Elements In Soils Research Articles

Climate and Soil Properties Drive the Distribution of Minor and Trace Elements in Forest Soils of the Winter Olympic Core Area

Minor and trace elements in soil play a crucial role in regulating ecological processes that sustain the functionality of forest ecosystems. In this study, we have selected three conifer forests (Pinus sylvestris, Picea asperata, Larix principis-rupprechtii), one broadleaf forest (Betula Platyfilla) and one mixed forest of Betula Platyfilla and Larix principis-rupprechtii in the Winter Olympic core area and determined the pattern of 12 typical elements (B, Fe, V, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, As, Cu, Zn, Sn and Se) in soils and their main drivers in the three different soil layers (A, B and C horizon) in each soil profile. Our results showed that the concentrations of B, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni and Sn were mainly enriched in the broadleaf forest and mixed broadleaf–conifer forest zones, and the average concentrations of Co, Mn, V, Zn, As and Se were mainly enriched in coniferous forest zones in contrast. We have observed that the mean concentrations of Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Sn and Co increase with soil depth in the BP forest. The concentrations of Se and Cu were higher in the A layer than the C layer. The piecewise structural equation modeling (piecewiseSEM) results visualized a direct and negative effect on B, Fe, V, Cr and Ni concentrations due to soil temperature, while the concentrations of Se is mainly influenced by soil temperature and soil properties.

Characterizing the microbiome recruited by the endangered plant Firmiana danxiaensis in phosphorus-deficient acidic soil

Phosphorus (P)-deficient soils serve as crucial habitats for endangered plant species. Microbiomes play pivotal roles in soil element cycling and in determining a plant’s adaptability to the environment. However, the relationship between the endangered plant, microbiome, and soil stoichiometric traits, and how it affects plant adaption to P-deficient habitats remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the microbiome (bacteria and fungi) in the rhizosphere of Firmiana danxiaensis, an endangered plant species growing exclusively in P-deficient acidic soils on Mt. Danxia, South China; the non-endangered coexisting tree species Pinus massoniana was used as a reference. Our results showed that soil traits in the rhizosphere of F. danxiaensis differed significantly from that of P. massoniana, including higher soil pH, lower C:N, and higher N:P. The rhizosphere of F. danxiaensis harbors higher microbial diversity and different microbial communities from P. massoniana. Using the machine learning approach, we characterized 76 bacterial and 20 fungal phylotypes dominated in F. danxiaensis rhizosphere, most of which had strong impacts on microbial ecological network structure (they accounted for only 0.33% node numbers but linked 21.2% of the nodes in the network); specifically, Udaeobacter spp., a highly abundant (constituting 4.07% of the total bacterial community) member of Verrucomicrobiota exclusively accumulated in the rhizosphere of F. danxiaensis but not P. massoniana, demonstrated a pronounced ecological prefers toward F. danxiaensis rhizosphere habitat (high pH, low C:N and high N:P) and potential antagonistic indication. In contrast, P. massoniana rhizosphere harbored more Subgroup2 of Acidobacteria and Gammaproteobacterial N-fixer. Taken together, this study provided novel evidence that endangered plants recruited a unique microbiome characterized by Udaeobacter spp. favoring high N habitat. It contributes not only to our understanding of microbiome recruitment by plants in P-deficient acidic soils, but also underscores the importance of microbiome in the conservation and population restoration of endangered plants.

Impact of Organic Agriculture on the Quality of Grapes (Syrah and Tempranillo) Harvested in Guanajuato, Mexico: Relationship Between Soil Elemental Profile and Grape Bioactive Properties

