Effect of excess lead,cadmium, copper,and zinc on water relations in sunflower

The effect of excess concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) on water relations in young sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants was studied in water culture under greenhouse conditions. The accumulation of the heavy metals was more intensive in the root than in the shoot. The rates of heavy metal accumulation in root were arranged in the following decreasing order: Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb. Their transport into the above‐ground parts followed the order: Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. Transpiration and relative water content were significantly decreased by excess concentrations of the heavy metals. The number of stomata per unit leaf area was increased while the size of the stomata was decreased. The concentration of free proline significantly increased in the leaves of intact plants as well as in leaf discs incubated in the presence of heavy metals. The concentration of soluble proteins decreased as well, particularly when plants were exposed to high concentrations of the heavy metals. It was concluded that excess concentrations of the heavy metals significantly affected plant water status, causing water deficit and subsequent changes in the plants. The most intensive effect on the plants was exerted by Cd, less intensive by Cu and Zn and the least intensive by Pb.     

Effect of cadmium,lead and nickel on three freshwater green algae

Effects of Cd, Pb, and Ni on three freshwater green algae, Ankistrodesmus falcatus, Scenedesmus obliquus, and Chlorococcum spp., were studied. Cadmium and Pb had slight stimulatory effects on growth at lower concentrations (0.1 to 1.0 ppm) while they were lethal at higher concentrations (> 5 ppm). Nickel was not lethal between 0.1 and 10.0 ppm. When combined, both Cd and Ni and Cd and Pb showed interaction on A. falcatus. No interaction was noted between Pb and Ni.     

Influence of cadmium,copper, and pentachlorophenol on growth and sexual development of Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta; Annelida)

Summary In the existing guidelines for earthworm toxicity testing, mortality is the only test criterion. Mortality is, however, not a very sensitive parameter, and from an ecological point of view growth and reproduction are more important for a proper risk assessment of chemicals in soil. In this study the growth and sexual development of juvenile earthworms were considered as test criteria in a standardized earthworm toxicity test. The effect of Cd, Cu, and pentachlorophenol on the growth and sexual development of juveniles of the species Eisenia andrei was studied in an artificial soil substrate. Two tests with Cd were carried out to study the effects of the mode of application of the food source (cow dung). EC₅₀ (50% effective concentration) values for the effect of Cd, Cu and pentachlorophenol on the growth of E. andrei were 33–96, >100, and >32 mg kg^-1 dry soil, respectively, and there was no observed effect at 18–32, 56, and 32 mg kg^-1 dry soil, respectively. Sexual development of the earthworms was inhibited at 10 mg Cd kg^-1 and 100 mg Cu kg^-1 dry soil, but was not affected at the highest pentachlorophenol concentration tested (32 mg kg^-1 dry soil). The results were the same whether the food was applied in a hole in the middle of the soil or mixed homogeneously through the soil.     

Effect of chromium VI on mineral element composition of bush beans

Bush beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Contender) were grown on perlite with nutrient solution and 0, 1, 2.5 and 5 ppm levels of Na₂CrO₄ Significant decrease of top growth and chlorosis in trifoliated leaves were observed for 2.5 and 5 ppm Cr, with Cr concentrations (μg/g) in tops:≥ 12.1, in roots:≥ 509.9. Cr decreased K, Na, Mg and Fe concentrations, and increased P and Mn concentrations in roots. In tops decreased N, K, Na and Fe concentrations and increased Mn and Ca concentrations were observed, Translocation of P, Zn, Cu and Fe was inhibited; Ca and Mn translocation was generally enhanced. P/Fe ratio was increased up to 60% in chlorotic plants, indicating a shift from Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺.     

Removal of chromium (VI) as chromium diphenyl carbazide (CDC) complex from aqueous solution by activated carbon

Adsorption of Cr (VI) as CDC-complex from aqueous solution by activated C has been investigated. Factors like pH and presence of Cr (III) which affect the adsorption of CDC-complex were studied. The increase in particle size and surface area of activated C does not enhance the removal of CDC-complex. For different concentrations of Cr, the optimum quantity of Diphenyl Carbazide has been determined. The reduced Cr e.g. Cr (III) decreases the CDC-complex removal. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms constant as calculated are γm=1.8932 and b=0.2305 and n=0.036, log K=0.0266, respectively.     

