Mobility, bioavailability, and toxic effects of cadmium in soil samples

Manganese (II) sulfate affects the formation of iron-manganese oxides in soil and the uptake of cadmium and arsenic by rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) consumption represents a major route of human exposure to cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As), especially in Asia. This study investigated the effects of adding MnSO4 (0, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg-1-1) on the formation of soil Fe/Mn oxides and Cd and As uptake in rice. The application of MnSO4 reduced soil pH, increased Eh, increased the contents of Fe/Mn oxides in the soil, and decreased the total Fe and Mn2+ contents in the porewater. It also led to lower contents of available Cd and As, higher levels of Cd and As bound to Fe/Mn oxides, and higher abundances of Thiobacillus and Syntrophobacter. Furthermore, Mn application increased the Fe and Mn contents in the root Fe/Mn plaque and decreased the grain Cd and As contents. Therefore, Mn application may modify the microbial community and porewater composition in soil, resulting in higher levels of Fe/Mn oxides in soil and Fe/Mn plaque at the root surface and in a lower accumulation of Cd and As in rice grains. Thus, Mn application can be a promising strategy for Cd and As stabilization in soils.

The role of phosphorus speciation of biochar in reducing available Cd and phytoavailability in mining area soil: Effect and mechanism

The effect of phosphorus (P) speciation in biochar on soil available Cd and its mechanism to alleviate plant Cd stress remain largely unknown. Here, ammonium polyphosphate (PABC)-, phosphoric acid (PHBC)-, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (PKBC)-, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (PNBC)-modified biochar were used to investigate P speciation. The Cd immobilization mechanism of biochar was analyzed by XPS and ³¹P NMR, and the soil quality and the mechanism for the biochar to alleviate Cd stress were also determined. The results demonstrated that PBC (pristine biochar), PABC, PHBC, PKBC, and PNBC reduced the content of soil DTPA-Cd by 14.96 % - 32.19 %, 40.44 % - 47.26 %, 17.52 % - 41.78 %, and 21.90 % - 36.64 %, respectively. The XPS and ³¹P NMR results demonstrated that the orthophosphate on the surface of PABC, PHBC, PKBC, and PNBC accounted for 82.06 %, 62.77 %, 33.1 %, and 54.46 %, respectively, indicating that PABC has the highest passivation efficiency on soil Cd, which was ascribed to the highest orthophosphate content on the biochar surface. Pot experiments revealed that PABC could reduce the Cd content by 4.18, 4.41, 4.43, 2.94, and 2.57 folds in roots, stems, leaves, pods, and grains, respectively, and at the same time increase the dry and fresh weight of soybean and decrease Cd toxicity to soybean by improving the antioxidant system. In addition, application of the P-modified biochars improved the enzyme activity and physicochemical properties of the soil. This study provides a new perspective for studying the effect of P-modified biochars on soil Cd immobilization.

Effects of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles and biochar on plant growth and fruit quality of muskmelon under cadmium stress

Cadmium pollution in farmland has become a global environmental problem, threatening ecological security and human health. Biochar is effective in remediation of soil pollution. However, high concentrations of biochar can inhibit plant growth, and low concentrations of biochar have limited mitigation effect on cadmium toxicity. Therefore, the combination of low-concentration biochar and other amendments is a promising approach to alleviate cadmium toxicity in plants and improve the safety of edible parts. In this study, muskmelon was selected as the research object, and different concentrations of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were used alone or combined with biochar to explore the effects of different treatments on muskmelon plants in cadmium-contaminated soil. The results showed that the combined application of 250 mg/kg α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and biochar had a good effect on the repair of cadmium toxicity in muskmelon plants. Compared with cadmium treatment, its application increased plant height by 32.53%, cadmium transport factor from root to stem decreased by 32.95%, chlorophyll content of muskmelon plants increased by 14.27%, and cadmium content in muskmelon flesh decreased by 18.83%. Moreover, after plant harvest, soil available cadmium content in 250 mg/kg α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles and biochar combined treatment decreased by 31.18% compared with cadmium treatment. The results of this study provide an effective reference for the composite application of different exogenous amendments and a feasible idea for soil heavy metal remediation and mitigation of cadmium pollution in farmland.

The effect of polystyrene microplastic and biosolid application on the toxicity and bioaccumulation of cadmium for Enchytraeus crypticus

Plastics smaller than 5 mm that end up in a soil environment are known as microplastics (MPs). Microplastics have become a common contaminant in agricultural areas in addition to metals. However, the effect of cadmium (Cd) on soil organisms has not been clearly defined in the presence of MPs. In addition to MPs, biosolid application as a soil amendment in agricultural lands is also leading to shifts in soil conditions, such as the concentrations of nutrients and organic matter. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the toxicity and bioaccumulation of Cd for Enchytraeus crypticus in the presence of polystyrene (PS)-MPs and biosolids to provide insight into their possible interactions. The lethal toxic concentration (LC50) for Cd was higher than 650 mg Cd/kg dry soil for all conditions. The presence of PS-MPs increased the toxicity of Cd for which EC50 was 102 and 38 mg Cd/kg dry soil without and with Cd, respectively, which may be the result of an increased exposure rate through adsorption of Cd on PS-MPs. On the contrary, the presence of biosolids decreased the toxicity of Cd where EC50 was 193 and 473 mg Cd/kg dry soil for the sets applied with 0.6 and 0.9 g biosolids, respectively. Coexistence of biosolids and PS-MPs decreased the reproduction toxicity of Cd, which is similar to the biosolid effect (EC50 is 305 mg Cd/kg dry soil). Bioaccumulation of Cd only positively correlated with its initial concentration in soil and was not affected by the presence of PS-MPs or biosolids. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:489-500. © 2022 SETAC.

Fast and easily obtained information about mobilizable metals from sediment samples. Extraction assisted by benzothiophene-based ionic liquids

A fast and easy method for trace metal extraction on sediments was developed in our laboratories. Three new stable S-metylbenzothiophenium salts were employed along with microwaves to modify the BCR protocol to obtain the concentration of metals of the first two fractions in only one step. The optimum conditions were obtained with 0.125 g of sediment irradiated at 250 W for 30 s at 120 °C, in 5 ml of an aqueous mixture of 10 mM of 1,2-dimethylbenzothiophenium tetrafluoroborate and 0.5 M of hydroxylamine chlorhydrate at pH 2. The method validation was carried out employing BCR 701. The extracted metals were determined by ICP OES. A student's paired t-test was applied with the reference method, giving satisfactory results.

Phosphate and methionine affect cadmium uptake in valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.)

