scholarly journals Bioremediation (Natural Attenuation and Biostimulation) of Diesel-Oil-Contaminated Soil in an Alpine Glacier Skiing Area

2001 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 3127-3133 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Margesin ◽  
F. Schinner

ABSTRACT We investigated the feasibility of bioremediation as a treatment option for a chronically diesel-oil-polluted soil in an alpine glacier area at an altitude of 2,875 m above sea level. To examine the efficiencies of natural attenuation and biostimulation, we used field-incubated lysimeters (mesocosms) with unfertilized and fertilized (N-P-K) soil. For three summer seasons (July 1997 to September 1999), we monitored changes in hydrocarbon concentrations in soil and soil leachate and the accompanying changes in soil microbial counts and activity. A significant reduction in the diesel oil level could be achieved. At the end of the third summer season (after 780 days), the initial level of contamination (2,612 � 70 μg of hydrocarbons g [dry weight] of soil−1) was reduced by (50 � 4)% and (70 � 2)% in the unfertilized and fertilized soil, respectively. Nonetheless, the residual levels of contamination (1,296 � 110 and 774 � 52 μg of hydrocarbons g [dry weight] of soil−1 in the unfertilized and fertilized soil, respectively) were still high. Most of the hydrocarbon loss occurred during the first summer season ([42 � 6]% loss) in the fertilized soil and during the second summer season ([41 � 4]% loss) in the unfertilized soil. In the fertilized soil, all biological parameters (microbial numbers, soil respiration, catalase and lipase activities) were significantly enhanced and correlated significantly with each other, as well as with the residual hydrocarbon concentration, pointing to the importance of biodegradation. The effect of biostimulation of the indigenous soil microorganisms declined with time. The microbial activities in the unfertilized soil fluctuated around background levels during the whole study.

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (6) ◽  
pp. 1040-1045 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Norton ◽  
G. E. Harman

Responses of soil microorganisms to volatile exudates from germinating pea seeds of differing quality were determined. Germination of sclerotia of Rhizoctonia solani and Sclerotium rolfsii and subsequent hyphal growth were stimulated by exposure to volatiles from aged but not nonaged pea seeds. Hyphae grew preferentially toward aged seeds. In natural soil, bacterial and fungal populations showed significant increases after exposure to volatiles from aged seed. For example, Fusarium spp. and Pseudomonas spp. showed increases of 79 and 2200%, respectively, over their original population levels after a 48-h exposure to volatiles. Conversely, Pythium populations and associated seed-rotting potential of soil decreased in natural soils exposed to volatiles. In autoclaved soils infested with P. ultimum (PHP4), Pythium populations increased dramatically after exposure to volatiles from aged pea seeds. In soils infested with either soil fungi or bacteria in addition to P. ultimum, Pythium levels remained constant or decreased, respectively, with time of exposure. Exposure to the volatiles from aged pea seeds stimulated soil microbial activity. These results suggest that Pythium germlings, when unable to reach a host, are subjected to microbial antagonism in the presence of the native soil microflora. A decrease in cucumber seed rot coincided with decreases in Pythium numbers.


2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. 577-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Z. Lupwayi ◽  
M. A. Monreal ◽  
G. W. Clayton ◽  
C. A. Grant ◽  
A. M. Johnston ◽  
...  

