bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Evaluation of the Use of Ratios in Environmental Transuranic Studies
Authors: Doctor Pamela G. , Gilbert Richard O. , Pinder John E.
Published: July 2010

This paper discusses statistical aspects of two types of ratios, concentrations and pure ratios, that are used extensively in environmental transuranic studies and have different uses and different statistical problems. A concentration gives units of numerator (Y) per unit of denominator (X), for example nCi of 238Pu per gram of soil, where Y is assumed to be proportional to X. The choice of aliquot size permitting a reliable estimate of concentration is a major problem with this type of ratio. For a pure ratio the numerator and denominator are measured in the same units, for example nCi of 238Pu over nCi of 139Pu. Pure ratios often appear as a ratio of concentrations: for example, concentration ratios and inventory ratios. However, pure ratios provide accurate information on the relationship between Y and X only when Y is proportional to X. The statistical problems of pure ratios center on an assessment of whether the multiplicative assumption is valid. Multivariate statistical techniques offer alternatives to a pure ratio for expressing the relationship between Y and X. The purpose of this paper is to stimulate critical thinking about the use of ratios and to suggest approaches to the task of ratio estimation compatible with the behavior of environmental radionuclide data.
Effects of Drilling Fluids on Soils and Plants: II. Complete Drilling Fluid Mixtures
Authors: Miller Raymond W. , Pesaran P.
Published: July 2010

Six typical drilling fluids (muds) and a drilling fluid base were mixed with six soils at ratios of 1:1 and 1:4 volumes of liquid mud/soil; these mixtures were tested for their effects on plant growth. Green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and sweet corn [Zea mays var. succharata (Sturtev.) Bailey] in pots in the greenhouse grew normally in a few mixtures, but in most instances plants had reduced growth when compared to those growing in soil alone (controls). It was concluded that high levels of soluble salts or the high exchangeable sodium percentages were the primary causes of reduced plant growth.

The high salt content in some fluids was mostly from added potassium chloride, sodium hydroxide, and sodium dichromate. Dispersion of mud‐treated soils caused by high exchangeable sodium percentages occurred in these samples because of the sodium hydroxide and sodium dichromate added to typical muds.
The Effect of Storm Interval on the Transport of Soluble Phosphorus in Runoff
Authors: Sharpley A. N.
Published: July 2010

The effect of varying the interval between events on the transport of soluble phosphorus (P) in runoff was evaluated under simulated rainfall conditions. A decrease in soluble P concentration was observed during each runoff event although initial concentrations increased as the interval between events was decreased from 1 day to 5 min (0.027–0.033 mg/liter and 0.020–0.028 mg/liter for Bernow fine sandy loam and Woodward loam soils). This was attributed in part to a movement of soil water down the profile following cessation of runoff, resulting in a decrease in the surface soil of the “pool” of soluble P susceptible to transport in runoff. In contrast, a marked increase in the mean concentration of soluble P in runoff was observed as event interval increased from 1 to 6 days (0.018–0.026 mg/liter and 0.011–0.041 mg/liter for Bernow and Woodward soils). This increase was found to be related to the phosphatase enzyme activity of the five soils studied and could thus, be partially attributed to mineralization of organic P.
Movement of Chloride in a Soil with Variable Charge Properties: II. Sanitary Landfill Leachate
Authors: Chan K. Y. , Geering H. R. , Davey B. G.
Published: July 2010

The movement of a lime‐treated sanitary landfill leachate (pH 10.3) through a column filled with the subsoil of a xanthic ferralsol was studied in the laboratory. Chloride movement in the leachate‐treated column deviated from the miscible displacement equation derived by Nielsen and Biggar because the amount of positive charge carried by the soil changed with the pH and ionic strength. The leachate was shown to contain carboxylate groups as well as Cl and competition between these anions for the positively charged sites on the oxidic surfaces was observed. When distilled water was applied to the column at the end of the leachate treatment, Cl was displaced as the ionic strength of the column decreased, even though pH remained >9. A net desorption of Cl of 0.69 meq/100 g was observed. Chloride cannot be treated as an indifferent anion in modeling the movement of salt solutions through oxidic soils with variable charge properties.
Picloram in Water and Soil from a Semiarid Pinyon‐Juniper Watershed
Authors: Johnsen Thomas N.
Published: July 2010

A mixture of picloram (4‐amino‐3,5,6‐trichloropicolinic acid) at 2.8 kg acid equivalent (ae)/ha and 2,4‐D [(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] at 5.6 kg acid equivalent/ha was aerially applied onto 113 ha of a 146‐ha pinyon‐juniper watershed [Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little and Pinus edulis Engelm., respectively] in north‐central Arizona. Picloram residues in runoff water and soil were monitored. Picloram was detected in runoff water leaving the treated area for 30.5 months after application. The highest concentration, 320 ppbw, was in the initial runoff after treatment. A total of 1.1% of the picloram applied left the treated area in runoff water. Picloram was not detected farther than 5.6 km downstream. The picloram concentration was relatively constant during runoff events unless water from snow melt or from an untreated area mixed with the runoff from the treated area. Less picloram came from an area with individually treated trees than from an area with broadcast application. Dip (grab), single‐stage flood, or splitter‐box water samples all gave comparable picloram contents from the same location with the same runoff event. Picloram was detected in the soils for 44 months, mainly below the 45‐cm depth down to bedrock at 122 cm.
Aerial Survey Techniques for Locating Abandoned Strip Mine Land
Authors: Dattavio L. E. , Mroczynski R. P. , Weismiller R. A.
Published: July 2010

