Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in atmospheric particulate depositions and urban soils of Moscow,Russia

Purpose

The study was conducted to quantify the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulation in urban soils from different functional areas via atmospheric inputs with particulate matter.

Materials and methods

PAH concentration and pattern were measured in the particulate matter of snow depositions, in the upper layers of artificial soils from densely built-up areas and in the undisturbed natural soils (Umbric Retisols) from green park area. Samples were collected in 2011–2013 at 58 sites with different traffic activities located at the territory of the Eastern Administrative Okrug of Moscow. The soil samples and filters with particulate matter were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction using Dionex ASE200. Clean-up analyses were performed on SPE cartridges filled with silica gel. Concentrations of PAHs were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography using an Agilent 1100 System equipped with fluorescent detector.

Results and discussion

Mean values of PAH input with snow particles were 45–57 μg/m² for recreational and residential zones, and 140–264 μg/m² for traffic zones. The samples of depositions from different functional areas showed a similar PAH pattern and consisted primarily of 3–4-ring PAHs. Total PAH concentrations in upper layers of artificial soils showed similar mean values of 1.43–2.21 μg/g for all functional zones. The PAH content in soils from the park area was twofold lower than that from the built-up area (0.34–0.63 μg/g), despite equal levels of atmosphere contamination on these territories. The upper layers of natural soils from recreational and traffic zones showed slight differences in PAH content, though PAH input with snow was fivefold higher in the traffic zone. Compared with airborne depositions, soils contained significant amounts of 5–6-ring PAHs.

Conclusions

A high level of soil PAH contamination in urban areas of Moscow, several orders of magnitude higher than the current PAH input to them from the atmosphere, indicates a lack of direct connection of the PAH pool in soils with this source. The high PAH content in the upper layer of constructed soils can be the result of repeated use of materials subjected to a constant technogenic impact for the production of artificial soils.

     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in green space soils in Shanghai: source,distribution, and risk assessment

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to study the major sources, concentrations, and distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in three different types of green space in Shanghai. In addition, we will quantitatively assess the burden of PAHs in the soil, as well as the potential carcinogenic risk of PAHs in humans. These results will provide valuable information for soil remediation and human health risk management.

Materials and methods

A total of 166 surface soil samples were collected in parks, greenbelts, and woodlands. Soils were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE). PAHs were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to identify major PAH emission sources and quantitatively assess their contributions to PAHs. The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was used to quantify the potential health risk of PAHs.

Results and discussion

The average concentrations of ∑15 PAHs are 227?±?95 ng g^?1, 1632?±?251 ng g^?1, and 1888?±?552 ng g^?1 in the woodland, park, and greenbelt soils, respectively. The PMF results show that biomass (33%), coal (21%), vehicles (17%), natural gas (14%), oil (9%), and coke (7%) are the dominant sources of PAHs in the park soils. Diesel (40%), tire debris (30%), biomass (15%), gasoline (9%), and oil (5%) are the main sources in the greenbelt soils. Biomass (48%), vehicles (37%), and coal (15%) are the main sources in the woodland soils. The ILCRs of adults and children who are exposed to PAHs in soils range from 9.53?×?10^?8~1.42?×?10^?5.

Conclusion

In three types of green space in Shanghai, the dominant PAHs are high–molecular weight (HMW) compounds (≥?4 rings). This may be due to the proximity of the sampling site to emission sources. In addition, low–molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (with 2–3 rings) are relatively unstable, and these compounds are prone to volatilization and degradation. Source identification indicates that biomass combustion is the most dominant PAH source in the park and woodland soils, while vehicles are the dominant PAH source in the greenbelt soils. The ILCRs of adults and children indicate potential health risks, and children have a greater health risk than adults.

     

Influence of PAH contamination on soil ecological status

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the responses of soil biological parameters as indicator of ecological status on PAH-contaminated soil.

Materials and methods

Studies are conducted on the soils and natural grassy vegetation of monitoring plots subjected to Novocherkassk power station (NPS) emissions. Monitoring plots were established at different distances from the NPS (1.0–20.0 km).

Results and discussion

The level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) around NPS is the highest at the monitoring plot located at distance 1.6 km to the northwest through the prevailing wind direction. Gradually, decrease of PAHs was observed while increasing the distance from the NPS through the prevailing wind direction. Calculation of correlations between PAH level and biological activity parameters of soils showed lack of dependence with total and every PAH content in all 12 studied monitoring plots. The most significant correlations were found between PAH content and enzyme activity in the monitoring plots situated through the prevailing wind direction from NPS.