There is little information on the effects of S management strategies on soil microorganisms under zero tillage systems o n the North American Prairies. Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of tillage and source and placement of S on soil microbial biomass (substrate induced respiration) and functional diversity (substrate utilization patterns) in a canola-wheat rotation under conventional and zero tillage systems at three sites in Gray Luvisolic and Black Chernozemic soils. Conventional tillage significantly reduced microbial biomass and diversity on an acidic and C-poor Luvisolic soil, but it had mostly no significant effects on the near-neutral, C-rich Luvisolic and Chernozemic soils, which underlines the importance of soil C in maintaining a healthy soil. Sulphur had no significant effects on soil microbial biomass, and its effects on microbial diversity were more frequent on the near-neutral Luvisol, which was more S-deficient, than on the acidic Luvisol or the Chernozem. Significant S effects on microbial diversity were observed both in the bulk soil (negative effects, compared with the control) and rhizosphere (positive effects) of the acidic Luvisol, but all significant effects (positive) were observed in root rhizospheres in the other soils. Sulphur by tillage interactions on acidic Luvisolic soil indicated that the negative effects of S in bulk soil occurred mostly under zero tillage, presumably because the fertilizer is concentrated in a smaller volume of soil than under conventional tillage. Sulphate S effects, either negative or positive, on microbial diversity were usually greater than elemental S effects. Therefore, S application can have direct, deleterious effects on soil microorganisms or indirect, beneficial effects through crop growth, the latter presumably due to increased root exudation in the rhizosphere of healthy crops. Key Words: Biolog, conservation tillage, microbial biodiversity, rhizosphere, soil biological quality, S fertilizer type and placement


2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 239-250
Author(s):  
X.J. He ◽  
W.W. Zhu ◽  
F.Z. Wu

We studied the effects of 7-crop rotations and continuous - monocropping systems on soil microorganism and its feedback. The results showed that absolute abundance of soil bacteria (Pseudomonas and Bacillus) in tomato - celery - cucumber - cabbage and cucumber - tomato - cucumber - cabbage rotation were significantly higher than control (CK). Absolute abundance of soil fungi in tomato - celery - cucumber - cabbage, kidney bean - celery - cucumber - cabbage, cucumber - kidney bean - cucumber - cabbage and cucumber - tomato - cucumber - cabbage rotation were significantly higher than CK. Dry weight of cucumber seedlings was significantly positively correlated with bacterial (Pseudomonas and Bacillus) abundance, and negatively correlated with fungal count. The results of inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum showed that plant dry weight of cucumber seedlings in tomato - celery - cucumber - cabbage, cucumber - kidney bean - cucumber - cabbage, cucumber - tomato - cucumber - cabbage rotation soil was significantly higher than other treatments, and their disease index was significantly lower than other treatments. There was no significant difference in dry weight of cucumber seedlings in rotation and CK in the soil sterilization test. The results of plant - soil feedback experiment showed that soil microbial changes caused by different rotation patterns had a positive feedback effect on growth of cucumber seedlings.


2011 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Mignon S. SANDOR ◽  
Traian BRAD ◽  
Aurel MAXIM ◽  
Constantin TOADER

A mesocosm study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of short-term rainfall and temperature variation on soil microbial biomass and bacteria to fungi ratio. In addition, the relation between the decomposition process of two organic fertilizers, cattle manure and barley straw, and the activity of soil microbial biomass was also studied. In order to assess the effect of biological activity on soil fertility the dynamics of soil pH, N-NO3-, N-NH4+, Corg and Nt during plant growing season was measured. The results suggest that short-term variation of climate had a significant effect on microbial biomass with dry periods distinguished by a reduced microbial biomass compared to wet periods. The ratio bacteria to fungi seems also to be sensitive to variations in rainfall and temperature regime, however further studies are required to draw a definitive conclusion. Regarding the type of fertilizer used, the straw treatments showed higher microbial biomass than the manure treatments, but higher decomposition rate was observed in manure fertilized soil. The effect of soil biological activity on soil pH was limited for both manure and straw treatments while the changes of the soil nitrate amounts are related to the microbial biomass. The study indicates that nitrate immobilization and mineralization processes are influenced by meteorological conditions and microbial biomass dynamics. In contrast, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen did not seem to be affected by variations in temperature, rainfall and microbial activity.


Soil Research ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 287 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Gonzalez-Quiñones ◽  
E. A. Stockdale ◽  
N. C. Banning ◽  
F. C. Hoyle ◽  
Y. Sawada ◽  
...  