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act requires that states develop regulatory programs and reclamation plans for surface mining activities. Prior to passage of this law, the Indiana legislature required Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to survey abandoned mine lands not under the control of state reclamation laws. IDNR then contracted the Laboratory for Applications of Remote Sensing (LARS) at Purdue University to conduct a preliminary survey of these lands. Photointerpretation techniques of medium scale color infrared photography enabled the LARS staff to identify partially reclaimed and nonreclaimed sites within a 20‐county area in southwestern Indiana. Over 4,700 ha of abandoned lands were located and classified on the aerial photography. This information is currently being used by IDNR to develop reclamation plans to revegetate the abandoned lands. The results of this survey clearly indicate that photointerpretation is an effective technique to complete initial inventories of nonreclaimed mine lands.
A Watershed Study of Glyphosate Transport in Runoff
Authors: Edwards W. M. , Triplett G. B. , Kramer R. M.
Published: July 2010

Glyphosate (N‐[phosphonomethyl]glycine)3 formulated as Round‐up® herbicide,4 was applied on 0.3‐ to 3.1‐ha watersheds at rates of 1.10‐, 3.36‐, and 8.96‐kg/ha as a preseeding herbicide in the no‐tillage establishment of rescue (Festuca arundinacea L.) and corn (Zea mays L.). Runoff from natural rainfall following early springtime treatments was measured and analyzed to define concentration and transport of glyphosate under these conditions.

The highest concentration of glyphosate (5.2 mg/liter) was found in runoff occurring 1 day after treatment at the highest rate. Glyphosate (2 µg/liter) was detected in runoff from this watershed up to 4 months after treatment. For the lower application rates, maximum concentration of the herbicide in runoff was < 100 µg/liter for events occurring 9–10 days after application and decreased to <2 µg/liter within 2 months of treatment. The maximum amount of glyphosate transport by runoff was 1.85% of the amount applied, most of which occurred during a single storm on the day after application. In each of the three study years, herbicide transport in the first runoff event following treatment accounted for 99% of the total runoff transport on one watershed. Glyphosate residues in the upper 2.5 cm of treated soil decreased logarithmically with the logarithm of time; they persisted several weeks longer than in the runoff water.
Maximum Pesticide Concentrations in Agricultural Runoff: A Semiempirical Prediction Formula
Authors: Wauchope R. D. , Leonard R. A.
Published: July 2010

Using data compiled from the literature on the concentrations of pesticides observed in runoff water, a semiempirical prediction formula has been constructed which is very crude, but which should be useful to water‐quality planners for estimating worst‐case pesticide inputs from agricultural sources. The maximum “edge‐of‐field” pesticide concentrations in individual runoff events can be predicted within about one order of magnitude if the pesticide formulation, use, and application rate are known, together with the time elapsed between application of the pesticide and subsequent runoff events. Pesticides are grouped into four broad classes according to their “availability” for runoff loss.
Effect of Sewage Effluent on Microbial Activities and Coliform Populations of Pahokee Muck
Authors: Tate Robert L. , Terry Richard E.
Published: July 2010

To determine the effect of amendment with sewage effluent on microbiological properties of organic soils, dehydrogenase, carbon metabolism by the microbial community, and coliform survival were examined in field plots of Pahokee muck (a Lithic Medisaprist). Test plots were amended at weekly intervals with sewage effluent at a rate of 5 cm/week. Control plots received water at comparable rates or were unamended. Dehydrogenase activities were increased approximately twofold in the sewage and water amended soils over levels detected in the unamended soil. No significant variation, in bacterial populations was detected due to any treatment. Carbon metabolism in sewage and water amended soils was nearly equivalent and both activities were generally greater than those measured in unamended soils. These data indicate that the increased microbial activity in sewage‐amended plots resulted from augmented soil moisture and not the added nutrients of the sewage.

Coliform (fecal and total) populations in the soil declined approximately 90% during the first 2 days following the addition of sewage effluent. Coliforms were detected to a 95‐cm depth in soil columns receiving sewage effluent for 22 weeks. These studies indicate that survival of the coliforms is limited in Pahokee muck, but that viable coliforms penetrated throughout the soil profile.
Occurrence and Distribution of Oxygen and Organic Compounds in Mountain Streams of the Marmot Basin
Authors: Telang S. A. , Hodgson G. W. , Baker B. L.
Published: July 2010

The nature and abundance of O2 and organic compounds were examined in the streams of the Marmot basin. Levels of dissolved O2 in mountain streams of the Marmot basin averaged 11,000 µg/liter. The streams were 90–105% saturated with dissolved O2. Biochemical and chemical demand averaged 2,000 and 4,000 µg/liter, respectively. Total organic C in mountain streams averaged 4,000 µg/liter. Analyzed organic compounds in stream waters constituted 25% of the total organic C, refractory compounds accounted for 23%, and labile compounds 2%. Refractory organic compounds, humic and fulvic acids, averaged 790 µg/liter and tannins and lignins 100 µg/liter. Averages of labile compounds were: hydrocarbons, 0.05 µ/liter (sum of individual compounds in the range of C14–C32); phenols, 2 µg/liter; fatty acids, 2 µg/liter; carbohydrates, 45 µg/liter; and total amino acids, 10 µg/liter (sum of 16 protein amino acids). Seasonal variations in abundances of organic compounds were observed.
Seasonal Growth and Accumulation of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium by Orchardgrass Irrigated with Municipal Waste Water
Authors: Palazzo A. J.
Published: July 2010

A 2‐year field study was performed to determine the seasonal growth and nutrient accumulation of a forage grass receiving 7.5 cm/week of domestic primary‐treated waste water. The average N and P concentrations in the waste water were 31.5 and 6.1 mg/liter, respectively. An established sward of ‘Pennlate’ orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) was managed on an annual three‐cutting system. Grass samples were taken periodically during the growing season to determine plant dry matter accumulation and uptake of N, P, and K.

