Temporal changes of Collembola population and alterations of life history parameters and acetylcholinesterase and superoxide dismutase activities in Cyphoderus javanus (Collembola) as biomarkers of fly ash pollution in lateritic soil

Fly ash is applied in agricultural fields to improve soil quality and crop yield; however, there are concerns regarding environmental hazards and toxicity to ecologically important soil organisms. The soil microarthropod fauna is a vital component of detritus food web, and major groups like Collembola are sensitive indicators of soil quality; however, information is scanty on their biomarker potentials against xenobiotics in tropical soils. The present study was aimed to evaluate temporal changes of Collembola population in fly ash amended field plots, and assess the biomarker potentials of life history parameters and biochemical responses such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in Cyphoderus javanus Borner (Collembola, Insecta), exposed to fly ash treated soil in microcosms. The field study using 5% (50 t ha^?1) and 20% (200 t ha^?1) doses of fly ash revealed dose-dependent and persistent decline in the density and relative abundance of Collembola population in sandy loam lateritic soil. The microcosm experiments showed negligible lethal effect of fly ash on C. javanus, but major life history parameters namely survival success, fecundity, and molting were significantly inhibited by fly ash treatments. The activity of AChE was downregulated, whereas activity of SOD was upregulated within 7 days of exposure of C. javanus to fly ash treated soil. These biological and biochemical parameters in Collembola are potential biomarkers, and therefore, the effects of fly ash are significant in C. javanus, an ecologically relevant species in the tropical soils of India.     

Coal fly ash and straw immobilize Cu,Cd and Zn from mining wasteland

Soil heavy metal contamination is a major health issue. Chemical immobilization of toxic metals is a promising technique to solve this issue. In this study, soil was sampled from a copper mining-polluted area in eastern China. Coal fly ash and straw were applied to soil samples at 5 % w/w ratio and 2 % w/w ratio, and incubated for 6 weeks. The CaCl₂-extractable Cu, Cd and Zn, phytoavailability and soil microbial activity were measured. The results showed that coal fly ash, straw and the mixture of coal fly ash and straw decreased CaCl₂-extractable metals. Coal fly ash or the mixture of the two amendments are therefore efficient metal stabilizers.     

Growth and metal accumulation response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna radiata</Emphasis> L. var PDM 54 (mung bean) grown on fly ash-amended soil: effect on dietary intake

Plants of Vigna radiata L. var. PDM 54 (mung bean) were grown in soil amended with different amounts (10 and 25%) of fly ash (FA). Although total metal content increased with increasing FA amendment, DTPA-extractable metals were higher for 10% FA. Accumulation of metals by the plants increased with increasing FA amendment and was greater in shoots than in roots (except for Mn and Cu) and seeds (except Mn). The total daily intake (TDI) of all the tested metals in seeds was within the recommended dietary allowance (RDA)/provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) for adults, except for Cd, which was higher than recommended values. Principal-components analysis (PCA) based on studies of physicochemical properties, DTPA-extractable metals, and metal accumulation in the different parts of V. radiata showed that physicochemical properties such as cation-exchange capacity, organic carbon, and organic matter had significant positive effects on accumulation of Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb by the plant, whereas EC had a significant negative effect. Although addition of fly ash (10%) initially increased the rate of growth, toxic symptoms were observed for 25% FA. Results from analysis of antioxidants (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, non-protein thiol, and free proline) revealed that these increased more in plants grown in 10% FA than in those grown in garden soil. Cysteine and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased with increasing FA amendment. PCA also showed that all the antioxidants studied behaved similarly except cysteine, for which there was a close relationship with MDA content. Thus, the results obtained during this study revealed that V. radiata L. var. PDM 54 may be grown in 10% FA and/or contaminated agricultural soil.     

