bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting 2,4,5‐T Movement in Soil Columns
Authors: O'Connor G. A. , van Genuchten M. Th. , Wierenga P. J.
Published: July 2010

A solute model developed by van Genuchten and Wierenga was used to calculate 2,4,5‐T effluent data from soil columns. The model had been previously shown to adequately predict effluent data given model parameters curve fit to a portion of the effluent curve. The present work shows that 2,4,5‐T effluent curves may be adequately predicted without prior knowledge of the effluent curves for a particular soil column given: (i) model parameters derived from 2,4,5‐T effluent curves for other soil columns, or (ii) model parameters obtained from tritium effluent curves for the same columns. The data suggest that once the physical model parameters have been characterized for a soil, reasonable predictions of 2,4,5‐T (and perhaps other solutes) transport can be made given the adsorption coefficient for the solute.
Mercury Transfer from Bed Sediments to Freshwater Fish (Guppies)
Authors: Kudo Akira
Published: July 2010

Mercury transfer from river sediments to freshwater fish (Lebistes reticulata) (wet weight, 29 to 869 mg) was observed for 150 days.

Release rate from the sediment indicates a half‐life of 12 to 20 years. The amount taken up by the fish varied widely (up to 600% differences), but half‐lives for clearance were all between 38 and 75 days. No correlation was found between mercury uptake rate and either size or sex of fish.
Factors Affecting Dimethylnitrosamine Formation in Samples of Soil and Water
Authors: Mills A. L. , Alexander M.
Published: July 2010

Dimethylnitrosamine was formed in samples of soil, municipal sewage, and lake water supplemented with 250 ppm of dimethylamine and 100 ppm of nitrite‐N. The toxic compound was formed in similar quantities in soil and sewage samples sterilized by gamma radiation and in lake water sterilized by autoclaving. Nitrosation occurred in samples with a pH as high as 7.7, although nitrosamine was not formed in buffered solutions above pH 5.0. The amount of dimethylnitrosamine produced in soil at pH 5.2 was directly related to the amount of the precursors added to the soil. When the organic matter was partially removed from a sample of soil by treatment with peroxide, the amount of dimethylnitrosamine formed upon incubation with dimethylamine and nitrite decreased. No nitrosamine was produced from the precursors when the soil was freed of organic matter by ignition. Incubation of the ignited soil with glucose and an inoculum of microorganisms led to the formation of nonleachable organic matter and the return of the nitrosating capacity. The results show that nitrosamines may be produced in nonacid environments containing organic materials.
Loss of 2,4‐D in Runoff from Plots Receiving Simulated Rainfall and from a Small Agricultural Watershed
Authors: White A. W. , Asmussen L. E. , Hauser E. W. , Turnbull J. W.
Published: July 2010

Movement of 2,4‐D [(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] was not significant in either surface or subsurface runoff from a small agricultural watershed on a sandy Coastal Plain soil. Surface runoff levels were highest for the first runoff event after herbicide application (0.56 kg/ha) each year, and initial concentrations were related to the time lapse between herbicide application and the date of the first runoff event. Maximum concentrations were 8.1, 6.2, and 2.5 µg/liter in 1970, 1971, and 1972, respectively. The corresponding time lapse for the same years was 20, 27, and 34 days. Persistence studies showed that the 2,4‐D concentration in the surface 0.5 cm of soil decreased 95%, from 4.7 to 0.23 ppm in only 7 days, and after 34 days the soil concentration was only 0.01 ppm. Although subsurface flow was three times greater than surface runoff during the 3‐year period, 2,4‐D movement in subsurface water was negligible. Concentrations were usually zero or < 1 µg/liter. Soil sampled to a 90‐cm depth showed no 2,4‐D accumulation or build‐up in the soil profile. Simulated rains (8.25 cm in 30 min) applied to subplots on the watershed showed that there is a potential for greater 2,4‐D losses in surface runoff when it rains soon after herbicide application. When rains were applied 1, 8, and 35 days after herbicide application, the average 2,4‐D concentrations in runoff were 25.2, 5.8, and 0.7 µg/liter, respectively.
Interactions of Lead and Cadmium on Metal Uptake and Growth of Corn Plants
Authors: Miller Joseph E. , Hassett John J. , Koeppe D. E.
Published: July 2010

Short term plant accumulation and growth effects of Pb and Cd added to soil separately and in combination were investigated with corn (Zea mays L., Wf9 × M14) grown in a loamy sand under greenhouse conditions. A tendency for soil Pb to increase both the plant Cd concentration and the total Cd uptake of the corn shoots was observed. Conversely, soil Cd reduced the total Pb uptake and in some cases the Pb concentration in the corn shoots. Both Pb (125 and 250 µg/g soil) and Cd (2.5 and 5 µg/g soil) reduced the vegetative growth of the corn shoots, and a positive interaction of the two metals on growth was noted.
Influence of Environmental Parameters on EDTA Biodegradation in Soils and Sediments
Authors: Tiedje James M.
Published: July 2010