Plants accumulated dry matter and P up to 31 days during the initial harvest period or between the early and late heading stages of growth. Plant accumulation of N and K also leveled off after 31 days in 1978, but continued to increase until the end of the period in 1979. Nutrient and dry matter accumulation increased up to 35–40 days growth during the second harvest period. During the third harvest period in 1979, plant growth was similar to the second harvest period; while in 1978 accumulation slowed after 15 days and then increased again after 29 days. Changes in nutrient uptake within a harvest period were related to both changes in dry matter accumulation and plant nutrient concentration. For maximum yields and nutrient removal, it is recommended that orchardgrass be initially harvested at the early heading stage of growth in the spring. Subsequent harvests should be performed at 5‐ to 6‐week intervals.

Average daily dry matter, N, and P accumulation were highest during the first harvest period which occurred primarily during May in Hanover, New Hampshire. Therefore, this time would be the most appropriate to increase the application rate, thus utilizing the excess waste water which otherwise would have to be stored during the winter season.
The Effect of Cadmium on Nodulation and N2(C2H2)‐Fixation by Dry Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Vigue G. T. , Pepper I. L. , Bezdicek D. F.
Published: July 2010

Experiments were conducted to determine the toxicity of Cd on the nodulation, N2(C2H2)‐fixation, and growth of dry beans. Plants were grown in the greenhouse with hydroponic solutions to which 0–500 µm Cd/liter had been added. The total N content of shoots, nodule weight, nodule number, and N2(C2H2)‐fixation were significantly decreased at 10 µm Cd/liter. Nodulation was completely inhibited at 500 µm Cd/liter. Nodulation and the N2(C2H2)‐fixation rate were negatively correlated with solution Cd concentration (r = −0.97).

Cadmium uptake and translocation were slow; therefore, Cd levels were highest in the roots, much lower in the nodules, and lowest in the shoot tissue. For example, at 20 µm Cd/liter, respective tissue Cd levels averaged 431, 80, and 35 µg Cd/g, on a dry weight basis. Cadmium levels in roots or shoots from comparable Cd treatments were essentially the same whether the plants obtained their N by fixation or from nutrient solution NO3.

Root Cd concentrations were exponentially correlated with nodule number, nodule weight, and acetylene reduction, with correlation coefficients of −0.99, −0.99, and −0.97, respectively. Shoot Cd concentrations were logarithmically correlated with nodule number, nodule weight, and acetylene reduction, with correlation coefficients of −0.89, −0.91, and −0.84, respectively.
Accumulation of Strontium and Cesium by Kale as a Function of Age of Plant
Authors: Weaver C. M. , Harris N. D. , Fox L. R.
Published: July 2010

The accumulation of Sr and Cs throughout the growth cycle of a hydroponically grown vegetable crop (Brassica oleracea var. acephala D.C. ‘Blue Curl’) was studied. The cumulative effect of supplying the radionuclides through the nutrient solution to kale throughout the growth cycle, simulating a continuous discharge, was compared to exposure at each stage of the growth cycle to a single dose of radioactivity, simulating an accidental release. The time course of accumulation of 137Cs supplied continuously through the nutrient solution resembled the sigmoidal dry weight growth curve of the vegetable. Accumulation of this nuclide after exposure of kale to radioactivity for 48 hours at each stage of growth decreased with age of the plant. The time course of 90Sr supplied continuously resembled the pattern of the periodic 48‐hour accumulation for this radionuclide, although there was a 1‐ to 2‐week lag period between the two uptake patterns.
Efficiency of Nitrogen Removal in a Simulated Overland Flow Waste Water Treatment System
Authors: Chen R. L. , Patrick W. H.
Published: July 2010

In a simulated overland flow waste water treatment system, vertical measurements of redox potential indicated the presence of both oxidized and reduced zones that provided favorable conditions for simultaneous nitrification‐denitrification reactions. Addition of C sources substantially reduced the redox potential and enhanced the rate of nitrate reduction. Nitrogen transformation rates were examined by the use of labeled 15N under controlled laboratory conditions.

Adsorption and retention of NH4+‐N in soil matrix accounted for approximately 70–90% of the NH4+‐N applied in simulated waste water. Nitrification occurred in surface oxidized soil layers, resulting in conversion of waste water N to nitrate and nitrite. The downward movement of nitrate to the reduced soil layers in the overland flow model during subsequent application of waste water lead to denitrification and assimilatory nitrate reduction.