Viticulture has migrated to organic management to reduce environmental impact. Grapes harvested in organic vineyards (ORGs) could have a better polyphenol profile than conventional vineyards (CONs). The objective was to evaluate the relationship between agricultural management, elemental soil profile, and grape bioactive compounds (var. Syrah and Tempranillo). Soil components were determined from CON and ORG vineyards; they were correlated with bioactive compounds in grape skin and seed through principal component analysis (PCA). The ORG vineyard presented higher moisture (4.50–5.72%), clay (31.70–40.55%), organic matter (OM) (9.44–11.01%), P (108.72–122.16 mg/kg), N (0.27 mg/kg), and oxides (Fe2O3, SiO2, MnO, TiO2) in soil and phenolic compounds (myricetin, quercetin, resveratrol, ellagic acid, others) and antioxidant capacity in grape skin and seed. Regarding PCA (>74.20% of variance), the first component showed positive correlations (>0.60) between pH, moisture, clay, and soil oxides (MgO, K2O, Al2O3), which favored biosynthesis in grape skin and seed phenols (catechin, gallic acid, vanillic acid, and rutin). The second component showed positive correlations between OM, silt, soil oxides, antioxidant capacity, and phenols in grape skin and seed. Finally, the edaphic conditions of the ORG vineyard allowed for one to obtain optimal grapes for winemaking due to their higher phenol content.

Evaluating the bioavailability of rare earth elements in paddy soils and their uptake in rice grains for human health risk.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are a critical global focus due to their increasing use, raising concerns about their environmental distribution and human exposure, both vital to food safety and human health. Surface soil (0-30cm) and corresponding rice grain samples (n = 85) were collected from paddy fields in Taiwan. This study investigated the total REE contents in soil through aqua regia digestion, as well as their labile forms extracted using 0.05M ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 0.10M hydrogen chloride (HCl), and 0.01M calcium chloride (CaCl2). The REE concentrations in the rice grains (Oryza sativa L.) were also analyzed. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of REEs through rice consumption for males was 1.3 times higher than that for females. Children under 12years of age, regardless of gender, had the highest EDI of REEs compared to other age groups. High rice consumption and a high proportion of children are potentially at higher risk for elevated REE exposure. The transport of REEs from soil to rice demonstrated their shift of fractionation by the lower ratio of light REEs and heavy REEs in rice grain compared to soil and their upper continental crust (UCC)-normalized patterns. Empirical equations were developed to estimate the concentrations of REEs in rice grains based on soil pH, clay content, organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate extractable iron, and labile REEs. This study provides critical insights into the health risks of REEs, clarifying their human exposure and the bioavailability from paddy soil to rice.

Characteristics of Nitrogen Cycle-related Bacterial Community and Its Response to Soil in the Main Lead-zinc Mine Reclamation Area of Lanping

The nitrogen cycle has an important impact on the element cycle of the soil ecosystem. Moreover, it is important to clarify the key environmental factors of nitrogen cycle microorganisms for ecological restoration in mining areas. The functional flora can regulate the growth of vegetation by participating in the biogeochemical cycle of soil elements in the mining area, which is beneficial to the reclamation of the mining area. The Lanping lead-zinc mine is the largest open-pit lead-zinc mining area in Asia. The content of Cd in the soil of the mining area was 95.6-388.7 times the background value of heavy metal content in Yunnan Province, and it is urgent to carry out ecological restoration in the mining area. To explore the response of nitrogen cycling bacteria to the soil in a lead-zinc mine reclamation area, soil samples from the Lanping lead-zinc mine reclamation area were considered as the research object, and the effects of different nutrient gradients on nitrogen cycling functional microbial groups in the Lanping lead-zinc mine reclamation area were revealed using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology, collinear network analysis, PCoA, Mantel test, and random forest. The results showed that the dominant bacteria were all from the unmarked species of Nitrosomonadaceae. The effect of lead and zinc on nitrogen cycling functional microorganisms in the lead-zinc mining area was limited, and the effects of organic matter and pH were greater. Ammonium nitrogen （NH4+-N）, nitrate nitrogen （NO3--N）, and pH were the key physical and chemical factors affecting nitrification, denitrification, and nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, respectively.