Wet deposition of cadmium,lead and copper at Deonar (Bombay) and its relationship with rainfall

The concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cu were measured by Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry for event rainwater samples collected at Deonar (Bombay). A relationship between measured wet deposition of these trace metals and amount of rainfall is calculated. The power law exponent of 0.6 is found suitable to describe the relationship between wet deposition and rainfall amount of monsoonal rain.     

Effect of water treatment sludge on growth and elemental composition of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) shoots

Abstract

The impact of a water treatment sludge on the fertility of a silt loam soil was assessed by monitoring the yield and elemental composition of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) shoots in a greenhouse study. Application of sludge at rates from 2–10% (air dry weight basis) raised the soil pH from 5.3 to 8.0 which enhanced plant growth. A substantial reduction in metal (Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni) uptake was observed with sludge amendments, even at the highest rates. The alkaline nature of this sludge (pH=9.3, calcium carbonate equivalence=53%) suggests its potential use as a liming material for agricultural soils. Overly alkaline conditions should be avoided however, as high application rates combined with ammonia fertilization had an antagonistic effect on plant growth, possibly from P deficiency induced by struvite (MgNH₄PO₄) formation.     

Derivative potentiometric stripping analysis (dPSA) used for the determination of cadmium,copper, lead,and zinc in Sicilian olive oils

Derivative potentiometric stripping analysis (dPSA) was utilized to evaluate the Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) content in olive oil samples produced in Sicily in the crop year 2000-2001. The repeatability of the method was attested at 86.36% for cadmium, at 94.94% for copper, at 99.00% for lead, and at 98.92% for zinc. Recovery tests were carried out, both on cleanup procedures and on extraction steps, on olive oil spiked at different levels; obtained recoveries were 84.52 +/- 9.86 for cadmium, 97.34 +/- 2.72 for copper, 100.68 +/- 0.67 for lead and 83.35 +/- 1.72 for zinc. Theoretic detection limits were 1.2 ng g(-1) for Cd, 3.6 ng g(-1) for Cu, 5.9 ng g(-1) for Pb, and 14.3 ng g(-1) for Zn. Found concentrations range were 15.94-58.51 ng g(-1) for Cu, 32.64-156.48 ng g(-1) for Pb, and 157.00-385.22 ng g(-1) for Zn. Copper, lead, and zinc were found in all samples. The main advantage of this determination consists of a not too aggressive metals extraction procedure using hydrochloric acid, which avoids losses of elements typical of sample calcinations methods.     

Validation of an electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry method for quantification of total chromium and chromium(VI) in wild mushrooms and underlying soils

An ETAAS method was validated to quantify total Cr and Cr(VI) in mushrooms and the underlying soils. The method includes a sample pretreatment for total Cr dissolution using a wet acid digestion procedure and a selective alkaline extraction for Cr(VI). The limits of detection were, expressed in microg/L, 0.15 and 0.17 for total Cr and Cr(VI), respectively. The linearity ranges under the optimized conditions were 0.15-25.0 and 0.17-20.0 microg/L for total Cr and Cr(VI), respectively. The limits of quantification were, expressed in microg/g of dry weight, 0.0163 and 0.0085 for total and hexavalent chromium, respectively. The precision of the instrumental method for total Cr and Cr(VI) was lower than 1.6%, and for the analytical method, it was lower than 10%. The accuracy of the method for Cr(VI) quantification was evaluated by the standard additions method, with the recoveries being higher than 90% for all of the added concentrations. For total Cr, certified reference materials (lichen CRM 482 and soil sample NCS ZC73001) were used. An interference study was also carried out in a mushroom simulated matrix, and it was verified that the deviations of the expected values were lower than 4.0% for both total Cr and Cr(VI). The validated method was applied to the evaluation of total Cr and Cr(VI) in 34 wild mushrooms and 34 respective underlying soil samples collected in two different regions of Portugal (Beira Interior and TrAs-os-Montes), with different locations regarded as noncontaminated or contaminated areas. The species were identified by a mycologist and subdivided into 10 genera and 15 species: Amanita (rubescens, muscaria, and ponderosa), Boletus (regius), Lactarius (deliciosus, vellereus, and piperatus), Suillus (granulatus and luteus), Tricholoma (acerbum), Agaricus (sylvicola), Volvariella (gloiocephala), Lecopaxillus (giganteus), Macrolepiota (procera), and Psilocybe (fascicularis). The mean values found for total Cr were 1.14 and 1.11 microg/g of dry weight, and for Cr(VI), the mean values were 0.103 and 0.143 microg/g of dry weight for cap and stalk, respectively. For soils, the mean concentrations found were, for total Cr, 84.0 microg/g and, for Cr(VI), 0.483 microg/g. The bioconcentration factors (BCFs) based on dry weight for cap and stalk were determined, and the values found, for both total Cr and Cr(VI), were always <1, although for hexavalent chromium, the BCFs were 10 times higher than for total chromium.     

