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Vorobeichik EL, Korkina IN. A bizarre layer cake: Why soil animals recolonizing polluted areas shape atypical humus forms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 904:166810. [PMID: 37689209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
During soil recolonization by macrofauna in areas previously defaunated by industrial pollution, non-typical humus forms are produced. Given that the evidence of zoogenic activity cessation with increased forest litter depth in these humus forms, we tested the hypothesis that the lower organic layers are more toxic than the upper ones. The studies were conducted in the southern taiga, near the Middle Ural Copper Smelter (Revda city, Russia), in spruce-fir and birch forests. We investigated the series of degraded humus forms at different recovery stages, including those without signs of regradation, as well as at the initial and advanced recovery stages. In the organic layers, each of which were 1-2 cm thick and 6-8 cm in total, we measured the following parameters: pH(water), total acidity, the content of exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+, acid-soluble and exchangeable metals (Cu, Pb, Fe, Cd, and Zn), organic carbon, and total nitrogen. Simultaneously, we diagnosed the degree of zoogenicity of the organic layers following the European morpho-functional classification of humus forms. Concentrations of the metals increased with forest litter depth, reaching a maximum at the boundary between the organic and organic-mineral horizons (the difference exceeded an order of magnitude). In the same direction, the acidity increased, but the saturation of the exchange complex with Ca2+ and Mg2+ decreased. Within a particular forest litter profile, metal concentrations and acidity were lower in the layer with the highest zoogenicity compared to the layer with the lowest zoogenicity. Based on the metals, pH(water), and exchange complex, the accuracy of the predictions of the degree of layer zoogenicity within the OF horizon in the discriminant analysis reached 100 %. These findings suggest that the vertical gradient of toxic burden persisting in the forest litter after pollution cessation can explain the recovery pattern of humus forms in the contaminated areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii L Vorobeichik
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Marta Str. 202, 620144 Yekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - Irina N Korkina
- Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 8 Marta Str. 202, 620144 Yekaterinburg, Russia.
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2
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Devi J, Mandal H, Das S, Gogoi N, Chattopadhyay P, Bhattacharya SS. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) remediation during vermicomposting and composting: Mechanistic insights through PAH-budgeting. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:105202-105219. [PMID: 37710064 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29705-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge on the mechanism of earthworm-induced removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in vermicomposting systems and interaction with nutrient mineralization and microbial growth is scarce in literature. Moreover, the PAH accumulation capacity of Eudrilus eugeniae has not been studied. This research, therefore, investigates the apportionment dynamics of 13 PAH compounds in aerobic composting and vermicomposting (Eisenia fetida and E. eugeniae) systems using novel budget equations. The PAH removal efficiency of vermicomposting was significantly higher (2-threefold) than composting with concurrent microbial augmentation (p < 0.01). However, the 4-6 ring compounds reduced more significantly (30-50%) than the 3-ring PAHs (p < 0.01), and E. eugeniae was an equally competitive PAH-accumulator compared to E. fetida. The budget equations revealed that although the bioaccumulation capabilities of earthworms were retarded due to PAH exposure, earthworms facilitated PAH-immobilization in decomposed feedstock. A marked increase in bacterial, fungal, and actinomycetes proliferation in PAH-spiked vermibeds with parallel removal of the PAHs indicated that earthworm-induced microbial enrichment plays a vital role in PAH detoxification during vermicomposting. Correlation analyses strongly implied that earthworm-driven mineralization-humification balancing and microbial enrichment could be the critical mechanism of PAH remediation under vermicomposting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinnashri Devi
- Soil and Agro Bio-Engineering Lab, Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, 784028, India
| | - Himadri Mandal
- Soil and Agro Bio-Engineering Lab, Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, 784028, India
| | - Subhasish Das
- Department of Environmental Science, Mizoram University (Pachhunga University College), Aizawl, 796001, Mizoram, India
| | - Nayanmoni Gogoi
- Ecohydrology and Biomaterials Lab, Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, 784 028, India
| | - Pronobesh Chattopadhyay
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Defence Research Laboratory, Solmara, Tezpur, Assam, 784001, India
| | - Satya Sundar Bhattacharya
- Soil and Agro Bio-Engineering Lab, Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Tezpur, Assam, 784028, India.