Since 1970, measurement of the soil microbial biomass (SMB) has been widely adopted as a relatively simple means of assessing the impact of environmental and anthropogenic change on soil microorganisms. The SMB is living and dynamic, and its activity is responsible for the regulation of organic matter transformations and associated energy and nutrient cycling in soil. At a gross level, an increase in SMB is considered beneficial, while a decline in SMB may be considered detrimental if this leads to a decline in biological function. However, absolute SMB values are more difficult to interpret. Target or reference values of SMB are needed for soil quality assessments and to allow ameliorative action to be taken at an appropriate time. However, critical values have not yet been successfully identified for SMB. This paper provides a conceptual framework which outlines how SMB values could be interpreted and measured, with examples provided within an Australian context.


1986 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 136-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
George A. Schier

The effects of simulated acid rain solutions on growth of pitch pine (Pinusrigida Mill.) seedlings in undisturbed soil cores from the New Jersey Pine Barrens were examined. Solutions of pH 5.6, 4.0, and 3.0 (SO42−–Cl−–NO3−, 4:2:1), totaling 1.4 times annual ambient precipitation, were applied directly to soil cores from the A horizon during a 1-year period. By varying photoperiod and diurnal temperature, two growing "seasons" with an intervening dormant period were simulated. Soil chemistry, soil leachate chemistry, seedling nutrition, and seedling growth were monitored. Seedling dry weight was significantly greater at pH 3.0 than at the less acid treatments. Foliar nutrient contents indicated that growth stimulation at pH 3.0 probably resulted because of increased availability of nitrogen and input of nutrient cations from acid-induced weathering of soil minerals. There were sharp increases in Ca and Mg leaching when the pH of the irrigating solution was lowered, but solution acidity had little effect on depletion of K. Declines in nutrient leaching during the experiment indicated that weatherable cations were becoming depleted. Although Al mobility was greatly accelerated by an increase in acid inputs, Al toxicity symptoms were not observed.


Author(s):  
Pannapa Powthong ◽  
Apichai Sripean ◽  
Pattra Suntornthiticharoen

Objective: The objectives of this study were to isolate microorganisms and screen for potential antimicrobial activities from the soil. Methods: In this study, a total of 425 isolates were isolated from 100 soil samples. The preliminary screening for antimicrobial activities of these isolates was performed by modified cross-streak, agar diffusion, and modified icrodilution technique against 16 pathogenic bacteria and fungi.Results: In the anti-microbial activity, there were three isolates, namely, 277, 303, and 307 exhibited inhibitory activity against methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium respectively. This study also examined the various enzymes producing from soil microorganisms including chitinase, chitosanase, amylase, cellulose, caseinase, gelatinase, esterase, and lipase production of different selective media for 24 and 48hrs using the direct spot method. The results revealed that 28 isolates could produce various enzymes with strong activity. Most of them produced gelatinase (5.65%) and caseinase (5.18%). There were four isolates that produce broad-spectrum enzyme. In addition, the investigation of selectedmicroorganism identification showed that they can be divided into three groups: Burkholderia spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Rhodococcus spp.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the microorganisms from soil are capable of producing potential, antibacterial, and bioactive enzymes.Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Extracellular enzyme, Soil microbial, Drug-resistant bacteria.


Author(s):  
Linlin Shi ◽  
Ping Zhang ◽  
Qi Chen ◽  
Cancan Yang ◽  
Daqi Zhang ◽  
...  

