Initial results from long-term field studies at three sites on the effects of heavy metal-amended liquid sludges on soil microbial activity

In a long‐term study of the effects on soil fertility and microbial activity of heavy metals contained in sewage sludges, metal‐amended liquid sludges each with elevated Zn, Cu or Cd concentrations were applied over a 3‐year period (1995–1997) to three sites in England. The experiments were sited adjacent to experimental plots receiving metal‐rich sludge cakes enabling comparisons to be made between the effects of heavy metal additions in metal‐amended liquid sludges and sludge cakes. The liquid sludge additions were regarded as ‘worst case’ treatments in terms of likely metal availability, akin to a long‐term situation following sewage sludge additions where organic matter levels had declined and stabilised. The aim was to establish individual Zn (50–425 mg kg^?1), Cu (15–195 mg kg^?1) and Cd (0.3–4.0 mg kg^?1) metal dose–response treatments at each site, but with significantly smaller levels of organic matter addition than the corresponding sludge cake experiments. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in soil respiration rates, biomass carbon concentrations or most probable numbers of clover Rhizobium between the treatments at any of the sites at the end of the liquid sludge application programme. Soil heavy metal extractability differed between the metal‐amended liquid sludge and metal‐rich sludge cake treatments; Zn and Cd extractabilities were higher from the liquid sludge additions, whereas Cu extractability was higher from the sludge cake application. These differences in metal extractability in the treated soil samples reflected the contrasting NH₄NO₃ extractable metal contents of the metal‐amended liquid sludges and sludge cakes that were originally applied.     

贵州省典型城市污水处理厂污泥养分与重金属含量调查

分别采集贵州省8个典型地级城市污水处理厂冬季和夏季的脱水污泥样品,进行室内分析测试,研究其养分和重金属特性。结果表明,贵州省主要地级城市脱水污泥pH为6.5-7.4,盐分含量为0.4-0.9。城市污泥中有机质、全量N、P高于一般农家肥,但全K量较低。污泥中全量重金属Cu、Pb、Ni、Cr、Hg和As均远低于国家农用标准,但一个处理厂污泥Cd、Zn超标,另有一处理厂污泥Cd超标,有3个处理厂污泥存在Zn超标现象。形态分析表明,Cd在多数污泥中化学形态主要是以生物有效态的形式存在,而Zn主要以稳定的化学形态存在,说明Cd存在环境风险,而Zn相对安全,表明贵州地区脱水污泥多数可安全农用,冬季和夏季脱水污泥的养分和重金属浓度没有显著差异。     

中国五个典型城市污水厂污泥中重金属的形态分布研究

Metal content and bioavailability are often the limiting factors for application of sewage sludge in agricultural fields. Sewage sludge samples were collected from five typical urban wastewater treatment plants in China to investigate their contents and distribution of various chemical fractions of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb and Mo by using the BCR （Community Bureau of Reference） sequential extraction procedure. The sludges contained considerable amounts of organic matter （31.8%- 48.0%）, total N （16.3-26.4 g kg^-1） and total P （15.1-23.9 g kg^-1）, indicating high potential agricultural benefits of their practical applications. However, total Zn and Ni contents in the sludge exceeded the values permitted in China＇s control standards for pollutants in sludges from agricultural use （GB 4284-1984）. The residual fraction was the predominant fraction for Mo, Ni and Cr, the oxidizable fraction was the primary fraction for Cu and Pb, and the exchangeable and reducible fractions were principal for Zn. The distribution of different chemical fractions among the sludge samples refiected differences in their physicochemical properties, especially pH. The sludge pH was negatively correlated with the percentages of reducible fraction of Cu and exchangeable fraction of Zn. The sludges from these plants might not be suitable for agricultural applications due to their high contents of Zn, Ni and Cr, as well as high potential of mobility and bioavailability of Zn.     