Impacts of different water salinity levels on salt tolerance,water use,yield, and growth of chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

ABSTRACT

Using saline irrigation water for crop production continues to gain more importance year by year, especially in regions where freshwater resources are very scarce. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of six water salinity levels (0.38 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 dSm^?1) on salt tolerance, evapotranspiration, and yield of chives under a rain shelter. The experiment was laid out in pots using a randomized plot design with four replicates of each treatment. Leaf fresh-dry weights, plant height, evapotranspiration, and water use efficiencies of chive plants were significantly affected by increasing levels of salinity. The results revealed that chives can be classified as a salt-sensitive crop with a threshold value of 1.13 dSm^?1 and relative yield decreased by 6.19% per unit increase of soil salinity. In conclusion, with appropriate leaching management practices, irrigation water with 0.38 dSm^?1 salinity level is recommended for chives production.     

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

Abstract

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

Molecular characterization of chromium (VI) reducing potential in Gram positive bacteria isolated from contaminated sites

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is highly toxic, teratogenic and carcinogenic to man and other animals. Some bacterial species have the ability to reduce Cr(VI) to a stable speciation state of trivalent chromium [Cr(III)], which is insoluble and comparatively less toxic. Therefore, the reduction of Cr(VI) thus provides potential as a means for environmental bioremediation of Cr(VI) pollution. In the present study bacteria isolated from chromium and diesel contaminated sites were found to have the ability to rapidly reduce highly toxic concentrations of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) when grown in minimal medium supplemented with glucose as the sole carbon source. Partial chromate reductase gene sequences were retrieved after PCR amplification of genomic DNA extracted from three Gram positive isolates which were highly similar (>99% sequence similarity) to chromate reductase genes found in Gram negative bacteria, more specifically those identified from Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. whole-genome studies. The isolated bacteria were putatively identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Arthrobacter aurescens strain MM10, Bacillus atrophaeus strain MM20, and Rhodococcus erythropolis strain MM30.     