Human health risk assessment from potentially toxic elements in the soils of Sudan: A meta-analysis.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils threaten human health through several exposure pathways. However, health risks posed by PTEs in soils in developing countries have not yet been comprehensively investigated. Thus, such countries lack important information that is needed to implement sustainable solutions. In this study, we assessed the human health risks for 10 PTEs, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), in Sudan focusing on soils affected by anthropogenic activities, such as industrial processes, gold mining, tannery, waste dumping, traffic (affecting roadsides), urban/rural agriculture, river, and coastal sediment land uses (LUs). For this purpose, we did a meta-analysis using 3430 PTE concentrations reported from 981 anthropogenically-affected soils in 76 publications between 1996 and 2024. Ingestion was the most common exposure pathway for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic PTEs. Hg and Mn were the main non-carcinogenic PTEs leading to adverse health effects in children in industrially-affected soils and coastal sediments, with average hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values >1. Cr and Ni caused the highest carcinogenic risk to children in all anthropogenically-affected soils as indicated by average incremental lifetime cancer risk values (ILCR >1×10-4). Further major cancer risks for children were caused by As in urban agricultural and industrial LUs, Cd in >70% of all LUs, and Pb at industrial and waste dump sites. Adults were under high cancer risks due to Cd in waste dump (ILCR=9.09×10-4) and Cr and Ni (ILCR >1×10-4) in >75% of all LUs. Cd contributed >50% and >70% to ILCR for children and adults along roadsides, respectively. Our findings can guide future research on the links between soil PTEs and human health risks in developing countries. We recommend establishing effective management strategies to reduce risks to human health based on the presence of PTEs in Sudanese soils.

Erratum to “Assessing background levels of trace elements in soils of Mato Grosso (Brazil) for environmental and food security” [CATENA 244 (2024) 108267

Erratum to “Assessing background levels of trace elements in soils of Mato Grosso (Brazil) for environmental and food security” [CATENA 244 (2024) 108267

Mineral-dependent release, migration and enrichment of toxic elements during black shale weathering: An integrated study from profile scale to mineral scale.

Chemical weathering of lithologies with high geochemical backgrounds such as black shale has been proposed to be a critical source for toxic elements in soil and water systems. However, mechanisms controlling the release, migration and enrichment of toxic elements during black shale weathering are poorly understood. This study utilized a suite of micro analytical techniques such as TESCAN integrated mineral analyzer (TIMA), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron micro-probe analysis (EMPA) to elucidate the intimate relationship between mineralogical transformations and elemental behaviors from profile scale to mineral scale. Mineralogical and elemental compositions for a black shale weathering profile (and surface strongly weathered materials) suggest a dominant sequence of mineral reactions as oxidation of sulfides, dissolution of carbonates, alteration of aluminosilicates, and transformation of clay minerals. Most of the toxic elements were largely released from the weathering profile and significantly enriched in the strongly weathered materials. Black shale weathering was initiated by oxidation of pyrite, sphalerite and molybdenite, and these chemical reactions dominated the release of toxic elements (e.g., As, Cd, Mo, Mn, Ni and Zn). During oxidation of pyrite, Fe (hydr)oxides pseudomorphically replaced pyrite grains, along with the release of As and Mn and their subsequent retention in Fe (hydr)oxides. Sulfuric acid generated by oxidation of sulfides firstly dissolved surrounding calcite and dolomite to significantly improve the pore-fracture networks in the weathered shale, allowing more water fluxes and transportation of Fe (hydr)oxides and concomitant migration of associated toxic elements. Then, albite and minor orthoclase were altered to illite that was responsible for the secondary enrichment of Tl throughout the weathering profile. In intense weathering stage, Fe/Mn (hydr)oxides were substantially delivered to re-precipitate in fractures and contributed to considerable enrichment of As, Ni, Co, Zn and Cd. Meanwhile, transformation of illite to kaolinite may also influence the enrichment of toxic elements. This work highlights the importance of understanding the control of mineralogical transformation on release, migration and enrichment of toxic elements during black shale weathering, such that this mineral-dependent mechanism can be implemented to risk prediction and assessment of toxic elements in black shale regions.

