Response of Aegiceras corniculatum to synthetic sewage under simulated tidal conditions

Young plants of Aegiceras corniculatum, a dominant mangrove species, were collected from Futian Mangrove Swamp in Shenzhen, The People's Republic of China, and grown in simulated tide tanks containing mangrove sediments. After acclimatisation in the greenhouse for 6 months, the plants were irrigated with either synthetic sewage of various strengths (NW,FW and TW) or artificial seawater (as control). NW had the characteristics and strength equivalent to municipal wastewater, while FW and TW contained 5 and10 times the nutrient and heavy metal concentrations of the NW, respectively. Results showed that the young plants of A. corniculatum were able to tolerate the wastewater (TW) with highest concentration of nutrients and heavy metals after one year treatment. The growth of TW treated plants,measured in terms of stem height, basal diameter and biomass, was comparable to that found in the control. The plants treated with NW and FW had significantly greater growth than the control, indicating that the nutrients contained in sewage are beneficial to mangrove plants. Physiological parameters such as chlorophyll content, the ratio of chlorophyll a and b, proline concentration and root activity did not show any significant changes among plants treated with wastewater of various strengths and the control, suggesting that sewage addition did not cause any apparent physiological impact on growth of A. corniculatum. Nevertheless, the plants which received sewage with highest levels of heavy metals (TW treatment) appeared to have lower content of free water but higher amount of bound water than FW, NW and the control. Higher electric conductance was also found in plants treated with TW. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Phytoremediation potential of vetiver grass irrigated with wastewater for treatment of metal contaminated soil

A field experiment was conducted to understand the potential of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) in heavy metal uptake from the soil and wastewater. Four main irrigation treatments including T₁ (treated industrial wastewater), T₂ (1:1 ratio of municipal:industrial wastewater), T₃ (treated municipal wastewater) and T₄ (fresh water) were applied. Moreover, the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), Glomus mosseae, on plant growth and heavy metal concentration was evaluated. Three main criteria including bioconcentration factor (BCF), translocation factor (TF) and heavy metal uptake were applied to assess the potential of vetiver grass in accumulation and translocation of heavy metals to aerial parts. The highest concentration of heavy metals was found in plant and soil irrigated with T₁ treatment followed by T₂, T₃ and the lowest concentrations were found in T₄ treatment. Irrigation with treated municipal wastewater led to a significant increase in plant biomass and heavy metal uptake compared to other treatments. In T₁ treatment (industrial wastewater), vetiver grass caused a significant decrease in Zn, Fe, Cu, Cd and Pb concentrations in soil as compared to no-plant treatment (without planting vetiver grass). Therefore, vetiver grass, irrigated with treated industrial wastewater, is a promising method for the development of urban and industrial green space.     

Fate of heavy metals in vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands treating secondary treated petroleum refinery wastewater in Kaduna,Nigeria

This study examined the performance of pilot-scale vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands (VSF–CWs) planted with three indigenous plants, i.e. Typha latifolia, Cyperus alternifolius, and Cynodon dactylon, in removing heavy metals from secondary treated refinery wastewater under tropical conditions. The T. latifolia-planted VSF–CW had the best heavy metal removal performance, followed by the Cyperus alternifolius-planted VSF–CW and then the Cynodon dactylon-planted VSF–CW. The data indicated that Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Fe were accumulated in the plants at all the three VSF–CWs. However, the accumulation of the heavy metals in the plants accounted for only a rather small fraction (0.09–16%) of the overall heavy metal removal by the wetlands. The plant roots accumulated the highest amount of heavy metals, followed by the leaves, and then the stem. Cr and Fe were mainly retained in the roots of T. latifolia, Cyperus alternifolius, and Cynodon dactylon (TF < 1), meaning that Cr and Fe were only partially transported to the leaves of these plants. This study showed that VSF–CWs planted with T. latifolia, Cyperus Alternifolius, and Cynodon dactylon can be used for the large-scale removal of heavy metals from secondary refinery wastewater.     

