Comparison of the effect of liming and magnesium treatment of heavy metal contaminated soil on the content of magnesium, calcium and iron in broad beans (Vcia faba L. ssp. maior)

Tests have been conducted to determine the effect of liming and magnesium treatment on the content of magnesium, calcium and iron in broad bean plants growing on soil polluted with such heavy metals as cadmium, lead, nickel, copper and zinc. In 2005, an experiment was conducted in the village Zagaje Stradowskie (OEwiêtokrzyskie Province) on degraded Chernozem formed from loess, acid in reaction and containing 1.13% of organic carbon. Analyses were performed on aerial parts of cv. White Windsor broad bean (Vicia faba L. ssp. maior), cultivated in three series: on limed soil, on soil receiving magnesium fertilizers; on unlimed soil without magnesium fertilization. In each series, the plants were cultivated on the following objects: unpolluted soil with a natural content of heavy metals (control); unpolluted soil with a natural content of heavy metals and mineral fertilization (control+NPK); soil polluted with a cadmium dose 4 mg⋅kg–1 d.m.; soil polluted with a dose of 530 mg⋅kg–1 of lead; soil contaminated with a copper dose 85 mg⋅kg–1 d.m., soil contaminated with a dose of 1000 mg⋅kg–1 of zinc and soil polluted with a nickel dose 110 mg⋅kg–1 d.m. Liming was based on the analysis of hydrolytic acidity of soils from individual objects. The administered dose was established according to 1Hh. Magnesium treatments were identical in all objects. i.e. 20.4 mg⋅kg–1 soil d.m. Soil contamination with zinc or nickel leads to a considerable decrease in magnesium and calcium level in broad bean aerial parts but rises iron level. Liming rather than ma gnesium fertilization applied to soil polluted with heavy metals, such as zinc or nickel, contributes to balancing the content of the analyzed macronutrients in broad beans. The content of Ca, Fe and Mg in plants after liming approached the level determined in the control plants

Chemical composition of broad beans (Vicia faba L. ) and development parameters of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) under conditions of soil contamination with oil derivatives

The indirect effect of oil derivatives, that is arising from the polluted soil through a host plant to the phytophagous fauna feeding on the plant, has not been investigated before. Hence, our goal has been to assess the effect of used engine oil, diesel fuel and petrol on the chemical composition of broad beans cultivated in soil polluted with these substances and on development parameters, such as fecundity, life span and intrinsic rate of natural increase, in a population of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.). Doses: 3 g kg-1 (dose I) and 6 g kg-1 (dose II) of an oil derivative per 1 kg of soil d.m. were used. Broad bean (Vicia faba L.) cv. White Windsor was chosen as the test plant used for studying the biology of aphids. When the experiment was completed, an analysis of selected elements (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cd, N, Ca and Mg) was conducted in leaves of broad bean. Soil pollution with petrol in dose I led to a significant decrease in the content of Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Cu, while causing a marked increase in the Pb content. The double dose of petrol (6 g kg-1) additionally contributed to diminishing the N content, whereas the concentrations of Ni and Cd increased significantly after its application. Soil pollution with diesel fuel, irrespective of a dose, caused a significant decline in the Ca, N, Zn, Ni and Cu concentrations and an increase in the Pb content. Additionally, the dose of 6 g kg-1 led to an increase in the Mg, Fe and Cd content in broad bean plants. Soil pollution with used engine oil dosed at 3 g kg-1 led to a reduction of the Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu content, while causing an increase in Pb and a slight increase in N concentrations. The double dose of engine oil caused a decline only in the Ca, Mn, Ni and Cu content. The effect of oil derivatives on the biology of black bean aphid was more pronounced in the second generation. All the analysed substances, except for engine oil in the lower dose, significantly decreased the intrinsic rate of natural increase in the population

To be afraid or not to be afraid? Bioaccumulation, bioindication and toxicity of heavy metals. Plants in the light of field and laboratory studies

