Diagnose foliar da cultura da soja em função da aplicação superficial de lodos de esgoto e resíduos industriais sob diferentes doses em sistema plantio direto

The application of industrial and municipal waste in the soil may be recommended by your corrective and fertilizer value, giving the great potential for agricultural reuse, improves physical, chemical and biological soil properties and helps to reduce the consumption of fertilizers and correctives, without contamination by heavy metals. This study aimed to evaluate the absorption of nutrients and potentially toxic elements, and their effect on the development of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) grown under No-Tillage system (NT). The work was developed in the field, at the Experimental Farm Lageado - FCA / UNESP, Botucatu (SP) in an Oxisol under tropical climate of altitude. The experimental design was randomized blocks, factorial 4x4+1, with four replications. The treatments consisted of four residues: two sewage sludge, one centrifuged and treated with quicklime (LC) and a biodigester (LB) and two industrial wastes: steel slag (E) and lime mud (Lcal) , applied in dosages of 0, 2, 4 and 8 Mg ha-1. The surface application of LC, LB, Lcal and E residues in soil under NT favored the development of soybean, with no heavy metal contamination, given the current legislation.

Estudo da atuação dos metais zinco e cádmio sobre os aspectos reprodutivos da espécie Ceriodaphnia dubia geração parental e F1

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Interactions between calcium and heavy metals in Norway spruce : Accumulation and binding of metals in wood and bark

Waste products from the forest industry are to be spread in forests in Sweden to counteract nutrient depletion due to whole tree harvesting. This may increase the bioavailability of calcium (Ca) and heavy metals, such as cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in forest soils. Heavy metals, like Cd, have already been enriched in forest soils in Sweden, due to deposition of air pollutions, and acidification of forest soils has increased the bioavailability of toxic metals for plant uptake. Changes in the bioavailability of metals may be reflected in altered accumulation of Ca and heavy metals in forest trees, changes in tree growth, including wood formation, and altered tree species composition. This thesis aims at examining: A) if inter- or intra- specific differences in sensitivity to Cd occur in the most common tree species of Sweden, and if so, to study if these can be explained by the uptake and distribution of Cd within the plant: B) how elevated levels of Ca, Cd, Cu and Zn affect the accumulation and attachment of metals in bark and wood, and growth of young Norway spruce (Picea abies): C) how waste products from the forest industry, such as wood ash, influence the contents of Ca, Cd, Cu and Zn in wood and bark of young Norway spruce. Sensitivity to Cd, and its uptake and distribution, in seedlings of Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris and Betula pendula from three regions (southern, central and northern parts) of Sweden, treated with varying concentrations of Cd, were compared. Differences in root sensitivity to Cd both among and within woody species were found and the differences could to some extent be explained by differences in uptake and translocation of Cd. The root sensitivity assays revealed that birch was the least, and spruce the most, sensitive species, both to the external and to tissue levels of Cd. The central ecotype of the species tested tended to be most Cd resistant. The radial distribution, accumulation and attachment of, and interactions between Ca and heavy metals in stems of two-year-old Norway spruce trees treated with elevated levels of Cd, Cu, Zn and/or Ca, were investigated. Further, the influence of these metals on growth, and on root metal content, was examined. Accumulation of the metals was enhanced in wood, bark and/or roots at elevated levels of the metal in question. Even at low levels of the metals, similar to after application of wood ash, an enhanced accumulation was apparent in wood and/or bark, except for Cd. The increased accumulation of Zn and Cu in the stem did not affect the growth. However, Cu decreased the accumulation of Ca in wood. Higher levels of Cu and Cd reduced the stem diameter and the toxic effect was associated with a reduced Ca content in wood. Copper and Cd also decreased the accumulation of Zn in the stem. On the other hand, elevated levels of Ca increased the stem diameter and reduced the accumulation of Cd, Cu, Zn and Mn in wood and/or bark. When metals interacted with each other the firmly bound fraction of the metal reduced was in almost all cases not affected. As an exception, Cd decreased the firmly bound fraction of Zn in the stem. The influence of pellets of wood ash (ash) or a mixture of wood ash and green liquor dregs (ash+GLD), in the amount of 3000 kg ha-1, on the contents of Ca, Cd, Cu and Zn in wood and bark of young Norway spruce in the field was examined. The effect of the treatments on the metal content of bark and wood was larger after 3 years than after 6 years. Treatment with ash+GLD had less effect on the heavy metal content of bark and wood than treatment with ash alone. The ash treatment increased the Cu and Zn content in bark and wood, respectively, after 3 years, and decreased the Ca content of the wood after 6 years. The ash+GLD treatment increased the Ca content of the bark and decreased the Zn content of bark and wood after 3 years. Both treatments reduced, or tended to decrease, the Cd content in wood and bark at both times. To conclude, small changes in the bioavailability of Ca, Cu, Cd and Zn in forest soils, such as after spreading pellets of wood ash or a mixture of wood ash and green liquor dregs from the forest industry, will be reflected in an altered accumulation of metals in wood and bark of Norway spruce. It will not only be reflected in changed accumulation of those metals in which bioavailability in the soil has been enhanced, but also of other metals, probably partly due to interactions between metals. When metals interact the exchangeable bound fraction of the metal reduced is suggested to be the main fraction affected. The small alterations in accumulation of metals should not affect the growth of Norway spruce, especially since the changes in accumulation of metals are low, and further since these decrease over time. However, as an exception, one positive and maybe persistent effect of the waste products is that these may decrease the accumulation of Cd in Norway spruce, which partly may be explained by competition with Ca for uptake, translocation and binding. A decreased accumulation of Cd in Norway spruce will probably affect the trees positively, since Norway spruce is one of the most sensitive species to Cd of the forest trees in Sweden. Thus, spreading of waste products from the forest industry may be a solution to decrease the accumulation of Cd in Norway spruce. In a longer perspective, this will decrease the risk of Cd altering the tree species composition of the forest ecosystem. An elevated bioavailability of Ca in forest soils will, in addition to Cd, probably also decrease the accumulation of other less competitive heavy metals, like Zn and Mn, in the stem.

