Soil System Research Articles

Microbes as carbendazim degraders: opportunity and challenge.

Carbendazim (methyl benzimidazol-2-ylcarbamate, CBZ) is a systemic benzimidazole carbamate fungicide and can be used to control a wide range of fungal diseases caused by Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes and Deuteromycetes. It is widely used in horticulture, forestry, agriculture, preservation and gardening due to its broad spectrum and leads to its accumulation in soil and water environmental systems, which may eventually pose a potential threat to non-target organisms through the ecological chain. Therefore, the removal of carbendazim residues from the environment is an urgent problem. Currently, a number of physical and chemical treatments are effective in degrading carbendazim. As a green and efficient strategy, microbial technology has the potential to degrade carbendazim into non-toxic and environmentally acceptable metabolites, which in turn can dissipate carbendazim from the contaminated environment. To date, a number of carbendazim-degrading microbes have been isolated and reported, including, but not limited to, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, Sphingomonas, and Aeromonas. Notably, the common degradation property shared by all strains was their ability to hydrolyze carbendazim to 2-aminobenzimidazole (2-AB). The complete mineralization of the degradation products is mainly dependent on the cleavage of the imidazole and benzene rings. Additionally, the currently reported genes for carbendazim degradation are MheI and CbmA, which are responsible for breaking the ester and amide bonds, respectively. This paper reviews the toxicity, microbial degradation of carbendazim, and bioremediation techniques for carbendazim-contaminated environments. This not only summarizes and enriches the theoretical basis of microbial degradation of carbendazim, but also provides practical guidance for bioremediation of carbendazim-contaminated residues in the environment.

Leaf–Soil C:N:P Stoichiometry and Homeostasis Characteristics of Plantations in the Yellow River Floodplain in Western Shandong, China

The concentrations and ratios of plants C, N, and P serve as important indicators of ecological processes. However, how plant and soil C:N:P relationships and ratios change with forest stand types remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the ecological stoichiometric characteristics by measuring leaf and soil organic C, total N, and P contents in four stand types in Liaocheng, including Populus tomentosa Carrière pure forest, Populus tomentosa–Robinia pseudoacacia L. mixture forests, Platanus orientalis L. pure forest, and Salix matsudana Koidz. pure forests. We find that (1) The N and P leaf contents varied significantly across the four forest stands, with Populus tomentosa–Robinia pseudoacacia mixture forests having higher P levels. Platanus orientalis pure forests had lower C and N but higher P levels compared to others. (2) Uncoupled cycling of P in leaf–soil systems due to environmental influences, but C and N elements showed coupled cycles in some forest stands. (3) Populus tomentosa pure forests, Populus tomentosa–Robinia pseudoacacia mixture forests, Platanus orientalis pure forests are limited by N, and Salix matsudana pure forests are limited by both N and P elements. Overall, environmental factors, in addition to species variations, influence the C, N, P, and C:N:P ratios in leaves and soils of different forest stand types. Enhancing conservation and efficient use of N and P elements is crucial for sustainable plantation forest management to promote optimal growth in the region.

Barremian–Albian unconventional shale oil and wet gas resource systems in northeastern Tunisia

Barremian–Albian unconventional shale oil and wet gas resource systems in northeastern Tunisia

Analysis of Bubble Flow in an Inclined Tube and Modeling of Flow Prediction

The lubricating oil system is a significant component of aviation engine lubrication and cooling, and the scavenge pipe is an essential component of the lubricating oil system. Accurately identifying and understanding the flow state of the scavenge pipe is very important. This article establishes a visualization test bench for a 45-degree inclined scavenge pipe, with upward and downward flow directions, respectively. The test temperature is 370 K, and a high-speed camera captures the changes in the two-phase flow inside the pipeline. Based on high-speed photography photos, we develop software for analyzing the flow characteristics of bubbles inside the tube and explore the influence of gas phase conversion velocity and liquid phase conversion velocity on the apparent velocity of bubbles inside the tube. Multiple algorithms were used to develop the model by combining machine learning with speed and accuracy to establish a data regression prediction model for the apparent velocity of bubbles inside the tube. Through calculation and analysis, it was found that the root mean square error of the prediction model using the BP neural network algorithm was the lowest, and the decision coefficient of the prediction model using the support vector machine algorithm was the highest.

