Low Cation Concentrations Research Articles

Vulnerability of Coastal Aquifers Due to Nutrient Pollution from Agriculture: Kalpitiya, Sri Lanka

This study focuses on spatial and temporal nutrient pollution of groundwater in the unconfined sandy aquifers of Kalpitiya peninsula, Sri Lanka, where agricultural activities are intense. The study covers two consecutive dry and rainy seasons during the period from 2008 to 2010. Nitrate is the dominant nutrient pollutant in groundwater. The values of Nitrate-N contents ranged from 0.60 to 212.40 mg/L in the dry seasons and 0.20–148.50 mg/L in rainy seasons. Phosphate in groundwater ranged from 0.20 to 5.70 mg/L in dry seasons and 0.04–10.35 mg/L with few exceptions in rainy seasons. About 50% of the studied water samples had Nitrate-N concentrations above WHO drinking water guideline values both in dry and rainy periods. These high concentrations were recorded from wells in agricultural lands. Although there is a slight decrease in the Nitrate-N concentrations at random in rainy seasons, an increasing trend of average concentrations became evident over the study period as a whole, probably indicating building up of Nitrate-N in groundwater in the vegetable growing areas. The spatial distribution of Nitrate-N too shows a good match of high Nitrate-N bearing zones with vegetable cultivated areas indicating intensive leaching from application of excessive chemical fertilizers. High Nitrate-N zones also showed fairly steady lateral distribution indicating slow lateral mobility of Nitrate-rich groundwater probably due to low hydraulic gradients. Low phosphate concentrations in both groundwater and surface soils either indicates their less use in the area or that the available phosphate is leached and removed from the aquifer water and (sandy) soil solutions and probably adsorbed in clayey deeper horizons. Low concentrations of major cations (especially K, Ca, and Na) indicate less impact on cation concentrations in groundwater by the fertilizer application or sea water intrusions/up-coning.

Effect of cations on the microstructure and in-vitro drug release of κ- and ι-carrageenan liquid and semi-solid aqueous dispersions

OBJECTIVES The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of potassium and calcium ions on the microstructure and release dynamics of kappa (κ) and iota (ι) carrageenan. The microstructure of the dispersions was imaged using a cryogenic scanning electron microscope. Franz-cell diffusion apparatus was used to determine the release kinetics of a model hydrophilic drug, sodium fluorescein, incorporated in selected polymer dispersions. Release profiles were analysed using Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas and dual first-order models. Cryogenic scanning electron microscope images showed that κ-carrageenan forms hexagonal structures, whereas ι-carrageenan forms rectangular pores at low cation concentrations. In-vitro release studies showed sustained release profiles for all carrageenan systems; however the model drug, fluorescein, diffusion from ι-carrageenan with 0.06% w/v calcium was significantly higher than other ι-carrageenan systems. This may be attributed to improved tortuosity of this system. However further increase in cation concentration led to a reduction in fluorescein release from the matrices. The dual first-order release model illustrated two distinct release rates, an initial rapid release followed by a slow diffusion of fluorescein from the carrageenan matrices. The observed microstructural differences may account for the well known variation in mechanical properties of κ- and ι-carrageenan gels. The dual first order release model adds a new tool in the elucidation of release mechanisms from polymer matrices, where parallel processes contribute to drug release.

Uphill and downhill water transport in rat glioma cells

The cell water content determines the cell volume, which in turn controls numerous cellular functions. The mean volume of rat glioma cells was electronically measured under isotonic and anisotonic conditions. Two types of isotonic solutions were used containing either high or low concentrations of NaCl, KCl or N-methylglucamineCl. In low salt solutions, osmolarity was maintained constant by the addition of sucrose or mannitol. Anisotonicity was induced by changing the concentration of electrolytes. As expected, the cell volume increased when the concentration of electrolytes was decreased from a high (165 mM) monovalent cation concentration. In contrast, the cell volume decreased when the concentration of electrolytes was decreased from a low (85 mM) monovalent cation concentration. Reciprocally and unexpectedly, the cell volume increased during a hyperosmotic challenge when the initial cation concentration was low, whereas it decreased when the initial cation concentration was high. These opposite volume changes observed during similar anisotonic challenges but starting from different electrolyte concentrations provide the first evidence that H2O is not only passively transported (downhill) through aquaporins but also follows ion fluxes (uphill).