METALLOTHIONEIN RECEPTOR EXPRESSION IN LEUKOCYTES

Metallothionein (MT) represents a family of low molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins that play a number of roles in cellular homeostasis. MT is synthesized as a consequence of a variety of cellular stressors, including exposure to toxic metals, increased temperature, tissue wounding, as well as inflammatory and tumorigenic agents. This protein has been found in both intracellular compartments and extracellular spaces, and its function may depend in part on its location. Extracellular MT is able to redistribute heavy metals between tissues, act as a powerful antioxidant, affect cell proliferation, and cause the suppression of T-dependent humoral immunity. The nature of the interaction of MT with the plasma cell membrane has yet to be characterized, despite many observations that there is a significant pool of extracellular MT, and that this extracellular MT will bind to leukocyte plasma membranes. In light of studies that MT can be detected on the surface of leukocytes from animals immunized in the presence of adjuvant, and that an MT specific receptor has been found on the surface of astrocytes, we have investigated the nature of the potential MT-specific surface receptor-binding site(s) on the plasma membrane of leukocytes. The identification of MT-receptors will allow for the characterization of the mechanism MT uses for immunomodulation, for the manipulation of MT in its immunomodulatory role, and for the identification of patients at higher risk for those potentially harmful immunomodulatory effects.

Optimización de la aplicación de lodos de depuración de aguas residuales al abonado o mejora de suelos