Numerical analysis of seismic response of a circular tunnel-rectangular underpass system in liquefiable soil

Earthquake-induced liquefaction can lead to uplift displacements of underground structures. While the behaviour of a single underground structure has been extensively studied, the coupled response of a shallow buried circular tunnel adjacent to an underpass with a rectangular section in liquefiable ground remains unclear. In this study, the finite difference method based on the fully coupled effective stress is employed to analyse the seismic response of two adjacent underground structures. Firstly, comprehensive parameters of Hostun sand for P2Psand constitutive model was calibrated. The accuracy of the numerical method is verified through a centrifuge test. Subsequently, comparisons are made between the seismic response of the tunnel-soil-underpass interaction and other cases: free field, tunnel, and underpass. The tunnel-soil-underpass interaction in liquefiable ground is analysed, with a special emphasis on the development of excess pore pressure, acceleration response of the soil, displacement and deformation of the structures. A section deformation coefficient was proposed to depict the tunnel deformation. Finally, horizontal spacing, buried depth of tunnel and underpass are discussed to clarify the interaction of two structures. The optimal relative position of two structures is suggested, providing valuable insights for the spatial design of underground structures in liquefiable ground.

Measurements of Soil Water Potential and Conductivity based on a Simple Evaporation Experiment using a Hydraulic Property Analyzer.

The measurement of soil hydraulic properties is critical in understanding the physical components of soil health as well as integrated knowledge of soil systems under various management practices. Collecting reliable data is imperative for informing decisions that affect agriculture and the environment. The simple evaporation experiment described here uses instrumentation in a laboratory setting to analyze soil samples collected in the field. The soil water tension of the sample is measured by the instrument, and tension data is modeled by software to return soil hydraulic properties. This method can be utilized to measure soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity and give insight into differences in treatments or environmental dynamics over time. Initial establishment requires a user, but data acquisition is automated with the instrument. Soil hydraulic properties are not easily measured with traditional experiments, and this protocol offers a simple and optimal alternative. Interpretation of results and options for extending the data range are discussed.

Propellant-free foam formulation with tamanu oil microemulsion and nanocurcumin for enhanced burn healing

Several commercial topical formulations are currently available to treat burns, including ointments, gels, and creams. However, these options come with a major drawback as they require a strong dispersing force to apply the drug to large areas of the skin, which can cause pain and discomfort to already sensitive burns. Conversely, foam is a soft, porous, easy-to-spread dosage form that does not require direct contact with the wound, making it an excellent option for treating sensitive, painful, and extensive burns. In this study, we aimed to develop a novel non-propellent foamed microemulsion-based system of tamanu oil and nanocurcumin for effective, safe, and fast-acting treatment of burns. We successfully formulated a stable and homogeneous microemulsion containing tamanu oil, nanocurcumin, and Labrasol/Plurol Oleique CC 497 (6:1) as surfactant/cosurfactant. The final formulation resulted in a stable, transparent, pale-yellow, and homogeneous microemulsion with a pH value of 5.05 and a density of 1.01 g/cm3. The foam generated by the non-propellent foam dispenser had a density of 0.08 g/cm3 and the foam completely broke after 30 min. In the third-degree burn mice model, the percentage of wound area reduction after 21 days of treatment was 86.67 ± 2.89% for the novel non-propellent foamed system, which was comparable to Silvirin cream (positive control) and significantly higher than saline (negative control). We believe that our propellant-free foam containing tamanu oil and nanocurcumin exhibits a promising candidate for wound healing, especially burn injuries.

