Effects of Cadmium on Nutrient Uptake and Translocation by Indian Mustard

Plants that hyperaccumulate metals are ideal subjects for studying the mechanisms of metal and mineral nutrient uptake in the plant kingdom. Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) has been shown to accumulate moderate levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Cu. In this experiment, 10 levels of Cd concentration treatments were imposed by adding 10–190 mg Cd kg^–1 to the soils as cadmium nitrate [Cd(NO₃)₂]. The effect of Cd on phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and the micronutrients iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in B. juncea was studied. Plant growth was affected negatively by Cd, root biomass decreased significantly at 170 mg Cd kg^–1 dry weight soils treatment. Cadmium accumulation both in shoots and roots increased with increasing soil Cd treatments. The highest concentration of Cd was up to 300 mg kg^–1 d.w. in the roots and 160 mg kg^–1 d.w. in the shoots. The nutrients mainly affected by Cd were P, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn in the roots, and P, K, Ca, and Cu in the shoots. K and P concentrations in roots increased significantly when Cd was added at 170 mg kg^–1, and this was almost the same level at which root growth was inhibited. Zn concentrations in roots decreased significantly when added Cd concentration was increased from 50 to 110 mg kg^–1, then remained constant with Cd treatments from 110 to 190 mg kg^–1. However, Zn concentrations in the shoots seemed less affected by Cd. It is possible that Zn uptake was affected by the Cd but not the translocation of Zn within the plant. Ca and Mg accumulation in roots and shoots showed similar trends. This result indicates that Ca and Mg uptake is a non-specific process.     

Influence of lead on growth and nutrient accumulation in canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is commonly used as a hyper-accumulator for phytoextraction of heavy metals from soil and water. Like many other heavy metals, lead (Pb) contaminates soil, water and air and thus it is a great problem. This study was conducted to investigate toxic effects of Pb on growth and nutrient uptake in four canola cultivars. Each of four cultivars of canola (Con-II, Con-III, Legend and Shiralee) was subjected to four levels of Pb (0, 30, 60 and 90 mg Pb kg(-1) of soil) from lead chloride [PbCl2]. Due to Pb toxicity, plant growth was adversely affected and relatively a severe reduction in root biomass (45.7%) was recorded. The Pb accumulation increased both in shoot and root, the highest being in root. The uptake of different nutrients, i.e., N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Mn was reduced (38.4, 32.8, 33.1, 49.6, 7.78, 52.0, 42.6 and 45.9%, respectively) in the shoots and that of N, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the roots (48.5, 33.2, 24.3 and 44.8%, respectively) of all canola cultivars. The root K, P, Zn and Mn and shoot P, Mg and Fe contents were less affected, the concentration of Pb, Ca and Mg in roots of all cultivars. Among canola cultivars Con-II and Con-III performed better than Legend and Shiralee in terms of growth (26.03%) and nutrient accumulation. Overall, plant growth and nutrient accumulation in the canola cultivars was hampered due to the presence of Pb.     

多种盐分离子作用下苋菜对重金属的吸收累积特征

模拟不同淋洗脱盐阶段滩涂土壤孔隙水中盐分和重金属含量,通过苋菜水培试验,研究多种盐分离子（SO42-、Cl-、NO3-、CO32-、Na＋、Ca2＋、K＋和Mg2＋等）的共同作用下,苋菜对Zn、Cu、Ni、Cr、Pb和Cd 6种重金属的吸收、累积和转运的变化。结果表明,与对照相比,在不同盐分离子浓度影响下,苋菜茎叶中Cd的累积增幅为69.2%～146.2%,而茎叶中其他重金属的含量无显著变化,苋菜根系中Cd、Pb、Cr、Ni和Cu含量的最大增幅分别为187.8%、197.7%、305.7%、228.1%和58.2%,但根系中Zn含量未受到显著影响。在相对较高的盐分离子浓度（〉1 312.4 mg.L-1）范围内,不同盐分离子浓度处理间苋菜茎叶和根系中6种重金属含量差异均不显著。盐分处理显著降低了苋菜对Pb、Cr、Ni和Cu的转移系数,但未显著影响苋菜对Cd和Zn的转移系数。     