Assessment of sugar maple tree growth in relation to the partitioning of elements in xylem along a soil acidity gradient

Partitioning of elements in tree xylem is being increasingly studied, as it suggests that elements are potentially mobile within the xylem long after their uptake. A recent study revealed that only the most mobile xylem fraction (water-soluble) of base cations (calcium [Ca], magnesium [Mg], and potassium [K]) increased at higher soil acidity, while the two mobile fractions (water- and acid-soluble) of acidic metals—potentially phytotoxic aluminium (Al), cadmium (Cd) and manganese (Mn)—were significantly enhanced on very acid soils. The current paper presents an investigation of soil–wood chemistry relationships with basal area tree growth. It was hypothesized that the growth of sugar maple would be reduced by low base cation and high acidic metal concentrations in the xylem mobile fractions. Sugar maple trees ( n = 55) from six watersheds in southern Quebec, Canada were analysed by sequential chemical extractions for the water-soluble, acid-soluble and residual fractions of base cations (Ca, K, Mg) and acidic metals (Al, Cd, Mn) in xylem. Generally, tree growth was positively correlated to concentrations of base cations in wood ( ρ = 0.27–0.50) and soil ( ρ = 0.41–0.67), and negatively correlated to concentrations of acidic metals in wood ( ρ = −0.33 to −0.52) and soil ( ρ = −0.67). However, these relations differed depending on the element fraction considered. Water- and acid-soluble xylem concentrations of base cations and Al were among the best predictors of growth trends ( R 2 = 0.46–0.51). The relationship between acidic metals and tree growth is further discussed.

Growth Behavior, Nitrogen-Form Effects on Phosphorus Acquisition, and Phosphorus–Zinc Interactions in Brassica Cultivars under Phosphorus-Stress Environment

Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) interact both in plants and soils and hence may affect the availability and utilization of each other. To investigate P and Zn nutritional status and P–Zn interactions, two genetically diverse Brassica cultivars classified as P tolerant (Brown Raya) and P sensitive (Sultan Raya) were grown in a sand-based pot culture. Jordan rock phosphate (RP) and monocalcium phosphate [Ca(H2PO4)2] were used as P sources, and ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) or nitrate (NO3 --) only were used as nitrogen (N) sources. Two Zn levels [0.25 (low Zn) and 2.5 (high Zn) mg zinc sulfate (ZnSO4·5H2O) kg−1 sand, respectively] were applied along with recommended doses of other essential nutrients in the culture media. Cultivars differed significantly for their response to added P for biomass accumulation, but Zn supply had little effect. Cultivar Brown Raya had greater P uptake and P-utilization efficiency (PUE) than Sultan Raya under a P-stress environment, irrespective of Zn and N supply. Zinc supply had little effect on tissue P concentration and P uptake per unit of root dry matter (RDM) in either cultivar, irrespective of N supply. An increase in P supply caused a significant reduction in specific Zn uptake (Zn uptake per unit of RDM; SZnU) and tissue Zn concentration of both cultivars. The reduction in tissue Zn concentration cannot be ascribed entirely to a dilution effect. Zinc concentrations and uptake by P-efficient cultivar Brown Raya were significantly lower and more sensitive to P uptake than those of P-sensitive Sultan Raya cultivar. It is suggested that high PUE may depress plant Zn uptake and therefore cause a reduction in Zn concentration of Brassica grown in low-P and possibly low-Zn soils. In NH4NO3 nutrition, plants had significantly lower cation concentrations compared to NO3 -- nutrition only. Brown Raya consistently had lower cation concentrations than Sultan Raya under P stress. The differences in cation concentrations decreased with increased P availability, but Zn supply had no significant effect. In Brown Raya, the ratio of potassium in roots to shoots was always greater than in Sultan Raya. This suggested that lower cation concentrations in Brown Raya were due to root carboxylate exudations, which in turn were related to better P acquisition and PUE under insufficiently buffered P-stress environment.

