Concentrations In Soil Pore Water Research Articles

Modeling the cadmium balance in Australian agricultural systems in view of potential impacts on food and water quality

The historical build up and future cadmium (Cd) concentrations in top soils and in crops of four Australian agricultural systems are predicted with a mass balance model, focusing on the period 1900–2100. The systems include a rotation of dryland cereals, a rotation of sugarcane and peanuts/soybean, intensive dairy production and intensive horticulture. The input of Cd to soil is calculated from fertilizer application and atmospheric deposition and also examines options including biosolid and animal manure application in the sugarcane rotation and dryland cereal production systems. Cadmium output from the soil is calculated from leaching to deeper horizons and removal with the harvested crop or with livestock products. Parameter values for all Cd fluxes were based on a number of measurements on Australian soil–plant systems. In the period 1900–2000, soil Cd concentrations were predicted to increase on average between 0.21mgkg−1 in dryland cereals, 0.42mgkg−1 in intensive agriculture and 0.68mgkg−1 in dairy production, which are within the range of measured increases in soils in these systems. Predicted soil concentrations exceed critical soil Cd concentrations, based on food quality criteria for Cd in crops during the simulation period in clay-rich soils under dairy production and intensive horticulture. Predicted dissolved Cd concentrations in soil pore water exceed a ground water quality criterion of 2μgl−1 in light textured soils, except for the sugarcane rotation due to large water leaching fluxes. Results suggest that the present fertilizer Cd inputs in Australia are in excess of the long-term critical loads in heavy-textured soils for dryland cereals and that all other systems are at low risk. Calculated critical Cd/P ratios in P fertilizers vary from <50 to >1000mgCdkgP−1 for the different soil, crop and environmental conditions applied.

Growing season methane emission from a boreal peatland in the continuous permafrost zone of Northeast China: effects of active layer depth and vegetation

Abstract. Boreal peatlands are significant natural sources of methane and especially vulnerable to abrupt climate change. However, the controlling factors of CH4 emission in boreal peatlands are still unclear. In this study, we investigated CH4 fluxes and abiotic factors (temperature, water table depth, active layer depth, and dissolved CH4 concentrations in pore water) during the growing seasons in 2010 and 2011 in both shrub-sphagnum- and sedge-dominated plant communities in the continuous permafrost zone of Northeast China. The objective of our study was to examine the effects of vegetation types and abiotic factors on CH4 fluxes from a boreal peatland. In an Eriophorum-dominated community, mean CH4 emissions were 1.02 and 0.80 mg m−2 h−1 in 2010 and 2011, respectively. CH4 fluxes (0.38 mg m−2 h−1) released from the shrub-mosses-dominated community were lower than that from Eriophorum-dominated community. Moreover, in the Eriophorum-dominated community, CH4 fluxes showed a significant temporal pattern with a peak value in late August in both 2010 and 2011. However, no distinct seasonal variation was observed in the CH4 flux in the shrub-mosses-dominated community. Interestingly, in both Eriophorum- and shrub-sphagnum-dominated communities, CH4 fluxes did not show close correlation with air or soil temperature and water table depth, whereas CH4 emissions correlated well to active layer depth and CH4 concentration in soil pore water, especially in the Eriophorum-dominated community. Our results suggest that CH4 released from the thawed CH4-rich permafrost layer may be a key factor controlling CH4 emissions in boreal peatlands, and highlight that CH4 fluxes vary with vegetation type in boreal peatlands. With increasing temperature in future climate patterns, increasing active layer depth and shifting plant functional groups in this region may have a significant effect on CH4 emission.