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Bedell JP, Dendievel AM, Gosset A, Mourier B. Combined Chemical and Ecotoxicological Measurements for River Sediment Management in an On-Land Deposit Scenario. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 84:436-452. [PMID: 37097447 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-00997-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Sediment management along engineered river systems includes dredging operations and sediment deposition in the sea (capping) or on land. Thus, determining the ecotoxicological risk gradient associated with river sediments is critical. In this study, we investigated sediment samples along the Rhône River (France) and conducted environmental risk assessment tests with the idea to evaluate them in the future for deposit on soil. Based on an on-land deposit scenario, the capacity of the sediment samples from four sites (LDB, BER, GEC, and TRS) to support vegetation was evaluated by characterising the physical and chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, total organic carbon, grain size, C/N, potassium, nitrogen, and selected pollutants), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metal trace elements. All tested sediments were contaminated by metallic elements and PCBs as follows: LDB > GEC > TRS > BER, but only LDB had levels higher than the French regulatory threshold S1. Sediment ecotoxicity was then assessed using acute (plant germination and earthworm avoidance) and chronic (ostracod test and earthworm reproduction) bioassays. Two of the tested plant species, Lolium perenne (ray grass) and Cucurbita pepo (zucchini), were highly sensitive to sediment phytotoxicity. Acute tests also showed significant inhibition of germination and root growth, with avoidance by Eisenia fetida at the least contaminated sites (TRS and BER). Chronic bioassays revealed that LDB and TRS sediment were significantly toxic to E. fetida and Heterocypris incongruens (Ostracoda), and GEC sediment was toxic for the latter organism. In this on-land and spatialised deposit scenario, river sediment from the LDB site (Lake Bourget marina) presented the highest potential toxicity and required the greatest attention. However, low contamination levels can also lead to potential toxicity (as demonstrated for GEC and TRS site), underlining the importance of a multiple test approach for this scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Bedell
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, 69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France.
| | - André-Marie Dendievel
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, 69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France
| | - Antoine Gosset
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, 69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France
| | - Brice Mourier
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, ENTPE, UMR 5023 LEHNA, 69518, Vaulx-en-Velin, France
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Žaltauskaitė J, Kniuipytė I, Praspaliauskas M. Earthworm Eisenia fetida potential for sewage sludge amended soil valorization by heavy metal remediation and soil quality improvement. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127316. [PMID: 34583161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sewage sludge reuse in agriculture is increasing, however it can be an important route for contaminants to enter the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate earthworm Eisenia fetida capability to reduce heavy metal content in the sewage sludge (SS) amended soil and increase soil fertility in terms of soil nutrients content. Adult earthworms were introduced into aged SS amended soil (0-200 Mg ha-1) and left for 65 days. Earthworms have stabilized soil pH and accelerated organic matter mineralization. The concentrations of most heavy metals during the vermiremediation sharply decreased, K and Mg decreased to a moderate extent, whereas Ca content has increased. The highest removal efficiency was detected for Ni, Co and Mn (> 80%), bioconcentration factors were as follows Zn > Co > Cu > Ni > Mn > Cr. The content of major nutrients (S, P) was substantially higher compared to the initial values. The most efficient remediation and soil quality improvement was achieved under the doses of 25-50 Mg ha-1. Higher (≥ 100 Mg ha-1) doses might restrict this technique application because of earthworm mortality and retarded growth. Overall, the study shows that vermiremediation might be a sustainable technique for ecological stabilization of SS amended soil and converting to usable for agricultural needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jūratė Žaltauskaitė
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Universiteto 10, Akademija, Kaunas, Lithuania; Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | - Inesa Kniuipytė
- Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Marius Praspaliauskas
- Laboratory of Heat-Equipment Research and Testing, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos 3, Kaunas, Lithuania
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5