Lack of main K+ uptake systems in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells affects yeast performance in both potassium-sufficient and potassium-limiting conditions

A new YNB medium containing very low concentrations of alkali metal cations has been developed to carry out experiments to study potassium homoeostasis. Physiological characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 strain and the corresponding mutant lacking the main potassium uptake systems (trk1 trk2) under potassium nonlimiting and limiting concentrations was performed, and novel important differences between both strains were found. At nonlimiting concentrations of KCl, the two strains had a comparable cell size and potassium content. Nevertheless, mutants were hyperpolarized, had lower pH and extruded fewer protons compared with the BY4741 strain. Upon transfer to K(+)-limiting conditions, cells of both strains became hyperpolarized and their cell volume and K(+) content diminished; however, the decrease was more relevant in BY4741. In low potassium, trk1 trk2 cells were not able to accomplish the cell cycle to the same extent as in BY4741. Moreover, K(+) limitation triggered a high-affinity K(+)/Rb(+) uptake process only in BY4741, with the highest affinity being reached as soon as 30 min after transfer to potassium-limiting conditions. By establishing basic cellular parameters under standard growth conditions, this work aims to establish a basis for the investigation of potassium homoeostasis at the system level.

Ca2+- and Mg2+-induced molecular interactions in a dehydrocholic acid/didodecyldimethylammonium bromide mixed monolayer

The aim of this article is the evaluation of Ca2+ and Mg2+ subphases presence effect on mixed monolayers composed by dehydrocholic acid (HDHC) and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB). The monolayer stability was analyzed by the evaluation of thermodynamic parameters, ΔGmixE and α. At all calcium ion-tested concentration, the mixed systems XHDHC = 0.6 and 0.8 at π = 30 mJ m−2 were always the most favored proportions. The XHDHC = 0.6 system was also stable in magnesium presence, and the XHDHC = 0.2-mixed monolayer went through a stable to an unstable state as the content of Ca2+ or Mg2+ augment. Finally, the XHDHC = 0.4 monolayer showed a particular behavior, i.e., remained stable at low cation concentration, unstable at intermediate concentration and stable again at high concentration. The effect was similar at Mg2+ presence.

Novel Large-Pore Aluminophosphate Molecular Sieve STA-15 Prepared Using the Tetrapropylammonium Cation As a Structure Directing Agent

The novel aluminophosphate STA-15 (St Andrews microporous solid-15) is prepared by hydrothermal synthesis in the presence of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (TPAOH), which acts as a structure directing agent. The crystallization is accelerated by the addition of low concentrations of tetraphenylphosphonium or other bulky organic cations, and the purity is improved by the addition of silica to the gel, but these additives are not included in the final crystalline product. The structure of STA-15 was solved by a combination of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction and modeling. The as-prepared form of STA-15 (Iba2, a = 14.7953(1) A, b = 27.3634(3) A, c = 8.34464(6) A at 100 K) has unit cell composition Al32P32O128(OH)1.8TPA1.8·3H2O. It has a system of one dimensional channels, limited by strongly elliptical 12-membered rings (12 tetrahedral cations and 12 oxygen atoms, 8.7 × 5.7 A ) in which the TPA+ cations reside. The charge-balancing hydroxide ions are coordinated to framework Al, as shown by 27Al and 31P M...

A spatial and seasonal assessment of river water chemistry across North West England

This paper presents information on the spatial and seasonal patterns of river water chemistry at approximately 800 sites in North West England based on data from the Environment Agency regional monitoring programme. Within a GIS framework, the linkages between average water chemistry (pH, sulphate, base cations, nutrients and metals) catchment characteristics (topography, land cover, soil hydrology, base flow index and geology), rainfall, deposition chemistry and geo-spatial information on discharge consents (point sources) are examined. Water quality maps reveal that there is a clear distinction between the uplands and lowlands. Upland waters are acidic and have low concentrations of base cations, explained by background geological sources and land cover. Localised high concentrations of metals occur in areas of the Cumbrian Fells which are subjected to mining effluent inputs. Nutrient concentrations are low in the uplands with the exception sites receiving effluent inputs from rural point sources. In the lowlands, both past and present human activities have a major impact on river water chemistry, especially in the urban and industrial heartlands of Greater Manchester, south Lancashire and Merseyside. Over 40% of the sites have average orthophosphate concentrations > 0.1 mg-P l − 1 . Results suggest that the dominant control on orthophosphate concentrations is point source contributions from sewage effluent inputs. Diffuse agricultural sources are also important, although this influence is masked by the impact of point sources. Average nitrate concentrations are linked to the coverage of arable land, although sewage effluent inputs have a significant effect on nitrate concentrations. Metal concentrations in the lowlands are linked to diffuse and point sources. The study demonstrates that point sources, as well as diffuse sources, need to be considered when targeting measures for the effective reduction in river nutrient concentrations. This issue is clearly important with regards to the European Union Water Framework Directive, eutrophication and river water quality.