14C‐EDTA (ethylenediaminetraacetate) was slowly degraded 14CO2 by all soils tested from the major agricultural EDTA use areas; by soils varying in uses, pH, and texture; and by sediments from the Detroit River. EDTA degradation appears to be a result of cometabolism by established microbial populations. Production of 14CO2 from EDTA occurred under aerobic but not anaerobic conditions. No detectable quantities of intermediates accumulated under either condition. EDTA degradation followed first‐order kinetics for concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 90 ppm. Degradation was observed up to 1,000 ppm EDTA, the highest concentration tested. The date of sample collection had a marked effect on extent of degradation with the winter‐collected samples showing greater than twice the degradation of summer‐collected samples. The Q10 was two up to 30C. Initially degradation at 50C was limited, but after 9 weeks incubation the rate accelerated indicating the adaptation of thermo‐tolerant EDTA‐degrading populations. The extent of degradation among soils was variable; common values for 2 to 4 ppm of added 14C‐EDTA mineralized were 13 to 45% after 15 weeks and 65 to 70% after 45 weeks.
Chemical Quality of Effluents and Their Influence on Water Quality in a Shallow Aquifer
Authors: Purtymun W. D. , Buchholz J. R. , Hakonson T. E.
Published: July 2010

The chemical quality of liquid effluent released from an industrial waste treatment plant at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory controls the quality of water in a shallow aquifer in the alluvium of Mortandad Canyon. The dilution of the effluent with surface flow in the canyon reduces the concentrations of the chemicals as they move down gradient into the aquifer. Mass estimates of residual chemicals in solution in the aquifer average 1–6% of the total chemicals released to the canyon from 1963–1974. The average annual concentration of sodium, nitrate, chloride, and total dissolved solids in the aquifer through a 12‐year period was directly correlated with annual average concentrations in the effluent. This relationship provides a means of predicting the impact of the chemical effluents on the quality of water in the aquifer.
A Multivariate Analysis of Factors Affecting Radiocesium Uptake by Sagittaria latifolia in Coastal Plain Environments
Authors: Garten Charles T. , Paine Donald
Published: July 2010

Sagittaria latifolia plants and soils were sampled at 11 sites on or near the Energy Research and Development Administration's Savannah River Plant near Aiken, South Carolina. Plants and soils were analyzed for radiocesium concentrations. Concentration ratios (CR) were calculated as a relative measure of availability. On the basis of eight sites, which were similar in soil properties, three principal components, extracted from a correlation matrix, explained 80.8% of the total variation in measurements of soil characteristics. Principal component I was directly associated with soil moisture, soil organic matter, extractable potassium, percent very fine sand, and inversely related to percent coarse soil. Component II was related to coarse soil and fine sandy soil. Component III was related to extractable soil potassium and extractable radiocesium. A multiple regression of log (CR) against the principal component scores demonstrated a decrease in the availability of radiocesium to Sagittaria with increasing soil moisture, organic matter, extractable potassium, and percent very fine sand and silt. Availability was greatest on coarse sandy soils. Maximum likelihood factor analysis across all eleven sites, based on a partial correlation matrix adjusted for differences among locations, indicated that, regardless of soil radiocesium concentrations, the availability of radiocesium was directly related to soil particle size (% weight) >0.5 mm and inversely related to particle size (% weight) <0.25 mm.
Composition and Reactions of Liquid Manure (Gülle), with Particular Reference to Phosphate: II. Solid Phase Components
Authors: Fordham A. W. , Schwertmann U.
Published: July 2010

Several components were detected in the solid phase of gülle samples. Struvite (NH4MgPO4·6H2O) was isolated from one sample and identified by X‐ray diffraction. Its presence was confirmed in this and other samples by solubility studies, which also showed the existence of trimagnesium phosphate (Mg3(PO4)2·8H2O), octacalcium phosphate (Ca4H(PO4)3·3H2O), dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO4·2H2O), and possibly NH4CaPO4·H2O. More evidence for struvite, trimagnesium phosphate, and octacalcium phosphate, as well as estimates of their content in samples, was obtained from measurements of solution composition during acid titration of gülle suspensions. Organic phosphate contents of the solid phase could be calculated from these measurements, which also showed the existence of appreciable quantities of solid ammonium and calcium organic salts.

Gülle systems were found to be in a sensitively balanced dynamic state which would respond rapidly to relatively minor changes of chemical, physical, and biological conditions.
Reduction of 2,4‐D Load in Surface Runoff Down a Grassed Waterway
Authors: Asmussen L. E. , White A. W. , Hauser E. W. , Sheridan J. M.
Published: July 2010

The effectiveness of a grassed waterway in decreasing 2,4‐D [(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] content in surface runoff was investigated. Corn (Zea mays L.) plots were treated with 2,4‐D (0.56 kg/ha) and runoff produced by applying simulated rain was directed through a 24.4‐m‐long grassed waterway. The 2,4‐D concentrations were measured under wet and dry antecedent waterway and plot conditions. Reduction in 2,4‐D load in waterways results from water loss by infiltration, sediment loss, and by attachment‐absorption on vegetative and organic matter. Of the simulated rainfall applied 1 day after application of 2,4‐D, 50% of the water ran off the plots under dry antecedent soil conditions, and 78% ran off under wet conditions. Infiltration reduced runoff flowing down the waterway an additional 25% under dry conditions and 2% under wet conditions. Suspended sediment reduction in the waterway was 98 and 94% of the total amount moving from the plot for the dry and wet waterway conditions, respectively. The total loss (on sediment and in solution) of the applied 2,4‐D from the plot in the dry and wet states was 2.5 and 10.3%, respectively. Of the 2,4‐D lost from the plots and entering the 24.4‐m waterway, approximately 30% reached the end of the waterway, regardless of antecedent soil moisture.
Chemical Composition of Sewage Sludges and Analysis of Their Potential Use as Fertilizers
Authors: Sommers L. E.
Published: July 2010

