Soil salinity and sodicity in a shrimp farming coastal area of the Mekong Delta,Vietnam

Soil salinity and sodicity are environmental problems in the shrimp farming areas of the Cai Nuoc district, Ca Mau province, Vietnam. In 2000, farmers in the district switched en masse from rice cropping to shrimp culture. Due to recent failure in shrimp farming, many farmers wish to revert to a rotational system with rice in the wet season and shrimps in the dry season. So far, all their attempts to grow rice have failed. To assess soil salinity and sodicity, 25 boreholes in shrimp ponds were analysed in four consecutive seasons from 2002 to 2004. The results showed that soil salinity was quite serious (mean EC_e 29.25 dS m⁻¹), particularly in the dry season (mean EC_e 33.44 dS m⁻¹). In the wet season, significant amounts of salts still remained in the soil (mean EC_e 24.65 dS m⁻¹) and the highest soil salinity levels were found near the sea. Soil sodicity is also a problem in the district (exchangeable sodium percentage range 9.63–72.07%). Sodicity is mainly a phenomenon of topsoils and of soils near the sea. Both soil salinity and sodicity are regulated by seasonal rainfall patterns. They could together result in disastrous soil degradation in the Cai Nuoc district.     

Bioavailability of arsenic in the soil horizon: a laboratory column study

Groundwater contaminated with arsenic (As), when extensively used for irrigation, causes potentially long-term detrimental effects to surface soils. Such contamination can also directly affect human health when irrigated crops, such as rice, vegetable and fruits, are used for human consumption. Therefore, an understanding of the leaching behavior of As in surface soils is of high importance, because such behavior may increase the bioavailability of As in the soil horizon. In this study, we have investigated the role of phosphate ions in leaching and bioavailability of As in the soil horizon, where drinking groundwater contains elevated levels of As (≥50 μg/L). Soil and groundwater samples were characterized in the laboratory and measured for physical and chemical constituents. The soils are generally neutral to slightly alkaline in character (pH range 7.5–8.1) with low to moderate levels of free Fe₂O₃, Al₂O₃, CaCO₃, organic carbon, and clay content. The measured electrical conductivity (mean 599 μS/cm) of the soils demonstrates their non-saline nature. The Eh values (range −37 to −151 mV) of the groundwater indicate anoxic condition with low to moderate levels of bicarbonate (range 100–630 mg/L) and phosphate (range 0.002–4.0 mg/L). The arsenic content (range 50–690 μg/L; mean 321 μg/L) in groundwater has exceeded both WHO recommended guideline values (10 μg/L) and the National safe drinking water limit (50 μg/L). Regression analyses demonstrate that the bioavailability of As in the soil horizon is mainly controlled by the composition of free Fe₂O₃ and CaCO₃ content of the soils. However, application of P could increase bioavailability of As in the soil horizon and become available to plants for uptake.     

CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> absorption by alkaline soils and its implication to the global carbon cycle

Motivated by the rapid increase in atmospheric CO₂ due to human activities since the Industrial Revolution, and the climate changes it produced, the world’s concerned scientific community has made a huge effort to investigate the global carbon cycle. However, the results reveal that the global CO₂ budget cannot be balanced, unless a “missing sink” is invoked. Although numerous studies claimed to find the “missing sink”, none of those claims has been widely accepted. This current study showed that alkaline soil on land are absorbing CO₂ at a rate of 0.3–3.0 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ with an inorganic, non-biological process. The intensity of this CO₂ absorption is determined by the salinity, alkalinity, temperature and water content of the saline/alkaline soils, which are widely distributed on land. Further studies revealed that high salinity or alkalinity positively affected the CO₂ absorbing intensity, while high temperature and water content had a negative effect on the CO₂ absorbing intensity of these soils. This inorganic, non-biological process of CO₂ absorption by alkaline soils might have significant implications to the global carbon budget accounting.     

