Fluorescein Diacetate Hydrolysis Activity Research Articles

Biochar amendment to lead-contaminated soil: Effects on fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity and phytotoxicity to rice.

The amendment effects of biochar on total microbial activity was measured by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolytic activity, and phytotoxicity in Pb(II)-contaminated soils was examined by the application of 4 different biochars to soil, with rice as a test plant. The FDA hydrolytic activities of biochar-amended soils were much higher than that of the control. The survival rate of rice in lead-contaminated biochar-amended soils showed significant improvement over the control, especially for bamboo biochar-amended soil (93.3%). In addition, rice grown in lead-contaminated control sediment displayed lower biomass production than that in biochar-amended soil. The immobilization of Pb(II) and the positive effects of biochar amendment on soil microorganisms may account for these effects. The results suggest that biochar may have an excellent ability to mitigate the toxic effects of Pb(II) on soil microorganisms and rice.

Microbial indicators for assessing the adverse impact of technical-grade hexachlorocyclohexane on soil quality

Technical-grade hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) has been widely used for human health and agricultural purposes. Consequently, HCH residues have entered the soil ecosystem with concomitant deleterious effects on soil quality. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of HCH on soil microbial properties as biological indicators of soil quality. To this end, non-polluted soil was spiked with different amounts of a heavily HCH-polluted soil in order to obtain a concentration gradient between 0 and 1,500 mg HCH kg<sup>-1</sup> dry matter soil. The mixtures were incubated under laboratory conditions for 2 months. Dehydrogenase activity, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis activity (FDA), basal respiration, substrate-induced respiration (SIR), microbial biomass carbon, metabolic potential, and the soil quality index were negatively affected by increasing HCH concentrations in soil, in many cases following an exponential pattern. FDA and SIR appear <em>a priori</em> suitable indicators for the impact of HCH on soil microbial properties and, hence, soil quality.

Trichoderma reesei FS10-C enhances phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil by Sedum plumbizincicola and associated soil microbial activities.

This study aimed to explore the effects of Trichoderma reesei FS10-C on the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil by the hyperaccumulator Sedum plumbizincicola and on soil fertility. The Cd tolerance of T. reesei FS10-C was characterized and then a pot experiment was conducted to investigate the growth and Cd uptake of S. plumbizincicola with the addition of inoculation agents in the presence and absence of T. reesei FS10-C. The results indicated that FS10-C possessed high Cd resistance (up to 300 mg L-1). All inoculation agents investigated enhanced plant shoot biomass by 6–53% of fresh weight and 16–61% of dry weight and Cd uptake by the shoots by 10–53% compared with the control. All inoculation agents also played critical roles in increasing soil microbial biomass and microbial activities (such as biomass C, dehydrogenase activity and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis activity). Two inoculation agents accompanied by FS10-C were also superior to the inoculation agents, indicating that T. reesei FS10-C was effective in enhancing both Cd phytoremediation by S. plumbizincicola and soil fertility. Furthermore, solid fermentation powder of FS10-C showed the greatest capacity to enhance plant growth, Cd uptake, nutrient release, microbial biomass and activities, as indicated by its superior ability to promote colonization by Trichoderma. The solid fermentation powder of FS10-C might serve as a suitable inoculation agent for T. reesei FS10-C to enhance both the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated soil and soil fertility.

The relationship between successional vascular plant assemblages and associated microbial communities on coal mine spoil heaps

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between the vascular plant species and the associated soil microbial properties at various stages of vegetation development on unclaimed hard coal mine spoil heaps in Upper Silesia (south Poland). The spontaneous vegetation, soil chemistry as well as the activity and structure of microbial communities were recorded on this specific habitat. The colliery heaps were divided into four age classes and the plant species composition and cover abundance were recorded on established plots (2 m × 2 m). The soil microbial activity under the vegetation patches was assessed using fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity (FDHA) and the soil microbial biomass and community composition were determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) biomarkers. Total microbial biomass in soils from the older vegetation plots was significantly higher than those in soils from the younger plots. In all studied samples, microbial communities consisted primarily of bacteria with the dominance of Gram negative bacteria over Gram positive and aerobic microorganisms were more dominant than anaerobic ones. Statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the type of vegetation and microbial community structure.