Estimation of N balance in this study indicated that the overland flow system was capable of removing 80–90% of the added NH4+‐N within the N concentration range commonly found in municipal waste waters. However, labeled 15N data showed that an average of 11–21% of the N was taken up by vegetation and approximately 5–10% was immobilized and incorporated into soil organic N. Thus, the net loss of N is much less than would be predicted by nonlabeled N mass balance calculations. Overall, only 66–80% of the added labeled N was removed from the simulated overland flow model under laboratory conditions.
Use of Shallow Reservoir and Flooded Organic Soil Systems for Waste Water Treatment: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Transformations
Authors: Reddy K. R. , Graetz D. A.
Published: July 2010

Use of a shallow reservoir (with a marly clay loam bottom) and flooded organic soil (Histosol) for inorganic N and PO4‐P removal from waste water (agricultural drainage effluent) was evaluated under simulated conditions. The results show that the shallow reservoirs and flooded organic soils could be effectively used for NH4‐N and NO3‐N removal from the waste waters. Aerating the floodwater resulted in rapid removal of NH4‐N as a result of nitrification and NH3 volatilization. Creating an anaerobic condition in the water column resulted in slower removal of NH4‐N due to volatilization. Nitrate N removal was more rapid under anoxic water column conditions than with aerobic water column conditions. Rapid nitrification resulted in the initial increase in NO3‐N levels in the water column. Aerating the water column with CO2 free air resulted in rapid losses of NH4‐N through volatilization. Aerating the water column with the air containing CO2 resulted in a greater loss of NH4‐N through nitrification than volatilization. A shorter residence time (1–6 days) of waste water over a soil column was required for effective removal of NH4‐N, and a longer residence time of 12–24 days was required for effective removal of NO3‐N from the water. For reservoir soil, about 70 and 76% of the floodwater P was removed under aerobic and anaerobic water column conditions, respectively. For flooded organic soil, 51% of the aerobic floodwater P was removed after 2 days of incubation, followed by an increase in soluble P concentration of the overlying water, whereas about 64% of the anaerobic floodwater P was removed during a 29‐day incubation.
A Review of Water Quality Issues Associated with Coal Storage
Authors: Davis Edward C. , Boegly William J.
Published: July 2010

Literature dealing with runoff from coal storage facilities is scarce and poorly documented. Most of the data reported are derived from the analysis of single grab samples taken from leaching experiments or from onsite sampling during rainfall events. There have been few investigations of the long‐term environmental effects of coal pile leachate with the emphasis on changing water quality. This review identifies potential water quality issues and discusses coal storage conditions that intensify the acid drainage problem. Future research is needed in the development of a standardized laboratory leaching test, in the identification of organic compounds in the leachate, in the treatment of leachates, and in the development and verification of predictive models. These new areas of research should build on the existing literature to define a comprehensive waste management strategy providing for an environmentally acceptable method of onsite storage of large quantities of coal.
Effect of Waste Water Irrigation and Leaching Percentage on Soil and Ground Water Chemistry
Authors: Bole J. B. , Carefoot J. M. , Chang C. , Oosterveld M.
Published: July 2010

Irrigation with sewage waste water for six seasons produced greater salinity under alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) than under reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) or fallow. Irrigation rates were designed to produce high and low leaching percentages (LP). The high irrigation rate (I2) was double the low irrigation rate (I1). Leaching percentages were estimated from the soluble Na concentration at the 90‐ to 150‐cm depth of the soil profile. At the 90‐ to 150‐cm depth of the soil profile, Na reached a steady state for the conditions of the irrigation season by the fall of each year in the first 2 crop years and by the end of the second irrigation season in the last 4 crop years. At the water table depth (2–4 m), Cl in the ground water was close to an annual steady‐state concentration by the end of each irrigation season in the first 2 crop years and by the end of the second irrigation season in the last 4 crop years. Sodium and Ca + Mg approached equilibrium during the final 3 crop years.

High LPs (>34%) in the first 2 years reduced original salinity levels [electrical conductivity (EC) 3.99 to <1.39 mmhos/cm]. When irrigation rates were reduced in the last 4 years, salinity increased, but the salt levels were well below those (EC <2.13 mmhos/cm) that would significantly reduce crop yield.

Ground water calculations at low LP (<10%) showed that EC and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values were high, but CaCO3 precipitation was balanced by gypsum dissolution. By comparison, at high LPs (>15%) the EC and SAR values were low, but there was a potential danger of a large net transfer of salt to ground water because of gypsum dissolution.
Stream Water Quality as Influenced by Land Use Patterns in the Kakioka Basin, Japan
Authors: Hirose T. , Kuramoto N.
Published: July 2010

The effect of land use patterns on stream water quality was studied in the agricultural landscape of the Kakioka Basin, Japan. Stream water was sampled from 52 sites three times in 1979, and the concentration of 10 inorganic ions (NO3‐N, NO2‐N, NH4‐N, PO4‐P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, and SO4‐S) was analyzed. Land uses (forests, croplands, and settlement areas) in the drainage areas for respective sites were read from land use maps. Partial correlations showed that stream water quality was affected by the fraction of the drainage area in respective land uses. The drainage area had no correlation with the concentration in all ions except PO4‐P. The concentration of NH4‐N, Na, and SO4‐S correlated with the fraction in croplands, and the concentration of NO3‐N, NO2‐N, PO4‐P, K, Ca, Mg, and Cl correlated with the fraction in settlement area. Canonical correlation analysis revealed the first and second canonical correlation coefficients to be highly significant. The first canonical variate indicated the effect of increasing croplands and settlements with the increase of drainage area, and the second variate indicated the different effects of croplands and settlements on the stream water quality.
The Use of Straw for Removal of Heavy Metals from Waste Water
Authors: Larsen Vagn Juhl , Schierup Hans‐Henrik
Published: July 2010

The efficiency of barley straw (Hordeum vulgare L.) in removing heavy metals from solutions was investigated in capacity and in column experiments. In the capacity experiments the efficiency of the straw was compared to that of activated carbon, pine sawdust, and CaCO3. It was found that 1 g of straw was able to adsorb amounts of Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cd ranging from 4.3 to 15.2 mg. One gram of activated carbon removed from 6.2 to 19.5 mg and pine sawdust from 1.3 to 5.0 mg. From 1.6 to 19.8 mg of the different metals were precipitated by CaCO3.

