Effects of elevated CO2, nitrogen supply and tropospheric ozone on spring wheat-II. Nutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn)

CO(2) enrichment is expected to alter leaf demand for nitrogen and phosphorus in plant species with C(3) carbon dioxide fixation pathway, thus possibly causing nutrient imbalances in the tissues and disturbance of distribution and redistribution patterns within the plants. To test the influence of CO(2) enrichment and elevated tropospheric ozone in combination with different nitrogen supply, spring wheat (Tritium aestivum L. cv. Minaret) was exposed to three levels of CO(2) (361, 523, and 639 microl litre(-1), 24 h mean from sowing to final harvest), two levels of ozone (28.4 and 51.3 nl litre(-1)) and two levels of nitrogen supply (150 and 270 kg ha(-1)) in a full-factorial design in open-top field chambers. Additional fertilization experiments (120, 210, and 330 kg N ha(-1)) were carried out at low and high CO(2) levels. Macronutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg) and three micronutrients (Mn, Fe, Zn) were analysed in samples obtained at three different developmental stages: beginning of shoot elongation, anthesis, and ripening. At each harvest, plant samples were separated into different organs (green and senescent leaves, stem sections, ears, grains). According to analyses of tissue concentrations at the beginning of shoot elongation, the plants were sufficiently equipped with nutrients. Elevated ozone levels neither affected tissue concentrations nor shoot uptake of the nutrients. CO(2) and nitrogen treatments affected nutrient uptake, distribution and redistribution in a complex manner. CO(2) enrichment increased nitrogen-use efficiency and caused a lower demand for nitrogen in green tissues which was reflected in a decrease of critical nitrogen concentrations, lower leaf nitrogen concentrations and lower nitrogen pools in the leaves. Since grain nitrogen uptake during grain filling depended completely on redistribution from vegetative pools in green tissues, grain nitrogen concentrations fell considerably with severe implications for grain quality. Ca, S, Mg and Zn in green tissues were influenced by CO(2) enrichment in a similar manner to nitrogen. Phosphorus concentrations in green tissues, on the other hand, were not, or only slightly, affected by elevated CO(2). In stems, 'dilution' of all nutrients except manganese was observed, caused by the huge accumulation of water soluble carbohydrates, mainly fructans, in these tissues under CO(2) enrichment. Whole shoot uptake was either remarkably increased (K, Mn, P, Mg), nearly unaffected (N, S, Fe, Zn) or decreased (Ca) under CO(2) enrichment. Thus, nutrient cycling in plant-soil systems is expected to be altered under CO(2) enrichment.     

Effects of chronic ozone exposure on growth, root respiration and nutrient uptake of rice plants

To clarify the response of growth and root functions to low concentrations of ozone (O(3)), rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) were exposed to O(3) at 0.0 (control), 0.05 and 0.10 ppm for 8 weeks from vegetative to early heading stages. Exposure to 0.05 ppm O(3) tended to slightly stimulate the dry weight of whole plants up to 5 weeks and then slightly decrease the dry weight of whole plants. However, these effects were statistically significant only at 6 weeks. Exposure to 0.10 ppm O(3) reduced the dry weight of whole plants by 50% at 5 and 6 weeks, and thereafter the reduction of the dry weight of whole plants was gradually alleviated. Those changes in dry weight can be accounted for by a decrease or increase in the relative growth rate (RGR). The changes in the RGR caused by 0.05 and 0.10 ppm O(3) could be mainly attributed to the effect of O(3) on the net assimilation rate. Root/shoot ratio was lowered by both 0.05 and 0.10 ppm O(3) throughout the exposure period. The root/shoot ratio which had severely decreased at 0.10 ppm O(3) in the first half period of exposure (1-4 weeks) became close to the control in the latter part of exposure (5-8 weeks). Time-course changes in NH(4)-N root uptake rate were similar to those in the root/shoot ratio especially for 0.10 ppm O(3). On the other hand, root respiration increased from the middle to later periods. Since it is to be supposed that plants grown under stressed conditions change the ratio of plant organ weight to achieve balance between the proportion of shoots to roots in the plant and their activity for maintaining plant growth, these changes in root/shoot ratio and nitrogen uptake rate under long-term exposure can be considered to be an adaptive response to maintain rice growth under O(3) stress.     