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Xiao R, Ali A, Xu Y, Abdelrahman H, Li R, Lin Y, Bolan N, Shaheen SM, Rinklebe J, Zhang Z. Earthworms as candidates for remediation of potentially toxic elements contaminated soils and mitigating the environmental and human health risks: A review. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106924. [PMID: 34634621 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Global concerns towards potentially toxic elements (PTEs) are steadily increasing due to the significant threats that PTEs pose to human health and environmental quality. This calls for immediate, effective and efficient remediation solutions. Earthworms, the 'ecosystem engineers', can modify and improve soil health and enhance plant productivity. Recently, considerable attention has been paid to the potential of earthworms, alone or combined with other soil organisms and/or soil amendments, to remediate PTEs contaminated soils. However, the use of earthworms in the remediation of PTEs contaminated soil (i.e., vermiremediation) has not been thoroughly reviewed to date. Therefore, this review discusses and provides comprehensive insights into the suitability of earthworms as potential candidates for bioremediation of PTEs contaminated soils and mitigating environmental and human health risks. Specifically, we reviewed and discussed: i) the occurrence and abundance of earthworms in PTEs contaminated soils; ii) the influence of PTEs on earthworm communities in contaminated soils; iii) factors affecting earthworm PTEs accumulation and elimination, and iv) the dynamics and fate of PTEs in earthworm amended soils. The technical feasibility, knowledge gaps, and practical challenges have been worked out and critically discussed. Therefore, this review could provide a reference and guidance for bio-restoration of PTEs contaminated soils and shall also help developing innovative and applicable solutions for controlling PTEs bioavailability for the remediation of contaminated soils and the mitigation of the environment and human risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xiao
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China; Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Amjad Ali
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yaqiong Xu
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Hamada Abdelrahman
- Cairo University, Faculty of Agriculture, Soil Science Department, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Ronghua Li
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yanbing Lin
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Nanthi Bolan
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sabry M Shaheen
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Meteorology, Environment, and Arid Land Agriculture, Department of Arid Land Agriculture, 21589 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; University of Kafrelsheikh, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Soil and Water Sciences, 33516 Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.
| | - Jörg Rinklebe
- University of Wuppertal, School of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Institute of Foundation Engineering, Water- and Waste-Management, Laboratory of Soil- and Groundwater-Management, Pauluskirchstraße 7, 42285 Wuppertal, Germany; Department of Environment, Energy and Geoinformatics, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
| | - Zengqiang Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China.
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Šmídová K, Svobodová M, Hofman J. Toxicokinetics of hydrophobic organic compounds in oligochaeta: A critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 289:117743. [PMID: 34392100 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Toxicokinetic studies appertain to the fundamental research of soil bioavailability. However, the research outcomes of aspects influencing uptake and elimination of hydrophobic organic compounds have not been summarized so far. In our review, a recapitulation of available toxicokinetic data (i.e. experimental conditions, if the steady state was reached, uptake and elimination rate constants, and bioaccumulation factors) is presented in well-arranged tables. Further, toxicokinetic models are overviewed in the schematic form. In the review, the required information could be quickly found and/or the experimental gaps easily identified. Generally a little is known about the effects of soil properties other than soil organic matter. Limited or no data are available about soil treatment, food supply during laboratory exposure, and metabolization in oligochaeta. The impact of these factors might be important especially for arable soils with typically low organic matter content but high consequences on humans. Besides these circumstances, other uncertainties between published studies have been found. Firstly, the scientific results are provided in heterogenous units: bioaccumulation factors as well as the rate constants are reported in dry or wet weight of soil and earthworms. The steady state is another critical factor because the time to reach the equilibrium is influenced not only by soil and compound characteristics but for example also by aging. Nevertheless, toxicokinetic studies bring irreplaceable information about the real situation in soil and our review help to define missing knowledge and estimate the scientific priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klára Šmídová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, CZ-62500, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Svobodová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, CZ-62500, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Hofman
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 753/5, Brno, CZ-62500, Czech Republic.
