Terra Rossa Research Articles

New soil weathering index based on compositional data analyses of silt to sand sized parent mineral assemblages of terra rossa soils

Weathering indices are widely used in soil science and some other environmental disciplines for a variety of purposes (e. g. for soil classification, in soil formation studies, or in wider palaeoclimatic research). Two main categories of weathering indices have been developed: geochemical and mineralogical. In both cases, an approach is developed that takes into account the compositional nature of the geochemical data. To date, however, the most commonly used weathering indices are geochemical indices that do not consider the geochemical data as compositional. Although the compositional approach minimises possible statistical errors, the weathering indices developed in both approaches, i.e., compositional and classical, axiomatically assume two things that are inaccurate in some cases. First, that soil composition is invariant with respect to the preferential translocation of clay-sized particles, i.e. lessivage, and second, that the selective sorting of minerals during transport does not affect the values of weathering indices. As a result, in some cases bulk analyses of mineralogical and geochemical content are an unreliable tool for determining weathering rates of soil. To overcome these difficulties, this study proposes a new weathering index (Wp-min) based on the orthonormal log ratio (olr) transformation of quantitative mineral data derived from silt- to sand-sized allochthonous mineral assemblages. The size fraction used ensures that only the parent mineral assemblages, which are not prone to translocation, are analysed. In this paper, olr transformation is done using the concept of balances. This enabled the construction of variables, which essentially are various mineral log ratios, with the desired properties, i.e. transport invariance and sensitivity to selective dissolution. In this way, undesirable effects, i.e. selective sorting and lessivage, which ultimately affect bulk analyses, are avoided, allowing a more accurate estimation of weathering in the soil profiles studied. The new index was validated by comparison with the geochemical W index, which was modified by consulting the standardized variation matrix prior to element selection. Ultimately, compared to the geochemical index, the new index was better able to characterise weathering in soils where intense lessivage was detected. The study was conducted on terra rossa soils, which have common source, mostly of aeolian origin.

Origin of spheroidal weathering within terra rossa over limestone

Origin of spheroidal weathering within terra rossa over limestone

Seismic expression of paleokarst morphologies and associated Siderolithic infill in the Geneva Basin, Switzerland: Implications for geothermal exploration

The Geneva Basin is witnessing intense geothermal exploration campaigns arising from the Cantonal and Swiss federal energy transition strategies towards an ultimate net-zero future by 2050. However, a major challenge to successful geothermal exploration in the basin are uncertainties regarding the tectonostratigraphic framework of the basin, especially in relation to subsurface morphologies of significance to geothermal prospectivity. This was demonstrated when the newly drilled GEo-02 geothermal exploration borehole surprisingly penetrated a c. 158 m Siderolithic reservoir unit known to infill paleokarst structures in the Molasse Basin. Therefore, we aim to understand the seismic character diagnostic of these paleokarst features and their infill in subsurface geophysical dataset. This was achieved by interpreting industrial 2D seismic reflection and borehole dataset integrated with satellite imagery and outcrop analogues. The seismic dataset reveals these paleokarsts as depressions along the Cretaceous-Paleogene transition (K-Pg) and is characterized by three distinct end-member morphologies: (1) fault-controlled type, (2) doline type associated with dissolution/collapse and (3) complex type, atop the Lower Cretaceous carbonates. However, the karst infill is characterized by different seismic facies exhibiting either a higher or lower seismic reflectivity depending on the karst-end member type. This is related to differences in the acoustic properties of the karst infill, overlying lower molasse and the Lower Cretaceous carbonates hosting the karst. The GEo-02 borehole reveals that the Siderolithic infill consists of a variety of lithologies including quartz-rich sandstone, polygenic breccias and conglomerates, terra rossa and lateritic deposits. The evolution of the paleokarst features in the study area is influenced by the structural re-organization of the Molasse Basin in relation to the Alpine orogeny. This resulted in its emergence and change in base-level promoting the dissolution of the carbonate substratum by meteoritic water subsequently generating the paleokarst morphologies. Considering the regional geothermal gradient, the foredeep of the Geneva Basin that exhibit subsurface manifestations of this Siderolithic reservoirs may present new opportunities for an underground thermal energy storage. However, the presence of karstified intervals may pose geohazard risks to geothermal exploration during drilling operations targeting deeper structures in the basin.