El objetivo de este trabajo de investigación fue evaluar el efecto de la aplicación de lodos residuales procedentes de una planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales acondicionados como biosólido para el abonado de tres cultivos agrícolas. Esto se realizó a través del estudio de las variables de producción (desarrollo vegetal de cada cultivo) y de la comparación de las características de los suelos utilizados antes y después de los ensayos experimentales. A través de la investigación se confirmó la mejora en la calidad del suelo y mejor rendimiento de cultivo debido a los biosólidos procedentes de tratamiento de aguas residuales. Este trabajo de investigación de tipo descriptivo y experimental, utilizó lodos optimizados que fueron aplicados a tres cultivos agrícolas de ciclo corto. Fueron evaluados dos cultivos (sandía y tomate) bajo riego y un cultivo (arroz) en secano. En la primera fase del trabajo se realizó la caracterización de los lodos, para ellos se realizaron pruebas físico químicas y microbiológicas. Fue utilizado el método de determinación de metales por espectrometría de emisión atómica de plasma acoplado inductivamente, (ICP-AES) para conocer las concentraciones de metales. La caracterización microbiológica para coliformes totales y fecales se realizó utilizando la técnica del Número más probable (NMP), y para la identificación de organismos patógenos se utilizó el método microbiológico propuesto por Kornacki & Johnson (2001), que se fundamenta en dos procesos: pruebas presuntivas y prueba confirmativa. Tanto los resultados para la determinación de metales y elementos potencialmente tóxicos; como las pruebas para la determinación de microorganismos potencialmente peligrosos, estuvieron por debajo de los límites considerados peligrosos establecidos por la normativa vigente en Panama (Reglamento Técnico COPANIT 47-2000). Una vez establecido la caracterización de los lodos, se evalúo el potencial de nutrientes (macro y micro) presentes en los biosólidos para su potencial de uso como abono en cultivos agrícolas. El secado de lodos fue realizado a través de una era de secado, donde los lodos fueron deshidratados hasta alcanzar una textura pastosa. “La pasta de lodo” fue transportada al área de los ensayos de campo para continuar el proceso de secado y molida. Tres ensayos experimentales fueron diseñados al azar con cinco tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones para cada uno de los tres cultivos: sandía, tomate, arroz, en parcelas de 10m2 (sandía y tomate) y 20 m2 (arroz) para cada tratamiento. Tres diferentes dosis de biosólidos fueron evaluadas y comparadas con un tratamiento de fertilizante comercial y un tratamiento control. La dosis de fertilizante comercial utilizada en cada cultivo fue la recomendada por el Instituto de Investigación Agropecuaria de Panamá. Los ensayos consideraron la caracterización inicial del suelo, la preparación del suelo, semilla, y arreglo topográfico de los cultivos siguiendo las recomendaciones agronómicas de manejo de cultivo establecida por el Instituto de Investigación Agropecuaria. Para los ensayos de sandía y tomate se instaló el sistema de riego por goteo. Se determinaron los ácidos húmicos presentes en los cultivos, y se estudiaron las variables de desarrollo de cada cultivo (fructificación, cosecha, peso de la cosecha, dimensiones de tamaño y color de las frutas, rendimiento, y la relación costo – rendimiento). También se estudiaron las variaciones de los macro y micro nutrientes y las variaciones de pH, textura de suelo y MO disponible al inicio y al final de cada uno de los ensayos de campo. Todas las variables y covariables fueron analizadas utilizando el programa estadístico INFOSAT (software para análisis estadístico de aplicación general) mediante el análisis de varianza, el método de comparaciones múltiples propuesto por Fisher (LSD Fisher) para comparar las medias de los cultivares y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson que nos permite analizar si existe una asociación lineal entre dos variables. En la evaluación de los aportes del biosólido a los cultivos se observó que los macronutrientes N y P se encontraban de los límites requeridos en cada uno de los cultivos, pero que los niveles de K estuvieron por debajo de los requerimientos de los cultivos. A nivel de la fertilización tradicional con fertilizante químico se observó que la dosis recomendada para cada uno de los cultivos del estudio estaba sobreestimada en los tres principales macronutrientes: Nitrógeno, Fosforo y Potasio. Contenían concentraciones superiores de N, P y K a las requeridas teóricamente por el cultivo. El nutriente que se aporta en exceso es el Fósforo. Encontramos que para el cultivo de sandía era 18 veces mayor a lo requerido por el cultivo, en tomate fue 12 veces mayor y en el cultivo de arroz, 34 veces mayor. El fertilizante comercial tuvo una influencia en el peso final y rendimiento final en cada uno de los cultivos del estudio. A diferencia, los biosólidos tuvieron una influencia directa en el desarrollo de los cultivos (germinación, coloración, tamaño, longitud, diámetro, floración y resistencia a enfermedades). Para el caso de la sandía la dosis de biosólido más cercana al óptimo para el cultivo es la mayor dosis aplicada en este ensayo (97.2 gramos de biosólido por planta). En el caso de tomate, el fertilizante comercial obtuvo los mejores valores, pero las diferencias son mínimas con relación al tratamiento T1, de menor dosis de biosólido (16.2 gramos de biosólido por planta). Los resultados generales del ensayo de tomate estuvieron por debajo del rendimiento esperado para el cultivo. Los tratamientos de aplicación de biosólidos aportaron al desarrollo del cultivo en las variables tamaño, color y resistencia a las enfermedades dentro del cultivo de tomate. Al igual que el tomate, en el caso del arroz, el tratamiento comercial obtuvo los mejores resultados. Los resultados finales de peso y rendimiento del cultivo indican que el tratamiento (T2), menor dosis de biosólido (32.4 gramos por parcela), no tuvo diferencias significativas con los resultados obtenidos en las parcelas con aplicación de fertilizante comercial (T1). El tratamiento T4 (mayor dosis de biosólido) obtuvo los mejores valores para las variables germinación, ahijamiento y espigamiento del cultivo, pero al momento de la maduración obtuvo los menores resultados. Los biosólidos aportan nutrientes a los cultivos y al final del ensayo se observó que permanecen disponibles en el suelo, aportando a la mejora del suelo final. En los tres ensayos, se pudo comprobar que los aportes de los biosólidos en el desarrollo vegetativo de los