Promoted dissipation of phenanthrene and pyrene in soils by amaranth (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Amaranthus tricolor</Emphasis> L.)

A study was conducted to investigate the performance of amaranth, a known hyperaccumulator of cesium, on the promotion of the dissipation of soil phenanthrene and pyrene, which are PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Amaranthus tricolor L. een choi was the cultivar used. The presence of Amaranthus tricolor L. evidently enhanced the dissipation of these PAHs in soils with initial phenanthrene concentrations of 7.450–456.5 mg/kg dw (dw, dry weight) and pyrene of 8.010–488.7 mg/kg dw. At the end of the experiment (45 days), the residual concentrations of phenanthrene and pyrene in spiked soils with plants were generally higher than those with no plants. The loss of phenanthrene and pyrene in vegetated soils was 87.85–94.03% and 46.89–76.57% of the soil with these chemicals, which was 2.55–13.66% and 11.12–56.55% larger than the loss in non-vegetated soils, respectively. The accumulation of phenanthrene and pyrene by the plant was evident. Root and shoot concentrations of these chemicals monotonically increased with increasing soil PAH concentrations. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs), defined as the ratio of chemical concentrations in plants and in the soils (on a dry weight basis), of phenanthrene and pyrene by roots were 0.136–0.776 and 0.603–1.425, while by shoots were 0.116–0.951 and 0.082–0.517, respectively. BCFs of phenanthrene and pyrene tended to decrease with the increasing concentrations of soil phenanthrene and pyrene. Plant accumulation only accounted for less than 0.32% (for phenanthrene) and 0.33% (for pyrene) of the total amount enhancement of the dissipated PAHs in vegetated vs. non-vegetated soils. In contrast, plant-promoted microbial biodegradation was the predominant contribution to the plant-enhanced dissipation of soil phenanthrene and pyrene. These results suggested the feasibility of the radionuclide hyperaccumulator in phytoremediating the soil PAH contaminants.     

Contribution of lipids to the nonlinear sorption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to soil organic matter

The sorption isotherms of benzene, naphthalene, fluorene and phenanthrene for a suite of whole and lipid-extracted soils are presented. The sorption of benzene to two different peats displays linear characteristics which are consistent with the partitioning model of sorption. The sorption of the PAHs to three different mineral soils show marked nonlinear character. The nonlinear sorptive character of the soil organic matter can be described by site specific sorption occurring within the soil organic matrix. Removal of the lipids via Soxhlet extraction increases the nonlinear character of the sorption isotherms as well as doubles the sorptive capacity of the mineral soils for the PAHs studied. This indicates that the lipids naturally present in the soil strongly compete for hydrophobic sorption sites present in the soil organic matter matrix.     

红壤中矿物表面对腐殖质吸附萘的影响

矿物表面可改变土壤腐殖质对疏水性有机污染物的结合能力。采用红壤和高岭石分别与胡敏酸结合制备得到的两种复合体对萘的吸附等温线非线性显著,其n=0.76或0.74,并且有机碳归一化吸附分配系数的实验值Koacds是采用Kow计算得出的理论值Koc的5倍以上,表明红壤、高岭石均对腐殖质吸附萘有强化作用,且红壤较之高岭石对腐殖质吸附萘的影响稍强些。主要原因是,红壤中除了高岭石外,还有与腐殖质结合力很强的铁氧化物,而且很可能是吸附态腐殖质组成结构形态发生了有利于对萘吸附的改变。     

Sorption characteristics of ethyl <Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butyl ether to Chinese reference soils

As a gasoline additive, ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) has great market potential and its utilization might cause groundwater contamination problem. However, little research has been done on its sorption in soil. In this study, the sorption characteristics of ETBE to Chinese reference soils were studied in batch experiments. The results showed that the ETBE sorption to six soils can be described by linear sorption isotherm. The temperature influences the sorption process of ETBE to soils. The negative sorption enthalpy (ΔH < 0) indicated that the sorption process was exothermic. Furthermore, ΔH is in a range from −8 to −32 kJ/mol. This showed that van der Waals forces and other specific interactions happened simultaneously in the sorption process. With the increasing ionic strength, content of ETBE sorption to all soils decreased, which is probably also an indication of other sorption mechanisms besides ETBE partitioning into soil organic carbon.     