Does prescribed burning on peat soils influence DOC concentrations in soil and runoff waters? Results from a 10 year chronosequence

Summary Prescribed burning of moorland, heathland and blanket bog vegetation on peatlands in the UK is a contentious issue. Given the large carbon store in these peatlands, concern has been raised over land management and its effect on the carbon dynamics of peat ecosystems. In particular the spatial and temporal link between burning and concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in waters draining these catchments has received particular attention. This study investigates water colour and DOC concentrations in soil pore water and runoff water at the plot-scale over a chronosequence of burn ages. Results from this study show that there is an elevated water colour in the few years immediately following burning but that this is not matched by a rise in DOC concentration. Therefore we propose that burning appears to affect the composition of the DOC rather than the absolute DOC concentration. This study also highlights that in some cases the use of water colour as a proxy for DOC concentration should be treated with caution.

The use of a halophytic plant species and organic amendments for the remediation of a trace elements-contaminated soil under semi-arid conditions

The halophytic shrub Atriplex halimus L. was used in a field phytoremediation experiment in a semi-arid area highly contaminated by trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn) within the Sierra Minera of La Unión-Cartagena (SE Spain). The effects of compost and pig slurry on soil conditions and plant growth were determined. The amendments (particularly compost) only slightly affected trace element concentrations in soil pore water or their availability to the plants, increased soil nutrient and organic matter levels and favoured the development of a sustainable soil microbial biomass (effects that were enhanced by the presence of A. halimus) as well as, especially for slurry, increasing A. halimus biomass and ground cover. With regard to the minimisation of trace elements concentrations in the above-ground plant parts, the effectiveness of both amendments was greatest 12–16 months after their incorporation. The findings demonstrate the potential of A. halimus, particularly in combination with an organic amendment, for the challenging task of the phytostabilisation of contaminated soils in (semi-)arid areas and suggest the need for an ecotoxicological evaluation of the remediated soils. However, the ability of A. halimus to accumulate Zn and Cd in the shoot may limit its use to moderately-contaminated sites.

Water-table height and microtopography control biogeochemical cycling in an Arctic coastal tundra ecosystem

Abstract. Drained thaw lake basins (DTLB's) are the dominant land form of the Arctic Coastal Plain in northern Alaska. The presence of continuous permafrost prevents drainage and so water tables generally remain close to the soil surface, creating saturated, suboxic soil conditions. However, ice wedge polygons produce microtopographic variation in these landscapes, with raised areas such as polygon rims creating more oxic microenvironments. The peat soils in this ecosystem store large amounts of organic carbon which is vulnerable to loss as arctic regions continue to rapidly warm, and so there is great motivation to understand the controls over microbial activity in these complex landscapes. Here we report the effects of experimental flooding, along with seasonal and spatial variation in soil chemistry and microbial activity in a DTLB. The flooding treatment generally mirrored the effects of natural landscape variation in water-table height due to microtopography. The flooded portion of the basin had lower dissolved oxygen, lower oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) and higher pH, as did lower elevation areas throughout the entire basin. Similarly, soil pore water concentrations of organic carbon and aromatic compounds were higher in flooded and low elevation areas. Dissolved ferric iron (Fe(III)) concentrations were higher in low elevation areas and responded to the flooding treatment in low areas, only. The high concentrations of soluble Fe(III) in soil pore water were explained by the presence of siderophores, which were much more concentrated in low elevation areas. All the aforementioned variables were correlated, showing that Fe(III) is solubilized in response to anoxic conditions. Dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) concentrations were higher in low elevation areas, but showed only subtle and/or seasonally dependent effects of flooding. In anaerobic laboratory incubations, more CH4 was produced by soils from low and flooded areas, whereas anaerobic CO2 production only responded to flooding in high elevation areas. Seasonal changes in the oxidation state of solid phase Fe minerals showed that net Fe reduction occurred, especially in topographically low areas. The effects of Fe reduction were also seen in the topographic patterns of pH, as protons were consumed where this process was prevalent. This suite of results can all be attributed to the effect of water table on oxygen availability: flooded conditions promote anoxia, stimulating dissolution and reduction of Fe(III), and to some extent, methanogenesis. However, two lines of evidence indicated the inhibition of methanogenesis by alternative e- acceptors such as Fe(III) and humic substances: (1) ratios of CO2:CH4 evolved from anaerobic soil incubations and dissolved in soil pore water were high; (2) CH4 concentrations were negatively correlated with the oxidation state of the soluble Fe pool in both topographically high and low areas. A second set of results could be explained by increased soil temperature in the flooding treatment, which presumably arose from the increased thermal conductivity of the soil surface: higher N mineralization rates and dissolved P concentrations were observed in flooded areas. Overall, these results could have implications for C and nutrient cycling in high Arctic areas where warming and flooding are likely consequences of climate change.