Utilization of fly ash in adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater

The aim of this study was to assess the toxicity reduction of wastewaster after treatment with fly ash. Fly ash is a waste material which is formed as a result of coal burning in power plants, but has the potential to adsorb heavy metal ions. The present study examined the adsorption capacity of fly ash to adsorb Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺ from waste water under different conditions of contact time, pH, and temperature. Uptake of metal ions by fly ash generally rose with increasing pH. At lower temperatures the uptake of heavy metal adsorption were enhanced. Significant reduction in Pb²⁺ (79%), Cu²⁺ (53%), and Zn²⁺ (80%) content was found after treatment with fly ash of waste water treatment. Using the microtox test toxicity of the effluent was reduced by 75% due to removal of Pb²⁺ ion by the fly ash. Data indicated that fly ash generated by power plants may be used beneficially to remove metals from waste water.     

粉煤灰对土壤和作物生长的影响

粉煤灰施用量控制在60～600t／hm2,不会造成土壤、粮食的污染,且能改善土壤的物理、化学和生物学性质．有利于养分的转化。粉煤厂磁化后15～7．5t／hm2的施用量即可达到最佳的改上增产效果。本文在分析粉煤灰埋化性质的基础上,讨论了粉煤灰对土壤和作物生长的影响,同时也提出了降低粉煤灰中有害物质对土壤和作物不利影响的农用技术。     

Natural and waste materials as metal sorbents in permeable reactive barriers (PRBs)

A range of waste products and natural materials including chitin, fly ash, clay soil, cocoa shell, calcified seaweed and the natural zeolite clinoptilolite were tested in batch experiments to assess their ability to remove metals from a synthetic groundwater containing 10 mg l^–1 Cu, Pb and Zn and 1 mg l^–1 Cd. All had the ability to remove more than 70% of the metals from solution with fly ash being the most efficient, then chitin, clinoptilolite, calcified seaweed, clay soil and cocoa shell. After consideration of geochemical and morphological properties, calcified seaweed and clinoptilolite were shown to have potential as barrier materials. Given current issues with regard to the longevity of zero-valent iron barriers alternative materials could be the key to the future adoption of this remediation technology.     

The fly ash influenced the heavy metal status of the soil and the seeds of sunflower. A case study

In this study, four cultivars of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) were grown in the sandy loam soil, supplemented with graded (v/v) quantity (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100%) of the fly ash, released by the combustion of the coal from the thermal power plant. The presence of fly ash in the soil increased its porosity, water holding capacity, pH, E.C., C.E.C., the content of sulphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, chloride, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and various trace elements. However, in the seeds, except Fe, Pb, Mn and Zn, and other heavy metals remained untraced up to 40% of the fly ash, above that their quantity slightly increased but the values are very much under the permissible limits.     

Effect of fomesafen on glutathione S-transferase and cellulase activity and DNA damage in the earthworm (Eisenia fetida)

Biochemical responses and DNA damage of earthworm (Eisenia fetida) exposed to various concentrations of fomesafen (0, 10, 100, and 500 μg kg^?1) for 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days were investigated in vivo. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was significantly stimulated upon treatment with 500 μg kg^?1 fomesafen for 21 days, while the cellulase activity was markedly inhibited after 14 days of treatment. On day 28, the activities of GST and cellulase had recovered to the level similar to that of controls. Low or mild DNA damage in earthworm was induced within 14 days of exposure, and the damage was reduced or disappeared with the extension of exposure.     

Growth inhibition and DNA damage in the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) exposed to perfluorooctane sulphonate and perfluorooctanoic acid

An artificial soil method was applied to study the effects of perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Survival, growth inhibition and damage to DNA of earthworms were detected after 14 d acute exposure. The 14 d-LC₅₀ of PFOS and PFOA was 478.0?mg·kg^?1 dw and 759.6?mg·kg^?1 dw, respectively, indicating that they were of low toxicity. Both PFOS and PFOA could significantly inhibit the growth of earthworms after 14 d exposure, and growth inhibition rates increased with the greater concentrations of PFOS or PFOA, showing a dose–response relationship (PFOS: r?=?0.951, P r?=?0.962, P?P?50 of PFOS was lower than that of PFOA, the growth inhibition rate of earthworm exposed to PFOS was higher than that exposed to PFOA at the same concentration level, and the median values of TL, CL and OTM in PFOS treatments were also higher than those in PFOA treatments. In conclusion, both these fluorine compounds were moderately toxic to earthworms, but the PFOS effect was greater than that of PFOA.     

