Dynamics of nitrogen in a PAHs contaminated soil amended with biosolid or vermicompost in the presence of earthworms

Nitrogen mineralization in PAHs contaminated soil in presence of Eisenia fetida amended with biosolid or vermicompost was investigated. Sterilized and unsterilized soil was contaminated with PAHs, added with E. fetida and biosolid or vermicompost and incubated aerobically for 70 days, while dynamics of inorganic N were monitored. Addition of E. fetida to sterilized soil increased concentration of NH(4)(+) 100> mg N kg(-1), while concentrations in unsterilized remained <60 mg N kg(-1) except for soil amended with biosolid plus PAHs where it increased to >80 mg kg(-1). Addition of PAHs had no significant effect on concentration of NH(4)(+) compared to the unamended soil, except in the soil added with biosolid. Addition of E. fetida to sterilized soil increased concentration of NO(2)(-) 15> mg N kg(-1) while concentrations in unsterilized soil remained <7.5 mg N kg(-1) except for soil amended with biosolid where it increased to >20 mg kg(-1). Addition of PAHs had no significant effect on concentration of NO(2)(-) compared to the unamended soil. Addition of biosolid and vermicompost increased concentration of NO(3)(-), while addition of E. fetida decreased concentration of NO(3)(-) in biosolid amended soil. It was found that NH(4)(+) and NO(2)(-) oxidizers were present in the gut of E. fetida, but their activity was not sufficient enough to inhibit a temporarily increase in concentrations of NH(4)(+) and NO(2)(-). Contamination with PAHs induced immobilization of N in biosolid or vermicompost amended soil, as did feeding of E. fetida on biosolid or vermicompost.     

Ability of biosolids and a cationic surfactant to modify methidathion leaching. Modelling with pescol

Packed columns were prepared with an agricultural soil to examine the ability of two organic soil modifiers, biosolid and the cationic surfactant tetradecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (TDTMA), to alter the leaching of the insecticide methidathion. Ion chloride was used as a tracer of water flow and the mathematical model PESCOL was selected to predict the mobility of the insecticide. The biosolid addition (SB column) delayed the breakthrough curves for methidathion with respect to the non-amended soil (S) column. The cationic surfactant TDTMA, alone or combined with the biosolid (SS and SBS) and previously incorporated in the soil column, caused the highest retardation of this pesticide in the soil columns. Theoretical retardation factors (TRf) were similar to the experimental Rf values for the S and SB columns, and predicted the high retention observed in the SBS and SS columns. The simulation with PESCOL predicted the experimental results.     

Photolytic degradation of quinalphos in natural waters and on soil matrices under simulated solar irradiation

The photochemical persistence of quinalphos, one of the most widely used organophosphorous insecticides, was investigated in a variety of environmental matrices such as natural waters and soils of different composition. Simulated solar irradiation was obtained using a xenon arc lamp (Suntest CPS+ apparatus) giving an irradiation intensity of 750 W m(-2) equivalent to a light dose per hour of irradiation of 2,700 kJ m(-2). The phototransformation rates were determined using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and ultrasonic extraction (USE) coupled to GC-FTD, while the identification of photoproducts was carried out by GC-MS. In water samples, the degradation kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order reaction and photolysis half-lives ranged between 11.6 and 19.0 h depending on the constitution of the irradiated media. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) has a predominant retarding effect, while nitrate ions accelerated the photodegradation kinetics. In soil samples, the degradation kinetics was monitored on 1mm soil layer prepared on glass TLC plates. The kinetic behaviour of quinalphos was complex and characterized by a double step photoreaction, fast in the first 4h of irradiation followed by a slow degradation rate up to 64 h. The photolysis half-life of quinalphos was shorter in sandy soil compared to the rest of the soil samples, varying between 16.9 and 47.5 h, and showing a strong dependence on the composition of the irradiated media. Among the transformation products formed mainly through photohydrolysis and photoisomerization processes, some photoproduct structures were proposed according to their mass spectral information.     