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Eijsackers H, Maboeta M. Do Endemic Soil Fauna Species Deserve Extra Protection for Adverse Heavy Metal Conditions? REVIEWS OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 258:55-71. [PMID: 34482441 DOI: 10.1007/398_2021_72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The concept of Ecotoxicological Species Sensitivity Distributions, as used in EU and US, to derive environmental standards for contaminants, starts from the assumption that by protecting the majority of species (95% confidence interval) all species will be protected. Nevertheless, 5% of the species outside the confidence interval might become harmed; half of it being the most sensitive for the particular compound tested. With respect to protection of rare endemic species it is not clear, however, if contamination is a driving factor for endemicity. The aim of this paper is to explore whether endemic and rare species deserve extra protection from adverse environmental conditions. To this end, a brief overview of the various forms of endemism, their relation to environmental stress factors and the distribution of endemic species is discussed. Further, the sensitivities of these species towards environmental stress factors are analysed, in order to conclude if and how endemic species could be better protected against environmental stress factors. This was achieved by specifically focusing on the potential impacts of metalliferous soils, mining, the treatment of mined soil and the storage of treated mine waste. It is concluded that at present there are some signals about specific sensitivities, but the database is much too small for a definite conclusion about adverse environmental factors as a threat to endemic species. The data gap has to be filled in with experimental tests with endemic species. This is hampered by the protection status of these endemic, rare species. Recommendations and derived activities are proposed to address this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herman Eijsackers
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Mark Maboeta
- Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
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Zeb A, Li S, Wu J, Lian J, Liu W, Sun Y. Insights into the mechanisms underlying the remediation potential of earthworms in contaminated soil: A critical review of research progress and prospects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 740:140145. [PMID: 32927577 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, soil pollution is a major global concern drawing worldwide attention. Earthworms can resist high concentrations of soil pollutants and play a vital role in removing them effectively. Vermiremediation, using earthworms to remove contaminants from soil or help to degrade non-recyclable chemicals, is proved to be an alternative, low-cost technology for treating contaminated soil. However, knowledge about the mechanisms and framework of the vermiremediation various organic and inorganic contaminants is still limited. Therefore, we reviewed the research progress of effects of soil contaminants on earthworms and potential of earthworm used for remediation soil contaminated with heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, as well as crude oil. Especially, the possible processes, mechanisms, advantages and limitations, and how to boost the efficiency of vermiremediation are well addressed in this review. Finally, future prospects of vermiremediation soil contamination are listed to promote further studies and application of vermiremediation in contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurang Zeb
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Song Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiani Wu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiapan Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Weitao Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Technology for Complex Trans-Media Pollution, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
| | - Yuebing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Original Environmental Pollution Prevention and Control, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment and Agro-Product Safety, Agro-Environmental Protection Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Tianjin 300191, China.