Activated carbon amendment to sequester PAHs in contaminated soil: A lysimeter field trial

Activated carbon (AC) amendment is an innovative method for the in situ remediation of contaminated soils. A field-scale AC amendment of either 2% powder or granular AC (PAC and GAC) to a PAH contaminated soil was carried out in Norway. The PAH concentration in drainage water from the field plot was measured with a direct solvent extraction and by deploying polyoxymethylene (POM) passive samplers. In addition, POM samplers were dug directly in the AC amended and unamended soil in order to monitor the reduction in free aqueous PAH concentrations in the soil pore water. The total PAH concentration in the drainage water, measured by direct solvent extraction of the water, was reduced by 14% for the PAC amendment and by 59% for GAC, 12months after amendment. Measurements carried out with POM showed a reduction of 93% for PAC and 56% for GAC. The free aqueous PAH concentration in soil pore water was reduced 93% and 76%, 17 and 28months after PAC amendment, compared to 84% and 69% for GAC. PAC, in contrast to GAC, was more effective for reducing freely dissolved concentrations than total dissolved ones. This could tentatively be explained by leaching of microscopic AC particles from PAC. Secondary chemical effects of the AC amendment were monitored by considering concentration changes in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nutrients. DOC was bound by AC, while the concentrations of nutrients (NO3, NO2, NH4, PO4, P-total, K, Ca and Mg) were variable and likely affected by external environmental factors.

Effluent application to the land: Changes in soil properties and treatment potential

Four pilot land treatment systems (LTS) planted with different plant species were investigated as a means of managing wastewater in small communities. The effects of effluent application on soil properties during three years of operation are presented. LTS were planted with Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Acacia cyanophylla, Populus nigra and Arundo donax. Wastewater was pre-treated in a septic tank and applied to LTS at suitable rates to meet crop water requirements. Effluent application was found to increase soil organic matter, P and TKN content, particularly, in the topsoil but plant species had no effect on these parameters. Increases were also observed for salinity and sodium adsorption ratio which were found to depend on hydraulic loading. Winter precipitation leached the majority of the salts accumulated during the application period. Nitrates accumulated in the soil profile throughout the application period and this increase was dependent on plant species. LTS planted with A. donax showed the lowest NO 3-N concentration in soil pore water, an effect which cannot be explained by differences in application rates or plant uptake. This may imply stimulated denitrification rates induced by the rhizosphere of reeds. Effluent application also increased total and macro porosity compared to their initial values and bulk density.

Effects of biochar and greenwaste compost amendments on mobility, bioavailability and toxicity of inorganic and organic contaminants in a multi-element polluted soil

Applying amendments to multi-element contaminated soils can have contradictory effects on the mobility, bioavailability and toxicity of specific elements, depending on the amendment. Trace elements and PAHs were monitored in a contaminated soil amended with biochar and greenwaste compost over 60 days field exposure, after which phytotoxicity was assessed by a simple bio-indicator test. Copper and As concentrations in soil pore water increased more than 30 fold after adding both amendments, associated with significant increases in dissolved organic carbon and pH, whereas Zn and Cd significantly decreased. Biochar was most effective, resulting in a 10 fold decrease of Cd in pore water and a resultant reduction in phytotoxicity. Concentrations of PAHs were also reduced by biochar, with greater than 50% decreases of the heavier, more toxicologically relevant PAHs. The results highlight the potential of biochar for contaminated land remediation.

