Effect of Diesel Fuel on Growth of Selected Plant Species

Diesel oil is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons with an average carbon number of C8–C26. The majority of components consist of alkanes, both straight chained and branched and aromatic compounds including mono-, di- and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. Regardless of this complexity, diesel oil can be readily degraded by a number of soil microorganisms making it a likely candidate for bioremediation. The concept of using plants to enhance bioremediation, termed phytoremediation, is a relatively new area of scientific interest. It is particularly applicable to diesel oil contamination as diesel oil generally contaminates the top few metres of soil (surface soil) and contamination is not uniform throughout the site. By encouraging plants to grow on diesel oil contaminated soil, conditions are improved for the microbial degradation of the contaminant. During this study, establishing plants on diesel oil contaminated soil proved difficult. Diesel oil is phytotoxic to plants at relatively low concentrations. At concentrations below this phytotoxic level, the development of plants grown in diesel oil contaminated soil differs greatly from plants grown in uncontaminated soil. Tolerance of plants to diesel oil and ability to germinate in diesel oil contaminated soil varied greatly between plant species as well as within plant species. The broadest differences in germination were seen within the grasses with certain species thriving in low levels of contamination (e.g. Creeping bent) while others were intolerant of diesel oil contamination (e.g. Rough meadow grass). The herbs, legumes and commercial crops screened appeared to be largely unaffected by low levels of diesel oil contamination (25g dieselkg^–1). At the higher level of contamination (50g dieselkg^–1), half of the twenty two plants species screened failed to reach a germination rate equal to 50% of the control rate. Two species of grass failed to germinate at all at this contamination level. Plant species that successfully germinated and grew were studied further to determine the effect of diesel oil contamination on the later stages of plant development. This work investigates the effect of diesel oil on plant growth and development.     

Phytotoxicity of fuel to crop plants: influence of soil properties,fuel type,and plant tolerance

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of fuel-contaminated soils on the germination, survival, and early growth of six crop plants, viz. Brassica oleracea, Trifolium repens, Lactuca sativa, Avena sativa, Pisum sativum, and Zea mays, grown on Cambisol A and B horizons contaminated with gasoline and diesel (0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, w/w). Fuel toxicity was more evident in the B horizon than in the A horizon, and diesel was more toxic than gasoline, probably due to the higher evaporation rate of the latter. Fuels affected the germination and survival of small-seeded plants to a higher extent, reflecting the importance of the seed coat and nutrient reserves for successful plant development in fuel-contaminated soils. In general, root growth was more strongly affected than shoot growth, and plant biomass was more strongly affected than elongation, leading to a less plant branching in the presence of fuel. The findings of this study can be useful for selecting the least fuel-tolerant species as soil contamination bioindicator and for determining the risks of fuel contamination. Due to the low residence time of gasoline components in soil, this phytotoxicity test resulted in an unsuitable bioassay to assess gasoline toxicity.     

Is there a relationship between soil and groundwater toxicity?

Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requires environmental regulators to assess the risk of contaminants leaching from soils into groundwater (DETR, 1999). This newly introduced legislation assumes a link between soil and groundwater chemistry, in which rainwater leaches contaminants from soil into the saturated zone. As the toxicity of both groundwater and overlying soils is dependent upon the chemicals present, their partitioning and their bioavailability, similar patterns of soil, leachates and groundwater toxicity should be observed at contaminated sites. Soil and groundwater samples were collected from different contaminated land sites in an urban area, and used to determine relationships between soil chemistry and toxicity, mobility of contaminants, and groundwater chemistry and toxicity. Soils were leached using water to mimic rainfall, and both the soils and leachates tested using bioassays. Soil bioassays were carried out using Eisenia fetida, whilst groundwater and leachates were tested using the Microtox test system and Daphnia magna 48 h acute tests. Analysis of the bioassay responses demonstrated that a number of the samples were toxic to test organisms, however, there were no significant statistical relationships between soil, groundwater and leachate toxicity. Nor were there significant correlations between soil, leachates and groundwater chemistry.     

