Differences on Pb accumulation among plant tissues of 25 varieties of maize (Zea mays)

Pollution of agricultural land by heavy metals has imposed an increasingly serious risk to environmental and human health in recent years.Heavy metal pollutants may enter the human food chain through agricultural products and groundwater from the polluted soils.Progress has been made in the past decade on phytoremediation,a safe and inexpensive approach to remove contaminants from soil and water using plants.However,in most cases,agricultural land in China cannot afford to grow phytoremediator plants instead of growing crops due to food supply for the great population.Therefore,new and effective methods to decrease the risk of heavy metal pollution in crops and to clean the contaminated soils are urgently needed.If we can find crop germplasms (including species and varieties) that accumulate heavy metals in their edible parts,such as the leaves of vegetables or grains of cereals,at a level low enough for safe consumption,then we can grow these selected species or varieties in the lands contaminated or potentially contaminated by heavy metals.If we can find crop germplasms that take in low concentrations of heavy metals in their edible parts and high content of the metals in their inedible parts,then we can use these selected species or varieties for soil remediation.In this study,the feasibility of the method is assessed by analyzing Pb concentrations in edible and inedible parts of 25 varieties of maize (Zea mays) grown in Pb-contaminated soils.The soil concentrations of Pb were 595.55 mg/kg in the high Pb exposed treatment and 195.55 mg/kg in the control.The results showed that the Pb concentrations in different tissues were in the order of root ＞ shoot ≌ leaf＞ grain.Compared with the control,the Pb concentrations in root,shoot and leaf were greatly increased under the high Pb exposed condition,while the increments of Pb concentration in grain were relatively lower.Under the high Pb exposure,the grain Pb concentrations of 12 varieties exceeded the maximal Pb limitation of the National Food Hygiene Standard of China (NFHSC) and were inedible.This indicates that there is a high Pb pollution risk for maize grown on Pb polluted sites.Although 22 of the 25 tested varieties had harvest loss under the highly Pb stressed condition,ranging from 0.86%-38.7% of the grain biomass acquired at the control,the average harvest loss of all the tested varieties was only 12.6%,which is usually imperceptible in normal farming practices.Therefore the risk of Pb pollution in maize products cannot be promptly noticed and prevented based only on the outcome of the harvest.However,we did find that 13 of the 25 tested varieties had grain Pb concentrations lower than the limitation of the NFHSC.It is,therefore,possible to reduce the pollution risk if these favorable varieties are used for maize production in Pb-contaminated or potentially contaminated agricultural lands.Pb concentrations in vegetative tissues (root,stem and leaf) were significantly correlated with each other,while Pb concentrations of each vegetative tissue were not significantly correlated with that of grain.Among the 25 tested varieties,some varieties had Pb concentrations in grain lower than (No.1-3 and No.6) or slightly above (No.4) the limitation of the NFHSC,while their Pb concentrations in the vegetative tissues were among the highest.When excluding these varieties,correlations between the Pb concentrations of grain and those of vegetative tissues of the rest of the tested varieties became highly significant.In addition,variety No.1 had the lowest harvest loss under high Pb exposed,and the highest Pb accumulation in vegetative tissues (51.69 mg/plant,12 times as much as in the control).Similar features were also observed in varieties No.2,No.3 and No.6,which absorbed Pb for 36-42 mg/plant under high Pb exposed.We recommend these varieties of maize to be used for bioremediation of Pb contaminated soil and crop production at the same time.     