This study investigated the effects of exogenous methionine (Met) and different phosphate (PO₄) concentrations on Cd uptake and translocation in Valeriana officinalis L. Seedlings were grown in nutrient solutions with three different concentrations of phosphate (900, 1200, and 1500 μM) for two weeks, then exposed for 4 days to 10 μM Cd, either in presence or absence of 400 μM methionine. The Met treatment decreased root Cd accumulation by up to 40%, while it enhanced Cd uptake into the shoots by 50%. In absence of Met, shoot Cd uptake was not affected by the level of phosphate application, although root Cd contents increased. The latter effect was entirely due to increased apoplastic Cd binding. In presence of Met, the Cd accumulation of both plant parts showed trends to increase with increasing phosphate level. In contrast to the treatments without Met, however, the phosphate effect on root Cd was due to increased symplastic root Cd allocation. The results suggest that the effects of Met on Cd uptake were due to the formation of mobile Cd-Met complexes, reducing phosphate-promoted Cd-retention in the apoplast and enhancing Cd transfer into the root symplast. Irrespective of the treatment, shoot Cd accumulation showed a close linear relationship to shoot mass, suggesting that convective transport with the transpirational water stream was the rate-governing uptake process. The results indicate that methionine supplementation could reduce Cd accumulation in valerian roots, which are the parts of this plant harvested for medicinal purposes, in Cd-contaminated soil, while phosphate would enhance it.

Intrinsic soil property effects on Cd phytotoxicity to Ligustrum japonicum 'Howardii' expressed as different fractions of Cd in forest soils

A better comprehensive understanding of the influence of soil/solution properties on cadmium (Cd) phytotoxicity is essential for soil Cd ecological risk assessment. The toxicity of soil spiked Cd to Ligustrum japonicum 'Howardii' seedling growth was conducted by the greenhouse pot experiments using 13 typical forest soils selected from mainland of China. The results showed that the ranges of Cd toxicity thresholds of 10% seedling growth inhibition (EC₁₀) and 50% inhibition (EC₅₀) followed the order: soil pore water Cd (EC₁₀ on average 0.88 mg L^-1 with the variation of 54.9 folds and EC₅₀ on average 2.28 mg L^-1 with variation of 41.8 folds), DTPA extractable Cd (EC₁₀ on average 5.4 mg kg^-1 with 20.9 folds variation and EC₅₀ on average 17.86 mg kg^-1 with 6.6 folds variation), total added Cd (EC₁₀ on average 6.55 mg kg^-1 with 16.7 folds variation and EC₅₀ on average 22.11 mg kg^-1 with 5.1 folds variation), which suggested that whatever the available Cd expressed, its toxicity is largely affected by soil properties. The empirical multiple equations were well developed between different fractions of Cd toxicity thresholds ECx (x = 10 or 50) and soil/solution. The results also showed that the pH inversely correlated with EC₁₀ (r² = 0.54, P < 0.01) and EC₅₀ (r² = 0.63, P < 0.001) based on soil pore water, indicating the ECx decreased with more toxicity as pH increased. No single significant soil solution properties were found for ECx in DTPA extractable Cd. For the ECx of DTPA extractable and total Cd, the content of aluminum oxides in soil and soil pH were the two significant factors inversely related with ECx, which explained 68%-79% of the inter-soil variation, respectively. Overall, soil or solution pH was the most important factor controlling Cd toxicity thresholds. Meanwhile, significant negative correlations existed between the soil solution pH and the slopes of parameter (b) of the dose-response curves for different fractions of Cd, implying that the growth of toxic effect enhanced as unit Cd dosage increased in low pH soils. These results will be helpful to evaluate the metal ecological risk in forest soils.

Absorption and interaction mechanisms of uranium & cadmium in purple sweet potato(Ipomoea batatas L.)

The purpose of this study was to reveal the absorption and interaction mechanisms of uranium (U) & cadmium (Cd) in corps. Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) was selected as the experimental material. The absorption behavior of U and Cd in this crop and the effects on mineral nutrition were analyzed in a pot experiment. The interactions between U and Cd in purple sweet potato were analyzed using UPLC-MS metabolome analysis. The pot experiment confirmed that the root tuber of the purple sweet potato had accumulated U (1.68-5.16 mg kg^-1) and Cd (0.78-2.02 mg kg^-1) and would pose a health risk if consumed. Both U and Cd significantly interfered with the mineral nutrient of the roots. Metabolomics revealed that a total of 4865 metabolites were identified in roots. 643 (419 up; 224 down), 526 (332 up; 194 down) and 634 (428 up; 214 down) different metabolites (DEMs) were identified in the U, Cd, and U + Cd exposure groups. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that U and Cd induced the expression of plant hormones (the first messengers) and cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP, second messengers) in cells and regulated the primary/secondary metabolism of roots to induce resistance to U and Cd toxicity.

Operationally defined mercury (Hg) species can delineate Hg bioaccumulation in mangrove sediment systems: A case study

This study investigated the linkage between mercury (Hg) speciation in the surficial sediments from a mangrove ecosystem of the Zuari Estuary, west coast of India, with Hg bioaccumulation in gastropods collected from the same area. Multiple operationally defined protocols and methods were used for determination of Hg speciation study in the mangrove sediments. Moderately low concentrations of Hg were observed in the sediments, ranging from 37.3 ± 1.9 to 79.6 ± 4.0 µg/kg. Geochemical fractionation showed that a significant part of sedimentary Hg was present within the structure of the sediment (residual fraction) and not bioavailable. Non-residual Hg was primarily associated with oxidizable (sedimentary organic matter (SOM) or sulfide) binding phase of the sediments, and ranged from 9.2 ± 0.3 to 78.5 ± 3.9 µg/kg. Concentration of methylmercury (MeHg) (a neurotoxin) in the sediments varied from 1.7 ± 0.1 to 4.4 ± 0.1 µg/kg. l-Cysteine, a suitable complexing ligand, extractable Hg concentration in the sediments ranged from 4.3 ± 0.1 to 15.9 ± 0.3 µg/kg. Statistical analysis suggested that MeHg was adsorbed on Fe/Mn oxyhydroxide phases in the sediments. l-Cysteine was found to extract sedimentary MeHg and thermodynamically less stable Hg-SOM complexes from the sediments. Concentrations of bioaccumulated Hg in soft tissues of the gastropod, Pirenella cingulata, ranged from 57.6 ± 4.4 to 224.4 ± 7.2 µg/kg. Positive correlations existed between the concentration of bioaccumulated Hg in the gastropods and the concentrations of Hg associated with the oxidizable phase, sedimentary MeHg and l-Cysteine extracted Hg in the sediments. This study indicated that operationally defined Hg species can be useful in estimating bioavailable Hg to obligatory deposit feeder in tropical mangrove systems.

