Soil risk assessment of As and Zn contamination in a coal mining region using geostatistics [corrected

The present paper aims to map As and Zn contamination and assess the risk for agricultural soils in a wider disposal site containing wastes derived from coal beneficiation. Geochemical data related to environmental studies show that the waste characteristics favor solubilisation and mobilization of inorganic contaminants and in some cases the generation of acidic leachates. 135 soil samples were collected from a 34 km(2) area and analysed by using geostatistics under the maximum entropy principle in order to produce risk assessment maps and estimate the probability of soil contamination. In addition, the present paper discusses the main issues related to risk assessment in wider mining and waste disposal sites in order to assist decision makers in selecting feasible rehabilitation schemes.     

The distribution and dynamics of chromium and nickel in cultivated and uncultivated semi-arid soils from Nigeria

Growing concern about heavy metal contamination of agricultural lands under long-term application of inorganic fertilizers and organic wastes makes periodic risk assessment of heavy metal accumulation in arable lands imperative. As a part of a much larger study to systematically document the status of heavy metals in savanna soils this study investigated the distribution and dynamics of Cr and Ni in a savanna soil after 50 years of continuous cultivation and application of inorganic fertilizers and organic manures. The cultivated fields were fertilized with inorganic fertilizers (NPK), farmyard manure (FYM), FYM+NPK for 50 years and a control plot under continuous cultivation for 50 years but did not receive either FYM or NPK. Two uncultivated or natural sites were sampled as reference conditions for assessing the dynamics of Cr and Ni induced by cultivation and management practices. The distribution of Cr and Ni in the soil profiles exhibited eluvial-illuvial patterns. Sand and clay fractions explained between 62 and 90% of the variance in Cr and Ni concentration and distribution in the soil profiles. Mean Cr concentrations ranged from 17 to 59 mg kg(-1), while Ni varied from <1 mg kg(-1) in the topsoil to 16 mg kg(-1) in the subsoil. Mass balance calculations showed a loss of 10% Cr and 17% Ni in the FYM field, and approximately 4% Cr and 11% Ni in the NPK field compared to the natural site after 50 years of cultivation. The control and FYM + NPK field had, however, a positive balance of Cr and Ni. In general, it was concluded that existing soil management practices in this region are unlikely to lead to Cr and Ni build-up probably because of low rates of application of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure and other organic wastes to the soils.     

Levels and vertical distribution of PCBs in agricultural and natural soils from Sweden

Soils represent an important reservoir for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the terrestrial environment and thus the fate of contaminants deposited to the surface soils is important to understand. Since only a limited number of studies of the vertical distribution of POPs are available in the literature, the purpose of this study was to collect and analyze PCB concentrations in different layers of soil cores taken at agricultural and non-agricultural sites in Sweden. PCB concentrations at the agricultural site were nearly uniform on a dry weight basis throughout the depth considered (0-12 cm) while a distinct gradient with depth was observed at the five non-agricultural sites. On an organic carbon normalized basis, the concentration gradient was maintained at three of the non-agricultural sites while a more uniform distribution was observed at the other two sites. A statistically significant relationship between dry weight soil concentrations and organic carbon content was determined for all PCB congeners in the surface layers (0-1 cm) but not in the deeper layers (4-5 cm, 9-10 cm). These results were interpreted in relation to vertical soil transport processes and then the implications for environmental fate models including soil compartments were discussed.     

Production of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and trihalomethane (THM) precursor from peat soils

Water passing through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta contains elevated concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and trihalomethane (THM) precursor relative to upstream waters from the Sacramento River and the San Joaquin River. Drainage from agricultural peat soils has been identified as one of the major sources of DOC and THM precursor. A series of controlled laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate abiotic and biotic effects on the quantity and the nature of DOC and THM precursors produced from oxidized surface and reduced subsurface soils in the Delta. For abiotic effects, DOC was extracted from both soils with synthetic solutions containing a range of salinity (0-4 dS/m) and sodicity (0 to infinity ). The results showed that an increase in salinity significantly decreased the concentration of DOC in the soil-water from both soils but increased its aromaticity, as indicated by specific ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (SUVA). For biotic effects, peat soils were incubated over a range of temperatures (10 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C) and soil moisture contents (0.3-10 g water/g soil). After 8 weeks of incubation, only extracted DOC from flooded conditions and flooded and non-flooded cycles showed an increase in DOC. These findings indicate that neither salinity nor sodicity is the major factor for DOC production, but both can affect the solubility and mobility of DOC in the Delta soils. We believe wetting processes in oxidized peat soils produce significant amounts of DOC found in agricultural drainage discharged into the Delta waters.     