玉米各器官积累Pb能力的品种间差异

为了研究不同玉米(Zea mays)品种及不同器官对Pb积累能力的差异,在土壤Pb含量为595.55 mg·kg^-1 的高Pb胁迫和含量为195.55 mg·kg^-1的低Pb胁迫(对照)条件下,采用盆栽试验结合火焰原子吸收等方法,测定了25个玉米品种各器官Pb的含量。结果表明:Pb胁迫下供试玉米品种各器官含Pb量表现为根>茎≌叶>籽实;与对照相比,根、茎、叶Pb含量均大幅度提高,籽实含量的提高幅度相对较小;Pb胁迫条件下,有近半数的供试玉米品种的籽实Pb含量超过了国家规定的卫生标准,显示了在受重金属污染农田生产的玉米产品存在着较高的受Pb污染的风险。有22个品种平均籽实生物量在较强Pb胁迫下有所下降,降幅为0.9%~38.7%,但平均降幅仅为12.6%,显示玉米在Pb胁迫下的减产不易察觉,从而增加了在受污染农田中玉米产品受Pb污染的风险。但研究也表明,在较高Pb胁迫下尚有52%的品种籽实Pb含量未超过国家卫生标准最高限量值,因此可以利用这些品种在受Pb污染农田中进行玉米生产,以降低Pb经玉米产品进入人类食物链的风险。研究结果还发现供试玉米品种各营养器官间Pb含量均呈极显著正相关,但营养器官与籽实Pb含量间无显著相关。其中在较强的胁迫条件下营养器官Pb含量特别高的品种No.1的籽实中Pb含量(0.19 mg·kg^-1)比较低,未超过国家卫生标准;品种No.2、No.3和品种No.6也有类似的特点。除上述品种以及品种No.4外,其余品种籽实Pb含量遵循与营养器官Pb含量成正比的一般规律。根中Pb含量特别高的品种No.1,籽实产量在Pb胁迫下略有下降,但下降幅度最小。胁迫条件下,品种No.1的营养器官Pb总量最高(51.69 mg·plant^-1),是对照的近12倍;籽实Pb含量符合国家标准的品种No.2,No.3和No.6的营养器官Pb总量也较高,在36~42 mg·plant^-1之间。由此可见,存在着在受Pb污染农田利用这些品种进行玉米生产同时修复受污染土壤的可能。     

EFFECTS OF INOCULATION WITH ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI ON MAIZE GROWN IN MULTI-METAL CONTAMINATED SOILS

Pot culture experiments were established to determine the effects of colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus mosseae and G. sp) on maize (Zea mays L.) grown in Pb, Zn, and Cd complex contaminated soils. AMF and non-AMF inoculated maize were grown in sterilized substrates and subjected to different soil heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Cd) concentrations. The root and shoot biomasses of inoculated maize were significantly higher than those of non-inoculated maize. Pb, Zn, and Cd concentrations in roots were significantly higher than those in shoots in both the inoculated and non-inoculated maize, indicating the heavy metals mostly accumulated in the roots of maize. The translocation rates of Pb, Zn, and Cd from roots to shoots were not significantly difference between inoculated and non-inoculated maize. However, at high soil heavy metal concentrations, Pb, Zn, and Cd in the shoots and Pb in the roots of inoculated maize were significantly reduced by about 50% compared to the non-inoculated maize. These results indicated that AMF could promote maize growth and decrease the uptake of these heavy metals at higher soil concentrations, thus protecting their hosts from the toxicity of heavy metals in Pb, Zn, and Cd complex contaminated soils.     

Heavy metal absorption status of five plant species in monoculture and intercropping

Absorption ability for heavy metals varies among plant species. This study is to evaluate the absorption characteristics of different plant species and planting patterns for heavy metals. Five plant species (tomato, maize, greengrocery, cabbage, and Japan clover herb) were cultivated in monoculture and in intercropping in soil contaminated with heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Fe), to determine the absorption status. Tomato absorbs greater amounts of heavy metals (especially Cd). Furthermore, accumulation of heavy metals increased when tomato was intercropped with other plant species. Maize accumulates greater amounts of Cr, Cu, and Fe. The heavy metal concentrations were reduced when maize was intercropped. Cd and Pb accumulated more in roots of Japan Clover Herb, and the levels of all five heavy metals decreased when intercropped. Tomato intercropping is a feasible method for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil, and maize intercropping is feasible for obtaining safe harvest which can be eaten securely.     

强还原过程对设施菜地土壤重金属形态转化的影响

设施菜地由于污水灌溉、粪肥施用等导致重金属污染.本文通过土柱淹水同时添加玉米秸秆培养和后期通水淋洗,研究强还原法对设施土壤重金属(Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn)形态转化的影响.结果表明: 强还原处理使土壤pH显著降低,玉米秸秆处理变化更显著;土壤氧化还原电位(Eh)迅速下降至-280 mV左右.玉米秸秆处理可以促进土壤中Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn活化,第9天土壤中有机物及硫化物结合态和残渣态Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn含量比重下降;至15 d培养结束,土壤中4种重金属含量较对照分别减少18.1%、19.0%、16.1%和15.7%.玉米秸秆处理可以增加土壤中Cd和Zn的溶出量,但是Cu的溶出量减少;胶体结合态Cd和Pb含量较对照增加、Cu较对照显著减少、Zn没有显著变化.强还原可以引起设施土壤重金属活化,提高蔬菜积累重金属的风险,而且其随土壤水分的运移可能导致水体的污染.     

