Radiogeochemistry of Kamchatka soils

Background concentrations of Th and U in volcanic soils (Andosols) of Kamchatka are much lower than their clarkes in continental soils. The dose rate of gamma radiation above the soil surface (10–11.5 µR/h in the south and 8–9.5 [m]R/h in the north of Kamchatka Peninsula) is lower than the natural level of this index for the mountainous areas in the boreal zone of Russia. The natural radiogeochemical background of Kamchatka soils is controlled by the petrochemical composition of volcanic ash composing the mineral basis of Kamchatka soils. It is higher in the southern soil province, where soils develop from acidic ashes, in comparison with the northern province, with a predominance of soils developing from ashes of basic and intermediate composition. This agrees with Th and U clarkes for the corresponding types of volcanic rocks and explains the natural origin of the elevated radiogeochemical background in the southern part of Kamchatka as compared with its northern part. The soils of the northern province developing from relatively fresh volcanic ashes show a lower Th/U ratio as compared to the soils of southern Kamchatka because of higher uranium content in the newly deposited ashes.     

The influence of technogenic and natural factors on the content of heavy metals in soils of the Middle CisUrals region: The town of Chusovoi and its suburbs

The content of heavy metals in the soils of the Middle CisUrals (the town of Chusovoi and its vicinities) is controlled by both natural and technogenic factors. The enrichment of the parent rocks in Cr, Pb, Zn, and Cu, which influences the chemical composition of the soils, is the most important among the natural factors. Among the other natural factors, the gleying and washing of the alluvial soils with flood water are significant. The technogenic contamination of the urban soils reaches its maximum in the technozems, where the content of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr exceeds their clarkes by 4–8 times. The index of technogeneity (the share of technogenic metals referring to their total content) is high for the bulk of metals in technozems, in particular, ranging within 36–97%. The technogeneity sequence is the following for the urban soils: Cr > Zn = Mn > Pb > Cu > Fe. The soil contamination with metals is confined to the depression where the metallurgical plant is operating, and it significantly falls already at a distance of 2–3 km in the settlements located at higher topographic positions.     

Heavy metals (copper,lead, nickel,and cadmium) in the organic part of gray forest soils in the Buryat Republic

The levels of the accumulation of copper, lead, nickel, and cadmium in the parent material-soil-plants-soil organic matter system are given for gray forest soils in the Buryat Republic. The concentrations of copper, lead, and nickel in the parent materials do not exceed the corresponding clarkes, and cadmium is present in trace amounts. The concentrations of copper and nickel in the humus horizon are lower than those in the parent material; an opposite situation is observed for lead. The concentrations of copper, lead, and nickel in the soil organic matter and in the herbaceous plants correspond to their contents in the soil and do not exceed the background (clarke) values. Cadmium was not detected in the aboveground part of the plants, though it was found in the root mass and in the organic soil horizon. In the humus of gray forest soils, these heavy metals are mainly present in the acid filtrate remaining after the precipitation of humic acids.     

Genetic specificity and geography of taiga soils in the central part of the Baikal region

A specific feature of the development of automorphic taiga soils in the Baikal region is the lack of correspondence between the weak intensity of the soil chemical weathering and the high intensity of the removal of alkaline-earth elements from the soil profile in the form of suspensions. The loss of the clay fraction affects the water-physical properties of these soils and their temperature regime. The areas of different soil types in the northern and middle taiga zones have been calculated on the basis of soil maps of different scales. It is shown that podburs and acid soddy taiga soils predominate in these zones; the area of podzols, which were previously considered to be the dominant soil type in the middle and southern taiga zones, is smaller.     

