Soil science
P. Kabiri Samani; M.H. Salehi; H.R. Motaghian
Abstract
Introduction In addition to the minerals, weathering in soil which depends on soil forming factors and processes, plants rhizosphere release components which affect soil minerals and finally their weathering. If the soil is polluted by heavy metals, root exudates will be influenced resulting in ...
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Introduction In addition to the minerals, weathering in soil which depends on soil forming factors and processes, plants rhizosphere release components which affect soil minerals and finally their weathering. If the soil is polluted by heavy metals, root exudates will be influenced resulting in decreasing microbial activity. Many studies showed minerals weathering in rhizospheric medium for both natural soils and pure clay minerals but information about the effect of pollution of rhizosphere on clay minerals weathering is limited. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of cadmium pollution on the transformation of clay minerals in wheat rhizosphere in a dominant soil of Shahrekord plain (Chaharmahal soil series).Materials and methods Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depth of Chaharmahal soil series based on the 1:50,000 scale soil map. A factorial experiment as completely randomized design with three replications and three cadmium levels (0, 5, and 10 mg kg-1 from cadmium) was performed in two environments including bulk soil and rhizospheric soil (18 samples in total) in greenhouse conditions for 16 weeks. Necessary care was taken during the growth period and the soil moisture was kept constant at the field capacity. At harvest time, the rhizosphere soil was separated from bulk soil. Then, the soil samples were air dried and passed through a 2 mm sieve. The mineralogy was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) in the studied soil after plant harvest (including rhizospheric soil and bulk soil) in unpolluted samples. Then, results were compared with minerals in polluted rhizosphere media. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and pH in the rhizosphere and bulk soils were also determined.Results and Discussion The results showed that the effect of contamination on soil pH was not significant but the pH value in rhizosphere soil was significantly lower than the bulk soil. The average pH in the soil was 7.8 and in the rhizosphere reduced to 7.5. The interaction of medium (rhizosphere and bulk soil) and contamination on the amount of dissolved organic carbon was significant (p < 0.01). The amount of dissolved organic carbon in the rhizosphere at 170.6 mg Kg-1 was significantly higher than the bulk soil (104.6 mg kg-1), which could be due to root secretions. In the rhizosphere, increasing the contamination level to 5 mg kg-1 decreased by 19% and contamination of 10 mg kg-1 caused a 21% decrease in dissolved organic carbon. The amount of dissolved organic carbon in the rhizosphere was 39% higher than the bulk soil. The average of dissolved organic carbon in the rhizosphere and bulk soil was 170.6 and 104.6 mg kg-1, respectively. Based on mineralogical results, mica, smectite, chlorite, kaolinite and palygorskite minerals were detected in the bulk soil. Comparison of clay minerals samples in the bulk soil and rhizosphere showed that the trioctahedral chlorite transformed to hydroxy-interlayer vermiculite (HIV) in the rhizosphere soil. The presence of HIV was identified by an increase in the intensity ratio of the 10 and 14 angstrom peaks after K-saturation. In rhizospheric soils, the intensity of the 14 angstrom peak decreases in K-550ºC treatment. Furthermore, in the rhizospheric soils, a clear increase in the intensity of the 10 angstrom peak was observed from K-air dried to K-550ºC treatments which can be related to the presence of HIV which can be attributed to the changing conditions of the rhizosphere, including reducing pH and increasing the dissolved organic carbon and the activity of microorganisms. Comparison of diffractograms for clay fraction of rhizospheric soil with different contamination levels after cultivation showed that the type of minerals in contaminated levels was similar to non-contaminated conditions, but the amount of trioctahedral chlorite was the highest in higher contaminated soil. The peak intensity of 14 angstrom in potassium saturated sample heated at 550°C was lower in non-contaminated soil. Also, at the level of 10 mg kg-1 cadmium contamination, the chlorite peak had the highest intensity which indicates less chlorite was transformed to HIV in the contaminated soils.ConclusionsThe results showed that DOC in the rhizosphere soil was significantly higher than the bulk soil, whereas pH significantly decreased in the rhizosphere soil compared to the bulk soil. In both the rhizosphere and the bulk soils, increasing the contamination caused a decreasing trend in dissolved organic carbon. Mineralogical results of the rhizospheric and the bulk soils showed that trioctahedral chlorite was transformed to hydroxy-interlayer vermiculite (HIV). In addition, rhizosphere contamination reduced the chlorite transformation. The results suggest that soil contamination with a negative impact on plant activity and soil could even prevent the availability of nutrients from the clay minerals structure.
Soil science
S. Arabteymori; A. Halajnia; A. Lakzian; F. Nikbin
Abstract
Introduction Surfactants as surface-active substances with combined hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties are widely used in various fields. In soil remediation processes these substances can be used to increase the availability of organic and inorganic contaminants to improve microbial decomposition ...
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Introduction Surfactants as surface-active substances with combined hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties are widely used in various fields. In soil remediation processes these substances can be used to increase the availability of organic and inorganic contaminants to improve microbial decomposition of organic pollutants or heavy metals adsorption. In recent years, researchers have been seeking to produce and use surfactants that are more environment friendly. In this regard, produced biosurfactants by microorganisms are of special importance due to their environmental benefits. Microorganisms produce a wide range of biosurfactants. Biosurfactants are extracellular compounds that can combine with metals such as zinc, copper, and cadmium and can increase the solubility of these metals and reduce their toxicity. Negatively charged anionic biosurfactants such as rhamnolipids and lipopeptides can increase heavy metals availability by combining to metals and changing the properties of soil solution. In this study, the effect of surfactant application from Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis and some chelators include sodium citrate, humic acid and Na2-EDTA on soluble cadmium in a contaminated calcareous soil was investigated.Materials and MethodsThis study was conducted as factorial in a completely randomized design in laboratory conditions at several steps separately. A calcareous soil sample was contaminated with 15 mg kg-1 cadmium from the source of Cd (NO3)2. Contaminated soil incubated for 4 weeks at field capacity. Acid deposition method was used for surfactant extraction from culture medium of Pseudomonas putida KT-2440 and Bacillus subtilis 1795. The structure of extracted biosurfactants was investigated by FTIR. Equilibrium time was obtained by determining the amount of soluble cadmium at times 6, 12, 24, 36, 72 hours by adding 1mM sodium citrate, humic acid and Na2-EDTA to the contaminated soil (ratio of 1 to 5 soil to solution).The concentrations of 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM of humic acid, sodium citrate and Na2-EDTA were used to determine the appropriate concentration of each chelator. To investigate the interaction of chelators and biosurfactants on soluble cadmium, an experimental was conducted as a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement design. Experimental treatments consisted of three types of chelating agents (sodium citrate, humic acid, Na2-EDTA and control), two types of surfactants from Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis, and five concentration levels of the biosurfactants (0, 25, 50, 100 mg L-1).Results and DiscussionThe highest amount of soluble cadmium (11.59 mg L-1) was observed in Na2-EDTA treatment at 72 hours, which was significant compared to the other treatments. The lowest amount of soluble cadmium was obtained through application of sodium citrate (0.205 mg L-1) at 36 hours. In all studied concentrations, Na2-EDTA had the greatest effect and sodium citrate had the least effect on soluble cadmium. While the use of Na2-EDTA at all concentrations caused a significant increase in soluble cadmium, sodium citrate had no significant effect on soluble cadmium at studied concentrations. Humic acid at concentrations higher than 0.5 mM significantly increased the soluble cadmium. Increasing the concentration of humic acid and citrate from 1 to 2 mM did not show any significant impact on soluble cadmium. At all levels of biosurfactant application, Na2-EDTA and humic acid caused a significant increase in soluble cadmium concentration. In control and sodium citrate treatments, application of biosurfactants did not cause significant difference in the concentration of soluble cadmium. The highest amount of soluble cadmium was obtained as a result of the application of Bacillus subtilis surfactant and Na2-EDTA. However, increasing the concentration of Bacillus subtilis surfactant from 25 to 100 mg L-1 had no significant effect on increasing the efficiency of Na2-EDTA. Pseudomonas putida surfactant had no significant effect on soluble cadmium in Na2-EDTA application. While in humic acid treatment, the application of the Pseudomonas putida surfactant at the highest concentration (100 mg L-1) increased the concentration of soluble cadmium. Using Bacillus subtilis surfactant did not have effect on soluble cadmium in application of humic acid.ConclusionAmong the studied chelators (sodium citrate, humic acid and Na2-EDTA), Na2-EDTA had the greatest effect on soluble cadmium. While sodium citrate had no significant effect on soluble cadmium. Surfactants from Pseudomonas putida and Bacillus subtilis had different effects on increasing the efficiency of studied chelators and soluble cadmium in the studied soil. In Na2-EDTA and humic acid application, surfactant from Bacillus subtilis at a concentration of 25 mg L-1 and surfactant produced by Pseudomonas putida at a concentration of 100 mg L-1 had a significant effect on soluble cadmium, respectively. It seems using biosurfactants and chelators on increasing soluble cadmium in soil can be useful for phytoremediation purposes to increase its uptake by plant. However, further research is needed.