Conclusions

The main pollution source in the studied area is NPS. It was found that contamination of soil by PAHs has a direct dependence on the activity of all biological communities in chernozems, as well as the activities of dehydrogenase and the phytotoxicity of soils. Inverse correlations have been revealed between the PAH contamination and abundance of soil bacteria.

     

Biochar and biochar with N fertilizer as a potential tool for improving soil sorption of nutrients

Purpose

Biochar usually has a large specific surface area, and due to this, it increases the sorption capacity of the soil where it was applied. The objectives of this study were to (i) quantify the effects of biochar and biochar in combination with N fertilizer on the soil sorption parameters and (ii) quantify the effects of soil organic matter on the sorption parameters after application of biochar with and without N fertilizer.

Materials and methods

The experiment was established on Haplic Luvisol at the locality of Dolná Malanta (Slovakia) in 2014. The soil samples were collected once a month from the depth 0–0.2 m during 2014 to 2016. The field experiment included three rates of biochar application (B0?=?no biochar, B10?=?biochar at the rate of 10 t ha^?1, B20?=?biochar at the rate of 20 t ha^?1) and three levels of N fertilization (N0?=?no nitrogen, N40?=?nitrogen at the rate of 40 kg ha^?1, N80?=?nitrogen at the rate of 80 kg ha^?1).

Results and discussion

Overall, the decrease of the average values of hydrolytic acidity due to biochar and biochar combined with N fertilization resulted on average in an increase of sum of basic cation (SBC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and sorption capacity of soil organic matter (CEC_SOM) in all treatments. However, this effect was the most intensive in B10N40. Despite the fact that the average values of sorption parameters improved, its dynamics during the investigated period were different. A significant decrease in CEC was observed from 2014 to 2016 in all treatments, except B0N0 and B10N0. A stable trend in CEC_SOM was observed only in B10N40. Humic substances and humic acids had a statistically significant positive effect on the SBC, CEC, and CEC_SOM only in B20N0 treatment. Negative correlations between the above mentioned parameters were observed in B10N80 treatment.

Conclusions

We conclude that the application of biochar and biochar combined with N fertilization had a positive influence on sorption parameters. However, its effects on SBC, CEC, and CEC_SOM decreased over time after its application.

     

Biochar reduces uptake and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in winter wheat on a PAH-contaminated soil

For years, biochar has been successfully used for the remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) in contaminated soils, not only for improving their removal from soil but also for reducing their uptake by crops. However, the underlying mechanism of biochar application reducing PAH uptake and accumulation in winter wheat remains unclear. Pot trials were conducted on a PAH-contaminated soil amended with bamboo biochar, coconut shell biochar,and maize straw biochar(MSB) for an entire gro...     

Characteristics,sources, and in situ phytoremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in rural dumpsites

Purpose

Without precaution to deal with gas emissions and leachate generation, dumpsites have become a severe environmental problem in many developing countries. The objectives of this study were to investigate the pollution status of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dumpsite soil in rural areas of China and to verify phytoremediation effectiveness with Sedum alfredii Hance and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) under complex pollution conditions in PAH-contaminated soil.

Materials and methods

In this study, we collected soil cores from four dumpsites in rural areas of North China (Hebei Province) for analysis, and correspondingly conducted an in situ phytoremediation experiment using Sedum alfredii Hance and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at one of these sites, monitoring the total PAH concentration in soil.

Results and discussion

Results showed generally moderate pollution by PAHs in soil samples from dumpsites with pockets of heavy pollution. PAH concentrations in dumpsite soil ranged from 827 to 1101 ng/g (dry weight). High-molecular-weight PAHs were present in higher proportions at oldest dumpsite in operation. Certain molecular ratios of PAHs can be used to diagnose the source of PAHs in soil, and it indicated that the main sources were combustion of domestic coal and biomass, as well as the automobile exhaust and kitchen exhaust. A 17-month in situ phytoremediation experiment resulted in the effective removal of PAHs in the Sedum alfredii and alfalfa plots, with total PAH concentrations decreasing by 82.4% and 81.3%, respectively. Furthermore, PAH concentrations in plants correlated to plant growth conditions.

Conclusions

This study indicated that the soils of the dumpsites were generally moderately polluted by PAHs, and some parts of the area were heavily polluted. Both Sedum alfredii and alfalfa absorbed PAHs from soil, and PAH concentrations in these two plants correlated to the growth conditions of the plants. Phytoremediation can effectively be used for PAH removal in open dumpsites.