Concentrations of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes in biosolid amended soil,influent, effluent,receiving water,and sediment of wastewater treatment plants in Canada

A comprehensive surveillance program was conducted to determine the occurrence of three cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) in environmental compartments impacted by wastewater effluent discharges. Eleven wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), representative of those found in Southern Ontario and Southern Quebec, Canada, were investigated to determine levels of cVMS in their influents and effluents. In addition, receiving water and sediment impacted by WWTP effluents, and biosolid-amended soil from agricultural fields were also analyzed for a preliminary evaluation of the environmental exposure of cVMS in media impacted by wastewater effluent and solids. A newly-developed large volume injection (septumless head adapter and cooled injection system) gas chromatography – mass spectrometry method was used to avoid contamination originating from instrumental analysis. Concentrations of D4, D5, and D6 in influents to the 11 WWTPs were in the range 0.282–6.69 μg L⁻¹, 7.75–135 μg L⁻¹, and 1.53–26.9 μg L⁻¹, respectively. In general, wastewater treatment showed cVMS removal rates of greater than 92%, regardless of treatment type. The D4, D5, and D6 concentration ranges in effluent were <0.009–0.045 μg L⁻¹, <0.027–1.56 μg L⁻¹, and <0.022–0.093 μg L⁻¹, respectively. The concentrations in receiving water influenced by effluent, were lower compared to those in effluent in most cases, with the ranges <0.009–0.023 μg L⁻¹, <0.027–1.48 μg L⁻¹, and <0.022–0.151 μg L⁻¹ for D4, D5, and D6, respectively. Sediment concentrations ranged from <0.003–0.049 μg g⁻¹ dw, 0.011–5.84 μg g⁻¹ dw, and 0.004–0.371 μg g⁻¹ dw for D4, D5, and D6, respectively. The concentrations in biosolid-amended soil, having values of <0.008–0.017 μg g⁻¹ dw, <0.007–0.221 μg g⁻¹ dw, and <0.009–0.711 μg g⁻¹ dw for D4, D5, and D6, respectively, were lower than those in sediment impacted by wastewater effluent in most cases. In comparison with the no-observed-effected concentrations (NOEC) and IC50 (concentration that causes 50% inhibition of the response) values, the potential risks to aquatic, sediment-dwelling, and terrestrial organisms from these reported concentrations are low.     

Response of microbial activities to heavy metals in a neutral loamy soil treated with biosolid

Application of biosolid on land has been widespread in numerous countries for last several decades. This study performed incubation experiments by mixing a neutral loamy soil and biosolid enriched in Cu, Pb and Zn to explore how heavy metal affects soil mineralization and microbial biomass. The experimental results indicated that large nutrient, microorganism and C sources from biosolid were beneficial to microbial respiration. However, compared to the biosolid alone treatment, the supplemented Cu, Pb and Zn in biosolid reduced the mineralized C by roughly 36%. This phenomenon was probably caused by a portion of the Cu, Pb and Zn being complexed with organic matter to prevent decomposition of organic carbon by microorganisms. Equally, soil treated with biosolid increased the quantity of mineralized N by approximately five-fold and accelerated the rate of N mineralization by about one-fold compared to untreated soil. Notably, addition of heavy metals impaired the mineralization process, particularly when Pb reached about 64%. The reduced N mineralization occurred for similar reasons to the microbial respiration. The addition of biosolid in soil considerably increased the amount of mineralizable N; however, the increase was lower in biosolid-treated soil spiked by heavy metals. The addition of heavy metals in the soil-biosolid mixture clearly reduced the microbial biomasses C (MBC) and N (MBN), indicating that the microbial activities had been disrupted by the heavy metals. The microbial biomass C/N ratio had changed initially from 8 to 13 at the end of incubation period, owing to various groups of microbes expressing different mechanisms of metabolism, indicating that the microbial population had changed from bacteria to fungi, which had higher metal tolerance.     