Effects of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae on growth and metal uptake by four plant species in copper mine tailings

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in encouraging revegetation of copper (Cu) mine tailings. Two native plant species, Coreopsis drummondii and Pteris vittata, together with a turf grass, Lolium perenne and a leguminous plant Trifolium repens associated with and without AMF Glomus mosseae were grown in Cu mine tailings to assess mycorrhizal effects on plant growth, mineral nutrition and metal uptake. Results indicated that symbiotic associations were successfully established between G. mosseae and all plants tested, and mycorrhizal colonization markedly increased plant dry matter yield except for L. perenne. The beneficial impacts of mycorrhizal colonization on plant growth could be largely explained by both improved P nutrition and decreased shoot Cu, As and Cd concentrations. The experiment provided evidence for the potential use of local plant species in combination with AMF for ecological restoration of metalliferous mine tailings.     

Effects of copper and palladium on the reduction of bromate by Fe(0)

Bromate reduction by Fe(0) with incorporation of copper or palladium was investigated in batch tests. The incorporation of copper led to an increase in the rate of bromate reduction, while incorporation of palladium did not show any effect on bromate reduction by Fe(0), regardless of the bimetal application techniques (either simultaneous addition of Cu(II) or Pd(IV) into the Fe-BrO3- reaction system or using copper or palladium amended iron for bromate removal). Surface analyses by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) techniques indicated that aqueous Cu(II) was reduced and incorporated into the iron surface to form Cu2O and Cu(0). Among these two species, pure Cu(0) is not an active electron donor to the bromate reduction reaction, as shown by there being no reduction from using Cu(0) powders alone and no enhancement by Fe(0) when physically mixed with Cu(0). Although it has been proposed in the literature that the enhancement of adsorption also contributes to the enhancement of chemical reduction, this is not the case here because adsorption decreased when Cu increased. The enhanced bromate reduction rate in the presence of copper observed here is most likely the result of the newly formed active Cu(I). The presence of PdO was evidenced by XPS but yielded no enhancement in bromate reduction. Finally, the Cu2O present on the iron surface because of copper impurities in commercially available iron was found to be involved in the bromate reduction and to accelerate the reduction rate.     

Interactive effects of aluminum, phosphorus and mycorrhizae on growth and nutrient uptake of Panicum virgatum L. (Poaceae)

The effects of Al on Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), a widespread perennial grass, were determined in relation to factors which might interact with Al in the soil. Plants were grown for 8 weeks in sand culture and were treated with 3 Al levels (0.5, 2.0, 5.0 mM), 2 P levels (0.065, 0.161 mM), 2 inoculum types (vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) inoculum or VAM-free soil inoculum) and 2 inoculum sources (a high Al forest in NY or a low Al forest in Ohio) in a factorial design. Plant growth decreased with increasing Al and increased with increasing P, but the Al effect was less at high P than low P. VAM-inoculated plants outgrew non-VAM plants, especially at low and medium Al levels. Total P and Ca uptake decreased with increasing Al concentration, especially at low P levels. VAM inoculation did not result in increased P uptake at any Al level though VAM plants took up significantly more Ca than non-VAM plants at any Al level. VAM plants had lower tissue Al concentrations and took up less Al than non-VAM plants; Al uptake increased with increasing soil Al in non-VAM plants but not in VAM plants. Plants given inoculum from the high Al site had significantly lower tissue Al than plants given the low Al site inoculum, regardless of VAM status. We conclude that the presence of a VAM infection, moderate levels of soil P, and the source of the inoculum can reduce the effects of soluble Al. We discuss potential physiological and edaphic mechanisms by which Al may be immobilized and Ca availability increased in the presence of VAM fungi and other soil microflora.     