Effects of geosorbent and solution properties on sorption and desorption of PAHs

Characteristics of phenanthrene and pyrene’s sorption and desorption on two local soils in solutions of simulated groundwater, simulated lung fluid, and simulated saliva were studied with batch equilibrium experiments to understand the fate of PAHs in the karst region of southwestern China and to assess the environmental exposure and the health risk of PAHs. The results showed that the sorption and desorption isotherms of phenanthrene and pyrene on two target soils in the three solution systems could be adequately described by the Freundlich model, while the fitted isotherm parameters for the simulated groundwater solution distinguished notably from those for the simulated body fluid solutions. For the sorption experiments, in the simulated groundwater, the n values were 0.722 and 0.672 for phenanthrene and were 0.724 and 0.663 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil; The log K_F values were 3.118 and 3.323 for phenanthrene and were 3.648 and 3.846 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil. In the simulated body fluids, the n values for phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 0.622 to 0.836 and from 0.590 to 0.865, respectively, and the log K_F values of phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 2.845 to 3.327 and from 3.344 to 3.779, respectively. For the desorption experiments, in the simulated groundwater, the n values were 0.662 and 0.744 for phenanthrene and were 0.702 and 0.647 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil. The log K_F values were 3.666 and 3.686 for phenanthrene and were 4.128 and 4.225 for pyrene, respectively, on the yellow soil and the limestone soil. In the simulated body fluids, the n values for phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 0.612 to 0.668 and from 0.631 to 0.819, respectively, and the log K_F values of phenanthrene and pyrene ranged from 3.134 to 3.407 and from 3.533 to 3.839, respectively. The limestone soil had relatively higher log K_F values but lower K_OC values compared to those of the yellow soil, indicated that the nature of sorbent soils played the dominant role in sorption and desorption behaviors of PAHs. The experimental results showed a remarkable differences in sorption and desorption behaviors of PAHs in simulated body fluids and groundwater. The nonlinearities of measured isotherms and the measured sorption capacities of soils in simulated body fluids were significantly lower than corresponding those in the simulated groundwater, and HI values for simulated body fluids systems were significantly smaller than corresponding those for the simulated groundwater systems. The results underscore cautions in assessing environmental exposure and health risks of PAHs based on their sorption–desorption data in simulated groundwater as this is traditionally done.

     

Comparison of the structural,spectroscopic and phenanthrene binding characteristics of humic acids from soils and lake sediments

The structural, spectroscopic and phenanthrene binding characteristics were compared for humic acids (HA) extracted from two different sources: eight soils and six lake sediments. The elemental analysis revealed that HA from sediments had higher H/C, N/C, and (N + O)/C ratios compared to HA from soils, reflecting a lower degree of humification and more autochthonous organic input upon the formation of the HA for lake sediments versus soil environments. HA from soils exhibited a higher content of aromatic carbon structures than the sediment HA based on ¹³C NMR results. The source of HA was easily distinguished by comparing the synchronous fluorescence spectra of each HA group. The presence of a protein like fluorescence was prominent for the HA from sediment while it was minor for the HA from soil. Irrespective of the HA source, however, humification index (HIX) exhibited a common positive correlation with the aromatic content, and a negative correlation with O-alkyl carbon structures of the HA. The correlations were consistent with the general structural trends of humification processes, suggesting that HIX may serve as a source independent predictor to describe the structural information and humification degree of terrigenous HA. Aromatic carbon structures did contribute to enhancing the phenanthrene binding for both sources of HA. However, the primary structures associated with non-ideal phenanthrene binding (i.e., non-linear sorption isotherm) appear to differ by the HA source because the opposed correlations were obtained between aromaticity and the isotherm linearity for the two HA groups. Our results suggest that the HA structural function associated with specific non-linear sorption for hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) may be more strongly governed by the HA source than by the apparent physico-chemical properties.     