N. Mehrab; M. Chorom; M. Norouzi Masir
Abstract
Introduction: Decontamination of heavy metals (HMs), especially cadmium (Cd) which has high mobility in the soil, is very important due to the effects of HMs pollution on the soil, environment, and human. Numerous efforts have been made to develop technologies for the remediation of contaminated soils, ...
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Introduction: Decontamination of heavy metals (HMs), especially cadmium (Cd) which has high mobility in the soil, is very important due to the effects of HMs pollution on the soil, environment, and human. Numerous efforts have been made to develop technologies for the remediation of contaminated soils, including ex-situ washing with physical-chemical methods, and the in-situ immobilization of metal pollutants. These methods of clean up are generally very costly, and often harmful to properties of the soil (i.e., texture, organic matter, microorganisms). Recently, the phytoremediation of HMs from contaminated soils has attracted attention for its low cost of implementation and many environmental benefits. Several chelating agents, such as DTPA, EDTA, and NTA, have been studied for their ability to dissolve metals, leach heavy metals, and enhance the uptake of metals by plants. Although many researchers have reported that EDTA is excellent solubilizing agents for HMs from contaminated soils, it is quite persistent in the environment due to the low biodegradability. Hence recently the easily biodegradable chelating agent NTA has been proposed to enhance the uptake of HMs in phytoremediation as well as the leaching of HMs from the soil. Therefore, in the present study attempts are made to investigate the effect of applicability NTA in Cd leaching and the refining of Cd from contaminated-soil by maize.
Materials and Methods: In this research, the effect of NTA on Cd leaching and its absorption by maize in contaminated-soil in a greenhouse experiment were investigated. The experiment was a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of three levels of Cd contamination (0, 25 and 50 mg kg-1soil) and three levels of NTA (0, 15 and 30 mmol per pot) in loamy soil and in the cultured and non-cultured conditions under three irrigation conditions. The soil was contaminated with cadmium chloride (CdCl2.2.5H2O). Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (in the form of urea, triple superphosphate and potassium phosphate, respectively) were added to the pots. NTA was added in three steps to the pots. The first step of adding NTA was beginning 4 weeks after cultivation, occurring approximately once in 14 days. Also, 7 days after adding NTA, the pots were irrigated with an amount corresponding to 20% more water than the moisture of soil saturation condition. The drainage water collected from each irrigation event was kept in a refrigerator at 5°C prior to Cd analysis. The plants were cut about 5 mm above the soil surface after 10 weeks of maize growth and were dried for analyzing Cd in the plant. Analysis of variance was used to study the effects of different treatments of Cd and NTA on Cd contents in drainage water, plant, and soil. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS. Means of treatments were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and the graphs were plotted in Excel.
Results and Discussion: The contrasting impact between irrigation rounds and Cd treatments, as well as NTA treatments on Cdtotal leached was significant (P<0.05). The highest Cd leached was in 50 mgCd kg-1soil (Cd50) and 30 mmol NTA (NTA30) in the first irrigation round. In the next two rounds, the Cd leached from the soil was inconsiderable. Different levels of Cd and NTA showed a significant difference in Cd concentration in the first round of leaching. In non-cultivated pots, the amount of Cd leaching in Cd50NTA15 and Cd50NTA30 treatments increased by 8 and 15 times, respectively than that in Cd50NTA0 treatment. In the case of similar treatments in the presence of maize, the Cd leaching rate increased by 5.8 and 6 times, respectively, than that in (NTA0). Cd absorbed by maize in (Cd50, NTA30) was maximum and that measured 58% more than that in (Cd50, NTA0), while dry weight decreased significantly (30% in the shoot and 40% in the root). After the cultivation and leaching process, the maximum amount of DTPA-extractable Cd was observed in (Cd50, NTA0). While using (NTA15, NTA30) at the same level of Cd-contamination (Cd50), there was a significant decrease in DTPA-extractable Cd (due to the increase in Cd dissolved, Cd leached and Cd absorbed by plants). Due to pH between 2-3 and EC about 2.5-3.5 in NTA solutions, the application of NTA in soil decreased pH and increase EC in the soil. On the other hand, the decrease in pH of soil increased solubility of calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE), thereby reduced CCE in the soil. The results of this study showed that the soil pH was effective on HMs absorption by plants, therefore the availability of Cd after the use of NTA may be due to the decrease of alkalinity in the soil. The presence of organic-metal bonds in chelate-metal compounds causes metals to be less exposed to colloids, hydroxides, and oxides thus will prevent their stabilization in the soil. So it can be said that one of the effective methods for increasing the absorption of HMs from the soil by the plant is to reduce the pH of the soil. Some of the soil properties, such as pH and total heavy metal concentration, improves the efficiency of the chelator agent.
Conclusion: The results showed that an increase in the amount of Cd contamination and NTA applied increased Cd content in drainage water and Cd which was uptake by maize. Also, results showed well, the combined of maize planting and the use of NTA is successful in refining Cd from contaminated-soil. It seems that Adding NTA as a natural chelator in Iranian calcareous soils can increase the dissolution of Cd and extract it from the soil during a leaching period without contamination of the environment, as well as increase the efficiency of removing Cd by maize.