In-situ sampling of soil pore water: evaluation of linear-type microdialysis probes and suction cups at varied moisture contents

Environmental context. There is a need for slightly invasive techniques capable of in-situ probing of target analytes in environmental compartments. Owing to its passive sampling mode and small probe dimensions, microdialysis-based dosimetry is an appealing tool for monitoring of solute concentrations in both water bodies and pore soil waters with minimum disturbance of natural equilibrium. The development of field applications is challenging but will provide novel insights as to the speciation and bioaccessibility of environmental pollutants, e.g. trace metals, at high spatial resolution. Abstract. In-situ sampling of soil pore water is still a challenge for environmental scientists. Here, microdialysis is explored for probing metal concentrations in soil pore water at soil moisture contents ranging from 50 to 115% of the maximal water holding capacity and is compared with traditional sampling by suction cups. Metal concentrations obtained by the suction cup technique were consistently larger than those measured in the dialysate. Good agreement was obtained for Pb and Cu at soil moistures close to saturation after accounting for diffusion resistances whereas corrected Ni and Cd concentrations in the dialysates exceeded those measured by the suction cup technique. These deviations reflect inherent differences in the sampling mode and effects of soil heterogeneity at the microscale. Microdialysis offers new opportunities to probe solute concentrations at high spatial resolution and minimal disturbance of soil conditions at environmental interfaces such as the plant rhizosphere or at the transition between forest floors and the mineral soil.

Arsenic mobility in brownfield soils amended with green waste compost or biochar and planted with Miscanthus

Degraded land that is historically contaminated from different sources of industrial waste provides an opportunity for conversion to bioenergy fuel production and also to increase sequestration of carbon in soil through organic amendments. In pot experiments, As mobility was investigated in three different brownfield soils amended with green waste compost (GWC, 30% v/v) or biochar (BC, 20% v/v), planted with Miscanthus. Using GWC improved crop yield but had little effect on foliar As uptake, although the proportion of As transferred from roots to foliage differed considerably between the three soils. It also increased dissolved carbon concentrations in soil pore water that influenced Fe and As mobility. Effects of BC were less pronounced, but the impacts of both amendments on SOC, Fe, P and pH are likely to be critical in the context of As leaching to ground water. Growing Miscanthus had no measurable effect on As mobility.

Toxicity of four nitrogen-heterocyclic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) to soil organisms

The aims of this study were: (i) to investigate the toxicity of N-heterocyclic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) quinoline, acridine, phenazine, and 1,10-phenanthroline to the soil invertebrates Eisenia fetida, Enchytraeus crypticus, Folsomia candida, and Caenorhabditis elegans, (ii) to compare the toxicity of four NPAHs and the species sensitivity, and (iii) to discuss possible risks of these compounds in soils. Different toxicities were found for the tested NPAHs which might be partially explained by their structure and properties. Effect concentrations expressed as soil pore-water concentrations were related to log K ow, which indicated narcosis as the most probable mode of toxic action. The species sensitivity decreased in the rank: springtails >enchytraeids=earthworms> nematodes. Predicted no-effect concentration (PNEC) values were calculated for all tested species giving values from 0.5 to 6.8 mg/kg. It is unlikely that there is a risk for soil organisms in natural soils where lower NPAHs concentrations are expected.

