Nitrate and chloride loadings as anthropogenic indicators

Agricultural, urban, forest and groundwater protection areas as well as nitrate and chloride concentrations are documented in maps. Areal distribution shows regionally elevated nitrate and chloride concentrations in connection with urban areas and agricultural use. Transport of nitrate and chloride tends to be conservative in the groundwater of the investigated area. Therefore, the elevated concentrations of these anions are suitable as indicators of anthropogenic impact on the groundwater. The average concentration of nitrate and chloride from all surveyed wells amounts to 26 and 17 mg L^?1, respectively. It is shown that wells recharged through forests have lower nitrate and chloride concentrations (average: 21 and 13 mg L^?1, respectively). Wells affected by waste deposits have an average nitrate concentration of 35 mg L^?1 and chloride concentration of 24 mg L^?1. Urban use results in an average value of 28 mg L^?1 nitrate and 24 mg L^?1 chloride. As nitrate and chloride concentrations are stable with respect to the depth of the groundwater table, degradation processes or other protective effects of the unsaturated zone can be omitted.     

Arsenic Concentrations in Groundwater,Soils, and Irrigated Rice in Southwestern Bangladesh

Arsenic (As) poisoning of groundwater in Bangladesh has become a major environmental and health issue. The extensive use of groundwater in irrigation of rice has resulted in elevated As in soils and crops. A study was undertaken to determine As concentrations in groundwater, soils, and crops in 16 districts of southwestern Bangladesh. Groundwater samples were collected from shallow-tube and hand-tube wells (STW and HTW) used for irrigation and drinking water. Soil and rice plants were sampled from the command area of the tube wells. Arsenic concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrometer equipped with flow injection hydride generator. Groundwater samples contained <10 to 552 μg As L^?1. Arsenic concentrations in 59% of STW samples exceeded 50 μg As L^?1, the national standard for As in drinking water. Unlike groundwater, most of the surface water samples contained <10 μg As L^?1. Concentrations of As in the soils from the command area of the tube wells ranged from 4.5 to 68 mg kg^?1. More than 85% of the soils contained <20 mg As kg^?1. The mean As concentration in the rice grain samples was 0.23 mg kg^?1, which is much less than the maximum food hygiene standard. A positive relationship was observed between groundwater and soil As, implying that soil As level increases as a result of irrigation with contaminated water. However, irrigation water As did not show any relation with rice grain As. The findings suggest that surface water bodies are a safe source of irrigation water in the As-contaminated areas.     

Hydrochemical Impacts of Limestone Rock Mining

Hydrochemical impacts of shallow rock industrial-scale mining activities close to sensitive constructed and natural wetlands were investigated. The shallow surficial groundwater and surface water in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) were characterized. The chemical composition of sulfate and chloride in groundwater increased with depth. The average concentration of chloride averaged 182 mg?L^?1 at 6 m deep and increased gradually to 1,010 mg?L^?1 at 15 m deep, 1,550 mg?L^?1 at 30 m deep to reach 7,800 mg?L^?1 at 60 m deep. Comparatively, the surface water chemical composition in the surrounding areas showed much lower cationic and anionic charge. The specific conductivity and total dissolved solids of surface water in canals (close to the mining operations) are <900 ??S?cm^?1 and <600 mg?L^?1, respectively, which should be compared to groundwater quality in wells from the EAA area (>2,000 ??S?cm^?1 and >1,000 mg?L^?1, respectively). A steady-state groundwater fluid flow and transient solute transport modeling exercise was conducted to estimate surface/groundwater interactions. The modeled solute in surface water was transported downgradient through groundwaters, migrated approximately 30 m from the source area (after 5 years of operation), and needed more than 116 years to dissipate. An upward transport was also identified whereby chloride and sulfate, naturally present in deeper groundwaters, migrated approximately 200 m (after 1 year of mining) into the pristine shallower aquifer and reached the surface water with a concentration equaling 80% of that in the rock mining pit.     