Distribution of heavy metals in soils and vegetables and health risk assessment in the vicinity of three contaminated sites in Guangdong Province,China

Due to rapid industrialization and urbanization, human activities like industrial and agricultural production, transportation, aggravate heavy metal pollution in soil and continue to endanger vegetables and human health. In this study, three contaminated areas affected by heavy metal pollution in Guangdong Province were investigated in terms of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations in soil and vegetables. Further analyses of the contamination status and potential risks to the health of residents consuming these vegetables were conducted. Results showed the following average heavy metal concentrations in vegetables and soil: Shaoguan > Guangzhou > Dongguan, indicating that mining has caused massive soil-heavy metal pollution. The heavy metal concentrations and Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) showed the following trend: leaf-vegetables > fruit-vegetables > root-vegetables, and those of vegetable type were as follows: Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb. The Nemero pollution index (PI) of all research region soils and hazard index (HI) exceeded 1. Hence, more attention should be paid to the potential for adverse health effects caused by the consumption of vegetables produced in these sites . Thus, effective measures are encouraged, with a focus on children due to their vulnerability to these heavy metals.     

Geochemical baseline determination and pollution assessment of heavy metals in urban soils of Karachi,Pakistan

Karachi is one of the most populated urban agglomerations in the world. No categorical study has yet discussed the geochemical baseline concentrations of metals in the urban soil of Karachi. The main objectives of this study were to establish geochemical baseline values and to assess the pollution status of different heavy metals. Geochemical baseline concentrations of heavy metals were estimated using the cumulative frequency distribution (CDF) curves. The estimated baseline concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn and Fe were 56.23, 12.9, 36.31, 123.03 and 11,776 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The pollution status of heavy metals in urban soils was evaluated using different quantitative indices (enrichment factor–EF, Geo-accumulation Index–I_geo, and pollution index–PI). Enrichments factors of the selected heavy metals determined by using Fe as a normalizer showed that metal contamination was the product of anthropogenic activities. The urban soils of Karachi were found to have a moderate to moderately severe enrichment with Pb, whereas Cr and Cu has moderate and Zn has minor enrichment. I_geo results indicated moderate soil contamination by Pb at some of the sampling locations. PI for Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn was found in the range of 0.04–3.42, 0.19–1.55, 0.27–2.45 and 0.32–1.57, respectively. Large variations in PI values of Pb revealed that soil in those areas of the city which are influenced by intensive anthropogenic activities have exceptionally high concentrations of Pb. The findings of this study would contribute to the environmental database of the soil of the region and would also facilitate both at the local and the international scales, in a more accurate global environmental monitoring, which will eventually facilitate the development of management and remediation strategies for heavy metal contaminated urban soil.     

Heavy metal contamination in vegetables grown around peri-urban and urban-industrial clusters in Ghaziabad,India

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural soils resulting from rapid industrialization and urbanization is of great concern because of potential health risk due to dietary intake of contaminated vegetables. The present study aims to evaluate the status of heavy metals contamination of agricultural soils and food crops around an urban-industrial region in India. Transfer factor values of Cu, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn, and Ni from soil to vegetable was estimated. The mean heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg) in agricultural soils (Cu: 17.8, Cr: 27.3, Pb: 29.8, Cd: 0.43, Zn: 87, Mn: 306.6, Fe: 16984, and Ni: 53.8) were within allowable concentrations for Indian agricultural soil. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, and Ni in crops/vegetables exceeded the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization safe limits. Relative orders of transfer of metals from soil to edible parts of the crops/vegetables were Cd > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cr. The enrichment factors of heavy metals in soil indicated minor to moderately severe enrichment for Pb, Cd, and Ni; minor to moderate enrichment for Zn; no enrichment to minor enrichment for Mn; and no enrichment to moderate enrichment for Cu at different sites. Ecological risk index of soil showed considerable contamination in one of the wastewater irrigated sites.     