Role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and Ag-nano particle in the bioremediation of heavy metals and maize growth under municipal wastewater irrigation

The investigation evaluated the role of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Ag-nano particle on the growth and metabolism of maize irrigated with municipal wastewater (MW). Three PGPR isolated from MW were identified on the basis of 16S-rRNA gene sequence analyses as Pseudomonas sp., Pseudomonas fluorescence, and Bacillus cereus. The municipal waste water was used to irrigate the maize seeds inoculated with 3 isolated PGPR. The isolated PGPR had catalase and oxidase enzymes, solubilize insoluble bound phosphate and exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities. The colony forming unit (cfu) of the PGPR was inhibited by Ag-nano particle, but was stimulated by the municipal wastewater. The Ag-nano particles augmented the PGPR induced increase in root area and root length. The root-shoot ratio was also changed with the Ag-nano particles. The plants irrigated with municipal wastewater had higher activities of peroxidase and catalase which were further augmented by Ag-nano particle. The Ag- nano particle application modulated level of ABA (34%), IAA (55%), and GA (82%), increased proline production (70%) and encountered oxidative stress and augmented the bioremediation potential of PGPR for Pb, Cd, and Ni. Municipal wastewater needs to be treated with PGPR and Ag nano particle prior to be used for irrigation. This aims for the better growth of the plant and enhanced bioremediation of toxic heavy metals.     

Effect of sewage wastewater treated byNostoc muscorum andAnabaena subcylindrica on the growth ofZea mays andPhaseolus vulgaris

Zea mays (Sakha 321 ) andPhaseolus vulagris (Giza 6) were irrigated with sewage wastewater treated withNostoc muscorum andAnabaena subcylindrica. The results showed that irrigation of plants by untreated or treated wastewater caused stimulation in the measured growth parameters of both plants. In addition pigmentation as well as protein and carbohydrate contents were stimulated. This stimulation was attributed to the presence of high levels of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matters in wastewater. On the other side, there was a slight inhibitory effect of wastewater on some measured growth parameters of the plants. This effect may be due to the presence of some heavy metals in wastewater.     

Biomass allocation and nutrient use in fast-growing woody and herbaceous perennials used for phytoremediation

This study assessed the suitability of two deciduous woody perennials (Salix spp. and Populus spp.) and two summer green herbaceous perennials (Phragmites australis and Urtica dioica) for purification of nutrient enriched wastewater. The main hypothesis tested was that species with a particular trait combination of high relative growth rate (RGR), low nutrient productivity (A) and high mean residence time (MRT) of nutrients would be most effective in accumulating nutrients. The nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency at the whole plant level was analysed. Four treatments comprising two possible phytoremediation substrates (municipal wastewater and landfill leachate) and two control plant nutrition situations (balanced nutrient solution and pure water) were applied in four replications to the four plant species. Generally, all four species studied showed a high RGR and a low P productivity in the balanced nutrient solution treatment, while the opposite (low RGR and high P productivity) was seen in the phytoremediation substrate and pure water treatments. The general conclusion is that if P is present in marginal proportions in the wastewater, a vegetation filter with Phragmites would have an advantage since biomass and nutrient accumulation in Phragmites does not decrease as much during phytoremediation as that in deciduous woody perennials.     

无瓣海桑模拟湿地系统对污水的净化效应

在温室中建立红树林植物无瓣海桑(Sonneratia apetala Buch-Ham)模拟湿地系统,分别用正常浓度(SW)、5倍浓度(FW)和10倍浓度(TW)3种人工配制的生活污水定时定量对模拟系统污灌4个月,无瓣海桑模拟湿地系统对人工合成污水中污染物总净化率平均为N 84.6%,P 91.2%,Cd 91.2%,Pb 94.8%,Zn 84.9%,Cu 87.1%,其中土壤子系统在总净化率中所占比例平均为N 54.5%,P 76.5%,Cd 99.1%,Pb 99.6%,Zn 99.3%,Cu 99.2%。重金属有99%以上是积累在土壤中,表明土壤子系统是本模拟湿地系统净化的主体,这也是植物借以避免污染物伤害的原因之一。与不栽种植物的比较,栽种无瓣海桑的系统中土壤子系统的重金属净化率高,说明红树植物在模拟湿地净化系统中起了重要作用。由于土壤中N、P被无瓣海桑吸收用于生长,栽种了无瓣海桑的土壤子系统的积累量比不栽种的子系统少。     