Effects of elevated soil copper on phenology,growth and reproduction of five ruderal plant species

The repeated use of copper (Cu) fungicides to control vine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, has been responsible for the heavy increase of Cu concentration in the upper layers of vineyard soils. To determine the effects of elevated soil Cu on plant development, we created an artificial soil gradient with Cu enrichments ranging from 0 to 400 mg kg-1. On this gradient, and for five ruderal plant species commonly found in vineyards in southern France (Poa annua L., Dactylis glomerata L., Senecio vulgaris L., Hypochoeris radicata L., and Andryala integriflolia L.), we quantified survival, growth, and reproduction throughout one flowering season. High concentrations of Cu in the soil resulted in low survival, low total plant biomass, delay in flowering and fruiting, and low seed set. However, the effects differed among species. Furthermore, high soil Cu concentrations had contrasting effects on patterns of resource allocation depending on the plant species.     

Impact of spiked concentrations of Cd,Pb, As and Zn in growth medium on elemental uptake of Nasturtium officinale (Watercress)

This study is aimed at investigating the impact of water quality on the uptake and distribution of three non-essential and toxic elements, namely, As, Cd and Pb in the watercress plant to assess for metal toxicity. The plant was hydroponically cultivated under greenhouse conditions, with the growth medium being spiked with varying concentrations of As, Cd and Pb. Plants that were harvested weekly for elemental analysis showed physiological and morphological symptoms of toxicity on exposure to high concentrations of Cd and Pb. Plants exposed to high concentrations of As did not survive and the threshold for As uptake in watercress was established at 5 ppm. Translocation factors were low in all cases as the toxic elements accumulated more in the roots of the plant than the edible leaves. The impact of Zn on the uptake of toxic elements was also evaluated and Zn was found to have an antagonistic effect on uptake of both Cd and Pb with no notable effect on uptake of As. The findings indicate that phytotoxicity or death of the watercress plant would prevent it from being a route of human exposure to high concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in the environment.     

Effects of phosphorus amendments and plant growth on the mobility of Pb, Cu, and Zn in a multi-metal-contaminated soil

Purpose

Phosphorus amendments have been widely and successfully used in immobilization of one single metal (e.g., Pb) in contaminated soils. However, application of P amendments in the immobilization of multiple metals and particularly investigations about the effects of planting on the stability of the initially P-induced immobilized metals in the contaminated soils are far limited.

Methods

This study was conducted to determine the effects of phosphate rock tailing (PR), triple superphosphate fertilizer (TSP), and their combination (P+T) on mobility of Pb, Cu, and Zn in a multimetal-contaminated soil. Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) (metal-sensitive) and Chinese kale (Brassica alboglabra Bailey) (metal-resistant) were introduced to examine the effects of planting on leaching of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the P-amended soils.

Results

All three P treatments greatly reduced CaCl₂-extractable Pb and Zn by 55.2?C73.1% and 14.3?C33.6%, respectively. The PR treatment decreased CaCl₂-extractable Cu by 27.8%, while the TSP and P+T treatments increased it by 47.2% and 44.4%, respectively. All three P treatments were effective in reducing simulated rainwater leachable Pb, with dissolved and total leachable Pb decrease by 15.6?C81.9% and 16.3?C64.5%, respectively. The PR treatment reduced the total leachable Zn by 16.8%, while TSP and P+T treatments increased Zn leaching by 92.7% and 78.9%, respectively. However, total Cu leaching were elevated by 17.8?C178% in all P treatments. Planting promoted the leaching of Pb and Cu by 98.7?C127% and 23.5?C170%, respectively, especially in the colloid fraction, whereas the leachable Zn was reduced by 95.3?C96.5% due to planting. The P treatments reduced the uptake of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the aboveground parts of Chinese cabbage by up to 65.1%, 34.3%, and 9.59%, respectively. Though P treatments were effective in reducing Zn concentrations in the aboveground parts of the metal-resistant Chinese kale by 22.4?C28.9%, they had little effect on Pb and Cu uptake.