Effect of excess MgSO4 or Mg(HCO3)2 in irrigation water on corn growth

Abstract

Some irrigation waters have a high Mg/Ca ratio. The objective of the experiment reported herein was to compare the effect of high Mg in combination with different anions and different EC levels on the growth of corn (Zea mays L.). Corn was grown in the greenhouse in a calcareous soil equilibrated and irrigated with the following waters: 1) tap water (check, EC = 0.078 dS/m, SAR = 0.1); 2) Mg(HCO₃)₂, EC=1 dS/m; 3) Mg(HCO₃)₂, EC = 3; 4) MgSO₄₎ EC=1; 5) MgSO₄, EC=3; 6) MgSO₄, EC = 6; and 7) and 8) mixed salts (Ec = 3 & 6 dS/m, SAR = 5, Ca: Mg = 3: 1, Cl: SO₄ = 2: 1). Yield depressions of top growth caused by mixed‐salt waters (EC = 3 & 6) were 17 and 26%, respectively, compared to yields obtained with tap water. Single‐salt MgSO₄ waters (EC = 1, 3 & 6) reduced corn tops 19, 38, and 59%, respectively, more than the mixed‐salt solutions at equivalent soil salinity levels probably due to Mg‐induced Ca deficiency. The Mg(HCO₃)₂ waters (EC = 1 & 3) reduced top growth 45 and 87% more than the mixed salt solutions. Thus Mg (HCO₃)₂ was more than twice as depressive on corn top growth as MgSO₄. Corn root growth depression was similar to top growth depression. Leaf Ca: Mg ratio was related to their ratio in the soil solution. The leaf Ca and Mg concentrations were almost the same for plants irrigated with Mg(HCO₃)₂ or MgSO₄ at EC = 1. Therefore, Mg: Ca ratio of leaves did not explain the yield differences between the two Mg salts. Nutrient imbalances and a high pH of 9 were possibly responsible for the lower yields in the presence of Mg(HCO₃)₂.     

Extractors for barium,cadmium, copper,nickel, and zinc in tropical soils

ABSTRACT

The accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soil can pose risks to human health, and precise risk assessment dealing with the production and consumption of plants is required. The 0.43 M of nitric acid (HNO?) solution was suggested by the International Organization for Standardization for reactive fraction of PTEs in the soil. The efficiency of some extractors was evaluated in tropical soils. Contents of barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) were extracted in accordance with the methods of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 3051A, Aqua Regia, Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), Mehlich-1, Mehlich-3, 0.43 M HNO? and 0.01 M of calcium chloride (CaCl?), and these contents correlated with the contents of PTEs in roots, shoots, and fruits of vegetables. Mehlich-3 had the highest correlation with Ni and Zn contents extracted by the plants. Contents extracted with 0.43 M HNO? had high correlation with the amounts extracted by DTPA and Mehlich-3, as well as with the amounts of PTEs accumulated by plants.     

Effect of dimethylarsenic acid (DMAA) on growth,tissue arsenic,and photosynthesis of rice plants

The effect of dimethylarsenic acid (DMAA) applied to the root on arsenic (As) uptake and concentration, net photosynthesis (Pn), and growth parameters of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. ‘Mercury') plants was studied. The experiment consisted of four treatments (0, 0.2, 0.8, and 1.6 mg As/L) with four replications in a completely randomized design. The DMAA was applied in nutrient solution as its sodium salt. The solution culture was changed every four days to avoid changes in the As chemical form. Arsenic uptake and concentration in shoot and root increased upon increased DMAA concentration in solution. Upon uptake, DMAA was readily translocated to the shoot. At the two higher rates of DMAA application (0.8 and 1.6 mg As/L), Pn and photosynthetic capacity were significantly decreased in response to tissue As concentration. Leaf area and dry matter production were also significantly reduced at the two higher rates of DMAA. At the lower rate (0.2 mg As/L) of DMAA application, there was no significant reduction in Pn or growth. Dimethylarsenic acid application did not affect nutrient allocation within the rice plant at concentration levels used in this study.     

Characters of soil algae during primary succession on copper mine dumps

Purpose

Algae play an important role in degraded areas during the initial stages of soil formation by improving its physico-chemical properties, reducing the erosion of soil, and thus favoring the settlement of vascular plants. This study investigates the characters of soil algal communities on copper tailing dumps and discusses the contribution of soil algae to the primary succession progress of young mine tailings ecosystems.

Materials and methods

Five representative potential successional series (bare land, algae crust, mixed algal–moss crust, moss crust, and vegetated site) on copper tailing dumps and a nearby reference site were selected. The soil algae were identified using growth slide method, dilution plate method, and by direct microscopic observation of the soil suspensions. All experiments were carried in an incubation chamber at a temperature of 25 °C and with a 16 h/8 h light–dark cycle at a light intensity of 3,000 lux.

