Janick F. Artiola

Removal of Cadmium, Lead, and Zinc from Soil by a Rhamnolipid Biosurfactant

Complexation of cadmium, lead, and zinc (singly and in a mixture) by a monorhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 was studied in batch solution and soil experiments. Conditional stability constants (log K L ) for metalrhamnolipid complexation in a buffered medium (0.1 M Pipes, pH 6.8) were determined in duplicate using an ion-exchange technique and averaged 6.5 (Cd 2+ ), 6.6 (Pb 2+ ), and 5.4 (Zn 2+ ) ; these values are similar or slightly higher than literature values for Cd 2+ and Pb 2+ complexation with fulvic acid and activated sludge solids. To determine the ability of rhamnolipid to desorb soil-bound metals, rhamnolipid solutions (12.5, 25, 50, and 80 mM) were added to soil containing sorbed Cd 2+ (1.46 mmol kg -1 ), Pb 2+ (1.96 mmol kg -1 ), or a mixture of Pb 2+ -Cd 2+ -Zn 2+ (3.4 mmol kg -1 ). At 12.5 and 25 mM rhamnolipid, rhamnolipid sorption to soil exceeded 78%, and less than 11% of soil-bound Cd 2+ and Zn 2+ was desorbed. However, ion exchange of bound metals with K + present in the rhamnolipid matrix could account for the removal of between 16 and 48% of the sorbed Cd 2+ and Zn 2+ . At 50 and 80 mM rhamnolipid, rhamnolipid sorption to soil decreased to between 20 and 77%, and the removal of Cd 2+ and Zn 2+ could exceed the removal by ion exchange by as much as 3-fold. The behavior of Pb 2+ was quite different. Less than 2% of soil-bound Pb 2+ was desorbed due to ion exchange, although up to 43% was desorbed by 80 mM rhamnolipid.

Complexation of cadmium by a rhamnolipid biosurfactant.

The potential of microbially-produced surfactants (biosurfactants) to complex heavy metals was investigated in this study. Batch solution studies using a model metal, cadmium, and an anionic monorhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 showed that complexation of the metal and biosurfactantwas rapid and stable and achieved high reductions in the free Cd 2+ concentration. For example 92% of Cd 2+ (0.72 mM) was complexed by 7.3 mM rhamnolipid, and 97% of Cd 2+ (0.36 mM) was complexed by 3.9 mM rhamnolipid. Under the experimental conditions used, the maximum complexation capacity of the rhamnolipid was 0.2 Cd 2+ /rhamnolipid on a molar basis

A greenhouse and field-based study to determine the accumulation of arsenic in common homegrown vegetables grown in mining-affected soils

The uptake of arsenic by plants from contaminated soils presents a health hazard that may affect home gardeners neighboring contaminated environments. A controlled greenhouse study was conducted in parallel with a co-created citizen science program (home garden experiment) to characterize the uptake of arsenic by common homegrown vegetables near the Iron King Mine and Humboldt Smelter Superfund site in southern Arizona. The greenhouse and home garden arsenic soil concentrations varied considerably, ranging from 2.35 to 533 mg kg(-1). In the greenhouse experiment four vegetables were grown in three different soil treatments and in the home garden experiment a total of 63 home garden produce samples were obtained from 19 properties neighboring the site. All vegetables accumulated arsenic in both the greenhouse and home garden experiments, ranging from 0.01 to 23.0 mg kg(-1) dry weight. Bioconcentration factors were determined and show that arsenic uptake decreased in the order: Asteraceae>Brassicaceae>Amaranthaceae>Cucurbitaceae>Liliaceae>Solanaceae>Fabaceae. Certain members of the Asteraceae and Brassicaceae plant families have been previously identified as hyperaccumulator plants, and it can be inferred that members of these families have genetic and physiological capacity to accumulate, translocate, and resist high amounts of metals. Additionally, a significant linear correlation was observed between the amount of arsenic that accumulated in the edible portion of the plant and the arsenic soil concentration for the Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Fabaceae families. The results suggest that home gardeners neighboring mining operations or mine tailings with elevated arsenic levels should be made aware that arsenic can accumulate considerably in certain vegetables, and in particular, it is recommended that gardeners limit consumption of vegetables from the Asteraceae and Brassicaceae plant families.

In situ treatment of arsenic contaminated soil from a hazardous industrial site: Laboratory studies

Some industrial sites have contaminated surface soils with arsenic (As) concentrations significantly above those that can be stabilized through natural soil mechanisms. A review of the chemistry of arsenic in the soil environment indicates that is possible to stabilized this element by reacting it with amorphous iron oxides. The addition of ferrous sulfate proved to be effective in reducing water-soluble As and its leachability in arsenic-contaminated soil from a pesticide manufacturing industrial site. Soil samples containing up to 4.2% total As, and more than 2.5 g L−1 water soluble and readily leachable As, had these As forms significantly reduced after just three 24-hour wet-dry cycles. The efficiency and potential reversibility of this treatment under extreme field conditions remains to be tested.

Effects of a biochar-amended alkaline soil on the growth of romaine lettuce and bermudagrass

Abstract Biochar from pine forest waste (PFW) was used in greenhouse pot experiments to evaluate plant growth using two levels (2% and 4% wt/wt) of biochar amendments applied to an alkaline, loamy sand soil. Biochar soil additions induced a large decrease in the soil bulk density (from 1.59 to 1.26 g cm−3) and large to moderate increases in gravimetric and volumetric soil-water contents, respectively, under pot and field moisture capacity conditions. The growth of romaine lettuce was initially adversely affected in the 4% biochar-amended soil. However, bermudagrass benefited from the biochar addition with increased biomass production and enhanced drought resistance. Both plant species showed statistically significant increases (compared with controls) in biomass yields at the 2% but not at the 4% biochar application rate. An incubation study indicated that soil microbial activity, as measured by evolved CO2, was significantly suppressed (−31% compared with the control) in the presence of biochar over a period of 4 months. The data indicated that addition of PFW biochar induced a species-dependent plant response and produced an overall decrease in microbial mineralization of organic materials. Vegetables such as lettuce may benefit from a period of excess irrigation, to leach any potentially toxic biochar-introduced salts or organic compounds, before seeding. Conversely, warm season grasses may adapt quickly to a soil amended with PFW biochar with increased biomass production and drought resistance.