Conclusions

The results indicated that all P treatments were effective in immobilizing Pb. The effect on the immobilization of Cu and Zn varied with the different P treatments and evaluation methods. Metal-sensitive plants are more responsive to the P treatments than metal-resistant plants. Planting affects leaching of metals in the P-amended soils, specially leaching of colloid fraction. The conventional assessment on leaching risks of heavy metals by determining dissolved metals (filtered through 0.45-??m pore size membrane) in leachates could be underestimated since colloid fraction may also contribute to the leaching.     

Emission inventory of eight elements,Fe, Al,K, Mg,Mn, Na,Ca and Ti,in dust source region of East Asia

Based on calculation of the emission rate of the atmospheric mineral dust and the data of elemental contents in surface soils, this paper calculates the emission inventory of eight main elements of the atmospheric dust, Fe, Al, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ca and Ti, in the dust source region of East Asia. As the dust sources in both Northern China and the Southern Mongolia are of three types and, in each of the six source type areas, surface soils are relatively uniform in soil types and soil texture, a simple method to calculate the emission of an element in one source type area is proposed by multiplying the total emission of the dust PM₁₀ and PM₅₀ in the source type area with the mean percentage content of the element in surface soils of the area. Comparison of our calculation of the total Fe emission in the source region of East Asia with the total Fe deposition to the North Pacific Ocean, measured and calculated by previous authors, shows very good agreement. This general method can also be used for the emission calculation of any other element.     

Effects of Cd2+ on K+, Ca2+ and N uptake in two halophytes Sesuvium portulacastrum and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum: consequences on growth

One of the limits of Cd2+-phytoextraction is the high toxicity of this metal to plants. Growth restriction, chlorosis and necrosis are usually accompanied with a large disturbance of the uptake of essential elements. This work aims to study the effects of cadmium (Cd2+) on potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and nitrogen (N) acquisition, and their consequences on growth in two halophytes species: Sesuvium portulacastrum and Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Seedlings were grown for 30 days in split-root conditions. One half of the root system was immersed in complete nutrient solution (Basal medium (B)) supplemented with 100 microM Cd2+, and the other half was immersed in a Cd2+-free medium, containing all nutrients (B/Cd plants) or deprived of potassium ((B-K)/Cd) or calcium ((B-Ca)/Cd) or nitrogen ((B-N)/Cd). Using this approach, we demonstrated that K+ and Ca2+ uptake was impaired in roots exposed to Cd2+. Concerning N, we noticed no indication of uptake inhibition by Cd2+. However, restriction of K+ uptake by roots was compensated by an increase in the K+-use efficiency, so that growth was not inhibited. Calcium uptake was strongly limited by Cd2. This inhibition was accompanied by a reduction in growth of ((B-Ca)/Cd) plants. Thus, we conclude that Cd2+ limits growth of both halophytes through restriction imposed on Ca2+ uptake. We suggest that the increase of Ca2+ availability in soils could improve the growth of both species in the presence of Cd2+. This would be essential for improving their utility for extraction of this metal by from salty contaminated soils.     

Effects of major nutrient additions on metal uptake in phytoplankton

We examined the influences of major nutrients (N, P, Si) on the accumulation of three trace metals [Cd, Se(IV), and Zn] in four species of marine phytoplankton (diatom, green alga, dinoflagellate, prasinophyte). Relative metal uptake was quantified by the kinetic measurements of metal concentration factor over a short exposure period. Our study demonstrated that nutrient addition significantly influenced the metal uptake rate and the cell growth rate in all four phytoplankton species. An increase in ambient N concentration considerably enhanced metal uptake by the cells. The dry weight concentration factor increased by 2.4-14.9 times for Cd, 1.1-4.0 times for Se, and 1.1-5.4 times for Zn in all four phytoplankton species with an addition of 176.4 microM N. The effects of P or Si addition on metal uptake and cell growth were less pronounced than the effects of N addition. Under most circumstances the rate of metal uptake increased exponentially with increasing cell growth rate constant. Only Se(IV) uptake in the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum was not correlated with cell growth rate. Se(IV) was not accumulated by the green algae Chlorella autotrophica at a high P concentration (7.2 microM), but appreciable accumulation was documented in cells inoculated without P addition. Our study therefore demonstrated that nutrient enrichments in many coastal waters can considerably affect trace metal uptake in phytoplankton and presumably metal trophic transfer in marine food chains.     