Selection of bioindicators in coal-contaminated soils of Dhanbad,India

Coal handling, crushing, washing, and other processes of coal beneficiation liberate coal particulate matter, which would ultimately contaminate the nearby soils. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the status of soil bio-indicators in the surroundings of a coal beneficiation plant, (in relation to a control site). The coal beneficiation plant is located at Sudamudih, and the control site is 5 km away from the contaminated site, which is located in the colony of Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research Institute, Digwadih, Dhanbad. In order to estimate the impact of coal deposition on soil biochemical characteristics and to identify the most sensitive indicator, soil samples were taken from the contaminated and the control sites, and analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC), soil N, soil basal respiration (BSR), substrate-induced respiration (SIR), and soil enzymes like dehydrogenase (DHA), catalase (CAT), phenol oxidase (PHE), and peroxidase (PER). Coal deposition on soils improved the SOC from 10.65 to 50.17 g kg⁻¹, CAT from 418.1 to 804.11 μg H₂O₂ g⁻¹ h⁻¹, BSR from 8.5 to 36.15 mg CO₂–C kg⁻¹ day⁻¹, and SIR from 24.3 to 117.14 mg CO₂–C kg⁻¹ day⁻¹. Soils receiving coal particles exhibited significant decrease in DHA (36.6 to 4.22 μg TPF g⁻¹ h⁻¹), PHE (0.031 to 0.017 μM g⁻¹ h⁻¹), PER (0.153 to 0.006 μM g⁻¹ h⁻¹), and soil N (55.82 to 26.18 kg ha⁻¹). Coal depositions significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the DHA to 8.8 times, PHE to 1.8 times, and PER to 25.5 times, but increased the SOC to 4.71 times, CAT to 1.9 times, SIR to 4.82 times, and BSR to 4.22 times. Based on principal component analysis and sensitivity test, soil peroxidase (an enzyme that plays a vital role in the degradation of the aromatic organic compounds) is found to be the most important indicator that could be considered as biomarkers for coal-contaminated soils.     

The relationship between hydrodynamic properties and weathering of soils derived from volcanic rocks,Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)

The aim of this interdisciplinary study is to examine a component of the hydrological cycle in Galapagos by characterizing soil properties. Nine soil profiles were sampled on two islands. Their physical and hydrodynamic properties were analyzed, along with their mineralogical composition. Two groups of soils were identified, with major differences between them. The first group consists of soils located in the highlands (>350 m a.s.l.), characterized by low hydraulic conductivity (<10⁻⁵ m s⁻¹) and low porosity (<25%). These soils are thick (several meters) and homogeneous without coarse components. Their clay fraction is considerable and dominated by gibbsite. The second group includes soils located in the low parts of the islands (<300 m a.s.l.). These soils are characterized by high hydraulic conductivity (>10⁻³ m s⁻¹) and high porosity (>35%). The structure of these soils is heterogeneous and includes coarse materials. The physical properties of the soils are in good agreement with the variations of the rainfall according to the elevation, which appears as the main factor controlling the soil development. The clayey alteration products constrain soils physical and hydrodynamic properties by reducing the porosity and consequently the permeability and also by increasing water retention.     

Aluminium in Lake Cuicocha,Ecuador, an Andean Crater Lake: Filterable,Gelatinous and Microcrystal Al Occurrence

In Lake Cuicocha watershed, a young caldera lake, soils consist of volcanic deposits with a high SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ content; these andisols are in an early stage of development; and in drainage water from the watershed, aluminium concentrations reach 15.0 μmol L⁻¹. Total aluminium concentrations in Lake Cuicocha water raises up to 7.2 μmol L⁻¹, with nearly 70% occurring as filterable Al at neutral to weak alkaline conditions. Al polymerization to gelatinous aggregates of a few hundred micrometres in diameter as well as the occurrence of Al microcrystals like gibbsite as an ageing product of gelatinous Al polymers was noted in the lake water. The gelatinous Al leads to the formation of larger aggregates resulting in flocs of bacteria, algae, microorganisms and detritus.     