A regional survey of sewage sludge composition was conducted by obtaining data for 30 constituents in > 250 sewage sludge samples from approximately 150 treatment plants located in 6 states in the north‐central region and 2 in the eastern region. Computation of the mean and median values indicated that N, P, and K levels were within a relatively narrow range, whereas these statistics demonstrated that Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd concentrations were extremely variable. Median concentrations for anaerobically digested sewage sludges were as follows: N, 4.2; P, 3.0; K, 0.3%; Pb, 540; Zn, 1,890; Cu, 1,000; Ni, 85; and Cd, 16 mg/kg, and for aerobically treated sludges: N, 4.8; P, 2.7; K, 0.4%; Pb, 300; Zn, 1,800; Cu, 970; Ni, 31; and Cd, 16 mg/kg. Based on population and sludge production estimates, < 1% of the agricultural land would be required for application of sewage sludge at a rate of 100 kg available N per ha in most of the states considered. The heterogeneous nature of sewage sludges produced by different cities and the presence of potentially harmful trace metals necessitates a knowledge of the chemical composition of each individual sewage sludge prior to land application.
Modeling the Impact of Strip Mining and Reclamation Processes on Quality and Quantity of Water in Mined Areas: A Review
Authors: Rogowski A. S. , Pionke H. B. , Broyan J. G.
Published: July 2010

Current literature contains numerous studies of acid generation, neutralization, and transformation in strip‐mine spoil materials, yet the rate‐determining processes on the field scale are not well understood. Even less seems to be known about the spoil water flow, oxygen diffusion, surface runoff, erosion, evapotranspiration, and temperature distributions within the spoil banks. Most spoils seem to be principally considered from the standpoint of rapid revegetation, use of amendments, and favorable placement of acid‐producing materials. We conclude that hydrology of the spoil system could be simulated using standard modeling techniques. It also seems probable that experimentally obtained temperature and oxygen distributions could delineate acid‐producing areas, assuming pyrite is not limiting, and is distributed evenly throughout the zone of interest.
Nitrate‐Nitrogen and Chloride Movement Through Undisturbed Field Soil
Authors: Shuford J. W. , Fritton D. D. , Baker D. E.
Published: July 2010

Results are presented from a field study conducted to determine whether large pores represent a major pathway for NO3‐N and Cl movement through undisturbed soil. A solution containing 410 ppm NO3‐N and Cl as KNO3 and KCl was added to three experimental field plots enclosed by wooden barriers to prevent runoff. Initial and final soil samples were taken at various profile depths for ion analyses. Most of the NO3‐N and Cl added in solution moved vertically with the water through the profile. Ion movement was influenced by large soil pores between structural units. A fourth field plot was designed to compare field‐measured NO3‐N and Cl concentrations with theoretical calculations, using time‐dependent water flow velocity and dispersion equations. Soil solution samples were taken for ion analyses. Due to the incomplete mixing of water and ions with all soil pores, theoretical equations did not completely explain the field‐measured NO3‐N and Cl distributions.
Creeping Bentgrass Response to Aquatic Herbicides in Irrigation Water
Authors: Hiltibran R. C. , Turgeon A. J.
Published: July 2010

Turfgrass sites are frequently irrigated with water from nearby ponds. However, aquatic herbicides used to control aquatic plants and algae may be phytotoxic to turfgrasses. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential for turfgrass injury following irrigation from herbicide‐treated ponds.

Injury to creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds. ‘Penncross’) irrigated with water containing aquatic herbicides depended upon the herbicide, the concentration, formulation, season, and frequency of application. The most injurious herbicide was dichlobenil (2 6‐dichlorobenzonitrile). Diquat [6 7‐dihydrodipyrido(1,2‐a:2′,1′‐c)‐pyrazinediium ion]; silvex [2‐(2,4,5‐trichlorophenoxy) propionic acid]; simazine [2‐chloro‐4,6‐bis(ethylamino)‐s‐triazine]; and the ester formulation of 2,4‐D [(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid] caused moderate injury to the turf. No injury was observed from copper sulfate; copper‐triethanolamine; diuron [3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea]; endothall [7‐oxabicyclo(2.2.1) heptane‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid]; or fenac [2,3,6‐trichlorophenyl) acetic acid]. In actual practice, simazine is the only herbicide which would be expected to cause unacceptable turfgrass injury because of its persistance in water and its possible accumulation in irrigated turf.
Effect of Dried Anaerobically Digested Sewage Sludge on Yield and Element Accumulation in Tall Fescue and Alfalfa
Authors: Stucky Donald J. , Newman Tommie S.
Published: July 2010

Two rates of dried anaerobically digested sewage sludge were used in a greenhouse pot study to determine the effect on yield, areal coverage, and element accumulation in ‘Ky‐31’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) grown during a 2‐year growth period, on an agricultural soil and on acid strip‐mine spoil. The initial pH of strip‐mine spoil was approximately 3.5, and sludge additions of 314 and 627 metric tons/ha raised the pH to 5.5 and 6.0, respectively.

Sludge applications of 314 and 627 metric tons/ha significantly increased yields of plants grown on agricultural soil. On strip‐mine spoil, yields of tall fescue and alfalfa were significantly increased at the application rate of 627 metric tons/ha. In all treatments the yields of alfalfa were greater than that of tall fescue, although the areal coverage of fescue exceeded that of alfalfa.