红蛋植物对重金属镉、锌的吸收动态研究

采用水培的方法研究了红蛋植物（Echinodorus osiris）对镉、锌的吸收动态。结果表明：无论是低镉（5 mg·L-1）还是高镉（15 mg·L-1）处理,长时间（27 d）培养时,红蛋地上部和地下部镉质量分数均持续增加,至收获时,低镉和高镉处理红蛋地上部镉质量分数分别为364.95和502.97 mg·kg-1;地下部镉质量分数分别达到1 762.81和2 742.95 mg·kg-1。短时间内,红蛋对镉的吸收速率随时间增加而降低,1.0 h内表现为快速吸收模式,而在1.0 h后表现为缓慢吸收模式。在低镉条件下,红蛋对镉的短时间吸收动态符合二次多项式数学模型,高镉条件下,红蛋对镉的吸收动态符合三次多项式数学模型。长时间（27 d）培养时,红蛋地上部锌和地下部质量分数的动态变化趋势基本一致,即先增加后减少再缓慢增加的趋势。低锌（100 mg·L-1）和高锌（400 mg·L-1）处理,红蛋地上部锌质量分数分别为2 211.38和3 190.47 mg·kg-1;地下部锌质量分数分别为3 067.89和3 303.85 mg·kg-1。短时间内,无论是低锌处理还是高锌处理,红蛋对锌的吸收动态均符合二次多项式数学模型,但是两者有所不同,低锌处理,红蛋吸收锌的速率短时间内略有降低,而高锌处理,红蛋对锌的吸收速率短时间内则持续增加。     

Phytoremediation potential of indigenous plants from Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam

This study was focused on determining Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Zinc (Zn) in 33 indigenous plants and 12 soil in-situ plant samples in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam. The results showed that the soils of surveyed mining areas contained 181.2- 6754.3 mg kg(-1) As, 235.5-4337.2 mg kg(-1) Pb, 0.8- 419 mg kg(-1) Cd and 361.8-17565.1 mg kg(-1) Zn depending on the characteristics of each mining site. These values are much higher than those typical for normal soil. The heavy metal uptake into shoots and roots of 33 indigenous plant species was also determined. Two species of the plants investigated, Pteris vittata L. and Pityrogramma calomelanos L. were As hyperaccumulators, containing more than 0.1% heavy metals in their shoots. Eleusine indica L., Cynodon dactylon L., Cyperus rotundus L. and Equisetum ramosissimum (Vauch) accumulate very high Pb (0.15-0.65%) and Zn (0.22-1.56%) concentration in their roots. Additional experiments to clarify the potential of six these plants as good candidates for phytoremediation of heavy metal pollution soil are being carried out in our laboratory.     

铜镉复合胁迫下温度对小麦幼苗生长及其对铜、镉和矿质营养元素吸收与各元素在亚细胞分布的影响

为了研究重金属复合胁迫下温度变化对陆生植物的毒性效应的影响,实验采用水培的方法,设置对照和Cu-Cd复合胁迫(10 μmol·L1 Cu+10μmol·L-1Cd)2个处理,每个处理分别设置3个不同的培养温度(8/4℃、25/20℃和35/30℃),对小麦进行48 h的暴露实验,测定小麦幼苗的生长及其对重金属和矿质营养...     

蚯蚓在植物修复铜、镉污染土壤中的作用

以红壤和高砂土为供试土壤,分别加入3个浓度的重金属铜离子Cu2 (100,200,400 mg kg-1)或镉离子Cd2 (5,10,20 mg kg-1),每钵接种6条蚯蚓(Pheretimasp.),种植黑麦草(Lolium multiflorum),以不加蚯蚓为对照(CK),研究蚯蚓活动对Cu、Cd污染土壤中黑麦草生长及铜、镉生物有效性的影响.结果表明,添加蚯蚓显著提高了Cu2 、Cd2 污染的高砂土中黑麦草地上部分的生物量,增幅为33%~96%;仅增加了Cu2 污染浓度低于200 mg kg-1的红壤中黑麦草地上部分的生物量;添加蚯蚓显著增加了两种土壤中速效N的含量,促进了黑麦草地上部分对N的吸收,对速效P、K的含量以及黑麦草中P、K含量无显著影响;添加蚯蚓显著提高了红壤中铜(Cu)、镉(Cd)DTPA提取态的含量,对高砂土中DTPA提取态Cu、Cd的含量无显著影响;增加了高砂土中和添加Cu污染浓度低于200 mg kg-1的红壤中黑麦草地上部分吸收Cu的总量,而对黑麦草吸收Cd的量无显著影响.加入蚯蚓可以不同程度地改善植物修复技术应用中受制的两个主要因素.表4参30     