Fractionation of residual cadmium,copper, nickel,lead, and zinc in previously sludge‐amended soil

Abstract

The fractionation of heavy metals in previously sludge‐amended soil is important to evaluate their behavior in the environment in terms of mobility and availability to crop plants. A surface soil that received two types of sludges at two different rates, plus fertilizer only and no treatment (control), having been fallow for nine years, was used in this study. The contents of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) fractions in previously sludge‐amended soils were governed by the total content of these metals in the sludges applied and by the rate of sludge application. The contents of these metals were higher for soils that received the Chicago sludge as compared to that receiving the Huntsville sludge. Furthermore, soils that received 20 Mg/ha/yr of sludge for five years generally had higher levels of these metals than those receiving a single dose at the 100 Mg/ha application rate. The percentage of the total content in the water soluble and exchangeable forms was very low (≤1%) regardless of sludge application. The application of sludges tended to reduce the residual fraction and to increase the organic and carbonate fractions. Overall, the predominant forms of the metals in the sludges were as the Cd‐, Ni‐, Pb‐, and Zn‐carbonate and Cu‐organic fractions.     

农业废弃物中重金属含量特征及农用风险评估

为了解江西省主要农业废弃物中重金属污染状况和评估其再利用产物农用的安全性,在江西省内采集了水稻秸秆、蔬菜废弃物、猪粪和牛粪等样品,对样品中铬、镍、铜、锌、砷、镉、汞和铅重金属含量进行了测定与风险评估。结果表明,动物性废弃物中重金属含量和超标率明显高于植物性废弃物,其中猪粪属于重度污染,牛粪为轻度污染,植物性废弃物尚处于安全水平。若以江西省农业废弃物为原料制成有机肥,并长期施用于设施菜地,猪粪有机肥施用8.4、15.3和23.9 a后土壤中Cu、Cd和Zn将陆续超标,牛粪有机肥施用23.3 a后土壤中Cu将超标,水稻秸秆、蔬菜废弃物有机肥施用约29a后土壤中Cd将超标,故农业废弃物有机肥须严格控制原料中重金属含量,其农用的长期安全性有待加强监测。     

长期化肥配施不同有机肥对土壤和玉米中重金属累积的影响

  【目的】  明确长期化肥配施有机肥对重金属元素在土壤和农作物籽粒、秸秆中积累的影响及其环境效应,为安全高效施肥提供科学依据。  【方法】  在北京市农林科学院新型肥料长期定位试验站进行了为期10年的田间试验,其种植模式为冬小麦–夏玉米轮作,试验处理为不施肥 (CK)、单施化肥 (NPK)、氮磷钾 + 鸡粪堆肥的有机肥料 (NPKJF)、氮磷钾 + 污泥堆肥的有机肥料 (NPKWN)、氮磷钾 + 垃圾堆肥的有机肥料 (NPKLJ) 和氮磷钾 + 秸秆粉碎还田 (NPKJG) 共6个处理,施肥处理依据等氮量施肥原则,每季作物施 N 180 kg/hm2、P₂O₅ 90.0 kg/hm2、K₂O 90.0 kg/hm2。在玉米收获后测定了玉米秸秆、籽粒和0—20 cm耕层土壤中重金属全量。  【结果】  添加污泥处理显著提高了土壤中Cd、Hg、As、Cu、Zn的含量,单因子污染指数分别比对照提高了45.10%、150.00%、104.00%、44.60%、65.80%。不同施肥处理对土壤中全量Cd、Cr、Hg、Cu、Zn存在一定的富集效果。各处理重金属单项污染指数在0.02～0.46,远小于1,综合污染指数为0.23～0.36,均小于0.7,试验区土壤重金属均为无污染等级。施用有机废弃物堆肥的处理玉米籽粒Cd、Cu、Zn含量比对照显著增加,各处理间Hg、As、Cr、Pb、Ni含量差异不显著,连续10年定位施肥后试验站土壤以及玉米籽粒中重金属含量均未超标。同一作物不同部位对重金属的富集能力不同,玉米秸秆对重金属的富集能力大于籽粒。玉米籽粒中Pb、Cu、Zn含量与土壤Pb、Cu、Zn含量存在正相关性,玉米秸秆中Cd、Hg、Cr、Ni含量与土壤中Cd、Hg、Cr、Ni含量呈正相关或者显著负相关。  【结论】  在施氮总量不变的前提下,连续施用供试有机堆肥10年后,土壤重金属含量均未超标,土壤重金属单项污染指数在0.02～0.46,综合污染指数为0.23～0.36,无污染风险。只有污泥堆肥需要加强土壤Cd的监测。玉米秸秆对重金属的富集能力大于籽粒。玉米籽粒中Pb、Cu、Zn含量与土壤相应重金属含量存在正相关性,秸秆中Cd、Pb、Hg、Zn与Cr、Ni含量与土壤中相应重金属含量呈正相关,而秸秆中Cr、Ni含量与土壤中相应重金属含量呈负相关。     