cultivos. También se encontró en todos los ensayos que no hubo diferencias significativas (p > 0.05) entre los tratamientos de biosólidos y fertilizante comercial. Para obtener mejores resultados en estos tres ensayos se requeriría que a la composición de biosólidos (utilizada en este ensayo) se le adicione Potasio, Calcio y Magnesio en las cantidades requeridas por cada uno de los cultivos. ABSTRACT The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of residual sewage sludge obtained from the residual water of a treatment plant conditioned as Biosolid used on three reliable agricultural crops. The effect of the added sewage sludge was evaluated through the measurement of production variables such as crop plant development and the comparison of the soil characteristics used before and after the experimental tests. This investigation confirmed that biosolids from wastewater treatment can contribute to the growth of these crops. In this experimental approach, optimized sludge was applied to three short-cycle crops including two low-risk crops (watermelon and tomato) and one high-risk crop (rice) all grown on dry land. In the first phase of work, the characteristics of the sludge were assessed using chemical, physical and microbiological tests. The concentrations of metals were determined by atomic emission spectrometry inductively coupled plasma, (ICP-AES). Microbiological characterization was performed measuring total coliform and fecal count using the most probable number technique (NMP) and microbiological pathogens were identified using Kornacki & Johnson (2001) method based on two processes: presumptive and confirmatory tests. Both the results for the determination of metals and potentially toxic elements, as testing for the determination of potentially dangerous microorganisms were below the limits established by the applicable standard in Panama (Technical Regulate COPANIT 47-2000). After the metal and bacterial characterization of the sludge, the presence of macro or micronutrients in biosolids was measured to evaluate its potential for use as fertilizer in the growth of agricultural crops. The sludge was dehydrated via a drying process into a muddy slurry. The pulp slurry was transported to the field trial area to continue the process of drying and grinding. Three randomized experimental trials were designed to test with five treatment regimens and four replications for each of the crops: watermelon, tomato, rice. The five treatment regimens evaluated were three different doses of bio solid with commercial fertilizer treatment control and no fertilizer treatment control. Treatment areas for the watermelon and tomato were 10m2 plots land and for rice was 20m2. The amount of commercial fertilizer used to treat each crop was based on the amount recommended by Agricultural Research Institute of Panama. The experimental trials considered initial characterization of soil, soil preparation, seed, and crop topographical arrangement following agronomic crop management recommendations. For the tests evaluating the growth of watermelons and tomatoes and drip irrigation system was installed. The amount of humic acids present in the culture were determined and developmental variable of each crop were studied (fruiting crop harvest weight, size dimensions and color of the fruit, performance and cost effectiveness). Changes in macro and micronutrients and changes in pH, soil texture and OM available were measured at the beginning and end of each field trial. All variables and covariates were analyzed using INFOSAT statistical program (software for statistical analysis of general application) by analysis of variance, multiple comparisons method as proposed by Fisher (LSD Fisher) to compare the means of cultivars and the Pearson ratio that allows us to analyze if there is a linear association between two variables. In evaluating the contribution of biosolids to agricultural crops, the study determined that the macronutrients N & P were within the requirements of crops, but K levels were below the requirements of crops. In terms of traditional chemical fertilizer fertilization, we observed that the recommended dose for each study crop was overestimated for the three major nutrients: nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Higher concentrations containing N, P and K to the theoretically required by the crop. The recommended dose of commercial fertilizer for crops study contained greater amounts of phosphorus, crops that need. The level of phosphorous was found to be18 times greater than was required for the cultivation of watermelon; 12 times higher than required for tomato, and 34 times higher than required for rice cultivation. Phosphorus inputs of commercial fertilizer were a primary influence on the weight and performance of each crop. Unlike biosolids had a direct influence on crop development (germination, color, size, length, diameter, flowering and disease resistance). In the case of growth of watermelons, the Biosolid dose closest to the optimum for cultivation was applied the highest dose in this assay (97.2 grams of bio solids per plant). In the case of tomatoes, commercial fertilizer had the best values but the differences were minimal when compared to treatment T1, the lower dose of sewage sludge (Biosolid 16.2 grams per plant). The overall results for the tomato crop yield of the trial were lower than expected. Additionally, the application of biosolids treatment contributed to the development of fruit of variable size, color and disease resistance in the tomato crops. Similar to the tomato crop, commercial fertilizer treatment provided the best results for the rice crop. The final results of weight and crop yield for rice indicated that treatment with T2 amount of biosolids (34.2 grams per plot) was not significantly different from the result obtained in the application plot given commercial fertilizer (T1). The T4 (higher dose of bio solid) treatment had the best values for the germination, tillering and bolting variables of the rice crop but for fruit ripening yielded lower results. In all three trials, biosolids demonstrated the ability to contribute in the vegetative growth of crops. It was also found in all test no significant differences (p>0.05) between treatment of bio solid and commercial fertilizer. Biosolids provided nutrients to the crops and even at the end of the trial remained available in the ground soil, contributing to the improvement of the final ground. The best results from these three trials is that the use of bio solids such as those used in this assay would require the addition of potassium, calcium and magnesium in quantities required for each crop.