Contamination and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals in marine sediments from Tahaddart estuary (NW of Morocco)

Abstract

The distribution, contamination status, and ecological risks of heavy metals in Tahaddart estuary were investigated. 24 surface sediment samples and two cores were collected and analyzed for major (Al and Fe), heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), and grain size composition. The heavy metals assessment was carried out using different environmental indices. The results indicated that the spatial distribution patterns of Al, Fe, and Zn were mainly determined by the distribution of the finer grained fraction (<63?μm) in the sediment. In contrast, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations were controlled by anthropogenic activities (vehicular traffic from Highway Bridge and thermal power plant). The distribution of heavy metals in sediment cores showed an upward enrichment in heavy metals with high concentration found in the uppermost may related to the increasing in human activities. The pollution indexes confirmed that the Tahaddart estuary sediment was considerably to high contaminated by heavy metals near to different anthropogenic inputs. Similarly, the potential ecological risk index and the biological risk index present 21% probability of toxicity posing potential risk to the aquatic organisms. These results provide basic information that can be used to protect and improve the quality of this ecosystem.     

Transfection of siRNA into <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brachionus plicatilis</Emphasis> (Rotifera)

Lake Taihu is one of the most contaminated lakes in China. Surface sediment data show that the northern area of the Lake has the worst heavy metals pollution, and high heavy metal concentrations were attributed to discharge of untreated and partially treated industrial waste water from cities to the north of the lake. To study geochemical features and pollution history of heavy metals, total content and chemical fractionations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were analyzed for core sediments from western Lake Taihu using the speciation extraction procedure, proposed by the Commission of the European Communities Bureau of Reference (BCR), together with grain size and organic carbon measurements. Results show that sediments are composed of organic-poor clayey-fine silts for Cores MS and DLS, and have similar geochemical features shown by heavy metals. Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn mainly are associated with the residue fraction, Mn is concentrated in the exchangeable-carbonate and residue fractions, and Pb is concentrated in the Fe–Mn oxide fraction and organic-sulfide fraction. The fractions of Ni, Pb, and Zn bound to Fe–Mn oxide show significant correlations with Mn from the Fe–Mn oxide fraction, and the organic-sulfide fractions of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn are correlated with TOC. The increase of Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn content and percentage of extractable fractions in the upper layers of the sediments are correlated with anthropogenic input of heavy metals due to rapid industrial development. This coincides with rapid economic development in the Taihu basin since late 1970s. Heavy metals in the surface sediments have certain potential biological toxicity as shown by the higher SEM/AVS ratio.     

Variations in Metal Tolerance and Accumulation in Three Hydroponically Cultivated Varieties of Salix integra Treated with Lead

Willow species have been suggested for use in the remediation of contaminated soils due to their high biomass production, fast growth, and high accumulation of heavy metals. The tolerance and accumulation of metals may vary among willow species and varieties, and the assessment of this variability is vital for selecting willow species/varieties for phytoremediation applications. Here, we examined the variations in lead (Pb) tolerance and accumulation of three cultivated varieties of Salix integra (Weishanhu, Yizhibi and Dahongtou), a shrub willow native to northeastern China, using hydroponic culture in a greenhouse. In general, the tolerance and accumulation of Pb varied among the three willow varieties depending on the Pb concentration. All three varieties had a high tolerance index (TI) and EC50 value (the effective concentration of Pb in the nutrient solution that caused a 50% inhibition on biomass production), but a low translocation factor (TF), indicating that Pb sequestration is mainly restricted in the roots of S. integra. Among the three varieties, Dahogntou was more sensitive to the increased Pb concentration than the other two varieties, with the lowest EC50 and TI for root and above-ground tissues. In this respect, Weishanhu and Yizhibi were more suitable for phytostabilization of Pb-contaminated soils. However, our findings also indicated the importance of considering the toxicity symptoms when selecting willow varieties for the use of phytoremediation, since we also found that the three varieties revealed various toxicity symptoms of leaf wilting, chlorosis and inhibition of shoot and root growth under the higher Pb concentrations. Such symptoms could be considered as a supplementary index in screening tests.     