Pesticide pollution has gradually caused land degradation. In order to avoid this problem, it is recommended to use enantiomeric pesticides that have less impact on the soil. The degradation of CYF enantiomers and the effect on soil functions are closely related to microorganisms. (+)-CYF enantiomer is degradable preferred and further discovered that related microorganism that degrades enantiomers. CYF enantiomers alter the bacteria structure and decreased the bacteria abundance. The combination of high-throughput and quantitative PCR results showed that the diversity of the (+)-CYF treatment was significantly lower than that of the (-)-CYF (-30.41 to 44.60) treatment and the (+)-CYF treatment (-27.80 to 56.70%) was more capable of causing the decrease in the number of soil microorganisms. In addition, (+)-CYF severely interferes with nitrogen cycling-related functions. Furthermore, the soil microbial structure was changed to its original level by enantiomers posed. In the study of nitrogen cycle function, we found that both enantiomers can restrain the abundance of nitrogen cycle-related genes, especially the (+)-CYF treatment decreased more. CCA showed that g-Massilia and g-Arthrobacter are closely related to nitrogen fixation genes and nitrification genes and degradation of the two enantiomers of CYF by g-Arthrobacter is closely related. The biological effects of cyflumetofen enantiomers remain unclear. Bioassay results show that enantiomers have similar virulence to Tetranychus cinnabarinus. Therefore, while achieving the prevention and control effect, the use of a single isomer (+)-CYF has a higher potential risk to the soil ecosystem.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. e0252216
Author(s):  
Laurie Dunn ◽  
Christophe Lang ◽  
Nicolas Marilleau ◽  
Sébastien Terrat ◽  
Luc Biju-Duval ◽  
...  

According to biogeography studies, the abundance and richness of soil microorganisms vary across multiple spatial scales according to soil properties and farming practices. However, soil microorganisms also exhibit poorly understood temporal variations. This study aimed at better understanding how soil microbial communities respond to changes in farming practices at a landscape scale over time. A regular grid of 269 sites was set up across a 1,200 ha farming landscape, and soil samples were characterized for their molecular microbial biomass and bacterial richness at two dates (2011 and 2016). A mapping approach highlighted that spatial microbial patterns were stable over time, while abundance and richness levels were modified. The drivers of these changes were investigated though a PLS-PM (partial least square path-modeling) approach. Soil properties were stable over time, but farming practices changed. Molecular microbial biomass was mainly driven by soil resources, whereas bacterial richness depended on both farming practices and ecological parameters. Previous-crop and management effects and a temporal dependence of the microbial community on the historical farming management were also highlighted.


Soil Research ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Noonan ◽  
M. Zaman ◽  
K. C. Cameron ◽  
H. J. Di

An open incubation and leaching study was conducted under controlled temperature (25°C) and moisture conditions to measure the N mineralisation rate in soil amended with dairy pond sludge. The dairy pond sludge was applied at 3 different rates equivalent to 0, 200, and 400 kg N/ha. The incubation was conducted at 3 different soil moisture potentials (0, -3, and -13 kPa). Following each 2-week period of incubation, the soil was leached with 2 pore volumes of deionised water to remove the mineralisation products. Mineralisation products in the leachate and enzyme activities, microbial biomass C and N, pH, and water-soluble C in the soil were determined. The incubation lasted 18 weeks. Rapid release of nitrate occurred during the first 6 weeks of incubation, followed by a slow release over the remainder of the incubation period. Although the total amount of N released in the 200 kg N/ha treatment (169 mg N/kg soil) was less than in the 400 kg N/ha treatment (206 mg N/kg soil), when expressed as a percentage of the organic N applied, the amount of N released at the lower rate (18·4%) was greater than that at the higher rate of sludge treatment (13·0%). Rapid nitrification decreased the soil leachate ammonium concentration and the soil pH. Soil microbial biomass, water-soluble C, and deaminase activity were significantly increased after the addition of dairy pond sludge. The increase in soil microbial biomass observed was probably due to the increased water-soluble C and nutrients that stimulated the soil microbial growth. The rapid N release and nitrification rates observed were attributed to the low C : N ratio (12·7), high ammonium content (145 mg N/kg) of the dairy pond sludge used, and the optimum moisture and temperature conditions. The narrow range of soil water potential conditions did not have any significant effect on N release rate or amount.


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