成都平原农区地下水中NO3--N含量变化规律研究

采用硝酸根电极法对成都平原温江县天府乡农区田间和水井的地下水NO-3 N含量进行了一年多的连续测定 ,探讨了该农区地下水中NO-3 N的变化规律和氮肥用量的影响。结果表明 :(1)田间地下水NO-3 N含量周年变化规律是冬春枯水季较高 ,且变幅较大 (0 3 6～ 2 62mgL- 1) ,平均值为 2 59mgL- 1;夏秋丰水季较低 ,且变幅较小 (0 84～ 5 48mgL- 1) ,平均值为 1 10mgL- 1。 (2 )前作麦季氮肥施用量 ,对稻季地下水中NO-3 N含量有明显影响 ,当前作施纯氮达 3 75kghm- 2 时 ,稻季地下水NO-3 N含量最高达 3 4 6mgL- 1,其平均值为 17 97mgL- 1,是施纯氮 150kghm- 2 平均值 1 3 0mgL- 1的 13 7倍。 (3 )井水中NO-3 N含量变化幅度为 0 14～ 16 53mgL- 1,3口井水平均值分别为 2 54、3 60、6 52mgL- 1,未超出我国生活饮用水卫生标准 ,但明显高于灌溉水NO-3 N含量的平均值 1 81mgL- 1。 (4)地下水位的高低与井水中NO-3 N含量没有线性关系     

Quantification of Shallow Groundwater Nutrient Dynamics in Septic Areas

Of all groundwater pollution sources, septic systems are the second largest source of groundwater nitrate contamination in USA. This study investigated shallow groundwater (SGW) nutrient dynamics in septic areas at the northern part of the Lower St. Johns River Basin, Florida, USA. Thirty-five SGW-monitoring wells, located at nine different urban areas served by septic systems, were used to collect the SGW samples seasonally and/or biweekly for a duration of 3?years from 2003 to 2006. Analytical results showed that there were 16 wells with nitrate concentrations exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water limit (10?mg?L^?1). There also were 11 and 14 wells with total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations, respectively, exceeding the ambient water quality criteria (0.9?mg?L^?1 for TKN and 0.04?mg?L^?1 for TP) recommended for rivers and streams in nutrient Ecoregion XII (Southeast USA). In general, site variations are much greater than seasonal variations in SGW nutrient concentrations. A negative correlation existed between nitrate/nitrite?Cnitrogen (NO_x?CN) and TKN as well as between NO_x?CN and ammonium ( $ NH_4^{ + } $ ), whereas a positive correlation occurred between TKN and $ NH_4^{ + } $ . Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between reduction and oxidation (redox) potential and water level, while no correlation was observed between potassium concentration and redox potential. This study demonstrates a need to investigate the potential adverse impacts of SGW nutrients from the septic areas upon the deeper groundwater quality due to the nutrient penetration and upon the surface water quality due to the nutrient discharge.     

Quality of Water Wells in an Agricultural Area in the City of La Plata,Argentina

The quality of the water from 62 home wells in a section (with no sewerage system) of the agricultural-industrial area of La Plata, was analyzed. The measurement of the studied parameters concentrations were compared with those obtained in seventeen water wells located in another area of town, with commercial characteristics. The pH, total dissolved salts (TDS), nitrates, chlorides, total hardness (TH) and coliform bacteria, these being differentiated between colifaecals and IAC group bacteria, were studied. The average concentration of TDS was 619 and 497 mg L^-1 respectively. 34% of the samples exceeded the limit of 45 mg L^-1 established by the World Health Organization (WHO). The nitrate levels varied widely from 6 to 216 mg L^-1, with an average value of 56 mg L^-1 in the agricultural area, and between 5 and 61 mg L^-1 in the commercial area, with an average of 19 mg L-1. The average concentrations of chlorides and TH were 89 mg L^-1 and 177 mg L^-1, respectively in the agricultural area; while in the other area, the average levels were 38 mg L^-1 chloride and 107 mg L^-1 TH. Significant differences were observed between the chemical parameters evaluated in the two areas analyzed. E. Coli bacterium was detected in 49% of the well water samples analyzed. IAC group bacteria were confirmed in 28% of the samples. The average depth of the water wells within 10 m from the cesspits was 28.2 m, and those situated farther than 10 m. had an average of 39.9 m depth. Results indicated a remarkable quality degradation of the well waters as regards their contents of E. Coli bacteria and nitrate. This could be due to the deficient construction of the absorption wells, to their closeness with cesspits and the inexistence of septic chambers within every dwelling.     