     

Impact of biochar coated with magnesium (hydr)oxide on phosphorus leaching from organic and mineral soils

Purpose

Recent research suggests that Swedish organic arable soils have been under-recognized as a potential source of phosphorus (P) loading to water bodies. The aim of this study was to compare P losses through leaching from organic and high-fertility mineral soils. In addition, the effectiveness of a magnesium-salt-coated biochar applied below the topsoil as a mitigation strategy for reducing P losses was evaluated.

Materials and methods

Phosphorus leaching was measured from four medium- to high-P arable soils, two Typic Haplosaprists (organic 1 and 2), a Typic Hapludalf (sand), and an unclassified loam textured soil (loam), in a 17-month field study utilizing 90-cm-long lysimeters. A magnesium-salt-coated biochar was produced and characterized using X-ray powder diffraction (XPD), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray adsorption (XANES) spectroscopy, and its phosphate adsorption capacity was determined at laboratory scale. It was also applied as a 3-cm layer, 27 cm below the soil surface of the same lysimeters and examined as a mitigation measure to reduce P leaching.

Results and discussion

Total-P loads from the 17-month, unamended lysimeters were in the order of organic 2 (1.2 kg ha^?1)?>?organic 1 (1.0 kg ha^?1)?>?sand (0.3 kg ha^?1)?>?loam (0.2 kg ha^?1). Macropore flow, humic matter competition for sorption sites, and fewer sorption sites likely caused higher P losses from the organic soils. Analysis by XRD and SEM revealed magnesium was primarily deposited as periclase (MgO) on the biochar surface but hydrated to brucite (Mg(OH)₂) in water. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacity (Q_max) of the coated biochar was 65.4 mg P g^?1. Lysimeters produced mixed results, with a 74% (P?<?0.05), 51% (NS), and 30% (NS) reduction in phosphate-P from the organic 1, organic 2, and sand, respectively, while P leaching increased by 230% (NS) from the loam.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate that P leached from organic arable soils can be greater than from mineral soils, and therefore, these organic soils require further investigation into reducing their P losses. Metal-enriched biochar, applied as an adsorptive layer below the topsoil, has the potential to reduce P losses from medium- to high-P organic soils but appear to be less useful in mineral soils.

     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in urban and semi-urban soils of Havana,Cuba

Purpose

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Havana were quantified and analyzed in relation to possible emission sources to assess metropolitan soil contaminations in a highly dynamic, urban environment. The results of this study will serve Cuban legislators as a basis to develop environmental quality standards for organic pollutants in soils.

Materials and methods

Possible emission sources as, e.g., the vicinity to roads or industrial plants and the influence of the land use were related to the organic contaminants concentrations. Therefore, 28 topsoils in the Havana urban and semi-urban area were sampled at agricultural (n?=?12), organoponic (urban gardens in the capital, n?=?8), public park (n?=?7), and remediation (on-site bioremediation of an oil refinery, n?=?1) sites. Their PAH and PCB concentrations were measured with gas chromatography mass spectroscopy and the total organic carbon (TOC) and black carbon (BC) concentrations with the chemo-thermal oxidation.

Results and discussion

The sum of the 16 PAH concentrations ranged from 0.04 mg/kg in agricultural and organoponic soils to up to 72 mg/kg in a public park at about 1.5 km distance from an oil refinery. The lowest sum of the seven PCB congener concentrations was also measured in organoponic soils (0.002 mg/kg) and the highest in an arable patch of land between the rail roads and a main road (0.1 mg/kg). Both, PAH as well as PCB soil concentrations in Havana were almost up to two orders of magnitudes higher compared to a soil monitoring in the neighboring province of Mayabeque, but overall in the typical range of urban soils reported by other studies. The pollutants showed no relationship between TOC and BC except for PAHs with BC. For PAHs, combustion was the main source.

Conclusions

A comparison of the pollutant concentrations with regulatory guidance values (RGV) of other countries revealed PCB concentrations in Havana soils far below these RGV. In contrast, some concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene, the most carcinogenic PAH, in agricultural and park soils in Havana exceeded some RGV. Thus, some public parks pose a risk according to the Canadian quality guidelines when people have direct contact with these soils but not if they were consuming products thereof.

     

Sorption-desorption behaviors of heavy metals by biochar-compost amendment with different ratios in contaminated wetland soil

Purpose

Heavy metal pollution in soils has become a global environmental concern. The combination of biochar and compost has already been proved to be an attractive method in contaminated soil. The objective was to study the sorption-desorption characteristics of Cd, Cu, and Zn onto soil amended with combined biochar-compost.