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9
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Courtney R, Di Carlo E, Schmidt O. Soil properties and earthworm populations associated with bauxite residue rehabilitation strategies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:33401-33409. [PMID: 30565115 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3973-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
It is recognised that the establishment and function of soil biota is critical for successful mine residue rehabilitation. Bauxite residues are alkaline, saline and sodic and, whilst methods for establishing vegetation are well studied, little is known about key soil fauna such as earthworms. At a bauxite residue disposal area in Ireland, a 12-year-old rehabilitated residue was examined for evidence of earthworm populations. Five species of earthworm, dominated by Allolobophora chlorotica, were recorded in the rehabilitated residue representing the endogeic, epigeic and epi-anecic ecological groups. To further understand the potential for rehabilitated residues to support earthworm communities, a series of exposure tests was conducted. Whilst unamended residues (pH 10.2, EC 0.629 mS cm-1, ESP 54) was hostile to A. chlorotica survival, 100% survival was observed after 90 days for gypsum and organic-amended residue at salinity of up to 2.9 mS cm-1, possibly due to calcium becoming the dominant cation. Survival of earthworms at salinities higher than anticipated tolerance levels suggests that specific ion dominance plays a role in earthworm survival in saline soils. Percent mass change was negatively correlated with pH, EC and sodium content of the residues. Residue from the 12-year-old site also supported the anecic species Aporrectodea longa over 100 days. Percent mass change in residue samples retrieved from the 12-year-old site was significantly greater (p < 0.05) to that observed for a control soil. Capability of the rehabilitated residue to support earthworm populations indicates the development of a functioning soil system in rehabilitated residues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Courtney
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Elisa Di Carlo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- The Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Olaf Schmidt
- UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Vorobeichik EL, Ermakov AI, Grebennikov ME. Initial Stages of Recovery of Soil Macrofauna Communities after Reduction of Emissions from a Copper Smelter. RUSS J ECOL+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1067413619020115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Schomburg A, Schilling OS, Guenat C, Schirmer M, Le Bayon RC, Brunner P. Topsoil structure stability in a restored floodplain: Impacts of fluctuating water levels, soil parameters and ecosystem engineers. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 639:1610-1622. [PMID: 29929323 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem services provided by floodplains are strongly controlled by the structural stability of soils. The development of a stable structure in floodplain soils is affected by a complex and poorly understood interplay of hydrological, physico-chemical and biological processes. This paper aims at analysing relations between fluctuating groundwater levels, soil physico-chemical and biological parameters on soil structure stability in a restored floodplain. Water level fluctuations in the soil are modelled using a numerical surface-water-groundwater flow model and correlated to soil physico-chemical parameters and abundances of plants and earthworms. Causal relations and multiple interactions between the investigated parameters are tested through structural equation modelling (SEM). Fluctuating water levels in the soil did not directly affect the topsoil structure stability, but indirectly through affecting plant roots and soil parameters that in turn determine topsoil structure stability. These relations remain significant for mean annual days of complete and partial (>25%) water saturation. Ecosystem functioning of a restored floodplain might already be affected by the fluctuation of groundwater levels alone, and not only through complete flooding by surface water during a flood period. Surprisingly, abundances of earthworms did not show any relation to other variables in the SEM. These findings emphasise that earthworms have efficiently adapted to periodic stress and harsh environmental conditions. Variability of the topsoil structure stability is thus stronger driven by the influence of fluctuating water levels on plants than by the abundance of earthworms. This knowledge about the functional network of soil engineering organisms, soil parameters and fluctuating water levels and how they affect soil structural stability is of fundamental importance to define management strategies of near-natural or restored floodplains in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Schomburg
- Functional Ecology Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland.
| | - O S Schilling
- Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Université Laval, Pavillon Adrien-Pouliot, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - C Guenat
- Laboratory of Ecological Systems - ECOS-EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland; WSL Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research, Site Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Schirmer
- Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Water Resources & Drinking Water, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - R C Le Bayon
- Functional Ecology Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - P Brunner
- Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN), University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Vincent Q, Auclerc A, Beguiristain T, Leyval C. Assessment of derelict soil quality: Abiotic, biotic and functional approaches. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 613-614:990-1002. [PMID: 28946386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.09.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The intensification and subsequent closing down of industrial activities during the last century has left behind large surfaces of derelict lands. Derelict soils have low fertility, can be contaminated, and many of them remain unused. However, with the increasing demand of soil surfaces, they might be considered as a resource, for example for non-food biomass production. The study of their physico-chemical properties and of their biodiversity and biological activity may provide indications for their potential re-use. The objective of our study was to investigate the quality of six derelict soils, considering abiotic, biotic, and functional parameters. We studied (i) the soil bacteria, fungi, meso- and macro-fauna and plant communities of six different derelict soils (two from coking plants, one from a settling pond, two constructed ones made from different substrates and remediated soil, and an inert waste storage one), and (ii) their decomposition function based on the decomposer trophic network, enzyme activities, mineralization activity, and organic pollutant degradation. Biodiversity levels in these soils were high, but all biotic parameters, except the mycorrhizal colonization level, discriminated them. Multivariate analysis showed that biotic parameters co-varied more with fertility proxies than with soil contamination parameters. Similarly, functional parameters significantly co-varied with abiotic parameters. Among functional parameters, macro-decomposer proportion, enzyme activity, average mineralization capacity, and microbial polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon degraders were useful to discriminate the soils. We assessed their quality by combining abiotic, biotic, and functional parameters: the compost-amended constructed soil displayed the highest quality, while the settling pond soil and the contaminated constructed soil displayed the lowest. Although differences among the soils were highlighted, this study shows that derelict soils may provide a biodiversity ecosystem service and are functional for decomposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Vincent
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux (LIEC), UMR 7360, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France; Université de Lorraine, INRA, Laboratoire Sols et Environnement (LSE), UMR 1120, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Apolline Auclerc
- Université de Lorraine, INRA, Laboratoire Sols et Environnement (LSE), UMR 1120, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Thierry Beguiristain
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux (LIEC), UMR 7360, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Corinne Leyval
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire des Environnements Continentaux (LIEC), UMR 7360, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France.