Prediction of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, and Copper Availability to Wheat in Contaminated Soils Using Chemical Speciation, Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films, Extraction, and Isotopic Dilution Techniques

To predict the availability of metals to plants, it is important to understand both solution- and solid-phase processes in the soil, including the kinetics of metal release from its binding agent (ligand and/or particle). The present study examined the speciation and availability of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in a range of well-equilibrated metal-contaminated soils from diverse sources using several techniques as a basis for predicting metal uptake by plants. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was grown in 13 metal-contaminated soils and metal tissue concentrations (Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu) in plant shoots were compared with total soil metal concentrations, total soluble metal, and free metal activities (pM2+) in soil pore waters, 0.01 M CaCl2-extractable metal concentrations, E values measured by isotope dilution, and effective metal concentrations, C(E), measured by diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). In the DGT technique, ions are dynamically removed by their diffusion through a gel to a binding resin, while E values represent the isotopically exchangeable (labile) metal pools. Free metal activities (Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+) in soil pore waters were determined using a Donnan dialysis technique. Plant Zn and Cd concentrations were highly related to C(E), while relationships for Zn and Cd with respect to the other measures of metals in the soils were generally lower, except for CaCl2-extractable Cd. These results suggest that the kinetically labile solid-phase pool of metal, which is included in the DGT measurement, played an important role in Zn and Cd uptake by wheat along with the labile metal in soil solution. Plant Pb concentrations were highly related to both soil pore water concentrations and C(E), indicating that supply from the solid phase may not be so important for Pb. Predictions of Cu uptake by wheat from these soils by the various measures of Cu were generally poor, except surprisingly for total Cu.

Mesocosm seepage experiment to restore the buffering capacity of acidified wet heath soils

Soils of wet heathlands have lost their buffering capacity as a result of acidification, eutrophication, and desiccation. Many characteristic plant species have disappeared from these ecosystems because of the unfavourable soil conditions. Restoration projects should aim at counteracting the negative effects of acidification in particular. Blocking of drainage ditches to increase groundwater influence and lime application to improve soil pH and buffering capacity have been applied in many restoration projects in the Netherlands, but with varying success. In this mesocosm experiment, the restoration of the soil buffering capacity of degraded wet heath soil was studied. Groundwater with low or high calcium and bicarbonate concentrations and low or high flow velocities was applied to soil columns filled with wet heath soil. Measurements of the nutrient concentrations in soil pore water and soil extractions revealed that restoration of the soil buffering capacity was optimal at both high calcium concentrations and high through-flow velocity. It was concluded that high concentrations of calcium are more effective than high flow velocity in the reloading of the buffer capacity. Furthermore, the restoration was limited to the soil layers that were in direct contact with the groundwater, which stresses the need for higher groundwater levels in degraded wet heathlands.

Assessment of the use of industrial by-products to remediate a copper- and arsenic-contaminated soil.

Two water treatment sludges (WTS-A, WTS-B), two red muds (RM), and red gypsum (RG), all rich in iron oxy-hydroxides, were added to a soil highly polluted with As and Cu at 2% (w/w) to reduce metal bioavailability. Because the amendments increased soil pH to approximately 6, a lime treatment to the same pH and an unamended treatment were included for comparison. All the amendments had significant positive effects on the soil microbial biomass and growth of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. Avance), but only WTS-A improved lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Tom Thumb) growth. The mineralization of added ammonium nitrogen was not significantly affected by the treatments, while a physiologically based extraction test (PBET) showed that bioaccessibility of As was low (< 5%) and decreased only in the WTS-A treatment. Concentrations of As in soil pore water and extractable As only decreased in the WTS and RG treatments. In contrast, Cu concentrations in soil pore water and extractable Cu decreased in all treatments, by more than 84% in the WTS, RM, and RG treatments. Non-isotopically exchangeable As and Cu were present in colloids in the soil pore water. Untreated soil had < 4% isotopically exchangeable As and this decreased by approximately 50%, with WTS, RM, and RG. The labile Cu pool represented a large proportion (34%) of the total Cu pool, and the isotopically exchangeable and soluble Cu were strongly correlated with soil pH. Acidification of the treated soils showed that the labile As and Cu both increased in the treated soils compared with untreated soils. The significance of the treatment effects on soil fertility and potential off-site transport of As and Cu to ground water are discussed.