Sara Molaali abasiyan; Farahnaz Dashbolaghi; Gholamreza Mahdavinia
Abstract
Introduction: Due to the negative effects on human being health, the decrease of cadmium bioavailability in waters and soils is necessary. The main origins of cadmium ions in environment consist of batteries, phosphate fertilizers, mining, pigments, stabilizers, and alloys. Many methods such as ion exchange, ...
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Introduction: Due to the negative effects on human being health, the decrease of cadmium bioavailability in waters and soils is necessary. The main origins of cadmium ions in environment consist of batteries, phosphate fertilizers, mining, pigments, stabilizers, and alloys. Many methods such as ion exchange, chemical precipitation, flotation, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration membranes, reverse osmosis, and electrocoagulation have been used for the removal of cadmium. Notably, adsorption is proven the most practical technique for heavy metal ions removal of pollutants from wastewater and contaminated soils. Among the various adsorbents, chitosan has introduced to be an efficient one, due to its unique characteristics such as antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and being low-cost bio-adsorbent. Chitosan is a derivative of N-deacetylated of chitin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide taken from crustaceans i.e. shrimps and crabs, and fungal biomass. The presence of amine and hydroxyl groups in the backbone of chitosan gives the polymer its high binding capacity in adsorption processes. Chitosan can decrease the metal ion concentration to near zero. This work evaluates the modified chitosan’s potential as a bio-adsorbent in the water system and also its potential as a soil amendment in the soil system in terms of the adsorption and desorption of Cd2+. It is also worth noting that there is no report on the removal of cadmium ions by ionically crosslinked chitosan/κ-carrageenan materials, especially in soil systems.
Materials and Methods: The chitosan-based magnetic bio-adsorbent was prepared through in situ co-precipitation of iron ions in the presence of chitosan with high molecular weight. The surface (0-30cm) soil samples were collected from a field in University of Maragheh in the North East of Iran. Some physio- chemical properties of the soil used in this study were determined. Adsorption of cadmium on the bio-adsorbent was investigated using batch experiments. After adsorption, the adsorbent loaded with cadmium ions was washed with distilled water before treating it with 90 ml of 0.1M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for the determination of the metal desorption. The experimental data of Cd2+ adsorption and desorption isotherm were fitted by Freundlich and Longmuir models.
Results and Discussion: The crystalline nature and phase analysis for pure chitosan and magnetic chitosan bio-adsorbent was confirmed by XRD analysis. The diffractogram of chitosan consisted of two typical crystalline peaks at 2θ= 10.8A° and 20.42A°, corresponding to the partial crystalline structure of chitosan and the hydrated crystals of the remained α-chitin chains in pure chitosan, respectively. The characteristic peaks of chitosan in the XRD pattern of the magnetic bio-adsorbent disappeared, indicating of the amorphous structure of chitosan. It suggests that the addition of magnetite nanoparticles obviously affects the crystallinity of chitosan. On analyzing the values of r2 and RMSE obtained using Freundlich and Langmuir models, it was observed that Freundlich model provided the best fit for the experimental adsorption and desorption data at the ranged of the Cd2+ concentration studied in the soil and water systems. To evaluate the efficiency of the modified chitosan as an efficient bio-adsorbent in water and soil system, the difference between adsorption and desorption amounts, Δq, was calculated. The less amounts of Δq, the more efficient adsorbent in a water system. This means that the adsorbent can be reused several times. In contrast, in a soil system, a positive relationship was found between the amounts of Δq and the efficiency of the adsorbent. This means that the adsorbent can immobilize the adsorbatesand therefore, may be used as a metal immobilizing amendment in soil. As the initial concentrations raised, the amounts of Δq increased in the water system; therefore, it seems that the bio-adsorbent may not efficient at high initial concentrations. In the soil system, the more amounts of Δq decreases, the more efficiency of the adsorbent as a cadmium immobilization increases. Therefore, the bio-adsorbent used can be relatively efficient as a soil modifier.
Conclusions: The results revealed the magnetic bio-adsorbent based on chitosan can be sorb Cd2+ from water and soil systems. The maximum adsorption capacity (b) of cadmium onto the adsorbent appeared to increase from the water system to the soil system, from 750.2 to 992.7 µmol/g, respectively. On analyzing the values of r2 and RMSE obtained using Freundlich and Langmuir models, it found that Freundlich model provided the best fit for the experimental adsorption and desorption data at the ranged of the Cd2+ concentration studied in both water and soil systems. By comparing the amounts of Δq, the difference between adsorption and desorption amounts, the bio-adsorbent is not economically feasible at high initial concentrations in the water system. But, the more decrease amounts of Δq in the soil system, the more increase efficiency of the adsorbent as a cadmium immobilization. So that, the bio-adsorbent used can be relatively economic as a soil modifier.
Banafsheh Afrasiabi; ebrahim adhami; Hamidreza Owliaie
Abstract
Introduction: Cadmium is one of the toxic heavy metals which is highly problematic in today's industrial world. It is essential to study the techniques for removing or reducing its availability, toxicity and consequently its hazardous effects in environment. Biochar is an amendment reported to be efficient ...
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Introduction: Cadmium is one of the toxic heavy metals which is highly problematic in today's industrial world. It is essential to study the techniques for removing or reducing its availability, toxicity and consequently its hazardous effects in environment. Biochar is an amendment reported to be efficient in fixing heavy metals. Pyrolysis temperature is among the most important factors affecting biochar's characteristics, such as pH, CEC and specific surface area and generally it's potential to sorb heavy metals. On the other hand, soil moisture regime could affect pH and EC and consequently the Cd availability. Iran is the second producer of pistachio in the world and consequently a large volume of pistachio waste byproducts would be created annually. Converting this byproduct to biochar may be an efficient tool to prevent its accumulation. On the other hand, the produced biochar could be used as a soil amendment. The present study was conducted to evaluate biochar produced from pistachio nutshell under different temperatures for reducing Cd availability under different moisture regimes.
Materials and Methods: The soil texture in the present study was sandy-loam. Raw pistachio nutshell (RPN) was used to produce biochar under different temperatures. RPN was rapped in aluminum foils and heated for 2 h in a muffle furnace under 200, 400 and 600 °C. The pH, EC and concentrations of P, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu of RPN and produced biochars were determined. A completely randomized experimental design with factorial arrangement including nine biochar treatments (control (no amendment), RPN and biochars produced under 200, 400 and 600 °C at 2% and 4% rates), and two moisture regims (20% w/w and waterlogging) was carried out with two replications. The samples were spiked with 25 and 50 mg Cd kg-1 and incubated for 90 days under laboratory temperature. Available Cd extracted by DTPA-TEA on 15, 30, 60 and 90 days after incubation. Cadmium concentration determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (Mark and Model: HITACHI- ZCAST 2300). Analysis of variance and compare of means used to evaluate the effects of various treatments on DTPA-Cd.