Leaching characteristics of heavy metals during cement stabilization of fly ash from municipal solid waste incinerators

The leaching characteristics of heavy metals in products of cement stabilization of fly ash from a municipal solid waste incinerator were investigated in this paper. The stabilization of heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in fly ash from such incinerators was examined through the national standard method in China based on the following factors: additive quantity of cement and Na₂S, curing time, and pH of leaching liquor. The results showed that as more additives were used, less heavy metals were leached except for Pb, which is sensitive to pH of the leachate, and the worse effect was observed for Cd. The mass ratio of cement to fly ash = 10% is the most appropriate parameter according to the national standard method. When the hydration of cement was basically finished, stabilization of heavy metals did not vary after curing for 1 d. The mixtures of cement and fly ash had excellent adaptability to environmental pH. The pH of leachate was maintained at 7 when pH of leaching liquor varied from 3 to 11.     

焚烧源挥发性重金属的排放对周边土壤和植被污染的研究进展

城市生活垃圾是一种成分复杂的混合废物,其中含有数量相当可观的重金属,采用焚烧法处理城市生活垃圾时,会有大量重金属因为高温而挥发进入烟气,一部分富集于焚烧飞灰中,而有少部分重金属因其挥发性较大而排放于大气中,最终随大气及雨水沉降而进入土壤和植被中,从而会对焚烧厂周边生态环境造成严重的危害。为了了解焚烧源挥发性重金属（汞（Hg）、镉（Cd）、铅（Pb）和砷（As））的排放对焚烧厂周边土壤和植被生态环境的污染状况,对近年来国内外学者在相关方面的研究状况进行了详细的文献综述,结果发现：国内学者对于焚烧源挥发性重金属的研究多限于焚烧中挥发性Hg对焚烧厂周边土壤的污染的调查研究,而对于焚烧源Cd、Pb、As对周边土壤和植被污染的调查研究相对较少;而国外学者已有的关于垃圾焚烧源重金属（Hg、Cd、Pb、As）对土壤和植被的污染研究只停留在重金属在土壤中的总的浓度和存在形态的研究,而对于挥发性重金属在焚烧源周边土壤和植被中的迁移转化规律方面的研究很缺乏,对于重金属污染物在土壤和植被中的蓄积及迁移转化规律研究较少。文章指出今后的研究应加强对挥发性重金属在焚烧厂周边土壤中的污染特征及其在土壤层以及植被中的蓄积总量和迁移转化机理的研究,这对于焚烧源挥发性重金属的污染防治以及对已被挥发性重金属污染的土壤和植被的生态修复具有重要的意义。     