Evaluation of the seismic response of reinforced concrete buildings in the light of lessons learned from the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye earthquake sequences

AbstractOn 6 February 2023, two significant seismic events occurred in the southeastern region of Türkiye. The seismic activity, which was perceptible in numerous countries beyond Türkiye, resulted in a considerable number of fatalities. A considerable number of individuals lost their lives and were rendered homeless as a result of the disaster. Two of the most significant factors contributing to the occurrence of these tragedies are the magnitude of the earthquake and structural deficiencies. The present study is concerned with a detailed analysis of these two factors. This study initially considers the seismicity of the region where the earthquakes that occurred on 6 February 2023 took place, as well as the seismic characteristics of these earthquakes. Subsequently, the findings of the field studies conducted in Hatay, Adıyaman, Kahramanmaraş and Malatya, the cities where the earthquakes caused the most destruction, are presented. The objective of the field study is to ascertain the collapse patterns, structural damages and the factors influencing these damages in reinforced concrete structures in the region. The primary causes of damage to structures can be attributed to several factors, including the presence of a strong beam-weak column mechanism, the soft story-weak story mechanism, the pounding effect, the short column damage, the long cantilever and overhangs, the short beam damage, the buckling damage, the torsion effect, the quality of the materials, the insufficient transverse reinforcement, the compressive failure due to over-reinforcement, the corrosion effect, the damage to reinforced concrete shear walls, the infill wall damage, and the damage caused by the soil and foundation system. These causes have been evaluated and recommendations have been formulated to prevent structural damage.

Effect of combinations of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and its esters on the oxidative stability of fish oil–containing trace water

AbstractThe current study aims to comprehend the effect of the various combinations of 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (3,4‐DHPA) and its esters in varying molar ratios on retarding oxidation in bulk refined fish oil in the presence of 0.3% w/w water. All the esters and 3,4‐DHPA exhibited better performance than the synthetic antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene. In the presence of trace water, the parent compound was found to have a synergistic effect with hexyl ester when used at a molar ratio of 2:1, respectively, exhibiting a higher percent reduction among all the esters and their combinations. The study also showed that the presence of extraneous water can significantly accelerate the oxidation (twofold) in a bulk fish oil system. This suggests that the microenvironment of the oil is altered when water is present and that association colloids play a key role in enhancing the rate of oxidation. Thus, while designing a competent mixture of antioxidants, the specific site of oxidation involved and the surface‐active components should be taken into consideration to efficiently retard oxidation.Practical Applications: Analyzing the impact of trace amounts of water on the efficiency of natural antioxidants, including 3,4‐DHPA and its lipophilic esters, helps to comprehend the required optimal antioxidant concentrations for such a dynamic bulk oil system. The study finds application in controlling oxidation in PUFA‐rich oils containing surface‐active minor components that can accelerate oxidation. The results of the study show that 3,4‐DHPA and its esters could be a potential replacement for the synthetic antioxidant BHT in all aspects.

Adsorption and migration behaviors of heavy metals (As, Cd, and Cr) in single and binary systems in typical Chinese soils

In this study, the competitive adsorption and migration behaviors of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in typical Chinese soils were investigated. It was observed that Hainan, Shanxi, and Zhejiang Mengjiadai soils exhibited the highest adsorption capacities for As (563 μg/g), Cd (653 μg/g), and Cr (383 μg/g), respectively. Heavy metals (HMs) adsorption capacities were predicted by Extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models, and the Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) was employed to elucidate the effect of soil physicochemical properties on target values. Due to redox and complexation reaction, the primary factor affecting adsorption has changed from free state manganese (Mn) in single As system to antimony (Sb) in As/Cd and As/Cr systems. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of As increased by 49.4 % with the addition of Cd into Heilongjiang soil. Finally, the migration process of HMs in Heilongjiang, Hebei, and Hainan soils was simulated by column experiments. With a relatively large dispersion coefficient (D = 29.630 cm2/h) and small retardation factor (Rh = 0.030), Cr penetrated fastest in Heilongjiang soil. This research demonstrates that both the types and coexistence of HMs may affect the HMs behaviors in soil.