Concentrations of heavy metals in forty sewage sludges in England

Samples of forty sewage sludges taken in England during 1979 were analysed for ten heavy metals using a rapid flameless atomic absorption spectroscopic technique. For all metals the mean concentrations were influenced by a small number of sludges containing exceptionally high concentrations. Typically, the concentration ranges showed approximately a 100-fold spread. Calculations based on U.K. guidelines for limiting the addition of toxic metals in sludge to agricultural soils indicated that application rates would theoretically be limited for more than 75 % of the sludges by the concentrations of Zn, Cu and Ni, expressed additively as the Zn equivalent. Calculations of the theoretical maximum quantities of sludges which could be applied to land on an annual basis suggested that a significant proportion of the sludges would be unsuitable for application to agricultural land at rates of more than 2 t ha^?1 yr^?1     

Metal concentrations in agricultural and forestry soils in northwest Spain: implications for disposal of organic wastes on acid soils

Abstract In Galicia (northwest Spain) the application of organic wastes to agricultural land is a common practice, which may increase total and bioavailable metal contents in the soil. In this study, total metal concentrations were determined in acid soils under different use (pasture, cropland, woodland) in an agricultural area where agro-industrial sludges are frequently recycled as manure. The aim was to establish baseline metal levels which could be used to determine the capacity of soils to absorb organic wastes. The estimation of baseline metal concentrations was carried out by two methods, one based on the analysis of means and geometric deviations, and another based on a modal analysis. Results suggested that the modal analysis procedure might be preferable when analysing data sets with a heterogeneous frequency distribution. In general, there was no significant difference in total metal concentrations when comparing soils from different land uses. Baseline levels for each metal indicated that all soils were suitable for organic waste application under current European Union (EU) legislation. From 2015, more restrictive metal limit values have been proposed by the EU, potentially preventing the addition of metal-containing wastes to pasture, cropland and woodland soils. The dissolved metal values in each soil were also estimated by empirical equations relating total metal concentrations, pH and organic matter content. Results showed that only the pasture soils would be suitable for organic waste disposal under the proposed EU metal limits for 2015, due to liming and substantial organic matter content. Total metal concentrations were insufficient to discriminate environmental risk in acid soils of different land use. The determination of baseline levels in reference areas and the estimation of soil metal bioavailability are suggested to define permissible values in the developing legislation.     

Comparison of routine soil tests and EPA method 3050 as extractants for heavy metals in Delaware soils

Abstract

Agricultural use of sewage sludges can be limited by heavy metal accumulations in soils and crops. Information on background levels of total heavy metals in soils and changes in soil metal content due to sludge application are; therefore, critical aspects of long‐term sludge monitoring programs. As soil testing laboratories routinely, and rapidly, determine, in a wide variety of agricultural soils, the levels of some heavy metals and soil properties related to plant availability of these metals (e.g. Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, pH, organic matter, texture), these labs could participate actively in the development and monitoring of environmentally sound sludge application programs. Consequently, the objective of this study was to compare three soil tests (Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, and DTP A) and an USEPA approved method for measuring heavy metals in soils (EPA Method 3050), as extractants for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in representative agricultural soils of Delaware and in soils from five sites involved in a state‐monitored sludge application program.