Rigorous Physicochemical Framework for Metal Ion Binding by Aqueous Nanoparticulate Humic Substances: Implications for Speciation Modeling by the NICA-Donnan and WHAM Codes

Latest knowledge on the reactivity of charged nanoparticulate complexants toward aqueous metal ions is discussed in mechanistic detail. We present a rigorous generic description of electrostatic and chemical contributions to metal ion binding by nanoparticulate complexants, and their dependence on particle size, particle type (i.e., reactive sites distributed within the particle body or confined to the surface), ionic strength of the aqueous medium, and the nature of the metal ion. For the example case of soft environmental particles such as fulvic and humic acids, practical strategies are delineated for determining intraparticulate metal ion speciation, and for evaluating intrinsic chemical binding affinities and heterogeneity. The results are compared with those obtained by popular codes for equilibrium speciation modeling (namely NICA-Donnan and WHAM). Physicochemical analysis of the discrepancies generated by these codes reveals the a priori hypotheses adopted therein and the inappropriateness of some of their key parameters. The significance of the characteristic time scales governing the formation and dissociation rates of metal-nanoparticle complexes in defining the relaxation properties and the complete equilibration of the metal-nanoparticulate complex dispersion is described. The dynamic features of nanoparticulate complexes are also discussed in the context of predictions of the labilities and bioavailabilities of the metal species.

Vermicompost addition influences symbiotic fungi communities associated with leek cultivated in metal-rich soils

In the context of urban agriculture, where soils are frequently contaminated with metal(loid)s (TM), we studied the influence of vermicompost amendments on symbiotic fungal communities associated with plants grown in two metal-rich soils. Leek (Allium porrum L.) plants were grown with or without vermicompost in two metal-rich soils characterized by either geogenic or anthropogenic TM sources, to assess the influence of pollutant origin on soil-plant transfer. Fungal communities associated with the leek roots were identified by high throughput Illumina MiSeq and TM contents were measured using mass spectrometry. Vermicompost addition led to a dramatic change in the fungal community with a loss of diversity in the two tested soils. This effect could partially explain the changes in metal transfer at the soil-AMF-plant interface. Our results suggest being careful while using composts when growing edibles in contaminated soils. More generally, this study highlights the need for further research in the field of fungal communities to refine practical recommendations to gardeners. Graphical abstract.

The Use of Bioassays for the Risk Assessment of Toxic Leachates: An Experimental Study

Solid wastes from the oil-shale industry produce leachates containing toxic compounds such as heavy metals and persistent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). The hazard to the environment represented by waste leachates depends not only on their chemical composition, but also on the mobility and bioavailability of toxic contaminants in soils. We evaluated the applicability of bioassays for toxicity assessment of the bioavailable fraction of heavy metals and PAH in soils, in experiments with samples of four different soil types (Rendzina, Brown pseudopodzolic, Typical brown, Sodpodzolic), the pH of which ranged from 6.2 to 7.2. The toxicity of the bioavailable fraction of the soil contaminants was assessed with the dehydrogenase enzyme activity assay, and with a Toxkit microbiotest with the crustacean, Thamnocephalus platyurus, after treatment of the soil samples with an artificial solution containing chromium (III), lead (II), copper (II), cadmium (II) and pyrene. The test results confirm those of earlier experiments, which characterised the sorption potential of investigated soils for the same compounds. Both tests turned out to be sufficiently sensitive, and hence can be recommended as effective and useful tools for the assessment of the bioavailable fraction of soil contaminants.

Effects of Pretreatment Methods of Wheat Straw on Adsorption of Cd(II) from Waterlogged Paddy Soil

Two types of pretreatment categories, namely microwave-assisted alkalization and microwave-assisted acid oxidation, were used to synthesize novel wheat straw adsorbents for the effective removal of Cd(II) in simulated waterlogged paddy soil. A systematic adsorption behavior study, including adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms was conducted. Results showed that wheat straw pretreated by microwave-assisted soaking of NaOH and ethanol solution obtained the highest Cd(II) removal efficiency of 96.4% at a reaction temperature of 25 ℃, pH of 7.0, initial Cd(II) concentration of 50 mg/L, and adsorbent/adsorbate ratio of 10 g/L. Sequential extraction experiment was carried out to analyze the changes of different of Cd(II) in soil, the aim of which was to study the mobility of Cd(II) and then evaluate the toxicity that Cd(II) might bring to plants. A 60-day incubation was performed to investigate the dynamic variations of soil pH and dissolved organic carbon content over incubation time. Characterization analyses revealed the morphological changes of wheat straw adsorbents, which suggested that those pretreatment methods were of significance. This study provided an environmentally friendly way to reuse agricultural wastes and remedy Cd(II) contaminated soil.

Insights into mixed contaminants interactions and its implication for heavy metals and metalloids mobility, bioavailability and risk assessment

Mobility of heavy metals at contaminated sites is mainly influenced by the soil physicochemical properties and environmental conditions, therefore assessing heavy metals (HMs) and metalloids fractionation can provide insights into their potential risk and the mechanisms that regulate bioavailability. A 12-months mesocosms experiment was setup to investigate the effect of physicochemical factors (pH, moisture, and temperature) and weathering (time) on HMs and metalloids fractionation in three different multi-contaminated soil matrices (low, medium, and high contamination) collected from a soil treatment facility located in the United Kingdom, and two rural contaminated soil samples. The study demonstrates that even though Pb and Zn were found associated with the exchangeable fraction in the soil with the highest contamination (total average Pb 3400 mg/kg, and total average Zn 2100 mg/kg in Soil C), neither the condition applied nor the weathering caused an increase in their mobility. Although it was expected that lower pH (4.5) would favours the dissociation of HMs and metalloids, no significant differences were observed, potentially due to the initial alkaline pH of the genuine-contaminated soil samples. The results show that even though total concentration of Pb, Cu, and Zn exceed the soil standards and guideline values, HMs were predominantly associated with the non-exchangeable fraction, while only 5% were dissolved in the pore water fraction (potentially bioavailable). In addition, the mobility and bioavailability of HMs remained constant over the 12 months monitoring, suggesting that these soils pose negligible risk to the environment.

Enhanced cadmium phytoremediation of Glycine max L. through bioaugmentation of cadmium-resistant bacteria assisted by biostimulation

This study examined the potential of three strains of cadmium-resistant bacteria, including Micrococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Arthrobacter sp., to promote root elongation of Glycine max L. seedlings, soil cadmium solubility and cadmium phytoremediation in G. max L. planted in soil highly polluted with cadmium with and without nutrient biostimulation. Micrococcus sp. promoted root length in G. max L. seedlings under toxic cadmium conditions. Soil inoculation with Arthrobacter sp. increased the bioavailable fraction of soil cadmium, particularly in soil amended with a C:N ratio of 20:1. Pot culture experiments observed that the highest plant growth was in Micrococcus sp.-inoculated plants with nutrient biostimulation. Cadmium accumulation in the roots, stems and leaves of G. max L. was significantly enhanced by Arthrobacter sp. with nutrient biostimulation. A combined use of G. max L. and Arthrobacter sp. with nutrient biostimulation accelerated cadmium phytoremediation. In addition, cadmium was retained in roots more than in stems and leaves and G. max L. had the lowest translocation factor at all growth stages, suggesting that G. max L. is a phytostabilizing plant. We concluded that biostimulation-assisted bioaugmentation is an important strategy for improving cadmium phytoremediation efficiency.