The efficiency of the straw was not reduced in column experiments where flow rates of 167 to 370 ml/min were used. The efficiency of the straw was improved by 10–90% when being mixed with CaCO3.

A column packed of barley straw and saturated with Cu was regenerated with 1 liter of acid (±1.0N HCl) and could be reused at least five times.
Uptake by Wheat of Cadmium and Other Heavy Metal Contaminants in Phosphate Fertilizers
Authors: Mortvedt J. J. , Mays D. A. , Osborn G.
Published: July 2010

A field experiment was conducted to determine uptake of Cd and other heavy metals by winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from three diammoniuni phosphate (DAP) fertilizers containing 2, 74, and 153 µg Cd/g. A phosphorus‐deficient Paden silt loam (Glossic Fragiudult, pH 4.7) was limed at two rates and treated with the DAP sources at a rate of 50 kg of P/ha (100 lb of P2O5/acre). Grain yields were higher at pH 5.9 than at pH 5.1, were significantly increased by P applications, and results were similar using all DAP sources.

Concentrations of Cd in both grain and straw were significantly increased only with application of high‐Cd DAP to the low‐lime soil. Cadmium concentrations in grain increased from 0.028 to 0.086 µg/g, and those in straw increased from 0.067 to 0.118 µg/g (dry weight basis) with application of low‐Cd DAP and high‐Cd DAP, respectively, and were lower on the high‐lime soil. Concentrations of Cu, Mn, Ni, and Zn in both grain and straw were not significantly affected by DAP source. Results for a second year on the same plots limed to pH 5.8 and 7.0 and treated again with the same DAP sources were similar to those for the first year, except that heavy metal uptake was generally lower. Results suggest that Cd concentrations in wheat products are not significantly changed by the phosphate fertilization and crop production practices in general use in the United States at this time.
Weathering Effects on Some Chemical and Physical Properties of Retorted Oil Shale
Authors: Richardson Steven G. , Mc Kell C. M. , George Melvin R. , Gray G.
Published: July 2010

Union B retorted Utah oil shale, Paraho retorted Utah oil shale, and Paraho retorted Colorado oil shale differed in texture, pH, and salinity. Physical breakdown of Paraho retorted Colorado oil shale particles was observed at the surface of columns exposed to field conditions in eastern Utah for 9 months, but no physical weathering was observed in the other two retorted oil shale types under the same conditions. Exposure to weather resulted in pH reduction of all three retorted shales but was most pronounced in the more highly alkaline Paraho retorted Utah oil shale. The finer particle (<2 mm) fractions tended to have lower pH values and higher electrical conductivities than the more coarse fractions, even when the latter were crushed to <2 mm. Freezing and thawing in the laboratory were very effective in causing particle breakdown of Paraho retorted Colorado oil shale. During weathering the large particles first separated along cleavage planes, followed by disintegration of the lamina.
Distribution and Characterization of Radionuclides in Soils from the Nevada Test Site
Authors: Lee S. Y. , Tamura T.
Published: July 2010

Selected physicochemical properties of Pu‐bearing radioactive particles and their association with host soils from the Nevada Test Site (NTS) were studied to aid in assessing the environmental impact of the presence of the radionuclides in the area and to provide technological concepts for potential clean‐up operations.

The dominant radioactive particles were amorphous to x‐ray diffraction, very fragile by compression tests, and extremely porous with particle density <2.26 g/cm3. Physical properties of the particles suggested that they could be broken into smaller, respirable, sizes by saltation during wind erosion, and that their unique physical properties could be useful for mechanically separating them from the nonradioactive soil particles. Experimental results revealed that more than 90% of the total radioactivity was recovered in about 25% of the total sample weight through density separation techniques, and in about 18% of the total weight by a grinding‐sieving process. Radioactive particles might, therefore, be removed from the contaminated soil by (i) a controlled vacuum collector, (ii) density separation, (iii) grinding‐sieving separation, or (iv) a combination of these techniques on the basis of the density and compressibility differences between radioactive and nonradioactive particles.
Photosynthesis and Gas Diffusion in Leaves of Selected Crop Plants Exposed to Ultraviolet‐B Radiation
Authors: Bennett Jesse H.
Published: July 2010

This research was conducted as part of the federal interagency Biological and Climatic Effects Research (BACER) Program established to corroborate research findings related to UV‐B radiation effects on plants and to expand the available data base.

Ultraviolet B (UV‐B, 280–320 nm) radiation effects on gas diffusion through the upper (more exposed) vs. lower leaf surfaces of two snap bean varieties [Phaseolus vulgaris L. ‘Bush Blue Lake 290’ (BBL 290) and ‘Astro’] were compared. The bean plants were grown under greenhouse and growth chamber conditions, and irradiated for 4 weeks (6 hours/day) to 10 mW m−2 of biologically effective UV (BEUV) radiation. Diffusive resistances of the upper (ru) and lower (rl) surfaces were determined at semi‐weekly intervals. A distribution of mean ru/rl ratios vs. total leaf resistance (R) was plotted. Ultraviolet‐B treatment appeared to increase ru/rl ratios only in BBL 290 leaves with R < 2 sec cm−1 and R > 6 sec cm−1. Chamber‐grown plants were more susceptible to UV‐B‐induced visible injury than were greenhouse plants.