EDTA and citric acid mediated phytoextraction of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd through marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Phytoextraction is an emerging cost-effective solution for remediation of contaminated soils which involves the removal of toxins, especially heavy metals and metalloids, by the roots of the plants with subsequent transport to aerial plant organs. The aim of the present investigation is to study the effects of EDTA and citric acid on accumulation potential of marigold (Tagetes erecta) to Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd and also to evaluate the impacts of these chelators (EDTA and citric acid) in combination with all the four heavy metals on the growth of marigold. The plants were grown in pots and treated with Zn (7.3 mg l(-1)), Cu (7.5 mg I(-1)), Pb (3.7 mg l(-1)) and Cd (0.2 mg l(-1)) alone and in combination with different doses of EDTA i.e., 10, 20 and 30 mg l(-1). All the three doses of EDTA i.e., 10, 20 and 30 mg l(-1) significantly increased the accumulation of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd by roots, stems and leaves as compared to control treatments. The 30 mg l(-1) concentration of citric acid showed reduced accumulation of these metals by root, stem and leaves as compared to lower doses i.e., 10 and 20 mg l(-1). Among the four heavy metals, Zn accumulated in the great amount (526.34 mg kg(-1) DW) followed by Cu (443.14 mg kg(-1) DW), Pb (393.16 mg kg(-1) DW) and Cd (333.62 mg kg(-1) DW) in leaves with 30 mg l(-1) EDTA treatment. The highest concentration of EDTA and citric acid (30 mg l(-1)) caused significant reduction in growth of marigold in terms of plant height, fresh weight of plant, total chlorophyll, carbohydrate content and protein content. Thus EDTA and citric acid efficiently increased the phytoextractability of marigold which can be used to remediate the soil contaminated with these metals.     

Effect of acid rain on the fractionation of heavy metals and major elements in contaminated soils

Acid rain is a serious environmental problem worldwide. In the present study, we investigated the effect of acid rain (1:1 equivalent basis H₂SO₄:HNO₃) at pH values of 2.0, 4.0 and 7.0 on the fractionation of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and major elements (K, Na, Ca, and Mg) in contaminated calcareous soils over a 2084 h period. Heavy metals and major elements in soil samples were fractionated before and after 2084 h kinetic release using a sequential extraction procedure. Before kinetic studies the predominant fractions of K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cd and Ni were mainly associated with carbonate fraction (CARB), whereas Fe, Mn and Zn were associated with the Fe–Mn oxide fraction (Fe–Mn oxide). The highest percentage of Pb and Cu were found in the exchangeable (EXC) and organic matter (OM) fractions, respectively. After kinetic study using different simulated acid rain solutions, the major fractions of heavy metals (expect of Cu) and Na was the same as before release. Upon the application of different acid rain solutions, K and Mg were found dominantly in Fe–Mn oxide fraction, whereas Ca was in the EXC fraction. The results provide valuable information regarding metal mobility and indicated that speciation of metals (Cu and Zn) and major elements in contaminated calcareous soils can be affected by acid rain.     

Relationship between heavy metal concentrations of herbaceous plants and soils at four Pb-Zn mining sites in Yunnan, China

This paper studied the relationship between heavy metal concentrations of herbaceous plants and soils at four Pb-Zn mining sites in Yunnan, China. 50 herbaceous plant samples of 9 plant species from 4 families and 50 soil samples were collected and then ana1yzed for the tota1 concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn. The results showed that the average concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn in soil samples were 3772.83, 168.81, and 5385.65 mg/kg, respectively. The average concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn were 395.68, 28.14, and 1664.20 mg/kg in the shoots, and 924.12, 57.25, and 1778.75 mg/kg in the roots, respectively. Heterospecific plants at the same site and conspecific plants at various sites had different average levels of Pb, Cd, and Zn, both in the shoots and the roots. Enrichment coefficients of Pb, Cd, and Zn were greater than 1 in 2, 3, and 9 herbaceous plant samples, respectively. Translocation factors of Pb, Cd, and Zn were greater than 1 in 10, 17, and 25 herbaceous plant samples, respectively. In all 50 samples, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn between the shoots and the roots, the shoots, and the soils, and the roots and the soils had significant positive relationships.     