Fractionation and mobility of phosphorus in a sandy forest soil amended with biosolids

Goal, Scope and Background Biosolids, i.e., treated sewage sludge, are commonly used as a fertilizer and amendment to improve soil productivity. Application of biosolids to meet the nitrogen (N) requirements of crops can lead to accumulation of phosphorus (P) in soils, which may result in P loss to water bodies. Since 1996, biosolids have been applied to a Pinus radiata D. Don plantation near Nelson City, New Zealand, in an N-deficient sandy soil. To investigate sustainability of the biosolids application programme, a long-term research trial was established in 1997, and biosolids were applied every three years, at three application rates, including control (no biosolids), standard and high treatments, based on total N loading. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated application of biosolids on P mobility in the sandy soil. Materials and Methods Soil samples were collected in August 2004 from the trial site at depths of 0–10, 10–25, 25–50, 50–75, and 75–100 cm. The soil samples were analysed for total P (TP), plant-available P (Olsen P and Mehlich 3 P), and various P fractions (water-soluble, bioavailable, Fe and Al-bound, Ca-bound, and residual) using a sequential P fractionation procedure. Results and Discussion Soil TP and Olsen P in the high biosolids treatment (equivalent to 600 kg N ha⁻¹ applied every three years) had increased significantly (P<0.05) in both 0–10 cm and 10–25 cm layers. Mehlich 3 P in soil of the high treatment had increased significantly only at 0–10 cm. Olsen P appeared to be more sensitive than Mehlich 3 P as an indicator of P movement in a soil profile. Phosphorus fractionation revealed that inorganic P (Al/Fe-bound P and Ca-bound P) and residual P were the main P pools in soil, whereas water-soluble P accounted for approximately 70% of TP in biosolids. Little organic P was found in either the soil or biosolids. Concentrations of water-soluble P, bioavailable inorganic P (NaHCO₃ Pi) and potentially bioavailable inorganic P (NaOH Pi) in both 0–10 and 10–25 cm depths were significantly higher in the high biosolids treatment than in the control. Mass balance calculation indicated that most P applied with biosolids was retained by the top soil (0–25 cm). The standard biosolids treatment (equivalent to 300 kg N ha⁻¹ applied every three years) had no significant effect on concentrations of TP, Mehlich 3 P and Olsen P, and P fractions in soil. Conclusions The results indicate that the soil had the capacity to retain most biosolids-derived P, and there was a minimal risk of P losses via leaching in the medium term in the sandy forest soil because of the repeated biosolids application, particularly at the standard rate. Recommendations and Perspectives Application to low-fertility forest land can be used as an environmentally friendly option for biosolids management. When biosolids are applied at a rate to meet the N requirement of the tree crop, it can take a very long time before the forest soil is saturated with P. However, when a biosolids product contains high concentrations of P and is applied at a high rate, the forest ecosystem may not have the capacity to retain all P applied with biosolids in the long term. ESS-Submission Editor: Dr. Jean-Paul Schwitzguébel jean-paul.schwitzguebel@epfl.ch     

Influence of redox potential (Eh) on the availability of arsenic species in soils and soils amended with biosolid

A study was done on the influence of redox potential on the mobility and availability of the various arsenic chemical forms in a Mollisol soil from central Chile amended with biosolid. Arsenic availability was strongly dependent on the applied redox potential. As expected, under reducing conditions (-200 mV vs Hg/Hg(2)Cl(2)) arsenic availability increased significantly, and arsenic was found mainly as arsenite. On the contrary under oxidizing conditions (200 mV vs Hg/Hg(2)Cl(2)) arsenic solubility decreased markedly and was governed by the presence of arsenate. The greatest concentration of organic arsenic species was found under reducing conditions, which would indicate that methylated species may participate in the transformation of arsenate to arsenite. In biosolid-amended soils the concentrations of methylated species increased as a function of time under reducing conditions, which can be attributed to the greater microbial activity resulting from the organic matter supply from the biosolid to soil. In all the systems, a high concentration of As(V) was found under reducing conditions, indicating that the chemical kinetics for the conversion of arsenate to arsenite is slow. Along time, the content of As(V) increased in the control soils, which may be attributed to the possible dissolution of iron oxides and hydroxides under reducing conditions.     