Soil tests extracted less than 30% of total (EPA 3050) metals from most soils, with average percentages of total metal extracted (across all soils and metals) of 15%, 32%, and 11% for the Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, and DTPA, respectively. Statistically significant correlations between total and soil test extractable metal content were obtained with all extractants for Cu, Pb, and Zn, but not Cd and Ni. The Mehlich 1 soil test was best correlated with total Cu and Zn (r=0.78***, 0.60***, respectively), while the chelate‐based extractants (DTPA and Mehlich 3) were better correlated with total Pb (r=0.85***, 0.63***). Multiple regression equations for the prediction of total Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, from soil test extractable metal in combination with easily measured soil properties (pH, organic matter by loss on ignition, soil volume weight) had R² values ranging from 0.41*** to 0.85***, suggesting that it may be possible to monitor, with reasonable success, heavy metal accumulations in soils using the results of a routine soil test.     

大宝山矿区农田土壤重金属污染及其植物累积特征

对金属矿山选冶活动影响的农田土壤,不同灌溉水源会影响重金属的分布累积特征。根据实际情况将大宝山矿区农田土壤分为污水灌溉区、清水灌溉区、自然修复区和对照区,并进行土壤和植物样品采集,调查研究了土壤的基本理化性质,Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、Mn 5种重金属的含量和化学形态分布,以及不同区域植物中重金属的含量。结果表明:污灌区Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn的含量最高,是自然修复区和清水灌溉区的1.75倍~10.51倍,对照区最低;Mn在各采样点的含量无显著差别。土壤Cd、Cu、Zn、Pb含量两两之间显著正相关,Mn与Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb呈负相关关系;土壤pH与重金属环境有效态关系密切。残渣态是5种重金属的主要存在形态,有机态含量也较高;Cd的环境有效态含量占总量的比例是其他4种重金属的2倍左右。稻米中5种重金属在清水灌溉区的含量均比污水灌溉区低,其中Cu和Zn的含量在两区域均未超标(NY861-2004),而Pb和Cd的含量严重超标。重金属在自然修复区和清水灌溉区呈现较低的土壤污染和人体健康风险,该研究数据可为金属矿区土壤污染控制提供科学的依据。     

Evaluating baseline data for trace elements,pH, organic matter content,and bulk density in agricultural soils in Nigeria

Agricultural soil samples were collected about 1 km apart over 21 km from 32 tilled/cultivated plots of yam, rice, and cassava in urban, rural, and the derelict Enyibga lead-zinc mine (EM) in the Abakaliki area, Nigeria during the rainy season in September, 1992. In the derelict mine, mean elemental contents increased in the order Cd < Ni < Cu < Mn < Pb < Zn; while in the urban, rural, and all soils combined, the order increased as follows: Cd < Cu < Ni < Pb < Zn < Mn. The overall mean distribution of all soils shows Mn and Zn to approach and exceed toxic levels, respectively. In all soils, the total mean concentrations of Cu and Ni are well below toxic levels. The Abakaliki area is less likely to be subjected to Cd-contaminated soils. Pb was excessively high at EM and, moderately high at Mgbowo Street in the urban area, but very less so in the rural areas. The rural agricultural areas of Agbaja, Nkwaegu, and Amaegu, including the isolated Ezza Road as well as the peripheral Expressway had relatively lower levels of heavy metals, pH and organic matter content than the urban conglomeration of Mile 50, Mgbowo Street, and Azuiyiokwu including the derelict mining village of Enyigba and EM; except that Ezza Road had pH and organic matter as high as the densely populated urban cultivated areas. The relationship between bulk density and organic matter was highly dependent on pH.     