2种常规水稻Cd、Zn吸收与器官分配的生育期变化：品种、土壤和Cd处理的影响

Cd在土壤-作物-膳食食物链中的迁移是人类对环境Cd暴露及其健康风险的主要途径,而水稻是子粒Cd积累最强的大宗作物之一.采用全生育期淹水盆栽试验研究了2种常规水稻(高Cd吸收品种“苏香粳1号”和低Cd吸收品种“99-22”)在添加Cd(2mg·kg-1)和不添加Cd处理下对2种土壤(红沙泥田,乌栅土)中Cd、Zn的吸收及其生育期变化.结果表明:1)常规水稻对Cd、Zn的吸收积累受土壤、品种和外源Cd的影响.Cd处理、土壤、品种间的正交互作用(高Cd吸收品种植于高Cd处理且Cd有效性高的红壤中)使常规稻植株Cd/Zn比成数十倍提高,从而使子粒Cd/Zn比产生强烈升高;2)水稻对Cd、Zn的吸收强度因不同生育期而异,Cd吸收的主要时期是分蘖期和成熟期,而Zn吸收的主要时期则是分蘖期、抽穗期和灌浆期.在整个生育期中,水稻Cd吸收伴随着对Zn的排斥现象,这在高Cd吸收下尤为强烈;3)水稻各器官对Cd、Zn的吸收分配无论是同品种的生育期间抑或同生育期时的不同品种间均有显著差异.Cd积累量为根系>穗粒>茎叶,而Zn却表现为茎叶>根系、穗粒.观察到水稻吸收的Cd在生育后期向穗粒的强烈运移.相对于低Cd吸收品种来说,Cd向穗粒转运较强,而Zn的转运较弱是高Cd吸收品种子粒Cd积累强而Cd/Zn比高的植株因素.     

The effects of compost prepared from waste material of banana plants on the nutrient contents of banana leaves

In this study, the possible utilization of removed shoots and plant parts of banana as compost after fruit harvest were investigated. Three doses (15-30-45 kg plan(-1)) of the compost prepared from the clone of Dwarf Cavendish banana were compared with Farmyard manure (50 kg plant(-1), Mineral fertilizers (180 g N + 150 g P + 335 g K plant(-1)) and Farmyard manure + Mineral fertilizers (25 kg FM + 180 g N + 150 g P + 335 g K plant(-1)) which determined positive effects on the nutrient contents of banana leaves. The banana plants were grown under a heated glasshouse and in a soil with physical and chemical properties suitable for banana growing. The contents of N, P, K and Mg in compost and in farmyard manure were found to be similar. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents of leaves in all applications except control, and Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu contents in all applications were determined between optimum levels of reference values. There were positive correlations among some nutrient contents of leaves, growth, yield and fruit quality characteristics. Farmyard manure, Farmyard manure + Mineral fertilizers and 45 kg plant(-1) of compost increased the nutrient contents of banana leaves. According to obtained results, 45 kg plant(-1) of compost was determined more suitable in terms of economical production and organic farming than the other fertiliser types.     

Major and minor element contents of calabash clay (nzu) from Abia State,Nigeria: evaluation of potential intake benefits and risks

Major and trace elements were determined in nzu (calabash clay) from Abia State, Nigeria, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean calcium content was 1900 ± 100 mg/kg dry weight, followed by Na 1400 ± 96, Fe 1500 ± 480, K 260 ± 150, and Mg 100 ± 48 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Zn was 35 ± 5, Cu 16 ± 2.0, Mn 17 ± 5.0, Cr 10 ± 1.0, Ni 9.0 ± 2.0, Cd 4.3 ± 1.7, Co 3.9 ± 1.1, and Pb 3.0 ± 0.8 mg/kg. The contents of Ba and V were <0.4 mg/kg. The mean Pb content was higher than the WHO safe limit (0.4 mg/kg) and EU (1 mg/kg) limit for food. Estimates of daily intake of Cd, Cr, Fe, and Ni upon consuming 30–80g of nzu were above the recommended daily intake values. The Ba, Ca, Co, K, Mg, Na, and Zn contents should not exceed the recommended daily intake while Cd, Ni, and Pb would pose health risks, especially in pregnancy. The total target hazard quotient indicated potential health risks to consumers.     