Environmental contamination and seasonal variation of metals in soils,plants and waters in the paddy fields around a PbZn mine in Korea

The objective of this study is to investigate the extent and degree of heavy metal contamination of paddy fields influenced by metalliferous mining activity. Paddy soils, rice plants and irrigation waters were sampled along six traverse lines in the vicinity of the mine and nearby control site. Soil samples were taken 30, 80 and 150 days after rice transplanting, to study seasonal variation of their chemical properties and heavy metal concentrations. Sampling of rice plants and irrigation waters was also undertaken with seasons. The analysis of the samples were carried out using ICP-AES for 25 elements including Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Physical and chemical properties of soils (pH, loss-on-ignition, cation exchange capacity and texture) and waters (pH, Eh and temperature) were also measured. The properties of soils were similar to the average Korean soils, with the exception of some samples taken in the vicinity of the mine. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in paddy soils, rice plants and irrigation waters sampled in the immediate vicinity of the mine were relatively high due to the seepage of metals from mining dump sites. Although there was variation between sampling sites, soil pH values under reducing conditions were on average higher than those under oxidising conditions. Relatively low content of organic matter and low cation exchange capacity of soils were found at 80 days after rice transplanting (P < 0.05). No seasonal variations in metal concentrations were found in paddy soils throughout the period of the rice growing, in which soils ranged from flooded reducing conditions through most of the growing season to drained oxidising conditions before and at harvest. Relatively high metal concentrations were found in the rice stalks and leaves under oxidising conditions. The sequential extraction analysis of selected soil samples confirmed that high proportions of exchangeable fractions of the metals were found under oxidising conditions. It was shown that Cd and Zn concentrations in rice leaves and stalks and rice grain increased with increasing metal concentrations in paddy soils to a greater extent than for Cu and Pb. This difference in uptake is in agreement with the greater proportions of Cd and Zn, compared with Cu and Pb, in the exchangeable soil fraction extracted with MgCl₂. Average daily intake from locally grown rice by the residents was estimated to be 121 μg Cd and 126 μg Pb. Thus, long-term metal exposure by regular consumption of the rice poses potential health problems to residents in the vicinity of the mine, although no adverse health effects have as yet been observed.     

Sorbed atrazine shifts into non-desorbable sites of soil organic matter during aging

Soil-chemical contact time (aging) is an important determinant of the sorption and desorption characteristics of the organic contaminants and pesticides in the environment. The effects of aging on mechanism-specific sorption and desorption of atrazine were studied in soil and clay slurries. Sorption isotherm and desorption kinetic experiments were performed, and soil-water distribution coefficients and desorption rate parameters were evaluated using linear and non-linear sorption equations and a three-site desorption model, respectively. Aging time for sorption of atrazine in sterilized soil and clay slurries ranged from 2 days to 8 months. Atrazine sorption isotherms were nearly linear (r(2)>0.97) and sorption coefficients were strongly correlated to soil organic carbon content. Sorption distribution coefficients (K(d)) increased with increase in age in all five soils studied, but not for K-montmorillonite. Sorption non-linearity did not increase with increase in age except for the Houghton muck soil. Desorption profiles were well described by the three-site desorption model. The equilibrium site fraction (f(eq)) decreased and the non-desorbable site fraction (f(nd)) increased as a function of aging time in all soils. For K-montmorillonite, f(nd) approximately 0 regardless of aging, showing that aging phenomena are sorbent/mechanism specific. In all soils, it was found that when normalized to soil organic matter content, the concentration of atrazine in desorbable sites was relatively constant, whereas that in non-desorbable site increased. This, and the lack of aging effects on desorption from montmorillonite, suggests that sorption into non-desorbable sites of soil organic matter is primary source of increased atrazine sorption in soils during aging.     