Materials and methods

In this study, the soil was amended with combinations of biochar and compost with different ratios at 10% (w/w). To determine the sorption-desorption behaviors of heavy metals by biochar-compost amendment with different ratios, we determine the effects of different ratios on soil properties and use batch experiments to investigate sorption-desorption behaviors of Cd, Cu, and Zn.

Results and discussion

The results show that the Langmuir and Freundlich model can well describe the adsorption isotherm of Cd, Cu, and Zn in the soils with or without biochar-compost combinations. The incorporation of amendment combinations into soil significantly promotes the sorption affinity of soil on metals. The sorption capacity of Cd and Zn was improved as the compost percentage rose in biochar-compost more likely due to the increase of organic matter and available phosphorus, while that of Cu was stronger with 10 and 20% biochar addition in biochar-compost combinations likely as the result of the formation of new specific adsorption sites and the mobile Cu adsorption in compost after adding a certain amount of biochar in amendment mixtures. Additionally, a certain proportion of biochar applied into amendment mixtures could suppress desorption of Cd and Cu by pH change, and the Zn desorption rate gradually decreased as the compost ratio increased in amendment mixtures.

Conclusions

The results indicated that the various ratios between biochar and compost have a significant effect on sorption-desorption of metals in soil, which helps us consider the effective combination of biochar and compost in soil.

     

Soil organic matter alteration under biochar amendment: study in the incubation experiment on the Podzol soils of the Leningrad region (Russia)

Purpose

Biochar is one of the most widely used ameliorants for soil amendment, which is known as factor which rises crop yields and levels of soil biological activity. Nowadays, it is under investigated how biochar application affects the dynamics of the humic components and whole soil organic matter (SOM) and the processes of its alteration. This investigation is aimed to evaluate the influence of biochar on the content, composition, and transformation of humic acids (HAs) as the main component of the SOM.

Materials and methods

The incubation experiment was carried out on three Podzol Antric soils, with varying amounts of initial total organic carbon. The incubation time was 90 days, using biochar gravimetric doses of 0.1 and 1.0%. The biochar was produced by fast pyrolysis of birch and aspen wood at 550 °С. Humus composition was analyzed for the organic matter fractions extracted with 0.1 M NaOH (containing HAs 1 + fulvic acids (FAs) 1) and 0.1 M Na₄P₂O₇ (containing HAs 1 + FAs 1 + HAs 2 + FAs 2). Isolated HAs were characterized for their elemental composition (C, N, H, and S) and molecular composition with the use of solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C-NMR) techniques.

Results and discussion

We found that 0.1% of biochar amendment does not influence SOM mineralization, but 1.0% of biochar increases the mineralization by 15–18%. This process is accompanied by changes in the composition and properties of the HS. The increased proportion of HA aromatic fragments in biochar indicates an increasing of their stability. However, in soils with high humus content and a significant amount of insoluble matter, the processes of mineralization and the growth of HAs are taking place simultaneously. The replenishment of HAs could be the outcome of both the intensification of the transformation processes (mineralization and humification) of the more sustainable insoluble matter compounds and the humification of the biochar itself.

Conclusions

The influence of biochar on humification in Podzol Antric soils was revealed on the basis of incubation experiment. Both negative and positive changes under biochar in HS system were demonstrated. The active decrease of humus total contents and also the labile HS ought to qualify as negative changes. The increase of HA chemical maturity that leads to the stability of humus in whole as well as the intensive new HA formation thought to qualify as positive changes.

     

Sorption-desorption isotherms and biodegradation of glyphosate in two tropical soils aged with eucalyptus biochar

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sorption-desorption process and biodegradation of glyphosate in two tropical soils aged with biochar derived from eucalyptus. The biochar aging period was 30 d. There was little difference between the amounts of sorbed glyphosate in Ultisol (96.8, 96.8 and 96.4%) and Alfisol (97.1, 97.5 and 97.4%) soils that were unamended or amended with biochar aged for 0 or 30 d, respectively. Similar amounts of desorbed herbicide occurred in Ultisol (3.3, 3.3 and 3.4%) and Alfisol (4.1, 4.2 and 3.9%) soils, respectively. The degradation time half-life (DT50) of glyphosate in Ultisol unamended and initial amended were higher (38 and 36 d, respectively) than DT50 in the amended soil with 30 d of biochar aging (27 d); and in the Alfisol DT50 was higher in unamended soil (38 d), and similar in soil unamended at 0 and 30 d of biochar aging (21 and 26 d, respectively). The addition of biochar to two tropical soils or its aging did not have any effect on the sorption and desorption of glyphosate and its biodegradation in relation to the unamended soils, and it can did not affect the transport and persistence of this herbicide in soil.     