三明铅锌矿区植物对重金属的富集特征

采用野外调查与室内分析相结合的方法,对福建三明典型矿区尤溪铅锌矿、大田铅锌矿以及尤溪铅锌矿冶炼厂等进行了调查,研究这些矿区重金属含量较高的区域如采矿区、尾砂库、洗矿排水沟以及铅锌矿冶炼厂厂区和排水沟冲积扇区域土壤中的Pb、Zn和Cd的含量,在此基础上,对在这些区域自然定居的16种优势植物体内的三种重金属元素的耐性、富集特性进行了分析。结果表明:该矿区的主要优势物种为禾本科和菊科植物,其中笔管草(Equisetum ramosissimum)、一年蓬(Erigeron annuus)和五节芒(Miscanthus floridulus)的地上部重金属富集量较大,对矿区周边污染土壤修复有潜在应用价值;乌蕨(Stenoloma chusana)、千金子(Bochloe dactyloides)、二歧飘拂草(Fimbristylis dichotoma)、柔枝莠竹(Microctegium Vimineum)、短叶水蜈蚣(Kyllinga brevifolia)、狗娃花(Heteropappus hispidus)适用于污染程度较高且植物萃取技术难以实施的重金属污染矿业废弃地。矿区植物地上部Zn含量平均值最高,为1225.74mg·kg-1,植物地上部Pb含量范围在52.78～2137.11mg·kg-1,平均为521.39mg·kg-1;一年蓬地上部Cd含量达到了119.51mg·kg-1,超过了超富集植物的临界值100mg·kg-1,转运系数为1.3,是潜在的Cd超富集植物。     

Distribution of metallic compounds between plants and soils∗

Distribution of metallic constituents between soil and aerial parts of wild plants has been discussed by using relative ionic impulsions, i/I, defined as functions of concentrations of metallics ions, being i = [M]^1/2M, z_M the oxidation state of considered metal and I = S i the summation of contribution of metals. For this calculation metals were divided into two groups leading to ^I macro (K, Na, Ca, Mg, and Mn, elements accumulated in aerial parts) and to I _Micro (Fe, Cu, Zn, Co and contaminants accumulated in roots). Relative ionic impulsions may be attributed to an electric potential gradient and show if an active or passive uptake is happening. For macroelements linear relationships were obtained for Mg‐K (global active uptake) and Na‐Mn‐Ca (global passive uptake) with inverse slopes. Passive ions seem to be used as counter ions for helping active assimilation. Calculated potential gradient was close to 20 mV. The same situation was found for microelements and pollutants, where Fe is taken passively helping assimilation of the rest (Cu, Zn, Co, Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr) with a potential gradient close to 13 mV. Influences of other ecological segments (rainfall, dry deposition, airborne dust and irrigation), as well as additions for amending contaminated soils are finally discussed.     

宝山堇菜多金属吸收特征和耐性策略

宝山堇菜Viola baoshanensis Shu,Liu et Lan是一种Cd超富集植物,但它对不同重金属的吸收和转运能力有待进一步研究。从湖南桂阳宝山多金属矿区中筛选4个宝山堇菜优势分布的小生境,分析这些生境中宝山堇菜及其根区土壤的重金属质量分数。化学分析结果显示,宝山堇菜优势分布土壤中Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu、Mn和Fe的平均质量分数（mg/kg）分别为471、15 044、8 273、1 776、4 702和69 054。宝山堇菜地上部Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu、Mn和Fe的平均质量分数（mg/kg）分别为387、1 077、1 037、99、379和1 812,其中Cd、Pb超过超富集植物标准,Zn、Cu的平均质量分数大约是Zn、Cu超富集植物标准的10%,Mn的平均质量分数低于Mn超富集植物标准的5%,Fe的平均质量分数高于1 000 mg/kg。上述结果表明,宝山堇菜可以超富集Cd和Pb,富集Zn、Cu和Fe以及低积累Mn。此外,宝山堇菜对不同重金属差别化吸收模式可能也代表了超富集植物适应重金属复合污染土壤的一种策略。     