High-performance aggregate production by sintering terra rossa containing pyrophyllite and colloidal calcite

High-performance aggregate production by sintering terra rossa containing pyrophyllite and colloidal calcite

How can past sea level be evaluated from traces of anthropogenic layers in ancient saltpans?

Footprints of human activities identified in the sedimentary sequence of submerged historical saltpans can reveal the history of the site and can indicate the relative sea level during its operational period. Saltpans are man-made constructions used continuously for salt production in the Mediterranean at least for the last 2000 years. The east Adriatic coast contains many such submerged remains, preserved and well-dated by historical archives. Sedimentological, microfossil and geochemical analyses of the sediments from cores drilled in the saltwork area at Brbinj, Dugi Otok, Croatia, enable the reconstruction of various past environmental conditions. The current study aims to: a) identify the anthropogenic unit in the sedimentary sequence deposited over time, b) determine its age, and c) use it as past sea-level limiting points. Basal units made of terra rossa soil materials were identified in the sedimentary records. These layers are located -120 ±7 cm below mean sea level next to the separation wall and -125 ±7 cm and -135 ±7 cm, respectively, in the inner pools, most likely representing a man-made pavement. The terra rossa layer is overlaid by a unit rich in faunal remains dominated by euryhaline foraminifera and ostracod species such as Ammonia veneta and Cyprideis torosa, representing the saltworks unit. The flooding of the saltpans by the rising sea is manifested by the deposition of an upper sedimentary unit dominated by remains of marine species. The base and the top of the saltwork unit are dated by Optically Stimulated Luminescence to 1040±50 CE and to 1390±30 CE, respectively. The study presents a new approach for obtaining footprints of human activities in ancient, submerged saltpans, by identifying and dating the indicative anthropogenic layers and using these for the reconstruction of paleo sea-level. The described method can be applied all around the Mediterranean.

A tropical soil (Lixisol) identified in the northernmost part of the Mediterranean (Istria, Croatia)

Terra rossa soils on the Istrian peninsula are generally considered polygenetic relict soils. They overlie and mark the youngest subaerial unconformity in the northwestern part of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform and are susceptible to erosional and redepositional processes. Terra rossa soils represent a valuable archive of information that can be used to understand present and past soil formation processes in the context of climate variability and landscape dynamics, especially in low-lying parts of the karst landscape where thicker deposits are typically found. We studied a 3 m thick terra rossa profile in a karst depression on the northernmost part of the southwestern Istrian planation surface and analysed the micromorphology, physical/chemical properties, geochemistry, bulk and clay mineralogy, and composition of heavy and light mineral fractions. The profile shows several signs of colluviation and polygenesis with clay distribution along the profile, clearly indicating lithic discontinuities. Kaolinisation, along with iron oxide formation, is the dominant process in the studied profile. Ferralitisation and lessivage processes were diagnosed throughout the profile, with intense clay translocation occurring despite the extremely stable soil microaggregates. In accordance with the WRB system, the profile is classified as Rhodic Lixisol (Clayic, Aric, Cutanic). This implies that some terra rossa soils, previously classified as e.g. Cambisols or Luvisols, might actually be Lixisols or other (sub-)tropical soils (e.g. Nitisols), in which relict properties are preserved in the present climate. The finding of a Lixisol in the study area indicates the old age of the surface of the karst depression and provides the first data on the burial history of the southwestern Istrian planation surface. We suggest the older Quaternary interglacials, the mid-Piacenzian Warm Period (Pliocene) and the Miocene Climatic Optimum as favourable periods for the formation of the studied soil.

The Influence of Edaphic Factors on DNA Damage and Repair in Wild Wheat Triticum dicoccoides Körn. (Poaceae, Triticeae).