Spatial pore characteristics of unsaturated soils caused by dielectric geometric factors under permittivity method with 1 GHz frequency range

A dielectric measurement device called a frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) has been designed and constructed for the dielectric measurement of unsaturated soil consisting of a volumetric soil water content of about 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 m³/m³ with different soil porosity around 0.40–0.45, respectively. The dielectric constant is measured in the frequency range 1 GHz. Soil calibration tests and tracer injection tests on standard sand and river sand are carried out in the laboratory. FDR measurement probes at different soil depths allow volumetric soil water content and dielectric constant measurements. The tracer concentration in the pore water is monitored by determining the dielectric constant, from the soil impedance. From the relationship between volumetric soil water content and dielectric constant, the specific calibration equations for the unsaturated soils were derived, and one can easily estimate the volumetric soil water content from the response of the measured dielectric constant for the soils. In the study of dielectric mixture models using α-value of 0.5 which is dielectric geometric factor, the effective porosity for the soils was computed to a range of 87–92% compared with the soil porosity.     

Effect of sheep manure and EDTA on the leaching of potassium from heavy metals contaminated calcareous soils

In this study, we examined the movement of potassium (K) in columns of contaminated calcareous soils by sheep manure and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Glass tubes, 4.9 cm in diameter and 40 cm in length, were packed with contaminated soils. The resulting 20-cm long column of soil had a bulk density of 1.3–1.4 g cm⁻³. Columns were leached with distilled water, 0.01 M EDTA, 0.01 M CaCl₂, and sheep manure extract solutions. The amounts of K leached varied considerably between different soils (sandy loam and loamy sand) and leaching solutions. The amount leached with EDTA solution, varied from 7.2 to 66.7% of the extractable K when 20 pore volumes had passed through the column. The breakthrough curves of K in the EDTA and CaCl₂ were approximately similar, indicating they have similar ability to displace K from these contaminated calcareous soils. Thus, among leaching solutions application of EDTA and CaCl₂ on contaminated soils might enhance the mobility of K and large amounts of K will be leached.     

Analysis of the spatial and temporal changes in soil CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> flux in alpine meadow of Qilian Mountain

Field experiments on the CO₂ flux of alpine meadow soil in the Qilian Mountain were conducted along the elevation gradient during the growing season of 2004 and 2005. The soil CO₂ flux was measured using the Li-6400-09 soil respiration chamber attached to the Li-6400 portable photosynthesis system. The effects of water and heat and roots on the soil CO₂ flux were statistically analyzed. The results show that soil CO₂ flux along the elevation gradient gradually decreases. The soil CO₂ flux was low at night, with lowest value occurring between 0200 and 0600 hours, started to rise rapidly during 0700–0830 hours, and then descend during 1600–1830 hours. The peak CO₂ efflux appears during 1100–1600 hours. The diurnal average of soil CO₂ efflux was between 0.56 ± 0.32 and 2.53 ± 0.76 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. Seasonally, soil CO₂ fluxes are relatively high in summer and autumn and low in spring and winter. The soil CO₂ efflux, from the highest to the lowest in the ranking order, occurred in July and August (4.736 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹), June and September, and May and October, respectively. The soil CO₂ efflux during the growing season is positively correlated with soil temperature, root biomass and soil water content.     

Soil hydraulic properties on the steep karst hillslopes in northwest Guangxi, China

Soil hydraulic properties such as soil infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity are closely linked to runoff generation and infiltration processes but little is known about them on karst hillslopes. The objectives of this paper were to investigate the change in soil stable infiltration rate (q _s) and near-saturated hydraulic conductivity (K _ns) in different slope positions and to understand their relationship with rock fragment content and soil texture within the topsoil in subtropical karst regions of southwest China. Tension infiltrometers (20 cm in diameter) were used to measure q _s and K _ns at pressure head of −20 mm on hillslopes 1 (a disintegrated landslide failure) and 2 (an avalanche slope). The change of q _s and K _ns was great and they mostly had a moderate variability with coefficient of variations (CV) between 0.1 and 1.0 in the different slope positions. On average, q _s ranged from 0.43 to 4.25 mm/min and K _ns varied from 0.75 to 11.00 mm/min. These rates exceed those of most natural rainfall events, confirming that overland flow is rare on karst hillslopes. From bottom to top, q _s and K _ns had a decrease–increase–decrease trend due to the presence of large rock outcrops (>2 m in height) on hillslope 1 but had an increasing trend on hillslope 2 with less complex landform. They tended to increase with increase in total rock fragment content (5–250 mm) within the topsoil as well as slope gradient on both hillslopes. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that higher coarse pebble (20–75 mm), cobble (75–250 mm), and sand (2–0.05 mm) contents as well as total rock fragment content could significantly facilitate water infiltration into soils, but higher clay (<0.002 mm) content could restrict water movement. This result indicated that rock fragment, sand, and clay contents may remarkably affect water flow in the topsoil layers, and should be considered in hydrological modeling on karst hillslopes in subtropical regions.     