4种草对铅锌尾矿污染土壤重金属的抗性与吸收特性

盆栽试验的结果表明,高羊毛、早熟禾、黑麦草、紫花苜蓿在纯尾矿污染土壤或经处理的尾矿污染土壤上都能生长,但在处理的土壤上生长的植物长势明显优于对照,其中紫花苜蓿的生物量所受影响比其他几种草坪草更大,说明其重金属抗性低于其他几种植物。单位面积上 4 种植物体内重金属质量分数高低均为 w(Zn)>w(Pb)>w(Cu)>w(Cd),但每种植物对 Cd、Pb、Zn 和 Cu 的吸收质量分数和分布均不相同,一般为根系质量分数大于茎叶。加入改良剂(CaCO3)和有机肥(菜枯)使生长在铅锌尾矿污染土壤上的 4 种草坪草生物量显著增加,植物体中的 Cd、Pb、Zn 质量分数下降,但 Cu 质量分数反而上升,结果单位面积上草坪草吸收各重金属元素的量均有所增加,可见利用改良措施与草坪草相结合的方法来修复重金属污染土壤具有可行性。     

Stabilization of metals in acidic mine spoil with amendments and red fescue (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Festuca rubra</Emphasis> L.) growth

Stabilization of metals with amendments and red fescue (Festuca rubra, cv. Keszthelyi 2) growth was studied on an acidic and phytotoxic mine spoil (pH_KCl 3.20–3.26; Cd 7.1 mg kg^?1, Cu 120 mg kg^?1, Pb 2154 mg kg^?1 and Zn 605 mg kg^?1) from Gyöngyösoroszi, Hungary in a pot experiment. Raising the pH above 5.0 by lime (CaCO₃), and supplementing with 40 mg kg^?1nitrogen (NH₄NO₃) made this material suitable for plant growth. All cultures were limed with 0.5% (m/m) CaCO₃ (treatment 1), which was combined with 5% (m/m) municipal sewage sludge compost (treatment 2), 5% (m/m) peat (treatment 3), 7.5% (m/m) natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) (treatment 4), and 0.5 (m/m) KH₂PO₄ (treatment 5). Treatments 1–5 were combined with each other (treatment 6). After 60 days of red fescue growth, pH of the limed mine spoil decreased in all cultures units. Application of peat caused the highest pH decrease (1.15), while decrease of pH was less than 0.23 in treatments 2, 5 or 6. Application of lime significantly reduced concentrations of metals in the ‘plant available’ fraction of mine spoil compared to non-limed mine spoil. Amendments added to limed mine spoil changed variously the ratio of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in exchangeable or ‘plant available’ fractions, differently influencing the phytoavailability of these metals. Most of the metals were captured in the roots of test plants. Treatment 2 caused the appearance of less Cd in shoots (<0.1 μg g^?1) or roots (3.11 μg g^?1), while treatment 5 resulted in the highest Cd concentration (2.13 μg g^?1) in shoots. Treatments did not influence significantly the Cu accumulation in shoots. The Pb accumulation of roots (44.7 μg g^?1) was most effectively inhibited by combined treatment, while the highest value (136 μg g^?1) was found in the culture treated with potassium phosphate. Pb concentration in shoots was below the detection limit, except for treatments 5 and 6. Peat application resulted in higher Zn concentration (448 μg g^?1) in shoots than other amendments, where these values were around 100 μg g^?1. All amendments influenced positively the dry matter yield of red fescue grown in limed mine spoil, however the application of 0.5 phosphate was less favourable. Liming, application of amendments and growth of red fescue can stabilize metals in acidic and phytotoxic mine spoil, and by phytostabilization they can reduce the risk of metal contamination of the food chain.     