Dissipation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and microbial activity in a field soil planted with perennial ryegrass

Dissipation and plant uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in contaminated agricultural soil planted with perennial ryegrass were investigated in a field experiment. After two seasons of grass cultivation the mean concentration of 12 PAHs in soil decreased by 23.4% compared with the initial soil. The 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-ring PAHs were dissipated by 30.9%, 25.5%, 21.2%, and 16.3% from the soil, respectively. Ryegrass shoots accumulated about 280 μg·kg^-1, shoot dry matter biomass reached 2.48 × 10⁴ kg·ha^-1, and plant uptake accounted for about 0.99% of the decrease in PAHs in the soil. Significantly higher soil enzyme activities and microbial community functional diversity were observed in planted soil than that in the unplanted control. The results suggest that planting ryegrass may promote the dissipation of PAHs in long-term contaminated agricultural soil, and plant-promoted microbial degradation may be a main mechanism of phytoremediation.     

Accumulation and phytoavailability of benzo[a]pyrene in an acid sandy soil

Effects of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) on ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) growth, plant accumulation and dissipiation of B[a]P in a red sandy soil (Hapli-Udic Argosol) were studied in a pot experiment. The plants were grown for 61 days in soil spiked with B[a]P at 0, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg kg⁻¹. Control pots without plants were also set up. Soil extractable B[a]P, plant shoot and root biomass, and concentrations of B[a]P in plant shoots and roots were determined. Ryegrass biomass was increased by addition of B[a]P and root B[a]P concentrations were significantly correlated with B[a]P application rate, but no such correlation was found for shoot B[a]P concentrations. This indicates that B[a]P enhanced the growth of the ryegrass. The extractable B[a]P concentration in the planted soil was significantly lower than that in the unplanted control soil at the rate of 50 mg B[a]P kg⁻¹. This indicates that ryegrass may help to dissipate B[a]P in soil at concentrations over 50 mg kg⁻¹ soil although the mechanism for this is not understood.     

牧草轮作对奶牛场污水氮、磷的净化效果研究

以土壤为基质,选择象草（Pennisetum purpureum）和黑麦草（Lolium perenne）两种牧草作为植被模拟人工湿地净化系统,研究牧草全年轮作在间歇流人工湿地中对奶牛场高质量浓度污水的适应性及对污水氮、磷的净化效果。结果表明：象草、黑麦草在间歇性高质量浓度污水中生长良好,可作为畜牧场高质量浓度污水修复植物进行全年轮作,并适时的收割,去除污水中的氮、磷。在不同污水质量浓度处理的牧草净化系统中,水力停留时间为8 d的条件下,铵氮的去除率为75.9%~94.9%;硝态氮的去除率为65.4%~90.9%;总氮的去除率64.2%~90.1%;总磷的去除率在90%以上;象草和黑麦草对污水中氮、磷的吸收转化在系统对氮磷净化中的贡献率平均分别为氮25.12%和20.03%、磷31.20%和20.42%;各处理氮、磷的去除效果与污水的质量浓度呈负相关。     

华北地区几种冬闲覆盖作物碳氮蓄积及其对土壤理化性质的影响

充分利用华北地区冬季空闲耕地及光热资源,以冬闲耕地为对照,研究二月兰（Orychophragmus violaceus）、毛苕（Vicia uillosa Roth.）、黑麦草（Secale cereale L.）、草木樨（Melilotus officinalis）、紫花苜蓿（Medicago satiua L.）5种不同冬闲覆盖作物地上部、地下部以及总碳、氮的蓄积量及其对土壤理化性质的影响。结果表明：5种覆盖作物总干物质质量在4.6-8.82 t.hm-2之间,是冬闲田干物质质量的1.6-3.1倍。5种覆盖作物全碳蓄积量在1.80-3.14 t.hm-2之间,是冬闲田碳蓄积量的1.9-3.3倍。与对照相比,各覆盖处理均明显提高氮素蓄积,尤以苜蓿最佳,达到了202.8 kg.hm-2,差异显著。试验选择5种肥覆盖均可提高土壤有机质质量分数（0.90-2.86 g.kg）;黑麦草覆盖可明显降低土壤容重（0.08 g.cm3）;毛苕和苜蓿栽培均可显著降低土壤pH,但同时土壤盐分有所增加;二月兰和黑麦草栽培在提高土壤水分含量方面表现最好。     