In addition, selected soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘York’], cotton [Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘Gregg’], cucumber [Cucumis sativus L. ‘Poinsett’], clover [Trifolium pratense L. ‘Pennscott’], and wheat [Triticum aestivum L. ‘Monon’] varieties as well as BBL 290 snap bean were given extended greenhouse exposures ranging from 2 to 6 weeks (6 hours day−1 or 24 hours day−1) to 5–25 mW m−2 BEUV. Foliar effects on CO2 exchange rates (CER) of leaves irradiated throughout the expansion stage and on whole plant biomass production were compared with exposures producing visible injury. Threshold exposure doses required to depress CER and reduce plant dry matter correlated closely with those causing incipient visible injury.
Sediment and Nutrient Trap Efficiency of a Small Flood‐Detention Reservoir
Authors: Rausch D. L. , Schreiber J. D.
Published: July 2010

Significant amounts of sediment and nutrients are removed from storm runoff by small flood‐detention reservoirs such as Callahan Reservoir in central Missouri, which stores 1 cm of runoff from its 1,460‐ha drainage area. The purpose of this study was to compare the trap efficiencies of sediment and nutrients and determine which factors affect them. During a 3‐year study, this reservoir trapped an average of 85% of the incoming sediment, 77% of the total sediment phosphorus (P), and 37% of the inorganic nitrogen (N). Sediment leaving the reservoir was clay and contained about 23% of the inflowing total sediment P. Sediment and P trap efficiencies (TE) for individual storms were related to concentrations of sediment and P (solution and sediment) in runoff, respectively.

Average TE of total solution P (35%) was slightly lower than the TE of NO3‐N (40%). Annual TE of ortho‐P ranged from 8 to 64% and averaged 43%.

Dissolved organic and hydrolyzable P yields were greater in outflow than in inflow. These increases, which were <1% of the total P budget, may have been due to biological activity in the reservoir.
Flow Calculations for Household Effluent Disposal in Elevated Sand Mounds
Authors: Mott T. D. , Fritton D. D. , Petersen G. W.
Published: July 2010

Elevated sand mound disposal systems that are used in Pennsylvania for disposal of household effluents are frequently malfunctioning. A method of evaluating the ability of a soil to transmit effluent from an elevated sand mound to a ground‐water system was developed by separating the effluent flow into horizontal and vertical components. In all cases, it was assumed that effluent was not limited by infiltration at the sand‐soil surface or by the ability of the groundwater system to accept the effluent. Horizontal flow was calculated using Darcy's law written in cylindrical coordinates. Vertical flow was calculated assuming that a single, slowly permeable layer of known thickness limited flow. It was concluded that lateral flow alone cannot remove household effluents fast enough for the typical Pennsylvania design. On the other hand, the vertical‐flow component alone can account for the design flow when the flow‐limiting layer is not too thick.
Phosphorus Concentration—Water Flow Interactions in Tile Effluent from Manured Land
Authors: Hergert G. W. , Bouldin D. R. , Klausner S. D. , Zwerman P. J.
Published: July 2010

Phosphorus concentrations in tile effluent during drainage events increased with increasing flow and decreased as flow diminished. Nitrate and chloride concentrations were inversely related to flow rate, which is consistent with simple dilution and depletion effects. Piezometers demonstrated the presence of a water table perched above high bulk density material with low vertical permeability just below the plow layer (0–25 cm). Nitrate/chloride ratios of tile effluent during the course of drainage events, coupled with NO3/Cl ratios in soil samples from the plow layer and subsoil, suggested the flow of water to the tile was dominated by downslope movement in the plow layer and by downward movement to the tile in the relatively permeable backfill material above the tile.

Calcium or salt concentration in soil solution and tile effluent during the course of a drainage event influenced the P concentration. Increasing Ca concentrations decreased P, whereas decreasing Ca concentrations increased P concentrations. The phosphate chemistry coupled with different flow components reaching the tile provided an acceptable explanation of P concentration changes during drainage events.
Effects of Heavy Metal and Other Elemental Additives to Activated Sludge on Growth of Eisenia foetida
Authors: Hartenstein Roy , Neuhauser Edward F. , Narahara Anne
Published: July 2010

The approximate level at which added concentrations of certain elements would cause an activated sludge to induce a toxic effect upon the growth of Eisenia foetida was determined. During 43 trials on sludge samples obtained throughout 1 year of study, earthworms grew from 3 to 10 mg live wt at hatching to 792 mg ± 18% (mean ± C.V.) in 8 weeks, when sludge was 24°C and contained no additives. None of several elements commonly used in microbial growth media enhanced the growth rate of the earthworm. At salt concentrations up to about 6.6% on a dry wt basis, none of six anions tested was in and of itself toxic, while five of 15 cations—Co, Hg, Cu, Ni, and Cd—appeared specifically to inhibit growth rate or cause death. Manganese, Cr, and Pb were innocuous even at the highest levels of application—22,000, 46,000, and 52,000 mg/kg, respectively. Neither the anionic nor cationic component of certain salts, such as NaCl or NH4Cl, could be said to inhibit growth, which occurred only at high concentrations of these salts (about 3.3 and/or 6.6%). Below 7 mmho/cm, toxicity could not be correlated with electrolytic conductance, though higher values may help to explain the nonspecific growth inhibitory effects of salts like NaCl and KCl. Nor could toxicity ever be ascribed to hydrogen ion activity, since sludge pH was not altered even at the highest salt dose. It is concluded that except under very extreme conditions, the levels of heavy metals and salts generally found in activated sludges will not have an adverse affect on the growth of E. foetida.
Physicochemical Changes Effected in Activated Sludge by the Earthworm Eisenia foetida
Authors: Hartenstein Roy , Hartenstein Frances
Published: July 2010