A complex DNA repair network maintains genome integrity and genetic stability. In this study, the influence of edaphic factors on DNA damage and repair in wild wheat Triticum dicoccoides was addressed. Plants inhabiting two abutting microsites with dry terra rossa and humid basalt soils were studied. The relative expression level of seven genes involved in DNA repair pathways-RAD51, BRCA1, LigIV, KU70, MLH1, MSH2, and MRE11-was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Immunolocalization of RAD51, LigIV, γH2AX, RNA Polymerase II, and DNA-RNA hybrid [S9.6] (R-loops) in somatic interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosomes was carried out in parallel. The results showed a lower expression level of genes involved in DNA repair and a higher number of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in interphase nuclei in plants growing in terra rossa soil compared with plants in basalt soil. Further, the number of DSBs and R-loops in metaphase chromosomes was also greater in plants growing on terra rossa soil. Finally, RAD51 and LigIV foci on chromosomes indicate ongoing DSB repair during the M-phase via the Homologous Recombination and Non-Homologous End Joining pathways. Together, these results show the impact of edaphic factors on DNA damage and repair in the wheat genome adapted to contrasting environments.

Geochemical Characteristics of Typical Karst Soil Profiles in Anhui Province, Southeastern China

The geographical distributions of Cd and several other heavy metals (HMs) (Hg, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cr, As, Co, and V) were characterized in 90 (p > 0.05) terra rossa samples across the Anhui karst area. Significant enrichment of HM was observed in this soil, mainly associated with the weathering of Cd-enriched carbonate rocks. Then, this enrichment was developed in 31 profiles. Our investigations revealed pedogenic processes as the dominant factors accounting for the enrichment of Hg, Cu, Ni, As, Co, and V. We also observed that all soil samples had a silty clay texture, with a pH scope of 4.08–8.04 and a median value of 6.50. In addition, the soil samples had relatively high saturation, with basic cations over 6.68%. The enrichment of the HMs based on their distinct factors were as follows: Cd (3.92) > As (2.55) > Zn (1.62) > Ni (1.50) > Cu (1.47) > Pb (1.47) > V (1.43) > Cr (1.23) > Co (1.19) > Hg (1.12). Finally, terra rossa samples derived from carbonate rocks were categorized as Cambisols, Luvisols, and Regosols. The soil profiles of Cambisols and Luvisolsis were less developed, so the HM concentrations were relatively low. The Regosols profile contained the highest total Cd concentration and exhibited a higher capacity to immobilize Cd compared with other soil profiles. Regosols are also characterized by high pH values (scope of 7.05 to 8.22, with an average value of 7.56). The contents of HM also exhibited minor changes across the Regosol, Cambisol, and Luvisol profiles, implying that the karst development degrees of weathering in Anhui were relatively low.

Petrographic and Geochemical Inferences for Genesis of Terra Rossa: A Case Study from the Apulian Karst (Southern Italy)

Terra rossa is a reddish clay soil which is often present on the surface of limestone in regions with a Mediterranean-type climate. Its genesis is a controversial subject in terms of the origin of the parent material, from the residuum of underlying (carbonate/dolomite) bedrock in the absence/presence of an external silicate contribution (e.g., aeolian dust). Within this context the main goal of the present work was the understanding of the geochemical processes leading to the formation of the terra rossa starting from the carbonate bedrock. We report the results of a multi-method analysis on a terra rossa deposit occupying the bottom of a Quaternary karst depression on Mesozoic limestones exposed in the Murge area (Apulia Foreland, southern Italy). Geological, petrographic, textural, and chemical data were collected on karst products (reddish calcite incrustations and nodules, and fine-grained portion of terra rossa) by a detailed field mapping, optical microscopy, XRF and fusion ICP/MS analyses and by scanning electron microscope. New collected data show that the mineralogical composition of reddish incrustations and nodules is comparable, consisting of fibrous and impure calcite, detrital fragments of quartz, K-feldspar, zircon and authigenic minerals as (Mn, Ba, Ca) phases, (Al, Si, Mn, Fe, Mg, Ba, Ca) minerals, Fe-kaolinite and anatase. The prevailing minerals, instead, in the fine-grained portion of terra rossa are hematite, kaolinite, and goethite. Based on the chemical composition, and especially on REE patterns, a progressive interaction of silicate aqueous solutions (with Al, Si, Fe), containing pelite material, with the calcareous bedrock, as a source of carbonic acid, was the process driving the formation of terra rossa. Obtained results add new elements to the definition of the long-lasting question about the genetic processes responsible for the formation of terra rossa, corroborating their polygenetic origin, as result of limestone alteration in conjunction with the chemical interaction with allochthonous siliciclastic material.