Increasing rates of sewage sludge decreased the amount of Mn, Zn, Ni, and Cd accumulated in tall fescue and alfalfa in strip‐mine spoils. Copper accumulation was not affected by application rates. In tall fescue, per day accumulations of Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd followed similar patterns, peaking between the 180‐ and 200‐day growth period. This trend was observed in alfalfa for Mn and Cd; however, Zn, Cu, and Ni accumulations decreased with time. The percent areal stem coverage after 2 years was estimated at 95 and 65% for tall fescue and alfalfa, respectively. No plant toxicity symptoms were observeduring the 2‐year growth period.
Feedlot Runoff Holding Ponds—Nutrient Levels and Related Management Aspects
Authors: Dickey E. C. , Vanderholm D. H.
Published: July 2010

Collection, storage, and ultimate land disposal of livestock feedlot runoff is becoming a more common practice as a result of increasing state and federal regulations prohibiting uncontrolled discharge of runoff. As a result of chemical, physical, and biological actions during the storage phase, the runoff applied to land from storage is often greatly different from that entering storage directly from the feedlot. This study was designed to observe those changes in the runoff during storage, and to evaluate their effect on land disposal practices. Six concrete paved feedlots with runoff control systems were studied, with emphasis on variations in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in holding ponds used for storing runoff. Seasonal variations in nutrient content of the holding ponds result from precipitation patterns, nutrient losses, and other factors. Early spring dewatering of the holding ponds, followed by frequent summer dewatering if possible, will result in the best conservation of nutrients. Large differences in nutrient content of holding ponds were observed for different species of livestock, with stored swine feedlot runoff containing nearly eight times as much nitrogen as stored beef feedlot runoff.
Adsorption of Copper, Zinc, and Cadmium by a Forest Soil
Authors: Sidle R. C. , Kardos L. T.
Published: July 2010

Time‐dependent batch equilibrium studies for Cu, Zn, and Cd were conducted to determine the sorbing properties for these metals on the upper 30 cm of a forest soil. Major cations were added to equilibrating solutions in an attempt to match to cationic matrix of a sewage sludge. Essentially all of the Cu was adsorbed by the soil in the first 0.3 hour of equilibration. Copper adsorption data fit the Freundlich isotherm better than the Langmuir isotherm. Adsorption of Zn and Cd was more time dependent than Cu, especially for the 0–7.5 cm depth of soil, and was described with some success by the empirical kinetic equation, ∂S/∂t = aCbSc, where S is µg metal absorbed per g soil, C is concentration of metal in final equilibrating solution, t is time, and a, b, and c are constants. Batch data taken at 3 hours of equilibration for Zn and Cd also fit the Freundlich isotherm better than the Langmuir isotherm. For Cu, Zn, and Cd adsorption, Freundlich constants (K) were higher for the 0–7.5 cm depth than for the 7.5–15 cm depth, indicating the binding effects of the higher level of organic matter in the surface 7.5 cm of forest soil.
Soluble and Sediment Nitrogen Losses as Related to Land Use and Type of Soil in Eastern Canada
Authors: Neilsen G. H. , MacKenzie A. F.
Published: July 2010

In order to assess the amounts and types of nitrogen lost in agricultural drainage, seven agricultural watersheds, with a range of land use patterns and types of soil in southwestern Quebec and southeastern Ontario, were selected, and measurements of discharge rates, soluble inorganic nitrogen, and sediment Kjeldahl nitrogen were made during 1974–75. Correlations of these losses with land use and kind of soil were used to identify critical watershed factors affecting nitrogen loss.

Soluble inorganic N concentrations in streams did not exceed 3.5 µg/ml. No watershed lost > 5 kg/ha soluble N, except for the watershed with the maximum corn (Zea mays L.) acreage (33%), which lost 22.8 kg N/ha per year. The pronounced significance of spring melt runoff was demonstrated by the movement of from 56 to 100% of annual soluble N from the monitored watersheds during March, April, and May. Sediment was a major transporter of N in this area, moving from 22 to 67% of total watershed N. Watersheds with greater corn acreage and relatively impermeable soils lost more soluble N, while watersheds with more organic soils and greater cultivated area lost more sediment N.
A Field Study of the Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge: II. Effect on Soil N and P
Authors: Kelling K. A. , Walsh L. M. , Keeney D. R. , Ryan J. A. , Peterson A. E.
Published: July 2010

Liquid digested sewage sludge applied at rates from 3.75 to 60 metric ton/ha significantly increased the concentrations of inorganic N, organic N, and Bray P1 extractable P in a sandy loam and a silt loam soil in south‐central Wisconsin. Most of the applied inorganic N was as NH4‐N and was nitrified rapidly. At sludge rates of 30 metric ton/ha or more, substantial losses of sludge‐applied N occurred by leaching. Soil solution NO3‐N concentrations exceeded 100 mg/liter at the 120‐ to 150‐cm depth 10 weeks after the first sludge application on the permeable sandy loam, and after about 1 year on the silt loam. The N balance indicated that considerable amounts of N may have been lost by denitrification, volatilization, or both, where > 30 metric ton/ha were applied. Mineralization of organic N was more rapid than previously reported. Up to 50% of the applied organic N was mineralized within 3 weeks after the last sludge application. During the remaining 25 months of the experiment, the mineralization rate was essentially constant at about 250 mg organic N/kg of soil/year at the 60 metric ton/ha sludge rate, and 180 mg organic N/kg of soil/year at the 30 metric ton/ha rate.