Measurements were made of some physicochemical changes effected in activated sludge by the earthworm Eisenia foetida following conversion of the sludge into wormcasts. Mineralization was accelerated 1.3‐fold and 2% of the minerals were assimilated. The rate at which heavy metals were concentrated during sludge catabolism was also accelerated. Castings stabilized within 2 weeks, as indexed by respirometry. Nucleic acids, which can be used as an index of microbial biomass, were present at a greater concentration in the wormcasts than in the sludge, while the phenolic content, which may potentially serve as an index of humification, was less concentrated. Other changes included a reduction in pH and an increase in oxidation‐reduction potential and cation exchange capacity. The major general effect of E. foetida on the physicochemical properties of activated sludge is to convert a material which has a relatively small surface/volume ratio into numerous particles with an overall large S/V ratio, thus accelerating decomposition, mineralization, drying, and preclusion of malodor.
Effect of Trifluralin Synthesis Intermediates on Plant Cell Membrane Permeability and Growth of Plants and Fungi
Authors: Vianello A. , Macri F. , Nardi S. , Chandler C. , Renosto F.
Published: July 2010

The phytotoxicity of the intermediates of (i) trifluralin synthesis, (ii) 4‐chloro‐α,α,α‐trifluorotolouene, (iii) 4‐chloro‐3‐nitro‐α,α,α‐trifluorotoluene, and (iv) 4‐chloro‐3,5‐dinitro‐α,α,α‐trifluorotoluene, in comparison with that of trifluralin, was studied. All the intermediates affected the permeability of cell membranes and inhibited corn root growth. Compound (iv) was more toxic than (iii) and (ii), and monocotyledons were more sensitive than dicotyledons. (iv) also inhibited the mycelial growth of some fungi. On the contrary, trifluralin (i) did not affect membrane function. It is suggested that the mechanism of action of (ii), (iii), and (iv) is different to that postulated for trifluralin.
Elemental Composition of Saltcedar (Tamarix chinensis) Impacted by Effluents from a Coal‐Fired Power Plant
Authors: Dreesen David R. , Wangen Lawrence E.
Published: July 2010

The riparian shrub, saltcedar (Tamarix chinensis), was sampled in channels receiving effluents from a coal‐fired power plant. Sources of these effluents included decant from coal ash/scrubber sludge disposal ponds, seepage from these ponds, and blowdown from the cooling lake. In addition, saltcedar was collected from an ephemeral stream channel both upstream and downstream from the input of these effluents. Green‐leaf and branch material was analyzed for B, Cu, K, Mg, Na, Li, Sr, Ti, Al, Si, Fe, Mn, P, V, Mo, and Zn in both washed and unwashed samples. The goals of this study were to determine if elevated concentrations of trace, minor, and major elements were present in this species growing adjacent to effluent streams and whether these elements were present as surficial contaminants.

Washed saltcedar samples were enriched in Mo, B, Cu, K, Mg, Li, Mn, P, and Zn for one or more effluent channel locations. Unwashed saltcedar samples were enriched in soil or coal ash matrix elements (Si, Al, Ti, Ba, and Fe). These elements appeared to be present in coal ash particles deposited on the plant surfaces. More than 80% of these surficial contaminants were removed by washing. In addition to these elements, unwashed saltcedar samples from effluent channels were enriched in Mo, B, Cu, K, Mg, Li, Mn, P, and Zn compared with upstream values. The elements Ca, Na, and Sr were depleted in this species growing in some effluent channels. The results of this study indicated that B is the coal ash contaminant most likely to be absorbed and translocated by plants exposed to such coal‐fired power plant effluents.
Reclamation of Quartz Sand‐Tailings from Phosphate Mining: III. Summer Annual Grasses
Authors: Mislevy P. , Blue W. G.
Published: July 2010

Quartz sand‐tailings, a waste product from the Florida phosphate (PO4) mining industry, amount to about 90 million metric tons annually. These sands contain no phytotoxic substance but are low in several nutrients, organic matter, and water retention capacity. A split‐plot field experiment was conducted to determine the production, quality, and nutrient concentration of four summer annual grasses: (i) full season corn (Zea mays L. ‘Dekalb XL 395’), (ii) mid‐season corn (Zea mays L. ‘Funks G. 4864’), (iii) grain sorghum Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench ‘Dorado M’, and (iv) sorghum × sudangrass hybrid (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp. bicolor × Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench subsp drummondii (Steud.) deWet ‘Dekalb SX 16’), grown on four amended sand‐tailing treatments. These treatments were: (i) sand‐tailings control (SC), (ii) colloidal phosphate (CP) at 336 metric tons/ha, (iii) CP at 336 metric tons/ha + oven‐dry sewage sludge (SS) at 45 metric tons/ha, and (iv) CP at 336 metric tons/ha + top soil (TS) at 1,460 metric tons/ha. Forage dry matter (DM) and grain yields of corn and sorghum tended to decrease with the following treatments: CP + TS > CP + SS > CP > SC. The sorghum × sudangrass hybrid (S × S) produced higher (P < 0.05) total forage DM yields (13.4 metric tons/ha) than other grasses in both 1976 and 1977. Highest grain yields (3,370 kg/ha at 15.5% moisture) were obtained from the full‐season corn hybrid. In vitro organic matter digestion was highest both years for corn (67%), followed closely by S × S hybrid (61%) and grain sorghum (62%).