Aseptic hydroponics to assess rhamnolipid-Cd and rhamnolipid-Zn bioavailability for sunflower (Helianthus annuus): a phytoextraction mechanism study

The availability of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) to sunflower (Helianthus annuus) was investigated in rhamnolipid- and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-buffered solutions in order to evaluate the influence of aqueous speciation of the metals on their uptake by the plant, in relation to predictions of uptake by the free ion activity model (FIAM). Free metal ion activity was estimated using the chemical equilibrium program MINTEQ or measured by Donnan dialysis. The uptake of Cd followed the FIAM for the EDTA-buffered solution at EDTA concentrations below 0.4 μM; for the rhamnolipid-buffered solution, the uptake of both metals in roots was not markedly affected by increasing rhamnolipid concentrations in solution. This suggests rhamnolipid enhanced metal accumulation in plant roots (per unit free metal in solution) possibly through formation and uptake of lipophilic complexes. The addition of normal Ca concentrations (low millimetre range) to the rhamnolipid uptake solutions reduced Cd accumulation in shoots by inhibiting Cd translocation, whereas it significantly increased Zn accumulation in shoots. This study confirms that although rhamnolipid could enhance accumulation of Cd in plants roots at low Ca supply, it is not suitable for Cd phytoextraction in contaminated soil environments where Ca concentrations in soil solution are orders of magnitude greater than those of Cd.

Metals in agricultural produce associated with acid-mine drainage in Mount Morgan (Queensland, Australia)

Acid-mine drainage (AMD) into the Dee River from the historic gold and copper mine in Mount Morgan, Queensland (Australia) has been of concern to farmers in the area since 1925. This study sought to determine the levels of AMD-related metals and sulfur in agricultural produce grown near the mine-impacted Dee River, compare these with similar produce grown in reference fields (which had no known AMD influence), and assess any potential health risk using relevant Australian or US guidelines. Analyses of lucerne (Medicago sativa; also known as alfalfa) from five Dee fields showed the following average concentrations (mg/kg dry basis): Cd < 1, Cu 11, Fe 106, Mn 52, Pb < 5, Zn 25 and S 3934; similar levels were found in lucerne hay (used as cattle feed) from two Dee fields. All lucerne and lucerne hay data were generally comparable with levels found in the lucerne reference fields, suggesting no AMD influence; the levels were within the US National Research Council (US NRC) guidelines for maximum tolerable cattle dietary intake. Pasture grass (also cattle feed) from two fields in the Dee River floodplains gave mean concentrations (mg/kg dry) of Cd 0.14, Cu 12, Fe 313, Mn 111, Pb 1.4, Zn 86 and S 2450. All metal levels from the Dee and from reference sites were below the US NRC guidelines for maximum tolerable cattle dietary intake; however, the average Cd, Cu and Fe levels in Dee samples were significantly greater than the corresponding levels in the pasture grass reference sites, suggesting AMD influence in the Dee samples. The average levels in the edible portions of mandarin oranges (Citrus reticulata) from Dee sites (mg/kg wet weight) were Cd 0.011, Cu 0.59, Fe 2.2, Mn 0.56, Pb 0.18, S 91 and Zn 0.96. Cd and Zn were less than or close to, average Fe and Mn levels were at most twice, Cd 1.8 or 6.5 times, and Pb 8.5 or 72 times the maximum levels in raw oranges reported in the US total diet study (TDS) or the Australian TDS, respectively. Average Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn levels in the citrus reference samples were found to exceed the maximum reported in one or both TDS surveys. Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn plant-soil transfer factor (TF) values were < 1 for all agricultural samples from both Dee and reference sites, suggesting relatively poor transfer of these metals from soil to plant. In the case of Cd, TF values for Dee pasture grass and citrus fruit samples were 0.14 and 0.73, respectively; lucerne and lucerne hay from both Dee and reference sites gave TF = 10, suggesting some potential risk to cattle, although this conclusion is tentative because Cd levels were close to or less than the detection limit. TF values for S in lucerne, lucerne hay, pasture grass and mandarin oranges from Dee sites were 18, 14, 3 and 3.6, respectively, indicating that S in soil was readily available to plant or fruit. Sulfur in pasture grass and citrus fruit (TF = 11 for both) was apparently more bioavailable at the reference sites than at the Dee sites (TF = 3.0 for pasture grass; TF = 3.6 for citrus fruit).

Bioavailability and mobility of organic contaminants in soil: new three-step ecotoxicological evaluation

A novel approach was developed for rapid assessment of bioavailability and potential mobility of contaminants in soil. The response of the same test organism to the organic extract, water extract and solid phase of soil was recorded and compared. This approach was designed to give an initial estimate of the total organic toxicity (response to organic extractable fraction), as well as the mobile (response to water extract) and bioavailable fraction (response to solid phase) of soil samples. Eighteen soil samples with different levels of pollution and content of organic carbon were selected to validate the novel three-step ecotoxicological evaluation approach. All samples were chemically analysed for priority contaminants, including aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlordiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). The ecotoxicological evaluation involved determination of toxicity of the organic, mobile and bioavailable fractions of soil to the test organism, bacterium Bacillus cereus. We found a good correlation between the chemical analysis and the toxicity of organic extract. The low toxicity of water extracts indicated low water solubility, and thus, low potential mobility of toxic contaminants present in the soil samples. The toxicity of the bioavailable fraction was significantly greater than the toxicity of water-soluble (mobile) fraction of the contaminants as deduced from comparing untreated samples and water extracts. The bioavailability of the contaminants decreased with increasing concentrations of organic carbon in evaluated soil samples. In conclusion, the three-step ecotoxicological evaluation utilised in this study can give a quick insight into soil contamination in context with bioavailability and mobility of the contaminants present. This information can be useful for hazard identification and risk assessment of soil-associated contaminants. Graphical Abstract New three-step ecotoxicological evaluation by using the same organism.