Results and discussion

A total of 120 algal species were recorded. Cyanophyta (blue-green algae) were the most diverse taxonomic group, followed by Bacillariophyta (diatoms) and Chlorophyta (green algae), although diatoms were absolutely absent in bare sites. Diversity of soil algae was highest in vegetated site, whereas it was lowest in bare sites. Total algal abundance ranged between 0.15?×?10³ cells/g to 46.8?×?10³ cells/g dry soil, with the lowest abundance in the youngest site and the highest abundance in the mixed algal–moss crust site. Correlation analysis showed that the growth of soil algae was inhibited by high Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations and low nutrient content and that the green algae were more sensitive to nutrient content than blue-green algae.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that blue-green algae were most diverse, followed by diatoms and green algae. Species and abundance of soil algae in the tailings increased with the early succession process because of the decrease in heavy metal content and the improvement of nutrient conditions. The growth of soil algae created conditions for the settlement and growth of higher plants, but the appearance of moss and vascular plants inhibited the growth of soil algae.     

Impact of pasture contamination by copper,chromium, and arsenic timber preservative on soil microbial properties and nematodes

Microbial properties and nematode abundance were measured along a gradient of increasing Cu, Cr, and As concentrations (50–1300 mg Cr kg^-1) in the top 5 cm of a pasture soil contaminated by runoff of preserving liquor from an adjacent timber-treatment plant. Microbial biomass C and N were significantly (P<0.05) lower in contaminated than uncontaminated soils. The amount of microbial biomass C as a percentage of total organic C declined significantly (r ² value with Cr 0.726^*) with increasing contamination, and the ratio of respired C to biomass C was significantly (P<0.05) higher with contamination. Substrate-induced respiration, microbial biomass P, and denitrification declined (r² value with Cr 0.601, 0.833^*, and 0.709^*, respectively) with increasing contamination. Increasing contamination had no effect on prokaryote substrate-induced respiration but eukaryote: eukaryote substrate-induced respiration declined significantly (r ² value with Cr 0.722^*). Accordingly, the ratio of prokaryote substrate-induced respiration increased significantly (r ² value with Cr 0.799^*) with contamination. There was a significant (r ² value with Cr 0.872^*) hyperbolic relationship between sulphatase activity and contamination, with activity declining by approximately 80% at >1000 mg Cr kg^-1. Increasing contamination had no effect on basal respiration, dimethyl sulphoxide reduction, and phosphatase, urease, and invertase activities. Numbers of plant-associated nematodes declined significantly (r ² value with Cr 0.780^*) with contamination. On a percentage basis, plant-feeding nematodes predominated in less contaminated soils, whereas bacterial-feeding and predatory nematodes predominated in heavily contaminated soils. The use of the fumigation—incubation procedure for measurement of microbial biomass C in heavy-metal contaminated soils is discussed.     

Effect of pH on growth and uptake of copper by Swingle citrumelo seedlings 1

Copper (Cu) phytotoxicity is closely related to pH and Cu activity in solution. The effect of pH on growth and uptake of Cu by Swingle citrumelo rootstock seedlings were investigated in solution culture with varying Cu activities. Copper activities of either 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 10 μM at pH 5 and 6 were maintained by adding copper sulfate (CuSO₄) to the hydroponic solution based on the calculation by GEOCHEM computer program. After 42 days, root and shoot growth decreased significantly in solutions where Cu activities were greater than 0.5 μM. The concentration of Cu in roots are greater and the dry weights of roots and shoots were less in solutions at pH 6 than those at pH 5. A 200‐fold increase in Cu activity in solution resulted in a corresponding increase in concentration of Cu in the root but not in the shoot.     

Effect of green manuring,blue-green algae and neem-cake-coated urea on wetland rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Summary A field trial was set up to examine the effect of green manuring, blue-green algae, and neem-cake-coated urea on a rice crop. Summer green manuring using Sesbania aculeata increased the crop yield. Inoculation of blue-green algae increased the rice grain yield when 60 kg N ha^-1 was applied as prilled urea, but the increase in grain yield was greater when 60 kg N ha^-1 was applied as neem-cake-coated urea. The results of the present study show that applications of green manure, neem-cake-coated urea, and blue-green algae are complementary and that the three treatments can be used together in the rice ecosystem. The green manure and the fertilizer treatments had no effect on the algal flora of the soil.