The content of microelements and iron in soils and plants in the basin of lake Kotokel’ in Western Transbaikalia

The content of microelements (Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd) and Fe is determined in the soils and plants of the Lake Kotokel’ basin. Their content in the soils is proved not to exceed the regional background and the existing MPC and APC. The content of Cd is revealed to exceed its clarke value for the world soils, which is related to the natural origin of this element. The concentrations of Mn, Co, and Pb are close to their clarke values, and those of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr are lower than their clarkes. The studied soils are specified by the maximal amount of the mobile forms of microelements. The profile distribution of the microelements differs depending on the genetic soil type. For Mn, Zn, and Cu, a significant biogenic accumulation is pronounced in the organic soil horizons. The content of microelements in the aboveground phytomass exceeds the maximal permissible levels for Mn, Co, Cr, and Fe. The intensity of the microelements absorption by the plants varies widely, being specified by the high coefficient of the biological adsorption (except for Fe). Mn, Zn, and Cu are accumulated in the plant phytomass the most intensely.     

Trace element concentrations and background values in the arid soils of Hormozgan Province of southern Iran

Trace element concentrations in soils of arid regions of southern Iran are described to assess the concentration ranges of selected elements in a variety of soils and rocks, and to evaluate the potential bioavailability of trace elements in relation to soil properties. The study area was classified into three sub-regions consisting of (1) shale, gypsum, and limestone (western part), (2) igneous rocks and limestone (northern part), and (3) sandstone and limestone (eastern and northeastern part). The gained background values of trace elements were used for evaluating the quality and degree of contamination with native and also with anthropogenic elements of studied soils. Some soil samples indicated a significant enrichment for Pb and Ni, with an enrichment factor (EF) of around 6.0. Soils have only been cultivated for few years compared to hundreds and thousands of years for many agricultural soils; therefore, there has been less crop removal. Furthermore, soils are not highly weathered because they are in an arid climate with low precipitation, which results in a slow rate of weathering. However, slight elemental differences between soil horizons indicated that most soils are poorly developed and also represented the similarity of trace element contents between soils and parent materials.     

石灰岩土中微量元素的含量与分布

我国南方广西、贵州和云南省境内分布着大面积的石灰岩山地丘陵,在四川、湖北、湖南、江西、广东等省也有一定面积的石灰岩山丘地区.各地的石灰岩均为泥盆纪—三迭纪的沉积灰岩.     

Soils of sinkholes on the western macroslope of the southern Urals: Properties, catenary relationships, and regional specificity

A series of microcatenas on the slopes of sinkholes were studied on the western macroslope of the southern Urals in the Shulgan-Tash Reserve. The morphological, chemical, physical, and physicochemical characteristics of the soils were analyzed. In order to reveal their regional specificity, the soils of the sinkholes under broadleaved forests in the southern Urals were compared with analogous soils under the northern taiga of the Belomorsk-Kuloi Plateau. It was shown that the full-profile vertically differentiated soils in the upper parts of the microcatenas are replaced by weakly developed and slightly differentiated soils in the lower parts of the microcatenas crossing sinkholes of different diameters in both natural zones.     

Incipient podzolization processes in Humic Acrisols of southern Spain

Soils with morphological evidence of podzolization occur in Sierra Morena (southern Spain). Six soils, identified as Humic Acrisols, were sampled for detailed study. Distribution of oxalate- and EDTA-extractable Al in Fe in the profiles indicated that substantial amounts of both elements had been translocated from the A to the incipient podzolic B horizons. Part of the Al, but almost no Fe, was present as organic complexes, suggesting that these two elements were transported to, or remobilized in the B horizons by different mechanisms. Allophane was present, albeit in small amounts, in two soils. Both inorganic and organic theories of podzolization were able to explain the Fe and Al distribution data.     