The P and K concentrations increased in grain sorghum forage while P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Fe increased in the S × S hybrid as the root system expanded over harvests. Data indicated that relatively low forage yields, of good quality and adequate nutrient concentrations for beef cattle, can be produced.
Productivity of Field‐Grown Soybeans Exposed to Acid Rain and Sulfur Dioxide Alone and in Combination
Authors: Irving P. M. , Miller J. E.
Published: July 2010

Sulfur dioxide (SO2)‐fumigated and unfumigated field plots of soybeans (Glycine max cv. Wells) were exposed to acid (pH 3.1) or control (pH ∼ 5.3) precipitation simulants to determine effects on growth and productivity. The precipitation simulants were applied at approximately 5‐day intervals in July and August with a total of 3.4 cm applied in 1977 and 4.5 cm in 1978. Sulfur dioxide fumigations of ∼ 4‐hour durations were performed 24 times in 1977 and 17 times in 1978, resulting in an average fumigation concentration of 0.79 ppm (89.6 ppm · hour dose) SO2 the 1st year and 0.19 ppm (13.$ ppm · hour) the 2nd. The acid precipitation simulant produced no statistically significant effect on seed yield in either year and a 4% increase in seed size in 1978. The simulated acid rain may have contributed to the nutritional requirements of soybeans by providing S and N during the critical pod‐filling stage. Sulfur dioxide exposure decreased seed yields in both 1977 and 1978 by > 35 and 12%, respectively. Aceelerated senescence, as suggested by increased leaf fall, may be responsible for the decreased yield in the SO2‐exposed plants.

The SO2 exposure appeared to negate the positive acid rain effect on seed size observed in 1978, when the two treatments were combined. Acid precipitation apparently increased the reduction in seed weight resulting from SO2 exposure in 1977. Although visible injury was induced by acid rain exposure in a chamber study, only a small percentage (< 1%) of tissue was affected and there was no apparent effect on plant growth. The results of these studies suggest that the possibility for harmful effects on soybean yield from acid precipitation of a magnitude used in this study are minimal; however, soybean yields may be decreased by SO2 exposures > 13.5 ppm · hour occurring during the growing season.
Proportions of Several Elements Found in Sewage Effluent and Sludge from Several Municipalities in West Virginia
Authors: Horvath D. J. , Koshut R. A.
Published: July 2010

Sewage sludge and effluent from 11 municipal waste‐water treatment plants were analyzed for 14 elements. Using estimated discharge rates of the treatment plants and the analytical values for the samples, the weight of each element discharged in sludge and in effluent was calculated. These weights were then compared and significant differences among both municipalities and elements were noted. Attention is focused on evidence that sludge is enriched in Zn whereas effluent is enriched in Cd, indicating differential handling of these two elements in waste‐water treatment. In contrast, ratios of Zn to Cu remain virtually constant throughout the waste‐water treatment process.
Transport and Fate of Selected Organic Pollutants in a Sandy Soil
Authors: Wilson J. T. , Enfield C. G. , Dunlap W. J. , Cosby R. L. , Foster D. A. , Baskin L. B.
Published: July 2010

Ground waters are increasingly vulnerable to pollution by organic chemicals that migrate through the soil mantle. To assess the minimal protection that soil can be expected to provide ground water, the transport and fates of 13 organic pollutants were studied in a sandy soil with low organic matter content (0.087% organic C). Glass columns were packed with soil to a depth of 140 cm in a manner that preserved to the maximum extent possible the characteristics of the original soil profile. In separate experiments, the columns received 14 cm/day of water containing a mixture of approximately 1.0 or 0.2 mg/liter of each of the organic compounds. Quantities of compounds that volatilize from the soil surface were measured, as well as concentrations in the column effluent.

Chloroform (trichloromethane), 1,2‐dibromo‐3‐chloropropane, dichlorobromomethane, 1,2‐dichloroethane, tetrachloroethene, 1,1,2‐trichloroethane, and trichloroethene were not degraded in this soil. These compounds percolated rapidly through the soil; their retardation factors (velocity of tritiated water through soil divided by apparent velocity of pollutant through soil) were 2.5 or less. Between 19 and 65% of the material applied to the surface percolated to a depth of 140 cm, and the remainder volatilized.

Chlorobenzene, 1,4‐dichlorobenzene, and 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene also percolated through the soil; retardation factors were 1.7, 3.4, and 9.4, respectively. Between 26 and 49% of the material applied reached 140 cm.

Toluene and nitrobenzene degraded in some of the columns but not in others. In the absence of degradation, 60 and 80% of nitrobenzene and 13% of toluene applied to the soil surface reached 140 cm. The retardation factors were 2.3 or less.

Bis(2‐chloroethyl)ether did not degrade; 86% of the material applied reached 140 cm, and the compound's retardation factor was <1.5.

A simple mathematical model based on water solubility of the compound and the organic C content of the soil predicted the retardation factors of the pollutants within a factor of three.