The structural variety of DNA-DPPC-divalent metal cation aggregates: SAXD and SANS study

We examine the structure of aggregates formed due to DNA interaction with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in presence of Ca2+ and Zn2+ using small-angle synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SAXD) and neutron scattering (SANS). SAXD shows structural heterogeneity as a function of the cation concentration and temperature: At low cation concentration (∼1 mM), aggregates show two DPPC phases, one with a lateral segregation of DNA and cation, while higher cation concentration improves the DNA packing and the condensed lamellar phase is observed in DNA+DPPC+20mMion2+ aggregates. The SANS detected the dissolution of the condensed lamellar phase into unilamellar DPPC+Zn2+ vesicles due to gel ↦ liquid-crystal phase transition in DNA+DPPC+20mM Zn2+ aggregates with the short fragmented salmon sperm DNA.

Both sides now: multiple interactions of ATP with pannexin-1 hemichannels. Focus on “A permeant regulating its permeation pore: inhibition of pannexin 1 channels by ATP”

how atp and other nucleotides are released from intact cells is a fundamental question, given the existence of multiple purinergic receptor signaling cascades operative in most vertebrate tissues ([25][1]). It is well-established that neurons and neuroendocrine cells release ATP via classical

Spatial heterogeneity of soil chemical properties in a lowland tropical moist forest, Panama

We evaluated spatial heterogeneity for pH and a comprehensive set of nutrient and trace elements in surface (0–0.1 m depth) and subsurface (0.3–0.4 m depth) soils across 26.6 ha of old-growth, lowland, tropical moist forest, established on a highly weathered soil in Panama. Little is known about spatial heterogeneity patterns of soil properties in tropical forest soils. Soil was moderately acidic (pH 5.28) with low concentrations of exchangeable base cations (13.4 cmolc/kg), Bray-extractable PO4 (2.2 mg/kg), KCl-extractable NO3 (5.0 mg/kg), and KCl-extractable NH4 (15.5 mg/kg). The coefficient of variation for soil properties ranged from 24% to >200%, with a median value of 84%. Geostatistical analysis revealed spatial dependence at a scale of 10–100 m for most of the soil properties; however, pH, NH4, Al, and B had spatial dependence at a scale up to 350 m. Best-fit models to individual variograms included random, exponential, spherical, Gaussian, linear, and power functions, indicating many different spatial patterns among the set of soil properties. Correlation among individual elements was poor, indicating independent patterns. Our results show complex spatial patterns in soil chemical properties and provide a basis for future investigations on soil–plant relationships and soil nutrient niche differentiation.

Acid soil indicators in forest soils of the Cherry River Watershed, West Virginia

Declining forest health has been observed during the past several decades in several areas of the eastern USA, and some of this decline is attributed to acid deposition. Decreases in soil pH and increases in soil acidity are indicators of potential impacts on tree growth due to acid inputs and Al toxicity. The Cherry River watershed, which lies within the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia, has some of the highest rates of acid deposition in Appalachia. East and West areas within the watershed, which showed differences in precipitation, stream chemistry, and vegetation composition, were compared to evaluate soil acidity conditions and to assess their degree of risk on tree growth. Thirty-one soil pits in the West area and 36 pits in the East area were dug and described, and soil samples from each horizon were analyzed for chemical parameters. In A horizons, East area soils averaged 3.7 pH with 9.4 cmol(c) kg(-1) of acidity compared to pH 4.0 and 6.2 cmol(c) kg(-1) of acidity in West area soils. Extractable cations (Ca, Mg, and Al) were significantly higher in the A, transition, and upper B horizons of East versus West soils. However, even with differences in cation concentrations, Ca/Al molar ratios were similar for East and West soils. For both sites using the Ca/Al ratio, a 50% risk of impaired tree growth was found for A horizons, while a 75% risk was found for deeper horizons. Low concentrations of base cations and high extractable Al in these soils translate into a high degree of risk for forest regeneration and tree growth after conventional tree harvesting.