Transport and fate of nitrate within soil units of glacial origin

Questions concerning the influence of soil type and crop cover on the fate and transport of nitrate (NO₃⁻) were examined. During a growing season, soils derived from glacial material underlying either corn or soybeans were sampled for levels of NO₃⁻ within the pore water. Measured levels of NO₃⁻ ranged from below detection limit to 14.9 g NO₃⁻ per kilogram of soil (g/kg). In fields with the same crop cover, the silty-clayey soil exhibited a greater decrease in NO₃⁻ levels with depth than the sandier soil. Crop uptake of NO₃⁻ occurs within the root zone; however, the type of crop cover did not have a direct impact on the fate or transport during the growing season. The soils underlying soybeans had an increase in NO₃⁻ levels following harvest, suggesting that the decomposition of the soybean roots contributed to the net gain of NO₃⁻ in the shallow soil. For all of the soil types, conditions below 100 cm are conducive for microbial denitrification, with both a high water saturation level (>60%) and moderate organic carbon content (1–2%). At depths below 100 cm, temporal differences in NO₃⁻ levels of over a magnitude, up to a 95% reduction, were recorded in the soil units as the growing season progressed. Physical properties that control the transport of NO₃⁻ or denitrification have a larger influence on NO₃⁻ levels than crop type.

Kinetics of selenomethionine disappearance from reclaimed coal mine soils of Wyoming, U.S.A.

 Selenomethionine (SeM) is an organic toxicant that is present in seleniferous environments. No kinetic data is yet available regarding SeM reactions in coal mine environments, where selenium (Se) toxicity is a potential concern. A kinetic study was conducted on two reclaimed coal mine soils (Typic Torriorthents) from Wyoming having sandy and clayey textures. Four levels of SeM treatments (0, 50, 100 μM, and plant amendment from the mine vegetation) were reacted with the soils for 4, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 84 days to characterize the kinetic behavior of overall SeM disappearance from soil solutions. Detection of SeM in soil solutions at the control level (0 μM SeM) indicated occurrence of indigenous SeM in the soils. In the plant-amended soil solutions, much greater concentrations of SeM were observed as compared with the soil-only systems. This indicated the plant material was a more potential source of SeM than the mine soils. A time-dependent loss in solution SeM concentrations was observed for both soils under 0, 50, 100 μM SeM treatments. For the soil-plant mixtures, the solution SeM concentration increased initially, reached a maximum after 14 days, and then decreased thereafter. In the plant-amended soil solutions, SeM concentrations at all time intervals were higher for the sandy as compared to the clayey soil. At 50 and 100 μM SeM treatments, the solution pH was linearly related to the percentages of SeM disappeared from the solutions; greater percentage of SeM was removed from solutions at comparatively lower pH levels, which was ≥90% at pH 7.7 for both soils. Solution SeM concentrations decreased exponentially with time following first-order kinetic reactions. Under all applications (except for the control), C ₀ (SeM concentration at t=0) values for the sandy soil were greater than those determined for the clayey soil, indicating higher solution SeM availability for the former and more SeM retention by the latter at t=0. Comparison of C ₀ in controls (0 μM SeM addition) suggested greater indigenous SeM in the clayey soil. For both soils, C ₀ values under different treatments followed the order, (soil+100 μM)>(soil+50 μM)>(soil+0 μM). The specific reaction rate constants (K _r) of SeM for both soils were similar (0.031 and 0.029 day^–1 for sandy and clayey soils, respectively); low K _r values indicated that SeM loss from our reclaimed coal mine soil solutions would follow rather slow kinetics. The half-life (t _0.5) of SeM varied from 15 to 55 days depending on treatment level. The knowledge obtained from this study should contribute in developing time-based Se reclamation strategies in coal mine environments. Received: 18 September 1995 · Accepted: 28 December 1995     