Changes in biochar properties in typical loess soil under a 5-year field experiment

Purpose

After biochar is applied to soil as a sustainable soil amendment and a carbon (C) sequestration technique, its physicochemical properties change over time. However, few studies have reported on the changes of biochar properties over the aging process under field conditions. An understanding of such changes can help us to make full use of biochar as a sustainable soil amendment and C sequestration technique.

Materials and methods

We used apple tree branches as the raw material to produce biochar and studied the changes in the physicochemical properties of the biochar over a 5-year field experiment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), specific surface area (SSA) and micropore area, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed.

Results and discussion

After 5 years of aging, the SSA of the biochar had increased by 23.91% relative to that of fresh biochar; however, the SSA initially decreased over the first 3 years and then increased over the next 2 years. The reasons for the initial decrease were the destruction and clogging of the existing pore structure, whereas new micropore formation was responsible for the subsequent increase, as verified by micropore area, SEM and XPS analyses. The C content of the biochar was stable over the 5 years, but the surface O content and quantity of oxygen-containing functional groups increased relative to those of fresh biochar, which impacts the adsorption capacity of the biochar.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate that the SSA of the biochar varied with time during the aging process. The stability of the C illustrated the potential of biochar as a C sequestration technique. The increase in oxygen-containing functional groups of the biochar was responsible for the process of nutrient adsorption.

     

Effects of water and organic manure coupling on the immobilization of cadmium by sepiolite

Purpose

Natural sepiolite (SP) has proven effective on the in-situ immobilization remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. But the practical remediation effect may largely influenced by water management and the application of organic manure. The effects of chicken manure (CM) on SP-amended soils were investigated under normal and saturated water conditions using a pot experiment with Brassica campestris L.

Materials and methods

Cd-contaminated paddy soils were amended with CM, SP, and CM?+?SP with no amendment as control. The amount of sepiolite was 0.5% (w/w, the same below) either in SP or CM?+?SP amended soils, while the amount of CM was 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0% in CM and CM?+?SP-amended soils. The plant metal contents, fresh weight, and soluble sugar content of plant edible parts were measured on harvest. Soil Cd was extracted by diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and HCl to estimate the mobility of heavy metal. Soil pH and dissolved organic matter (DOM) of rhizosphere soil were determined. The electronegative charges of soils were also measured using the zeta potential.

Results and discussion

The application of CM and increasing soil moisture on SP-amended soil increased plant growth to a greater extent than the application of SP alone. The application of CM along with the increase of soil moisture decreased Cd uptake and translocation in plants grown on SP-amended soil compared to the application of SP alone. Cd content of edible plant parts reached a minimum of 0.24 mg kg^?1 with the application of 2.0% CM on SP-amended soils under water-saturated conditions, which was approximately 50% lower than the Cd concentration found when applying SP alone.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that the application of sepiolite on Cd contaminated soil can effectively reduce Cd uptake by B. campestris L., and the addition of CM combined with effective water management also appears to further reduce Cd absorption and accumulation.

     

Forms and buffering potential of aluminum in tropical and subtropical acid soils cultivated with Pinus taeda L

Purpose

Several interactions between Al and the solid phase of soil influence Al buffering in soil solution. This work evaluated soils cultivated with Pinus taeda L. to determine Al forms in organic and mineral horizons using various extraction methods and to relate acidity with clay mineralogy.

Materials and methods

Organic and mineral horizons of 10 soil profiles (up to 2.1 m deep) in southern Brazil were sampled. Organic horizons were separated into fresh, aged, and fermented/humified litter. The following Al extraction methods were utilized: 0.5 mol L^?1 pH 2.8 CuCl₂–Al complexed in organic matter; 1.0 mol L^?1 KCl–exchangeable Al; water–Al soluble in soil solution; HF concentrated?+?HNO₃ concentrated?+?H₂O₂ 30% (v/v)–total Al. Six sequential extractions were carried out to isolate different forms of amorphous minerals that can buffer Al on soil solution: 0.05 and 0.1 mol L^?1 sodium pyrophosphate; 0.1 and 0.2 mol L^?1 ammonium oxalate; 0.25 and 0.5 mol L^?1 NaOH. Samples of clay were also analyzed by XRD.

Results and discussion

There was a clear effect of litter age on increasing total Al concentration. In the aged litter and fermented and/or humified litter, levels of total Al were 1.4 to 3.8 and 1.5 to 7.8 times greater than in fresh litter, respectively. The CuCl₂ method had higher Al extraction capacity than the KCl method for litter. The lowest Al–pyrophosphate values were observed in the Oxisol, which also had a predominance of gibbsite and the lowest levels of Al–KCl and Al–CuCl₂. There was an inverse relationship between degree of soil weathering and soluble and exchangeable Al in soils. Available Al increased with higher Si proportion in minerals of the clay fraction (2:1?>?1:1?>?0:1).