Coherent provenance analysis of terra rossa from the northern Adriatic based on heavy mineral assemblages reveals the emerged Adriatic shelf as the main recurring source of siliciclastic material for their formation

Coherent provenance studies of soils that take into account data processing and the limitations arising from the physiochemical properties of the source material are scarce. In this study, the provenance of four terra rossa soils on the Istrian peninsula and four terra rossa soils on the island of Susak is investigated based on the heavy mineral assemblages of the soils and their potential sources. The heavy mineral data are treated as compositional data, which means that the information is stored in the ratio between the components and not in absolute values. The provenance of the allochthonous soil components showed that they originated from the now submerged alluvial plain i.e., emerged Adriatic shelf, mainly fed by alpine material during low sea levels. In the case of Savudrija loess and red paleosol and partly Koreniki sections, the allochthonous material originated from the local Eocene flysch, also windblown from the emerged shelf. The degree of mineral weathering, which correlates with the Fed/Fet and the total portion of heavy minerals, shows that this allochthonous component is a parent material of the terra rossa soils, not an impurity. Thus, the main role of the carbonate rocks with which the terra rossa soils are associated is to maintain a specific and favorable conditions for their formation. The origin of the parent material is associated with sea level oscillations, i.e., in times of low sea level the material was windblown from the emerged shelf, onto the land, this recurrent process can probably be traced back to the Oligocene. During periods of high sea level, i.e., warmer periods, terra rossa formed. Thus, the formation of terra rossa soils in the northern Adriatic is a recurrent process that may have begun at least since the Miocene. Consequently, abundance of terra rossa on the eastern Adriatic coast is due to a large emerged shelf area that supplied the carbonate platform with siliciclastic material during low sea levels.

Phosphorus Use Efficiency of Leafy Brassica sp. Grown in Three Contrasting Soils: Growth, Enzyme Activity and Phosphorus Fractionation

Plant adaptations to low soil phosphorus (P) availability have been intensively studied in Brassica sp. in an attempt to identify the mechanisms involved in P uptake and utilization. The present pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the relationships between plant shoot and root growth, P uptake and use efficiency parameters, and P fractions and enzyme activity, in two species grown in three soil types. The aim of this study was to determine whether adaptation mechanisms are soil-dependent. Two kale species were grown in soils typical for coastal Croatia (terra rossa, rendzina, and fluvisol) with low P availability. Plants grown in fluvisol had the highest shoot biomass and accumulated most P, whereas plants developed the longest roots in terra rossa. Phosphatase activity differed among soils. P use efficiency differed among soils and species. Genotype IJK 17 showed better adaptation to low P availability, which was related to better uptake efficiency. In general, soils differed in inorganic and organic P fractions in rhizosphere soil, but no difference between genotypes was found. The activities of alkaline phosphatase and phosphodiesterase were negatively correlated with most organic P fractions, suggesting their function in the mineralization of soil organic P. Kale species activate different mechanisms of P uptake and utilization when grown in contrasting soil types, suggesting that specific responses to the soil type were more important than the genotypic difference.

RETRACTED: A tropical soil (Ferralsol) identified in the northernmost part of the Mediterranean (Istria, Croatia)