Sorption behaviour of pentachlorophenol in sub-Saharan tropical soils: soil types sorption dynamics

In order to predict exposure risks as well as appropriate remediation strategies for pesticides in soils, knowledge of pesticides sorption processes onto various representative soils is vital. Hence, laboratory batch experiments were carried out to study sorption of a pesticide, pentachlorophenol (PCP), on five soils obtained from different sub-Saharan agro-ecological zones (AEZs) in order to understand sorption equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Experimental data showed that sorption equilibrium was attained within 24 h. The fitting of kinetic results and equilibrium data to different models suggested partly surface adsorption and partly partitioning of PCP within voids of the various soil components. Sorption was mainly attributed to sharing or exchange of valence electrons between negatively charged PCP molecules and positively charged soil sorption sites. The sorption process was spontaneous and accompanied by decreased entropy, but was pH and temperature dependent, reducing with increase in pH and temperature. The various soils’ PCP sorption capacities were directly proportional to their cation exchange capacities. The low PCP sorption observed in these soils suggested high risk of PCP being present in soil water solution, especially at higher temperatures, which can lead to contamination of the aquifer. This risk may be higher for soils obtained from AEZs with warmer natural temperatures.     

Soil sorption of caesium modelled by the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations

The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm equations were used to model Cs sorption in 6 Welsh soils. The pH (in water), of the soils ranged from 3.5 to 6.5, and the estimated organic matter (determined by loss-on-ignition) ranged from 4.8% to 46%. According to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, highest sorption maxima,b, were displayed by the loams at 102–204 mg kg⁻¹, compared with organic soils at 37–86 mg kg⁻¹. Subsoil horizons (15–30 cm depth) did not always display higher sorption maxima than their topsoil (0–15 cm depth) counterparts. Where an improved fit to the Freundlich model was found over the Langmuir model, it was assumed that either concurrent desorption of other species, or bond-energy heterogeneity in the substrate, were significant for these soils.     

Pollution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） in oily sludge from the Zhongyuan Oilfield and its peripheral soils

The purpose of this study is to determine the degree of contamination caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in oily sludge and soils around it in the Zhongyuan Oilfield. The contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in oily sludge samples were determined with HPLC. The contents of PAHs of oily sludge from three different oil production plants vary from high to low in the order of the Wenming oily sludge dumping site of No. 3 Oil Production Plant (3W)>the Mazhai oily sludge dumping site of No. 3 Oil Production Plant (3M)>the Wen’er oily sludge dumping site of No. 4 Oil Production Plant (4W). Naphthalene, acenaphthylene, acenaphthene, fluorine and phenanthrene are the major pollutants of PAHs in oily sludge. The contents of PAHs in soil samples around the oily sludge dumping sites vary widely from 434.49 to 2408.8 ng/g. Naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorine, phenanthrene and pyrene are the characteristic factors of PAHs in soil samples of 3M and 3W, and naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorine and phenanthrene are the characteristic factors of PAHs in soil samples of 4W. According to these data and the ratios of Fl/Py, PAHs in oily sludge samples come mainly from petrogenic sources, and soil samples are divided into petrogenic soil samples and mixed-source soil samples, and both petrogenic and pyrogenic soil samples in terms of the sources of PAHs. The classification by Nemero index P indicates that soils around the oily sludge dumping sites have been seriously polluted.     

抗疏力固化剂改性黄土进失水能力研究

抗疏力固化剂在我国黄土加固中运用较少,探究抗疏力固化剂是否有利于维持黄土内部干燥状态很有必要。采用抗疏力固化剂对重塑Q3黄土改性,室内开展水滴入渗试验、柔性壁渗透试验、收缩试验及压力膜仪脱水试验,分别探讨抗疏力固化剂掺量对黄土进水、渗透及失水能力的影响。结果显示,随抗疏力固化剂掺量提高,土样斥水性急剧增大,明显优于粉煤灰、水泥、石灰改性土;渗透系数基本不变,水的流通性基本不变;干缩失水过程改性土样含水率及土-水特征曲线毛细作用区曲线斜率均变化不大,黄土失水能力基本不变。结合电镜及压汞试验结果可知,抗疏力固化剂对黄土中大孔隙、中孔隙体积含量影响较小,从而对黄土中水的流通及失去能力影响较少,证明抗疏力固化剂改性黄土斥水性明显提高,而失水能力基本不变,有利于维持黄土内部的干燥状态。     

Holocene loess deposition and soil formation as competing processes, Matanuska Valley, southern Alaska