Heavy metals that pose a threat to the environment include lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and mercury (Hg). Biomonitoring of environmental quality using plants is widely accepted as a reliable and inexpensive way of obtaining information on contamination also by heavy metals. It allows the assessment of the direction of changes in the natural environment and development of prognoses and methods for early warning related to predicted transformations in ecosystems. This paper presents the results of field and laboratory studies on floristic biodiversity in the areas of southern Poland related to extraction and processing of Zn and Pb ores. The paper also shows the selected plant defence mechanisms against the excess of heavy metals and the results of bioindication studies using different plant species, including the selected metallophytes related to the assessment of contamination levels and the most frequently used plant ecophysiological parameters. It is necessary to monitor contamination level, popularize knowledge and take action at the level of local authorities to mitigate adverse effects of human activity, bearing in mind possible bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the food chain and the adverse health effects associated with environmental contamination

Preface

Tekst w języku polskim i angielskimPrzedmowa do: "Aktualne Problemy Ochrony Środowiska. Ocena Stanu, Zagrożenia Zasobów i Stosowane Technologie"

Soil Pollution by Petroleum-Derived Substances and its Bioremediation: The Efect on Aphis fabae Scop. Infestation and Antioxidant Response in Vicia faba L.

In this study, the e ects of soil contamination with petroleum-derived substances (PDSs) (petrol, diesel fuel and used engine oil) and its bioremediation using biopreparation ZB-01 on broad bean infestation by black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scop., as well as on the antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD)) and antioxidant (non-protein thiols and proline) content in plant leaves, were determined. Results showed that after three years from the moment of soil contamination PDSs limited infestation of broad bean by A. fabae. However, the adverse e ects on aphids’ life cycles were not proven. The lowered infestation may result from the lower attractiveness of contaminated plants to pests. PDSs significantly a ected the activities of enzymes and the antioxidants content, with that e ect being diversified. The increased activity of SOD was found in plants exposed to diesel fuel, together with the lowest numbers of aphids accompanying it, which can suggest a certain role of the enzyme in pest response to the stress caused by this PDS. The ZB-01 biopreparation limited the adverse e ect of PDSs on the degree of broad bean plant infestation by A. fabae. Its influence on the antioxidant response was diversified. In the plants exposed to EO, changes in antioxidant response were reduced under the influence of ZB-01

Effect of petroleum-derived substances on life history traits of black bean aphid (Aphis fabae Scop.) and on the growth and chemical composition of broad bean

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of various petroleum-derived substances, namely petrol, diesel fuel and spent engine oil, on life history traits and population dynamics of the black bean aphid Aphis fabae Scop. and on growth and chemical composition of its host plant Vicia faba L. Each substance was tested separately, using two concentrations (9 g kg−1 and 18 g kg−1). The experiment was conducted in four replications (four pots with five plants in each pot per treatment). Plants were cultivated in both control and contaminated soils. After six weeks from soil contamination and five weeks from sowing the seeds, observations of the effect of petroleum-derived substances on traits of three successive generations of aphids were conducted. Aphids were inoculated separately on leaves using cylindrical cages hermetically closed on both sides. Contamination of aphid occurred through its host plant. Results showed that all tested substances adversely affected A. fabae life history traits and population dynamics: extension of the prereproductive period, reduction of fecundity and life span, reduction of the population intrinsic growth rate. In broad bean, leaf, roots, and shoot growth was also impaired in most conditions, whereas nutrient and heavy metal content varied according to substances, their concentration, as well as plant part analysed. Results indicate that soil contamination with petroleum-derived substances entails far-reaching changes not only in organisms directly exposed to these pollutants (plants), but also indirectly in herbivores (aphids) and consequently provides information about potential negative effects on further links of the food chain, i.e., for predators and parasitoids

Antioxidant responses of Triticum aestivum plants to petroleum-derived substances

Winter common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants were cultivated on petroleum products contaminated soils with and without using biopreparation ZB-01. We determined the impact of soil contamination with petrol, diesel fuel and engine oil on selected antioxidant enzymes and the levels of antioxidants in the leaves of winter wheat. The impact of petroleum products on selected morphological characteristics of the plants, levels of nutrients and heavy metals was also assessed. Winter wheat was relatively resistant to soil contamination with petroleum products, and did not show a significant impact on the morphological characteristics of the plants. The levels of nutrients and heavy metals in the plants depended on the type of pollutant and the analyzed component. Biopreparation ZB-01 generally resulted in an increase in calcium levels in the plants. The winter wheat plants growing in soil contaminated with engine oil were characterized by higher levels of zinc, lead, manganese and cadmium than the control plants. Biopreparation applied to the soil contaminated with petrol resulted in a slight increase in the levels of lead and zinc in the plants. The petroleum products affected the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the levels of antioxidants in the plants. The general markers of soil contaminated with diesel fuel and petrol were POD activity and proline levels. Use of the ZB-01 biopreparation caused an increase in the levels of proline and -SH groups and an increase in the levels of carbon and calcium in the plants and had no effect on the morphological characteristics of plants