海南省农用地土壤重金属含量与土壤有机质及pH的相关性

研究了海南省农用地土壤有机质含量、pH值和土壤中重金属含量,并对其相关关系进行了分析.结果表明:海南省农用地土壤有机质含量总体上处于中等水平,全省有机质平均含量为22.99 g/kg,各地区之间含量差异较大,土壤pH平均值为5.20;5种重金属元素含量的平均值均未超过<国家土壤环境质量标准>(GB156182-1995)二级标准限值.但研究区土壤中Hg、Cd、Cr 3种重金属元素含量的最大值均超过了国家土壤环境质量的二级标准,并分别达到了1.63、0.64、586.70 mg/kg:土壤重金属含量与土壤性质间的关系复杂:有机质含量与Hg、Cd、Cr含量呈极显著正相关,与Pb含量呈显著相关,而pH与Hg、Cr呈负相关,与Cd、Pb呈显著正相关.     

Nitrogen Mineralization in Soils Treated with Fly Ash–Amended Wastewater Sludges

Abstract

Alkaline‐treated wastewater sludges with varying doses of fly ash were added to a clay soil at rates equivalent to 100 t (dry weight) raw sludge ha^?1 soil, and the variations in ammonium, nitrate, and total nitrogen contents were monitored throughout an incubation period of 360 days at 28°C. The results showed that inhibition of organic nitrogen mineralization occurred in soil amended with fly ash–containing sludge during the first 90 days of incubation. After the total incubation period of 360 days, the inhibition effects of alkaline sludge amendments totally disappeared. In fact, mineralization was enhanced in alkaline pasteurized sludges containing 80% and 120% fly ash. The overall results indicated that application of sludges amended with fly ash may prolong the use (3 to 6 months) of nitrogen from the organic nitrogen pool in sludge.     

Urease activity in sewage sludge-amended soils

Three diverse field-moist soil samples were treated with five sewage sludges (applied at five loading rates) containing high concentrations of heavy metals. Urease activity was assayed after 0, 3, 7, 14 and 30 days of incubation. Results showed that when soils were treated with the sewage sludges, urease activity was often inhibited at the lower loading rates (2.2 and 8.9mg sludge g^?1 soil), but was enhanced substantially with the higher application rates (22.2, 44.4 and 100 mg sludge g^?1 soil). Inhibition of urease activity in the sewage sludge amended-soils ranged from 4 to 37% (Domino soil), 8–27% (Hesperia soil), and 3–49% (Ramona soil) at various times of incubation. Inhibition of the enzyme activity was attributed to the presence of heavy metals in the sludges. The increased activity of urease in the sludge-amended soils at the highest application rate (100 mg sludge g^?1 soil) ranged from 1.13 to 5.00-fold (Domino soil), 1.20–4.04-fold (Hesperia soil), and 1.13–5.40-fold (Ramona soil). Enhanced urease activity was believed to be due to the additional source of organic matter and nutrients supplied by the sludge which stimulated microbial activity and subsequent urease synthesis.     

Diversity,occurrence, and life characteristics of natural entomopathogenic nematode populations from La Rioja (Northern Spain) under different agricultural management and their relationships with soil factors

Natural entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) populations were surveyed in La Rioja (Northern Spain) during two consecutive years (2003–2005) to study their diversity, occurrence, and life characteristics under different agricultural management representing natural areas and perennial and annual crops from organic and conventional systems. Native EPN species and strains were identified using morphological and molecular characteristics. Virulence, infection cycle length and reproductive potential were assessed using Galleria mellonella larvae. The EPN occurrence was evaluated through abundance, recovery frequency, larval mortality percentage and EPN population density. EPNs were also related to selected soil physical and chemical variables as well as to some soil pollutants such as heavy metals and organochlorine pesticide residues. Only two steinernematids species were identified: Steinernema feltiae was observed throughout all seasons from natural and agricultural areas and Steinernema carpocapsae in summer and autumn of 2004 from perennial crops only. The virulence of native strains was lower than other previously isolated Spanish strain from natural areas or crop field edges. EPN abundance and recovery frequency indicated that habitat type might influence EPNs occurrence stronger than seasonality with the intensity of agricultural management inversely affecting their distribution. Moreover, clay, P₂O₅, Zn, Cu and hexachlorobenzene contents negatively correlating with EPN population density. We consider that agricultural management should be taken into account if EPNs are going to be used as biological control agents.     