Health impacts of domestic coal use in China

Domestic coal combustion has had profound adverse effects on the health of millions of people worldwide. In China alone several hundred million people commonly burn raw coal in unvented stoves that permeate their homes with high levels of toxic metals and organic compounds. At least 3,000 people in Guizhou Province in southwest China are suffering from severe arsenic poisoning. The primary source of the arsenic appears to be consumption of chili peppers dried over fires fueled with high-arsenic coal. Coal samples in the region were found to contain up to 35,000 ppm arsenic. Chili peppers dried over high-arsenic coal fires adsorb 500 ppm arsenic on average. More than 10 million people in Guizhou Province and surrounding areas suffer from dental and skeletal fluorosis. The excess fluorine is caused by eating corn dried over burning briquettes made from high-fluorine coals and high-fluorine clay binders. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons formed during coal combustion are believed to cause or contribute to the high incidence of esophageal and lung cancers in parts of China. Domestic coal combustion also has caused selenium poisoning and possibly mercury poisoning. Better knowledge of coal quality parameters may help to reduce some of these health problems. For example, information on concentrations and distributions of potentially toxic elements in coal may help delineate areas of a coal deposit to be avoided. Information on the modes of occurrence of these elements and the textural relations of the minerals and macerals in coal may help predict the behavior of the potentially toxic components during coal combustion.

Avaliação de elementos potencialmente tóxicos em tintas

Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados da determinação, por ICP OES, de elementos tóxicos e/ou potencialmente tóxicos (AI, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, As, Co e Pb) em tintas de acabamento imobiliário à base de água ou de solvente orgânico. Foram desenvolvidas e comparadas método de digestão de amostras utilizando diferentes misturas ácidas em bombas de decomposição, em fomo de microondas (sistema com radiação focalizada e com cavidade) e método de cinzas. O Método de digestão utilizando fomo de microondas com cavidade permitiu solubilização rápida e eficiente de todos os tipos de tintas testados, em tempo inferior a 35 minutos. As método apresentaram valores aceitáveis para a maioria dos elementos nos testes de adição e recuperação dos analitos. Os resíduos resultantes da digestão foram avaliados por MEV-EDS e não apresentaram os elementos estudados, comprovando a eficiência da metodologia. Mercúrio foi determinado usando um Analisador Direto de Mercúrio (DMA) e apresentou valores entre 43,0 ± 4,5 e 188 ± 9 µg Kg-1, valor considerado baixo quando comparado ao limite de 100 mg Kg-1, estabelecido na norma NRR 10004 para disposição de resíduos sólidos sem instalações especiais. O estudo da migração dos elementos para o ambiente após a exposição da tinta a agentes \"agressores\" , como raios ultravioletas e umidade, foi realizado usando câmara do tipo \"Weather-Ometer\" (envelhecimento acelerado). A avaliação dos resultados foi feita por MEV EDS e ICP OES. As micrografias de MEV mostraram que houve mudança na morfologia do polímero que foi submetido ao intemperismo acelerado. Os resultados obtidos não foram conclusivos quanto à migração dos analitos em função da baixa razão entre as massas degradada e não degradada das amostras. Uma proposta de metodologia para a avaliação por ICP OES das tintas e da disponibilidade de elementos tóxicos e potencialmente tóxicos, baseada na lixiviação de amostras secas em ambiente controlado é apresentada. São mostrados resultados de lixiviação de AI, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, As, Co e Pb com vários extratores e tempos diferentes de extração. Os resultados mostram que ocorre a migração de alguns elementos para as soluções estudadas e que, dos extratores avaliados, a chuva ácida apresentou maior potencial de lixiviação.