Development of a sediment-contact test with rice for the assessment of sediment-bound pollutants

Despite the key role of higher plants in aquatic ecosystems as functional and structural elements, sediment-contact tests with macrophytes are still scarce. Moreover, due to large differences in exposure routes for pollutants as well as in life cycles between the diverse taxa of macrophytes, sensitivities to pollutants vary between taxa. Therefore, the development of new test systems with aquatic macrophytes, in general, is favorable. This study proposes a protocol for a sediment-contact test with Oryza sativa and addresses the main question whether the rice plant is a suitable test organism for sediment toxicity testing with higher plants. As a first evaluation step, the variability and sensitivity of the test was investigated using spiked artificial sediments. Thus, according to the protocol, rice was exposed to arsenic-, cadmium-, chromium-, and nickel-spiked sediments. Additionally, it was investigated which classical endpoints for plant bioassays, such as root and shoot elongation, are suitable for this bioassay. As a second evaluation step, the test system was used for assessment of natural sediments. Thereupon, a sensitivity profile of the presented test protocol was analyzed in comparison to other plant-based test systems. Inhibition of root and shoot elongation turned out to be the most sensitive endpoints for single-substance testing in spiked artificial sediments. However, regarding testing of natural sediments, rice shoots responded more sensitive than rice roots. In conclusion, the rice plant clearly showed pollutant-induced effects on growth in sediments, and thus, it is likely a promising test organism to complement sediment-contact tests with higher plants.

Release of mobile forms of hazardous elements from glassworks fly ash into soils

The release of hazardous elements from the wastes of high-temperature processes represents a risk to the environment. We focused on the alteration of fly ash (FA) from glassworks collected from an electrostatic filter. FA contains elevated concentrations of Zn and Ba, among other elements. Overtime, small amounts of FA have been emitted from the factory and settled into the surrounding environment (soil). In order to assess the possible risks to the environment, samples of FA were placed in small nylon bags and deposited in 11 different soil horizons (containing diverse vegetation cover such as spruce and beech and also unforested areas). Samples of the FA in bags were exposed in the soils for 1 year. Then, the bags were collected, and the exposed soils in the direct vicinity of the FA bags were sampled. The total concentrations of Zn and Ba in the FA, as well as in the soil samples (original and exposed), were determined by ICP MS. The "mobile fraction" was determined as the exchangeable (acid extractable) fraction of the modified BCR sequential extraction procedure (SEP). The SEP results indicate that Zn and Ba may pose a potential environmental risk. Their concentrations in the first, most mobile, and bioavailable fraction increased in all the exposed soils. The most significant increases were observed in the upper soil horizons (litter and A horizon). The risk to the environment was evaluated on the basis of the Risk Assessment Code.

Potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid in the sediments of Wuyuer River basin, Heilongjiang Province, China

The spatial distribution, sources, and potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid were evaluated in sediments of the Wuyuer River and its tributaries. Metal and metalloid concentrations and chemical speciation (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, As, Zn and Hg) in 187 surface sediment samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Metals and metalloid in the sediments of the Wuyuer River were greater than the background values of the Songnen Plain, and mean heavy metal concentrations were greater in downstream segments of the river than in upstream segments. Speciation results indicated that Cd was chemically mobile and Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were potentially bioavailable. Mercury and As existed mainly in the residual fraction. Hakanson's potential risk index indicated that the total potential ecological risk of these elements was moderate in the Wuyuer River. Among the selected metals and metalloid, Hg and Cd were the most potentially toxic and mainly distributed near the cities of Keshan, Yi'an and Fuyü. Because the speciation of Cd in the river sediments is highly bioavailable, the concentrations of Cd should be closely monitored. This research provides managers with information needed to better regulate the environment of the Wuyuer River.

Galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides alleviate cadmium stress in Arabidopsis

Our study focused on the mediatory role of galactoglucomannan oligosaccharides (GGMOs) in plant protection against cadmium stress, examined mainly on the primary root growth of Arabidopsis thaliana. The application of GGMOs diminished the negative effect of cadmium on root length, root growth dynamics and also on photosynthetic pigment content. We tested the hypothesis that the effect of GGMOs is associated with decreased cadmium accumulation or its modified distribution. Cadmium distribution was observed chronologically from the first day of plant culture and depended on the duration of cadmium treatment. First, cadmium was stored in the root and hypocotyl and later transported by xylem to the leaves and stored there in trichomes. The protective effect of GGMOs was not based on modified cadmium distribution or its decreased accumulation. In cadmium and GGMOs+cadmium-treated plants, the formation of suberin lamellae was shifted closer to the root apex compared to the control and GGMOs. No significant changes between cadmium and GGMOs+cadmium variants in suberin lamellae development corresponded with any differences in cadmium uptake. GGMOs also stimulated Arabidopsis root growth under non-stress conditions. In this case, suberin lamellae were developed more distantly from the root apex in comparison with the control. Faster solute and water transport could explain the faster plant growth induced by GGMOs. Our results suggest that, in cadmium-stressed plants, GGMOs' protective action is associated with the response at the metabolic level.

Metal extractability patterns to evaluate (potentially) mobile fractions in periurban calcareous agricultural soils in the Mediterranean area-analytical and mineralogical approaches

A set of periurban calcareous agricultural Mediterranean soils was spiked with a mixture of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn at two levels within the limit values proposed by current European legislation, incubated for up to 12 months, and subjected to various one-step extraction procedures to estimate mobile (neutral salts) and potentially mobile metal fractions (complexing and acidic extraction methods). The results obtained were used to study metal extractability patterns according to the soil characteristics. The analytical data were coupled with mineralogical investigations and speciation modelling using the Visual Minteq model. The formation of soluble metal-complexes in the complexing extracts (predicted by the Visual Minteq calculations) led to the highest extraction efficiency with complexing extractants. Metal extractability patterns were related to both content and composition of carbonate, organic matter, Fe oxide and clay fractions. Potentially mobile metal fractions were mainly affected by the finest soil fractions (recalcitrant organic matter, active lime and clay minerals). In the case of Pb, scarce correlations between extractable Pb and soil constituents were obtained which was attributed to high Pb retention due to the formation of 4PbCO3·3PbO (corroborated by X-ray diffraction). In summary, the high metal proportion extracted with complexing agents highlighted the high but finite capacity to store potentially mobilizable metals and the possible vulnerability of these soils against environmental impact from metal accumulation.