Increase of multi-metal tolerance of three leguminous plants by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi colonization

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of the colonization of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Glomus mosseae on the growth and metal uptake of three leguminous plants (Sesbania rostrata, Sesbania cannabina, Medicago sativa) grown in multi-metal contaminated soil. AMF colonization increased the growth of the legumes, indicating that AMF colonization increased the plant’s resistance to heavy metals. It also significantly stimulated the formation of root nodules and increased the N and P uptake of all of the tested leguminous plants, which might be one of the tolerance mechanisms conferred by AMF. Compared with the control, colonization by G. mosseae decreased the concentration of metals, such as Cu, in the shoots of the three legumes, indicating that the decreased heavy metals uptake and growth dilution were induced by AMF treatment, thereby reducing the heavy metal toxicity to the plants. The root/shoot ratios of Cu in the three legumes and Zn in M. sativa were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with AMF colonization, indicating that heavy metals were immobilized by the mycorrhiza and the heavy metal translocations to the shoot were decreased.     

Effects of petroleum products on bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana)

Although research has been conducted on the effects of oil on the giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, no similar studies have been completed on bull kelp, Nereocystis leutkeana, the dominant kelp in Washington State, British Columbia, and Alaska. The effects of three petroleum products [diesel fuel, intermediate fuel oil (IFO), and crude oil] were tested before and after weathering on N. luetkeana. Whole plants were exposed to petroleum product for 4 or 24 h and then transferred to the field; observations on the condition of the plants were made daily for 7 d. In addition, controlled bioassays were performed to measure the effects of petroleum exposure on net photosynthetic rate (NP) and respiration rate (R), using light-and dark-bottle techniques. These experiments verified the susceptibility of N. luetkeana tissue to the damaging effects of direct exposure to several oil types. The 4 h exposures to weathered diesel and unweathered IFO, and 24 h exposures to unweathered and weathered diesel and IFO resulted in moderate to severe damage to kelp tissue (i.e., clearly delineated bleached line accompanied by tissue necrosis). Weathered diesel was more toxic than unweathered diesel. The most severe damage to bull kelp was concentrated at the meristematic zone (junction of stipe and bulb) where new tissue growth occurs. Petroleum type significantly affected stipe and blade NP, R, and NP:R ratios. Diesel treatments had a greater negative effect on NP than did the IFO treatments. Based on these experiments, the relative ranking of the damaging effects of petroleum treatment on bull kelp are weathered diesel>unweathered IFO>unweathered diesel>weathered IFO>unweathered crude>weathered crude.     

Triterpenoid and caffeic acid derivatives in the leaves of ragweed, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ambrosia artemisiifolia</Emphasis> L. (Asterales: Asteraceae), as feeding stimulants of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ophraella communa</Emphasis> LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Summary. The leaf beetle Ophraella communa infests almost exclusively Ambrosia artemisiifolia in the fields of Japan, even though it normally feeds on several Asteraceous plants. A filter paper bioassay showed that the feeding of O. communa is strongly stimulated by methanolic extracts of A. artemisiifolia. The feeding stimulants for O. communa have been isolated from methanolic extracts of A. artemisiifolia. -Amyrin acetate, -amyrin acetate, 5-caffeoylquinic acid (chlorogenic acid) and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid from A. artemisiifolia have been identified as feeding stimulants for O. communa. Triterpenoid derivatives (-amyrin acetate or -amyrin acetate) and caffeic acid derivatives (3, 5-dicaffoylquinic acid or 5-caffeoylquinic acid) showed feeding stimulant activity when mixed together.     