Selenium Behavior in Open Bulk Precipitation, Soil Solution and Groundwater in Alluvial Fan Area in Tsukui, Central Japan

A monitoring study was carried out in an alluvial fan area in Tsukui, Central Japan during the study period of 1999–2003, in order to explain selenium (Se) behaviors in ecosystem combined with air, soil and groundwater. Monthly Se concentrations in open bulk precipitation (rainfall+aerosol, gaseous deposition and etc.), soil solution (collected by porous ceramic-cup) and groundwater ranged from 0.1 to 1.4 μg L^?1 (volume-weighted average: 0.34 μg L^?1), 0.21 to 1.0 μg L^?1 (0.48 μg L^?1) and 1.6 to 2.4 μg L^?1 (2.2 μg L^?1), respectively. Se concentration in open bulk precipitation was negatively correlated with the rainfall amount. Se concentration in soil solution significantly increased with DOC concentration in soil solution. Besides, despite atmospheric Se input and rainfall to the grassland study area, Se concentration in soil solution and groundwater received no significant effect from the rainfall amount, pH, Se, DOC, SO₄ ^2?, NO₃ ^? and EC in rainfall. Even though Se concentrations in groundwater were significantly correlated with soil solution volume, Se, DOC and NO₃ ^? and groundwater level, the result of multiple regression analyses (MRA) indicated that the groundwater Se was negatively influenced by groundwater level, which depended on groundwater recharge. Se was transported into the groundwater through the groundwater recharge that largely increased in this alluvial fan study area after heavy rain.     

Quality of water from some wells in saudi arabia

The quality of water from 388 wells in 6 regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been investigated with respect to pH, total dissolved salts (TDS), nitrite, ammonium, nitrate, and faecal coliforms. Concentration of TDS varied widely, from 180 to 9350 mg L^?1, with a mean of 754 mg L^?1. Of the 388 wells, 72 (18.6%) were above the WHO limit of 1000 mg L^?1. The levels of nitrate varied significantly, ranging from 0.0 to 95.2 mg L^?1, with an average value of 20.7 mg L^?1. About 7.7% of the tested wells had nitrate content above the WHO limit of 45 mg L^?1, and 16% of the wells showed NH₄ ⁺ levels greater than 0.05 mg L^?1. Faecal coliforms were present in 21.4% of the tested well waters. The results indicated that significant nutrient and faecal coliforms contaminated of well water was occurring.     

Occurrence and Geochemistry of Arsenic in Groundwater of Punjab,Northwest India

Abstract

Arsenic (As) is a deadly poison at high concentrations. It is mysterious in the sense that people are exposed to it most of the time through drinking groundwater, fortunately at much lower concentrations than the deadly levels, and usually without knowing it. Arsenic content in alluvial aquifers of Punjab varied from 3.5 to 688 µg L^?1. Arsenic status of groundwater is classified into low (<10 µg L^?1), moderate (≥10 to <25 µg L^?1), high (≥25 to <50 µg L^?1), and very high (>50 µg L^?1). In zone I, the concentration of As in groundwater varied from 3.5 to 42 µg L^?1 with a mean value of 23.4 µg L^?1. On the basis of these limits, only 8% of samples were low, whereas 51 and 41% of the total samples collected from this region fall in the moderate and high As categories. The concentration of As in groundwater of zone II varied from 9.8 to 42.5 µg L^?1 with a mean value of 24.1 µg L^?1. Arsenic concentration in the alluvial aquifers of the central plain of zone II is 2 and 52% in the low and moderate limits. In this region, 46% of groundwater sites contain high As concentrations. Arsenic concentrations in the aridic southwestern parts are significantly different from other two provinces. The As concentration ranged from 11.4 to 688 µg L^?1 with average value of 76.8 µg L^?1. Eleven percent of the aquifers of the southwestern region of zone III are in the moderate category, 54% in the high, and 35% in the very high. According to safe As limits (<10 µg L^?1), only 3 and 1% of the groundwater samples collected from zones I and II were fit for dinking purposes with respect to As content. In the aridic southwest, zone III, all water samples contained As concentrations greater than the safe limits and thus are not suitable for drinking purposes. The presence of elevated As concentrations in groundwater are generally due to the results of natural occurrences of As in the aquifer materials. The concentration of other competitive oxyanions in waters such as phosphate, sulfate, and borate also depressed the adsorption of As on the sorption sites of aquifer materials and thereby eventually elevate the As concentration in groundwaters. In groundwater of alluvial aquifers of Punjab, released from sulfide oxidation and oxyhydroxide of iron, elevated (>10 µg L^?1) concentrations of As were widespread because of high pH (>8.0) and higher concentrations of phosphate, borate, sulfate, and hydroxyl anions. It is conclusively evident that geochemical conditions, such as pH, oxidation–reduction, associated or competing ions, and evaporative environments have significant effects on As concentration in groundwater. These conditions influence how much As is dissolved or precipitated into the water and how much is bound to the aquifer materials or the solid particles in water.     