Terra rossa soils on the Istrian peninsula are generally considered polygenetic relict soils. They overlie and mark the youngest subaerial unconformity in the northwestern part of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform and are susceptible to erosional and redepositional processes. Terra rossa soils represent a valuable archive of information that can be used to understand present and past soil formation processes in the context of climate variability and landscape dynamics, especially in low-lying parts of the karst landscape where thicker deposits are typically found. We studied a 3 m thick terra rossa profile in a karst depression on the northernmost part of the southwestern Istrian planation surface and analysed the micromorphology, physical/chemical properties, geochemistry, bulk and clay mineralogy, and composition of heavy and light mineral fractions. The profile shows several signs of colluviation and polygenesis with clay distribution along the profile, clearly indicating lithic discontinuities. Kaolinization, along with iron oxide formation, is the dominant process in the studied profile. Ferralitization and lessivage processes were diagnosed throughout the profile, with intense clay translocation occurring despite the extremely stable soil microaggregates. In accordance with the WRB system, the profile is classified as Lixic Rhodic Ferralsol (Clayic, Aric). This implies that some terra rossa soils, previously classified as e.g. Cambisols or Luvisols, might actually be Ferralsols or other tropical soils (e.g. Lixisols), in which relict properties are preserved in the present climate. The finding of a Ferralsol in the study area indicates the old age of the surface of the karst depression and provides the first data on the burial history of the southwestern Istrian planation surface. We suggest the older Quaternary interglacials, the mid-Piacenzian Warm Period (Pliocene) and the Miocene Climatic Optimum as favourable periods for the formation of the studied soil.

Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in karstic coastal area (Kaštela Bay, Adriatic Sea, Croatia) exposed to anthropogenic activities: distribution, sources, and influencing factors

Abstract 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, 238U, and 137Cs massic activities were determined by gamma-spectrometry in limestones, marls, stream sediments, and soils of Kaštela Bay (Adriatic Sea, Croatia) coastal area. Their distribution, sources and potential influencing factors were studied. The lowest 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U massic activities were determined in limestones and the highest in soils, with the following median values, respectively: 7.2, 14, 0.8, and 5.3 Bq/kg in limestones and 518, 72, 71, and 31 Bq/kg in soils. All four radionuclides were of natural origin and reflected background values of the karstic area influenced by flysch/marl and terra rossa soil. Local TENORM disposal site did not influence the study area, but it will be needed to study its potential influence on marine sediments. Strong disequilibrium between 226Ra and 238U was found in limestones s.l. and soils, but not in marls and only moderately in stream sediments. This implies that limestones are more susceptible to selective 238U leaching than marls, and soils more than stream sediments. 137Cs was the only radionuclide of anthropogenic origin, with a global source only. It was detected in stream sediments and soils with median values of 5.4 and 31 Bq/kg, respectively. 137Cs distribution was more heterogeneous in stream sediments than in soils, but soils generally presented higher activities. Soil is considered the most important reservoir of 137Cs and its potential source.

A micro-geoarchaeological view on stratigraphy and site formation processes in the Middle, Upper and Epi-Paleolithic layers of Sefunim Cave, Mt. Carmel, Israel

This paper presents a micro-geoarchaeological study carried out on the sedimentary sequence exposed at the entrance of Sefunim Cave, Israel, a sequence that spans from the Middle Paleolithic to the early Epipaleolithic periods. Using FTIR and micromorphological techniques, we investigated the stratigraphic sequence to reconstruct patterns of site use and archaeological formation processes. We identified formation processes that are common among Paleolithic caves sites in the Southern Levant, mainly the deposition of local terra rossa through colluvial sedimentation. Taphonomic disturbances of the deposits range from minimal to moderate, exhibited mainly by root and burrowing activity, but with no evidence for significant transport of archaeological materials. While the upper layers (II–III) are decalcified, the precipitation of secondary calcite results in increasing cementation of the sediments with depth in the lower layers (V–VII). We observed variation at the microscopic scale and identified an inverse correlation between human and carnivore activity throughout the layers. We observed human activity by the presence of micro-archaeological materials such as chert, bone, charcoal, rubified clay, burnt bone and shell, and wood ash. We observed carnivore activity by the presence of phosphatic grains and coprolite fragments as well as chewed and digested bones. We conclude that human activity at the site was characterized by episodes of varying intensity, based on the frequency of archaeological finds within the different layers. The alternating episodes of human and carnivore activity at Sefunim Cave may demonstrate the close-knit interactions and reciprocal relations that humans and carnivore shared at Paleolithic caves.