Heavy metal contents in surface soils along the Upper Scheldt river (Belgium) affected by historical upland disposal of dredged materials

Concern about heavy metal accumulation in agricultural soils under long-term application of phosphate fertilizers and organic wastes makes investigation of heavy metals in agricultural soils imperative. This study examines the total, available and chemical forms of lead (Pb) in a savanna soil after 50 years of continuous cultivation and application of NPK fertilizers and farmyard manure (FYM). Total Pb concentration ranged from 28 to 42 mg kg(-1) over 2-3 times more than the average Pb concentration of non-polluted soils worldwide. Available Pb was, however, less than 2 mg kg(-1) indicating that Pb in the soils was largely insoluble. There were no detectable concentrations of water soluble and organically-bound Pb fractions. On average, residual Pb accounted for over 80% of total Pb. Compared to the natural site, cultivation and fertilization with NPK and FYM increased total Pb concentration by 19 and 17%, respectively, or, on mass basis, by 10 and 35 kg ha(-1), respectively, after 50 years. Soil Pb showed strong linear relations with sand fraction and inorganic phosphorus in the soils. Thermodynamic equilibrium relations provided some indirect evidence that the control on soluble Pb appeared to be chloropyromorphite [Pb5(PO4)3Cl], an insoluble lead phosphate mineral.     

Evaluation of the genotoxic and teratogenic potential of a municipal sludge and sludge-amended soil using the amphibian Xenopus laevis and the tobacco: Nicotiana tabacum L. var. xanthi Dulieu

The toxic, genotoxic and teratogenic potential of a municipal sewage sludge was assessed using the micronucleus assay on the larvae of the amphibian Xenopus laevis and with the tobacco somatic mutation test using the yellow-green xanthi Dulieu mutant a(1)(+)/a(1) a(2)(+)/a(2). The teratogenic potential was assessed by means of the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay-Xenopus (FETAX). Various doses of the pasty sludge added to a crop soil were tested using the three bioassays. The test systems were performed either directly with sludge or sludge-amended soil samples (plant model) or with aqueous extracts (aquatic animal model). Using the tobacco model, we found no mutagenic impact of the soil amended with the sludge, perhaps because the clay-like nature of the soil, with its high adsorption capacity, may have prevented the contaminants from reaching the target. All leachates of amended soils produced a significant size reduction in Xenopus embryos. Depending on the soil/sludge ratio, some leachates were found to be genotoxic but were never teratogenic. This battery of in vivo test systems enabled us to estimate the global long-term effects under agricultural conditions with various genetic endpoints on ecologically relevant organisms characteristic of the aquatic and terrestrial compartments.     

Aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation of phenol derivatives in various paddy soils

Microbiological degradation of phenol and some of its alkyl-derivatives (p-cresol, 4-n-propylphenol, 4-i-propylphenol, 4-n-butylphenol, 4-sec-butylphenol, 4-t-butylphenol, and 4-t-octylphenol) was examined under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions in seven Japanese paddy soils. Aerobic biodegradation of phenol derivatives was detected in all the paddy soils examined. The half-lives ranged from 2 to 19 days. The aerobic degradation rate of 4-t-octylphenol was correlated inversely with the total carbon contents of paddy soils, and there were significant inverse correlations between the aerobic degradation rate and the size of alkyl groups of alkylphenols. Anaerobic biodegradation of phenol and p-cresol was detected in three soils with the half-lives ranging from 24 to 260 days for phenol and from 11 to 740 days for p-cresol, respectively. The three soils were characterized by low contents of nitrate and iron oxides. Other soil properties did not show any significant correlations with the anaerobic degradation rates. In one soil, we found for the first time anaerobic biodegradation of 4-n-propylphenol. However, the other five compounds (4-i-propylphenol, 4-n-butylphenol, 4-sec-butylphenol, 4-t-butylphenol and 4-t-octylphenol) were not degraded over 224 days of incubation. These results suggest that phenol and all the alkylphenols were degraded within several days when paddy soil is not flooded and so under aerobic conditions. Under flooded and anaerobic conditions, 4-n-propylphenol would be degraded as well as phenol and p-cresol while alkylphenols with long and branched alkyl chains were hardly degraded at all.     

Erosion of arable soils in Britain

Changing perspectives on erosion problems on British arable soils are reviewed. Current agricultural practices are increasing the magnitude and extent of soil erosion in Britain and other parts of Europe. Current trends in soil erosion research are examined, in particular recent field survey developments and the potential value of radar‐satellite based monitoring of erosive weather systems. More attention should be devoted to assessing levels of erosion on British arable soils and to the implications of current erosion rates on the long‐term ability of soil to act as a medium for sustained crop yield. Proposed strategies for soil conservation include avoiding cultivation of steep slopes, increasing soil organic content, reducing soil compaction, investigating and remedying sub‐soil compaction, developing a mature crop cover before convective storms occur in early summer and reducing cultivations to a minimum.     