Factors Associated with Well-to-Well Variation in Nitrate Concentration of Groundwater in a Nitrate-Polluted District in Miyakonojo Basin, Southern Kyushu, Japan

This study monitored nitrate levels in well water and analyzed their association with well attributes (physicochemical parameters of water, location, livestock farming conditions) in a nitrate-polluted, animal industry district in central Miyakonojo Basin, southern Kyushu, Japan, to characterize the nitrate status of groundwater in the district. Water quality varied considerably among the wells, with nitrate-N concentration and natural nitrogen-15 abundance in nitrate-N (δ¹⁵N-NO₃) ranging from 1.1–44.6 mg L^?1 and 4.2–17.8‰, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between nitrate-N concentration and δ¹⁵N-NO₃. Nitrate-N concentration was higher in wells located at higher elevations, having larger areas of livestock barns within a 100-m radius and with higher animal populations. Wells in pig farms showed a higher nitrate tendency than those in the other situations (cattle farm, poultry farm, non-livestock farm and non-farmer). The results show that the nitrate status of groundwater in the district has not been drastically changed since 1996, and the nitrate in the wells is of multiple origins (e.g. chemical fertilizer, animal wastes) with a tendency for higher contribution of animal wastes in more heavily polluted wells. The results also highlight a need for further regular monitoring of groundwater quality in the district particularly for wells; (1) located at higher elevations, (2) with a large area of livestock barns nearby, (3) in farms with a high animal population and/or (4) in pig farms.     

Occurrence of acidic groundwater in precambrian crystalline bedrock aquifers,Southwestern Sweden

The pH and alkalinity of groundwater from 7651 wells drilled in the Precambrian crystalline bedrock of southwestern Sweden has been evaluated. The wells are generally less than 100 m deep. Analytical results were collected from different laboratories and authorities in the region. In areas with thin soil cover or coarse-grained deposits overlying the bedrock, alkalinity is normally less than 100 mg HCO₃ L^?1. Below the marine limit, where clayey sediments predominate, alkalinity sometimes even exceeds 200 mg HCO₃ L^?1. When comparing pH and alkalinity of groundwaters from Quaternary deposits with bedrock groundwaters, the latter always have higher pH and alkalinity values. The most acidic bedrock groundwaters are found in small areas close to the city of Göteborg due to additional factors of high acid loadings, high groundwater discharge and thin soil layers. A study of data from 1949 to 1985 in the province of Värmland suggests that no regional acidification of importance is in progress. However, results from public water supplies support the hypothesis that the groundwaters which are most sensitive to acidification are those where discharge from wells in small bedrock aquifers induces rapid groundwater recharge of acidic surficial water.     