PEUSIJUEK INDIGENOUS PSYCHOTHERAPY: Being Oneness to Nature in God’s Acceptance

<p class="selectable-text">This article is an attempt to respond the following two questions; what is the nature of peusijeuk and how it is related to human well-being, and how peusijeuk works as a therapy<span class="selectable-text1">. Grounded on a critical view upon mainstream theories of psychology, this work accordingly advocate indigenous psychology by majorly comparing it to behaviourist and psycho-analysis theories and, more importantly, presents an alternative therapy for well-being, namely; Peusijeuk therapy. Quasi-experiments</span> is the main method used to measure the work of peusijeuk as an alternative therapy, while in-depth interview <span class="selectable-text1">procedure also employed for unearthing therapeutical competences of peusijeut and its philosophical justification. Finally, the article brings about materials used for Peusijuek and the philosophical signification, steps, and mechanisms of Peusijeuk therapy performance. Grounded in the experiment of five participants and enlightened by Islamic mysticism, such as Ibn Arabi’s teachings, I argue that many elements of nature, e.g., scent, water, soil, rice, salt, tree leaves, and trunks, have baraka, so humans can spiritually benefit from the environment, by way of performing Peusijuek ritual procedures. By doing so, they are able to attain their power/energy, which bring them happiness and improve human mental well-being.</span></p>

Soil temperature estimation at different depths using machine learning paradigms based on meteorological data.

Knowledge of soil temperature (ST) is important for analysing environmental conditionsand climate change. Moreover, ST is a vital element of soil that impacts crop growth as well as the germination of the seeds. In this study, four machine-learning (ML) paradigms including random forest (RF), radial basis neural network (RBNN), multi-layer perceptron neural network (MLPNN), and co-active neuro-fuzzy inference system (CANFIS) were used for estimation of daily ST at different soil depths (i.e. 5cm: ST5; 15cm: ST15; and 30cm: ST30) during 2016-2019 at Bathinda weather station, located in South-western Punjab (India). Five different combinations were formulated using four meteorological data, namely Tmean (mean air temperature), RH (relative humidity), WS (wind speed), and SSH (bright sunshine hours), and the optimal one was nominated by employing the gamma test (GT) for each soil depths, respectively. During the validation period, the outcomes of the RF, RBNN, MLPNN, and CANFIS models were evaluated according to performance metrics such as mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), scatter index (SI), coefficient of efficiency (COE), Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), and index of agreement (IOA), as well as through pictorial interpretation (Taylor diagram, box-whisker plots, time-variation, scatter plot, and radar chart). The comparison of theresults of ML paradigms revealed the highest accuracy was achieved by the CANFIS model at all depths with MAE (RMSE) = 0.788, 0.636, 0.806 (1.074, 0.854, 1.041) °C, SI = 0.040, 0.033, 0.040, and COE (PCC)/IOA = 0.986, 0.991, 0.985 (0.994, 0.995, 0.993)/0.996, 0.998, 0.996. Thus, the results highlight the capability of the CANFIS model with Tmean, RH, WS, and SSH inputs for daily ST estimation at different soildepths on the study site.

Identification of natural and anthropogenic factors in the spatial pattern of Pb in the surface soil of the Nanliu River Basin.

The identification of source in potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in watershed soils is crucial for environmental management. This study addresses the knowledge gap in understanding the combined influence of natural and anthropogenic factors on the spatial pattern of lead (Pb) in the surface soil of the Nanliu River Basin. The main objective was to identify and quantify these influences using an integrated approach of ANOVA, correlation analysis, IDW interpolation, and Local Moran's I. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for Pb concentrations, revealing that granite and urban development significantly control Pb occurrence. The results indicate that the spatial pattern of soil Pb is jointly controlled by soil parent materials and anthropogenic factors, with varying degrees of influence across spatial scales. When the distance band of the Local Moran's I is set at 8000 m, the most reasonable spatial partitioning characteristics are exhibited. In conclusion, our study underscores the importance of integrating traditional statistical and spatial analysis methods to better understand the geochemical features of Pb in the surface soil of the Nanliu River Basin. This approach provides valuable insights for environmental management and pollution mitigation strategies. Our research highlights the use of integrating traditional statistical and spatial analysis methods in environmental research and offers a deeper comprehension of the geochemical features of Pb in the surface soil of the Nanliu River Basin.

