Application of Short Sequential Extraction Procedure(SSEP) for the Determination of Zn, Cu, and Cd Contents in Riverbed Sludge in Hejiagou, Harbin, China

A short sequential extraction procedure（SSEP） was applied to the determination of more readily available metal fractions of Zn, Cu, and Cd in the riverbed sludge in Hejiagou, Harbin, China. From the results, a potential order of metal availability in seven sludge samples was proposed： Cd 〈 Cu 〈 Zn, and samples S1 , S2, and S4 were used for the determination of total Zn content, and sample S3 used for the determination of total Cu content in the mobile and the mobilizable fractions showed the highest pollution risk. The results with regard to metal mobility in sludge samples were confirmed by the individual and global contamination factors that were calculated from the nonresidual and residual metal contents. The results obtained from metal-release experiments after exposure of sludge to environmental conditions agreed well with those obtained from both SSEP and the individual and global contamination factors, indicating that the maximum metal release could be an additional factor to evaluate the heavy metal availability in contaminated sludge. A substantial time saving was achieved by using the metal-release method in the present study.

Bioavailability of Soil Copper from Different Sources:Integrating Chemical Approaches with Biological Indicators

Bioavailability is a key parameter in assessing contaminant transfer to biota. However, the input patterns and soil use types may impact the metal bioavailability. Several soil parameters were measured including chemical properties, such as pH, organic C, and Cu solution/solid speciation, and biological properties, such as soil microbial biomass C （SMBC）, seed germination, and root elongation, to evaluate the bioavailability of Cu contaminated soils from three different sources, i.e., non-ferrous metal mining, Cu-based fungicides, and Cu-smelting. The results revealed that free Cu2＋ ion in soil solution and the ratios of Cu fractions to total Cu content in the solid phase could not be used to predict total Cu content in soils. The indexes of seed germination and root elongation appeared not to be good biomonitors of Cu contamination in soils, which were more sensitive to soil pH and soil organic carbon （SOC）. Relationships between SMBC and soil Cu forms or the ratio of SMBC/SOC and soil Cu forms showed that free Cu2＋ ion and humie acid-complexed Cu could significantly inhibit soil microbial activities. Our findings suggested that both metal chemical forms and biological bioassays should be considered as a complementary technique rather than an alternative to evaluate the metal bioavailability from different pollution sources.

Evaluation of immobilizing agents as soil quality conditioners in addition to their metal(loid) immobilizing effect

In trace metal (TM)-contaminated agricultural soils,management of TM availability is important for safe crop production.In addition,maintenance or improvement of soil quality is vital for sustainable crop cultivation.Decreased TM phytoavailability and increased soil quality can be achieved by the application of various immobilizing agents to soil,which can supply both macronutrients and organic matter.This study investigated the long-term influences of four common immobilizing agents on soil biogeochemical properties and the phytoavailability of TMs in mixed metal-contaminated soil from a cultivated upland near an abandoned mining site.Lime (L),gypsum (G),fly ash (F),and animal manure-based compost (C) were applied to pots containing contaminated soil,either individually or in combination.After incubation for three years under sequential cultivation of two crops and fallow,soil biogeochemical properties were determined,and Brassica rapa plant bioassay was performed.The phytoavailability of all TMs (both cationic metals and anionic metalloids) remained significantly lower in soils treated with immobilizing agents even after three years,when compared with the no-agent control (CK) soil.In addition,the soil quality was significantly improved by treatment with immobilizing agents.For instance,the C and L+C treatments were the most effective in improving soil physical (bulk density,porosity,and water-resistant aggregate stability),chemical (pH,organic matter,total nitrogen,cation exchange capacity,and plant-available phosphorus,magnesium,and potassium),and biological (microbial biomass carbon and dehydrogenase activity) properties.The improvement of soil properties and lowering of TM bioavailability were also consistent with the most significant increase in B.rapa biomass production observed in the C treatment,followed by the L+C,G+F,L,G,F,and L+G treatments,as compared with that in CK.These results indicate that the function of the TM-immobilizing agent as a soil quality conditioner,in addition to its TM immobilizing effect,should be considered when selecting such agents for agricultural or ecological applications.

Risk Assessment of Metal Contamination in Soil and Groundwater in Asia： A Review of Recent Trends as well as Existing Environmental Laws and Regulations

Asia is experiencing a more rapid economic growth compared to any other regions. The contamination of soil and groundwater with metals can mainly be attributed to human activities; therefore, risk assessments to characterize the nature and magnitude of risks to humans and ecological receptors from contaminants are important. Risk assessments are often iterative processes, which involve identification and filling data gap. Experimental samplings, geostatistical and multivariate statistical methods as well as multimedia risk assessment modeling are the three major methodologies used in the assessment of metal contamination in soil and groundwater.This review highlights a number of measurements for improving risk calculation methods and expounds scientific approaches that involve the identification of the major source of contamination, exposure pathways and bioavailability of metals. In general, risk assessments of metals in soil and groundwater worldwide are mainly focused on the levels of contamination, identification of exposure pathways, and prediction of the probability of contamination. To date, very limited studies have reported the development of relevant environmental laws and policies in the regulation of soil and groundwater contamination in Asia. The development, variations and limitations in the regulations of soil and groundwater contamination among developed countries may provide helpful guidance for the developing countries in Asia.

Microbial Biomass and PLFA Profile Changes in Rhizosphere of Pakchoi(Brassica chinensis L.) as Affected by External Cadmium Loading

The effects of root activity on microbial response to cadmium(Cd) loading in the rhizosphere are not well understood.A pot experiment in greenhouse was conducted to investigate the effects of low Cd loading and root activity on microbial biomass and community structure in the rhizosphere of pakchoi(Brassica chinensis L.) on silty clay loam and silt loamy soil.Cd was added into soil as Cd(NO_3)_2 to reach concentrations ranging from 0.00 to 7.00 mg kg^(-1).The microbial biomass carbon(MBC) and community structure were affected by Cd concentration,root activity,and soil type.Lower Cd loading rates(<1.00 mg kg^(-1)) stimulated the growth of pakchoi and microorganisms,but higher Cd concentrations inhibited the growth of microorganisms.The content of phospholipid fatty acids(PLFAs) was sensitive to increased Cd levels.MBC was linearly correlated with the total PLFAs.The content of general PLFAs in the fungi was positively correlated with the available Cd in the soil,whereas those in the bacteria and actinomycetes were negatively correlated with the available Cd in the soil.These results indicated that fungi were more resistant to Cd stress than bacteria or actinomycetes,and the latter was the most sensitive to Cd stress.Microbial biomass was more abundant in the rhizosphere than in the bulk soil.Root activity enhanced the growth of microorganisms and stabilized the microbial community structure in the rhizosphere.PLFA analysis was proven to be sensitive in detecting changes in the soil microbial community in response to Cd stress and root activity.