Conclusions

The worst scenario was soils with the combination of high soluble and exchangeable Al levels and high concentrations of amorphous forms of Al minerals. The best predictors of Al accumulation in the youngest litter horizon were extractions of amorphous minerals with pyrophosphate and NaOH. These extractors are normally used to predict the level of Al buffering in soils. Organic matter had less influence on Al dynamics in soils.

     

Mutual relationships of biochar and soil pH,CEC, and exchangeable base cations in a model laboratory experiment

Purpose

The majority of biochar studies use soils with only a narrow range of properties making generalizations about the effects of biochar on soils difficult. In this study, we aimed to identify soil properties that determine the performance of biochar produced at high temperature (700 °C) on soil pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable base cation (Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Mg²⁺) content across a wide range of soil physicochemical properties.

Materials and methods

Ten distinct soils with varying physicochemical properties were incubated for 12 weeks with four rates of biochar application (0.5, 2, 4, and 8% w/w). Soil pH, CEC, and exchangeable base cations (Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Mg²⁺) were determined on the 7th and 84th day of incubation.

Results and discussion

Our results indicate that the highest biochar application rate (8%) was more effective at altering soil properties than lower biochar rates. Application of 8% biochar increased pH significantly in all incubated soils, with the increment ranging up to 1.17 pH unit. Biochar induced both an increment and a decline in soil CEC ranging up to 35.4 and 7.9%, respectively, at a biochar application rate of 8%. Similarly, biochar induced increments in exchangeable Ca²⁺ up to 38.6% and declines up to 11.4%, at an 8% biochar application rate. The increment in CEC and exchangeable Ca²⁺ content was found in soils with lower starting exchangeable Ca²⁺ contents than the biochar added, while decreases were observed in soils with higher exchangeable Ca²⁺ contents than the biochar. The original pH, CEC, exchangeable Ca²⁺, and texture of the soils represented the most crucial factors for determining the amount of change in soil pH, CEC, and exchangeable Ca²⁺ content.

Conclusions

Our findings clearly demonstrate that application of a uniform biochar to a range of soils under equivalent environmental conditions induced two contradicting effects on soil properties including soil CEC and exchangeable Ca²⁺ content. Therefore, knowledge of both biochar and soil properties will substantially improve prediction of biochar application efficiency to improve soil properties. Among important soil properties, soil exchangeable Ca²⁺ content is the primary factor controlling the direction of biochar-induced change in soil CEC and exchangeable Ca²⁺ content. Generally, biochar can induce changes in soil pH, CEC, and exchangeable Ca²⁺, K⁺, and Mg²⁺ with the effectiveness and magnitude of change closely related to the soil’s original properties.

     

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in floodplain soils of the Mosel and Saar River