A comparative study of heavy metal accumulation and antioxidant responses in Vaccinium myrtillus L. leaves in polluted and non-polluted areas

The purpose of this study was to explore a possible relationship between the availability of metals in soil (Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) and their concentrations in leaves of Vaccinium myrtillus L. as a species which has been reported to be a successful colonist of acid-and-heavy metal-contaminated soil. Analysis also concerned the antioxidant response of plants from three heavily polluted (immediate vicinity of: zinc smelter, iron smelter and power plant) and three relatively clean sites (nature reserve, ecological site and unprotected natural forest community) in southern Poland. The contents of glutathione, non-protein thiols, protein, proline and activity of guaiacol peroxidase in leaves of bilberry were measured. Generally, the concentrations of metals in the HNO 3 and CaCl 2 extracants of the soil from the polluted sites were higher. Moreover, the antioxidant responses were also elevated in bilberries in the polluted sites. Significant positive relationships between Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations in soil and in the plants were found. In the leaves of V. myrtillus from the polluted sites, higher concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn were noted (In Miasteczko Śla{ogonek}skie respectively 6.26, 157.09 and 207.17 mg kg -1 d.w.). We found a positive correlation between the increase in the NPTs and protein contents as well as the Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations in V. myrtillus. Cd, Pb and Zn also decreased guaiacol peroxidase activity. However, the activity of this enzyme increased under Fe. A decreasing trend in glutathione contents was observed with increasing iron and manganese concentrations in bilberry leaves. Parameters such as protein, non-protein -SH groups and changes in GPX activity seem to be universal, sensitive and correlated well with heavy metal stress

The Long-Term Effect of Petroleum-Derived Substances and Their Bioremediation on the Host Plant (Vicia faba L.) and a Herbivore (Sitona spp.)

The present study assessed distant‐in‐time effects of soil contamination with petroleumderived substances (PDSs) (petrol, diesel fuel and used engine oil) and their bioremediation using ZB‐01 biopreparation on the growth of broad bean, content of nutrients and heavy metals in plants, and feeding by imagines and larvae of Sitona spp. The results showed that even after 5 years from the moment of soil contamination by engine oil and diesel fuel, they negatively impacted the growth of broad bean plants. PDSs significantly modified the content of nutrients and generally increased the content of heavy metals in plant organs. These substances also negatively affected the feeding of adult Sitona spp., causing a reduction in the percentage of plants damaged by beetles, and a decrease in the surface of consumed areas on leaves. The ZB‐01 biopreparation had a generally positive effect on the morphological features of plants, and its effect on the content of nutrients and heavy metals was variable, depending on the type of contaminant, the analyzed metals or nutrients, and the involved part of the plant. The biopreparation also inhibited the adverse effect of PDSs on the feeding by imago of Sitona spp

Biondykacja zanieczyszczenia metalami ciężkimi Będzina i Czeladzi

The analysis of heavy metals in plant leaves is suggested as a method for the identification of polluted areas. We determinted the following heavy metals: Zn, Pb and Cd concentrations in birch Betula pendula leaves, a common species found in urban parks and postindustrial areas in Poland. Samples of soil and birch leaves were collected in September 2007 from more and less polluted sites in Bedzin and Czeladz (Silesian province, southern Poland, 8 stands for each town). Concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd in leaves and the upper layer of soil (0–10 cm) were determined. The heavy metal pollution of the investigated cities was on a comparable level. The obtained Cd and Pb concentrations in leaves were below the toxic range. Only Zn concentrations in some sites were higher than the level considered as toxic. Pb and Cd levels determined in the investigations exceed acceptable metal concentrations for soil in more stands in Bedzin