Sludge applications resulted in immediate marked increases in Bray P1 extractable P. However, the extractable P levels decreased with time after sludge application, probably as a result of P fixation. Significant amounts of P remained available for at least 2 years at the higher treatment rates.
A Field Study of the Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge: III. Effect on Uptake and Extractability of Sludge‐Borne Metals
Authors: Kelling K. A. , Keeney D. R. , Walsh L. M. , Ryan J. A.
Published: July 2010

Metal concentrations in soil and plant tissue resulting from land application of liquid digested sewage sludge were examined by determining Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, and Cr in rye (Secale cereale L.) and sorghum‐sudan (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench × S. sudanese P. Stapf.) forage tissue, in corn (Zea mays L.) grain and stover, and DTPA‐extractable metals in soil. Four crops were grown successively after the application of up to 60 metric ton/ha (dry solids basis) of liquid sewage sludge on a sandy loam and a silt loam in Wisconsin. In general, the addition of sludge increased the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ni in the vegetative tissue but, except for Zn, the additions had relatively little effect on the metal content of corn grain. Chromium did not accumulate in the tissue or grain. In all cases, concentrations of metals were below levels considered to be toxic to the crops grown. Total recovery of added metals by the four crops was < 1% for Cu, Cd, Ni, and Cr, and 1 to 3% for Zn. Levels of DTPA‐extractable Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ni, but not Cr, increased with sludge treatment. Regression analysis showed that DTPA might be useful as a predictor of metal concentrations in the vegetative portions of the plant. However, the relationships were not the same for different crops. The decreases in metal concentrations in the plant tissue and in DTPA extracts with successive crops indicated reversion to less available forms for Zn, Cd, and possibly Ni. The ratio of Cd:Zn in the tissue was about one‐third that of the sludge for all crops.
Nutrient Losses in Surface Runoff from a Native Prairie
Authors: Timmons D. R. , Holt R. F.
Published: July 2010

Nutrient losses in surface runoff from a native prairie were determined for 5 years. The prairie, dominated by little bluestem (Andropogon scoparius Michx.), was on a Barnes loam soil in westcentral Minnesota. Snowmelt runoff accounted for 80% of the average annual runoff. After spring thaw, rainfall caused appreciable runoff (37% of annual) during 1 year only. Depending on chemical parameter, 63 to 88% of the average annual nutrient loads were transported by snowmelt runoff. Average annual total nitrogen (N) and total phosphorus (P) losses were 0.8 and 0.1 kg/ha, respectively, and organic N and organic (+ hydrolyzable) P comprised 68 and 82% of their respective annual losses. Average annual cation losses ranged from about 0.1 to 1.8 kg/ha and, except for 1 year, were in the order K > Ca> Mg > Na. Average weighted concentrations for all parameters were higher for rainfall runoff than for snowmelt runoff. Nutrient losses from native prairie represent natural levels for comparing the effects of different land uses on nutrient loads in surface runoff.
Evaluation of a Water Analysis Kit,
Authors: Boyd Claude E.
Published: July 2010

A Hach DR‐EL/2 Direct Reading Engineer's Laboratory Kit (Hach Chemical Co., Ames, Iowa) was evaluated by comparison to standard analytical methods.

Results of Hach kit methods were highly correlated with concentrations of standard solutions. The y‐intercepts (a) did not differ from 0 for most methods, but for 11 methods regression coefficients (b) differed from 1.0.

For each of the 20 parameters, three natural water samples were analyzed seven times by Hach kit and by the standard method. Mean values obtained by the two analytical systems were usually significantly different and the standard method sometimes gave higher precision than the Hach kit. Nevertheless, the Hach kit usually gave close approximations of values obtained by standard methods.

Comparisons also included analyses of a large series of natural water samples. Correlation coefficients between Hach kit and standard methods were often > 0.99. Although a = 0 for 14 methods, b = 1.0 for only 8 methods.

Reliability of the Hach kit was adequate for general surveys of water quality, fisheries management decisions, and research requiring only approximate data on water quality.
Quantitation of Indole and Skatole in a Housed Swine Unit
Authors: Travis T. A. , Elliott L. F.
Published: July 2010

While many compounds have been identified as odor constituents of animal waste, few have been measured quantitatively and directly implicated as parameters for evaluating the quality or strength of odor. To determine the possibility of contribution to odor, two alkaloids, indole and skatole, were measured quantitatively in fresh manure, in anaerobic pit liquor, in dust, and in air extracts from an enclosed swine‐finishing unit. Gas, thin‐layer, and column chromatography were used to measure the concentrations and to verify the presence of indole and skatole. Although indole and skatole were found in the fresh manure and anaerobic pit liquor extracts, only skatole was found in the dust extracts. Neither indole nor skatole could be detected in the air of the swine unit above the detection limits of 2.5 × 10−12 g/ml of air. Since the odor threshhofd value of indole and skatole (1 × 10−9 g/ml of air) is approximately 1,000 times higher than what could be detected in the air, it was concluded that aerial concentrations of indole and skatole in swine units could not be used to evaluate the quality and strength of odors.
Effects of Incubation and Liming on Yield and Heavy Metal Uptake by Rye from Sewage‐Sludged Soil
Authors: Lagerwerff J. V. , Biersdorf G. T. , Milberg R. P. , Brower D. L.
Published: July 2010