Analysis of Spatial Variations and Sources of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soils of Beijing Suburbs

To understand the effect of intense human activities in suburbs on environmental quality, we obtained 758 measurements of the heavy metals in certain farmland soils of the Beijing suburbs. Multivariate statistical analysis and geostatistical analysis were used to conduct a basic analysis of the heavy metal concentrations, the distribution characteristics and the sources of pollution of the farmland soils in these suburbs. The results showed the presence of eight heavy metals in the agricultural soils at levels exceeding the background values for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. In particular, all the measured Cr concentrations exceeded the background value, while As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn were present at 1.13, 1.68, 1.95, 1.43, 1.63, 0.79, 0.92 and 1.36 times their background values, respectively. The results of correlation, factor and spatial structure analyses showed that Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were strongly homologous, whereas Cr and Hg showed a degree of heterogeneity. The analysis further indicated that in addition to natural factors, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil were mainly associated with distribution from road traffic and land use status. Different agricultural production measures in the various areas were also important factors that affected the spatial distribution of the soil Cr concentration. The major sources of Hg pollution were landfills for industrial waste and urban domestic garbage, while the spatial distribution of As was more likely to be a result of composite pollution. The regional distribution of the heavy metals indicated that except for Cr and Hg, the high heavy metal levels occurred in districts and counties with higher organic matter concentrations, such as the northwestern and southeastern suburbs of Beijing. There was no significant Ni pollution in the agricultural soils of the Beijing suburbs.     

Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in Agricultural Soil of Southwestern Nile Delta,Egypt

The spatial and vertical distributions of heavy metals were quantitatively determined for organic-rich agricultural soils in the Southwestern Nile Delta. This study aims to undertake an assessment of heavy metals contamination in the soils of Quessna district using the inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, remote sensing, and geographic information system techniques. In this study, 24 soil samples were collected at 12 sites representing the main suburbs in the Quessna district. The concentrations of the studied metals decreased in the order of Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > Co. The contamination degree and ecological risk assessment for metals in soil samples were evaluated using the enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, improved Nemerow's pollution index, Pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index. The spatial and vertical distribution of heavy metals concentrations were affected by soil properties such as clay and organic matter content and scavenger metals (Fe and Mn). The intensive urbanization, industrial activity, and agricultural practices are thought to be the main anthropogenic sources of heavy metals contamination. Further studies especially human health risk assessment are recommended to investigate possible risks for humans from heavy metals in this area.     

Maize grain concentrations and above-ground shoot acquisition of micronutrients as affected by intercropping with turnip, faba bean, chickpea, and soybean

Most research on micronutrients in maize has focused on maize grown as a monocrop. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intercropping on the concentrations of micronutrients in maize grain and their acquisition via the shoot. We conducted field experiments to investigate the effects of intercropping with turnip (Brassica campestris L.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), and soybean (Glycine max L.) on the iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in the grain and their acquisition via the above-ground shoots of maize (Zea mays L.). Compared with monocropped maize grain, the grain of maize intercropped with legumes showed lower concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn and lower values of their corresponding harvest indexes. The micronutrient concentrations and harvest indexes in grain of maize intercropped with turnip were the same as those in monocropped maize grain. Intercropping stimulated the above-ground maize shoot acquisition of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn, when averaged over different phosphorus (P) application rates. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of intercropping on micronutrient concentrations in maize grain and on micronutrients acquisition via maize shoots (straw+grain). The maize grain Fe and Cu concentrations, but not Mn and Zn concentrations, were negatively correlated with maize grain yields. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in maize grain were positively correlated with their corresponding harvest indexes. The decreased Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations in grain of maize intercropped with legumes were attributed to reduced translocation of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn from vegetative tissues to grains. This may also be related to the delayed senescence of maize plants intercropped with legumes. We conclude that turnip/maize intercropping is beneficial to obtain high maize grain yield without decreased concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn in the grain. Further research is required to clarify the mechanisms underlying the changes in micronutrient concentrations in grain of intercropped maize.     