Metal contamination and filtering in soil from an iron (magnetite) mine–smelter complex in the critical Hudson Highlands watershed,New York

Organic material in metal contaminated soils around an abandoned magnetite mine–smelter complex in the critical Highlands watershed protects the groundwater and surface water from contamination. Metals in these waters were consistently below local and national water standards. Two groups of soil types cover the area: (1) Group A disturbed metal-rich soils, and (2) Group B undisturbed organic soils. Chromium and nickel were more elevated than other metals with Cr more widespread than Ni. In Group A, Cr correlated strongly with sesquioxides in the lower horizons (Fe₂O₃: r = 0.74, p < 0.025; Al₂O₃: r = 0.92, p < 0.005). In Group B, Cr correlated strongly (r = 0.96, p < 0.005) with soil organic matter (SOM) in the O-horizons. Ni–Cr (Group A: 52 and 70% in O- and lower horizons, respectively; Group B: ~100% in both horizons) and V–Cr correlations (78% only in Group A lower horizons) suggest similar retention mechanisms for these elements. Average soil \textpH_\textCaCl2 {\text{pH}}_{{{\text{CaCl}}_{2} }} for both groups ranged between 3.65 and 5.91, suggesting that soil acidity is determined by organic acids and solubility of Al³⁺ releasing H⁺ ions. SOM and sesquioxides contribute significantly to creating naturally occurring filtration systems, removing metals, and protecting water quality. High Ca, Fe, and Ti in Group A soils suggest slag and ash were mixed into the soils. Some low-Cr sources include magnetite, slag, and ash (100, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively). Constant ZrO ₂ :TiO ₂ ratios in the lower soils indicate soil formation from breakdown of underlying tailing rocks, contributing Cr to these layers.     

Evaluation of phosphorus leaching from contaminated calcareous soils due to the application of sheep manure and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid

Organic amendment application to heavy metal contaminated soils may contribute to leaching of phosphorus (P). The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of sheep manure and ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the P leaching from a wide range of calcareous contaminated soils. Glass tubes, 4.9 cm diameter, and 40 cm long, were packed with contaminated soil. The resulting 20 cm long column of soils had bulk density of 1.3–1.4 g cm⁻³. The columns were leached with distilled water, 0.01 M EDTA, 0.01 M CaCl₂ or sheep manure extract (SME) solutions. The breakthrough curves for P were different and the amounts of P leached varied considerably between different soils and leaching solutions. The amounts leached with SME were less than the amount added through the SME, indicating that some P was retained by the soil, mainly due to preliminary sorption of organic ligands on to the soil with the creation of new sorbing surfaces. The amount leached with EDTA solution varied from 9.9 to 46.3% of the extractable P when 15 pore volumes had passed through the column. Low amounts of P were leached by 0.01 M CaCl₂, which is likely to be due to the high concentration of soluble Ca used in the solution. Thus, among leaching solutions the application of EDTA and SME on contaminated calcareous soils might enhance the mobility of P and large amounts of P will be leached, leading to contamination of ground and surface waters.     

Characteristics,genesis and classification of a basin peat soil under negative human impact in Turkey

The objective of this research was to investigate the morphology, genesis and classification of organic soils formed on depression and flat land around Lake Yenicaga, west-central Turkey. Formation of the area has been influenced by tectonic and karst processes. This peatland is important in this area due to its extensive use as a horticultural plant growth medium resulting from positive physical and chemical properties. Organic soils in the study area were formed in nutrient-rich conditions and it is classified as typical basin peat. Four representative pedons were excavated in the study area based on extensive observations performed with random grid method using an auger. Samples were taken from horizons in each profile for laboratory analyses. Organic matter contents ranged from 12.5 to 91.5% across all four pedons. Fiber contents were between 4.3 and 91.5%, and N ranged from 0.56 to 2.19%. Cation exchange capacity ranged from 37 to 222 cmol kg⁻¹, bulk density from 0.09 to 0.78 g cm⁻³, lime from 0.15 to 2.62%. The pH and EC_e values ranged from 5.38 to 7.92 and 0.50 to 3.80 dS m⁻¹, respectively. Sand, silt and clay contents of the organic soils ranged between 0.75–3.92, 40.70–74.77 and 24.15–57.30%, respectively. Differences in organic soils were found to depend on the environment, botanical origins, decomposition degrees, and groundwater composition. The organic soils of the research area were classified in the typic, hemic and hydric subgroups of Medifibrists (Soil Taxonomy 1999).     