Environmental research translation: Enhancing interactions with communities at contaminated sites

The characterization and remediation of contaminated sites are complex endeavors fraught with numerous challenges. One particular challenge that is receiving increased attention is the development and encouragement of full participation by communities and community members affected by a given site in all facets of decision-making. Many disciplines have been grappling with the challenges associated with environmental and risk communication, public participation in environmental data generation, and decision-making and increasing community capacity. The concepts and methods developed by these disciplines are reviewed, with a focus on their relevance to the specific dynamics associated with environmental contamination sites. The contributions of these disciplines are then synthesized and integrated to help develop Environmental Research Translation (ERT), a proposed framework for environmental scientists to promote interaction and communication among involved parties at contaminated sites. This holistic approach is rooted in public participation approaches to science, which includes: a transdisciplinary team, effective collaboration, information transfer, public participation in environmental projects, and a cultural model of risk communication. Although there are challenges associated with the implementation of ERT, it is anticipated that application of this proposed translational science method could promote more robust community participation at contaminated sites.

Economical and environmental implications of solid waste compost applications to agricultural fields in Punjab, Pakistan

Application of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) to agricultural soils is becoming an increasingly important global practice to enhance and sustain soil organic matter (SOM) and fertility levels. Potential risks associated with heavy metals and phosphorus accumulations in surface soils may be minimized with integrated nutrient management strategies that utilize MSWC together with mineral fertilizers. To explore the economic feasibility of MSWC applications, nutrient management plans were developed for rice-wheat and cotton-wheat cropping systems within the Punjab region of Pakistan. Three-year field trials were conducted to measure yields and to determine the economic benefits using three management strategies and two nutrient doses. Management strategies included the application of mineral fertilizers as the sole nutrient source and application of mineral fertilizers in combination with MSWC with and without pesticide/herbicide treatments. Fertilizer doses were either based on standard N, P and K recommendations or on measured site-specific soil plant available phosphorus (PAP) levels. It was found that combining MSWC and mineral fertilizer applications based on site-specific PAP levels with the use of pesticides and herbicides is an economically and environmentally viable management strategy. Results show that incorporation of MSWC improved soil physical properties such as bulk density and penetration resistance. The PAP levels in the surface layer increased by the end of the trials relative to the initial status. No potential risks of heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb and Ni) accumulation were observed. Treatments comprised of MSWC and mineral fertilizer adjusted to site-specific PAP levels and with common pest management showed highest cumulative yields. A basic economic analysis revealed a significantly higher cumulative net profit and value-to-cost ratio (VCR) for all site-specific doses.

Longterm influence of liquid sewage sludge on the organic carbon and nitrogen content of a furrow-irrigated desert soil

SummaryIn this study we evaluated the impact of five annual liquid sewage-sludge applications on the organic C and N content of a furrow-irrigated desert soil. Mineralization rates showed that sludge organic matter is mineralized rapidly (65% per year). Resistant residual sludge organic matter accumulation resulted in a theoretical increase in total soil organic C of 0.013% for the single sludge rate or 0.038% for three annual applications. These small additions were not detected in sludged soils at any depth to 270 cm. Similarly, increases in total soil N were not detected at any depth. However, soluble forms of organic C and N did increase in sludged soils relative to the non-sludged soils. In addition, soluble C:N ratios decreased significantly in the sludged soils. Soluble C and N also increased with depth due to leaching. This study therefore shows that applications of liquid sludge onto desert soils could affect the status of underground aquifers with respect to nitrate pollution.

Nonuniform leaching of nitrate and other solutes in a furrow- irrigated, sludge amended field

Abstract Nitrate leaching losses were estimated using soil core samples from three different locations in a furrow irrigated, N fertilized and sludge amended cotton field. These losses were controlled by irrigation efficiency, as well as sources and quantities of N applied. Statistical comparisons of sample locations and N treatments revealed N treatment to be less significant than the field sampling location. However, sludge amended soils had significantly higher levels of nitrates in the root zone and consequently suffered higher nitrate leaching losses. A NO3‐N profile (30–210 cm) balance indicated that about forty percent (40%) of available NO3‐N was leached below the root zone (0–150 cm) in the upper two‐thirds of the field plots during the pre‐plant irrigation. Whereas, the lower one‐third of the field did not experience significant nitrate losses below the root zone. A one‐dimensional finite difference layered model, was used to estimate the depth of moisture penetration at the field (furrow) locat...

Determination of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur in soils, sediments and wastes: A comparative study

Abstract The determination of low levels (< 1 %) of total carbon and nitrogen in soils, sediments and solid wastes is made fast using an automated elemental NCS analyzer (Carlo Erba NA-1500). The recoveries of total N obtained were similar with either the elemental analyzer or the Kjeldahl digestion method used. The recoveries and precision of the TC, TOC data were better and more predictable using the elemental analyzer than the wet digestion procedure used in this study. Acid pre-treatment prior TOC determinations using the NCS analyzer resulted in lower total N recoveries. The determination of S in the same materials using this analyzer is not recommended due to low recoveries and poor precision.