Depletion of Pentachlorophenol Contamination in an Agricultural Soil Treated with Byssochlamys nivea, Scopulariopsis brumptii and Urban Waste Compost: A Laboratory Microcosm Study

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) has been used worldwide as a wood treatment agent and biocide. Its toxicity and extensive use have placed it among the most hazardous environmental pollutants. The response of a PCP-contaminated agricultural soil to the addition of solid urban waste compost and two exogenous Ascomycota fungal strains Byssochlamys nivea and Scopulariopsis brumptii was evaluated. The experiments were conducted in soil microcosms incubated for 28 days at 25 °C and 60 % moisture content. The depletion of PCP and the changes in biochemical soil properties (i.e. microbial biomass, soil respiration, dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis activities) were detected. The addition of PCP severely depressed some of the tested biochemical properties such as microbial biomass, dehydrogenase and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis activities. By contrast, compost limited the negative effect of PCP on the dehydrogenase activity and soil respiration. When compost and fungal strains were contemporary present, a synergistic effect was observed with a reduction of more than 95 % of the extractable PCP after 28 days of incubation. No differences in PCP depletion resulted when fungi or compost were individually used. Our results indicate that many processes (i.e. microbial degradation and sorption to organic matter) likely occurred when PCP was added to the soil. The compost and the fungal strains, B. nivea and S. brumptii, showed good capability to tolerate and degrade PCP so that they could be successfully used in synergistic effect to treat PCP polluted soils.

Biodegradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) by Trichoderma reesei FS10-C and Effect of Bioaugmentation on an Aged PAH-Contaminated Soil

ABSTRACT The co-metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and the capacity of the fungus Trichoderma reesei FS10-C to bioremediate an aged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated soil were investigated. The fungal isolate removed about 54% of B[a]P (20 mg L−1) after 12 days of incubation with glucose (10 g L−1) supplementation as a co-metabolic substrate. Bioaugmented microcosms showed a 25% decrease in total PAH concentrations in soil after 28 days, and the degradation percentages of 3-, 4-, and 5(+6)-ring PAHs were 36%, 35%, and 25%, respectively. In addition, bioaugmented microcosms exhibited higher dehydrogenase (DHA) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDAH) activities and increased average well-color development (AWCD), Shannon-Weaver index (H), and Simpson index (D) significantly. Principal component analysis (PCA) also distinguished clear differentiation between treatments, indicating that bioaugmentation restored the microbiological function of the PAH-contaminated soil. The results suggest that bioaugmentation by T. reesei FS10-C might be a promising bioremediation strategy for aged PAH-contaminated soils.

Soil microbial biomass in an agroforestry system of Northeast Brazil

Agroforestry systems (AFS) are considered alternative land use options to help prevent soil degradation and improve soil microbial biomass and organic C status. However, it is unclear how different densities of babassu palm [Attalea speciosa (syn. Orbignya phalerata)], which is an important tree in Northeast Brazil, affect the soil microbial biomass. We investigated the soil microbial biomass C and activity under AFS with different densities of babassu palm associated with Brachiaria brizantha grass. Soil microbial biomass C (MBC), soil microbial biomass N (MBN), MBC:total organic C ratio, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and dehydrogenase activity showed highest values in plots with high density of babassu palm. On the other hand, the respiratory quotient (qCO2) was significantly greater in plots without babassu palm. Brachiaria brizantha in monoculture may promote C losses from the soil, but AFS with high density of babassu palm may increase the potential of soils to accumulate C.Keywords: Enzyme activity, tropical soil, babassu palm, silvopastoral system, soil quality.DOI: 10.17138/TGFT(3)41-48

The Effects of Biological Control using the Composted Liquid Manure on Large Patch in Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica)

This study was conducted to investigate whether several composted liquid manures (CLMs) are useful for biological control of large patch on zoysiagrass and investigate the chemical and biological factors to suppress large patch in soil treated with CLMs. The CLMs were produced at 4 different facilities for livestock excretion treatments located in Korea. Field experiments were carried out at 5 golf courses located near each facility. CLM and Chemical fertilizer (CF: water soluble fertilizer, 20-20-20) were applied four and three times with N at <TEX>$12g\;m^{-2}$</TEX> per year, respectively. There was significant increase of concentration of K, Na, and Cu of soil treated with CLM compared to CF treatment. Among experimental plots, CN and GG2 plot sites were shown significant higher effect of biological control 80% and 50% respectively against large patch disease. The number of bacteria, Actinomycetes, and fungi in soil at these sites significantly increased and fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity was enhanced, while the soil was treated with CLM. The results of this study demonstrated that CLM application has effect on soil to suppress large patch and reduce the use of fungicide in environment-friendly turf management.