A comparative study of heavy metal accumulation and antioxidant responses in Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves in polluted and non-polluted areas

The purpose of this study was to explore a possible relationship between the availability of metals in soil (Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) and their concentrations in leaves of Vaccinium myrtillus L. as a species which has been reported to be a successful colonist of acid-and-heavy metal-contaminated soil. Analysis also concerned the antioxidant response of plants from three heavily polluted (immediate vicinity of: zinc smelter, iron smelter and power plant) and three relatively clean sites (nature reserve, ecological site and unprotected natural forest community) in southern Poland. The contents of glutathione, non-protein thiols, protein, proline and activity of guaiacol peroxidase in leaves of bilberry were measured. Generally, the concentrations of metals in the HNO3 and CaCl2 extracants of the soil from the polluted sites were higher. Moreover, the antioxidant responses were also elevated in bilberries in the polluted sites. Significant positive relationships between Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations in soil and in the plants were found. In the leaves of V. myrtillus from the polluted sites, higher concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn were noted (In Miasteczko Śląskie respectively 6.26, 157.09 and 207.17 mg kg(-1) d.w.). We found a positive correlation between the increase in the NPTs and protein contents as well as the Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations in V. myrtillus. Cd, Pb and Zn also decreased guaiacol peroxidase activity. However, the activity of this enzyme increased under Fe. A decreasing trend in glutathione contents was observed with increasing iron and manganese concentrations in bilberry leaves. Parameters such as protein, non-protein -SH groups and changes in GPX activity seem to be universal, sensitive and correlated well with heavy metal stress.

Spatial distribution of potentially bioavailable metals in surface soils of a contaminated sports ground in Galway, Ireland

Assessing the environmental risk of metal contamination in soils requires the determination of both total (TCs) and bioavailable (BCs) element concentrations. A total of 200 surface (0-10 cm) soil samples were collected from an urban sports ground (South Park) in Galway, Ireland, a former landfill and dumping site, which is currently under remediation. The potential BCs of metals were measured using ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) extraction followed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry analysis, while the TCs were determined using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. It was found that Zn was primarily present in the insoluble residue (EDTA un-extractable) fraction in soils, with the median ratio of BCs/TCs 0.27. However, Pb and Cu had higher ratios of BCs/TCs (median values of 0.60 and 0.39, respectively) suggesting that they are potentially more bioavailable in the soils. The spatial distribution maps showed that both TCs and BCs for Cu, Pb and Zn in the study area were spatially heterogeneous. It was found that the BCs exhibited generally similar spatial patterns as their TCs of Cu, Pb and Zn: high values were mainly located in the west, north-east and south-east portions of the study area, where only a thin layer of topsoil existed. It was recommended that the current remediation action for this site needs to be carried out on an urgent basis.

Phytoextraction of Cd-Contaminated Soils: Current Status and Future Challenges

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic and widely distributed pollutants in the environment. Cadmium contamination of soils has posed a serious threat to safe food production in many parts of the world. The authors present a comprehensive review of present status of phytoextraction technology for cleaning up Cd-contaminated soils, based primarily on the data resulting from both laboratory and field-scale studies that have been conducted to assess or improve the Cd phytoextraction potential of various plant species in the past decade. The encouraging results of field-scale studies have provided a fundamental basis to usher phytoextraction technology into practical use to remediate slightly to moderately Cd-contaminated soils in Europe and Asia, although this technology is not yet ready for widespread application. Chelators and microorganisms tested so far seem not to contribute to the applicability of Cd phytoextraction. The major challenges for the large-scale application of Cd phytoextraction are (a) how to further improve the efficiency of Cd phytoextraction, (b) how to cut the overall costs of Cd phytoextraction, and (c) how to get greater stakeholders' acceptance of Cd phytoextraction as a reliable option.

Heavy metal concentration and speciation of seven representative municipal sludges from wastewater treatment plants in Northeast China

The analysis of heavy metals is very important for assessing the feasibility of the agricultural utilization for the municipal sludge. In this paper, a four-step sequential extraction method was applied to extract heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, and Ni) in municipal sludges from seven individual wastewater treatment plants located in Jilin and Heilongjiang Province, China, for estimating the mobility and bioavailability of the metal ions in the agricultural application. The total concentrations of heavy metals and their chemical fractions after the sequential extraction were determined. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to analyze the relations of heavy metals fractions in the municipal sludges. Experimental results indicated that the total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni in all sludge samples were below the threshold values set out by the Chinese legislation (GB18918-2002). Specially, Zn had a high bioavailability and mobility, Cu and Cr had potential bioavailability, while Mn mainly existed in the residual fraction of municipal sludge. On the other hand, Ni had different mobility in different municipal sludge. PCA results were confirmed by the environmental behavior of heavy metals.

Prediction of Cd and Pb toxicity to Vibrio fischeri using biotic ligand-based models in soil

Biotic ligand-based models to predict site-specific toxicity of Cd and Pb contaminated soil were developed by using a Vibrio fischeri toxicity test. Firstly, competition effect by cations (i.e., Ca, Mg, K) commonly found in soil solution was incorporated into the models. For this purpose, biotic ligand-based model parameters including conditional binding constants of cations and metal ions to binding sites (i.e., biotic ligands) and the fractions of binding sites occupied by the metal ions were determined. Data from aqueous phase toxicity test showed that the difference between model-predicted EC(50) values of Cd and Pb and experimentally determined EC(50) values ranged within a factor of two, suggesting that the developed model parameters were reliable. Secondly, the use of soil solution to predict soil toxicity of Cd and Pb was experimentally verified with freshly spiked and field-aged soils. The results showed linear relationships in both soils, meaning that toxicity of soil solution can be representative of toxicity of soil. Finally, applicability of the developed models in Cd- or Pb-spiked soils was investigated by comparing predicted toxic effects (i.e., % bioluminescence inhibition at given cations and metal activities in soil solution) and experimentally obtained toxic effects determined by Microtox(®) solid phase toxicity test. Our data demonstrate that toxicity of Cd- or Pb-contaminated soil can be predicted by using the developed biotic ligand-based model with the chemical analysis data of soil solution as input data.

Influence of different organic amendments on the potential availability of metals from soil: a study on metal fractionation and extraction kinetics by EDTA

The effects of long-term application of different organic amendments, as compared to mineral fertilizer, on Zn, Cu and Pb content and leachability in a luvisol derived from loess were assessed. The organic fertilizers, applied since 1962, were compost (COM) - from green organic household waste, sewage sludge (SLU) - from municipal water treatment facilities, farmyard manure (FYM) and the doses applied since 1997 were 90tha(-1), 10tha(-1) and 9tha(-1), once in 3years, respectively. The kinetics of metals extraction with 0.05moldm(-3) EDTA at pH 6.0 has been studied. The two first-order reactions model was fitted to the kinetic data and allowed to distinguish two pools for each metal: a "labile" fraction (Q(1)), quickly extracted with a rate constant k(1), and a "moderately labile" fraction (Q(2)), more slowly extracted, with a rate constant k(2). Simultaneously, the pseudo-total metal contents in the soil samples were determined after digestion with aqua regia (3:1 HCl+HNO(3)). The obtained parameters Q(1), k(1), Q(2), k(2), for the kinetics of extraction of each metal in the three replicates of each fertilization mode, as well as the pseudo-total metal contents, were statistically analysed. COM and SLU application resulted in an increase of the total contents of Pb, Zn and Cu in soil. Further, the percentage of labile Zn and Pb also increased in consequence of the application of those amendments, particularly COM. The increase was more noticeable for Zn. FYM, despite not increasing the total content of Pb, Zn or Cu, did also have an effect on the leachability of Zn and Pb, increasing their labile fraction in soil. These results point to a potential risk of increasing metals mobility in soil, mainly Zn, associated to the use of organic amendments, particularly COM or SLU.