MHC, health, color, and reproductive success in sand lizards

Good genes are genetic elements that contribute to lifetime reproductive success, regardless of an individuals additional genotype. Their existence is debated, and most work has targeted their viability benefits to the offspring of choosy females. In the present study, we analyze a case of potential good genes effects in adult male sand lizards (Lacerta agilis). We show that males with a particular RFLP (Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) MHC genotype (O-males), as opposed to those that lack this genetic element (NO-males), have less ectoparasites under increasing physiological stress (indexed by baseline corticosterone level), and are not constrained by parasites at production of status coloration. Furthermore, O-males are more successful at mate acquisition and guard their partners longer. Ultimately, they have a higher genetic reproductive success as assigned by microsatellites.Communicated by W. Cooper     

Soil Lead at Elementary Public Schools: Comparison Between School Properties and Residential Neighbourhoods of New Orleans

Soil studies, conducted in Maryland, Minnesota and Louisiana, have described the urban pattern of lead contamination. They have shown that the highest amounts of lead cluster within the interior of the largest cities. The results of the New Orleans urban patterns of distribution of soil lead provided the basis for further study. The hypothesis was tested that elementary school properties have the same pattern of soil lead contamination as their neighbouring residential communities. Thirty New Orleans Public Elementary Schools were selected for this study. Surface samples (2.5cm or 1 inch depth) were collected from playgrounds and next to entrances of each school. Results showed that soil lead on school properties follows the same relative contamination patterns (pvalue10^–5) as soil lead on residential properties of neighbouring communities. Schools however, have significantly lower lead contamination than the neighbouring residential properties. Innercity school properties present a higher risk of soil lead exposure than mid and outercity schools. Soils next to innercity school entrances showed the highest lead, with 18.5% having concentrations over 400gg^–1. Systematic landscaping around the school entrances would significantly reduce the hazard from lead dust contaminated soils.     

Degradation of the herbicide imazapyr by Fenton reactions

The degradation of the herbicide imazapyr has been carried out by three advanced oxidation processes involving iron ions as catalysts: Fentons reagent, photo-Fenton and electro-Fenton. We show that all processes are rapid and efficient. The kinetic rate constant was found to be k=5.4×10⁹ M^–1 s^–1. The mineralization of imazapyr is almost complete using the photo-Fenton and electro-Fenton processes.     

The use of legumes for reclaiming copper mine wastes in the Southwestern USA

Seeds of three legumes, blue lupine (Lupinus hirsutus L.), sesbania (Sesbania macrocarpa Muhl.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were broadcast planted on four soil materials (desert soil, overburden, overburden plus tailings, and tailings) associated with copper mines near Tucson, Arizona. Experiments were conducted to study the effects of the four soil materials on germination (emergence), seedling establishment, and growth over a two-year period (1974 and 1975). All species grew best on desert soil, followed by overburden, overburden plus tailings, and tailings, in decreasing order. The presence of copper in overburden plus tailings and in tailings may have created a toxicity effect that limited the growth of plants in these two soil materials. Alfalfa was superior on all soil materials. Sesbania and blue lupine grew equally well. All three species were able to adapt to the different soil materials. For revegetation on copper mine wastes, it is desirable to plant a variety of plant species rather than a single species, to help blend the disturbed areas into the surrounding environmentApproved for publication as Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station Research Contribution No. 3100.     

