Surface runoff losses of copper and zinc in sandy soils

Increased anthropogenic inputs of Cu and Zn in soils have caused considerable concern relative to their effect on water contamination. Copper and Zn contents in surface soil directly influence the movement of Cu and Zn. However, minimal information is available on runoff losses of Cu and Zn in agricultural soils, and soil-extractable Cu and Zn in relation to runoff water quality. Field experiments were conducted in 2001 to study dissolved Cu and Zn losses in runoff in Florida sandy soils under commercial citrus and vegetable production and the relationship between soil-extractable Cu and Zn forms and dissolved Cu and Zn concentrations in runoff water. Five extraction methods were compared for extracting soil available Cu and Zn. Concentrations of dissolved Cu and Zn in runoff were measured and runoff discharge was monitored. Mean dissolved Cu in field runoff water was significantly correlated with the extractable Cu obtained only by 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2, Mehlich 1, or DTPA-TEA methods. Dissolved Zn in runoff water was only significantly correlated with extractable Zn by 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2. The highest correlations to dissolved Cu in runoff were obtained when soil-available Cu was extracted by 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2. The results indicate that 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2-extractable Cu and Zn are the best soil indexes for predicting readily released Cu and Zn in the sandy soils. Both runoff discharge and 0.01 mol L(-1) CaCl2-extractable Cu and Zn levels had significant influences on Cu and Zn loads in surface runoff.     

Temporal and spatial variations of nutrients in the Ten Mile Creek of South Florida, USA and effects on phytoplankton biomass

Water quality throughout south Florida has been a major concern for many years. Nutrient enrichment in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) is a major surface water issue and is suggested as a possible cause of symptoms of ecological degradation. In 2005-06, water samples were collected weekly from seven sites along Ten Mile Creek (TMC), which drains into the Indian River Lagoon, to investigate and analyze spatial and temporal fluctuations of nutrients nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The objective of this study was to understand the relationships among chlorophyll a concentration, nutrient enrichment and hydrological parameters in the surface water body.High median concentrations of total P (TP, 0.272 mg L(-1)), PO4-P (0.122 mg L(-1)), and dissolved total P (DTP, 0.179 mg L(-1)); and total N (TN, 0.988 mg L(-1)), NO3(-)-N (0.104 mg L(-1)), NH4+-N (0.103 mg L(-1)), and total Kjeldahl N (TKN, 0.829 mg L(-1)), were measured in TMC. The concentrations of TP, PO4-P, DTP, TN, NO3(-)-N, NH4+-N, and TKN were higher in summer and fall than in winter and spring. However, chlorophyll a and pheophytin concentrations during this period in TMC varied in the range of 0.000-60.7 and 0.000-17.4 microg L(-1), with their median values of 3.54 and 3.02 microg L(-1), respectively. The greatest mean chlorophyll a (10.3 microg L(-1)) and pheophytin (5.71 microg L(-1)) concentrations occurred in spring, while the lowest chlorophyll a (1.49 microg L(-1)) and pheophytin (1.97 mug L(-1)) in fall. High concentrations of PO4-P (>0.16 mg L(-1)), DTP (>0.24 mg L(-1)), NO3(-)-N (>0.15 mg L(-1)), NH4+-N (>0.12 mg L(-1)), and TKN (>0.96 mg L(-1)), occurred in the upstream of TMC, while high concentrations of chlorophyll a (>6.8 mug L(-l)) and pheophytin (>3.9 microg L(-l)) were detected in the downstream of TMC. The highest chlorophyll a (11.8 mug L(-l)) and pheophytin (6.06 microg L(-l)) concentrations, however, were associated with static and open water conditions. Hydrological parameters (total dissolved solid, electrical conductivity, salinity, pH, and water temperature) were positively correlated with chlorophyll a and pheophytin concentrations (P < 0.01) and these factors overshadowed the relationships between N and P concentrations and chlorophyll a under field conditions. Principal component analysis and the ratios of DIN/DP and TN/TP in the water suggest that N is the limiting nutrient factor for phytoplankton growth in the TMC and elevated N relative to P is beneficial to the growth of phytoplankton, which is supported by laboratory culture experiments under controlled conditions.     

Uptake and distribution of metals by water lettuce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistia stratiotes</Emphasis> L.)

Background, aim and scope  

Water quality impairment by heavy metal contamination is on the rise worldwide. Phytoremediation technology has been increasingly applied to remediate wastewater and stormwater polluted by heavy metals.     