Biological assessment of contaminated land using earthworm biomarkers in support of chemical analysis

Biological indicators can be used to assess polluted sites but their success depends on the availability of suitable assays. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of two earthworm biomarkers, lysosomal membrane stability measured using the neutral red retention assay (NRR-T) and the total immune activity (TIA) assay, that have previously been established as responsive to chemical exposure. Responses of the two assays were measured following in situ exposure to complexly contaminated field soils at three industrial sites as well as urban and rural controls. The industrial sites were contaminated with a range of metal (cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel and cobalt) and organic (including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) contaminants, but at concentrations below the 'New Dutch List' Intervention concentrations. Exposed earthworms accumulated both metals and organic compounds at the contaminated sites, indicating that there was significant exposure. No effect on earthworm survival was found at any of the sites. Biomarker measurements, however, indicated significant effects, with lower NRR-T and TIA found in the contaminated soils when compared to the two controls. The results demonstrate that a comparison of soil pollutant concentrations with guideline values would not have unequivocally identified chemical exposure and toxic effect for soil organisms living in these soils. However, the earthworm biomarkers successfully identified significant exposure and biological effects caused by the mixture of chemicals present.     

Comparison of decision support systems for an optimised application of compost and sewage sludge on agricultural land based on heavy metal accumulation in soil

Two different decision support systems (DSS) for the application of organic wastes on agricultural land were developed. Both DSS calculate the maximum application period of organic waste considering exhaustion of the uptake potential of soils for heavy metals. The definition of the uptake potential differs between the DSS alternatives. In the first DSS (DSS-AR), the uptake potential is derived from the difference of actual total heavy metal concentration in soil (according to aqua regia digestion) and the respective statutory limit value. The other DSS (DSS-SI) calculates the remaining sorption capacity of the soil for a heavy metal, i.e. the difference between the predefined maximum and the actual heavy metal concentration at the sorbent. The concentration of sorbed heavy metal is derived from pedotransfer functions (general purpose Freundlich isotherms) using predefined limit concentrations in soil solution (WHO drinking water quality standards) or the actual concentration of soluble heavy metal (according to neutral salt extraction), respectively. For evaluation of their individual characteristics, both DSS were tested in model scenarios using soil data (basic physicochemical properties; Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations) from various agricultural regions and German guidelines for organic waste application. The DSS-SI showed a better performance than the DSS-AR in this context. The capacity of the soil for heavy metal uptake was used with higher efficiency, i.e. the potential was maximised while environmental limit values were still complied with. Furthermore, the DSS-SI offered a better approximation of the natural variability of soil conditions using an extended set of soil properties in comparison to the DSS-AR. Despite these indications of good DSS-SI performance, the approach requires improvement with regard to the pedotransfer functions implemented in order to consolidate and extend the range of predictions. Furthermore, it should be noted that assessment of the DSS-SI is influenced by the availability of data and is only valid under the current environmental and statutory framework at the regional scale observed. For this reason, transfer of the results of this study into regions with other administrative structures and/or environmental conditions is critical. Individual testing of the DSS-SI and the DSS-AR is required prior to the intended transfer, i.e. implementation of the approaches in the decision support process.     

环境岩土工程研究进展

该文总结了近年来国内外环境岩土工程领域的研究进展,主要包括：①环境岩土工程调查与评价方法。重点介绍了电阻率静力触探探头、与静力触探结合的传感器薄膜界面探头、光纤光学化学传感器、X荧光分析仪等在场地污染物分布和污染程度识别技术;综述了土工离心技术应用于土体及地下水中污染物运移,及污染场地修复的研究现状;总结了污染场地分类方法和风险评价模型。②城市固体废物填埋技术。介绍了固废填埋场多场相互作用的主要耦合模型理论,总结了固废生化反应-骨架变形-水气运移-溶质迁移模型及应用;提出了填埋场污防污屏障服役寿命的定量评价方法。③工业固体废弃物资源化再利用技术。介绍了废弃电石渣和木质素加固过湿土、粉土路基的性能和工程应用;总结了固化污泥和淤泥技术的研究现状。④工业污染地基处理技术。总结了工业污染场地主要修复技术;介绍了固化污染土稳定技术、新型固化剂和稳定剂的研发进展;总结了常见竖向隔离墙技术,介绍了土-膨润土系竖向隔离墙长期防渗防污性能的研究进展;介绍了曝气法处理有机污染地下水技术的研究进展。     