Evolution of mercury content in agricultural soils due to the application of organic and mineral fertilizers

Purpose

Mercury pollution in agricultural soils associated to the use of fertilizers and its influence on crops is a cause of major concern. The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of the application of different organic and mineral fertilizers on the Hg concentration in the agricultural soils and its uptake by barley.

Materials and methods

Hg concentration was studied through a field test in an agricultural land located in the province of Palencia (Spain) over a 5-year period. The impact of irrigation and of four different fertilizers (a mineral one and three different organic waste materials, namely municipal solid waste compost, sewage sludge, and dehydrated sewage sludge) was assessed. The amounts of the mineral and organic fertilizers added to the soil were determined according to agricultural fertilization needs. The experimental crop was barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), planted as an annual crop. Mercury analyses were conducted using a direct mercury analyzer and validated according to EPA Method 7473. BCR-141R was used as a certified reference material.

Results and discussion

After 5 years, whereas the application of the mineral fertilizer did not increase the mercury content in the agricultural soils, the application of the organic residues led to Hg contents 1.7–7.6 times higher than that of the control soil. The treatment with solid municipal waste compost (MSWC) led to the largest increase in Hg content in the soil, followed by composted sewage sludge (CSS) and by dehydrated sewage sludge (DSS). No significant differences were observed in the Hg content in the barley grains, although the highest values were associated to the sludge-treated plots.

Conclusions

The application of organic fertilizers such as sewage sludges and municipal solid wastes led to an increase in the mercury concentration in the agricultural soils, noticeable for soils with low initial Hg concentrations (similar to background levels). This increase differed depending on the type of waste and on the intra-organic matter diffusion mechanisms, as well as on the type of irrigation of the agricultural land. Conversely, no significant differences in the Hg content in grains were found among the soils with the different fertilization treatments, although the highest values were observed for those treated with sewage sludge. The resulting Hg levels in both soils and grains were within legal limits, posing no danger to the environment or to human health.

     

浙江省商品有机肥中重金属含量变化趋势及风险管控对策

  【目的】  有机肥是农业生产的重要肥源,了解有机肥质量安全现状,可为有机肥合理施用和管控提供参考。  【方法】  于2017年采集浙江省96家有机肥生产企业共99个商品有机肥样品,研究分析其Hg、As、Cd、Pb、Cr、Cu、Zn和Ni 8种重金属含量、分布特征、污染成因及施用风险。并与2013年文献进行比较,分析重金属含量的变化。  【结果】  1) 商品有机肥中Hg、As、Cd、Pb、Cr、Cu、Zn、Ni的平均含量分别为0.17、5.5、0.63、17.3、33.2、213.8、660.5、17.7 mg/kg,变异系数为54.9%～151.3%,含量差异较大。相比2013年,Cd、Pb、Cr、Hg和As含量在2017年均有所降低,降幅为23.0%～72.7%,其中Hg和As含量大体呈逐年下降趋势,2017年较2009年平均含量分别下降74.2%和51.8%,Cr和Pb平均含量较2010年分别下降74.9%和54.4%,Cd平均含量在近4年降幅明显,2017年较2013年下降72.7%。但商品有机肥中As仍有8.1%超标,Cu、Zn含量偏高,Ni含量有增加趋势。Cu、Zn、Ni是浙江省商品有机肥主要风险因子。2) 主成分和相关性分析表明,Cu-Zn、Cr-Ni-Hg、Cd-Pb重金属污染来源具有同源性。Cu、Zn、As以饲料添加来源为主,Cr、Hg、Ni主要来源于饲料原料本身,Cd、Pb则以饲料原料本身、生产粘结剂或生产环境来源为主。3) 商品有机肥成分配方复杂,猪粪原料占比较大,其次为鸡粪和牛粪。根据NY 525—2012有机肥重金属限量标准,以猪粪为主要原料的有机肥As超标率9.6%,以鸡粪、羊粪为主要原料的有机肥未出现重金属超标,根据德国腐熟堆肥重金属限量标准,以猪粪和鸡粪为主要原料的有机肥Cu、Zn超标样品较多,Ni只在以猪粪和鸡粪为主要原料的有机肥中出现超标。4) 长期施用含重金属商品有机肥,存在土壤重金属积累风险。按有机肥年施肥量30 t/hm2推算,Cu、Zn和Cd风险相对较大,安全使用年限分别为14、18、34 年。  【结论】  浙江省商品有机肥总体质量安全程度较高,有机肥中Cr、Pb、Hg、As、Cd含量近年来得到较好的控制,但Cu、Zn、Ni含量偏高,部分As含量超标,长期施用条件下存在土壤重金属累积风险,因此需加强对有机肥中重金属的管控,制定商品有机肥中Cu、Zn、Ni限量标准,以保障土壤长期可持续利用。     