Nutrients and nonessential elements in soil after 11 years of wastewater irrigation

Irrigation of citrus (Citrus aurantium L. × Citrus paradise Macf.) with urban reclaimed wastewater (RWW) can be economical and conserve fresh water. However, concerns remain regarding its deleterious effects on soil quality. We investigated the ionic speciation (ISP) of RWW and potential impacts of 11 yr of irrigation with RWW on soil quality, compared with well-water (WW) irrigation. Most of nutrients (～53-99%) in RWW are free ionic species and readily available for plant uptake, such as: NH(4+), NO(3-), K(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), SO(4)(2-), H(3)BO(3), Cl(-), Fe(2+), Mn(2+), Zn(2+), Co(2+), and Ni(2+), whereas more than about 80% of Cu, Cr, Pb, and Al are complexed with CO(3-), OH(-), and/or organic matter. The RWW irrigation increased the availability and total concentrations of nutrients and nonessential elements, and soil salinity and sodicity by two to three times compared with WW-irrigated soils. Although RWW irrigation changed many soil parameters, no difference in citrus yield was observed. The risk of negative impacts from RWW irrigation on soil quality appears to be minimal because of: (i) adequate quality of RWW, according to USEPA limits; (ii) low concentrations of metals in soil after 11 yr of irrigation with RWW; and (iii) rapid leaching of salts in RWW-irrigated soil during the rainy season.     

Dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) application in acidic sandy soil in reducing leaching of phosphorus and heavy metals—a column leaching study

A column leaching study was designed to investigate the leaching potential of phosphorus (P) and heavy metals from acidic sandy soils applied with dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) fertilizers containing varying amounts of DPR material and N-Viro soils. DPR fertilizers were made from DPR materials mixing with N-Viro soils at the ratios of 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 %, and applied in acidic sandy soils at the level of 100 mg available P per kilogram soil. A control and a soluble P chemical fertilizer were also included. The amended soils were incubated at room temperature with 70 % field water holding capacity for 21 days before packed into a soil column and subjected to leaching. Seven leaching events were conducted at days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, and 70, respectively, and 258.9 mL of deionized water was applied at each leaching events. The leachate was collected for the analyses of pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), major elements, and heavy metals. DPR fertilizer application resulted in elevations up to 1 unit in pH, 7–10 times in EC, and 20–40 times in K and Ca concentrations, but 3–10 times reduction in P concentration in the leachate as compared with the chemical fertilizer or the control. After seven leaching events, DPR fertilizers with adequate DPR materials significantly reduced cumulative leaching losses of Fe, P, Mn, Cu, and Zn by 20, 55, 3.7, 2.7, and 2.5 times than chemical fertilizer or control. Even though higher cumulative losses of Pb, Co, and Ni were observed after DPR fertilizer application, the loss of Pb, Co, and Ni in leachate was <0.10 mg (in total 1,812 mL leachate). Significant correlations of pH (negative) and DOC (positive) with Cu, Pb, and Zn (P?<?0.01) in leachate were observed. The results indicated that DPR fertilizers had a great advantage over the soluble chemical fertilizer in reducing P loss from the acidic sandy soil with minimal likelihood of heavy metal risk to the water environment. pH elevation and high dissolved organic carbon concentration in soils after DPR fertilizer application are two influential factors.     

Phytoremediation to remove nutrients and improve eutrophic stormwaters using water lettuce (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pistia stratiotes</Emphasis> L.)

Background, aim, and scope  

Water quality impairment by nutrient enrichment from agricultural activities has been a concern worldwide. Phytoremediation technology using aquatic plants in constructed wetlands and stormwater detention ponds is increasingly applied to remediate eutrophic waters. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness and potential of water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) in removing nutrients including nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from stormwater in the constructed water detention systems before it is discharged into the St. Lucie Estuary, an important surface water system in Florida, using phytoremediation technologies.     

Solubility of phosphorus and heavy metals in potting media amended with yard waste-biosolids compost

The potential risk of surface and ground water contamination by phosphorus (P) and heavy metals leached from compost-based containerized media has become an environmental concern. Solubility and fractionation of P and heavy metals were evaluated in media containing 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% compost derived from biosolids and yard trimmings for potential impacts on the environment. As compost proportion in peat-based media increased from 0 to 100%, concentrations of total P, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Mn in the media increased whereas concentrations of total Co and Cr decreased. Except for Cu, all heavy metals in the water-soluble fraction decreased with increasing compost proportion in the media, because of higher Fe, Al, and Ca concentrations and pH values of the composts than the peat. When the media pH is controlled and maintained at normal range of plant growth (5.5-6.5), leaching of the heavy metals is minimal. Incorporation of compost to the peat-based media also decreased the proportion of total P that was water-soluble. However, concentrations of bioavailable inorganic phosphorus (NaHCO3-IP), readily mineralizable organic phosphorus (NaHCO3-OP), potentially bioavailable inorganic phosphorus (NaOH-IP), and potentially bioavailable organic phosphorus (NaOH-OP) were still higher in the media amended with compost because of higher total P concentration in the compost. Further study is needed to verify if less or no topdressing of chemical P fertilizer should be applied to the compost-amended media to minimize P effect on the environment when compost-amended potting media are used for nursery or greenhouse crop production systems.     