Improvement of rape (Brassica napus) plant growth and cadmium uptake by cadmium-resistant bacteria

This study focuses on the screening of cadmium-resistance bacterial strains from heavy metal-polluted soils to examine their plant growth promotion and cadmium uptake in rape (Brassica napus). A large number of bacteria were isolated from heavy metal-polluted soil in Nanjing, China. Thirty isolates showing cadmium-resistance on Cd-amended medium were selected and evaluated for their potential to solubilize cadmium carbonate in solution culture. Atomic absorption spectrometer analysis showed variable amounts of water-soluble Cd (ranging from 24 to 117 mg l(-1)) released by the cadmium-resistant bacterial strains from cadmium carbonate. Qualitative analysis confirmed the presence of indole acetic acid as the auxin in the culture of these cadmium-resistant bacterial strains. Root elongation assay conducted on rape under gnotobiotic conditions demonstrated increases (up to 31%) in root elongation of inoculated rape seedlings compared to the control plants. Based upon cadmium-resistance, bio-activation of CdCO3 and growth-promoting activity, three isolates were selected for promoting plant growth and uptake of cadmium from cadmium-amended soil in pot experiments. Inoculation with the isolates was found to increase root dry weight (ranging from 8% to 20%) and shoot dry weight (ranging from 6% to 25%) of rape. An increase in cadmium content varying from 16 to 74%, compared to the non-inoculated control, was observed in rape plants cultivated in soil treated with 100 mgCd kg(-1) (as CdCl2) and inoculated with the isolates. The bacterial isolates were also able to colonize and develop in the rhizosphere soil of rape after root inoculation.     

Effects of copper(II) and copper oxides on THMs formation in copper pipe

Little is known about how the growth of trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water is affected in copper pipe. The formation of THMs and chlorine consumption in copper pipe under stagnant flow conditions were investigated. Experiments for the same water held in glass bottles were performed for comparison. Results showed that although THMs levels firstly increased in the presence of chlorine in copper pipe, faster decay of chlorine as compared to the glass bottle affected the rate of THMs formation. The analysis of water phase was supplemented by surface analysis of corrosion scales using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The results showed the scales on the pipe surface mainly consisted of Cu₂O, CuO and Cu(OH)₂ or CuCO₃. Designed experiments confirmed that the fast depletion of chlorine in copper pipe was mainly due to effect of Cu₂O, CuO in corrosion scales on copper pipe. Although copper(II) and copper oxides showed effect on THMs formation, the rapid consumption of chlorine due to copper oxide made THM levels lower than that in glass bottles after 4 h. The transformations of CF, DCBM and CDBM to BF were accelerated in the presence of copper(II), cupric oxide and cuprous oxide. The effect of pH on THMs formation was influenced by effect of pH on corrosion of copper pipe. When pH was below 7, THMs levels in copper pipe was higher as compared to glass bottle, but lower when pH was above 7.     

Effect of metal tolerant plant growth promoting Bradyrhizobium sp. (vigna) on growth, symbiosis, seed yield and metal uptake by greengram plants