Change in Soil Microbial and Enzyme Activities in Response to the Addition of Rock-Phosphate-Enriched Compost

Phosphorus (P) is considered a nonrenewable resource that plays a key role in agriculture and such studies are needed to evaluate alternative sources of this element. In the current study, objectives were to evaluate soil microbial respiration and enzymatic activity resulting from the addition of rock-phosphate-enriched organic compost to soil under incubation conditions. An organic-mineral compost (OMC) was produced by aerobically composting a mixture of coffee grain trash (62%), bovine manure (7%), phosphate rock (28%), and gypsum (3%) for 3 months. Different amounts of OMC were added in a portion (100 g) of soil, and then this mixture was incubated for 28 days. After this time, soil microbial respiration (SMR), biochemical parameters, and available P were evaluated. The addition of OMC led to significant increase in SMR, dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, β-glucosidase, and phosphatase activity, which were dependent on the added amounts of the compost. The values of available P in soil increased significantly (13 times) with the OMC addition when compared to the control.The assay showed that P-enriched OMC application impacted soil function and improved soil biochemical properties. These results suggest that this practice may be of great importance for soil fertilization.

Changes in enzyme activities as affected by green-manure catch crops and mineral nitrogen fertilization

The estimation of soil microbial activity has been an important research issue because of the significant role that microorganisms play in nutrient cycling in soil. In a 3-year (August 2005 – August 2008) experiment, the effect of catch crops: oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus var. olifera L.) and field pea (Pisum sativum L.) vs. plots without a catch crop, and inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilization at 0, 40, 80, 120, 160 kg ha -1 year -1 on soil dehydrogenase (DH), catalase (CAT) and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis (FDAH) activities were investigated on albic, cutanic Luvisols (LVab, LVct). The catch crops were sown at the beginning of August and ploughed in autumn in 2005, 2006 and 2007. Then the main crop, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), was grown in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Soil samples were taken twice a year, before spring wheat sowing (March or April) and after harvesting (August). Generally, catch crops significantly influenced DH and CAT activities in all of the years of the investigation, while FDAH activity was affected only in 2007. There were higher DH and FDAH activities in catch crop treatment versus the control and only in some cases in field pea than in oilseed radish when both catch crops treatments were compared. DH and CAT activities were always higher in August than in March or April. Nitrogen fertilization influenced DH and FDAH activities only in 2007, while CAT activity was influenced during the entire experimental period (2006– 2008). Generally, the highest CAT activity was noted at N rates of 80 or 120 kg ha -1 year -1 . Chemical properties (organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH 1 M KCl) were not significantly affected by catch crops and inorganic N fertilization treatments. The studied indices of microbial biomass were significantly correlated with chemical soil properties.

Influence of different fractions of heavy metals on microbial ecophysiological indicators and enzyme activities in century old municipal solid waste amended soil

The study was carried out on an municipal solid waste dumping site, more than hundred year old, located on the outskirts of Kolkata metropolitan city in India to determine the concentrations of different forms of selected metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, and Ni), their effect on microbial ecophysiological parameters (microbial biomass, microbial metabolic quotient, microbial respiration quotient), fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity and enzyme activities in solid waste amended soils. A sequential extraction technique was used to quantify water soluble, exchangeable, carbonate bound, Fe/Mn oxide bound, organic bound, and residual fractions of metals. Metal concentrations in the two most labile fractions (i.e. water soluble and exchangeable fractions) were generally low. The concentrations of different forms of metals, microbial ecophysiological parameters and enzyme activities were found to be significantly higher in solid waste amended soils compared to the normal background soil around the study area. Significant positive correlations were observed between the microbial parameters and organic carbon content of the waste amended soil. The contents of microbial biomass C, fluorescein diacetate and enzyme activities did not necessarily decrease with increasing heavy metal content, reflecting the importance of other environmental factors, e.g. differences in organic C content. The ratios of different microbial parameters with organic C were significantly negatively correlated with metal concentrations while inhibition increased with increased bioavailability of metals. Although the waste amended soils had significantly higher microbial biomass and activities than the background soil, due to higher organic matter content, the ratios of microbial parameters/organic carbon indicated that inhibition of microbial growth and activities had occurred due to metal stress. This indicates that the use of municipal solid wastes in agriculture would lead to destruction of soil quality in the long run.