Grazing regimes alter the fate of 15N‐labeled urea in a temperate steppe

AbstractClarifying the fate of different nitrogen (N) species in different pools of terrestrial ecosystems is a prerequisite for a comprehensive understanding of the influence of human activities on the N cycle. Grazing has always been an important way of grassland management for centuries in the temperate grasslands of North China. However, how grazing regimes affect the N fate of urea derived from the livestock in the plant–soil systems of grazed grasslands remains poorly understood. Therefore, an in situ three‐factor (grazing regime, soil depth, and sampling time) 15N‐labeling experiment in a temperate steppe was conducted to answer this question. After 48 days of 15N labeling, the 15N recovered in shoots under no grazing (7.3% ± 1.8%) was approximately 2.3 times of that under rotational (3.2% ± 0.4%) and 2.5 times of that under continuous overgrazing (2.9% ± 0.5%). More 15N was recovered in roots under rotational than continuous overgrazing (19.8% ± 2.4% vs. 10.4% ± 0.5%, respectively), indicating that rotational overgrazing could promote more N retention in the roots. However, the 15N recovered in the soil was lower under continuous (23.7% ± 2.0%) than that of no grazing (42.0% ± 5.6%). Additionally, overgrazing reduced the magnitude of the soil active N pool in microbial biomass N and soluble N relative to no grazing. The grazing regimes would have significantly influenced both the soil and plants. That is to say, grazing regimes have directly impacted plant growth, and subsequently indirectly affected soil properties. Overgrazing often led to excessive vegetation consumption, resulting in decreased soil water content (SWC) and reduced soil organic carbon (SOC), ultimately caused alterations in plant species composition. The retention of 15N within the plant–soil system under continuous overgrazing was notably lower compared to that of no grazing. Continuous overgrazing has led to a shift in the dominant plant species from Leymus chinensis to Stipa grandis, by decreasing the proportion of perennial grasses by 10%, and increasing the annual and biennial plants by 8%. The fate of 15N was also altered in response to the variations in grazing regimes. Consequently, the recovery of 15N within the plant–soil system under continuous overgrazing was significantly lower compared to that of no grazing. In conclusion, overgrazing reduces the recovery of 15N within the plant–soil system in the temperate steppe, and rotational grazing is more preferable over continuous grazing as it could promote higher N retention in grassland ecosystems.

Improving landfill liner performance with bentonite-slag blend permeated with ammonia for a Municipal solid waste landfill

Leachate emanating from landfills contains ammonia which may cause serious health effects on living things. An effectively designed clay barrier should not allow the contaminant to infiltrate the soil and groundwater systems. The utilization of certain industrial by-products in engineered landfill barriers, not only reduces the need for conventional liner materials but also helps in sustainable waste management. This study investigated the hydraulic conductivity, unconfined compressive strength, compaction, and adsorption characteristics of lithomargic clay blended with an optimum percentage of bentonite (10%) and granulated blast furnace slag (15%) permeated with ammonia. The results revealed that increasing the content of granulated blast furnace slag decreased the maximum dry density while increasing the optimum moisture content. In comparison to lithomargic clay, the hydraulic conductivity of the amended soil liner permeated with ammonia decreased from a value of 3 × 10−8 m/s to 5 × 10−10 m/s. The unconfined compressive strength of the amended soil specimens showed an increasing trend with curing times (i.e., 0, 14, 28, and 56 days). The batch adsorption results revealed that Freundlich and Langmuir's isotherm fits the equilibrium adsorption data and the adsorption of ammonia on clay liner follows non-linear behaviour. Overall, the experimental results implied that lithomargic clay blended with 10% bentonite and 15% granulated blast furnace slag can be used as an impermeable soil reactive barrier in engineered landfills.

Integrating viruses into soil food web biogeochemistry.

The soil microbiome is recognized as an essential component of healthy soils. Viruses are also diverse and abundant in soils, but their roles in soil systems remain unclear. Here we argue for the consideration of viruses in soil microbial food webs and describe the impact of viruses on soil biogeochemistry. The soil food web is an intricate series of trophic levels that span from autotrophic microorganisms to plants and animals. Each soil system encompasses contrasting and dynamic physicochemical conditions, with labyrinthine habitats composed of particles. Conditions are prone to shifts in space and time, and this variability can obstruct or facilitate interactions of microorganisms and viruses. Because viruses can infect all domains of life, they must be considered as key regulators of soil food web dynamics and biogeochemical cycling. We highlight future research avenues that will enable a more robust understanding of the roles of viruses in soil function and health.