Mercury methylation along a lake-forest transect in the Tapajós river floodplain, Brazilian Amazon: seasonal and vertical variations

The seasonal and spatial variations of net methylmercury production in sediments, soils and other sites were evaluated by assays with 203Hg at different depths and locations along a lake-forest transect at lake Enseada Grande, Tapajós river. Soil and sediment samples were taken at the surface and at different depths up to 9 cm. Fresh samples and acidified controls (1-3 g dry wt.) were slurried with local water and incubated in the dark at 25-28 degrees C for 3 days with 0.5-1.6 microg Hg g(-1) (dry wt.) added as 203HgCl2. CH3 203Hg was extracted and measured in scintillation cocktail after acid leaching. Methylmercury production varied by orders of magnitude among sites and among sediment or soil layers. Seasonal variations were smaller than those with sample depth and location. In both seasons, MeHg formation in sediment and soil or flooded soil decreased with depth and was, in the top layers, one order of magnitude higher in the C-rich littoral macrophyte zone (2.3-8.9%) and flooded forest (3.2-4.5%) than in the center of the lake (0.2-0.56%). Similar MeHg production was found in slurried dry soils (dry season) and in soils already flooded for months. In the macrophyte zone soil (dry season), methylation was mainly associated with the thin Paspalum sp. rootlet layer. In the forest site, vertical variation in methylation was less pronounced in flooded than in dry soils and during the inundation the higher methylation rate was found in the flocculent sediment settled over the litter layer. The roots of floating Paspalum sp. were an important Hg methylation site, particularly those heavily colonized with periphyton (3.4-5.4%). Methylation in surface or near-bottom water was undetectable (< 3 x 10(-2)%) at all sites. Flooded forests and macrophyte mats are specific features of the Amazon and are important links between Hg inputs from natural and manmade sources and MeHg exposure of local populations through fish intake.     

Fate of a branched nonylphenol isomer in submerged paddy soils amended with nitrate

Using a (14)C-labelled branched isomer of NP, the fate of NP was studied in two flooded typical paddy soils under anoxic conditions. Biodegradation of NP occurred under anoxic conditions and was accompanied by the production of polar metabolites and bound residues in alkaline soil extract and humin. The addition of nitrate (20mM) increased the degradation of NP in both soils, especially in soil derived from silt loam deposit, which contained high amounts of organic matter. Less than 1% NP mineralization was detected as free CO(2) in both soils, whereas up to 30, 21, 31% of NP residues comprised at least two polar metabolites, those extractable from humic substances and from the humin fraction, respectively. The denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of DNA extract of the soil microorganisms hinted differences of microbial community between soils with different degradation rates of NP. The present study provides for the first time information about the fate of a branched nonylphenol isomer in submerged soils amended with nitrate. The production of high amounts of polar metabolites under anoxic conditions suggests the necessity of also considering the fate and possible effects of the degradation products of NP in anoxic environment such as in waterlogged soil.     

Relationship of materials in flooded soils and sediments to the water quality of reservoirs—I: Oxygen consumption rates

Rates of oxygen consumption were obtained for four soils and six reservoir sediments using sediment-water reaction chambers and a differential respirometer. Determination of microbial activity as measured by [¹⁴C]glucose metabolism was also performed on these soils and sediments. To study the transformation of newly flooded soils into aquatic sediments, we examined the effects of prolonged submergence and temperature upon oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide formation and methanogenesis. Newly flooded soils initially had high biological oxygen consumption rates, ranging from 67.2 to 76.6% of the total oxygen demand. Established reservoir sediments, in contrast, exhibited extremely high chemical oxygen demands, ranging from 62.7 to 89.9% of the total oxygen demand and had proportionately lower biological oxygen demands. Newly flooded soils had the capacity for high rates of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide formation, and methanogenesis. However, these rates were extremely temperature-dependent and subject to rapid decline with prolonged submergence due to leaching and degradation of biologically available organic carbon (BAOC). With aging, the amount of BAOC released from the flooded soils decreased, the proportion of reduced inorganic chemical species increased, and a distinct aerobic-anaerobic double layer developed at the soil surface during aerobic conditions in the overlying water column.     