Degradation of roxarsone in a silt loam soil and its toxicity assessment

The land application of poultry or swine litter, containing large amounts of roxarsone, causes serious arsenic pollution in soil. Understanding biotransformation process of roxarsone and its potential risks favors proper disposal of roxarsone-contaminated animal litter, yet remains not achieved. We report an experimental study of biotransformation process of roxarsone in a silt loam soil under various soil moisture and temperature conditions, and the toxicity of roxarsone and its products from degradation. Results showed that soil moisture and higher temperature promoted roxarsone degradation, associating with emergent pentavalent arsenic. Analysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis activity revealed that roxarsone does not exert acute toxic on soil microbes. With the release of inorganic arsenic, FDA hydrolysis activity was inhibited gradually, as evidenced by ecotoxicological assessment using Photobacterium leiognathi. The results shade new lights on the dynamic roxarsone biotransformation processes in soil, which is important for guiding appropriate disposal of poultry or swine litter in the environment.

Effect of fertilizer treatments on jute (Chorchorus olitorius), microbial dynamics in its rhizosphere and residual fertility status of soil

The effect of various fertilizer treatments on jute (Corchorus olitorius) and their residual effect on soil fertility along with the microbial dynamics in jute rhizosphere were studied during 2008-11. Application of recommended dose of fertilizer (100 % NPK) was sufficient for jute fibre yield while nutrient uptake was significantly higher with 150% NPK but at par only with 100% NPK + 10 tonnes FYM/ha when N and P are considered. The population of beneficial microbes and enzymatic activities, viz. dehydrogenase, urease, fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity, acid and alkaline phosphatase in jute rhizosphere after 60 days of sowing were significantly higher with 100% NPK + 10 tonnes FYM/ha over all treatments including 100 and 150% NPK. The soil microbial biomass carbon and basal soil respiration rate in jute rhizosphere followed the same trend as that of enzyme activities. There was build up of residual soil fertility after three years in all the treatments except control and 50% NPK compared to initial status and the application of 100% NPK with 10 tonnes FYM/ha helped in higher residual status of organic carbon, available N, P and K in soil. Integration of recommended dose of fertilizer with 10 tonnes FYM/ha proved to be the best possible option for sustainable jute fibre production and maintenance of soil microbial health and fertility status.

Fluorescent components of organic matter in wastewater: Efficacy and selectivity of the water treatment

Characterization of organic matter (OM) present in treated wastewater (TWW) after various treatment stages is important for optimizing wastewater recycling. The general aim of this research was to carry out a long-term examination of OM in wastewater along the treatment, by applying excitation-emission matrices (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Fluorescent OM was examined in water samples obtained from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Israel for 20 months. The PARAFAC analysis of EEMs of water samples from the four WWTPs yielded six components. The fluorescent components included proteinaceous tryptophan-like matter (C1), three humic-like components (C2–C4), a component (C5) that was characterized by excitation and emission with a distinct vibrational structure similar to that of pyrene and a component (C6) that was characterized by the excitation and emission spectra demonstrating two peaks where the appearance of two emission peaks was suggested to reflect the formation of an intra-molecular exyplex. The biological treatment strongly reduced the concentration of component C1 thus increasing the overall fraction of humic-like OM over the proteinaceous OM in the treated water. The fluorescence of component C1 could therefore be used as an indicator of the biological treatment efficacy. The concentration of the humic-like component C2 characterized by excitation and emission maxima at <240,305/422 nm, respectively, was also sensitive to biological treatment. The soil aquifer treatment was not effective in completely eliminating the fingerprints of the initial wastewater. The concentrations of the fluorescent components in wastewater after the biological treatment were only slightly affected by filtration (0.45 μm) of the samples. For water sampled prior to the biological treatment, the 0.45 μm filtration had the most pronounced effect on concentrations of the proteinaceous matter and component C6. Strong positive correlations were found between concentrations of component C1 and total carbon (TC) in wastewater samples from the WWTPs thus suggesting the proteinaceous fluorescence in wastewater as an indicator for TC reduction. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and the fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity (a measure for the total microbial activity) were strongly positively correlated with the concentrations of components C1–C3 thus suggesting the fluorescence of these components as indicators for reduction in COD and the total microbial activity in wastewater.