Comparison of microbial indicators under two water regimes in a soil amended with combined paper mill sludge and decomposed cow manure

An incubation study was conducted under laboratory conditions to compare the effects of soil amendment of combined paper mill sludge (PS) and decomposed cow manure (DCM) on selected microbial indicators. A lateritic soil (Typic Haplustalf) was amended with 0 (control), 20 or 80tha(-1) (wet weight) of PS or DCM. The amended soils were then adjusted to 60% water holding capacity (WHC) or submerged conditions, and incubated at 27 degrees C in dark for up to 120days (d). The microbial biomass C (MBC), the basal soil respiration and the enzyme activities of the beta-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and sulphatase were analyzed at day 15, 30, 45, 60 and 120. Compared to the unamended soil (control), the MBC, the basal soil respiration and the enzyme activities increased with the rate of PS and DCM. At similar rate, the DCM treatment increased significantly the MBC, the soil respiration and the enzyme activities compared to the PS treatment. Also, the water regimes affected the microbial activities. At 60% WHC, the MBC and soil respiration increased during the first 30d and decreased thereafter. The enzyme activities showed similar trends, where they increased for the first 60d, and decreased thereafter. In contrast, under submerged condition, the MBC and enzymes activities declined during 120d, whereas the soil respiration increased. Compared to the control, the used of PS and DCM had no negative impact of the soil microbial parameters, even at the highest application rate. Long-term field experiments are required to confirm these laboratory results.     

Competitive biodegradation of dichlobenil and atrazine coexisting in soil amended with a char and citrate

The role of char nutrients in the biodegradation of coexisting dichlobenil and atrazine in a soil by their respective bacterial degraders, DDN and ADP, was evaluated. Under growing conditions, their degradation in soil extract was slow with <40% and <20% degraded within 64 h, respectively. The degradation in extracts and slurries of char-amended solids increased with increasing char content, due to nutritional stimulation on microbial activities. By supplementing soil extract with various major nutrients, the measured degradation demonstrated that P was the exclusive limiting nutrient. The reduction in the degradation of coexisting dichlobenil and atrazine resulted apparently from the competitive utilization of P by DDN and ADP. With a shorter lag phase, ADP commenced growing earlier than DDN with the advantage of utilizing P first in insufficient supply. This resulted in an inhibition on the growth of DDN and thus suppression on dichlobenil degradation.     

Leaching of benzimidazole antiparasitics in soil columns and in soil columns amended with sheep excreta

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Benzimidazoles are anthelmintics frequently used in sheep farming due to the high susceptibility of these animals to parasitic diseases. Sheep excreta...     

Microbial biomass and activity in a Brazilian soil amended with untreated and composted textile sludge

This laboratory study examines the effect of application of untreated and composted textile sludge on microbial biomass and activity in a Brazilian soil. The soil was amended with untreated and composted sludge at rates equivalent of 6.4t ha(-1) (0.64 g per 100g of soil) and 19t ha(-1) (1.90 g per 100g of soil), respectively, and were incubated at 28 degrees C for 60 days and daily sampled for microbial activity. An additional experiment, in the same condition, was conduced for evaluation of microbial biomass and enumeration of microorganisms at 15, 30 and 60 days after incubation. The application of composted sludge increased significantly the microbial biomass and activity, and bacteria number of soil. There were not differences in the microbial activity and bacteria number among the control and untreated sludge amended soils. In conclusion, after 2 months of incubation, the effects of the two amendments on soil microorganisms were: microbial biomass, soil respiration and bacteria number were increased only in composted sludge treated soil. qCO2 and fungi number were not affected by untreated and composted sludge.     