Fatores de bioconcentração e disponibilidade de bário, cádmio, cobre, níquel e zinco em solos e em culturas de interesse agronômico

Os elementos potencialmente tóxicos (EPTs) estão presentes nos solos em concentrações dependentes do material de origem e das ações antrópicas. A adição de EPTs ao solo pelas atividades antrópicas pode ocasionar risco à saúde humana, já que estes elementos podem ser acumulados no organismo por meio do contato dérmico com o solo, da inalação de partículas em suspensão, de ingestão de solo e de alimentos contaminados. A contaminação dos alimentos ocorre pelo cultivo em áreas com alta biodisponibilidade de EPTs, e nessa condição ocorre absorção e translocação para a parte aérea, com possível acúmulo dos metais nas porções comestíveis, como raízes, frutos e grãos. A biodisponibilidade dos EPTs é regulada pelas características químicas dos elementos e por atributos do solo, como a CTC, o pH e a matéria orgânica (MO). Sintomas de toxicidade e alterações morfológicas e fisiológicas podem aparecer dependendo da absorção e da movimentação dos EPTs nas plantas. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o efeito da adição de bário (Ba), de cádmio (Cd), de cobre (Cu), de níquel (Ni) e de zinco (Zn) em amostras de um Neossolo Quartzarênico e um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, sob duas condições de saturação por bases (30% e 50 ou 70%, dependendo da cultura), no cultivo de arroz (Oryza sativa), alface (Lactuca sativa), girassol (Helianthus annuus) e tomate (Solanum lycopersicum). Os EPTs nos solos foram extraídos com EPA 3051a, Água Régia, DTPA, Mehlich 1, Mehlich 3, HNO3 (0,43 mol L-1) e CaCl2 (0,01 mol L-1), e seus teores correlacionados com os presentes nas raízes, na parte aérea, nos frutos e com a quantidade acumulada pelas plantas. Os fatores de bioconcentração (FBC) e de transferência (FT) foram calculados para as culturas. O índice SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development - Chlorophyll Meter) foi determinado na fase vegetativa da alface, do arroz e do girassol, enquanto a atividade fotossintética foi determinada pelo IRGA (Infrared gas analyzer). Os maiores teores de EPTs foram observados nas plantas cultivadas no Neossolo. As quantidades de Cu, Ni e Zn acumuladas nas plantas apresentaram correlação positiva com os teores extraídos pelo EPA 3051a e pela Água Régia. Os teores extraídos com HNO3 (0,43 mol L-1) apresentaram elevada correlação positiva com os teores reativos extraídos com DTPA e com Mehlich 3, e também com as quantidades de EPTs acumuladas pelas plantas. Os FBCs foram mais altos nos solos com baixa CTC, baixos teores de MO e baixos valores de pH. O arroz apresentou a menor translocação de Cd do sistema radicular para os grãos. O Cu, o Ni e o Zn causaram alterações no desenvolvimento da alface e do girassol, e diminuíram a transpiração e a condutância estomática da alface. O arroz apresentou a menor absorção de EPTs e a maior tolerância ao Ba, ao Cd, ao Ni e ao Zn, no entanto, as plantas apresentaram maiores condutividade estomática e transpiração.

An investigation of contaminant distribution in subsurface marine wood waste at Mill-A South Terminal, Port of Everett, Washington