Background, Aim and Scope  Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have gained serious attention in the scientific community due to their persistence and toxic potential in the environment. PAHs may pose a risk to ecosystem health. Along the Mosel River/Germany, a tributary of the river Rhine, PAHs were found at significantly high concentrations (> 20 mg kg⁻¹, German national guideline value Z2, LAGA 1998). These high concentrations were detected during the construction of a storm water retention basin, in which the contaminated soils had to be removed and treated as hazardous waste. This resulted in higher construction costs for implementing flood prevention measures, but did not address the origin of these PAHs and its distribution along Mosel River. Hence, for future flood prevention projects, it is necessary to estimate the extent of PAH contamination along the Mosel River. The aim of the study is to determine the extent of PAH contamination in soils collected along Mosel and Saar River, and to obtain a first insight into the origin of the PAH contamination in this region. Materials and Methods  In total twenty seven sample sites were investigated. Forty two single samples were collected along a 167 km distance of Mosel River and six samples were collected along a 20 km distance of Saar River. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0 to 2 m with a stainless steel corer (▫ 8 cm). Each 2 m sample was further separated into two sub-samples (0–1 m and 1–2 m). The sixteen EPA PAHs and three additional PAHs (1methylnaphthalene, 2methylnaphthalene and perylene) were analysed with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For soil characterisation, total organic carbon (TOC), grain size, microscope and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were performed. Results  Grain size for all soil samples was classified as a mixture of sand and silt. XRD analysis showed that all samples were dominated by quartz. Some clay minerals, such as illite and montmorillonite and feldspars, i.e. anorthoclase and orthoclase, were found in minor quantities. TOC ranged from 0.1% to 13%. Microscope analysis showed black coal particles in the majority of the soils collected from the Saar River and part of the Mosel River (downstream of the confluence of Saar and Mosel River). The black particles were not found further upstream along Mosel River. The sum of nineteen PAHs in the soil samples was up to 81 mg kg⁻¹ dry weight (dw). Most soil samples showed a relationship between the presence of coal particles and PAH concentrations. Discussion  Elevated PAH concentrations were found in all soil samples collected from Saar River and downstream Mosel River. Due to former coal mining activities in the Saarland, Germany, there is a strong evidence that the majority of the PAH contamination in the soils downstream Mosel River are linked to these mining activities. Upstream Mosel River coal particles were hardly found although PAH concentrations were high. Therefore another PAH source has to be responsible for these concentrations. PAH distribution patterns indicate a pyrogenic PAH input upstream Mosel River and a mixed input (petrogenic and pyrogenic) downstream Mosel River. Conclusions  Due to PAH distribution patterns, the contamination along the upstream of the Mosel River is probably linked to atmospheric depositions and other sources not linked to coal mining activities. Downstream Mosel River the PAH distribution patterns reflect former coal mining activities. We could corroborate for the first time that coal mining resulted in a serious problem of an extensive PAH contamination at Saar and Mosel River floodplain soils. Recommendations and Perspectives  Coal mining activities have a strong impact on the neighbouring regions (Johnson and Bustin 2006, Short et al. 1999, Stout et al. 2002). It is known that coals exhibit relative high PAH concentrations, especially in the low molecular weight PAHs (Chapman et al. 1996, Radke et al. 1990). However, PAHs in coals are hardly bioavailable (Chapman et al. 1996) and hence may have less adverse effects on exposed biota. They can act as sink for other hydrophobic contaminants. For the assessment of the environmental impact, a detailed study of the sorption and desorption behaviour of PAHs linked to coal particles should be carried out. ESS-Submission Editor: Dr. Ralph Portier (rportie@lsu.edu)     

Biochar reduced soil extractable Cd but increased its accumulation in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivated on contaminated soils

Purpose

This study focused on the effects and mechanisms of biochar amendment to Cd-contaminated soil on the uptake and translocation of Cd by rice under flooding conditions.

Materials and methods

Pot and batch experiments were conducted using Cd-contaminated soil collected from a field near an ore mining area and a cultivar of Oryza sativa ssp. indica. Biochar derived from rice straw under anaerobic conditions at 500 °C for 2 h was mixed with the soil at the rate of 0, 2.5, and 5%.

Results and discussion

The application of 5% biochar reduced CaCl₂-extractable soil Cd by 34% but increased Cd concentration in brown rice by 451%. Biochar amendment decreased water-soluble Fe²⁺ in soils and formation of Fe plaques on roots and weakened the Fe²⁺-Cd²⁺ competition at adsorption sites on the root surface. Biochar increased water-soluble Cd in the soil and consequently Cd uptake by rice roots by releasing water-soluble Cl^?. Biochar application also reduced the proportion of cell wall-bound Cd in the root, which caused easier Cd translocation from the cortex to the stele in the root and up to the shoot.

Conclusions

Rice straw biochar (with high concentration of water-soluble Cl^?) reduced CaCl₂-extractable soil Cd but increased Cd concentration in rice under flooding condition.

     

Effects of biochar application in forest ecosystems on soil properties and greenhouse gas emissions: a review

Purpose

Forests play a critical role in terrestrial ecosystem carbon cycling and the mitigation of global climate change. Intensive forest management and global climate change have had negative impacts on the quality of forest soils via soil acidification, reduction of soil organic carbon content, deterioration of soil biological properties, and reduction of soil biodiversity. The role of biochar in improving soil properties and the mitigation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been extensively documented in agricultural soils, while the effect of biochar application on forest soils remains poorly understood. Here, we review and summarize the available literature on the effects of biochar on soil properties and GHG emissions in forest soils.

Materials and methods

This review focuses on (1) the effect of biochar application on soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties in forest ecosystems; (2) the effect of biochar application on soil GHG emissions in forest ecosystems; and (3) knowledge gaps concerning the effect of biochar application on biogeochemical and ecological processes in forest soils.