Potassium leaching in undisturbed soil cores following surface applications of gypsum

Displacement studies on leaching of potassium (K⁺) were conducted under unsaturated steady state flow conditions in nine undisturbed soil columns (15.5 cm in diameter and 25 cm long). Pulses of K⁺ applied to columns of undisturbed soil were leached with distilled water or calcium chloride (CaCl₂) at a rate of 18 mm h⁻¹. The movement of K⁺ in gypsum treated soil leached with distilled water was at a similar rate to that of the untreated soil leached with 15 mM CaCl₂. The Ca²⁺ concentrations in the leachates were about 15 mM, the expected values for the dissolution of the gypsum. When applied K⁺ was displaced with the distilled water, K⁺ was retained in the top 10–12.5 cm depth of soil. In the undisturbed soil cores there is possibility of preferential flow and lack of K⁺ sorption. The application of gypsum and CaCl₂ in the reclamation of sodic soils would be expected to leach K⁺ from soils. It can also be concluded that the use of sources of water for irrigation which have a high Ca²⁺ concentration can also lead to leaching of K⁺ from soil. Average effluent concentration of K⁺ during leaching period was 30.2 and 28.6 mg l⁻¹ for the gypsum and CaCl₂ treated soils, respectively. These concentrations are greater than the recommended guideline of the World Health Organisation (12 mg K⁺ l⁻¹).     

Effects of saline water irrigation on soil properties in northwest China

Due to the lack of freshwater, highly saline groundwater was the main irrigation source in the last few decades in the Minqin Basin, which is in northwest China. The study evaluates the effects of salt accumulation on the soil physical–chemicals properties. Undisturbed and disturbed soil samples were taken from the experiment site, which was irrigated with saline water at a concentration of 0.8, 2 and 5 g L⁻¹ (coded later as C₀₈, C₂ and C₅). Undisturbed soil samples, at depths of 0–45 and 45–60 cm were taken to determine the water retention curve (WRC). Moreover, in the same place, another set of undisturbed soil samples were taken to determine the porosity and pore-size distribution (PoSD). From the WRC, the water-holding capacity of the soil was estimated. Disturbed soil samples at depths of 0–20, 0–45, 45–60 and 80–100 cm were taken to determine the index of aggregates stability in water (IC). The electrical conductivity of the saturated paste (EC_e) was determined at depths of 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm, during the irrigation season on C₀₈, C₂ and C₅ treatments. The results show that the total porosity and the index of aggregates stability in water decrease with the increasing salinity of irrigation water, and the EC_e increases with the increasing salinity of irrigation water especially in the surface soil. The water-holding capacity (WHC) of soil also increases with the increasing salinity of irrigation water.     

Nitrogen-15 Isotope Enrichment in Benthic Boundary Layer Gases of a Stratified Eutrophic Iron and Manganese Rich Lake