Underlying issues in bioaccessibility and bioavailability:: experimental methods

This article presents experimental designs focusing on assessing of the bioavailability of metals in aquatic organisms, soil organisms, microorganisms, plants, birds, and mammals. Standardized test systems receive the greatest emphasis. With regard to microorganisms, animals, and plants, the study concentrates on toxicity as an indicator for bioavailability. In respective test procedures, results are usually calculated for total chemical concentrations; chemical analyses are not commonly in routine assessments. For soil organisms chiefly exposed by the water pathway, the bioavailable fraction of contaminants can be roughly determined by chemical analyses in aqueous soil extracts simulating soil pore water concentrations. Human toxicity can be determined using adequate in vitro test designs. In addition to experimental designs, results from the literature dealing with specific problems of bioavailability are presented.

Chelate-assisted phytoextraction using canola (Brassica napus L.) in outdoors pot and lysimeter experiments

Phytoextraction is an emerging technology for non-destructive remediation of heavy metal-polluted soils. This study was conducted to test chelate-assisted phytoextraction of Cu, Pb and Zn using EDTA and canola (Brassica napus L. cv. Petranova) on a moderately polluted industrial soil (loamy sand) in the sub-continental climate of Eastern Austria. The effects of the rate (up to 2.1 g kg−1 soil) and mode (single versus split) of EDTA application on the biomass, water contents and metal concentrations in shoots and roots were investigated along with changes of metal lability in soil and leaching from the root zone in parallel outdoors pot and lysimeter experiments. Labile (1 M NH4NO3-extractable) metal concentrations in soil increased considerably upon application of EDTA, indicating enhanced phytoavailability. However, this was also associated with enormously increased metal concentrations in the leachates collected below the root zone. Enhanced metal labilities and leachate concentrations persisted for more than 1 year after harvest. Metal lability was more enhanced by EDTA in rhizosphere relative to bulk soil, indicating interactions of EDTA with root activities. Shoot biomass and water contents of canola were virtually unaffected by EDTA, revealing that canola can tolerate excessive metal concentrations in soil pore water. Metal concentrations in shoots were increased considerably, but were insufficient to obtain reasonable extraction rates. Split applications were generally more effective than the same amounts of EDTA added at once. Metal concentrations in roots decreased after each application of EDTA, possibly indicating metal removal from roots by free protonated EDTA, but increased again within several days. As the application of chelate-assisted phytoextraction is limited by the risk of groundwater pollution, further work should focus on natural, continuous phytoextraction technologies.

Comparison of pesticide root zone model 3.12: Runoff predictions with field data

As part of a process to improve confidence in the results of regulatory modeling, predictions of pesticide root zone model (PRZM) 3.12 were compared with measured data collected in nine different runoff field studies. This comparison shows that PRZM 3.12 provides a reasonable estimate of chemical runoff at the edge of a field. Simulations based on the best choices for input parameters (no conservatism built into input parameters) are generally within an order of magnitude of measured data, with better agreement observed both for larger events and for cumulative values over the study period. When the model input parameters are calibrated to improve the hydrology, the fit between predicted and observed data improves (results are usually within a factor of three). When conservatism is deliberately introduced into the input pesticide parameters, substantial overprediction of runoff losses occur. Recommendations for future work to improve regulatory models include implementation of more sophisticated evapotranspiration routines, allowing for seasonal variation of various model parameters (such as curve numbers, crop cover, and Manning's surface roughness coefficients), better procedures for estimating site-specific degradation rates in surface and subsoils, and improved sorption routines.