Results and Discussion: The nutrient concentrations of biochar were increased with increasing the production temperature. The RPN and biochar of 200 ºC had the least nutrient concentrations while the biochar of 600 ºC showed the highest nutrient concentrations. The increases of pH and EC occurred with increasing the biochar production temperature. The pH ranged from 6.36 to 9.36 and EC range was 13.5-31.9 dS m-1. The analysis of variance showed that biochar, moisture regime and their interaction significantly affected DTPA-Cd on all of the studied times (P< 0.01) in both Cd levels. The cadmium availability was reduced by incubation times in all of the treatments and 600°C biochar caused the highest decrease of DTPA-Cd. In 25 mg Cd kg-1 level, the application of 600°C biochar caused significant decrease of DTPA-Cd by 54.2, 73, 53.5 and 60.5 % in comparison with control on 15, 30, 60 and 90 d, respectively. In 50 mg Cd kg-1 level, 600°C biochar in 4% w/w and 20% w/w moisture contents reduced DTPA Cd by 38.6, 43.4, 39.8 and 45.7 mg kg-1 on 15, 30, 60 and 90 d, respectively. The DTPA-Cd was reduced by increasing the biochar application rate to 4% w/w, but only for biochar of 600°C, this reduction had a significant difference with 2% application rate. Four percent biochar application rate on waterlogging condition reduced DTPA-Cd by 60.1%, 34.1 % and 53.6 % compared with 2% application rate on 30, 60 and 90 d, respectively. These changes on 50 mg Cd kg-1 in 20 % moisture level were 36.8, 43.8, 37.7 and 35.2 % on 15, 30, 60 and 90d, respectively. In 20% moisture level, the application of 600 °C biochar reduced DTPA-Cd compared with waterlogging while raw pistachio nuts and 200 and 400 °C biochars showed a reverse trend and increased DTPA-Cd in 20% moisture level compared with waterlogging.
Conclusion: Generally, regarding the decrease of DTPA-Cd by biochars, especially biochar of 600 °C, it can be concluded that biochar of pistachio nut shell particularly under 600 °C might be considered as an inexpensive and green environmental sorbent for Cd, however its potential to reduce Cd uptake by plants and Cd movement in environment requires further studies. Furthermore, the knowledge of the mechanisms that are responsible for Cd retention on biochar and desorption kinetic of sorbed Cd need further investigation.
Samira Abduolrahimi; Nasrin Ghorbanzadeh; Akbar Forghani; Mohammad Bagher Farhangi
Abstract
Introduction: Cadmium is considered to be one of the heavy metals with the highest toxicity, because it has high activity and a relative high dissolution rate in water and in living tissues. In recent years, due to the high volume of natural resources pollution and the inefficiency of conventional physicochemical ...
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Introduction: Cadmium is considered to be one of the heavy metals with the highest toxicity, because it has high activity and a relative high dissolution rate in water and in living tissues. In recent years, due to the high volume of natural resources pollution and the inefficiency of conventional physicochemical methods for refining these resources and the occurrence of environmental crisis, bioremediation process has been at the forefront. Microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICCP) has been considered as a novel solution for these problems, and several bacterial species have been already utilized for MICCP. MICCP based degradation of urea occurs through the ureolytic pathway. Urease (urea amidohydrolase) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes urea into one mole of carbonate and two moles of ammonia per mole of urea. In this aspect, microbial mineral precipitation products such as calcite can strongly adsorb heavy metals on their surfaces and incorporate heavy metal ions into their crystal structure. Some studies have reported MICCP-based sequestration of soluble Cd via coprecipitation with calcite was useful for Cd bioremediation. Several bacterial species have been utilized for MICCP. The endospore forming bacteria Sporosarcina pasteurii have been shown to produce high levels of urease and have therefore been extensively studied. Sporosarcina pasteurii has attracted significant attention for its unique feature of calcium carbonate precipitation, which can be easily controlled. So, In the present study the ability of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacterium has been investigated in the remediation of Cd(II) in Cd-contaminated sandy soil based on MICCP method.
Materials and Methods: Sporosarcina pasteurii (PTCC 1645) was procured from Microbial Bank of Iran (Central Collection of Industrial Fungi and Bacteria, Karaj, Iran). The bacterial strain was inoculated into NB (nutrient broth) media containing 2% urea and 25 mM CaCl2 (NBU media) and then incubated at 37◦C for 6 days. The urease activity was determined at regular time intervals by measuring the amount of ammonia released from urea according to the phenol-hypochlorite assay. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test was performed to determine the lowest concentration of cadmium chloride, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Sporosarcina pasteuriiwas inoculated into NBU media supplemented with 0.5, 1,2,4,8 and 10 mmol l-1 Cd and incubated at 37◦C, 130 rpm for 50 hours. Control flasks without adding Cd were also incubated. Bacterial growth was determined in terms of optical density (OD) by measuring absorbance at a wavelength of 600 nm at regular time intervals (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 hours) and colony-forming units (CFU) were also counted. The cadmium removal in 0.5, 1 and 2 mM cadmium solutions (based on MIC) was measured.A sandy soil from a depth of 0 to 30 cm was sampled. The soil was polluted with 10, 20, 40 and 50 mg/kg of cadmium and incubated in room temperature for two weeks. After incubation time, the cadmium remediation studies were performed at 30◦C in the beakers containing 100 g of sterilized dried contaminated soils and 200 mL of overnight grown of Sporosarcina pasteurii (~ to 107cfu ml−1) in NBU media. For each treatment corresponding control were included with the same condition but without bacteria.After 7 days of incubation, urease and dehydrogenase enzymes activity and concentration of cadmium in soluble + exchangeable and carbonate fractions were measured. The concentration of cadmium in iron-manganese oxides, organic matter and residual fractions in concentration of 50 mg/kg cadmium was also determined according to the continual extraction procedure of Tessier et al. (1979).
Results and Discussion: The amount of released ammonia by ureolytic activity of Sporosarcina pasteurii increased up to fourth day and then became almost constant.Optical density in different concentrations of cadmium decreased in comparison to control treatment after 48 hours. The minimum inhibitory concentration of cadmium for bacteria growth was 2 mM as determined by colony counting after 48 hours of incubation. Cadmium removal efficacy from solutions containing 0.5, 1 and 2 mM of cadmium was 99.6, 99.8 and 99.8%, respectively. The amounts of urease and dehydrogenase activities in the presence of bacterium were significantly higher than control treatments (P≤0.05). The results of the fractionation of contaminated soils in the absence of Sporosarcina pasteurii showed the distribution of cadmium as organic matter
faeze lotfi; amir fotovat; reza khorasani; Mahdi Bahraini
Abstract
Introduction: The pollution of soils by heavy metals due to human activities poses a serious concern for human and environmental health. In order to evaluate the risks of heavy metal contamination such as cadmium in soil, it is necessary to understand its bioavailability which depends on its chemical ...
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Introduction: The pollution of soils by heavy metals due to human activities poses a serious concern for human and environmental health. In order to evaluate the risks of heavy metal contamination such as cadmium in soil, it is necessary to understand its bioavailability which depends on its chemical forms in the soil. According to Tessier (1979), heavy metals can be found in various chemical forms in soil including exchangeable, bound to carbonates, bound to iron and manganese oxides and bound to organic matter and residual. These fractions significantly influence the cadmium mobility and bioavailability. Distribution of metals in chemical forms in soil depends on soil pH, amount of organic matter, oxidation-reduction potential and ionic strength. Root exudation, soil texture, cation exchangeable capacity and amount of calcium carbonate may also impact chemical forms of cadmium. Many studies have showed that plant root may affect the chemistry of heavy metals in soil root zone. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic matter on the distribution of cadmium in corn root media.