Selectivity of Na–montmorillonite in relation with the concentration of bivalent cation (Cu 2+, Ca 2+, Ni 2+) by quantitative analysis of XRD patterns

This paper aims at characterizing the structural evolution and the selectivity of a dioctahedral smectite (i.e. Wyoming montmorillonite) saturated with two different couples of cations. A reference sample was prepared by saturation with Ca 2+, Cu 2+ or Ni 2+. The clay was dispersed in solutions of (Ca 2+ and Cu 2+) or (Cu 2+ and Ni 2+). The quantitative analysis of XRD patterns is achieved using an indirect method based on the comparison of XRD experimental patterns to calculated ones. The XRD quantitative analysis shows that for low concentrations of cations the basal spacing value corresponds to Wy–Cu, whereas for high concentration the d 001 spacing value can be attributed to Wy–Ca or Wy–Ni. At low concentrations, the exchangeable sites were saturated with low hydration-state cations (i.e.Cu 2+) which is characterized by one water layer, whereas at high concentrations, the clay fixes the cations with high hydration state (i.e. Ca 2+or Ni 2+) characterised by a two water layers.

Interaction with Al and Zn induces structure formation and aggregation in natively unfolded caseins

Caseins are phosphoproteins that form the principal protein component of milk, their chief function being the transport of inorganic calcium and phosphate to the neonates. The four major members of the casein family are α s1-, α s2- (together referred to as α s-casein), β- and κ-casein, each having a characteristic high negative net charge as well as high hydrophobicity and preferring extended conformational states in solution. We have investigated the influence of the polyvalent metal cations Zn(II) and Al(III) on the structure of bovine caseins, using fluorescence and circular dichroic (CD) spectroscopy and light scattering. Changes in Trp and ANS fluorescence parameters (blue shifts of the emission maxima and enhancement of fluorescence intensity) and in the far-UV CD spectra of the caseins caused by the presence of both metals suggest that conformational changes are induced in them by low concentrations (20–40 μM) of the metal cations. These changes lead to formation of solvent-accessible hydrophobic clusters or cavities that, in turn, cause self-association and precipitation of caseins at higher concentration of the metals. These conclusions are supported by increased binding of ThT to the caseins, as well as enhancement of light scattering intensity, observed in presence of Al(III). The chaperonic property of α s-casein, which enables it to inhibit thermal aggregation of alcohol dehydrogenase, is shown to be partially destroyed by Zn(II)-induced structural alterations, due possibly to loss of flexibility of the natively unfolded casein chains.

Cubic phase stabilization in nanoparticles of hafnia-zirconia oxides: Particle-size and annealing environment effects

Amorphous hafnia (HfO2−y), zirconia (ZrO2−y), and hafnia-zirconia (xHfO2−y–(1−x)(ZrO2−y)) nanoparticles were prepared by combining aqueous solutions of hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) with hafnium dichloride oxide (HfOCl2⋅8H2O), zirconium dichloride oxide (ZrOCl2⋅8H2O), or a mixture of these two salts at room temperature. For pure hafnia, transmission electron microscopy showed that the lower cation concentration (0.01M) resulted in the precipitation of smaller amorphous nanoparticles relative to higher concentrations (0.015M–0.04M). Consequently, the lower concentration preparation route coupled with a reducing environment (H2:N2=9:91) during annealing at temperatures between 650 and 850°C allowed for nanoparticles with a cubic structure to be prepared as determined by x-ray diffraction. The structurally cubic hafnia nanoparticles were 6nm or less in diameter and equiaxed. Using the same method (0.01M total metal cation concentration and reducing environment during annealing), nanoparticles of cubic structure were prepared across the entire hafnia-zirconia compositional spectrum, with a critical particle size for the cubic structure of about 6nm. Nanoparticles of tetragonal and monoclinic structure were prepared by increasing the annealing temperature and/or using a less reducing environment. The unique role of HMT in sample preparation is discussed as well.

Effect of municipal and pulp mill effluents on the chemical properties and nutrient status of a coarse-textured Brunisol in a growth chamber

Maximizing productive use and minimizing the environmental impacts of effluents require research on application rates. This study evaluated the effect of effluents from a Kraft pulp mill [a final effluent (KPME) and a waste activated sludge (WAS)], a municipality (ME) and tap water (TPW) applied at rates of 1.5, 3 and 6 mm d-1 on reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L. cv. Vantage) and hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides × P. petrowskyana var. Walker). The two pulp mill effluents significantly increased soluble soil SO4, Na and Cl. Soil solution electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) increased with pulp mill effluents compared with ME and TPW. Soil solution SAR increased from less than 1 to a range of 2.7 to 4.0 for the municipal effluent and 8.4 to 14.0 for the two pulp mill effluents. Soil solution EC increased from 1.1 to 2.3 dS m-1 to a range of 1.8 to 3.4 dS m-1 for municipal effluent and 5.1 to 6.1 dS m-1 as a result of pulp mill effluent applications. Under reed canarygrass, soils had lower concentrations of cations and anions than those under hybrid poplar, suggesting crop uptake and leaching. Thus, salt loadings of soils must be considered when determining application rates of effluents for irrigation. Key words: Electrical conductivity, hybrid poplar, effluent irrigation, sodium adsorption ratio