Potentially harmful elements in mining sites in Ghana: assessment of their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for children and adults

PurposePotentially harmful elements (PHEs) in the soil at gold mining sites can endanger the health and sustainability of the local community. We examined the potential health risks associated with the presence of PHEs (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, Se and Ti) in the soils of active, closed/abandoned/former and profile gold mine sites in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachWe collected 102 soil samples from these mine sites, analysed them for their total element contents and calculated the geo-accumulation index, enrichment factor, contamination factor and pollution load index (PLI) (Igeo). We calculated the risks to human health by utilizing the hazard index (HI) and hazard quotient (HQ) for adult males, adult females and children who may ingest contaminated soil particles.FindingsThe average total Cd concentration in the soils was above the global average of 0.2 mg/kg for abandoned (2.86 mg/kg), active (3.93 mg/kg) and profile (4.04 mg/kg) areas. Mercury was detected at elevated concentrations in the soil of active mines (0.92 mg/kg), profiles (0.89 mg/kg) and abandoned mines (0.87 mg/kg). In the active, abandoned and profile soils, titanium concentrations were 14.18, 6.74 and 4.82 mg/kg, respectively, in several folds above the global average of 0.57 mg/kg. The majority of the sites were contaminated with Cd, Hg and Ti based on the calculated PLI values (active = 2.04, abandoned = 1.77 and profile = 2.7). Cadmium, mercury, lead and titanium in mine spoils were found to be correlated with aluminium, iron, manganese, pH, total carbon, clay content and phosphorus in a multivariate analysis using correlation and principal component analysis.Research limitations/implicationsBoth natural and anthropogenic processes contributed to the elevated metal contents in the mining sites, as indicated by the investigation’s results. The children’s hazard index values exceeded the threshold of 1.0, indicating the presence of non-carcinogenic risks.Practical implicationsGreen space technology (e.g. revegetation) may thus be critical for preserving public health and reviving the ecological integrity of the contaminated sites.Originality/valueThis study highlights health risks to local communities in southwest Ghana by investigating the presence of potentially harmful elements in soils from gold mining sites for the first time. It assesses non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks using a methodology recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency for soil-to-human health risk assessment, especially for children. The study highlights how contamination has been found, making green space technology essential for preserving ecological integrity and protecting public health. The inclusion of geospatial distribution mapping of PTEs offers a visual depiction of the spread of contamination at both active and closed mining sites.

1 Using Soil Chemistry through EDXRF to Identify Archaeological Features at the Site of Ulpiana in Kosova

Chemical analysis of archaeological sediments is a research area that has long interested archaeologists but has seen recent developments. It locates concentrations of chemical elements in soils that can be linked to ancient activities responsible for their deposition. The use of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, a more accessible analytical technique than others, makes it possible to analyze large batches of samples. At Ulpiana, two trenches were studied. In the first area, the presence of a lime pit and a mortar preparation area was identified. The signature of the lime seems to correspond to that produced in a kiln discovered further north. In the second area, a bronze recycling workshop was identified, along with a suspected dye molecule. About the authors Arthur Laenger Arthur Laenger studied history, archaeology, and chemistry at Le Mans University (France) and obtained his PhD in archaeology and the history of the Middle Ages in 2006, under the supervision of A. Durand and A. Martel. His work focuses on the characterization of structures and archaeological sites using an interdisciplinary approach that combines history, archaeology, and chemical soil analysis. Arnaud Martel Arnaud Martel was born in 1974 in Le Mans, France. He undertook studies in chemistry at the Université du Maine, obtaining his PhD in 2001. Subsequently, he conducted postdoctoral research with Prof. G. Guillaumet at ICOA (Orleans, France) and with Prof. H. Ottosson in Uppsala (Sweden). He was appointed assistant professor in 2004 and attained the rank of full professor at the Université du Maine in 2013. His research interests encompass organic chemistry, DFT-assisted elucidation of reaction mechanisms, and analytical chemistry. His research is currently focused on the development of new analytical methodologies applied in a multidisciplinary approach ranging from archaeology to environmental sciences. Aline Durand Aline Durand studied history, latin and anthracology in Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne University and obtained her PhD under the supervision of R. Fossier and J.-L. Vernet (1991). Assistant professor in Aix-Marseille University (1992-2013), she is full professor of Middle Age history and archaeology at Le Mans University from 2013. She is particularly interested on rural economy of the X th -beginning XIII th centuries in the Mediterranean French area (Languedoc, Provence, Southern French Alps). Her research tries to interweave diverse sources: written documents (diplomatic documentation or agronomic treatises), archaeological data, bioarchaeological and palaeoenvironmental results. She works on agrarian landscapes, vegetal resources management, practices and knowledge on plants. To gain a better understanding of craft production techniques and their environmental impact, she developed an ethnoarchaeological research in Morocco, using archaeological methods observe and record them. Fabien Boucher Fabien Boucher was born in 1978 in Le Mans, France. He first studied chemistry at the University of Maine where he obtained a DUT in Chemistry (the French equivalent of a Bachelor's degree) and continued his studies at the Rennes School of Chemistry (Universityof Rennes). There he obtained an engineering degree in analytical chemistry. After spending more than 10 years in laboratories providing environmental analysis services, he returned to the University of Le Mans as a study engineer. He worked there in particular as a research support in analytical chemistry and participated in the development of new analytical methodologies applied to various fields of chemistry, biology and archaeology.