Materials and Methods: To investigate the effect of organic matter (cow manure) and root activity on chemical forms of cadmium, a greenhouse experiment was conducted using rhizobox. The contaminated soil sample used in the study was collected from Zanjan. This greenhouse experiment was conducted in a factorial design, with 2 replications, two levels of organic matter (0 and 1.5%) and three zones classified based on their distance from root. The soil samples were air dried and crushed to pass through a 2-mm sieve. The cultivation was conducted using a rhizobox. The rhizobox consisted of three parts: 1.central compartment (rhizosphere), 2.close to rhizosphere, and 3. soil bulk. Soil samples were mixed with fertilizer and packed in rhizobox. Eight pre-germinated maize seedlings were transferred to the central compartment and five days after germination, thinned to four plants. Ten weeks after planting, corn plants were harvested for analysis. The compartments of rhizobox were separated. The collected plant samples (root and shoot) were rinsed with deionized water and oven-dried at 70 °C. Soil samples were also measured for pH, CEC and total organic carbon. The chemical forms of cadmium in the soil and plant samples were identified by the sequential extraction procedure proposed by Tessier (1979). Bioavailable cadmium in soil was also extracted by DTPA-TEA.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that the highest amount of soil cadmium was found in carbonate fraction. Adding organic matter increased the soil pH, CEC and organic carbon amount, whereas none of chemical forms of cadmium were significantly affected by adding organic matter. Bioavailability of cadmium, however, decreased by adding organic matter to soil, It can be therefore concluded that increment in cadmium uptake due to increased organic matter led to decreased cadmium bioavailability. The exchangeable cadmium was negatively correlated to soil organic carbon, while bioavailable cadmium was negatively correlated to soil pH, CEC and amount of soil organic carbon. Moreover, our results indicated that the fractions of cadmium were not significantly affected by distance from the root. Moreover, adding organic matter insignificantly increased concentration of cadmium in shoots, roots and total plants.
Conclusion: In this study, among different chemical forms of cadmium, only bioavailable cadmium was significantly affected by adding organic matter to soil. Additionally, soil pH, CEC and organic carbon were significantly increased by adding organic matter. These results indicate that addition of organic matter to soil may indirectly influence chemical forms of cadmium through impacting soil properties (soil pH, CEC and organic carbon). The addition of organic matter had the most influence on carbonate fraction of cadmium which may be potentially available to plant. It seems that addition of organic matter (cow manure) may result in increase of cadmium concentration in plant. Therefore, it can be concluded that addition of cow manure to calcareous soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH may lead to increased cadmium uptake by the plant (corn) and reduced soil cadmium concentration.
siros sadeghi; Shahin Ostan; Nosratollah Najafi; Mostafa Valizadeh; Hassan Monirifar
Abstract
Introduction: Heavy metal contamination not only adversely affects the chemical properties, availability of nutrients and biological activity of the soils, but also causes serious risk to the human health from entering the food chain. Cadmium as an unnecessary heavy metal is highly toxic to plants. Cadmium ...
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Introduction: Heavy metal contamination not only adversely affects the chemical properties, availability of nutrients and biological activity of the soils, but also causes serious risk to the human health from entering the food chain. Cadmium as an unnecessary heavy metal is highly toxic to plants. Cadmium toxicity inhibits plant growth and even death. Metabolic processes such as photosynthesis and cellular respiration are disturbed due to cadmium toxicity. Among the heavy metals, zinc is an important nutrient in many biological processes such as photosynthesis, activity of antioxidant enzymes, proteins, hormones and other activities. Because of the similar chemical behavior of cadmium and zinc, interaction between the two metals is of interest to many researchers.
Materials and Methods: In this study, to investigate the interaction effects of cadmium and zinc on shoot and root dry matter and chemical composition of corn (Zea mays cv. single cross 704), a factorial experiment as a randomized complete block design in triplicate with eight levels of cadmium (zero, 0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 mg Cd kg-1) and eight levels of zinc (zero, 5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg Zn kg-1) was conducted in a loamy sand soil under greenhouse conditions. After 60 days, the plants were harvested and dry weights of shoots and roots were determined. Moreover, after wet digestion, the concentrations of cadmium, zinc, iron, manganese and copper in these tissues were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (Shimadzu-6300).
Results and Discussion: Treatments with 800 mg Cd kg-1 showed symptoms of cadmium and or zinc toxicity at early stages of the growth. These plants died after 10 to 20 days of germination. The results showed that the cadmium and zinc interactions on shoot and root dry weights were significant. At 0.5, 2.5, 20 and 80 mg Cd kg-1 (except for Cd0.5-Zn25), application of 5 to 50 mg Zn kg-1 increased shoot dry weight. Higher levels of zinc supplementation exhibited adverse effects. At 5 and 10 mg Cd kg-1, supply of 5 to 100 mg Zn kg-1 was associated with an increase in shoot dry weight, but shoot growth was reduced at higher zinc levels. At 40 mg Cd kg-1, application levels of 5 to 200 mg Zn kg-1 increased shoot dry weight, whereas 400 mg Zn kg-1 showed adverse effects. Moreover, the cadmium and zinc interactions on chemical composition of corn were significant. Based on the results, at low levels of cadmium, zinc supplementation at each level increased the shoot and root cadmium concentrations, while at high levels of cadmium, low and high zinc supply caused a decrease and increase in the shoot as well as root cadmium concentrations, respectively. The concentration of a particular trend was observed on the shoot and root. Supplementation of zinc at each level of cadmium (except for 80 mg Cd kg-1), first increased and then decreased the iron concentration of shoots and roots. Application of zinc at each level of cadmium decreased manganese and copper concentrations in shoots and roots.
Conclusions: According to the results, the ecological tolerance of corn to zinc was found to be 800 mg Zn kg-1. Also, the application level of zinc with positive effect on shoot dry weight increased with an increase in cadmium level. At all levels of cadmium, supplementation of zinc at medium levels prevented the accumulation of cadmium in shoots, while high and low levels of zinc intensified the cadmium accumulation. The highest accumulation of cadmium in roots was occurred at highest level of zinc. Zinc supplementation at each level of cadmium first increased and then decreased iron concentration in shoots and roots. However, zinc supply at each level of cadmium decreased copper and manganese concentrations in shoots and roots. As a conclusion, zinc at low levels diminished toxic effects and accumulation of cadmium, meanwhile high levels of zinc not only did not control cadmium but showed deleterious effects. The critical level of poisoning for cadmium in aerial parts of both plants in lower density in the soil (up to 90 mg kg-1 ) showed very little changes, but in higher density, it decreased in brassica napus and increased in zea mays. The critical level of poisoning on the aerial parts of both plants showed very little change with increasing the total density of cadmium in the soil.