The nickel and zinc tolerant plant growth promoting Bradyrhizobium sp. (vigna) RM8 was isolated from nodules of greengram, grown in metal contaminated Indian soils. The plant growth promoting (PGP) potentials of strain RM8 was assessed both in the presence and absence of nickel and zinc under in vitro conditions. Strain RM8 tolerated a high level of nickel (300 microg ml(-1)) and zinc (1400 microg ml(-1)) on yeast extract mannitol agar medium. Bradyrhizobium sp. (vigna) strain RM8 produced 13.3 microg ml(-1) of indole acetic acid in Luria Bertani broth at 100 microg ml(-1) of tryptophan which increased to 13.6 microg ml(-1) at 50 microg Ni ml(-1) and 13.5 microg ml(-1) at 300 microg Zn ml(-1). Strain RM8 was positive for siderophore, HCN and ammonia both in the absence and presence of nickel and zinc. The PGP activity of this strain was further evaluated with increasing concentrations of nickel and zinc using greengram as a test crop. The bioinoculant enhanced the nodule numbers by 82%, leghaemoglobin by 120%, seed yield by 34%, grain protein by 13%, root N by 41% and shoot N by 37% at 290 mg Ni kg(-1) soil. At 4890 mg Zn kg(-1) soil, the bioinoculant increased the nodule numbers by 50%, leghaemoglobin by 100%, seed yield by 36%, grain protein by 13%, root N by 47% and shoot N by 42%. The bioinoculant strain RM8 reduced the uptake of nickel and zinc by plant organs compared to plants grown in the absence of bioinoculant. This study suggested that the bioinoculant due to its intrinsic abilities of growth promotion and attenuation of the toxic effects of nickel and zinc could be exploited for remediation of metal from nickel and zinc contaminated sites.     

Simulated Effects of Acidic Solutions on Element Dynamics in Monsoon Evergreen Broad-leaved Forest at Dinghushan,China - Part 1: Dynamics of K,Na, Ca,Mg and P (7 pp)

Background, Aim and Scope Acid deposition has become a concern in south China in recent years. This phenomenon has increased to a dramatic extent with the large use of cars and coal- fueled power plants. As a consequence, soils are becoming acidified and their element dynamics will change. A decrease in the nutrient availability will lead to slower plant growth and maybe to a change in the forest type with current species being replaced by new ones with less nutrient requirements. Because of these reasons, it is important to understand how the dynamics of elements will change and what mechanism is part of the process. This knowledge is important for modeling the acidification process and either finding ways to counter it or to predict its consequences. The primary purpose of this study was to provide information about how the dynamics of K, Na, Ca, Mg and P are affected by acid deposition in a typical forest in southern China. Materials and Methods: Experimental soils and saplings were collected directly from the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest in Dinghushan. All saplings were transplanted individually into ceramic pots in August 2000 and placed in an open area near their origin site. Pot soils were treated weekly from October, 2000 to July, 2002 with an acidic solution at pH 3.05, pH 3.52, pH 4.00 or pH 4.40, or with tap water as a control. The concentrations of SO42-, NO3-, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and available P and the pH were measured in soil and leachate samples taken at different times. The sapling leaves were collected and their element concentrations were measured at the end of the experiment. Results: Concentrations of soil exchangeable Ca and Mg decreased quickly over time, although only Ca showed changes with the acidic solution treatment and soil exchangeable K was stable because of soil weathering. Leaching of K, Mg and Ca was dependent upon the treatment acidity. Soil available P decreased slowly without any correlation with the acidity of the treatment. All the NO3- added by the treatment was taken up by the plants, but the SO42- added accumulated in the soil. Discussion: Amongst the plant species, Schima superba was little affected by the treatment, the leaf P content was affected in Acmena acuminatissima plants and Cryptocarya concinna was the most susceptible species to soil acidification, with a marked decrease of the leaf K, Ca and Mg concentrations when the treatment acidity increased. Conclusions: Simulated acid deposition affected the dynamics of K, Ca and Mg in the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest. The dynamics of Ca in the soil and of K, Mg and Ca in the soil leachates were affected by the acidic solution treatment. If such a soil acidification occurs, Cryptocarya concinna will be amongst the first affected species, but Schima superba will be able to sustain a good growth and mineral nutrition. Recommendations and Perspectives: Acid deposition will lead to imbalance the nutrient elements in the evergreen broad-leaved forest because of accelerated leaching losses of soil exchangeable Ca and Mg. Measures should be developed to slow down soil acidification or nutrient decrease.     

