吸收强度以生育后期（开花至成熟）最高,生育中期（起身至开花）次之,生育前期（出苗至起身）最低。小麦地上部器官一生对硼的总积累量为59.72～78.83 g/hm2,从冬前到拔节期主要分布在叶片和叶鞘中,尤其是在叶片中的分配占绝对优势。孕穗期开始硼在叶片中的分配比例下降,但全生育期硼在叶片中的分配比例始终最高,这可能有利于保持生育中后期叶片的光合能力,为实现较高的子粒产量提供物质生产基础。     

Historical distribution of DDT residues in pond sediments in an intensive agricultural watershed in the Yangtze-Huaihe region,China

Purpose

The extensive use of chemical pesticides on farmlands during the last several decades in China has led to a rapid deterioration of environmental water quality in recent years. The aims of this study were to: reconstruct the history of pesticide residues, determine the input load and residual load of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) pesticides, and assess the risk of pesticide residues to aquatic ecosystem and human health.

Materials and methods

Caesium-137 was used to date sediment cores collected from ponds representing four land use types of an agricultural watershed with high-yield grain production and characterized by multipond systems in the Yangtze-Huaihe region of China. These ponds were selected to establish the historic pattern of DDT pesticide residues.

Results and discussion

(1) The mean total concentration of DDT residues including p,?p?′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), p,?p?′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ( p,p′-DDD), o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT in sediment in the watershed was 82 μg kg^?1, ranging from under the detection limit to 457 μg kg^?1, which was mostly contributed by p,?p′-DDE (57 μg kg^?1 on average). Spatially, total concentrations of DDT residues in farmland pond sediment were the highest, reaching as high as 457 μg kg^?1. Temporally, an inflection point appeared in the 1970s, prior to which DDT contents increased with time, after which concentrations showed a decreasing trend. (2) In total, 323 kg DDT pesticide was applied to the Liuchahe Watershed since 1955. The total retention of four DDT residues in the multipond system was 14 kg (～4 % of the input), and most DDT pesticide was degraded to p,?p?′-DDE. (3) More than 80 % of sediment DDT residues exceeded their interim freshwater sediment quality guidelines, and the percentages of DDT,DDD, and DDE residues exceeding probable effect limit (PEL) values were 57, 29, and 70 %, respectively, which indicated a moderate to high ecological risk of DDT in this watershed.

Conclusions

Our results clearly reveal that the extensive use of pesticides has resulted in significant pesticide residual pollution in this watershed, which could severely deteriorate water quality and threaten aquatic ecosystem and human health in the watershed and, thus, remain a cause for concern.