Ahmad Farrokhian Firouzi; Mohammad javad Amiri; Hosein Hamidifar; Mehdi Bahrami
Abstract
Introduction Some methods of contaminated soils remediation reduces the mobile fraction of trace elements, which could contaminate groundwater or be taken up by soil organisms. Cadmium (Cd) as a heavy metal has received much attention in the past few decades due to its potential toxic impact on soil ...
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Introduction Some methods of contaminated soils remediation reduces the mobile fraction of trace elements, which could contaminate groundwater or be taken up by soil organisms. Cadmium (Cd) as a heavy metal has received much attention in the past few decades due to its potential toxic impact on soil organism activity and compositions. Cadmium is a soil pollutant of no known essential biological functions, and may pose threats to soil-dwelling organisms and human health. Soil contamination with Cd usually originates from mining and smelting activities, atmospheric deposition from metallurgical industries, incineration of plastics and batteries, land application of sewage sludge, and burning of fossil fuels. Heavy metal immobilization using amendments is a simple and rapid method for the reduction of heavy metal pollution. One way of the assessment of contaminated soils is sequential extraction procedure. Sequential extraction of heavy metals in soils is an appropriate way to determine soil metal forms including soluble, exchangeable, carbonate, oxides of iron and manganese, and the residual. Its results are valuable in prediction of bioavailability, leaching rate and elements transformation in contaminated agricultural soils.
Materials and Methods The objective of this study was to synthesize magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) stabilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and to investigate the effect of its different percentages (0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10%) on the different fractions of cadmium in soil by sequential extraction method. The nanoparticles were synthesized following the protocol described by Si et al. (19). The investigations were carried out with a loamy sand topsoil. Before use, the soil was air-dried, homogenized and sieved (
Amir Parnian; Mostafa Chorom; Nematolah Jafarzade Haghighy Fard
Abstract
Introduction: With increasing of population and the valuable water resource pollutions, a demand has been felt for new and inexpensive methods in order to remediation and improving of water quality. Cadmium is a trace element. In low concentration, this heavy metal is harmful to life, and considered ...
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Introduction: With increasing of population and the valuable water resource pollutions, a demand has been felt for new and inexpensive methods in order to remediation and improving of water quality. Cadmium is a trace element. In low concentration, this heavy metal is harmful to life, and considered as a dangerous pollutant. Cadmium leads to pollution and reduction of water quality; sometimes even toxicity through contaminated sources such as wastewater (Agricultural, municipal and industrial). Phytoremediation with aquatic macrophytes is an effective and inexpensive method for improving water quality and wastewater. The aim of this study was to investigatethe cadmium phytoremediation by Ceratophyllumdemersum L. as a potential method for remediation of cadmium pollution in aquatic medium.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the remediation of cadmium pollution in aquatic medium monitored, within 14 days cultivation of coontail (Ceratophyllumdemersum L.). At first, for estimating the level of local wastewater cadmium pollutions, five-month cadmium concentration measurement of steel industrial wastewater and urban wastewater set. Then, plants collected from the irrigation channels of ShahidChamran University of Ahvaz. After finding the best pH of nutrient solution for Ceratophyllumdemersum L. growth by cultivating the plants in 2 liters pots filled by the solutions withthree different pH(5.5, 7 and 9.5) within three weeks; 12 grams of plants cultivated in 2 liters of Hoagland nutrient solution contaminated by cadmium(pH = 7). The initial contamination levels were setasfive different concentrations of cadmium (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 mg l-1) with three replications. The cadmium concentrations of the pots were measured every day and on the last day of cultivation, plants wet weight, plants dry weight and Cd concentration in plants weremeasured. Then,biomass production, Cd bioconcentration factor (BCF), Cd uptake index, and Cd uptake percentage of plants were calculated. Standard deviations calculationand correlation and regression analysis were performed using Microsoft Office Excel2007 and SPSS 16. One-way ANOVA performed to identify significant differences in metal concentrations in the different treatments. Differences considered significant atp < 0.05.
Results and Discussion: Among three pH (5.5, 7 and 9.5) for plants cultivation, C. demersum L.grewbetter in pH = 7. In fact, the average amount of produced biomasses were 46.6 g (pH = 5.5), 79.6 g (pH = 7) and 68.4 g (pH = 9.5). Therefore, to investigate the Cd remediation, the pH of nutrient solution set equal to 7. The final Cd concentrations in nutrient solution for initial Cd concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg l-1 were 0.30, 0.36, 2.76 and 3.85 mg l-11respectively. Moreover, the Cd uptake percentage after 14days cultivation of C. demersum L.in nutrient solution for initial Cd concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg l-1 were 70.00, 82.01, 31.00 and 35.83 %respectively. Cd uptake percentage of plants for initial concentrations of 4 and 6 mg l-1weresignificantly lesser than those of 1and 2 mg l-1.The decreased uptake efficiency percentage maybe caused by the effect of Cd toxicity on plant cell membrane permeability and efficiency.The average of BCF in plants for initial Cd concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg l-1 were 384.4, 707.9, 66.5 and 75.0respectively. High reduction ofBCF amounts with increasing the initial concentration of 2to 4 and 6mg l-1, maybe caused by cadmium physiological adverse effects on plants. The averages of uptake index in plants were 1.26, 2.95, 2.24 and 3.92 mg for initial Cd concentrations of 1, 2, 4 and 6 mg l-1respectively. The results showed a reduction between 2 and 4 mg l-1concentrations that probablycaused by Cd toxicity disruption on plants uptake mechanism and growth. Moreover, the increase of plants uptake index in initial concentration of 6 mg l-1 could be explain by partial losing of the selective permeability of the plants cell membrane. The maximum (3.60 g/day) and minimum (1.62 g/day) of biomass production related to pollutant concentrations of 0 and 6 mg l-1 respectively, and it shows a greatefect of the Cd on C. demersum L.growth.
Conclusion: The plant accumulated cadmium efficiently, and the remediation efficiency was near to 82%. However, the pollutant removal was not complete in a short time.In total, phytoremediation of cadmium and other pollutants from wastewater or other aqueoussolutions by Ceratophyllumdemersum, as a native aquatic plant of most of Iran’s rivers, could be anefficient and appropriatemethod.
Nastaran Esmaeilpourfard; J. Givi; A. Davodian
Abstract
Introduction Due to mining, considerable amounts of heavy metal bearing mineralsare scattered in the atmosphere in the form of dust and make the surrounding air, water and soils polluted.Runoff water movingfrom the mountainstowardsplains may also transport heavy metals from mines to the soils.One type ...
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Introduction Due to mining, considerable amounts of heavy metal bearing mineralsare scattered in the atmosphere in the form of dust and make the surrounding air, water and soils polluted.Runoff water movingfrom the mountainstowardsplains may also transport heavy metals from mines to the soils.One type ofpollutions is contamination withheavy metals.The purpose of the present research has been to investigate the effect of heavy metals of mine on soil, water, plant and dust pollution.
Materials and Methods: Gushfil mine is located 3 kilometers southwest of Sepahanshahr, Isfahan. Soil profiles were dug 500 meters apart along three parallel transects, between east of Sepahanshahr and Gushfil mine. The profiles were described and samples were collected from their horizons. Ore, wells, plant and dust were sampled as well. Total concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium were measured in the samples. To find the origin of polluted dust and soil, lead isotopes contents in the samples were measured and regressional relationships between the ratios of these contents were investigated.