Irrigating okra with secondary treated municipal wastewater: Observations regarding plant growth and soil characteristics

The present study was carried out to probe the agronomic response of hybrid cultivar of okra (Hibiscus esculentus L. var. JK 7315) grown in secondary treated municipal wastewater irrigated soil with field investigations. The concentrations of the municipal wastewater viz., 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% along with the control (groundwater) were used for the irrigation of the H. esculentus. The study revealed that the concentrations of the municipal wastewater showed significant (p < 0.05/p < 0.01) effect on the soil parameters after wastewater fertigation in comparison to groundwater in both the seasons. The maximum agronomic performance of the H. esculentus was recorded with 60% concentration of the municipal wastewater in both the seasons. The contamination factor of heavy metals varied in the H. esculentus plants and soils. In the H. esculentus plants, following fertigation with municipal wastewater, the contamination factor of manganese was the highest, while that of chromium was the lowest. Intermediate contamination factor were observed for zinc, copper, and cadmium. Therefore, secondary treated municipal wastewater can be used as an agro-fertigant after appropriate dilution (up to 60%) to achieve the maximum yield of the H. esculentus.     

白骨壤模拟湿地系统中氮的分配、循环及其净化效应

在温室中建立红树林植物白骨壤模拟湿地系统 ,分别用正常、5倍和 10倍浓度的人工配置的城市污水每周定时定量对模拟系统污灌 2次 ,用海水作对照 ,持续 1年。研究营养污染物氮在系统中的分配、循环及被净化的效果。结果表明 ,随污水处理浓度的升高 ,被更换的潮汐水中的含氮量和土壤含氮量都有较大提高 ;植物体各部分含氮量的高低顺序排列为叶 >茎>根 ;各处理组植物中氮元素的周转期依次为 4 81年、5 81年、4 5 8年和 5 86年 ;模拟系统对污水中氮的净化效果显著。     

Effect of bioaccumulation of cadmium on biomass productivity,essential trace elements,chlorophyll biosynthesis,and macromolecules of wheat seedlings

Soil contamination with heavy metals has become a worldwide problem, leading to losses in agricultural yield and hazardous human health effects as they enter the food chain. The present investigation was undertaken to examine the influence of cadmium (Cd²⁺) on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plant. Cd²⁺ accumulation and distribution in 3-wk-old seedlings grown in nutrient medium containing varying concentrations of Cd²⁺ (control, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/L) was monitored. The effect of varying Cd²⁺ concentrations up to 21 d on biomass productivity, plant growth, photosynthetic pigments, protein, amino acids, starch, soluble sugars, and essential nutrients uptake was studied in detail to explore the level up to which the plant can withstand the stress of heavy metal. Plants treated with 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/L Cd²⁺ showed symptoms of heavy-metal toxicity as observed by various morphological parameters which were recorded with the growth of plants. The root, shoot-leaf length and the root, shoot-leaf biomass progressively decreased with increasing Cd²⁺ concentration in the nutrient medium. Cd²⁺ uptake and accumulation was found to be maximum during the initial growth period. Cd²⁺ also interfered with the nutrients uptake, especially calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), potassium (K⁺), iron (Fe²⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), and manganese (Mn²⁺) from the growth medium. Growth reduction and altered levels of major biochemical constituents such as chlorophyll, protein, free amino acids, starch, and soluble sugars that play a major role in plant metabolism were observed in response to varying concentrations of Cd²⁺ in the nutrient medium. In the present study, the effects of Cd²⁺ on growth, biomass productivity, mineral nutrients, chlorophyll biosynthesis, protein, free amino acid, starch, and soluble sugars in wheat plants was estimated to establish an overall picture of the Cd²⁺ toxicity at structural and functional levels.     

Accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in a simulated mangrove system treated with sewage

Constructed tide tanks were used to examine the accumulation and distribution of heavy metals in various components of a simulated mangrove ecosystem. Young Kandelia candel plants grown in mangrove soils were irrigated with wastewater of various strengths twice a week for a period of one year. The amounts of heavy metals released via tidal water and leaf litter were monitored at regular time intervals. The quantities of heavy metals retained in mangrove soil and various plant parts were also determined. Results show that most heavy metals from wastewater were retained in soils with little being uptake by plants or released into tidal seawater. However, the amounts of metals retained in plants on a per unit dry weight base were higher than those in soils as the biomass production from the young mangrove plants was much smaller when compared to the vast quantity of soils used in this study. A significantly higher heavy metal content was found in roots than in the aerial parts of the mangrove plant,indicating that the roots act as a barrier for metal translocation and protect the sensitive parts of the plant from metal contamination. In both soil and plant, concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb and Ni increased with the strengths of wastewater, although the bioaccumulation factors for these metals decreased when wastewater strengths increased. These results suggest that the mangrove soil component has a large capacity to retain heavy metals, and the role of mangrove plants in retaining metals will depend on plant age and their biomass production. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of wastewater discharge on nutrient contamination of mangrove soils and plants

The ecological impact of sewage discharges to a mangrove wetland in Futian National Nature Reserve, the People's Republic of China was assessed by comparing the plant community, plant growth and nutrient status of soils and vegetation of a site treated with settled municipal wastewater (Site A) with those of a control adjacent site (Site B) which did not receive sewage. During the one year study, the total and available N and P, and organic carbon concentrations of mangrove soils in Site A did not significantly differ from those of Site B. In both sites, the soil organic C, total N, NH₄ ^}-N and total P content exhibited a descending trend from landward to seaward regions, with the lowest measurements obtained from the most foreshore location. Seasonal variation in N content of soil samples was more obvious than any difference between wastewater treated and the control sites. The soil N content was lower in spring and summer. This was attributed to the higher temperature in these seasons which facilitated degradation of organic matter and absorption of nitrogen by the plants for growth. No significant difference in plant community structure, plant growth (in terms of tree height and diameter) and biomass was found between Sites A and B. Leaf samples of the two dominant plant species, Kandelia candel and Aegiceras corniculatum collected from Site A had comparable content of organic carbon, N, P and K to those Site B. These preliminary results indicated that the discharge of a total volume of 2600 m³ municipal wastewater to an area of 1800 m² mangrove plants over the period of a year did not produce any apparent impact on growth of the plants. The soils and plant leaves of Site A were not contaminated, in terms of nutrient content, by the discharged sewage.     

施用污泥对油菜根际养分和不同种类重金属的影响

根际是控制植物养分动态的重要因素,养分动态也影响着根际土壤环境。当土壤被污水污泥改良后,根际土壤中的养分和重金属性质也会发生变化。目前很少有人研究施用污泥的土壤中植物根系对根际重金属有效性和分布的影响。采用根垫—冰冻薄层切片法对施用污泥后土壤中油菜根际的养分和重金属分布情况进行研究,以期探明污泥改良土壤中根际重金属的活化特征。当土壤施用污泥后,根际土壤中DTPA提取态Zn,Cd,Ni,Mn,有效磷,有效钾和铵态氮被显著消耗,而根际土壤中DTPA提取态Cu没有明显的消耗或积累。当土壤中施用大量污泥时,根际土壤的pH值随着离根表面距离的增加而增加。无论土壤是否用污泥处理,油菜根际土壤中可交换态Cu都显著减少。当土壤被50%污泥改良时,在距离根表面0—2 mm处的油菜根际土壤中碳酸盐结合态,铁锰氧化物结合态,有机物结合态,残渣态的Cu和Zn都被消耗较多。污泥的施用对油菜的生长有促进作用。随着污泥施用量的增加,油菜地上部分Cu和Zn的含量没有显著变化。施用污泥量小于25%的土壤中,污泥没有增加重金属的可利用性和移动性。除了Cu,油菜根际土壤中DTPA提取态Zn,Cd,Ni的减少表明施用污泥的土壤中重金属的活化是非常有限的。     