Did Tsunami tremor jolt microbial biomass and their activities in soils? A case study in Andaman Island, India

The nature of selected soil-chemical and microbial properties influenced by tsunami affected and non-affected areas along the border areas of the alluvial Andaman Island in India were investigated. Soils of these areas have turned saline and saline-sodic due to the ingression of sea water. The electrical conductivity of the saturation extract of the surface soil varied from 11.2 to 23.8 dS m−1 in 2005, and it was decreased to 0.8–10.3 dS m−1 in 2006 due to the heavy rain in the following year after the tsunami. Soil quality indicators, like microbial biomass C, microbial metabolic quotient, microbial respiration quotient and fluorescein diacetate hydrolyzing activity, decreased in the tsunami affected soil in 2005, but slightly increased in 2006. All microbial parameters were significantly negatively correlated with the electrical conductivity, sodium absorption ratio and exchangeable sodium percentage. Suppression of microbial biomass and their activities in the soils due to the increased-salinity is of great agronomic significance and needs suitable intervention for sustainable crop production. Significant differences were found in soil-chemical and microbial characteristics between tsunami affected and non-affected areas. Hierarchical clustering algorithm on the basis of different soil-chemical and microbial characteristics revealed that there is significant difference in grouping between tsunami affected and non-affected zones. From this study, it can be concluded that the sea water ingression detrimentally influenced the microbial properties of tsunami affected soil.

Influence of novel lignocellulosic residues in a biobed biopurification system on the degradation of pesticides applied in repeatedly high doses

Background: The biobed is a simple biopurification system used to prevent the point-source pesticide contamination that occurs at farm level. The typical composition of the biomixture used in this system is soil, peat and straw in volumetric proportions of 1:1:2. The principal component is straw due to its positive effects on biological activity and thus pesticide degradation. However, access to straw can be limited in some regions, so it must be replaced by other more readily available lignocellulosic residues. Results: Therefore, two alternate lignocellulosic materials (barley husks and pine sawdust) were evaluated as partial substitutes for straw. The degradation of a repeatedly applied mixture of six pesticides by these alternates was assessed. The microbial respiration and fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis activity were also assessed. The results showed that the highest degradation efficiency was found in mixtures containing straw and barley husks. Each biomixtures tested achieved a high degradation (50 to 90%) of all the pesticides used except iprodione. Repeated applications of pesticides resulted in a slowing of the degradation rate of all pesticide types in all biomixtures. FDA activity and microbial respiration were higher in the biomixtures containing barley husks and straw compared to the mixture with pine sawdust, a result consistent with the pesticide degradations observed. Conclusions: This paper demonstrates that the straw in the traditional biomixture can be partially replaced by other lignocellulosic materials to efficiently degrade a mixture of pesticides, even when the pesticides are added in successive applications and high concentrations.

Quantification of metabolic activity of cultured plant cells by vital staining with fluorescein diacetate

The metabolic activity of suspension cultures of Sonneratia alba cells was quantified by measurement of the hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA). FDA is incorporated into live cells and is converted into fluorescein by cellular hydrolysis. Aliquots (0.1–0.75g) of S. alba cells were incubated with FDA at a final concentration of 222μg/ml suspension for 60min. Hydrolysis was stopped, and fluorescein was extracted by the addition of acetone and quantified by measurement of absorbance at 490nm. Fluorescein was produced linearly with time and cell weight. Cells of S. alba are halophilic and proliferated well in medium containing 50 and 100mM NaCl. Cells grown in medium containing 100mM NaCl showed 2- to 3-fold higher FDA hydrolysis activity than those grown in NaCl-free medium. When S. alba cells grown in medium supplemented with 50mM NaCl were transferred to fresh medium containing 100mM mannitol, cellular FDA hydrolysis activity was down-regulated after 4days of culture, indicating that the moderately halophilic S. alba cells were sensitive to osmotic stress. Quantification of cellular metabolic activity via the in vivo FDA hydrolysis assay provides a simple and rapid method for the determination of cellular activity under differing culture conditions.