生物成因施氏矿物去除模拟地下水中As(Ⅲ) 的研究：柱实验

To assess the feasibility of biogenic schwertmannite to act as a sorbent for removing arsenite from groundwater, a series of biogenic schwertmannite-packed column adsorption experiments were conducted on simulated As(III)-containing groundwater. Empty bed contact time (EBCT), As(III) concentration in effluent, and the removal efficiency of As(III) through the column were investigated at pH 8.0 and temperature 25 ± 0.5 °C. The results showed that the breakthrough curves were mainly dependent on EBCT values when the influent As(III) concentration was 500 μg L^-1 and the optimum EBCT was 4.0 min. When the effluent As(III) concentration reached 10 and 50 μg L^-1, the breakthrough volume for the schwertmannite adsorption columns were 4 200 and 5 600 bed volume (BV), with As(III) adsorption capacity of 2.1 and 2.8 mg g^-1, respectively. Biogenic schwertmannite could be regenerated by 1.0 mol L^-1 NaOH solution, and more than 80% of As(III) adsorbed on the surface of schwertmannite could be released after 3 successive regenerations. The breakthrough volume for the regenerated schwertmannite-packed column still maintained 4 000--4 200 BV when the As(III) concentration in effluent was below 10 μg L^-1. Compared with other sorbents for As(III) removal, the biogenic schwertmannite-packed column had a higher breakthrough volume and a much higher adsorption capacity, implying that biogenic schwertmannite was a highly efficient and potential sorbent to purify As(III)-contaminated groundwater.     

CALIBRATION OF SOIL AND PLANT SILICON ANALYSIS FOR RICE PRODUCTION*

Calibration of field crop response to nutrient availability is the bases for making a fertilizer recommendation from soil and tissue analyses. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and summarize results from a series of experiments on silicon (Si) fertilization of rice in the Everglades Agriculture Area. Twenty-eight rice field experiments were conducted from 1992 through 1996. The experiments consisted of 2 to 5 rates of calcium silicate applied to soils (Histosols) of varying Si soil-test values. Soil samples were taken before planting and analyzed for acetic acid (0.5 mol L^?1) extractable Si. Straw samples were collected at harvest and analyzed for total Si. Grain yield was determined. The “critical” levels for Si in the soil (point below which response to Si fertilizer is expected) calculated by the Cate & Nelson procedure was 19 mg Si L^?1 soil. The amount of silicon to correct Si deficiency in the soil and to obtain optimum rice yield was 1500, 1120 and 0 kg ha^?1 for low (<6 mg L^?1), medium (6 to 24 mg L^?1), and high (>24 mg L^?1) level of soil Si, respectively. Silicon in the straw was classified as high when Si concentration was >34 g kg^?1, medium when in between 17 and 34, and low when <17 g kg^?1 (3.4 and 1.7%, respectively).

     

密云水库流域地下水硝态氮的分布及其影响因素

2008年11月至12月,采集了密云水库流域305个井的地下水样品,分析了其硝态氮含量。结果表明,密云水库流域地下水的硝态氮含量的平均值、超标率(10 mg L-1≤NO3--N<20 mg L-1)和严重超标率(NO3--N≥20 mg L-1)分别为6.81 mg L-1、13.77%和2.30%。其中村庄和菜地的地下水硝酸盐污染最为严重,35个村庄井和13个菜地井的地下水硝态氮含量的平均值分别为9.52 mg L-1和9.55 mg L-1,已接近WHO饮用水硝态氮含量10 mg L-1的限定标准,超标率分别为20%和15.38%,严重超标率分别为8.57%和7.69%。219个粮田井水的硝态氮水平位居中间,其硝态氮含量的平均值、超标率和严重超标率分别为6.59mg L-1、14.61%和1.37%。10个林地井的地下水硝态氮含量是最低的,其平均值为2.66 mg L-1,无超标现象。潮河流域农田地下水的硝酸盐污染比白河流域严重。潮河流域农田(124个井)的地下水硝态氮含量的平均值、超标率和严重超标率分别为8.42 mg L-1、21.77%和3.23%,而白河流域(122个井)则分别为5.03mg L-1、6.56%和0,即无严重超标现象。密云水库流域农田地下水的硝态氮含量呈现出上游低而下游高的趋势。玉米田地下水硝态氮含量在接近河道的地方有所降低,与地下水水位呈负相关,与化肥氮的施用量呈正相关,当地下水位小于7m时或当一年的化肥氮的施用量超过200 kg hm-2,存在地下水硝态氮含量超标的潜在危险。     