赣南富稀土景观中稀土元素的土壤地球化学特征

选择赣南富稀土矿区典型环境地球化学景观,研究了稀土元素在土壤中的含量、分布及赋存形态特征,结果表明,在各单元景观的土壤中稀土元素的含量２具有规律性。土壤中稀土元素的分布模式继承了母岩的特征真有明显的Ｅｕ负异常。但Ｃｅ在残积景观和堆积淋溶景观的奎训呈现正异常,而在水上景观土壤中出现Ｃｅ负异常。稀土元素在各单元景观土壤中的赋存形态特征也不同。总体上,稀土元素主要以可交换态和有机结合态形式存在于矿区土壤     

Regional distribution of selenium and arsenic in humus layers of Norwegian forest soils

Regional distribution of selenium and arsenic in humus layers of Norwegian forest soils has been studied by means of neutron activation analysis. The selenium concentration shows a distinct decrease with increasing distance from the ocean, indicating that much of this element is supplied to the soils through precipitation. In the case of arsenic, the concentration seems to be more dependent on local geology. In southern districts of Eastern Norway, relatively high concentrations of both elements in the soils may reflect a contribution from air pollution.     

The contents of alkali and alkaline earth metals in soils of the southern Cis-Ural region

The contents and distribution patterns of alkali and alkaline earth metals in soils and rocks of the southern Cis-Ural region were studied. A database on the contents of these metals was developed, the soils were classified with respect to their provision with these metals, and corresponding schematic maps showing their distribution in soils of the region were compiled. It was found that the contents of these metals decrease from east to west (from the Yuryuzan–Aisk Piedmont Plain to the Ufa Plateau and to the Belebeevsk Upland), and their distribution patterns change. Among alkali metals, the highest accumulation in the soils is typical of potassium, sodium, and cesium; among alkaline earth metals, of strontium and barium.     

土壤水分和养分利用效率几种定义的比较

本文在综述了水分和养分利用效率的各种定义的基础上 ,提出了作者对利用效率的观点 ,并对几种常用的土壤水分和养分利用效率的不同定义作了比较 ,分析了它们的不同内涵 ,并用实例进行了分析 .建议今后在应用中应根据研究目的 ,明确所需用的利用效率的内涵和计算方法 ,并给以恰当的名称     

我国缺乏微量元素的土壤及其区域分布

微量元素指土壤中含量很低的化学元素。有的微量元素是植物正常生长和生活所不可缺少的营养元素。土壤是微量元素的主要给源。     

Regularities of the distribution and heavy metal forms in technogenically transformed chernozems of the southern Angara River basin and northeastern China

Specific features of heavy metals and As migration in the system soil-plant are considered on the basis of the results obtained in the analysis of different forms of toxic elements in technogenically transformed chernozems of the southern Baikal Lake basin. These results are compared to the data of analogous studies conducted in northeastern China. The regularities in the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and As were related to their forms, their concentration in the soils, and the plant species. Cadmium was found to be the most mobile element, which accumulated in the chernozems to the greatest degree; lead was the least mobile element.     

A Geostatistical Approach to Assess Concentration and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Urban Soils

Characterization of spatial variation of heavy metals in urban soils is essential to identify pollution sources and potential risks to humans and the environment. While heavy metals concentration in soils depends also on the nature of bedrock and on abiotic and biotic factors, it can be argued that nowadays, due to increasing human activities, it is determined mainly by anthropogenic sources. We determined concentrations and spatial distribution of heavy metals, with particular focus on those potentially toxic (As, Cr, Pb, V, and Zn), in urban and peri-urban soils of Cosenza-Rende (southern Italy). One hundred forty-nine samples of topsoil (0?C10?cm) were collected and analyzed for 36 elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, 18 samples of rocks were collected on outcrops of whole area and analyzed by ICP-ES and ICP-MS. Geostatistical methods were used to map the concentrations of major oxides and several minor elements. Heavy metals in the analyzed samples showed a wide range of concentrations, primarily controlled by the geochemical composition of bedrock, with the notable exceptions of Cu, Pb, and Zn, whose concentrations are heavily affected by land use and anthropogenic pollution in urban areas. Geochemical analysis and spatial distribution showed that high concentrations of potentially toxic elements are found in soils near major roads, indicating that anthropogenic factors determine the anomalies in these areas.     