Impact of treated municipal wastewater irrigation on turnip (Brassica rapa)

The effect of treated municipal wastewater on the roots and the leaves of turnip was studied to compare the 50% and 100% wastewater of 34 ml/d Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with different doses of potassic fertilizers. Turnip (Brassica rapa) was used as a test plant. A pot experiment was conducted, using a factorial randomized block design to investigate the growth and translocation of heavy metals to the leaves and the roots of turnip. The concentration of heavy metal in wastewater used for irrigation was within the limits. However, the concentration in the plant parts showed a significant rise due to continuous use of wastewater. The concentration of heavy metals in leaves and roots was at excessive levels at 40 and 55 days after sowing (DAS), while at 70 DAS, metal concentration was comparatively low. The range of heavy metals in wastewater irrigated plants was Cd = 1–16.3, Ni = 0–136, Fe = 263–1197, Cu = 0–18, Mn = 37–125, and Zn = 42–141 mg/kg. Concentration of heavy metals in plants was found in the order of Fe>Zn>Ni>Mn>Cu>Cd.     

Zinc and copper uptake by silver beet grown in secondary treated effluent

The study was conducted in a hydroponics set-up to determine the suitability of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) contaminated wastewater as a growth medium for edible crops; to identify accumulation of Zn and Cu in different parts of the plants and to understand their effects on plant growth. Silver beet was found to produce adequate yields in the Zn (1.7 mg/L and 2.0mg/L) and Cu (0.35 mg/L and 1.1mg/L) spiked medium but not in the secondary treated domestic effluent. The plants grown in secondary treated effluent showed stunted growth and accumulated Zn and Cu to a high level in their shoots. In all other mediums Zn and Cu accumulated more in the roots. The stunted growth of silver beet in secondary treated wastewater and uptake of Zn in particular was considered to be due to the deficiency of nitrogen and other plant nutrients rather than the effect of heavy metals. The study also revealed that if there was adequate amount of macronutrients available for growth, silver beet could be grown in domestic effluent without the risk of Zn or Cu contamination to the undesired level through hydroponics.     

镉在白骨壤模拟湿地系统中的分布、迁移及净化效应

在温室中建立红树林植物白骨壤模拟湿地系统,分别用正常(C₁)、5倍(C₅)和10倍(C₁₀)3种人工配置的不同浓度的污水每周定时定量对模拟系统污灌1年,研究重金属Cd的分布、迁移以及系统对Cd污染的净化效果.结果表明,由人工污水加入系统中的Cd主要存留在土壤子系统中(87.67%～96.74%),只有很少部分迁移到植物体和凋落物中,约占总加入量的0.43%～3.23%;白骨壤植物各器官中Cd含量在根中最高;模拟系统对污水中Cd的净化效果显著,在植物-土壤系统中,正常、5倍和10倍浓度组的净化率分别为90.43%、97.17%和97.06%,在无植物系统中,对应组分别为93.29%、93.10%和90.4%.     

Human health risks from consuming cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) grown on wastewater irrigated soil