Organochlorine pesticide contents of tributaries into Blanca Bay,Argentina

Thirteen 1-L replicate water samples from streams emptying into Blanca Bay, Argentina, were taken to study the environmental quality of the surface waters. Out of tests for eleven chlorinated pesticides, five were detected in all the sampling places as both dissolved and adsorbed species: alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH (lindane), heptachlor, delta-HCH, and aldrin. The concentrations were in the following ranges: alpha-HCH = 3 to 68 ng L^?1 and 9 to 239 ng g^?1, lindane = 2 to 42 ng L^?1 and 10 to 542 ng g^?1, heptachlor = 5 to 32 ng L^?1 and 9 to 390 ng g^?1, delta-HCH = 1 to 10 ng L^?1 and n.d. to 87 ng g^?1, and aldrin = 1 to 7 ng L^?1 and n.d. to 33 ng g^?1 for filtered water and suspended matter samples, respectively. Heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, o-p′ DDD, and p-p′ DDT were found to be present in solution at only one sampling site whereas p-p′ DDD and o-p′DDT were not detected. The analyses revealed a non-uniform distribution of these compounds over the studied area. The higher concentrations of organochlorines were detected downstream urban areas.     

Measurement of methylmercury and mercury in run-off,lake and rain waters

During one year, samples from eight drainage lakes, seven run-off stations and three deposition sites from various geographical areas in Sweden were collected and analyzed for methyl Hg (MeHg) and total Hg (Hg-tot). The MeHg concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 0.64 ng L^?1, 0.04 to 0.8 ng L^?1, and <0.05 to 0.6 ng L^?1 in run-off, lake water and rain water, respectively. The corresponding Hg-tot concentrations were found in the range 2 to 12 ng L^?1, 1.35 to 15 ng L^?1, and 7 to 90 ng L^?1, respectively. A Hg-tot level of about 60 ng Hg L^?1 was found in throughfall water. The MeHg and Hg-tot concentrations are positively correlated in both run-off and lake water, but not in rain and throughfall water. A strong positive correlation between the MeHg, as well as the Hg-tot concentration, and the water color is observed in both run-off and lake waters, which suggests that the transport of MeHg and other Hg fractions from soil via run-off water to the lake is closely related to the transport of organic substances; and is a consequence of the biogeochemical processes and the water flow pathway. The ratio between the mean values of MeHg and Hg-tot seems to be an important parameter, with an indicated negative coupling to the mean value of pH for run-off water, but a strong positive correlation to Hg-content in fish, the ratio between the area of the catchment and the lake, as well as to the retention time of lake.     

Cadmium Uptake by Yeast, Candida tropicalis, Isolated from Industrial Effluents and Its Potential Use in Wastewater Clean-Up Operations

This study is aimed at assessing the ability of metal-resistant yeast, Candida tropicalis, to uptake cadmium from the liquid medium. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Cd²⁺ against C. tropicalis was 2,800 mg L^?1. The yeast also showed tolerance towards Zn²⁺ (3,100 mg L^?1), Ni²⁺ (3,000 mg L^?1), Hg²⁺ (2,400 mg L^?1), Cu²⁺ (2,300 mg L^?1), Cr⁶⁺ (2,000 mg L^?1), and Pb²⁺ (1,200 mg L^?1). The yeast isolate showed typical growth curves, but low specific rate of growth was observed in the presence of cadmium. The yeast isolate showed optimum growth at 30°C and pH 7. The metal processing ability of the isolate was determined in a medium containing 100 mg L^?1 of Cd²⁺. C. tropicalis could decline Cd²⁺ 57%, 69%, and 80% from the medium after 48, 96, and 144 h, respectively. C. tropicalis was also able to remove Cd²⁺ 56% and 73% from the wastewater after 6 and 12 days, respectively. Cd produced an increase in glutathione (GSH) and non-protein thiol levels by 146.15% and 59.67% at 100 mg L^?1 concentration, respectively. Metal tolerance and accumulation together with changes in the GSH status and non-protein thiols under Cd exposure were studied in C. tropicalis.     