The applicability of the natural abundance of nitrogen gas isotope ratios was used to indicate the spatial distribution of nitrogen transformations in the water column and sediment pore waters of Lake Ngapouri, a small (area 0.19 km²), monomictic, eutrophic lake in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, North Island, New Zealand. Samples were collected from the epilimnion, hypolimnion, benthic boundary layer and at 5-cm intervals from the sediment pore waters at monthly intervals for 1 year. Values of δ¹⁵N [N₂] ranged from −1 to 0.28‰ in the epilimnion, −1.5 to 1.25‰ in the hypolimnion, −1.8 to 12.2‰ in the benthic boundary layer and −0.7 to 3.5‰ in sediment pore waters. Values of δ¹⁵N [N₂] showed a strong seasonal pattern that was related to the loss of dissolved oxygen in the hypolimnion during seasonal stratification. Increases in ¹⁵N-enriched dinitrogen take place in the benthic boundary layer during the periods of anoxia (taken to be dissolved oxygen concentrations <6.3 μM) and may be related to abundant ammonium substrate (up to 275 μM) to support denitrification. Nitrate concentrations increased up to 36 μM with increasing duration of anoxia. We hypothesise that an alternative electron acceptor besides oxygen is required to support the nitrification needed for the production of nitrate. Iron and manganese hydroxides and oxides from material sedimenting out of the water column may have induced chemo-nitrification sufficient to oxidise ammonium in the anoxic benthic boundary layer. The nitrate formed would mostly be rapidly denitrified so that the δ¹⁵N [N₂] would continue to become enriched during the presence of anoxia, as observed in hypolimnion and benthic boundary layer of Lake Ngapouri. The changes in δ¹⁵N [N₂] values indicate the potential use of isotope ratios to identify and quantify potential chemo-nitrification/denitrification in the water column and sediment pore waters of lakes.     

Large tank experiment on nitrate fate and transport: the role of permeability distribution

A long-term elution experiment to study the saturated transport of pre-accumulated fertilizers by-products, was conducted within a large tank (4 × 8 × 1.4 m) equipped with 26 standard piezometers. Sandy sediments (35 m³), used to fill the tank, were excavated from an unconfined alluvial aquifer near Ferrara (Northern Italy); the field site was connected to a pit lake located in a former agricultural field. To evaluate spatial heterogeneity, the tank’s filling material was characterized via slug tests and grain-size distribution analysis. The investigated sediments were characterized by a large spectrum of textures and a heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity (k) field. Initial tank pore water composition exhibited high concentration of nitrate (NO₃ ⁻) sulfate (SO₄ ²⁻) calcium (Ca²⁺), and magnesium (Mg²⁺), due to fertilizer leaching from the top soil in the field site. The initial spatial distribution of NO₃ ⁻ and SO₄ ²⁻ was heterogeneous and not related to the finer grain-size content (<63 μm). The tank’s material was flushed with purified tap water for 800 days in steady-state conditions; out flowing water was regularly sampled to monitor the migration rate of fertilizer by-products. Complete removal of NO₃ ⁻ and SO₄ ²⁻ took 500 and 600 days, respectively. Results emphasized organic substrate availability and spatial heterogeneities as the most important constraints to denitrification and nitrogen removal, which increase the time required to achieve remediation targets. Finally, the obtained clean-up time was compared with a previous column experiment filled with the same sediments.     

High cadmium concentrations in Jurassic limestone as the cause for elevated cadmium levels in deriving soils: a case study in Lower Burgundy,France

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic element and its presence in the environment needs to be closely monitored. Recent systematic surveys in French soils have revealed the existence of areas in eastern and central France, which show systematically high cadmium concentrations. It has been suggested that at least part of these anomalous levels are of natural origin. For the Lower Burgundy area in particular, a direct heritage from the Jurassic limestone bedrock is highly suspected. This potential relationship has been studied in several localities around Avallon and this study reports new evidence for a direct link between anomalously elevated cadmium contents of Bajocian and Oxfordian limestone and high cadmium concentrations in deriving soils. Soils in this area show cadmium concentrations generally above the average national population values, with contents frequently higher than the ‘upper whisker’ value of 0.8 μg g⁻¹ determined by statistical evaluation. In parallel, limestone rocks studied in the same area exhibit cadmium concentrations frequently exceeding the mean value of 0.030–0.065 μg g⁻¹ previously given for similar rocks by one order of magnitude, with a maximum of 2.6 μg g⁻¹. Mean ratios between the cadmium concentrations of limestone bedrock and deriving soils (Cd_soil/Cd_rock), calculated for different areas, range from 4.6 to 5.7. Calculations based on the analyses of both soils from a restricted area and fragments of bedrock sampled in the immediate vicinity of high-concentration soils are around 5.5–5.7. Cd_soil/Cd_rock is useful in determining the potential of soils in Lower Burgundy to reflect and exacerbate the high concentrations of cadmium present in parent bedrocks.