Effect of different growing media on selected growth performance parameters of Raphanus pugioniformis and Raphanus raphanistrum

Raphanus raphanistrum and R. pugioniformis (Brassicaceae) are wild radishes, native to the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of growing soil media (perlite, sand, and terra rossa) on the growth performance of two Raphanus species. For this, seeds of the selected species were germinated and seedlings were transferred to plastic cylinders, filled with growing soil media. At harvest, various growth parameters including shoot length, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root length, root fresh weight, and root dry weight were determined. Root and shoot fresh and dry weight, before and after oven dry for 24 h at 70 °C was measured. Results of the study revealed statistically significant differences (P value ≤ 0.05) among the various studied growth parameters for the selected Raphanus species and are affected by different growing media including types of soil and growing time (days after potting from 33 to 78). After 33 days of potting, the average shoot length for R. pugioniformis was found 6.6, 8.0, and 8.6 cm in terra rossa, sand, and perlite growing media respectively. On the other hand, the fresh (0.8, 1.6, and 2.5g) and dry (0.25, 0.48, and 0.72g) shoot weight for R. pugioniformis was reported in terra rossa, sand, and perlite soil media respectively. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that among the tested growing media, perlite growing medium is the best medium for the growth of both studied Raphanus species. This study demonstrated that the three studied growing media affected all the growth performance parameters of both Raphanus pugioniformis and Raphanus raphanistrum differently.

Geochemistry of ferromanganese nodules in the soil of Okinawa Island, Japan: Paleoclimatic implications and discrimination scheme of the nodule origins

Shimajiri–Mahji refers to dark-red soil covering Ryukyu limestone that is characterized by buried ferromanganese (Fe–Mn) nodules, and it is widely distributed in Okinawa Island, southwestern Japan. The formation environment of the Fe–Mn nodules is considered closely related to the pedogenetic process of Shimajiri–Mahji because the mineral assemblage of the nodules is similar to that of the surrounding soil. There are two competing hypotheses about the formation environment of the Fe–Mn nodules: marine or terrestrial. In this study, the chemical composition of the Fe–Mn nodules was analyzed to determine their origin. The low Ni and Cu contents and the positive Ce and negative Y anomalies of the Fe–Mn nodules are inconsistent with the geochemical features associated with formation in the deep ocean and shallow seas or lakes, respectively. In contrast, the geochemical features of the Fe–Mn nodules correspond to formation in terrestrial soil, especially in terra rossa. An elemental map of the Mn/Fe ratio and computed tomography results demonstrated that the Fe–Mn nodules have a layered structure, which indicates a temporal change in the redox potential of Shimajiri–Mahji. This may be attributed to changes in the soil moisture owing to the variable intensity of the East Asian monsoon and climate change. A new discrimination diagram based on Al/Na and Co/Rb ratios was developed for classifying the formation environments of Fe–Mn nodules, which may help improve understanding of the formation history of soils and sediments containing them.

Comparative study of ordinary portland cement from different production (Al Fatiah and Al Huarry cement factories), NE Libya

This study will discuss the evaluation of clinkers and cement powdered chemistry during manufacturingprocess from Al Fatiah and Al Huarry Cement Factories then matching with British standard. The bulkgeochemical analysis has been carried out using X- ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupledplasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) techniques. The chemical analyses data showed that the limestoneat the Al Fatiah Cement Quarry is classified as a high pure limestone and the limestone at the Al HuarryCement Quarry is a low pure limestone. The studied terra rossa samples showed a suitable compositionand could be a good source for SiO2 and Al2O3. The results of homogeneous samples of clinkers andcement powdered were compared to the British Standard.

Изотопно-геохимические характеристики минерального заполнения палеополостей в верхнедевонских-нижнекаменноугольных известняках на восточном склоне Среднего Урала (окрестности с. Першино)

Lithology and geochemistry of carbonate filling in ancient karst cavities in the Famennian-Tournaisian limestone sequence of the Rezh subzone at the eastern slope of the Middle Urals are considered. Mineral filling of paleocavities differs from typical modern subaerial speleothems. Caves are mainly filled with white massive coarse-grained calcite (cave spar), red-colored argillaceous-carbonate microgranular deposits (carbonates with an admixture of terra rossa, cave laminites) and collapse breccias, composed of host limestones fragments. The rare earth elements (REE) patterns and the isotopic composition of carbon indicate a very weak effect (or its absence) of soil or meteoric waters on the carbonate system: the speleothem calcite inherited these characteristics from the host limestones. At the same time, the isotopic composition of oxygen indicates the primary meteoric genesis of solutions and/or relatively high temperatures of calcite crystallization. Most likely, the studied speleothems were formed from solutions of surface origin circulating in the sedimentary strata for a long time (hypogene sediments).