Investigating soil type, classification, and pH as surrogates for site-specific arsenic bioaccessibility and predicted bioavailability testing in Miami-Dade County

Arsenic is a natural element in soil, but concentrations may be increased through anthropogenic sources. Exposure to elevated arsenic concentrations may cause adverse effects and multiple internal organ cancers. Soil properties can profoundly impact the bioavailability of arsenic and subsequent risk to human health. Agricultural lands in Miami-Dade County, Florida, USA (MDC) are comprised of calcareous soil, and it was hypothesized that the soil chemistry of South Florida soil may reduce arsenic bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether soil properties can be used as a quick and cost-effective surrogate to accurately predict the oral bioavailability of arsenic in soils. This study utilized samples taken throughout MDC. Relationships to predicted bioavailability were evaluated by pH, soil type, soil classification, and sampling location. Significant differences in mean predicted relative bioavailability (RBA) were noted based on soil type and location in MDC (p < 0.05). Although statistical differences were noted in predicted RBA, the variability within each category suggests none of the soil properties evaluated are appropriate surrogates for predicting oral bioavailability for MDC soils. In the absence of a practical surrogate, a site-specific predicted RBA for arsenic in MDC soils should be obtained when total arsenic concentrations exceed cleanup levels.

Autecology and determination of relationships between nutrients in soil and sage plant (Salvia eremophila Boiss.) in the south of Yazd province.

This study aims to investigate the autecology and determine the relationship between the nutritional elements in the soil and the Sage plant (Salvia eremophila Boiss.) in the south of Yazd province. The main habitats were determined, which contained various ecological characteristics. Total potassium (K), total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), total sugar content (TSC), and proline content of the plants were determined. In addition, macro and microelement contents such as total N, extractable K, extractable magnesium (Mg), available P, available iron (Fe), and available manganese (Mn) of the study areas were determined. The highest concentrations of TSC (72.90mgkg-1 ± 3.87) and TN (0.265gkg-1 ± 0.021) of the plant, and also the highest extractable Mg (26.60mgkg-1 ± 1.70) and available Fe (0.44mgkg-1 ± 0.19), of soil were related to the Qavam Abad habitat. The highest concentrations of total K (17.495gkg-1 ± 4.91) and total P (1.206gkg-1 ± 0.257) of plants, and the highest extractable K (356.68gkg-1 ± 63.53) of soil belonged to the Tang Chenar Station. The highest TN content (6.3gkg-1 ± 1.21) of soil and the highest proline content (0.015gkg-1 ± 0.003) of plants was related to the Damgahan habitat. Also, the concentrations of soil available Mn and available P had the highest levels in the Damgahan (0.60gkg-1 ± 0.34) and Qavam Abad habitats (0.075gkg-1 ± 30.74), respectively. There was no significant difference between the amount of nutrients and soil elements in the studied stations (p < 0.05). There was a positive and significant correlation between the amount of soil TN and plant TN (Pvalues = 0.001, R2 = 0.87). An inverse and significant correlation was also observed between the amount of soil available P and plant total P (Pvalues = 0.014, R2 = - 0.72). This study highlights the various environmental controls over soil's physicochemical properties, which have significant implications for the management of soil nutrients.