The present study investigated the impact of cumulative irrigation with wastewater on the soil properties and, its health hazards on the consumers of cabbage plants at south Cairo Province, Egypt. Irrigation water, soil and cabbage plants were sample d from two polluted and other two unpolluted farms. The physicochemical properties of water and soil were analyzed and the growth parameters, as well as nutrients and heavy metals concentration in cabbage were investigated. In addition, the daily intake of metals (DIM) and health risk index (HRI) were estimated. Wastewater posed a decrease in the availability of N, P and K, but increases heavy metals in the soil solution. Cabbage stem and root lengths as well as the number of leaves and biomass were greatly reduced in the polluted farms. In addition, the photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrates and proteins were decreased under pollution stress. The concentration of most investigated metals in the leaves and roots were increased with translocation factor greater than one for Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Fe, and Co. The study revealed that the HRI exceeded one for Pb and Cd in polluted and unpolluted plants; and Fe in polluted ones. Irrigation with wastewater is not suitable for cabbage as it has health risks on humans due to accumulation of heavy metals. It worth noting that, the high ability of cabbage plants to accumulate Pb and Cd from both polluted and unpolluted soils should be taken into consideration when consuming this plant.     

利用皇竹草处理城市污泥生产植物产品

利用大生物量植物——皇竹草(Pennisetum hydridum),处理城市污泥高效生产有用的植物产品。通过小型田间试验,采用根兜分株移栽和直接扦插方式种植皇竹草,比较土壤、新鲜污泥、土壤+新鲜污泥等体积混合、植物处理后的污泥4种介质的适应性,测定了皇竹草的成活率和生长状况,以及污泥自身性质的变化;通过盆栽试验及田间试验进一步探讨育苗后移栽在新鲜污泥上的可行性。结果表明,新鲜污泥上直接扦插的皇竹草无一存活,即使是根兜分株移栽其成活率也仅为16.67%,生长较差。而对于土壤+污泥混合物或植物处理后的污泥,采用直接扦插方式,皇竹草的成活率也分别达58.33%、75.00%,两个月干草产量达22.20、19.80 t/hm2,为土壤上的5.11、4.55倍。皇竹草吸收K较明显,3个有污泥的处理皇竹草K含量接近40 g/kg干重,N、P2O5、K2O的总含量大于70 g/kg,可作为有机K肥原料;皇竹草重金属Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd含量均符合国家饲料卫生标准(GB 13078—2001),作为饲料是安全的。盆栽试验及田间试验表明,采用育苗后移栽的方式,皇竹草在新鲜污泥上的成活率达66.67%以上。因此,城市污泥直接种植皇竹草可以实现资源化利用。     

Metal and antibiotic resistance traits in Bradyrhizobium sp. (cajanus) isolated from soil receiving oil refinery wastewater

Forty isolates of Bradyrhizobium sp. (cajanus) were isolated from the nodules of pigeon pea plants grown in fields receiving petrochemical industrial wastewater for the past 12 years and characterized using standard methods. The heavy metal analysis of field soil and treated wastewater showed their presence in varying concentrations. All isolates showed resistance to one or more metals at concentrations >200 g/ml. Multiple metal resistance was a common phenomenon in these isolates. There was no correlation between extractable soil metal concentration and the ability of the isolates to tolerate metal salts in their growth medium as evidenced from their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). However, high incidence of metal resistance and the multiple nature of resistance might have been the result of continuous exposure of these strains to heavy metals in the treated wastewater of Mathura Oil Refinery. These strains were also found to be resistant to one or more of the 13 antibacterial drugs tested.     

Native Australian Species are Effective in Extracting Multiple Heavy Metals from Biosolids

Selecting native plant species with characteristics suitable for extraction of heavy metals may have multiple advantages over non-native plants. Six Australian perennial woody plant species and one willow were grown in a pot trial in heavy metal-contaminated biosolids and a potting mix. The plants were harvested after fourteen months and above-ground parts were analysed for heavy metal concentrations and total metal contents. All native species were capable of growing in biosolids and extracted heavy metals to varying degrees. No single species was able to accumulate heavy metals at particularly high levels and metal extraction depended upon the bioavailability of the metal in the substrate. Metal extraction efficiency was driven by biomass accumulation, with the species extracting the most metals also having the greatest biomass yield. The study demonstrated that Grevillea robusta, Acacia mearnsii, Eucalyptus polybractea, and E. cladocalyx have the greatest potential as phytoextractor species in the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated biosolids. Species survival and growth were the main determinants of metal extraction efficiency and these traits will be important for future screening of native species.