Plant volatiles affect oviposition by codling moths

Summary. Oviposition in wild codling moth females, collected as overwintering larvae from apple, pear and walnut, was stimulated by volatiles from fruit-bearing green branches of these respective hostplants. Analysis of headspace collections showed that eight compounds present in apple, pear and walnut elicited a reliable antennal response in codling moth females: (E)--ocimene, 4,8-dimethyl-1,(E)3,7-nonatriene, (Z)3-hexenyl acetate, nonanal, -caryophyllene, germacrene D, (E,E)--farnesene, and methyl salicylate. Any one of these compounds is found in many other non-host plants, and host recognition in codling moth is thus likely encoded by a blend of volatiles. A large variation in the blend proportion of these compounds released from apple, pear and walnut suggests a considerable plasticity in the female response to host plant odours. Wild females, collected as overwintering larvae in the field, laid significantly fewer eggs in the absence of host plant volatiles. The offspring of these females, however, reared on a semi-artificial diet in the laboratory, laid as many eggs with or without plant volatile stimulus. Tests with individual females showed that this rapid change in oviposition behaviour may be explained by selection for females which oviposit in the absence of odour stimuli, rather than by preimaginal conditioning of insects when rearing them on semi-artificial diet. Oviposition bioassays using laboratory-reared females are therefore not suitable to identify the volatile compounds which stimulate egglaying in wild females.     

Are the Curative Properties of ‘Black Mud’ from the Dead Sea Due to the Presence of Bitumen (Asphalt) or Other Types of Organic Matter?

Deep black clayey sediments of the Dead Sea, previously covered with water at times of higher sea level, are being mined for therapeutic purposes and for the preparation of cosmetic products under the name Black Mud. It was claimed that the beneficial properties are due to the presence of bitumen (asphalt) as attested by the colour. Less commonly, the curative properties have been ascribed to humic acids or to organic matter derived from algae in the lake. Asphalt from the Dead Sea has been of major economic importance to the region and was used as a medication for 2000 years until the mid-20th century. Geochemical analysis of the Black Mud showed that it contains relatively little organic matter (ca. 0.6–0.8% organic carbon) and that the organic matter is mostly derived from the land masses surrounding the lake. Asphalt was totally absent and the concentration of humic acids very low. The black colour of the mud is rather due to the poorly crystallised iron sulphides. Based on this, the therapeutic properties of the mud are ascribed to its content of reduced sulphur species, its physical and chemical properties and possibly its brine content, but not to the presence of organic matter.     

不同改良措施对煤矸石污染土壤上大豆生长的影响

采用盆栽试验,通过添加粉煤灰和牛粪对煤矸石污染土壤进行改良,并研究了不同改良措施对大豆生长、光合特性和产量的影响。结果表明,添加粉煤灰0.07 kg.kg-1(T1)、添加牛粪0.07 kg.kg-1(T2)、添加粉煤灰和牛粪各0.07 kg.kg-1(T3)3种土壤改良措施对大豆的株高、叶面积和单株根瘤数均有显著影响,不同生育期株高、叶面积和单株根瘤数均表现为T3>T2>T1>CK。在花期和鼓粒期,3种土壤改良措施下大豆的叶绿素含量和光合速率均显著高于对照,且T3处理显著高于T2和T1。与对照相比,不同土壤改良措施对大豆的单株荚数、百粒重、单株粒重和产量均有显著影响,T3、T2和T1处理的大豆产量较对照分别提高68.47%、40.99%和30.63%。     

黄河三角洲生态区土壤石油污染及其对碱蓬萌发的生态影响

基于黄河三角洲生态区内的油田生产区中石油污染土壤的调查取样,分析石油污染状况,并在实验室人工控制条件下,研究土壤中不同质量分数的石油污染对该区先锋植物——碱蓬（Salsola glauca Bung）的种子萌发影响。结果表明,油田区土壤受到了不同程度的石油污染;溢油处石油的质量分数最高达6.230 g·kg^-1。另外,萌发实验说明在土壤污染情况下种子萌发率具有不确定性,土壤石油污染质量分数为5～40 g·kg^-1时,对碱蓬种子的萌发无明显抑制作用。该研究对黄河三角洲生态区土壤石油类污染敏感指示指标的筛选和植物的生物修复具有重要意义。     

磷肥和黑麦草结合修复铅污染贫磷潮土的研究（Remediation of Lead Polluted Chaotu Soil with Low Phosphorus Availability by Phosphorus Fertilizer Amendment and Ryegrass）