Experimental study of As elimination from the pit water in locality Zlatá Idka-Rieka, Slovakia and characterization of sediment in this locality

The study presents introductory laboratory and in-situ experiments focused on elimination of As from the pit water in locality Zlatá Idka-Rieka, Slovakia, as well as on characterization of the sediment parameters in this locality from the viewpoint of their eventual toxicity. The mobility of As from the sediment is dependent on the chemical bonds with non-stable Fe oxides/hydroxides, creating surface coatings on the grains of minerals and soil, present in the lake of pit water. Leachates after the Simply Bioavailability Extraction Test contained high concentrations of Fe (223 mg.l–1), Mn (165 mg.l–1), as well as As (11.1 mg.l–1), which are potential toxic for people in case of contamination of the soil attached to vegetables, or from coarse dust that can be inhaled and then swallowed. The batch adsorption experiments were performed in the laboratory and next in in-situ conditions. As adsorbents natural zeolite, terra rossa and their mixture were used. In laboratory the As adsorption was fast, reached equilibrium almost after 4 hours. The adsorption capacity of zeolite and terra rossa was 18.3 and 25,3 μg.g–1, respectively. Effect of in-situ As removal was the highest for terra rossa (almost 85 %) and the concentration of As in leachate after the experiment was slightly higher than required limited value. The promising results for future in-situ applications brought laboratory column experiments, where after 4 cycles of adsorption the effectivity of columns was still 95 % independently on the columns filling (layers or mixture of studied adsorbents).

Flora and Phytosociological of Plant in Al-Dawaimah of Palestine

Al-Dawaimah is an ancient Canaanite Palestinian village, occupied in 1948 by Israel, and belongs to inframediterranean to thermomediterranean thermotype and arid, semi-arid, and dry ombrotype. The study presents, a region rich in many plant vascular, and it is part of the Palestinian coast, North Africa, the Negev and the Sinai desert, in addition to the mountainous hills of Palestine located west of the Hebron, Jordan River and the Dead Sea. The objective is to identify and update the flora and vegetation in the area of Al-Dawaimah and its neighboring areas in west Hebron of Palestine. Methodology: More than 270 plant specimens have been taken from Al-Dawaimah and surroundings areas, using Braun-Blanquet, Van der Maarel and Salvador River Martinez methods to study the flora, and phytosociological plants, and 214 x 10 plants plots distributed in area were studied. Result and discussion: Three different plant communities were identified, in different environments between arid, dry- subhumid ombrotype and infra-thermomediterranean thermotype, and different soils as (carbon substrates as brown ruinsenas and terra rossa lands, limestone and others), where more than 214 species of plants have been found, of which 45 (20.02%) are endemic species, and in Raunkiaer's life system, trees represent were, (86; 40.18% trees), (34; 15.88% shrubs), (51; 23.83% chamaephytes), (10; 4.67% geophytes), (16; 7.47% phanerophytes), and (12; 6.54% hemicryptophytes). Conclusion: In Al-Dawaimah area, syntaxonomical performance of these associations are: Quercetalia ilicis Br.-Bl. ex Molinier 1934. Rhamno lycioidis-Quercion cocciferae Rivas Goday ex Rivas-Martinez 1975. 1. Rhamnus palaestinae- Quercetum calliprini ass. nova., Pistacio lentisci -Rhamnetalia alaterni Rivas-Martínez 1975. 2. Ceratonio siliquae -Pistacetum lentisci ass. nova., Junipero phoeniceae- Pinon acutisquamae A.V. Pérez et Cabezudo in A.V. Pérez et al. 1988 corr. Rivas-Martinez. et al. 2002. Pinetalia halepensis Biondi et al. 2014. 3. Junipero phoeniceae- Pinetum halepensis ass. nova.