Environmental photochemistry of fluoroquinolones in soil and in aqueous soil suspensions under solar light

The photodegradation fate of widely used fluoroquinolone (FQ) drugs has been studied both at the water–soil interface and in soil at actual concentrations (500 ng g^?1) under natural solar light. Both human and veterinary drugs have been examined, namely ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin, enrofloxacin, levofloxacin, marbofloxacin and moxifloxacin. After spiking and irradiation, samples were submitted to microwave-assisted extraction and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to fluorescence detection (HPLC–FD). FQs degradation was faster in aqueous soil suspension than in neat soil (but lower than in “clean” water). A number of byproducts were identified by HPLC electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry after a post-extraction cleanup based on a molecularly imprinted polymer phase, for a more accurate detection. The distribution in the suspension was intermediate between those observed in soils and in aqueous solutions.     

施用城市污泥堆肥对土壤微生物群落结构变化的影响

在温室条件下进行了15周的盆栽实验,考察了施用城市污泥堆肥后,土壤中养分含量的变化规律,重点研究了施用城市污泥堆肥对土壤微生物群落结构变化的影响。实验发现,污泥堆肥能改善土壤养分,有机质和氮、磷含量得到显著提高。经PCR—DGGE分析,施肥1周后土壤中细菌和真菌的群落结构均发生了较大的变化。随着施肥时间的延长,细菌在富含有机质及氮、磷等养分的土壤环境下大量生长,多样性提高,其优势菌群属于γ变形菌、α变形菌和芽单胞菌;随着有机质的不断消耗,细菌的生长活性受到抑制,最终由于养分的缺乏,细菌种群多样性呈现小幅度的降低,优势菌群变为绿弯菌门、γ变形菌亚纲和厚壁菌门。对于真菌,其多样性指数在堆肥前3周逐渐提升,在第3～12周的监测中呈现相对稳定的变化趋势,优势菌群主要为座囊菌纲和散囊菌纲。     

The fate of nitrogen in a moderately alkaline and calcareous soil amended with biosolids and urea

The determination of nitrogen (N) based loading rates for land application of biosolids is challenging and site specific. Over loading may contribute to environmental, agricultural, or human health problems. The objective of this study was to monitor N mineralization and losses in a moderately alkaline and calcareous desert soil amended with either anaerobically digested (AN) or lime-stabilized (LS) biosolids, and irrigated with and without urea enriched water. For Experiment 1, N inputs, leaching and residuals in soil were evaluated in an open soil column system. For Experiment 2, ammonia (NH₃) emissions were evaluated in a closed soil column system. In Experiment 1, AN and LS biosolids increased soil ON (organic N) by three and two fold, respectively. Respective net N mineralization of ON from biosolids alone was 90% and 62% without urea, and 71% and 77%, respectively with added urea. Nitrogen leaching losses and residuals in amended soil did not account for all N inputs into the soil/biosolids system. In Experiment 2, NH₃ emissions were not significantly different among treated soils with or without added urea, except LS amended soil receiving urea. Ammonia losses did not account for unaccounted N in Experiment 1. We concluded that deep placement and rapid mineralization of AN biosolids promoted anaerobic soil conditions and denitrification, in addition to the high denitrification potential of desert soil. LS biosolids showed greater potential than AN biosolids for safe and beneficial land application to desert soils regardless of biosolids placement and the inclusion of N rich irrigation water.     

施用城市污泥堆肥对土壤微生物群落结构变化的影响简

在温室条件下进行了15周的盆栽实验,考察了施用城市污泥堆肥后,土壤中养分含量的变化规律,重点研究了施用城市污泥堆肥对土壤微生物群落结构变化的影响。实验发现,污泥堆肥能改善土壤养分,有机质和氮、磷含量得到显著提高。经PCR-DGGE分析,施肥1周后土壤中细菌和真菌的群落结构均发生了较大的变化。随着施肥时间的延长,细菌在富含有机质及氮、磷等养分的土壤环境下大量生长,多样性提高,其优势菌群属于γ变形菌、α变形菌和芽单胞菌;随着有机质的不断消耗,细菌的生长活性受到抑制,最终由于养分的缺乏,细菌种群多样性呈现小幅度的降低,优势菌群变为绿弯菌门、γ变形菌亚纲和厚壁菌门。对于真菌,其多样性指数在堆肥前3周逐渐提升,在第3~12周的监测中呈现相对稳定的变化趋势,优势菌群主要为座囊菌纲和散囊菌纲。     