Rye (Secale cereale L., var. Balboa) was grown under controlled conditions on Evesboro sandy loam amended with digested secondary sewage sludge. Our purpose was to measure plant yield and uptake of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn as functions of sludge application rate (0 to 10%, dry weight basis), sludge origin (Baltimore, Md., and Washington, D. C.), pH of soil‐sludge mixture (two levels), incubation time between mixing and planting (0 to 7 weeks), and plant age (three clippings). Plant yields from successive clippings decreased as sludge application rates increased. Uptake of the four metals increased with sludge additions and with plant age, in the order Zn > Cd > Pb ≃ Cu. Metal uptake decreased in the order Zn > Cd > Pb > Cu with addition of lime. Incubation considerably diminished Cu and Pb uptake. All observations point to organic matter complex formation in the order Cu > Pb > Zn > Cd. The relative uptake of HCl‐extractable Cd from soil was greater than that of Zn, especially upon liming, while the total uptake of these metals then decreased.
Methods for Evaluating Insecticide Effects on Alfalfa Growth
Authors: Fick Gary W.
Published: July 2010

It has been shown that certain insecticides commonly used on alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) can be phytotoxic. In this study, stem length and stem elongation rate were compared as screening techniques for measuring responses of potted alfalfa plants to insecticides. The measurements were made in two environments (low and medium light) and with several rates of four insecticides. The insecticides were (i) diazinon (O,O‐dimethyl O‐(2‐isopropyl‐4‐methyl‐6‐pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate, (ii) heptachlor (1,4,5,6,7,8,8‐heptachloro‐3a,4,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐4,7‐methanoindene), (iii) carbofuran (2,3‐dihydro‐2,2‐dimethyl‐7‐benzofuranyl methylcarbamate), and (iv) methoxychlor (1,1,1‐trichloro‐1,2‐bis (p‐methoxyphenyl) ethane) plus malathion (S‐(1,2‐bis(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl)O,O‐dimethyl phosphorodithioate) in a 1:1 mixture.

Stem elongation (change in stem length) between two points in time was more effective in detecting an insecticide effect than was absolute stem length. Daily elongation rates as estimated by length changes over 2‐ or 3‐day intervals for the 2 weeks following treatment gave the highest levels of significance. When variability was reduced by selecting stems for uniform initial lengths, the coefficient of variation (CV) for elongation rate was about 20%. At each sampling time, it would take about 50 measurements/treatment to detect a 10% difference in means in 80% of the trials with that CV. Number of measurements required is, thus, a limitation in comparing numerous treatment combinations.

Measurements of stem elongation did show phytotoxic effects of diazinon and methoxychlor plus malathion. Previous work had shown that these treatments could be phytotoxic. No other significant growth responses were observed. The diazinon effect showed up only in the low‐light environment, indicating that light level influenced the response to the insecticide.
Infectious Disease Hazards of Landspreading Sewage Wastes
Authors: Burge Wylie D. , Marsh Paul B.
Published: July 2010

Major increases are currently taking place in the United States in the application of sewage wastes to agricultural land. This paper reviews literature relating to the question of whether such applications involve hazard from human disease organisms. Evidence on the matter is still inadequate. Processed sewage wastes often contain residual pathogenic viruses, bacteria, cysts of protozoa, and ova of helminths, but most sewage‐related disease outbreaks have been attributed to use of raw sewage waste water, raw sludges, or night soils on food crops consumed raw, to contamination of drinking water from septic tanks, or to consumption of raw shellfish from sewage‐polluted waters. Although subject to relatively high levels of exposure to pathogens in aerosols, waste water treatment plant workers appear to be unaffected, but data on this are limited. Percolation of waste water at a moderate rate through soils of medium to fine texture removes most bacteria and viruses; pathogen movement in surface runoff water may present a greater hazard for spreading disease. Techniques that completely disinfect sludges may fail to stabilize them so that putrefaction is a problem. Properly conducted composting stabilizes raw sludge and destroys most pathogens. Certain fungi and actinomycetes generated during composting may have allergenic potentialities of import for workers at sludge composting sites.
Effects of Soil, Cover Crop, and Nutrient Source on Amounts and Forms of Phosphorus Movement Under Simulated Rainfall Conditions
Authors: Reddy G. Y. , Mc Lean E. O. , Hoyt G. D. , Logan T. J.
Published: July 2010

Three soils (Toledo silty clay, Rossmoyne silt loam, and Wauseon sandy loam) in greenhouse microplots were treated with chemical, chemical + straw, and manure sources of N, P, and K, cropped or left bare, and subjected to simulated rainfall. Phosphorus moving in runoff sediments, runoff solution, and leachate was measured. Most P moved as a component of sediments. Cropping decreased sediment and solution losses while manure generally increased losses in both. Most P moving in runoff solution was inorganic. However, except where percolation swept inorganic P downward without reaction with the soil, most P moving in leachate was organic. Fractionations of soil P revealed that P treatments increased the HN4Cl‐ and NH4F‐extractable fractions markedly, had less effect on the NaOH‐extractable fraction, and had still less effect on the H2SO4‐extractable and organic fractions. All phosphorus sources markedly increased the equilibrium P concentrations (EPC) of all soils. Manure increased EPC more than the other sources in the Rossmoyne and Wauseon soils. The tendency for more sediment P to be lost from manure and for manure‐treated soil to mobilize P into solution makes erosion control especially important, if much manure is to be applied to soils, and if eutrophication of surface waters is to be minimized.
Atrazine Mobility in Two Soils Under Conventional Tillage
Authors: Hall J. K. , Hartwig N. L.
Published: July 2010

Atrazine mobility was studied in two different Pennsylvania soils under conventional tillage. The herbicide was applied at four preemergence rates (1.1, 2.2, 4.5, and 9.0 kg ai (active ingredient)/ha to one soil and as a 4.5‐kg ai/ha equal split treatment (fall surface‐spring preemergence; early spring surface‐spring preemergence) to another soil heavily infested with quackgrass. Surface residues from each initial application (2.2 kg ai/ha) were plowed‐down in early May. Atrazine mobility, dissipation rate, and residual activity were evaluated by chemical analysis and oat bioassay of soil cores sampled at 15‐cm increments to 122 cm and from chemical analysis of suction lysimeter leachates.