Use of amendments to reduce leaching loss of phosphorus and other nutrients from a sandy soil in Florida

Goal, Scope and Background Transport of P from agricultural land contributes to the eutrophication of surface waters. Soil amendment is considered one of the best management practices (BMPs) to reduce P loss from sandy soils. Laboratory column leaching experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different soil amendments in reducing P leaching from a typical sandy soil in Florida. Methods The tested amendments were CaCl₂, CaCO₃, Al(OH)₃, cellulose, and mill mud, and applied at the rate of 15 g/kg for a single amendment and each 7.5 g/kg if two amendments were combined. Leaching was conducted every four days for 32 days, 250 mL of deionized water being leached for each column per leaching event. Leachates were collected from each leaching event and analyzed for reactive P, PO₄-P, and macro and micro-elements. Results and Discussion Except for the soils amended with CaCl₂, or CaCl₂+CaCO₃, reactive P and PO₄-P leaching losses mainly occurred in the first three leaching events. Phosphorus leaching from the soils amended with CaCl₂ or CaCl₂+CaCO₃ was less but more persistent than that of other amendments. Reactive Pleaching loss was reduced by 36.0% and 40.4% for the amendments of CaCl₂, and CaCl₂+CaCO₃, respectively, as compared with chemical fertilizer alone, and the corresponding values for PO₄-P were 70.8% and 71.9%. The concentrations of K, Mg, Cu, and Fe in leachate were also decreased by CaCl₂ or CaCl₂+CaCO₃ amendment. Among the seven amendments, CaCl₂, CaCO₃, or their combination were most effective in reducing P leaching from the sandy soil, followed by cellulose and Al(OH)₃, the effects of mill mud and mill mud + Al(OH)₃ were marginal. Conclusions These results indicate that the use of CaCl₂, CaCO₃, or their combination can significantly reduce P leaching from sandy soil, and should be considered in the development of BMPs for the sandy soil regions. Recommendations and Outlook Most agricultural soils in south Florida are very sandy with minimal holding capacities for moisture and nutrients. Repeated application of fertilizer is necessary to sustain desired yield of crops on these soils. However, eutrophication of fresh water systems in this area has been increasingly concerned by the public. Losses of P from agricultural fields by means of leaching and surface runoff are suspected as one of the important non-point contamination sources. The benefits and effectiveness of soil amendment in reducing P losses from cropping production systems while sustaining desired crop yield need to be demonstrated. Calcium chloride, CaCO₃, or their combination significantly reduce Pleaching from sandy soil, and should be considered in the development of BMPs for the sandy soil regions.     

Use of dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) fertilizers to reduce phosphorus leaching from sandy soil

There is increasing concern over P leaching from sandy soils applied with water-soluble P fertilizers. Laboratory column leaching experiments were conducted to evaluate P leaching from a typical acidic sandy soil in Florida amended with DPR fertilizers developed from dolomite phosphate rock (DPR) and N-Viro soil. Ten leaching events were carried out at an interval of 7 days, with a total leaching volume of 1,183 mm equivalent to the mean annual rainfall of this region during the period of 2001-2003. Leachates were collected and analyzed for total P and inorganic P. Phosphorus in the leachate was dominantly reactive, accounting for 67.7-99.9% of total P leached. Phosphorus leaching loss mainly occurred in the first three leaching events, accounting for 62.0-98.8% of the total P leached over the whole period. The percentage of P leached (in the total P added) from the soil amended with water-soluble P fertilizer was higher than those receiving the DPR fertilizers. The former was up to 96.6%, whereas the latter ranged from 0.3% to 3.8%. These results indicate that the use of N-Viro-based DPR fertilizers can reduce P leaching from sandy soils.     

Effects of pH, organic acids, and inorganic ions on lead desorption from soils

The desorption characteristics of lead in two variable charge soils (one developed from Arenaceous rock (RAR) and the other derived from Quaternary red earths (REQ)) were studied, and the effects of pH value, organic acid, and competitive ions were examined. Desorption of Pb(2+) decreased from nearly 100.0 to 20.0% within pH 1.0-4.0 in both soils, and then the decrease diminished at pH > 4.0. Organic ligands at relatively low concentrations (< or =10(-3) mol L(-1)) slightly inhibited Pb(2+) desorption, but enhanced Pb(2+) desorption at higher concentrations. In this study, citric acid or acetic acid at higher concentrations (>10(-3) mol L(-1)) had the greatest improvement of Pb(2+) desorption, followed by malic acid; and the smallest was oxalic acid. Desorption of the adsorbed Pb(2+) increased greatly with increasing concentrations of added Cu(2+) or Zn(2+). Applied Cu(2+) increased Pb(2+) desorption more than Zn(2+) at the same loading.