Results and Discussion Sepahanshahr soils are not contaminated by zinc, lead and cadmium, but within a distance of one to two kilometers from the Gushfil mine, the soils are polluted by zinc and lead. Cadmium contamination was not observed in the studied soils. In all of the soils, the heavy metals content varies downwards irregularly. The reason for this variation trend is that the studied soils are alluvial. In different periods of time, alluvium parent materials have been transported by runoff water from the lead and zinc mines towards the alluvial piedmont plain. The studied heavy metals have been distributed irregularly in different horizons of the soils that have been formed in these parent materials. Lead and cadmium concentrations of drinking water in the studied area are much higher than the maximum amount allowed by the World Health Organization. Cadmium content in all trees of the Sepahanshahr urban park and in alfalfa, lead content in olive trees and lead and cadmium concentrations in Holly hock (Althaea officinalis), Spurge (Euphorbiarigida) and Rhizome (Acanthe phylum bracteatum)are higher than dietaryallowance. Significant correlation between heavy metal concentrations reduction in dust samples and increase of distance from the mine expresses that contaminant heavy metals enter the atmosphere due to mine explosions. In dolomitic sandstone rich in sphalerite mineral, the total amounts of lead and zinc are maximum. The maximum amount of cadmium and too much lead and zinc were observed in a shale fragment, sampled from a location of a fault in the mine. Contents of the three metals were less in black and green shales, compared with the other samples. In dolomitic sandstone rich in gallon mineral, the amounts of the three metals are high and its lead content is maximum with respect to other rocks excluding dolomitic sandstone rich in sphalerite mineral. Significant correlation between ratios of lead isotopes contents of the rocks, soil and dust showed that the soils of the alluvial piedmont plain located at the footslope of the western mountains of the studied area have formed in alluvium parent materials originated from western mountains. The studied heavy metals have been transported together with these alluviums from the mine towards the alluvial piedmont plain. The other origin of these metals is the dust which is produced during the Gushfil mine explosions. This dust is translocated towards the Sepahanshahr and makes the surrounding environment of the mine polluted.
Conclusions: Origin of zinc, lead and cadmium in soil, water, plant and dust in the studied area is rocks of Gushfil mine. Transportation of these metals from the mine towards the environment can be explained by two mechanisms: 1) together with runoff water flowing from the western mountains towards the alluvial piedmont plain and 2) in the form of dust which originates from the mine and moves eastwards. The soils are not contaminated with cadmium. With increase of distance from the mine, contamination of lead and zinc decreases in soil and dust in such a way that in the Sepahanshahr soils, pollution of these metals is not observed. The soils located within a distance of 1 to 2 kilometers from the Gushfil mine are contaminated with lead and zinc. Water is polluted with lead and cadmium and the cadmium content of the plants is higher than dietaryallowance.
hashem aram; A. Golchin
Abstract
Introduction: Soil contaminations with heavy metals represent a potential risk to the biosphere and leads to increased concentration in ground and surface water. Therefore metals mobility in soil has been extensively studied in the last decades. Use of agrochemicals such as synthetic fertilizers and ...
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Introduction: Soil contaminations with heavy metals represent a potential risk to the biosphere and leads to increased concentration in ground and surface water. Therefore metals mobility in soil has been extensively studied in the last decades. Use of agrochemicals such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides has resulted in soil and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Cadmium is a heavy metal with a strong effect on crop quality. Moreover, it is a very mobile element in the environment. Plants can easily uptake cadmium and transfer it to other organs. Experiments on the effects of cadmium on the contents of macro elements in plants are scarce and therefore the mechanism of its effect has not yet been fully explained. Contaminated soil can be remediated by chemical, physical or biological techniques. Mycorrhiza is the mutualistic symbiosis (non-pathogenic association) between soil-borne fungi with the roots of higher plants. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate biotrophs, which can form mutualistic symbioses with the roots of around 80% of plant species. Arbuscular mycorrhiza have been observed to play a vital role in metal tolerance and accumulation. Many workers have reported enhancement of phosphate uptake and growth of leguminous plants by vesicular arbuscular mycorhizal fungi (AMF).
Materials and Methods: One study performed the factorial experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications in the greenhouse of Agriculture Faculty of Zanjan University. The examined factors include different levels of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculation (Glomus mosseae) (with and without inoculation), and different levels of soil contamination by cadmium (0, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 ppm). In this study, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Glomus mosseae species were used. These fungi were prepared by the Plant Protection Clinic in Iran – Hamedan. The soil was prepared of arable land of depth of 0-20 cm at the University of Zanjan, after the complete analysis of soil and obtaining the chemical and physical properties in the laboratory. 6 kg of soil was weighed for each pot and then the soil was contaminated. Cadmium sulfate was used in this experiment. The mycorrhizal fungi weighed 150 grams and was mixed with the soil. After mixing the soil with mycorrhizal fungi, the soil was put in pots and then it was cultivated with clover. In this study, clover seeds weighed 0/5 grams and were disinfected with 10% hydrogen peroxide solution and were added to each pot. Distilled water was used for irrigation. After the completion of growth of plants (about 70 day), plant aerial parts and roots were harvested and before measuring, they were washed with distilled water and then were dried in the oven for 72 hours. Plant aerial parts were harvested. Data were analyzed by SAS (version 9) and MSTATC (version 2.10) software, and obtained variance analysis tables. Mean comparison of different treatments was conducted by Duncan test. Charts were obtained by excel software.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi were significant on all traits measured (P< 0.01). With increasing cadmium concentration in soil, dry matter of 37% and 39%, nitrogen concentration of 35% and 28%, Potassium 9/27% and 37%, and phosphorus concentration of 37% and 39%, reduced in root and aerial, respectively. Also the results showed that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased dry matter amount by 42% and 26%, nitrogen concentration by 40.3% and 30%, phosphorus concentration by 6% and 15.4%, potassium concentrations by 54% and 91.2% in root and aerial, respectively. Interaction between cadmium levels and mycorrhizal fungi in statistics was significant on dry matter aerial, nitrogen concentration in aerial and root, and potassium concentrations in plant root (P< 0.01).
Conclusion: The results showed that mycorrhizal fungi were significant on all traits measured in one percent level. Cadmium reduced the concentration of nutrients in the plant; but mycorrhizal fungi increased nutrient concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the plant. Previous studies have shown that external hyphae of mycorrhizal fungi are able to provide their symbiotic plant potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. Ghazala reported that nutrient uptake of mycorrhizal plants was higher when compared with non-mycorrhizal. It seems that the ability of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in concentration of nutrients depends on fungal species, soil condition, and host plant.
F. Aghababaei; F. Raiesi; alireza hosseinpuor
Abstract
Soil biota such as earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in the stability of ecosystem, and the bioavailability of soil elements, in particular heavy metals, in soils. To examine the effects of these organisms, a 3×2×3 factorial experiment arranged as randomized complete ...