Sensitivity of bacterial vs. acute Daphnia magna toxicity tests to metals

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the sensitivity of two bacterial tests commonly used in metal toxicity screening — the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition test and the Pseudomonas putida growth inhibition test — in comparison to the standard acute Daphnia magna test, and to estimate applicability of the selected methods to the toxicity testing of environmental samples. The D. magna acute test proved to be more sensitive to cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) than the two bacterial assays, whereas P. putida seems to be the most sensitive species to lead (Pb). Manganese appears to be slightly toxic to D. magna and non-toxic to the two selected bacteria. This leads to the conclusion that even in regions with high background concentrations, manganese would not act as a confounding factor. Low sensitivity of V. fischeri to heavy metals questions its applicability as the first screening method in assessing various environmental samples. Therefore, it is not advisable to replace D. magna with bacterial species for metal screening tests. P. putida, V. fischeri and/or other bacterial tests should rather be applied in a complex battery of ecotoxicological tests, as their tolerance to heavy metals can unravel other potentially present toxic substances and mixtures, undetectable by metal-sensitive species.

Estimation of lead bioavailability in smelter-contaminated soils by single and sequential extraction procedure

In this study, the single extraction and sequential extraction procedure were used to separate Pb from an old smelter soil in Liaoning Province, China. At the same time, the root and the overground parts of six species plants in the smelter were harvested for analysis. The concentrations of Pb in the roots and the overground parts of the plants were then compared with the amounts of Pb extracted from the rhizosphere soil by range of conventional extractants. The speciation distribution of Pb was RES > OX > OM > WSA > SE. Assuming that metal mobility and bioavailability are related to their solubility and the contents in typical plants in the contaminated soil, Pb would be the potential risk to environment safety in the area.

Identifying sources of soil inorganic pollutants on a regional scale using a multivariate statistical approach: role of pollutant migration and soil physicochemical properties

Principal components analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis were used to estimate the contribution of four components related to pollutant sources on the total variation in concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Se, Hg, Fe and Mn in surface soil samples from a valley in east China with numerous copper and zinc smelters. Results indicate that when carrying out source identification of inorganic pollutants their tendency to migrate in soils may result in differences between the pollutant composition of the source and the receptor soil, potentially leading to errors in the characterization of pollutants using multivariate statistics. The stability and potential migration or movement of pollutants in soils must therefore be taken into account. Soil physicochemical properties may offer additional useful information. Two different mechanisms have been hypothesized for correlations between soil heavy metal concentrations and soil organic matter content and these may be helpful in interpreting the statistical analysis.

Assessment and management of risk to wildlife from cadmium

Cadmium, a nonessential heavy metal that comes from natural and anthropogenic sources, is a teratogen, carcinogen, and a possible mutagen. Assessment of potential risk from cadmium requires understanding environmental exposure, mainly from ingestion, although there is some local exposure through inhalation. Chronic exposure is more problematic than acute exposure for wildlife. There is evidence for bioaccumulation, particularly in freshwater organisms, but evidence for biomagnification up the food chain is inconsistent; in some bird studies, cadmium levels were higher in species that are higher on the food chain than those that are lower. Some freshwater and marine invertebrates are more adversely affected by cadmium exposure than are birds and mammals. There is very little experimental laboratory research on the effects of cadmium in amphibians, birds and reptiles, and almost no data from studies of wildlife in nature. Managing the risk from cadmium to wildlife involves assessment (including ecological risk assessment), biomonitoring, setting benchmarks of effects, regulations and enforcement, and source reduction.

Extension of coupled multispecies metal transport and speciation (TRANSPEC) model to soil

Atmospheric deposition of metals emitted from mining operations has raised metal concentrations in the surrounding soils. This repository may be remobilized and act as a source of metals to nearby surface aquatic systems. It is important to understand metal dynamics and the impact of various chemistry and fate parameters on metal movement in the soil environment in order to evaluate risk associated with metals in terrestrial ecosystems and accurately establish critical discharge limits that are protective of aquatic biota. Here we extend our previously developed coupled multispecies metal fate-TRANsport and SPECiation/complexation (TRANSPEC) model, which was applicable to surface aquatic systems. The extended TRANSPEC, termed TRANSPEC-II, estimates the partition coefficient, K(d), between the soil-solid and -soluble phases using site-specific data and a semi-empirical regression model obtained from literature. A geochemical model calculates metal and species fractions in the dissolved and colloidal phases of the soil solution. The multispecies fugacity/aquivalence based fate-transport model then estimates inter-media transport rates such as leaching from soil, soil runoff, and water-sediment exchanges of each metal species. The model is illustratively applied to Ni in the Kelly Lake watershed (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada), where several mining operations are located. The model results suggest that the current atmospheric fallout supplies only 4% of Ni removed from soil through soil runoff and leaching. Soil runoff contributes about 20% of Ni entering into Kelly Lake with the rest coming from other sources. Leaching to groundwater, apart from runoff, is also a major loss process for Ni in the soil. A sensitivity analysis indicates that raising soil pH to above 6 may substantially reduce metal runoff and improve water quality of nearby water bodies that are impacted by runoff.

Contaminant exposure in terrestrial vertebrates

Here we review mechanisms and factors influencing contaminant exposure among terrestrial vertebrate wildlife. There exists a complex mixture of biotic and abiotic factors that dictate potential for contaminant exposure among terrestrial and semi-terrestrial vertebrates. Chemical fate and transport in the environment determine contaminant bioaccessibility. Species-specific natural history characteristics and behavioral traits then play significant roles in the likelihood that exposure pathways, from source to receptor, are complete. Detailed knowledge of natural history traits of receptors considered in conjunction with the knowledge of contaminant behavior and distribution on a site are critical when assessing and quantifying exposure. We review limitations in our understanding of elements of exposure and the unique aspects of exposure associated with terrestrial and semi-terrestrial taxa. We provide insight on taxa-specific traits that contribute, or limit exposure to, transport phenomenon that influence exposure throughout terrestrial systems, novel contaminants, bioavailability, exposure data analysis, and uncertainty associated with exposure in wildlife risk assessments. Lastly, we identify areas related to exposure among terrestrial and semi-terrestrial organisms that warrant additional research.