Geochemical fractionation of lanthanides in soils and rocks: A review of publications

In recent years, lanthanides (Ln) have become an object of active studies by soil scientists and geologists, which is favored by the development of instrumental equipment. It has become possible to obtain reliable soil clarkes of lanthanides. The study of lanthanides in soils is important not only from the theoretical and pedogenetic viewpoints but also because of its applied value, as Ln-containing substances and wastes are used as microfertilizers. The established fact of the geochemical fractionation of lanthanides in soils and rocks appears to be one of the latest significant achievements. The tetrad-effect in lanthanides was revealed and theoretically substantiated. Strong positive anomalies of the Ce content and weak anomalies of the Eu content were found in soils (unlike many rocks). Ferromanganese soil concretions are depleted in Y as compared with light-weight lanthanides. The type of lanthanide fractionation in the course of soil formation in different zones depends on the content of Ln-minerals in the parent rock. In the zone of supergenesis, Mn oxides are among the most important Ln-bearing phases, many of which (Ce, in particular) are classified as manganophilic. In calcite, Ca²⁺ may be replaced by lanthanides, including Y. Humus acids stabilize Ce³⁺ and prevent positive cerium anomalies in the newly formed bodies. Microorganisms favor Ln accumulation in biogenic bodies, such as Fe-Mn nodules and Fe-ocher.     

Geographical features of the distribution and renewal of easily decomposable organic matter in virgin and arable zonal soils of European Russia

A decrease in the depth of organic surface horizons (forest litters and steppe mats), the reserves of organic matter in them, and an increase in their renewal rate were noted for virgin and fallow soils when going from the southern taiga to the dry steppe zone. Zonal changes in the content and reserve of easily decomposable soil organic matter showed a similar tendency: these parameters regularly decreased from soddy-podzolic soils of the southern taiga to chestnut and light chestnut soils of the dry steppe. An exception from this series is provided by fallow chernozems of the steppe zone noted for the lowest content and reserve of labile organic matter in the series of soils studied. Similar, although less pronounced, tendencies were observed for the arable soils.     

淹水条件下土壤中元素迁移的地球化学特征

本文研究了淹水条件下水稻土的两种主要母土的元素活化迁移规律及其地球化学特征。结果表明，淹水条件下淋溶迁移元素来源于不同的母体；铁，锰，钙，镁等元素的活化作用加强，迁移能力增加，元素的迁移序列中锰的迁移能力已接近钙，镁等活泼元素；两种土壤中元素的迁移序列不同。性质相似的元素在迁移过程中具有相似的行为，相互之间有很好的相关性，因而在统计区分中位置靠近。引起元素在土壤中活化迁移的过程包括还原，重碳酸化，     

Detection of aluminium tolerance plasmids and microbial diversity in the rhizosphere of plants grown in acidic volcanic soil

The rhizosphere is considered as a hot-spot for gene exchange among bacteria in terrestrial ecosystems. Chilean volcanic soils are characterized by low pH and high concentrations of aluminium (Al) in the soil solution, thus Al tolerance could be important for the survival of microorganisms in these soils; loss of genes encoding for Al tolerance may affect competitiveness particularly in the rhizosphere where competition is strong. The occurrence of Al-tolerance plasmids was investigated in the rhizospheres of pasture and crop plants growing in acidic volcanic soils from southern Chile. Al tolerance plasmids were captured by biparental mating. Two types of Al tolerance plasmids could be distinguished, based on their endonuclease restriction pattern. One plasmid of each group (denoted as pRPA21 and pOPA21) was selected for further studies. The plasmids showed a high stability in presence and absence of Al. Additionally, microbial community composition in the rhizosphere soils was assessed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Sequencing of DGGE bands revealed among others, members of the bacterial phylum Gemmatimonadetes and archaeal phylum Crenarchaeota. The present study shows that the rhizosphere of pasture and crop plants growing in Chilean volcanic soil harbors genetic mobile elements which could play a role in the adaptation of bacterial populations to environmental stressors, such as Al-toxicity.