The environmental impact of gold mine tailings footprints in the Johannesburg region, South Africa

 Gold mining in South Africa resulted in vast volumes of tailings, which have been deposited in impoundments. Poor management of most of the tailings dams resulted in the escape of seepage, adversely affecting soils and water quality. Some tailings dams have been partially or completely reclaimed leaving contaminated footprints. These zones pose a serious threat to the underlying dolomitic aquifers. In this study, the footprints of seven selected sites situated near Johannesburg have been investigated. It was found that the topsoil is highly acidified and only a minor portion of contaminants is bioavailable. However, phytotoxic contaminants such as Co, Ni and Zn could complicate rehabilitation measures as they limit the soil function. In addition, soil samples contain trace element concentrations, which often exceed background concentrations in soils. As a result, the depletion of buffer minerals and the subsequent acidification could result in the long-term remobilization of large quantities of contaminants into the groundwater. Soil management measures such as liming are required to prevent the contaminant migration from the topsoil into the subsoil and groundwater as well as to provide suitable recultivation conditions to enable future land use. Received: 20 April 1999 · Accepted: 27 September 1999     

The status of soil contamination by semivolatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) in China: a review

This paper summarizes the published scientific data on the soil contamination by semivolatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) in China. Data has been found for more than 150 organic compounds which were grouped into six classes, namely, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs). An overview of data collected from the literature is presented in this paper. The Chinese regulation and/or other maximum acceptable values for SVOCs were used for the characterization of soils. In general, the compounds that are mostly studied in Chinese soils are OCPs, PAHs and PCBs. According to the studies reviewed here, the most abundant compounds were PAEs and PAHs (up to 46 and 28 mg kg(-1) dry weight, respectively); PCBs and OCPs occurred generally at concentrations lower than 100 microg kg(-1) dry weight. Nevertheless, quite high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs were observed in contaminated sites (e.g., the sites affected by electronic waste activities). The average concentrations of PAHs and OCPs in soils of North China were higher than those in South China. The principal component analysis demonstrated different distribution patterns for PAH, PCB and PCDD/F congeners and for the various sites/regions examined. The isomer ratios of DDTs and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) indicated different sources and residue levels in soils. Finally, this review has highlighted several areas where further research is considered necessary.     

Occurrence and degradation characteristics of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in typical agricultural soils of China

In this study, we analyze the pollution and degradation characteristics of two kinds of phthalate esters (PEs), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), in two kinds of soils collected from non-cultivated, crop, greenhouse, and vegetable fields from the Harbin and Handan Districts, China. The results demonstrate that DBP has relatively high residual levels in the soils, ranging from 3.18 to 29.37 mg/kg in fluvo-aquic soils of the Handan District (average 14.06 mg/kg) and 2.75-14.62 mg/kg in black soils of the Harbin District (average 7.60 mg/kg). Residual levels of DEHP reach 1.15-7.99 mg/kg in fluvo-aquic soils of the Handan District (average 4.86 mg/kg) and 0.44-4.20 mg/kg in black soils of the Harbin District (average 2.35 mg/kg). All non-cultivated soils contain the lowest contents of PEs, suggesting that the kinds of pollutants are largely derived from human agricultural activities. Laboratory experiments verify that the degradations of two kinds of PEs are mainly via microbial processes. The microbial populations are higher and reduce more slowly in black soils than those in fluvo-aquic soils. These observations might partially explain the lower levels of residuals and higher degradation rates of PEs pollutants in black soils than those in fluvo-aquic soils. The detection of DBP metabolites indicates that DBP biodegradation might begin by ester hydrolysis to form monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and corresponding alcohol. The MBP then degrades to phthalic acid or butyl benzoate, which might be possibly caused by microbial decarboxylation. The two derivatives of MBP degrade to form protocatechuate through ring cleavage.     

Sorption and bioavailability of heavy metals in long-term differently tilled soils amended with organic wastes

In this study, bioavailability and enrichment studies were focused on Cd, Zn and Cu in two different soils (sandy loam and silt loam), which were treated with compost and sewage sludge, respectively, both under conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT). Long-term NT resulted in a significant increase in Cd and Zn extracted by aqua regia in a soil profile (0-25 cm), especially in the 0-3 cm layer. In the sandy loam, a slight increase in cadmium due to sewage sludge application was observed. Results from EDTA-extractable heavy metal analyses were not consistent but NH(4)NO(3)-extractable concentrations were significantly lower in the NT soil. Bioavailability of heavy metals was reduced in the long-term NT, resulting in lower uptake of Cd and Zn by plants and accumulation in the soil. The effect of tillage on enrichment of heavy metals in soils was more significant than the impact of the fertilisation by means of legally allowable application rates of organic wastes. This work suggests that non-tilled soils enriched in heavy metals should not be amended with organic waste in the long term.