Nutritionally relevant elements in staple foods: influence of arable site versus choice of variety

Eighteen representative sites for the Austrian grain-growing and eight for the potato-growing zones (soils and crops) were investigated. On each site, total element contents (B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Sr and Zn) were determined in 4–12 varieties of winter wheat (n = 136), 6 varieties of spring durum wheat (n = 30), 5 varieties of winter durum wheat (n = 15), 7 varieties of rye (n = 49), 5 varieties of spring barley (n = 30) and 5 varieties of potatoes (n = 40). Element accumulations in grain species and potato tubers varied significantly with site conditions, with the main exceptions for B in potatoes and wheat as well as for Zn, Cu and Co in durum wheat. On average, across all investigated sites, differences in varieties occurred concerning the elements Ca, Cd, Ba, Sr and Zn (except Zn in potatoes and winter durum). A rough estimation revealed that an average Austrian consumer of wheat, rye and potatoes meets more than 50% of the needs of daily element intake for K, P and Mg, between 36 and 72% for Fe, Zn and Cu, and more than 100% for Co, Mo and Mn. In particular, the elements Ca and Na have to be added from other sources.     

Chemical changes in agricultural soils of Korea: data review and suggested countermeasures

The monitoring of chemical properties, including heavy metals, in soils is necessary if better management and remediation practices are to be established for polluted soils. The National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology initiated a monitoring study that investigated fertility and heavy metal contents of the benchmarked soils. The study covered paddy soils, upland soils, and horticultural soils in the plastic film houses, and orchard soils throughout the Korea from 1990 to 1998. Likewise, 4047 samples of paddy and 2534 samples of plastic house in 1999 and 2000 were analyzed through the Soil Environment Conservation Act. Soil chemical properties such as pH, organic matter, available phosphate and extractable calcium, magnesium and potassium contents, and heavy metal contents such as cadmium, copper, lead, zinc, arsenic, mercury, and cobalt contents were analyzed. The study showed that the average contents of organic matter, available phosphate, and extractable potassium rapidly increased in plastic house soils than in upland or paddy soils. Two kinds of fertilizer recommendation systems were established for the study: the standard levels by national soil average data for 77 crops and the recommendation by soil test for 70 crops. Standard nitrogen fertilizer application levels for cereal crops changed from 94 kg/ha in 1960s, 99 kg/ha in 1970s, 110 kg/ha in 1980s to 90 kg/ha in 1990s. The K2O-fertilizer also changed from 67 kg/ha in 1960s, 76 kg/ha in 1970s, 92 kg/ha in 1980s, and only 44 kg/ha in 1990s. In rice paddy fields, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in surface soils (0-15 cm depth) were 0.11 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0 to 1.01), 4.70 mg kg(-1) (0-41.59), 4.84 mg kg(-1) (0-66.44), and 4.47 mg kg(-1) (0-96.70), respectively. In the uplands, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in surface soils (0-15 cm depth) were 0.135 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0 to 0.660), 2.77 mg kg(-1) (0.07-78.24), 3.47 mg kg(-1) (0-43.00), 10.70 mg kg(-1) (0.30-65.10), and 0.57 mg kg(-1) (0.21-2.90), respectively. In plastic film houses, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in surface soil were 0.12 mg kg(-1) (ranging from 0 to 1.28), 4.82 mg kg(-1) (0-46.50), 2.68 mg kg(-1) (0-46.50), 31.19 mg kg(-1) (0.19-252.0), and 0.36 mg kg(-1) (0-4.98), respectively. In orchard fields, the average contents of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, and Hg in surface soils (0-20 cm depth) were 0.11 mg kg(-1) (ranged from 0-0.49), 3.62 mg kg(-1) (0.03-45.30), 2.30 mg kg(-1) (0-27.80), 16.60 mg kg(-1) (0.33-105.50), 0.44 mg kg(-1) (0-4.14), and 0.05 mg kg(-1) (0.01-0.54), respectively. For polluted soils with over the warning content levels of heavy metals, fine red earth application, land reconsolidation and soil amelioration such as lime, phosphate, organic manure, and submerging were recommended. For the countermeasure areas, cultivation of non-edible crops such as garden trees, flowers, and fiber crops; land reformation; and heavy application of fine red earth (up to 30 cm) were strongly recommended. Land use techniques should be changed to be harmonious with the environment to increase yield and income. Soil function characteristics should be taken into account.