Quality Assessment of Three Industry-Derived Organic Amendments for Agricultural Use

The quality of three types of treated sludges (sludge from the paper recycling industry, and sewage sludge treated by composting with pruning waste and thermally dried) was assessed in this work. The amendments were physicochemically characterized and evaluated for their microbiological quality and for contamination with pollutants. All three organic amendments showed an absence of pathogens, so they are microbially suitable for agricultural use. The pollutants studied in the amendments included eight heavy metals and 83 organic compounds. Heavy metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, octylphenol, bisphenol A, and parabens were found in the organic amendments. The amount and type of contaminants depended on the sample sources and differed between samples from a single origin. The presence of some of the pollutants found has not been previously reported in organic amendments. The germination assay showed that these amendments may be applied to soil in controlled doses. As far as we know, this is the first reported study that has evaluated a great variety of pollutants (heavy metals, pesticides, persistent and emerging organic pollutants) in sludge from the recycled paper industry; moreover, studies in other waste products in which such a broad range of pollutants has been evaluated have been scarce until now due to the complexity of these matrices.     

Effect of seasonality and agricultural practices on occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes and soil characteristics in La Rioja (Northern Spain)

The effects of seasonality and land management on entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) distribution and on soil characteristics were studied in natural areas and agricultural fields under organic and conventional management in La Rioja (Northern Spain). The population density of the native EPNs as well as air temperature, rainfall, soil fertility, soil moisture, and soil content of heavy metals were seasonally recorded over 2 consecutive years. The highest occurrence of EPNs was observed in autumn, followed by spring and summer. Agricultural management influenced the amount of soil organic matter, nutrients and heavy metals, as well as soil volumetric moisture and temperature, leading to statistical differences mainly between natural and agricultural sites, but also in some cases between different types of agricultural management. The usefulness of soil organic matter, C, N, P and K content, as well as the C/N, C/P and N/P ratios as indicators for differentiating conventional and organic crop management as well as the role of agricultural practices such as tillage and fertilizing is discussed.     

脱水污泥生物干化及产物农用性质评价

城市污泥的生物干化及产物农用已引起越来越多的关注。本研究探讨了不同调理剂对生物干化堆体温度和产物含水率的影响,分析了干化过程中有机物的降解,及干化产物生物稳定性和重金属含量的变化趋势。结果表明：以稻草为调理剂的堆体最高温度可达67℃,干化产物含水率可从73%降至52%,产物4日耗氧呼吸速率降至10mgO·2g-1DM,显示了较好的稳定性。生物干化过程中,蛋白质和腐殖质含量逐渐降低,而多糖含量比较稳定。生物干化后产物重金属含量有所提高,除Zn部分超标外,其余重金属均未超出《农用污泥中污染物控制标准》（GB4284—1984）规定的限值。