Fate of pyrene in contaminated soil amended with alternate electron acceptors

Creosote-contaminated soil samples from the Libby Ground Water Contamination Superfund Site in Libby, MT, were amended with the potential alternate electron acceptors (AEA) nitrate (KNO3), manganese oxide (MnO2), and amorphous iron oxyhydroxide (FeOOH) and incubated at low oxygen tensions (0-6% O2). The fate of 14C-pyrene was evaluated with respect to the different soil amendments. The fate of 14C from the radiolabeled pyrene with regard to mineralization and bound residue formation within soil humic fractions was not significantly different from controls for the iron and manganese amended soils. Nitrate amendments appeared to stimulate 14C-pyrene mineralization at a level of 170 mg NO3-N kg(-1), and inhibit mineralization at 340 mg NO3-N kg(-1). The stimulatory effect did not appear to be the result of nitrate serving as an electron acceptor. Although AEA amendments did not significantly affect the rate or extent of 14C-pyrene mineralization, results of oxygen-deprived incubations (purged with N2) indicate that AEA may be utilized by the microbial community in the unsaturated contaminated soil system.     

Heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation of cyprodinil and fludioxonil in leaching water under solar irradiation

The efficiency of ZnO and TiO₂ suspensions in the photocatalytic degradation of two fungicides (cyprodinil and fludioxonil) in leaching water was investigated. The experiments were carried out at pilot plant scale using compound parabolic collectors under natural sunlight. The blank experiments for both irradiated compounds solutions showed that both oxides strongly enhanced the removal of the fungicides. The addition of an oxidant (Na₂S₂O₈) to the ZnO or TiO₂ increased the rate of photooxidation. The degradation of cyprodinil and fludioxonil followed first order kinetics according to the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model. Complete degradation of both fungicides was achieved within 4 h (t_30W = 18 min) when treated with illuminated ZnO. The disappearance time (DT₇₅), when referred to the normalized illumination time (t_30W), was lower than 40 and 550 min (t_30W = 2 and 40 min) for both fungicides using ZnO or TiO₂, respectively. ZnO appeared to be more effective in cyprodinil and fludioxonil oxidation than TiO₂ probably due to its nonstoichiometry.     

Combined effect of diuron and simazine on photosystem II photochemistry in a sandy soil and soil amended with solid olive-mill waste

Diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)- = 1,1-dimethylurea) and simazine (6-chloro-N(2), N(4)-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) are soil-applied herbicides used in olive crops. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of these herbicides on Photosystem II photochemistry of Olea europaea L., and whether the amendment of soil with an organic waste (OW) from olive oil production industry modifies this effect. For this purpose, herbicide soil adsorption studies, with unamended and OW-amended soil, and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in adult olive leaves, after one, two and three weeks of soil herbicide treatment and/or OW amendment, were performed. Soil application of these herbicides reduced the efficiency of Photosystem II photochemistry of olive trees due to chronic photoinhibition, and this effect is counterbalanced by the addition of OW to the soil. OW reduces herbicide uptake by the plant due to an increase in herbicide adsorption.     

Combined effect of diuron and simazine on photosystem II photochemistry in a sandy soil and soil amended with solid olive-mill waste

Diuron (3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)- = 1,1-dimethylurea) and simazine (6-chloro-N ², N ⁴-diethyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine) are soil-applied herbicides used in olive crops. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of these herbicides on Photosystem II photochemistry of Olea europaea L., and whether the amendment of soil with an organic waste (OW) from olive oil production industry modifies this effect. For this purpose, herbicide soil adsorption studies, with unamended and OW-amended soil, and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements in adult olive leaves, after one, two and three weeks of soil herbicide treatment and/or OW amendment, were performed. Soil application of these herbicides reduced the efficiency of Photosystem II photochemistry of olive trees due to chronic photoinhibition, and this effect is counterbalanced by the addition of OW to the soil. OW reduces herbicide uptake by the plant due to an increase in herbicide adsorption.