Composites Based on Natural Zeolites and Green Materials for the Immobilization of Toxic Elements in Contaminated Soils: A Review.

Soil contamination by toxic elements is a global problem, and the remediation of contaminated soils requires complex and time-consuming technology. Conventional methods of soil remediation are often inapplicable, so an intensive search is underway for innovative and environmentally friendly ways to clean up ecosystems. The use of amendments that stabilize the toxic elements in soil by reducing their mobility and bioavailability is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to remediate soil. This paper provides a summary of studies related to the use of composites based on natural zeolites and green materials for the immobilization of toxic elements in contaminated soils and highlights positive examples of returning land to agricultural use. The published literature on natural zeolites and their composites has shown that combinations of zeolite with biochar, chitosan and other clay minerals have beneficial synergistic effects on toxic element immobilization and soil quality. The effects of zeolite properties, different combinations, application rates, or incubation periods on toxic elements immobilization were tested in laboratory scale or field experiments, whereas the mobility of toxic elements in soil was evaluated by chemical extractions of toxic elements transferred to the plants. This review highlights the excellent potential of natural zeolites to be used as single or combined sustainable green materials to solve environmental pollution problems related to the presence of toxic elements.

Responses to low phosphorus conditions of Triadic sebifera (Euphorbiaceae), an invasive plant species on Miyajima Island, southwest Japan

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is a crucial nutrient for plant growth, but its availability in soils is often limited. Invasive plants have shown enhanced utilization of essential elements in soil, including P, compared to native plants, contributing to their success. This study investigated the responses of Triadic sebifera, an invasive species, to low P conditions. We compared T. sebifera with native Mallotus japonicus and other local plants in field conditions and further examined T. sebifera‘s response to low P availability using hydroponic systems and RNA-seq analysis. The hydroponic experiments involved three treatment groups with different P concentrations (0, 6.4, and 64 µM ). Field survey results revealed that T. sebifera exhibited higher P use efficiency and more efficient P resorption compared to other native plants on Miyajima Island. However, no significant differences in P concentrations were found between T. sebifera and native plant M. japonicus, another member of the Euphorbiaceae family. This suggests that the efficient use and resorption of P may not be unique to the invasive species T. sebifera, but rather a trait shared by members of the Euphorbiaceae family. Hydroponic experiments further demonstrated the response of T. sebifera to low P availability. Under 0 µM P treatment, T. sebifera showed enhanced secretion of acid phosphatase (AcPase). At 6.4 µM P treatment, the plant maintained growth, exhibited potential enhancement in root development, high chlorophyll content, and high root biomass, and demonstrated relatively high AcPase secretion, but displayed a P-deficient state compared to the 0 and 64 µM P treatments. RNA-seq analysis provided insights into the potential strategies of T. sebifera in low P environments. It revealed that T. sebifera under 0 µM P treatment exhibits upregulation of transcripts related to P acquisition, antioxidant activities, stress responses, and arsenate uptake risk or regulation. Additionally, T. sebifera showed upregulation of transcripts associated with secondary metabolism under 6.4 µM P treatment, suggesting mechanisms for more efficient P acquisition and environmental stress defense. This study highlights the strategies of T. sebifera under low P availability, suggesting a role in enhancing its own P utilization efficiency, which may contribute to its successful invasion.