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Soil biota such as earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) play an important role in the stability of ecosystem, and the bioavailability of soil elements, in particular heavy metals, in soils. To examine the effects of these organisms, a 3×2×3 factorial experiment arranged as randomized complete design was set up to study the individual and combined influence of earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus L.) and AMF (Glomus mosseae and Glomus intraradices) on soil organic matter (OM), dissolve organic carbon (DOC), soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), soil enzyme activity and glomalin production in a calcareous soil contaminated with 0, 10, 20 mg of Cd kg-1 soil cropped with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) with three replications. Both earthworms and mycorrhizal fungi were able to survive in all the treatments with added Cd. Results showed that Cd pollution decreased all the measured microbial activities and properties in soil. Earthworm treatment increased DOC by 4-10% at all Cd levels. The amount of soil MBC in mycorrhizal treatments was greater (1.9-2.4 times) than that in non-mycorrhizal treatment, and AMF inoculation increased MBC/TOC ratio from 23% to 53% in Cd-polluted soils. Earthworm and AMF enhanced soil enzyme activity/MBC ratio, 10-18 and 40-54% for soil alkaline phosphatase and 4-9 and 40-55% for soil urease, respectively. The glomalin production increased at 20 mg kg-1 and was about 15% greater in G. mosseae than in G. intraradices species. Although soil respiration was decreased substantially with Cd pollution, inoculation of either earthworms or AMF enhanced soil respiration when compared with the corresponding controls.
Ghasem Rahimi
Abstract
In order to assess uptake potential of Cd an Zn by Gladiola, Narcissus and Tulip, the greenhouse study was performed in contamination soils as factorial arrangement based on the complete randomized design with different levels of pollution (A as higher pollutant, B as lower pollutant and C as no pollutant) ...
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In order to assess uptake potential of Cd an Zn by Gladiola, Narcissus and Tulip, the greenhouse study was performed in contamination soils as factorial arrangement based on the complete randomized design with different levels of pollution (A as higher pollutant, B as lower pollutant and C as no pollutant) and different flowers (Gladiola, Narcissus and Tulip) with four replicates in faculty of agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University. The result showed that with increasing heavy metals concentration in soils, dry matters of Gladiola and Tulip were decreased, compared with the control; however there was no change for dry matter in Narcissus. The accumulation of Cd and Zn by flowers increased with increasing soil pollution. The Cd concentration was higher (3.48 mg/kg averagely) in aerial parts of plant harvested from the A level treated soils which was significantly difference with B and C levels treated soil. There was no difference between the B and C level treated significantly. The Zn concentration in the aerial parts of plant was in the order of A, B and C level treated soils (in average 26.03, 17.46 and 13.99 mg/kg respectively). The Cd uptake was equal in all parts of Gladiola, Narcissus and Tulip. The Zn concentration was higher in the aerial parts of Tulip than Gladiola and Narcissus that of underground was equal. The accumulation and translocation Indices of Cd was not affected by increased soil Cd concentration significantly. With increased Zn concentration in soil, accumulation index decreased while translocation index was not changed significantly. The translocation and accumulation index of Cd and Zn was similar for flowers. Thus accumulation of Cd and Zn in saleable parts of Gladiola, Narcissus and Tulip led to clean up the contaminated soils.
Gh. Rahimi; A. A. Charkhabi
Abstract
The paddy soils in Lenjan area exposed to pollution owing to uncontrolled discharge of sewage sludge, wastewater and unessential fertilizers. Little information exists on Cadmium (Cd) distribution in paddy soils of Isfahan Province, this study was therefore investigated the spatial variability of cadmium ...
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The paddy soils in Lenjan area exposed to pollution owing to uncontrolled discharge of sewage sludge, wastewater and unessential fertilizers. Little information exists on Cadmium (Cd) distribution in paddy soils of Isfahan Province, this study was therefore investigated the spatial variability of cadmium which is considered as the most toxic metals. 90 soil samples (0-20 cm) were collected from study area. Soil properties such as pH, EC, calcium carbonate equivalent, soil texture, organic matter and cation exchange capacity were measured. The total and available Cd concentrations of soil samples analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In addition, estimation of spatial data performed via kriging interpolation method (ordinary and blocky kriging) and by GIS. The total and available concentration of Cd in the study area were averagely 1.747 and 0.073 mgkg-1 respectively, which were much higher than the standard limit and classified in high pollution. Geostatistical analysis result was shown that exponential and spherical models for the total and available Cd concentration were best model, respectively. The most effective range of total and available Cd was 1011 and 1050 meter respectively and correlation ratio was weak in this range. Evaluation of correlation coefficient, MEE and RMSE parameters showed that both methods of kriging for data estimation in comparison with real data had acted in an appropriate manner. The result also showed that human activities such as industrial and urban wastewater entering to the water resources and application of excessive fertilizers had an impact on cadmium concentrations significantly.
R. Jenabi Haghparast; A. Golchin; E. Kahneh
Abstract
Heavy metals are entered to the environment by mining and by applying sewage sludge and agricultural inputs to soils. These metals have detrimental effects on environment and soil organisms. An experiment was conducted to determine the cadmium affects on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in a calcareous soil ...
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Heavy metals are entered to the environment by mining and by applying sewage sludge and agricultural inputs to soils. These metals have detrimental effects on environment and soil organisms. An experiment was conducted to determine the cadmium affects on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) in a calcareous soil amended with 0 and 5% organic matter. The concentrations of Cd in soils were 0,10,20,40, 60 and 80 mg kg-1 and growth parameters of the earthworms were measured with 15 day intervals over 75 days. Survival, growth and cocoon production of earthworms were determined. The results showed that addition of organic matter to soils reduced the toxic effects of cadmium to earthworms. In soils contaminated with Cd the weights of the earthworms decreased with increasing the concentrations of this metal and cadmium had the highest negative effects on cocoon production. The highest earthworm’s mortality was recorded in soils contaminated with cadmium.
H. Ghorbani; A. Roohani; N. Hafezi Moghaddas
Abstract
In this research, a learning vector quantization neural network (LVQ) model was developed to predict and classify the spatial distribution of cadmium in soil in Golestan province. The cadmium data were obtained from soils measuring total Cd contents in soil samples. Some statistical tests, such as means ...
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In this research, a learning vector quantization neural network (LVQ) model was developed to predict and classify the spatial distribution of cadmium in soil in Golestan province. The cadmium data were obtained from soils measuring total Cd contents in soil samples. Some statistical tests, such as means comparision, variance and statistical distribution were performed between the observed points samples data and the estimated cadmium values to evaluate the performance of the pattern recognition method. The Results showed that in training and test phase, there were no significant differences, with the confidence level of 95%, between the statsitcal parameters such as average, variance, statistical distribution and also coefficient of determination in the observed and the estimated cadmium concentrations. The results suggest that learning vector quantization (LVQ) neural network can learn cadmium cocentration model precisely. In addition the results also indicated that trained LVQ neural network had a high capability in predicting cadmium concentrations for non-sampled points. The technique showed that the LVQNN could predict and map the spatial cadmium concentrations variability. Our results indicated that it is possible to discriminate different cadmium levels in soil, using LVQNN.