Chemical recovery levels indicated that atrazine principally reacted and dissipated in the plow‐layer in both soils. Atrazine applied at 2.2 and 4.5 kg/ha was detected in each soil to a depth of 76 cm approximately 2 mo after application. At these rates, soil concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 1.12 ppm, recovery levels ranged from 47 to 71%, and 83 to 100% of the residual atrazine was detected in the surface 30 cm of soil. However, some “leakage” of atrazine through the coarse subsoil structural units did occur since very low levels were detected in lysimeter leachates collected at 122 cm. By the end of the growing season, 3 to 21% of the atrazine applied at these same rates was recovered in the surface 46 cm of soil, except where one‐half of the 4.5 kg/ha rate was plowed‐down in early spring (3% recovered from 46 to 76 cm). The bioassay procedure did not accurately predict atrazine residue concentrations in either soil.

It appeared from this study that application of atrazine to fine‐textured, conventionally tilled soils at rates ranging from 1.0 to 4.5 kg/ha would not seriously affect ground water supplies through contamination by internal soil damage.
Virus Adsorption by Five Soils
Authors: Burge W. D. , Enkiri N. K.
Published: July 2010

Four of five soils studied adsorbed the bacteriophage φX‐174 in accordance with the Freundlich isotherm. The soil not adsorbing viruses was the coarsest textured and had the highest pH. For purposes of comparing rates in kinetic studies, this soil was considered to have a zero adsorption rate. The amount of virus adsorbed was linearly related to the square root of time. When adsorption rates for the soils were plotted against cation exchange capacities, specific surface areas, and organic matter contents, fair correlation was found for four of the soils. The lack of correlation for the one soil may have been due to its high organic matter content blocking virus adsorption. The rates of adsorption determined from square root of time plots were significantly correlated with soil pH at the 1% level (r = −0.94), indicating the importance of the influence of pH on virus charge.
Microbial Aspects of the Volatile Loss of Applied Mercury (II) From Soils
Authors: Landa Edward R.
Published: July 2010

Five surface soils from southeastern Montana were studied to determine the effects of autoclaving and glucose additions on the volatile loss of applied divalent inorganic mercury.

Soils were amended to 1 ppm Hg as 203Hg‐Hg(NO3)2, maintained at room temperature near the 1/3‐bar moisture content, and Hg content monitored for 7 weeks. Mercury losses from soils receiving neither autoclaving or glucose additions ranged from 5 to 30%. In general, autoclaving reduced the total quantity of Hg lost, while glucose additions increased the initial loss rate of applied Hg.
Phosphate Adsorption‐Desorption Characteristics of Soils and Bottom Sediments in the Maumee River Basin of Ohio
Authors: Mc Callister Dennis L. , Logan Terry J.
Published: July 2010

Langmuir adsorption isotherms showed that Maumee River Basin sediments had adsorption capacities 10 to 20 times greater than Basin soils. Although the soil clay fractions had adsorption capacities higher than the whole soil, they were considerably less than those of the sediments and the difference is attributed to the higher content of amorphous or low‐range order iron and aluminum components in the bottom sediments. Equilibrium phosphorus concentration (EPC) and phosphorus desorbed was similar for soils and sediments as well as total P, indicating that although the bottom sediments have a high capacity to adsorb P, this capacity has not been realized. Correlations between adsorption‐desorption parameters and soil/sediment properties are presented. Bray P1 “available” P was highly correlated with EPC and P desorbed in the soils but to a lesser extent in the bottom sediments. CDB and oxalate extractable‐P was highly correlated with P adsorption capacity in the bottom sediments but not in the soils.
Variability in the Concentration of Twelve Elements in Corn Grain
Authors: Pietz R. I. , Peterson J. R. , Lue‐Hing C. , Welch L. F.
Published: July 2010

Corn grain (Zea mays L.) samples were collected from nine Univ. of Illinois Agronomy Research Fields stiuated throughout Illinois and from six soil associations in Fulton County, Ill. The 243 samples were obtained from sites receiving only inorganic fertilizers. The objective was to determine levels of selected elements in corn grain as it is commonly grown in Illinois. Chemical analysis of the corn grain for Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn showed that the concentrations of K and Mg were the highest, while levels of Cd, Cr, and Pb were < 0.2 µg/g. Variability of Na, Cd, and Cr in the grain samples was high, while that of Mg, Zn, and Mn was low. Element concentrations in grain were within the ranges given in the literature.

Concentrations of Ca, Mg, Mn, K, Na, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn from the nine research fields varied significantly with location. Soil type at the six Fulton County soil associations significantly affected the concentrations of Mg, Mn, K, Cd, and Cr in the grain.

There was a highly significant positive correlation for applied fertilizer N and the grain Mn content for samples from the research fields. Highly significant negative correlations were observed for applied fertilizer N and the K, Na, Cd, and Pb levels in corn grain.