Comparison of pesticide root zone model 3.12: Leaching predictions with field data

As part of a process to improve confidence in the results of regulatory modeling, predictions of the pesticide root zone model (PRZM) 3.12 were compared with measured data collected in nine different field leaching studies. Reasonable estimates of leaching were obtained with PRZM 3.12 in homogeneous soils where preferential flow is not significant. The PRZM 3.12 usually did a good job of predicting movement of bromide in soil (soil and soil pore-water concentrations were generally within a factor of two of predicted values). For simulations based on the best choices for input parameters, predictions of soil pore-water concentrations for pesticides were usually within a factor of three and soil pore-water estimates within a factor of 11. When the model input parameters were calibrated to improve the simulation of hydrology, predicted pesticide concentrations in soil pore water were usually within a factor of two of measured concentrations. Because of the sensitivity of leaching to degradation rate, the most accurate predictions were obtained with pesticides with relatively slow degradation rates. When conservative assumptions were used to define input pesticide parameters, predictions of pesticide concentrations were usually a factor of two greater than when using the best estimate of input parameters without any built-in conservatism.

Soil microbial toxicity of eight polycyclic aromatic compounds: Effects on nitrification, the genetic diversity of bacteria, and the total number of protozoans

Eight polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) were tested for their toxic effect on the soil nitrification process, bacterial genetic diversity, and the total number of protozoans (naked amoebae and heterotrophic flagellates). After four weeks of exposure in a well-characterized agricultural soil, toxic effects were evaluated by comparison to uncontaminated control soils. All PACs affected the nitrification process, and the calculated no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) for nitrification were 79 mg/kg for pyrene, 24 mg/kg for fluoranthene, 26 mg/kg for phenanthrene, 72 mg/kg for fluorene, 23 mg/kg for carbazole, 22 mg/kg for dibenzothiophene, 75 mg/kg for dibenzofuran, and 1,100 mg/kg for acridine. For all substances but acridine, nitrification was the most sensitive of the three toxicity indicators evaluated. No effect of the tested substances on bacterial diversity was found, as measured by denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis. In general, only weak effects at very high concentrations were found for the protozoans. However, for acridine, protozoan numbers were reduced at lower concentrations than those that affected the nitrification process, that is, with a 5% reduction at 380 mg/kg. For effects on nitrification, toxicity (NOEC values) expressed as soil pore-water concentrations (log10(micromol/L)) showed a significant inverse relationship with lipophilicity (log octanol-water partition coefficient) of the substances (r2 = 0.69, p = 0.011, n = 8). This finding could indicate that the toxicity of substances similar to those tested might be predicted by a quantitative structure-activity relationship with lipophilicity as the predictor variable.

SOIL MICROBIAL TOXICITY OF EIGHT POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC COMPOUNDS: EFFECTS ON NITRIFICATION, THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF BACTERIA, AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROTOZOANS

Eight polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) were tested for their toxic effect on the soil nitrification process, bacterial genetic diversity, and the total number of protozoans (naked amoebae and heterotrophic flagellates). After four weeks of exposure in a well-characterized agricultural soil, toxic effects were evaluated by comparison to uncontaminated control soils. All PACs affected the nitrification process, and the calculated no-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) for nitrification were 79 mg/kg for pyrene, 24 mg/kg for fluoranthene, 26 mg/kg for phenanthrene, 72 mg/kg for fluorene, 23 mg/kg for carbazole, 22 mg/kg for dibenzothiophene, 75 mg/kg for dibenzofuran, and 1,100 mg/kg for acridine. For all substances but acridine, nitrification was the most sensitive of the three toxicity indicators evaluated. No effect of the tested substances on bacterial diversity was found, as measured by denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis. In general, only weak effects at very high concentrations were found for the protozoans. However, for acridine, protozoan numbers were reduced at lower concentrations than those that affected the nitrification process, that is, with a 5% reduction at 380 mg/kg. For effects on nitrification, toxicity (NOEC values) expressed as soil pore-water concentrations (log10(μmol/L)) showed a significant inverse relationship with lipophilicity (log octanol-water partition coefficient) of the substances (r2 = 0.69, p = 0.011, n = 8). This finding could indicate that the toxicity of substances similar to those tested might be predicted by a quantitative structure-activity relationship with lipophilicity as the predictor variable.