Distribution characteristics of selenium and influencing factors in the plant–soil system of an arid oasis

A total of 323 topsoil samples, 63 profile soil samples, and 55 plant root samples were collected from an oasis area on the eastern margin of the Tarim Basin in China and the selenium content and other physical and chemical indicators were analyzed. The results showed that the average selenium content in the surface soil was 0.15 mg/kg, which was lower than the national background value, and only about 4% of the surveyed land area was classified as rich in selenium. The vertical distribution of selenium was characterized by surface accumulation. The organic carbon and clay content were positively correlated and the pH levels negatively correlated with the selenium content. Soil type had little effect on selenium content, though the selenium levels in Anthrosols and Gleysols were relatively high. The selenium content for cultivated land and garden soil was higher than for other land use types. The enrichment of selenium in plant roots was highest for Apocynum venetum L., followed by Pulicaria dysenterica (L.). Bernh., Populus euphratica Olive, Tamarix chinensis Lour., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud, and Pyrus bretschneideri Rehder. Correlation analysis revealed that the enrichment of selenium in the soil was mainly controlled by supergenesis in conjunction with long-distance migration and deposition. Overall, this study provides useful information for the rational development and utilization of regional land resources.

Tracing N2O from dairy processing sludge amended soil with visualizing microscale heterogeneity of NH3 and pH (Short Communication)

Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from organic waste and animal slurry contribute to climate change and endanger our ecosystems. For the development of efficient mitigation technologies, in-depth knowledge of emission processes is needed. This can be obtained by non-destructive, temporal measurements of in-situ soil profiles and the transformation of ammonium (NH4+) during events of emissions. Planar optode imaging is a non-destructive measuring method that can be used to visualize spatiotemporal changes of ammonia (NH3) and pH in soil systems. In this study, soil amended with dairy processing sludge (DPS) was incubated in static chambers for 23 days, and GHG emissions, NH3 concentrations and pH in the soil were measured simultaneously over time. The aim was to investigate the potential of applying different planar optodes to provide information that gives insight into processes of N2O emissions. The DPS was applied to the soil as a surface layer (SL), with untreated soil as a control (CK). We were able to measure N2O emissions while monitoring spatiotemporal changes of soil pH and NH3 concentrations. The visualized microscale heterogeneity of the soil contributed to a better understanding of N2O emission processes. While technical challenges (e.g., humidity sensitivity of the NH3 optode and airtightness of the chambers) still need to be overcome, the method is a promising non-destructive method to study soil processes after application of different types of soil amendments.

Seasonal variations in soil characteristics control microbial respiration and carbon use under tree plantations in the middle gangetic region

Seasonal variations directly impact the biochemical and microbial properties of the soil, influence carbon and nutrient cycling within the soil system. Soils under tree plantation (TP) are rich in organic matter and microbial population, making them more susceptible to seasonal variation. We studied the effect of seasonal variations in soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), C/N ratio etc) and microclimate (moisture and temperature) on microbial respiration (SR), biomass, and carbon (C) utilization efficiency under 13 years old Kadamb (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.), Simaraubha (Simarouba glauca DC), and Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) based TPs in middle Gangetic region. In contrast to higher SR and metabolic quotient (qCO2) in winter, the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) in fall > summer > spring > winter, irrespective of TPs. The positive relationship between qCO2 and C/N ratios strongly supports the dependence of microbes on soil carbon for respiration. qCO2 had a significantly positive relationship with soil moisture (MC) and Electrical conductivity (EC), but a significantly negative relationship with temperature and pH. Higher MBN/TN and MBC/TOC ratios fall under simaraubha, and litchi-based TPs indicated more nitrogen (N) and carbon accumulation into microbial biomass. The seasonal variation of MBC/MBN ratios signifies the changes in microbial communities and fungi dominate over bacteria during winter, as bacteria have a lower C/N ratio than fungi. Stepwise regression analysis suggested that soil properties and micro-climate regulated microbial biomass and SR differ with TPs. Thus, the study indicates that microbial activities and biomass production can significantly influence by soil properties and seasonal variations under TPs.