Evaluation of tests to assess the quality of mine-contaminated soils

An acid metal-contaminated soil from the Aljustrel mining area (a pyrite mine located in SW Portugal in the Iberian Pyrite Belt) was subjected to chemical characterisation and total metal quantification (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Water-soluble metals were determined and a sequential extraction procedure was used to investigate metal speciation. Two bioavailable metal fractions were determined: a mobile fraction and a mobilisable fraction. Soil ecotoxicity was studied using a battery of bioassays: plant growth test and seed germination with cress (Lepidium sativum L.), earthworm (Eisenia fetida) mortality, E. fetida avoidance behaviour, luminescent inhibition of Vibrio fischeri and Daphnia magna immobilisation. Although the total content of Cu, Zn and Pb in the soil was large (362, 245 and 1,250 mg/kg dry matter, respectively), these metals were mostly structurally bound (87% for Cu, 81% for Zn and 89% for Pb) and, therefore, scarcely bioavailable. Nonetheless, the D. magna immobilization test using soil leachate showed an EC₅₀ (48 h) of 36.3% (v/v), and the luminescent inhibition of V. fischeri presented an EC₂₀ (15 min) of 45.2% and an EC₂₀ (30 min) of 10.7% (v/v), suggesting a considerable toxic effect. In the direct exposure bioassays, E. fetida avoided the mine soil at the highest concentrations (50%, 75% and 100% v/v). At the same soil concentrations, cress showed negligible growth. The results suggest the need to use a battery of toxicity tests, in conjunction with chemical methods, in order to assess the quality of mine-contaminated soils correctly.     

重金属Cr(VI)、Pb及Cu胁迫对双齿围沙蚕体腔细胞的DNA损伤

为探讨重金属Cr(VI)、Pb以及Cu对沙蚕体腔细胞DNA的毒性效应,以双齿围沙蚕为受试动物,重金属按不同剂量水平,Cr(VI):10、100和200 mg·L~(-1),Pb:5、50和100 mg·L~(-1),Cu:1、10和20 mg·L~(-1),分别胁迫沙蚕24 h,以不加任何重金属离子的海水为对照,采用单细胞凝胶电泳技术,检测其体腔细胞DNA损伤程度。结果表明,与空白对照组相比,3种重金属离子的各浓度组都能引起沙蚕体腔细胞DNA损伤,且3种重金属胁迫浓度与细胞DNA损伤程度之间存在显著的剂量-效应关系。双齿围沙蚕可以作为单细胞凝胶电泳的实验材料用于重金属所致环境污染的生物监测指示生物。     

Biokinetic modeling of heavy metals in earthworms

Studies concerning bioaccumulation kinetics and bioconcentration factor (BCF) of heavy metals like zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) in earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae tissues including integument, gizzard, clitellum, and head region were undertaken. Calculated BCF, predicted K _ow, and predicted K _oc showed a significant correlation between heavy metals in different earthworm tissues, in substrate spiked with heavy metals. The regression coefficient (r ²) between heavy metal uptake concentration and exposure time varied between 0.73 and 0.99, indicating significant correlation. The K _oc was a maximum of 13.9016 in case of Cu and integument at an exposure time of 100 days and a minimum of 0.1114 in case of Cr with respect to head at the same exposure time. Earthworms accumulated heavy metals following chronic exposure to municipal solid waste containing heavy metals. BCF and uptake rate kinetics of heavy metals were calculated and showed increased values in head tissue followed by integument.     

Earthworms and in vitro physiologically-based extraction tests: complementary tools for a holistic approach towards understanding risk at arsenic-contaminated sites

The relationship of the total arsenic content of a soil and its bioaccumulation by earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus and Dendrodrilus rubidus) to the arsenic fraction bioaccessible to humans, measured using an in vitro physiologically-based extraction test (PBET), was investigated. Soil and earthworm samples were collected at 24 sites at the former arsenic mine at the Devon Great Consols (DGC) in southwest England (UK), along with an uncontaminated site in Nottingham, UK, for comparison. Analysis of soil and earthworm total arsenic via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed following a mixed acid digestion. Arsenic concentrations in the soil were elevated (204–9,025 mg kg⁻¹) at DGC. The arsenic bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for both earthworm species was found to correlate positively with the human bioaccessible fraction (HBF), although the correlation was only significant (P ≤ 0.05) for L. rubellus. The potential use of both in vitro PBETs and earthworms as complementary tools is explored as a holistic and multidisciplinary approach towards understanding risk at contaminated sites. Arsenic resistant earthworm species such as the L. rubellus populations at DGC are presented as a valuable tool for understanding risk at highly contaminated sites.     