Short‐term relationships between membrane permeability and growth parameters in three tomato cultivars grown at low and high zinc

Abstract

An experiment was carried out in a controlled temperature (CT) room for five weeks with tomato cvs., Moneymaker, Liberto, and Calypso, to investigate possible relationships between zinc (Zn) deficiency or toxicity and electrolyte leakage in plant leaves. The concentrations of Zn in nutrient solution were 0.01, 0.5, and 5.0 mg L^?1, respectively. There were significant reductions in the dry matter and chlorophyll content of all three cultivars grown both at 0.01 (low) and 5 mg L^?1 (high) Zn compared to 0.5 mg L^?1. The concentration of Zn at 0.01 mg L^?1 was not sufficient to provide for optimal plant growth, while 5 mg L^?1 in nutrient solution was detrimental to plant growth for all three cultivars. Dry matter production was generally lowest in the plants grown at low (0.01 mg L^?1) Zn except for Moneymaker where the lowest biomass was in the high Zn treatment. Zinc concentration was increased in the leaves and roots with increasing Zn concentration in nutrient solution. Phosphorus concentration was toxic in the leaves of the plants grown at low (0.01 mg L^?1) and was deficienct at high Zn (5 mg L^?1). The electrolyte leakage (%) gradually increased in the plants grown at low and high Zn concentrations and these increases were greatest in the leaves of plants grown at low Zn (except for Moneymaker grown at high Zn where reduction in dry matter was less). The best results for all growth parameters tested were for the plants grown at 0.5 mg L^?1 Zn. The results of this short‐term experiment show that electrolyte leakage which is relatively simple and easy to measure may be a good indicator of cultivar tolerance to Zn deficiency and toxicity.     

ALLEVIATION OF CADMIUM-TOXICITY BY APPLICATION OF ZINC AND ASCORBIC ACID IN BARLEY

ABSTRACT

Effect of cadmium (Cd) on biomass accumulation and physiological activity and alleviation of Cd-toxicity by application of zinc (Zn) and ascorbic acid in barley was studied, using semisolid medium culture including 15 treatments [four Cd concentration treatments: 0.1, 1, 5, 50?µmol?L^?1, four treatments with addition of 300?µmol?L^?1 Zn or 250?mg?L^?1 ascorbic acid (ASA) based on these four Cd concentrations, respectively, and three controls: basic nutrient medium, and with Zn or ASA, respectively]. Cadmium addition to semisolid medium, at a concentration of 1, 5, and 50?µmol?L^?1, inhibited biomass accumulation and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content of barley plants, while the addition of 0.1?µmol?L^?1 Cd increased slightly dry mass. There was a tendency to a decrease in Zn, copper (Cu) concentrations both in shoots and roots and iron (Fe) in shoots of barley plants exposed to 1 to 50?µmol?L^?1 Cd. In addition, there were indications of a stress repose characterized by increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities relative to plants not subjected to Cd. The physiological changes caused by Cd toxicity could be alleviated to different extent by application of 300?µmol?L^?1 Zn or 250?mg?L^?1 ASA in Cd stressed plants. The most pronounced effects of adding Zn or ASA in Cd stressed medium were expressed in the decreased MDA and increased biomass accumulation, e.g., MDA contents were reduced (p≤0.01) by 4.8%–17.8% in shoots and 0.5%–19.7% in roots by adding 300?µmol?L^?1 Zn, in 50?µmol?L^?1 Cd stressed plants, and by 1.3%–7.4% in shoots and 2.6%–4.5% in roots by application of 250?µmol?L^?1 ASA, respectively. However, ASA addition may enhance Cd translation from root to shoot, accordingly, ASA would be unsuitable for the edible crops grown in Cd contaminated soils to alleviate phytotoxicity of Cd.     

水稻根际耐镉细菌的筛选与鉴定

为获得稻田土壤镉污染修复的微生物,采用培养基加镉平板法,从水稻根际土壤分离耐镉细菌。本研究分离得到3株耐镉菌株,经16S rDNA测序、比对,鉴定为假单胞菌属细菌。对菌株细胞形态的电镜观察、菌株生长曲线的测定结果表明,在镉处理浓度为100 mg L 1条件下,菌株生长未受明显抑制,但菌株形态发生了适应性的变化;在镉处理浓度超过300 mg L 1时,菌株生长受到明显抑制;在镉处理浓度700 mg L 1条件下,菌株仍能生长,但生长延滞期延长,对数期后的生长量亦低;对菌体镉含量分析表明,在100 mg L 1镉处理下,3株菌株菌体中的镉含量分别为9.04 mg g 1、4.96 mg g 1和28.58 mg g 1,富集系数依次为90.4、49.6和285.8。可见,分离得到的3株菌株具有较强镉耐性和镉吸收能力,将为稻田土壤重金属镉污染的修复提供重要微生物资源。