Determination and evaluation of cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc in agricultural soils of western Macedonia, Greece

The objective of this study was to determine the levels of major phytotoxic metals--including cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)--in agricultural soils of Western Macedonia, Greece. We also wanted to determine the possible relationships among elements and between soil properties and elemental concentrations. Surface soil samples, n = 570, were collected and analyzed. The results of the elemental analysis showed that the mean metal concentrations were consistent with reported typical concentrations found in Greek agricultural soils in the cases of Zn and Cu. Cd exhibited lower and Ni higher mean concentrations than the typical levels reported in the literature. Metal concentrations in the majority of the examined samples (>69%) were found to be higher than the respective critical plant-deficiency levels. However, only 0.4% and 0.2% of the analyzed soil samples, respectively, exhibited Cd and Ni concentrations higher than the levels that cause plant toxicity, as referenced by other investigators. These results suggest that the soils studied can be considered as unpolluted with respect to the examined food-chain metal contaminants. However, the levels of the metal concentrations in some of the soil samples, and the low correlation of the metals with soil properties, suggest an anthropogenic rather that lithogenic origin.

Determination of cadmium levels in agricultural areas of Carşamba and Bafra plains

Cadmium pollution resulted from fertilizer applications were studied by determining cadmium levels in agricultural and non-agricultural soils of Bafra and Carşamba plains. Soil samples of 68 were collected from agricultural (34) and non-agricultural (34) areas. The sample of 2 g was placed in a test tube and digested with hydrochloric acid and nitric acid mixture (3:1, v/v) in an aluminum block. Taking up the evaporated residue was dissolved in 1% nitric acid and total cadmium concentrations were determined with GF-AAS. Mean level of cadmium contents were found in agricultural areas 0.162 +/- 0.078 for Carşamba and 0.433 +/- 0.288 mg kg(-1) for Bafra. The accuracy of the method was tested with determining cadmium contents of standard reference material and cadmium spiked soil samples.

Potential contribution of arbuscular mycorrhiza to cadmium immobilisation in soil

The contribution of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) to immobilisation of Cd in substrate was studied in two experiments. In the first experiment, substrates prepared by cultivating tobacco, either non-mycorrhizal or inoculated with the AM fungus Glomus intraradices were enriched with a range of Cd concentrations, and Cd toxicity in the substrates was assessed using root growth tests with lettuce as a test plant. The tests revealed lower Cd toxicity in the mycorrhizal than in the non-mycorrhizal substrate, and the difference increased with increasing total Cd concentration in the substrates. In the second experiment, extraradical mycelium (ERM) of G. intraradices exposed in vivo to Cd was collected and analysed on Cd concentration. The ERM accumulated 10-20 times more Cd per unit of biomass than tobacco roots. While Cd concentrations were lower in the biomass of mycorrhizal plants than of non-mycorrhizal plants, Cd immobilisation by ERM did not affect the total Cd content in mycorrhizal tobacco. It is concluded that mycorrhiza may decrease Cd toxicity to plants by enhancing Cd immobilisation in soil. The results therefore suggest a potential role of AM symbiosis in the phytostabilisation of contaminated soils, where high Cd availability inhibits plant growth.

Bacterial community structure and activity in different Cd-treated forest soils

In this study we compared indicators of Cd bioavailability (water extracts, Lakanen extracts, free ions) and ecotoxicity in forest soils with contrasting physico-chemical characteristics. Soil samples were treated with CdCl(2) solutions (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100 mM) and incubated for 30 days. Microbial activity indexes (acid phosphatase, beta-glucosidase, basal respiration) and changes in bacterial community structure using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) fingerprinting were investigated. The Cd concentrations measured ranged from 1% to 37% of the total additions in water extracts, to higher levels in Lakanen extracts. Effects of Cd were observed at bioavailable concentrations exceeding United Nations/European Economic Commission UN/ECE guidelines for total Cd in the soil solution. Basal respiration was the most affected index, while enzymatic activities showed variable responses to the Cd treatments. We also noticed that soils with pH higher than 6.7 and clay content higher than 50% showed inhibition of basal respiration but no marked shift in bacterial community structure. Soils with lower pH (pH <5.8) with less clay content (<50%) showed in addition strong changes in the bacterial community structure. Our results provide evidence for the importance of relating the effects of Cd on the soil communities to soil properties and to bioavailability.

Metal Bioavailability: How Does its Significance Change in the Time?

The significance of terms "metal bioavailability" and "bioavailable metal fraction" is evolved in the time, passing from a very simple concept to a complex concept bound to abiotic and biotic aspects. At the beginning metal toxicity was related to metal fraction present in water phase, than only free metal ion activity was considered and the free ion activity model (FIAM) was proposed. Successively, due to the exceptions observed and to the consciousness that metal bioavailability could be considered as dynamic characteristic the concept of metal bioavailability became very complex, depending on physical, chemical and biological factors.

Free cupric ions in contaminated agricultural soils around a copper mine in eastern Nanjing City, China

To determine the environmental free metal ion activity was a recent hot issue. A method to measure low-level free cupric ion activity in soil solution extracted with 0.01 mol/L KNO3 was developed by using cupric ion-selective electrode (ISE) and calibrating with Cu-buffer solution. Three copper buffers including iminodiacetic acid (IDA), ethylenediamine (EN), and glycine (Gly) were compared for calibrating the Cu-ISE curves in the range of free cupric ions (pCu2+) 7-13. The Cu-EN buffer showed the best electrode response and thus was applied as the calibration buffer. The pCu2+ of 39 contaminated agricultural soils around a copper mine was measured, ranging from 5.03 to 9.20. Most Cu in the soil solutions was found to be complexed with dissolved soil organic matters, averaging 98.1%. The proportion of free Cu2+ ions in the soil solutions decreased with the increasing of solution pH. Soluble Cu and free Cu2+ ions concentrations were analyzed by multiple linear regressions to evaluate the effects of soil properties on metal levels and speciation. The results showed that soil solution pH was the most significant factor influencing pCu2+ (with R2 value of 0.76), while not important for the soluble Cu concentration.

Evaluation of heavy metal availability prior to an in situ soil phytoremediation program

Metal mobility and the fractionation of elements and thus the biological uptake of Zn, Pb and Cd by plants were investigated using a simplified analytical procedure for soluble and bioavailable metals using a four-step sequential extraction procedure. Results showed that there was a low proportion of immediately soluble metals, as well as a high proportion of metals that could be released and would so be available for plant uptake. In the sequential extraction procedure, considering the total partition, there was a large proportion of Pb, Cd and Zn extracted in a readily mobile form. In acidic soils the content of metals in ready mobile form (exchangeable-bound to carbonates as well as to Fe and Mn oxides) and bound to organic matter constitutes an important source of potentially available elements. The same pattern was observed in alkaline soils, where almost 80% of the metals could be remobilized and be potentially available to plants. Knowing the metal partitioning and mobility of heavy metals it is very important for evaluating the phytoremediation efficiency.