Polychlorobenzenes and polychlorinated biphenyls in ash and soil from several industrial areas in North Vietnam: residue concentrations,profiles and risk assessment

Polychlorinated benzenes (PCBzs) including penta- and hexachlorobenzene can be unintentionally formed from thermal processes in different industrial activities, and very little information is available on the contamination and emission characteristics of these new persistent organic pollutants from industries in Vietnam. In this study, contamination of PCBzs (including penta- and hexachlorobenzene, named PeCBz and HCB, respectively) and PCBs (including CB-28, 52, 101, 153, 138, 180) in fly ash, bottom ash and soil from combustion processes of waste incineration, metallurgy (steel making and zinc production) and cement production from several provinces in the Northern Vietnam, including Hai Duong, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Thai Nguyen, was preliminary investigated. The PCBzs concentrations in fly ash, bottom ash and soil ranged from 2.7 to 100 ng g^?1, from 2.7 to 159 ng g^?1 and from 0.28 to 33.9 ng g^?1, respectively. Relatively high residues of PeCBz in fly ash and bottom ash from municipal waste incinerators in some provinces from the Northern Vietnam were encountered. Total PCBs concentrations ranged from 18.0 to 8260 ng g^?1, from 1.0 to 10600 ng g^?1 and from 14.5 to 130 ng g^?1 for the fly ash, bottom ash and soil, respectively. Daily intakes of PeCBz, HCB and PCBs through soil ingestion and dermal exposure estimated for children ranged 0.33–9.93 (mean 3.14), 0.39–21.1 (mean 4.9) and 6.09–1530 ng/kg bw/day (mean 346), respectively; and these intakes were about 4.7–5.4 times higher than those estimated for adult. The intakes of PeCBz and HCB were relatively low, while those for PCBs exceeded WHO TDI for some samples.     

煤矿塌陷区造田复土中粉煤灰含量对高羊茅生理功能的影响

以小区试验进行了粉煤灰复土造田种植高羊茅的试验 .对高羊茅生长发育、生理功能和矿质积累的研究结果表明 :含 30 %以下粉煤灰复合土能提高高羊茅植株光合作用和氮素利用能力 ,促进植株生长 ,不会对植株产生伤害 ;当复合土中粉煤灰含量达 4 0 %时 ,高羊茅光合作用、蒸腾作用和氮素利用能力降低 ,细胞膜脂质过氧化水平升高 ,膜透性增大 ,SOD、POD和CAT活性降低 ,植株生长被抑制 ;随着复合土中粉煤灰含量的升高高羊茅植株Mn、Zn、Ca、Mg的质量分数升高 ,Cu的质量分数无显著变化 .研究建议粉煤灰复土造田以 30 %粉煤灰复合土为宜 .图 3表 6参 19     

Lethal critical body residues as measures of Cd,Pb, and Zn bioavailability and toxicity in the earthworm<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eisenia fetida</Emphasis>

Background

Earthworm heavy metal concentrations (critical body residues, CBRs) may be the most relevant measures of heavy metal bioavailability in soils and may be linkable to toxic effects in order to better assess soil ecotoxicity. However, as earthworms possess physiological mechanisms to secrete and/or sequester absorbed metals as toxicologically inactive forms, total earthworm metal concentrations may not relate well with toxicity.

Objective

The objectives of this research were to: i) develop LD₅₀s (total earthworm metal concentration associated with 50% mortality) for Cd, Pb, and Zn; ii) evaluate the LD₅₀ for Zn in a lethal Zn-smelter soil; iii) evaluate the lethal mixture toxicity of Cd, Pb, and Zn using earthworm metal concentrations and the toxic unit (TU) approach; and iv) evaluate total and fractionated earthworm concentrations as indicators of sublethal exposure.