Nanovesicles Based on Self-Assembly of Conformationally Constrained Aromatic Residue Containing Amphiphilic Dipeptides

Peptide-based vesicular structures have been the focus of research in the past decade for their potential application as drug delivery agents. We here report the self-assembly of amphiphilic dipeptides containing conformation-constraining alpha,beta-dehydrophenylalanine into nanovesicles. The vesicles can encapsulate small drug molecules such as riboflavin and vitamin B(12), bioactive peptides, and small protein molecules. The nanovesicles are resistant to treatment of a nonspecific protease, proteinase K, and are stable at low concentrations of monovalent and divalent cations. The vesicles are effectively taken up by actively growing cells in culture and show no observable cytopathic effects. These peptide-based nanostructures can be considered as models for further development as delivery agents for different biomolecules.

Disturbances on a Wooded Raised Bog—How Windthrow, Bark Beetle and Fire Affect Vegetation and Soil Water Quality?

Pinus rotundata dominated peatbog (Žofinka Nature Reserve) in the Třeboň Basin, Czech Republic, was affected by “natural” disturbances: wind damage (1984), followed by a bark beetle attack, and fire (1994, 2000). Phytosociological releves were used to document vegetation. Soil water chemistry was compared in three differently affected stands: (1) an undisturbed Pinus rotundata bog forest, (2) a windthrow – bark beetle affected stand and (3) a site burned by wildfire in 2000. The species composition of the windthrow – bark beetle affected sites and the undisturbed P. rotundata bog forest differed mainly in the shrub and tree layers. Burned sites were partly colonized by anemochorous species (e.g. Taraxacum sp. div.) that disappeared within two or three years after colonization. Bare peat was colonized by bryophytes (e.g. Marchantia polymorpha and Funaria hygrometrica) typical of the disturbed sites, and by Polytrichum sp. div. and Aulacomnium palustre. Most plant species characteristic of the P. rotundata bog forest occurred at the burned sites eight years after the fire, but in different abundances. The edificator of the former community—P. rotundata—was mostly absent. Compared with windthrow followed by the bark beetle attack, fire promoted rapid expansion of Molinia caerulea. Soil water in both the undisturbed P. rotundata bog forest and the windthrow – bark beetle affected sites had a similar composition: very low pH values, high P concentrations, low concentrations of cations (Ca2+, Mg2+and K+) and inorganic nitrogen. The concentrations of soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) and \({\text{NH}}_4^ + - {\text{N}}\) were negatively correlated with the groundwater table. Total P, SRP and \({\text{NH}}_4^ + - {\text{N}}\) concentrations in the soil water at the burned site were by one order of magnitude higher than those in the P. rotundata bog forest, while concentrations of K+, Mg2+ and Ca2+ were only about two times higher. High concentrations of P and N in the soil water found three years after the fire indicated a long-term elevated nutrient content in the soil water.

Facilitating Effects of Metal Cations on Phenanthrene Sorption in Soils

Effects of metal cations (Na+, Ca2+, and Al3+) on phenanthrene sorption were investigated using two soils with contrasting organic carbon (OC) contents. The presence of the polyvalent cations (i.e., Ca2+ or Al3+) at a concentration of 0.01 mol/L significantly increased the capacity and nonlinearity of phenanthrene sorption to soils compared with the monovalent Na+. The effects were governed by the content of soil OC. Rubbery OC (i.e., soft, amorphous OC including dissolved organic carbon (DOC)) tended to become condensed on soil surfaces as evidenced by a decrease in the signals of the 1H NMR spectra of DOC and an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the soils when the polyvalent cations were present. Increasing Ca2+ concentration led initially to an effect similar to that of the polyvalent cations in the low cation concentration range, and the effect was gradually attenuated as Ca2+ concentration further increased. These findings lead us to propose that the modifications in the physical configuration and chemical characteristics of OC resulting from the presence of metal cations account for the increase in the capacity and nonlinearity of phenanthrene sorption to the soils. This study points to an important role of metal cations in the sorption and fate of phenanthrene in the soil environment.