Although loess–paleosol sequences are among the most important records of Quaternary climate change and past dust deposition cycles, few modern examples of such sedimentation systems have been studied. Stratigraphic studies and 22 new accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon ages from the Matanuska Valley in southern Alaska show that loess deposition there began sometime after 6500 ¹⁴C yr B.P. and has continued to the present. The silts are produced through grinding by the Matanuska and Knik glaciers, deposited as outwash, entrained by strong winds, and redeposited as loess. Over a downwind distance of 40 km, loess thickness, sand content, and sand-plus-coarse-silt content decrease, whereas fine-silt content increases. Loess deposition was episodic, as shown by the presence of paleosols, at distances >10 km from the outwash plain loess source. Stratigraphic complexity is at a maximum (i.e., the greatest number of loesses and paleosols) at intermediate (10–25 km) distances from the loess source. Surface soils increase in degree of development with distance downwind from the source, where sedimentation rates are lower. Proximal soils are Entisols or Inceptisols, whereas distal soils are Spodosols. Ratios of mobile CaO, K₂O, and Fe₂O₃ to immobile TiO₂ show decreases in surface horizons with distance from the source. Thus, as in China, where loess deposition also takes place today, eolian sedimentation and soil formation are competing processes. Study of loess and paleosols in southern Alaska shows that particle size can vary over short distances, loess deposition can be episodic over limited time intervals, and soils developed in stabilized loess can show considerable variability under the same vegetation.     

Heavy metal contamination of soil around Pali Industrial Area,Rajasthan, India

Due to rapid industrialization, urbanization and intensive agriculture in India increasing contamination of heavy metals in soil has become a major concern. An environmental geochemical investigation was carried out in and around the Pali industrial development area of Rajasthan to determine the effect of contamination in the study area. Soil samples collected near the Pali industrial area were analyzed for Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Sr and V contents by using Philips PW 2440 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Samples were collected from the industrial area of Pali from the top 10 cm layer of the soil. Most of the samples were collected near small streams adjacent to industrial areas, and near Bandi River. Levels of the metals in soils around the industrial area were found to be significantly higher than their normal distribution in soil such as Pb – 293 mg/kg, Cr – 240 mg/kg, Cu – 298 mg/kg, Zn – 1,364 mg/kg, Sr – 2,694 mg/kg and V – 377 mg/kg. High concentration of these toxic elements in soil is responsible for the development of toxicity in agriculture products, which in turn affects human life. Distribution of metals, their contents at different locations, correlation of heavy metals in soil and their effect on human health are discussed in the paper.     

Late Pleistocene Environments of the Central Ukraine

The Vyazivok loess sequence from the Dnieper Plain, Ukraine, documents regional environmental changes during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. Pedological and palynological analyses and low-field magnetic susceptibility document changes from dense temperate forest during the last interglacial maximum to open, harsh, loess–steppe during the latest Pleistocene. The Vyazivok section overlies hillwash derived from a lower Pleistocene terrace and consists of two stratified soil complexes (Kaydaky and Pryluky; marine isotope stage [MIS] 5 equivalent) separated by a layer of eolian dust (Tyasmyn silt). The lower soils in both complexes formed within forest. These soils are overlain by the Uday (MIS4) and Bug (MIS2) loess units, which are separated by boreal soils of the Vytachiv (MIS3) complex. The coldest conditions within the record occurred in the youngest loess. Holocene soils cap the Bug loess. The Vyazivok section shows remarkable similarities with other classical loess sequences in western Europe, the Czech Republic, and Austria. The Kaydaky, Pryluky, and Vytachiv deposits, correlate with the PKIII, PKII, and PKI soil complexes, respectively, of the Czech Republic. The Tyasmyn and Prylyky silt layers correspond to marker horizons from central Europe.     

有机插层蛭石对有机污染物苯酚和氯苯的吸附特性研究

分别应用溴化十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(HDTMA)和溴化十六烷基吡啶(HDPY)改性插层级石对苯酚和氮苯两种非离于型环境污染物进行吸附性能研究。结果表明，蛭石原矿对苯酚和氮苯的吸附能力很小，经表面活性剂处理后其吸附能力大大增强。有机插层级石对苯酚的吸附具有表面吸附特征，其吸附等沮线为Freundish型；而对氮苯的吸附实际上是氮苯在水相与有机级石中有机相之间的一种分配过程，其吸附等沮线为直线型。苯酚和氮苯的竞争吸附并末减弱有机蛭石对氯苯的吸附能力，反而由于它们同时存在产生协同效应，使有机插层蛭石对氯苯总的吸附能力有所提高。     