Air energy heating system for crude oil based on photovoltaic green electricity

Air energy heating system for crude oil based on photovoltaic green electricity

Monoclonal antibody based colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay for the visual and rapid screening of profenofos

Profenofos (PFF) is a commonly used organophosphorus insecticide that requires strict monitoring due to its potential environmental, ecological, and human health risks originating from residues in soil and water systems, as well as accumulation in crops. In this study, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific to PFF was prepared for the first time and the recognition mechanism was investigated through molecular simulation. Subsequently, a mAb-based colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) was developed for the rapid screening of PFF in fruit and vegetable samples. The mAb exhibited an IC50 value of 12.9 ng/mL, and limit of detection (LOD) of 4.6 ng/mL, respectively in indirect competitive immunosorbent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA). After optimization, the developed GICA exhibited a visual limit of detection (vLOD) of 20 ng/mL and a quantitative of detection (qLOD) of 5.2 ng/mL, with a linear range from 10.0 to 83.8 ng/mL. Good correlation was observed between the results of GICA and standard Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in matrix and recovery test. The developed GICA can be used for rapid sample detection within 15 min, which is an excellent tool for screening PFF in foods and environmental samples.

Migration of copper(II) ions in humic systems—effect of incorporated calcium(II), magnesium(II), and iron(III) ions

The mobility of heavy metals in natural soil systems can be affected by the properties and compositions of those systems: the content and quality of organic matter as well as the character of inorganic constituents. In this work, the diffusion of copper(II) ions in humic hydrogels with incorporated calcium(II), magnesium(II), and iron(III) ions was investigated. The methods of instantaneous planar source and of constant source were used. Experimental data yielded the time development of the concentration in hydrogels and the values of effective diffusion coefficients. The coefficients include both the influence of the hydrogel structure and the interaction of diffusing particles with the hydrogel. Our results showed that the presence of natural metal ions such as calcium, magnesium, or iron can strongly affect the diffusivity of copper in humic systems. They indicate that the mobility of copper ions depends on their concentration. The mobility can be supported by higher contents of copper in the system. While the incorporation of Ca and Mg resulted in the decrease in the diffusivity of copper ions, the incorporation of Fe(III) into humic hydrogel resulted in an increase in the diffusivity of Cu(II) in the hydrogel in comparison with pure humic hydrogel.

Influence of soil pH and organic carbon content on the bioaccessibility of lead and copper in four spiked soils

Exploration of the association between heavy metal bioaccessibility (BAc) and soil properties is essential for rationalization of risk assessment and remediation of contaminated soil; however, the high complexity of soil systems often yield conflicting outcomes. To avoid erroneous conclusions, individual comparisons of soil properties is essential. Herein, we determined the changes in the BAc of Pb and Cu with the variation in soil pH and SOC content using Unified Bioaccessibility Research Group of Europe method, and validated these findings with in vivo mouse bioassays. Results indicated that the BAc of Pb and Cu in gastric and intestinal phases decreased by 1.76%–3.92% and 0.90%–3.27%, and by 0.41%–6.01% and 0.67%–1.59%, respectively, with every unit increase in soil pH. Furthermore, with every 1% increase in the absolute content of SOC, the BAc of Pb and Cu decreased by 4.04%–13.94% and 4.01%–34.7%, and by 8.98%–30.15% and 9.58%–20.03%, respectively. The in vivo bioassays results confirmed decrease in Pb concentrations in the liver, kidney, and blood of mice with the increase in Ferralosol pH and SOC content. These findings revealed that the health risks associated with accidental exposures to Pb- and Cu-contaminated soils with high pH and SOC level were relatively low, and the consistent in vivo and in vitro results for the BAc of Pb and Cu suggest the requirement for a swift and simple approach for assessing the risks of heavy metal contaminated soils. Thus, this study enhanced our understanding of the variations in risk assessments with soil properties of Pb- and Cu-contaminated soils, highlighting the role of soil characteristics in health risk assessment and remediation of contaminated soils.