An evaluation of possible health effects for selected corn grain metals indicated that the background levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn observed would not present any human or animal health problems.
Decomposition of Sewage Sludge Compost in Soil: II. Phosphorus and Sulfur Transformations
Authors: Taylor J. M. , Sikora L. J. , Tester C. F. , Parr J. F.
Published: July 2010

Laboratory incubation studies were conducted in which sewage sludge compost was mixed with three soils (Evesboro loamy sand, Christiana silty clay loam, and Fauquier silt loam) and a sand at rates of 0, 2, 4, and 6% (0, 44.8, 89.6, and 134.4 metric tons/ha, respectively) of the dry weight. The mixtures were incubated at 22°C under a flow of CO2‐ and NH3‐ free air. Extractable P in the compost‐sand mixtures ranged from 48 to 81% of the total P. The Evesboro‐compost‐sand mixtures showed an initial net P mineralization trend followed by a slight immobilization trend at 54 days. The Christiana‐compost mixtures had less extractable P than the Evesboro‐compost mixtures, but did show initial increase in extractable P followed by a decrease during incubation. The iron and aluminum components in the Christiana soil were probably responsible for net immobilization of extractable P. The Fauquier‐compost mixtures had the least extractable P and the highest free iron oxide content. Contrary to the other soils, the Fauquier‐compost mixture showed initial net immobilization of extractable P followed by mineralization at 54 days. Ammonium acetate extractable S in the sand‐compost mixtures was 8 to 11% of the total S. In the Evesboro‐compost mixtures extractable S increased after 54 days incubation. The Christiana‐compost mixtures immobilized extractable S early in the incubation but net mineralization of S was subsequently evident where the soil was amended with 4 and 6% compost. The Fauquier‐compost mixture had the least extractable S and had immobilization‐mineralization trends similar to the extractable P data. Both extractable P and S are in sufficient quantities at the 44.8 metric tons/ha application rate to sustain plant growth and, therefore, sewage sludge compost could be used to correct P or S deficiencies in most soils.
Fluidized Bed Boiler Waste as a Source of Nutrients and Lime
Authors: Terman G. L. , Kilmer V. J. , Hunt C. M. , Buchanan W.
Published: July 2010

Fluidized bed boilers for steam electric power plants have been developed recently to improve efficiency and to utilize coal and a wide range of other fuels. The fluidized bed waste (FBW) generated by these boilers is expected to reach large volumes as new plants are built. It is an anhydrous waste containing substantial amounts of CaSO4 and unreacted CaO. Since no previous agronomic evaluation of FBW has been reported, greenhouse pot experiments were carried out.

At moderate rates of application, FBW is satisfactory as a source of sulfur for crops and as a soil liming material. High disposal rates of new waste initially restrict crop growth, apparently because of high alkalinity resulting from the high oxide content of the FBW. On acid Mountview sil, fine (< 0.1 mm) FBW was 47% as effective as fine CaCO3 over a 5‐week period for increasing soil pH. Coarse (< 3.4 mm) FBW was only 8% as effective as fine CaCO3, because of less reactivity apparently resulting from its granular nature and CaSO4 coatings on the granules. On pyritic coal mine spoil, lower liming rates did not affect spoil pH, but at higher rates coarse FBW was 44% as effective as fine CaCO3 for increasing spoil pH over a 10‐month period.
Arsenic Concentrations in Surface Runoff from Small Watersheds in Texas
Authors: Richardson C. W. , Price J. D. , Burnett Earl
Published: July 2010

This study was conducted to determine the movement of arsenic by surface runoff after application of arsenic acid for desiccation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum [L.]). Arsenic acid was applied at 6.6 kg/ha during the cotton year of a cotton‐grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.])‐oats (Avena sativa [L.]) rotation.

The concentration of arsenic dissolved in the runoff water was highest during the first runoff event after application and decreased during subsequent events. Arsenic concentrations in the first runoff after treatment ranged from 250 to 18 ppb, depending on time and tillage after application. Tillage that incorporated treated plant material into the soil reduced arsenic concentration in runoff water. After two or three runoff events, the arsenic concentration decreased to 10 to 20 ppb and remained essentially constant until the next application 3 years later.

The arsenic concentration of the sediment from the watersheds averaged 20 ppm and appeared to be related more to the arsenic content of the soil than to the length of time or the tillage between arsenic acid application and first runoff. Assuming average annual runoff and sediment yield, the amount of arsenic that would be transported from a watershed by runoff and erosion is about 7% of the amount applied. Part of the arsenic that moves from a watershed may be arsenic that occurs naturally in the soil. Of the total arsenic moved from a watershed, 38% would be in solution and 62% would be attached to the sediment.
Mineralization of Nitrogen from Sewage Sludge and Sludge Compost
Authors: Epstein E. , Keane D. B. , Meisinger J. J. , Legg J. O.
Published: July 2010

An incubation study was conducted to determine N mineralization from sewage sludge and sludge compost. Digested and raw sludges and compost derived from these sludges were freeze‐dried and applied to a silt loam soil at 0, 454, 907, and 1,814 kg N/ha. The soil‐sludge mixtures were incubated at 35°C for various time intervals and periodically leached and analyzed for total N, NH4‐N, and NO3‐N. A separate study using K15NO3 was conducted to evaluate N transformations, such as immobilization and denitrification.

The overall data indicate that sewage sludge and sludge compost differ markedly in their initial net mineralization patterns. Amendments high in available C (raw sludge) are biologically very active and significant quantities of NO3‐N can be lost by denitrification and immobilization soon after addition. The N in amendments that have been stabilized by removal of readily oxidizable C (digested sludge) gave net mineralization patterns similar to native soil organic N, although large amounts of N can be released from digested sludge. The N in amendments that have been stabilized by composting with woodchips is not easily mineralized. With time these initial differences among sources decrease and the mineralization rates become more alike, although the time needed to reach this point depends on the quantity of amendment added.