Influence of C14 alkane stress on antioxidant defense capacity,mineral nutrient element accumulation,and cadmium uptake of ryegrass

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In order to explore the influence of C14 alkane on physiological stress responses, mineral nutrient elements uptake, cadmium (Cd) transfer, and uptake...     

Effects of a surfactant (FFD-6) on Scenedesmus morphology and growth under different nutrient conditions

Surfactants are man-made compounds that are meanwhile omnipresent in the environment, but environmental concentrations of surfactants are such that they are thought to have little risk for aquatic systems. The major anionic surfactants currently on the global market are linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), a class where the commercially available FFD-6 belongs to. The hypothesis was tested that sublethal effects of FFD-6, i.e. the morphological effect of colony formation in the common test alga Scenedesmus obliquus, occurs at a concentration lower than the no-observed-effect concentrations for endpoints commonly used in regulatory toxicity testing with algae. The surfactant FFD-6 induced colonies in Scenedesmus at concentrations a few orders of magnitude lower (i.e. between 0.001 and 0.01 g l-1) than at which growth inhibition was observed (i.e. between 1 and 10g l -1). Growth rates were lowest for Scenedesmus grown in P-limited medium, intermediate for algae reared in N-limited medium and highest for algae cultured in non-limited standard medium. Growth inhibition due to FFD-6 was similar for non-limited and nutrient-limited Scenedesmus, but colony formation was stronger in non-limited Scenedesmus than in nutrient limited cultures. The colony inducing effect of the surfactant FFD-6 on Scenedesmus occurs at much lower concentrations than growth inhibition and might affect species interactions, the survival of species and the energy flow along the food chain.     

Effects of pH, Fe, and Cd on the uptake of Fe2+ and Cd2+ by rice

The rhizosphere plays an important role in altering cadmium (Cd) solubility in paddy soils and Cd accumulation in rice. However, more studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism controlling rice Cd solubility and bioavailability under different rhizosphere conditions to explain the discrepancy of previous studies. A rice culture with nutrient solution and vermiculite was conducted to assess the effects of pH, Eh, and iron (Fe) concentration on Cd, Fe fractions on the vermiculite/root surface and their uptake by rice. The solution pH was set from 4.5 to 7.5, with additions of Fe (30 and 50 mg L^?1) and Cd (0.5 and 0.9 mg L^?1). At pH 5.5, the Eh in the rice rhizosphere was higher whereas transpiration, Cd²⁺, and Fe²⁺ adsorption on the vermiculite/root surface and accumulation in rice were lower than the other pH treatments. Cadmium addition had no impact on pH and Eh in rice rhizosphere while Fe addition decreased pH and increased Eh significantly. Compared with control, Fe addition resulted in the decrease of rhizosphere Cd, Fe solubility and bioavailability. Higher redox potential in the rice rhizosphere resulted in the decline of transpiration, Cd, and Fe accumulation in the rice tissues, suggesting that the transfer of two elements from soil to rice was depressed when the rhizosphere was more oxidized.     

Enhancement of lead uptake by alfalfa (Medicago sativa) using EDTA and a plant growth promoter

Phytoremediation is a novel cleanup technology for the removal of contaminants from polluted waters and soils. In phytoremediation, the plant uptake capability and the availability of the pollutant in the media are important. Here we show the results of a study on the combined effects of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on Pb uptake by Medicago sativa (alfalfa). Plants were grown in hydroponics media containing a nutrient solution amended with Pb at 0.2mM and different combinations of EDTA, and IAA. After 10d of treatment, the Pb content in plant tissues was quantified using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP/OES). The results showed that the combination of 100 microM IAA/0.2 mM EDTA increased the Pb accumulation in leaves by about 2800% and by about 600%, as compared to Pb content in leaves of plants exposed to Pb alone and those cultivated with Pb/EDTA, respectively. These results indicate that non-metal hyperaccumulator plants could increase their hyperaccumulating potential without genetic manipulation.