Results and discussion

Biochar application to forests generally increases soil porosity, soil moisture retention, and aggregate stability while reducing soil bulk density. In addition, it typically enhances soil chemical properties including pH, organic carbon stock, cation exchange capacity, and the concentration of available phosphorous and potassium. Further, biochar application alters microbial community structure in forest soils, while the increase of soil microbial biomass is only a short-term effect of biochar application. Biochar effects on GHG emissions have been shown to be variable as reflected in significantly decreasing soil N₂O emissions, increasing soil CH₄ uptake, and complex (negative, positive, or negligible) changes of soil CO₂ emissions. Moreover, all of the aforementioned effects are biochar-, soil-, and plant-specific.

Conclusions

The application of biochars to forest soils generally results in the improvement of soil physical, chemical, and microbial properties while also mitigating soil GHG emissions. Therefore, we propose that the application of biochar in forest soils has considerable advantages, and this is especially true for plantation soils with low fertility.

     

Potentially hazardous element accumulation in rice tissues and their availability in soil systems after biochar amendments

Purpose

Biochar has shown to be a great product to control the bioavailability of potentially hazardous elements (PHE) in contaminated soils. Despite the advantages associated with the application of biochar in agricultural soils, relatively few studies have focused on the effects of biochar amendments on soil chemical properties, accumulation of arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and lead in rice tissues, and their availability in soil systems.

Materials and methods

The field experiment was conducted at the paddy soils in Hunan Province, China. The soil texture was sandy clay loam. Wheat-derived biochar was applied once to the experimental plots at the rates of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t ha^?1, and referenced as A0, A10, A20, A30, and A40, respectively. For PHE determination, soil samples and plant samples were digested with a mixed solution of HCl:HNO₃ (4:1, V:V) and HCl:HClO₄ (4:1, V:V), respectively, and the arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and lead in the digest solution were measured by ICP-MS (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). The soil available fraction of PHE (arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and lead) was extracted by diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) and measured by inductively ICP-MS.

Results and discussion

Biochar amendment increased chemical properties of soil organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, nitrate nitrogen, and available phosphorus. Soil DTPA extractable arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and lead concentrations were significantly reduced. Arsenic, cadmium, zinc, and lead in rice shoots, and arsenic, cadmium, and zinc in roots significantly decreased after amendment. Concentrations in rice tissues positively and negatively correlated with the soil available fraction of PHE and soil chemical properties, respectively. Soil electrical conductivity negatively correlated with the soil available fraction of PHE. Concentrations of arsenic, zinc, cadmium, and lead in rice roots declined relative to increases of cation exchange capacity (arsenic, zinc), available phosphorus (cadmium), and nitric nitrogen (lead) content. Similar relationships were observed between cation exchange capacity and PHE in shoots.

Conclusions

Biochar creates avoidance of PHE through regulating chemical properties through biochar sorption capacity. Cation exchange capacity, available phosphorus, and nitric nitrogen were the principle factors affecting roots uptake of arsenic, zinc, cadmium, and lead. Biochar soluble salts could decline availability of metals/metalloids in soils through precipitation. Wheat-derived biochar application is an alternative safe product to immobilize PHE in rice paddy soils by restricting the risk of PHE.

     

Earthworm avoidance of biochar can be mitigated by wetting

Biochar has a great potential for enhancing soil fertility and carbon sequestration while enabling beneficial waste disposition. Because of the potential for widespread application, it is essential to proactively assess and mitigate any unintended consequences associated with soil biochar amendment. We conducted soil avoidance tests, growth and reproduction tests, and oxidative stress assays with the earthworm Eisenia foetida to assess the potential toxicity of soil amended with biochar produced from apple wood chips. Earthworms avoided soils containing 100 and 200 g/kg dry biochar at statistically significant levels (p < 0.05), and after 28-day incubation, these earthworms lost more weight than those in control (unamended) soil. However, biochar did not affect the reproduction of earthworms. We investigated whether the observed avoidance was due to nutrition deficiency, desiccation, or the presence of toxic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formed during biochar production by pyrolysis. Nutrition deficiency was excluded by the lack of earthworm avoidance to soil amended with nutrient-deficient sand instead of biochar. Although traces of PAH were detected in the tested biochar (e.g., 25.9 μg/kg fluorene, 3290 μg/kg naphthalene, and 102 μg/kg phenanthrene), the lack of lipid peroxidation and no increase in superoxide dismutase activity in biochar-exposed earthworms suggests that presence of toxic compounds was not a likely reason for avoidance. Furthermore, wetting the biochar to its field capacity resulted in statistically undetectable avoidance relative to control soil, indicating that insufficient moisture could be a key factor affecting earthworm behavior in soil amended with dry biochar. To avoid desiccation of invertebrates and enable their beneficial ecosystem services, we recommend wetting biochar either before or immediately after soil application.