This project investigates the correlation between contaminants and the wood waste present in marine sediments off the shore of the Port of Everett in the former Weyerhaeuser Mill-A pulp mill site. The investigation includes the results of two field studies, which tested contaminant levels in 22 boreholes as well as several surface samples. The contaminants include heavy metals and wood waste byproducts. These results, along with 14 other bore logs, provide the framework for a three-dimensional site model, interpolating the full extent of the depositional units and organic and inorganic chemicals found at Mill-A. The sediments of interest are divided into five depositional units defined by the percent wood content and type of wood: native material (<5% wood), intermediate (<30% wood), sawdust (<30% wood), woodchips (<30% wood), and poorly sorted sands with silt (SM-SP) (0% wood). The contaminants include arsenic, 2,4-dimethylphenol, and total organic carbon. Three-dimensional modeling software, RockWorks, interpolated the discrete borehole data of sediment and contaminants assuming horizontal continuity between sampling locations. The sediment distribution was calculated within concentration ranges for each contaminant of concern. The lowest detection limits, the screening levels, and the cleanup levels defined these ranges. Total organic carbon served as a proxy to estimate the quantity of wood waste in the sediment. As a known byproduct of wood decomposition, 2,4-dimethylphenol was expected to be more prevalent in the depositional units with more wood waste. Finally, arsenic was a proxy for other contaminants to determine if contaminants at Mill-A are dominant in sediments with high percentages of wood waste. The volumetric distribution established that high levels of total organic carbon are present in the sediment with higher percentages of wood waste. This correlation was stronger in the decomposing sawdust-rich sediment than the woodchip-rich sediment. The 2,4-dimethylphenol concentrations above cleanup standards were dominant in the sawdust-rich, intermediate and native sediments. Concentrations of 2,4-dimethylphenol below cleanup levels characterized the native sediment. The distribution of arsenic showed no statistically significant correlation to wood content in sediment. These results do not support the hypothesis of contaminant-rich wood waste, as many of the high concentrations of contaminants were not in the wood-rich sediments. This suggests that the contaminants are more distributed among all depositional units at Mill-A rather than focused within sediments with a high percent of wood waste. Understanding the distribution of potentially toxic compounds with wood waste is important for restoring the Puget Sound waterways to a more habitable environment. Future studies should include new data to validate these results and to limit the uncertainty of the extent of contaminants. Future studies may also find motive in looking for a correlation between contaminants and grain size based on previous studies linking these characteristics. These investigations will benefit the current cleanup effort as well as future cleanup efforts at similarly contaminated waterways.

Fabrication and optimizing of metal nano silicate as toxic metal absorbent from sea water

Pure Water, is a crucial demand of creature life. Following industrial development, extra amount of toxic metals such as chromium enters the environmental cycle through the sewage, which is considered as a serious threat for organisms. One of the modern methods of filtration and removal of contaminants in water, is applying Nano-technology. According to specific property of silicate materials, in this article we try to survey increased power in composites and various absorption in several morphologies and also synthesis of Nano-metal silicates with different morphologies as absorbent of metal toxic ions. At first, we synthesize nano zink silicate with three morphologies considering context and the purpose of this survey. 1) Nano synthesis of zink silicate hollow cavity by hydrothermal method in mixed solvent system of ethanol/glycol polyethylene. 2) Zink nano wires silicate in a water-based system by controlling the amount of sodium silicate. 3) Synthesis of nano zink silicate membrane. After synthesizing, we measured the cadmium ion absorbance by synthesized nano zink silicates. Controlling PH, is the applied absorption method. Next step, we synthesized nano zink-magnesium silicate composite in two various morphologies of nanowires and membrane by different precent of zink and magnesium, in order to optimize synthesized nano metal silicate. We used zink nitrate and magnesium nitrate and also measured cadmium absorption by synthesized nano metal silicates in the same way of PH control absorption. In the 3rd step, in order to determine the impact of the type of metal in nano metal silicate, we synthesized nano magnesium silicate and compared its absorption with nano zink silicate. Furthermore, we calculated the optimal concentration in one of synthesizes. Optimal concentration is the process which has the maximum absorption. While applying two methods of absorption in the test, finally we compared the effect of absorption method on the absorption level. Below you find further steps of synthesis: 1) Using IR, RAMAN, XRD spectroscopy to check the accuracy of synthesis. 2) Checking the dispersion of nano particles in ethanol solution by light microscope. 3) Measuring and observing particles with scanning electron microscope (SEM). 4) Using atomic absorption device for measuring the cadmium concentration in water-based solutions. The nano metal silicates were synthesized successfully. All of synthesized nano absorbents have the cadmium ion absorbency. The cadmium absorption via nano absorbents depend on various factors such as kind of metal in nano silicate and percent of metal in nano metal silicate composite. Meanwhile the absorption and PH control of medium containing the absorbent and solution would affect the cadmium absorption.