Variation of Some Agro-Physiological and Biochemical Parameters of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties in Response to Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates at Djirataoua in Southern Niger Republic

Nitrogen is the most limiting plant nutrient element of soils in Niger. Farmers apply nitrogen to increase yield of cereal crops. A survey conducted at Djirataoua in southern Niger, revealed that wheat growers applied nitrogen fertilizer with less technical knowledge resulting in low response on growth and yield. To produce suitable recommendations to farmers, a field experiment was conducted during two dry seasons (2016/2017 and 2017/2018) at Djirataoua (13°25’59’’N, 7°8’12’’E). The aim of the study was to determine the optimum level of Nitrogen for highest yield and agro-physiological parameters of wheat varieties. Four Nitrogen levels (0, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1) and four wheat varieties were evaluated in this study. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Data collected on grain yield, chlorophyll, Nitrogen uptake and protein content were subjected to the analysis of variance and mean comparison. The results showed that application of 150 kg N ha-1 Nitrogen resulted in highest grain yield (3202 kg ha-1), chlorophyll content (50.9 SPAD) N uptake (72.63 kg ha-1), and protein content (135.5 g kg-1). The wheat varieties were significantly different in these parameters. Reyna-28 and Sokoll/3/ produced higher grain yield and Nitrogen uptake. Higher protein content was observed in Norman and Sokoll/3/. Significant interactions were observed between Nitrogen rates and variety on yield characters, Nitrogen uptake and protein content. The highest grain yield, Nitrogen uptake and chlorophyll content were achieved by interaction of Reyna-28 and Sokoll/3/ with 150 kg N ha-1. Therefore, application of 150 kg N ha-1 and using varieties Reyna-28 or Sokoll/3/ is recommended to farmers for maximum grain yield and high protein content.

Enrichment and sources of major and trace elements in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau: a case study of the Golog Prefecture.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) is a vital region for global atmospheric circulation and biodiversity. This study aims to evaluate the contents and enrichment status of 25 soil elements, namely Al, As, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, N, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sc, Si, Sn, Sr, Fe, Ti, V, and Zn, in the plateau region. Specifically, our analysis revealed that As exhibited significant enrichment near fault zones and intrusive rocks, while Ca was mainly enriched due to the dissolution of carbonate rocks. Additionally, Principal Component Analysis and Multiple Linear Regression (PCA-MLR) were used to examine the origins of these elements. The potential ecological risk posed by Cd and Pb was evaluated and found to be negligible. Soil element enrichment in the QTP was mainly influenced by lithology, and high spatial variability was observed in As, Ca, and S, which were mainly affected by geological processes and grazing activities. Six sources of elements in the plateau region were identified, namely geological mixed sources, grazing activities, alkaline granite, ultrabasic rocks, fault zones and intrusive rocks, as well as atmospheric deposition. Among these, geological mixed sources and grazing activities were determined to be the priority contributors. Although grazing activities on the QTP as well as atmospheric deposition at long distances caused the enrichment of elements in the area, the ecological risk was negligible. The outcomes of this work can be used as a theoretical basis for prospective investigation on the stability of high-altitude ecosystems, species diversity, and geochemical background.

Numerical modelling of a soil structure interaction for a torpedo base conductor in a petroleum well under an extreme lateral load

This work aims to compare the performance, regarding the soil structure interaction, of a torpedo base conductor and a jetted conductor, considering a drilling rig drift-off scenario. This can be considered an extreme load scenario and the results will be shown for lateral loads coming from the interaction between the wellhead and the drilling rig, drilling riser and BOP.A complete 3D CAD model of the Torpedo Base Conductor was created and the soil was also modelled with 3D elements. Based on previous references, the selected 3D soil element was the Drucker-Prager constitutive model (Costa, 2008, Aysen, 2016 and Sanomia, 2016). Notably, the Drucker-Prager model accounts for non-homogeneous soil, meaning that the material properties vary with depth according to its undrained shear strength profile.The final results show the behavior of soil under lateral loads for both the torpedo base and the jetted conductor, as well as the structural response. The final conclusion is that the torpedo base has a better performance under lateral loads than the jetted conductor and can be considered a good well foundation solution to mitigate problems associated with interventions with dynamic position drilling rigs in shallower water depth.