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Muñiz S, Gonzalvo P, Valdehita A, Molina-Molina JM, Navas JM, Olea N, Fernández-Cascán J, Navarro E. Ecotoxicological assessment of soils polluted with chemical waste from lindane production: Use of bacterial communities and earthworms as bioremediation tools. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2017; 145:539-548. [PMID: 28787615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.07.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
An ecotoxicological survey of soils that were polluted with wastes from lindane (γ-HCH) production assessed the effects of organochlorine compounds on the metabolism of microbial communities and the toxicity of these compounds to a native earthworm (Allolobophora chlorotica). Furthermore, the bioremediation role of earthworms as facilitators of soil washing and the microbial degradation of these organic pollutants were also studied. Soil samples that presented the highest concentrations of ε-HCH, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, pentachlorobenzene and γ-HCH were extremely toxic to earthworms in the short term, causing the death of almost half of the population. In addition, these soils inhibited the heterotrophic metabolic activity of the microbial community. These highly polluted samples also presented substances that were able to activate cellular detoxification mechanisms (measured as EROD and BFCOD activities), as well as compounds that were able to cause endocrine disruption. A few days of earthworm activity increased the extractability of HCH isomers (e.g., γ-HCH), facilitating the biodegradation of organochlorine compounds and reducing the intensity of endocrine disruption in soils that had low or medium contamination levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Muñiz
- Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas). Av. Montañana 1005, CP 50059 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar Gonzalvo
- Sociedad Aragonesa de Gestión Agroambiental (SARGA). Avda. de Ranillas 5, Edificio A, 3° planta, CP 50018 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ana Valdehita
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA). Carretera de la Coruña, km 7,5, CP 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Molina-Molina
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, CP 18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), CP 18071 Granada, Spain; Unidad de apoyo a la investigación, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Universidad de Granada, CP 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - José María Navas
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA). Carretera de la Coruña, km 7,5, CP 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs, CP 18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), CP 18071 Granada, Spain; Unidad de apoyo a la investigación, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Universidad de Granada, CP 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Fernández-Cascán
- Departamento de Desarrollo Rural y Sostenibilidad(Gobierno de Aragón), Plaza San Pedro Nolasco, CP 50071 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Enrique Navarro
- Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas). Av. Montañana 1005, CP 50059 Zaragoza, Spain.