Diffusion of lead in plagioclase and K-feldspar: an investigation using Rutherford Backscattering and Resonant Nuclear Reaction Analysis

Chemical diffusion of Pb has been measured in K-feldspar (Or₉₃) and plagioclase of 4 compositions ranging from An₂₃ to An₉₃ under anhydrous, 0.101 MPa conditions. The source of diffusant for the experiments was a mixture of PbS powder and ground feldspar of the same composition as the sample. Rutherford Backscattering (RBS) was used to measure Pb diffusion profiles. Over the temperature range 700–1050°C, the following Arrhenius relations were obtained (diffusivities in m²s^-1):Oligoclase (An₂₃): Diffusion normal to (001): log D = ( – 6.84 ± 0.59) – [(261 ± 13 kJ mol ^–1)/2.303RT]Diffusion normal to (010): log D = ( – 3.40 ± 0.50) – [(335 ± 11 kJ mol ^–1)/2.303RT]Andesine (An₄₃): Diffusion normal to (001): log D = ( – 6.73 ± 0.54) – [(266 ± 12 kJ mol ^–1)/2.303RT] Diffusion normal to (010) appears to be only slightly slower than diffusion normal to (001) in andesine.Labradorite (An₆₇): Diffusion normal to (001): log D = ( – 7.16 ± 0.61) – [(267 ± 13 kJ mol ^–1)/2.303RT] Diffusion normal to (010) is slower by 0.7 log units on average.Anorthite Diffusion normal to (010): log D = ( – 5.43 ± 0.48) – [(327 ± 11 kJ mol ^–1)/2.303RT]K-feldspar (Or₉₃): Diffusion normal to (001): log D = ( – 4.74 ± 0.52) – [(309 ± 16 kJ mol ^–1)/2.303RT] Diffusion normal to (010): log D = ( – 5.99 ± 0.51) – [(302 ± 11 kJ mol ^–1)/2.303RT]In calcic plagioclase, Pb uptake is correlated with a reduction of Ca, indicating the involvement of PbCa exchange in chemical diffusion. Decreases of Na and K concentrations in sodic plagioclase and K-feldspar, respectively, are correlated with Pb uptake and increase in Al concentration (measured by resonant nuclear reaction analysis), suggesting a coupled process for Pb exchange in these feldspars. These results have important implications for common Pb corrections and Pb isotope systematics. Pb diffusion in apatite is faster than in the investigated feldspar compositions, and Pb diffusion rates in titanite are comparable to both K-feldspar and labradorite. Given these diffusion data and typical effective diffusion radii for feldspars and accessory minerals, we may conclude that feldspars used in common Pb corrections are in general less inclined to experience diffusion-controlled Pb isotope exchange than minerals used in U-Pb dating that require a common Pb correction.     

针铁矿和蒙脱石对菲的吸附解吸行为与热力学研究

采用批量振荡吸附平衡法设计针铁矿和蒙脱石对菲的吸附解吸试验,对比研究了针铁矿和蒙脱石对菲的吸附解吸行为,并考察了不同K＋浓度的溶液对蒙脱石吸附菲的影响,比较分析了线性吸附模型和Freundlich吸附模型描述矿物吸附等温线的准确性,并从吸附热力学角度探讨了矿物的吸附机理。结果表明：针铁矿和蒙脱石对菲的吸附解吸均表现出明显的非线性和解吸滞后现象;相对于线性吸附模型来说,针铁矿和蒙脱石对菲的吸附解吸更符合Freundiich吸附模型;与蒙脱石相比,针铁矿对菲的吸附更为显著,且具有更好的稳定性;溶液中软阳离子K＋的存在使蒙脱石对菲的吸附能力得到显著提高;菲在蒙脱石和针铁矿上的吸附过程是一个自发放热,同时伴随着熵值减小的过程;随着温度的升高,蒙脱石和针铁矿对菲的吸附能力均减弱。     