Methods

Earthworms (Eisenia fetida (Savigny)) were exposed to artificial soils spiked with Cd, Pb, Zn, and a Cd?Pb?Zn equitoxic mixture to estimate lethal CBRs and mixture toxicity. To evaluate the CBR developed for Zn, earthworms were also exposed to Zn-contaminated field soils receiving three different remediation treatments. Earthworm metal concentrations were measured using a procedure devised to isolate toxicologically active metal burdens via separation into cytosolic and pellet fractions.

Results and Discussion

Lethal CBRs inducing 50% mortality (LD₅₀, 95% CI) were calculated to be 5.72 (3.54–7.91), 3.33 (2.97–3.69), and 8.19 (4.78–11.6) mmol/kg for Cd, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Zn concentrations of dead earthworms exposed to a lethal remediated Zn-smelter soil were 3-fold above the LD₅₀ for Zn and comparable to earthworm concentrations in lethal Zn-spiked artificial soils, despite a 14-fold difference in total soil Zn concentration between lethal field and artificial soils. An evaluation of the acute mixture toxicity of Cd, Pb, and Zn in artificial soils using the Toxic Unit (TU) approach revealed an LD₅₀ (95% CI) of 0.99 (0.57–1.41) TU, indicating additive toxicity.

Conclusions

Total Cd, Pb, and Zn concentrations in earthworms were good indicators of lethal metal exposure, and enabled the calculation of LD₅₀s for lethality. The Zn-LD₅₀ developed in artificial soil was applicable to earthworms exposed to remediated Zn-smelter soil, despite a 14-fold difference in total soil Zn concentrations. Mixture toxicity evaluated using LD₅₀s from each single metal test indicated additive mixture toxicity among Cd, Pb, and Zn. Fractionation of earthworm tissues into cytosolic and pellet digesis yielded mixed results for detecting differences in exposure at the sublethal level.

Recommendation and Outlook

CBRs are useful in describing acute Cd, Pb, and Zn toxicity in earthworms, but linking sublethal exposure to total and/or fractionated residues may be more difficult. More research on detoxification, regulation, and tissue and subcellular partitioning of heavy metals in earthworms and other invertebrates is needed to establish the link between body residue and sublethal exposure and toxicity.

     

Metal remediation potential of naturally occurring plants growing on barren fly ash dumps

The present study aimed to elucidate the remediation potential of visibly dominant, naturally growing plants obtained from an early colonized fly ash dump near a coal-based thermal power station. The vegetation comprised of grasses like Saccharum spontaneum L., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., herbs such as Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers., Sida rhombifolia L., Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King & H.E. Robins along with tree saplings Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub. The growth of the vegetation improved the N and P content of the ash. Average metal concentrations (mg kg^?1) in the ash samples and plants were in order Mn (345.1)?>?Zn (63.7)?>?Ni (29.3)?>?Cu (16.8)?>?Cr (9.9)?>?Pb (1.7)?>?Cd (0.41) and Cr (58.58)?>?Zn (52.74)?>?Mn (39.09)?>?Cu (10.71)?>?Ni (7.45)?>?Pb (5.52)?>?Cd (0.14), respectively. The plants showed fly ash dump phytostabilization potential and accumulated Cr (80.19–178.11 mg kg^?1) above maximum allowable concentrations for plant tissues. Positive correlations were also obtained for metal concentration in plant roots versus fly ash. Saccharum spontaneum showed highest biomass and is the most efficient plant which can be used for the restoration of ash dumps.

     

Fates and partitioning of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration process

The fate and partitioning of heavy metals (including Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, As, Cr, Ni, and Cu) from MSW incinerators located in Taiwan were determined. Results of stack sampling indicate that most Hg and As (more than 80%) exists in the gas phase while other metals partition differently among bottom ash, fly ash, and flue gases. Removal efficiencies of existing air pollution control devices for Hg and As are lower (about 70%) than other metals. Bottom ash contains higher concentration of Cd compared with European incinerators. In addition, strong enrichment of Cd on fly ash particles is observed.