Conservation Management in Cotton Production: Long‐Term Soil Biological, Chemical, and Physical Changes

Conservation practices are increasingly important components of sustainable management systems, and information about their influence on soil characteristics is needed. Soil parameters were assessed in no‐till (NT) or minimum tillage (MT) cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production near Stoneville, MS, Mississippi Delta region, that included cover crop (rye [Secale cereal L.] or Balansa clover [Trifolium michelianum Savi var. balansae (Boiss.) Azn.]) vs. no cover crop. Soils (0–2, 2–5, and 5–15 cm) were sampled (2001–2006) before cotton planting. Independent of tillage, both cover crops accumulated more soil C than no cover, and N was greatest under clover. Soils (0–15 cm) under clover had greater aggregate stability than rye or no cover. The major factor influencing bulk density and infiltration was proximity to crop row bed and wheel traffic, but infiltration rates were sixfold greater under MT than NT (P &lt; 0.01), with less effect of cover crop (P &lt; 0.06, clover &gt; rye or no cover). Moderate tillage slightly increased abundance of both reniform nematodes and earthworms, but neither was affected by cover crop. Fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity was higher in clover (50%) and rye (20%) in surface soil than with no cover. Soil microbial community structure (total fatty acid methyl ester analysis) (2005–2006) indicated a significant cover crop effect but no tillage effect. Mycorrhizal bioindicator (16:1 ω5c) was greater in soil with rye than clover or no cover; however, cotton mycorrhizal infection was 40% greater in fibrous roots from rye or clover plots than roots from plots with no cover. Collectively, cotton production with a cover crop and reduced tillage resulted in soil conditions indicative of soil quality.

How different long‐term fertilization strategies influence crop yield and soil properties in a maize field in the North China Plain

AbstractThe impact of fertilization on maize (Zea mays L.) yield and soil properties was investigated in a long‐term (&gt; 18 y) experimental field in N China. A completely randomized block design with seven fertilizer treatments and four replications was used. The seven fertilizer treatments were (1) compost (COMP), (2) half compost plus half chemical fertilizer (COMP1/2), (3) balanced NPK fertilizer (NPK), (4–6) unbalanced chemical fertilizers without one of the major elements (NP, PK, and NK), and (7) an unamended control (CK). In addition to maize yield, soil chemical and biological properties were investigated. Compared to the balanced NPK treatment, maize yield from the COMP treatment was 7.9% higher, from the COMP1/2 was similar, but from the NP, PK, NK, and CK treatment were 12.4%, 59.9%, 78.6%, and 75.7% lower. Across the growing season, microbial biomass C and N contents, basal soil respiration, and fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, dehydrogenase, urease, and invertase activities in the COMP and COMP1/2 treatments were 7%–203% higher than the NPK treatment. Values from all other treatments were up to 60% lower than the NPK treatment. Maize yield is closely related to the soil organic C (OC) and biological properties, and the OC is closely related to various biological properties, indicating that OC is a suitable indicator for soil quality. Our results suggest the most limiting nutrient for improving the yield or soil quality was P, followed by N and K, and balanced fertilization is important in maintaining high crop yield and soil quality. Additionally, increases in OC, N, and biological activities in COMP and COMP1/2 treatments imply that organic compost is superior to the chemical fertilizers tested.

Effect of arsenic contamination on bacterial and fungal biomass and enzyme activities in tropical arsenic-contaminated soils

The importance of assessing the impacts of soil arsenic (As) contamination on microbial properties lay on the fact that microbes are instrumental in nutrient cycling and are therefore indicators of soil quality. In this study, soil chemical extraction methods were used to extract labile and freely exchangeable As (water-soluble As and sodium bicarbonate-extractable As), amorphous/crystalline Fe and Mn oxide-bound As (acid ammonium oxalate-extractable As and hydroxylamine hydrochloride-extractable As), and their impacts on microbial biomass (microbial biomass C, total bacterial and fungal biomass, active bacterial and fungal biomass), enzyme activities representing four major soil biogeochemical cycles, i.e., C (β-glucosidase activity), N (urease activity), P (acid phosphomonoesterase activity), S (acryl-sulfatase activity), and microbial activity (fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and dehydrogenase activity) were investigated in As-contaminated soils of Ambagarh Chauki block, Chhattisgarh, Central India. The results revealed that the majority of the As in soils resided in the Fe/Mn oxide-bound fraction. The microbial biomass C, total and active fungal biomass, and enzyme activities were significantly inhibited by all the forms of As. However, water-soluble As, even though occupying only a small portion of the total As (0.9–2.9 %), exerted the greatest impact. Interestingly, total and active bacterial biomass was not significantly affected by As toxicity, suggesting their resistance to As. Urease activity was not affected by As pollution.