小麦不同生育时期Cd、Cr、Pb污染监测指标体系

以小麦为供试材料,分别采用发芽试验、溶液培养、土柱栽培等毒理试验方法,研究了小麦萌芽期、幼苗期及成株期受重金属污染毒害的指标体系。结果表明,①小麦根伸长抑制率可作为萌芽期重金属污染评价的一项生物指标;Cd、Cr、Pb对小麦根生长的7d半效应浓度(EC50)值分别为1.39、0.20mmo.lL-1和2.75mmol.L-1,据此得到3种重金属对小麦同一性状的毒性次序为CrCdPb;此外各性状抑制率与胁迫浓度的关系可用双曲线模型y=x/(a+x/100)或指数曲线模型y=a(1-exp(-bx))较好模拟。②Cd、Cr、Pb单一污染胁迫对小麦幼苗性状的毒性次序均以影响叶面积和冠部干重为主,表明叶面积和冠部干重为幼苗期污染监测的敏感指标;重金属对除根干重外所有性状的毒性次序:CrCdPb,该毒性次序是根据引起50%抑制的临界浓度即EC50值确定的;各性状抑制率与胁迫浓度的关系可用直线模型、或双曲线模型、或指数曲线模型较好模拟。③重金属单一污染胁迫造成小麦籽粒产量下降幅度是CdCrPb;二元互作对产量影响的重要性次序为CdCrCdPbCrPb;在Cd、Cr、Pb复合污染胁迫条件下,穗数可以作为成株期重金属污染监测的首选指标。以上指标可为农田小麦重金属污染的监测和综合治理提供一些理论依据。     

江苏省典型区农田土壤及小麦中重金属含量与评价

为了研究江苏省典型区地震带农田土壤和小麦中重金属的污染,在具有代表性的农田采集收获期小麦及耕层土壤,分析和评价了土壤和小麦中重金属Cu、Pb、Cd、Ni、Cr、Hg、As和Zn的含量及污染程度。结果表明,土壤样品中Cd、Zn、Pb的含量均超过江苏省土壤背景值,Cr、Cu、Ni和As分别有25.64%、97.44%、92.31%和92.31%的土壤样品中超过江苏省土壤背景值,Hg的含量均在背景值以下;与国家土壤环境质量标准(GB15618—1995)中Ⅱ级标准相比,Cd的含量均超出标准限值,其它7种重金属元素含量均在标准限值以下。土壤中重金属相关分析表明,Cd、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb、Zn、As具有相同的来源的可能性较大,而Hg与Cd、Cu、Cr、Ni、Pb、Zn、As的来源均不相同。以NY 861—2004为评价标准,小麦籽粒Pb、Cr、Hg、Ni、As样品超标率分别为100%、58.97%、33.33%、10.26%、2.56%,Cu、Zn和Cd没有样品超标,由此可见小麦籽粒中Pb的污染最为严重。采用单因子污染指数法、综合污染指数法和Hakanson潜在生态评价指数法以国家土壤环境质量标准(GB15618—1995)和江苏省土壤背景值为参比值,对农田土壤重金属污染进行评价,结果显示,从单项污染指数来看只有Cd达到重度污染水平,其它元素均在安全范围以内,从综合污染指数来看土壤重金属污染达到中度污染水平,从潜在生态评价指数法来看,研究区域表现为很强的生态危害,并以Cd为主要污染因子。     

Heavy metal contamination and health risk assessment in soil-rice system near Xinqiao mine in Tongling city,Anhui province,China

In this study, paddy soil and rice grain samples were collected from the vicinity around the Xinqiao mine in Tongling, China to test for the presence of heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in soil-rice system. Results indicated that the soil samples were primarily contaminated with Cd and Cu and followed with Zn and Pb. In rice grains, Cd, Cu, and Cr concentrations exceeded recommended guidelines. However, the regional distribution of heavy metals in rice grains and soil was inconsistent. The bioaccumulation factor of heavy metals in rice grains decreased in the order of Cd > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb. The BAF was significantly positively correlated with TCLP-extractable metals and significantly negatively correlated with soil pH. However, the relationship between soil organic matter and the BAF in rice grains was complex. Health risk assessment through rice intake showed that hazard quotients of Cu and Cd were greater than 1 and could pose a considerable non-cancer health risk to adults and children; meanwhile, Cr, Ni, and Cd could pose an unacceptable cancer risk. The results indicated that the government must take measures to reduce heavy metal contents in paddy soil and rice.     