Evaluation of amendments used to prevent sodification of irrigated fields

Gypsum and S are applied to soils being irrigated with Na–HCO₃ dominated coalbed natural gas (CBNG) produced water to protect soil structure and fertility. Wyoming law requires beneficial use of produced water and irrigation with CBNG produced water in the semi-arid Powder River Basin is becoming more common. Strontium isotopes were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the gypsum and S applications in preventing sodification of these irrigated soils. The isotope ratio of Sr on the cation exchange complex of irrigated soil falls between that of the gypsum amendment (0.7074) and that of local soil (0.712–0.713). Strontium isotopes indicate that, to a depth of 30 cm, as much as 50% of the Sr on the irrigated soil cation exchange sites originated from the applied gypsum amendment on a field irrigated for 3 a. This was also true to a depth of 5 cm on a field irrigated less than 1 a. Strontium isotope ratio measurements of vegetation illustrate plant utilization of Sr from gypsum amendments, thereby reinforcing the conclusions about the presence of Sr from gypsum on the soil’s exchange sites. This Sr tracing technique may be useful in a wide variety of settings where monitoring soil health is necessary, especially in settings where poor quality water is used for irrigation: a more common occurrence as demand for fresh water increases.     

无机盐与表面活性剂对菲在黄土上吸附/解吸行为的联合影响

以NaCl和MgCl₂、十二烷基苯磺酸钠(SDBS)分别作为无机盐、表面活性剂的代表, 研究两者共存对菲在黄土中吸附/解吸行为联合影响的特点及其形成机制.结果表明, NaCl(≥0.1 mol/L)、MgCl₂或SDBS的单独介入, 可缩短吸附平衡时间、增加吸附容量等, 即对吸附具促进作用, 随着介入浓度的升高, 促进作用越明显, 促进能力为MgCl₂＞SDBS＞NaCl; 不改变吸附模式, 仍较好地符合F型与H型.NaCl与MgCl₂同时介入, 对菲吸附的影响仍表现为促进作用, 呈现相加作用的特点, 且随着MgCl₂浓度的升高, 促进作用更明显.NaCl(或及MgCl₂)与SDBS的同时介入对吸附的联合影响, 总体上表现为相加作用, 但还呈拮抗作用的特点, 尤其MgCl₂浓度较高时.NaCl或(及)MgCl₂的存在, 或与SDBS共存时, 与纯水相比, 菲的解吸速度较快、解吸率较高、平衡时间较短, 且无滞后效应.可见, 无机盐与表面活性剂同时适量介入, 以强化菲等污染地下水系统的修复功效具一定的可行性.      

典型石油烃组分在地下水中的自然衰减规律

为了解石油烃类污染物在地下水中的自然衰减规律,以苯、萘、菲作为目标污染物,采用实验场地4种天然砂土作为含水层介质进行了室内模拟实验。结果表明：在单组分和混合组分溶液中,苯、萘和菲在地下含水层介质中的自然衰减均符合一级动力学方程;在不同含水层介质中,苯和萘的衰减速率大小顺序为粉砂>中砂≈粗砂>砾砂,而菲的自然衰减速率大小顺序为粉砂≈中砂≈粗砂>砾砂;微生物降解在苯和萘的自然衰减中起重要作用,而固相吸附在菲的自然衰减中起重要作用。3种物质共存时,苯和萘的自然衰减加快,菲的自然衰减减慢。     

Soil properties and moisture characteristics and their relationship with crop mid-day stress in the Sudan Gezira

This study is mainly about the relationship of the moisture holding and release capacity of soils with their texture, particularly the clay fraction. Soil samples collected from various sites in the Sudan Gezira were analysed for physical and chemical properties and moisture characteristics. Generally the soils were clayey except the recent alluvium which was loamy. The pH was alkaline and the electric conductivity < 1.0 dS m^–1. The studied soils were calcareous and very poor in organic matter, their intermediate to high water holding capacity being due mainly to the presence of large quantities of clay. Matric potentials of –0.4 to –1.5 MPa reduced soil moisture for all types of soils but the effects were not necessarily quantitatively equal. Permanent wilting point — moisture content at – 1.5 MPa — varied widely (10.5 – 22.0%) amongst the different soils and this was mainly attributed to texture and mineralogy of the soil clays. Bulk density decreased with increase in clay content. Calcium carbonate content was found to have no apparent relationship with the moisture content of these soils. The amount of silt fraction seems to have an overriding effect on the relationship between soil moisture availability in the recent alluvium soil and its subsequent release to growing plants. The results are discussed in relation to the phenomenon of mid-day stress observed in all grown crops of the Sudan Gezira.