在Pb污染土壤中施用磷肥是降低Pb有效性的有效方法.在低磷或高Pb胁迫下,植物根际的一系列变化将促进植物对磷的吸收或对Pb毒性的降低,但低磷胁迫下植物对土壤Pb有效性的影响研究不多.为探讨Pb污染低磷土壤上施用磷肥对Pb有效性、植物吸收Pb的影响及黑麦草(LoliumperenneL.)对土壤Pb有效性的影响,设置0、500和1000mg·kg-13个Pb用量和0、2729mg·kg-1两个普通过磷酸钙磷肥用量,种植黑麦草,0和1000mg·kg-1Pb下设置不种植植物的对照的盆栽试验,植物生长48d后收获,测定植物地上部和根系产量、长度、Pb浓度及土壤DTPA-Pb含量.结果表明,施用磷肥后植物产量和地上部长度增加、根冠比、根系长度和Pb浓度减小,500mg·kg-1Pb用量时,未施用磷肥和施用磷肥时植物产量分别为0.37和1.70g·pot-1,1000mg·kg-1Pb用量时这两个数值分别为0.24和1.50g·pot-1,500mg·kg-1Pb用量时,植物产量与未施Pb处理(产量为0.75g·pot-1)差异显著(p<0.05);施用磷肥后,地上部吸收的Pb的比例和植物体吸收的Pb数量均增加.1000mg·kg-1Pb用量下,植物产量、地上部长度均小于500mg·kg-1Pb用量处理时的水平,而土壤DTPA-Pb浓度、植物Pb浓度、Pb吸收量均大于500mg·kg-1Pb处理,表明2729mg·kg-1普通过磷酸钙用量并不能完全抵消1000mg·kg-1Pb对植物生长的抑制作用.施用磷肥降低了土壤DTPA-Pb含量,但500mg·kg-1Pb用量时降低效果不显著(p>0.05).0mg·kg-1Pb用量下,种植植物的处理土壤DTPA-Pb含量比未种植植物处理高54.3%;1000mg·kg-1Pb处理时,种植植物处理土壤DTPA-Pb含量比未种植植物平均低18.5%.以上结果表明,在0mg·kg-1Pb用量下,植物生长受到了一定程度的磷胁迫.在磷胁迫下,种植植物提高了土壤Pb有效性,而在1000mg·kg-1Pb用量下,不管是否施用磷肥,种植植物均降低了土壤Pb有效性.本研究结果表明,在低磷和高Pb胁迫下,施用水溶性磷肥可降低土壤Pb有效性,促进黑麦草生长,促进Pb向植物地上部转移;在低磷胁迫且无Pb污染条件下,黑麦草对土壤Pb的有效性表现为促进;在高Pb胁迫下,不管是否施用磷肥,黑麦草均可降低土壤Pb有效性.     

Phytotoxicity in seven higher plant species exposed to di-<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-butyl phthalate or bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

We investigated phytotoxicity in seven plant species exposed to a range of concentrations (0–500 mg·kg^?1 soil) of di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) or bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), two representative phthalate esters (PAEs) nominated by USEPA as priority pollutants and known environmental estrogens. We studied seed germination, root elongation, seedling growth, biomass (fresh weight, FW) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of shoots and roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), oat (Avena sativa) and onion (Allium cepa L.), together with monitoring of plant pigment content (chlorophyll a, b and carotinoids) in alfalfa, radish and onion shoots. Root elongation, seedling growth and biomass of the test species were generally inhibited by DnBP but not by DEHP, indicating a lower level of phytotoxicity of DEHP than of DnBP. MDA contents of four species were promoted by PAE exposure, but not in alfalfa, ryegrass or onion shoots, indicating lower sensitivity of these three species to PAE pollutants. Plant pigment contents were clearly affected under the stress of both pollutants, implying the potential damage to the photosynthetic system of test plants, mainly by decreasing the content of chlorophyll a and b. Results of DnBP and DEHP phytotoxicity to the primary growth of test plants has provided information for the assessment of their environmental risk in the soil and also forms a basis for the further analysis of their toxic effects over the whole growth period of different plant species.