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Grumiaux F, Demuynck S, Pernin C, Leprêtre A. Earthworm populations of highly metal-contaminated soils restored by fly ash-aided phytostabilisation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 113:183-190. [PMID: 25499051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Highly metal contaminated soils found in the North of France are the result of intense industrial past. These soils are now unfit for the cultivation of agricultural products for human consumption. Solutions have to be found to improve the quality of these soils, and especially to reduce the availability of trace elements (TEs). Phytostabilisation and ash-aided phytostabilisation applied since 2000 to an experimental site located near a former metallurgical site (Metaleurop-Nord) was shown previously as efficacious in reducing TEs mobility in soils. The aim of the study was to check whether this ten years trial had influenced earthworm communities. This experimental site was compared to plots located in the surroundings and differing by the use of soils. Main results are that: (1) whatever the use of soils, earthworm communities are composed of few species with moderate abundance in comparison with communities found in similar habitats outside the TEs-contaminated area, (2) the highest abundance and specific richness (4-5 species) were observed in afforested plots with various tree species, (3) ash amendments in afforested plots did not increase the species richness and modified the communities favoring anecic worms but disfavoring epigeic ones. These findings raised the questions of when and how to perform the addition of ashes firstly, to avoid negative effects on soil fauna and secondly, to keep positive effects on metal immobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Grumiaux
- Université Lille Nord de France, Laboratoire Génie Civil et géo-Environnement (LGCgE) - Lille1, Bât. SN3, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France; Université Lille Nord de France, Ecole Supérieure du Professorat et de l'Education (ESPE), site d'Arras, 7 bis rue Raoul François, BP 30927, F-62022 Arras Cedex, France.
| | - Sylvain Demuynck
- Université Lille Nord de France, Laboratoire Génie Civil et géo-Environnement (LGCgE) - Lille1, Bât. SN3, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Céline Pernin
- Université Lille Nord de France, Laboratoire Génie Civil et géo-Environnement (LGCgE) - Lille1, Bât. SN3, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Alain Leprêtre
- Université Lille Nord de France, Laboratoire Génie Civil et géo-Environnement (LGCgE) - Lille1, Bât. SN3, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
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15
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Hartley W, Riby P, Dickinson NM, Shutes B, Sparke S, Scholz M. Planting woody crops on dredged contaminated sediment provides both positive and negative effects in terms of remediation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:3416-3424. [PMID: 21903313 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Revised: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There is currently a requirement for studies focusing on the long-term sustainability of phytoremediation technologies. Trace element uptake by Salix, Populus and Alnus species planted in dredged contaminated canal sediment and concentrations in sediment and pore waters were investigated, eight years after a phytoremediation trial was initiated in NW England. Soil biological activity was also measured using invertebrate and microbial assays to determine soil quality improvements. Zinc was the dominant trace metal in foliage and woody stems, and the most mobile trace element in sediment pore water (~14 mg l(-1)). Biological activity had improved; earthworm numbers had increased from 5 to 24, and the QBS index (an index of microarthropod groups in soil) had increased from 70 to 88. It is concluded that biological conditions had improved and natural processes appear to be enhancing soil quality, but there remains a potential risk of trace element transfer to the wider environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hartley
- School of Computing, Science and Engineering, The University of Salford, Cockcroft Building, Salford M5 4WT, UK
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Sizmur T, Palumbo-Roe B, Hodson ME. Impact of earthworms on trace element solubility in contaminated mine soils amended with green waste compost. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2011; 159:1852-1860. [PMID: 21501909 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The common practice of remediating metal contaminated mine soils with compost can reduce metal mobility and promote revegetation, but the effect of introduced or colonising earthworms on metal solubility is largely unknown. We amended soils from an As/Cu (1150 mg As kg(-1) and 362 mg Cu kg(-1)) and Pb/Zn mine (4550 mg Pb kg(-1) and 908 mg Zn kg(-1)) with 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% compost and then introduced Lumbricus terrestris. Porewater was sampled and soil extracted with water to determine trace element solubility, pH and soluble organic carbon. Compost reduced Cu, Pb and Zn, but increased As solubility. Earthworms decreased water soluble Cu and As but increased Pb and Zn in porewater. The effect of the earthworms decreased with increasing compost amendment. The impact of the compost and the earthworms on metal solubility is explained by their effect on pH and soluble organic carbon and the environmental chemistry of each element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Sizmur
- Soil Research Centre, Department of Geography and Environmental Science, School of Human and Environmental Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6DW, UK.
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