Accumulation of cadmium, lead and strontium, and a role of calcium oxalate in water hyacinth tolerance

Eichhornia crassipes plants brought from the River Nile were cultured in jars containing river water supplemented with various concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Sr (0 to 100 μg cm-3), added simultaneously. Treatment continued for 20 d during which each cultivation solution was being replaced with fresh one every 3 d. The growth of Eichhornia was drastically retarded at heavy metal concentrations higher than 15 μg cm-3. At concentrations 15 or 25 μg cm-3, the accumulation of Cd and Pb to levels several times higher than those in control plants was found. More than 50 % of the uptaken metals were retained by roots alone. Leaves and leaf petiols received around 30 and 20 % of the accumulated metals, respectively. X-ray microanalysis indicated the presence of the three heavy metals in Ca oxalate crystals. Content of metals in the crystals increased progressively over time of exposure in a way similar to those in whole plant tissues. These results suggest a possible role for Ca oxalate crystalization in toxic heavy metal deposition and thus tolerance by Eichhornia. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of heavy metals on peppermint and cornmint

Heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils and air is one of the most severe ecological problems on a world scale and in Bulgaria in particular. The biggest sources of pollution in Bulgaria are some non-ferrous metals smelters, such as the Non-Ferrous Metals Combine (NFMC) near Plovdiv, situated on very fertile soils. Vegetable, arable and animal production in this area results in contaminated produce with excessive amounts of Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn and Zn.In order to discover some crops which could be grown on these areas without contamination of the end product, we conducted (in 1991–1993) field experiments in the vicinities of NFMC near Plovdiv. As experimental material we used Mentha piperita L. (cv Tundza and Clone No 1) and Mentha arvensis var piperascens Malinv. (cv Mentolna-14). Plants have been grown on three Plots: Plot No 1-at a distance of 400 m from the source of pollution; Plot No 2-at 3 km from the source of pollution and on a control Plot-in the experimental gardens of University of Agriculture in Plovdiv, at 10 km from the source of pollution. It was established that heavy metal pollution of soil and air at a distance of 400 m from the source of pollution decreased the yields of fresh herbage by 9–16% and the yield of essential oil by up to 14% compared to the control, but did not negatively affect the essential oil content and its quality.Oils obtained from Plot 1 at a distance of 400 m from the source of pollution have not been contaminated with heavy metals.Cultivar response to heavy metal pollution was established. A positive correlation between Pb concentration in leaves and in essential oil was found.Heavy metal concentration in the plant parts was found to be in order: for Cd roots > leaves > rhizomes > stems; Pb roots = leaves > rhizomes = stems; Cu roots > rhizomes = stems = leaves; Mn roots > leaves > stems = rhizomes; Zn leaves > roots > stems = rhizomes.The tested cultivars of peppermint and cornmint could be successfully grown in highly heavy metal polluted areas, as in the area around NFMC near Plovdiv, without contamination of the end product-the essential oils.Despite of the yield reduction (up to 14%), due to heavy metal contamination, mint still remained a very profitable crop and it could be used as substitute for the other highly contaminated crops.     

Effects of sediment-bound Cd, Pb, and Ni on the growth, feeding, and survival of Capitella sp. I

Anthropogenic metal pollutants bioaccumulated in benthic animals by means of feeding and osmotic diffusion. These metals may affect the physiology of the benthos. In this study, we exposed Capitella sp. I to three metals (Cd, Pb, and Ni), each in eight different concentrations, to determine the effects of metals on the animals. Growth rate, ingestion rate, and percent survival were estimated in three separated experiments. The growth and feeding of the worms were sensitive to even the lowest concentrations of each metal added to the sediments. The lowest observable adverse effect levels for Cd, Ni, and Pb were 0.03, 1.59, and 0.41 μmol g^− 1 sediment, respectively. Growth rates in the elevated metal contaminant treatments decreased drastically at slightly contaminated levels, lessened detrimental effects at moderately contaminated levels, and showed incompensable intoxication at heavily contaminated levels. The trends in ingestion rates were similar to those of growth rates. No significant difference in survivorship was found among the different contaminant levels for any of the three heavy metals. Capitella sp. I was most sensitive to Cd, followed by Ni and Pb, which had similar effects. The rapid physiological responses of Capitella sp. I allowed the animals to survive metal exposure. Sediment productivity remained unchanged at different contamination levels of Ni and Pb, but was drastically reduced at 4.75 μmol g^− 1 Cd in the sediment. This further demonstrated Capitella sp. I can adjust their ingestion rates to maintain constant sediment productivities in moderate pollution conditions; however, when threshold concentration was exceeded, homeostasis collapsed.