Peat humic substances enriched with nutrients for agricultural applications: Competition between nutrients and non-essential metals present in tropical soils

Improved agricultural productivity, and reduction of environmental impacts, require studies of the interactions between different soil components. Fertilizers marketed as "organic" or "natural", such as peats or humic substances (HS) extracted from peats, are enriched with macro and micronutrients that, according to the manufacturers, are released to the plant in accordance with its needs. This work investigates the complexation capacity of HS for macro and micronutrient metal species, considering the competition, for HS complexation sites, between non-essential metals (aluminium and lead), present in the soil, and the nutrients. Humic substances were found to possess strong affinities for Pb(II) and Al(III), forming stable complexes, with concomitant release of complexed nutrients. Although HS are already used commercially as organic fertilizers, further studies of methods of HS enrichment, aimed at avoiding losses, are highly desirable from environmental and economic perspectives. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Growth and symbiosis of plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil submitted to biochar application.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which is intrinsically present or may be introduced in soils by inoculation, is an example of natural and renewable resource to increase plant nutrient uptake. This kind of fungi produces structures (hyphae, arbuscles and sometimes vesicles) inside the plant root cortex. This mutualistic relationship promotes plant gains in terms of water and nutrient absorption (mainly phosphorus). Biochar can benefit plant interaction with AMF, however, it can contain potentially toxic compounds such as heavy metals and organic compounds (e.g. dioxins, furans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), depending on the feedstock and pyrolysis conditions, which may damage organisms. For these reasons, the present work will approach the impacts of biochar application on soil attributes, AMF-plant symbiosis and its responses in plant growth and phosphorus uptake. Eucalyptus biochar produced at high temperatures increases sorghum growth; symbiosis with AMF; and enhances spore germination. Enhanced plant growth in the presence of high temperature biochar and AMF is a response of root branching stimulated by an additive effect between biochar characteristics and root colonization. Biochar obtained at low temperature reduces AMF spore germination; however it does not affect plant growth and symbiosis in soil.

Composition and source identification of road deposited pollutants

Road deposited solids are a mix of pollutants originating from a range of anthropogenic sources common to urban land uses and soil inputs from surrounding areas. These particles accumulate potentially toxic pollutants thereby posing a threat to receiving waters. Reliable estimation of sources of particulate pollutants in build-up and quantification of particle composition is important for the development of best management practices for stormwater quality mitigation. The research study analysed build-up pollutants from sixteen different urban road surfaces and soil from four background locations. The road surfaces were selected from residential, industrial and commercial land uses from four suburbs in Gold Coast, Australia. Collected build-up samples were analysed for solids load, organic matter and mineralogy. The soil samples were analysed for mineralogy. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of mineralogical data, along with multivariate data analysis were employed to identify the relative source contributions to road deposited solids. The build-up load on road surfaces in different suburbs showed significant differences due to the nature of anthropogenic activities, road texture depth and antecedent dry period. Analysis revealed that build-up pollutants consists primarily of soil derived minerals (60%) and the remainder is composed of traffic generated pollutants and organic matter. Major mineral components detected were quartz and potential clay forming minerals such as albite, microline, chlorite and muscovite. An average of 40-50% of build-up pollutants by weight was made up of quartz. Comparison of the mineral component of build-up pollutants with background soil samples indicated that the minerals primarily originate from surrounding soils. About 2.2% of build-up pollutants were organic matter which originates largely from plant matter. Traffic related pollutants which are potentially toxic to the receiving water environment represented about 30% of the build-up pollutants at the study sites.

Transcutaneous immunization with novel lipid-based adjuvants induces protection against gastric Helicobacter pylori infection

The development of vaccines to combat pathogens that infect across mucosal surfaces has been a major goal of vaccine research. Successful mucosal vaccination requires the co-administration of adjuvants that can overcome the state of immune tolerance normally associated with mucosal application of proteins. In the case of oral immunization, delivery systems are also required to protect vaccine antigens against destruction by gastric pH and digestive enzymes. Furthermore, adjuvants used for mucosal delivery must be free of neurotoxic effects like those induced by the commonly used experimental mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin. Maintenance of the "cold chain" is also essential for the effectiveness of any vaccine and adjuvants/delivery systems that enhance the stability of a vaccine would offer a significant advantage. Needle-free methods of vaccination that induce protective immunity at multiple mucosal surfaces are also desirable for rapid vaccination of large populations. In the present study we show that transcutaneous immunization (TCI) using Lipid C, a novel lipid-based matrix originally developed for oral immunization, containing soluble Helicobacter sonicate significantly reduces the gastric bacterial burden in mice following gastric challenge with live Helicobacter pylori. Protection is associated with the production of splenic gamma interferon and gastric IgA and was achieved without the co-administration of potent and potentially toxic adjuvants, although protection was further enhanced by inclusion of CpG-ODN and cholera toxin in the lipid delivery system.