Jose Navarro-Pedreño

Bio: Jose Navarro-Pedreño is an academic researcher from Universidad Miguel Hernández de Elche. The author has contributed to research in topics: Soil water & Sludge. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 80 publications receiving 1410 citations. Previous affiliations of Jose Navarro-Pedreño include University of Bristol.

Factors controlling the aggregate stability and bulk density in two different degraded soils amended with biosolids

Abstract: Intensive agricultural practices generally lead to considerable reduction of organic carbon in soils. Moreover, the use of saline water affects physical parameters such as aggregate stability, and thus, bulk density. Organic amendments have been proposed as an effective method to improve physical properties of soils. In this paper, the effect of successive biosolids (sewage sludge) amendments on aggregate stability percentage and bulk density on two degraded soils (one salinized) have been evaluated during several samplings. Different relationships between these parameters (aggregate stability and bulk density) with organic carbon, carbohydrates and exchangeable sodium percentage have been observed in these soils. The application of biosolids increased significantly the organic carbon, carbohydrates and aggregate stability percentage, resulting in a decrease of the bulk density of both soils. In the non-salinized soil, the increase in aggregate stability was related to the increase in organic carbon and carbohydrates. But in the salinized soil, the increase in aggregate stability was related to the increase in carbohydrates and specially to the decrease in exchangeable sodium percentage. In both soils, the decreases in bulk density by the organic amendments were related to the increase in aggregate stability. Application of biosolids could be a successful practice to improve soil structure in degraded soils.

Soil organic matter and aggregates affected by wildfire in a Pinus halepensis forest in a Mediterranean environment

Abstract: et Abstract. Three Mediterranean soils located in the north of the Province of Alicante (Spain) were studied for a year after a forest fire. The percentage of water-stable aggregates (between 0.2 and 4 mm) and organic matter content were measured. Microaggregates (< 0.2 mm) were observed using electron microscopy. The results showed the importance of type of forest fire on soil organic matter and aggregates. Soil structure was more affected by surface fire (which affects mainly brushwood and soil surface) than crown fire (which burns the tops of trees and some brushwood). Accumulation of organic matter from burnt trees and brushwood in areas affected by crown fire and alterations in organic matter content through the soil profile were observed. Surface forest fire affected soil structure more negatively than crown fire as observed using electron microscopy. Soils affected by surface fire may be more easily eroded and recovery of vegetation may be delayed because of effects on soil structure. Organic matter content through the soil profile comparing burnt and adjacent unburnt soil could be used to determine the type of fire. Additional keywords: Forest fire; calcareous soil; Spain; Mediterranean type-areas.

Spatial dynamics of soil salinity under arid and semi-arid conditions: geological and environmental implications

Abstract: Salinity is a highly important problem in arid and semi-arid regions. Consequently, the analysis of soil salinity plays a crucial role in environmental sciences. Environmental variables show spatial variability and statistical tools able to analyze and describe the spatial dependence and quantify the scale and intensity of the spatial variation are needed. Moreover, the spatial prediction has special importance for agricultural transformation of the land or for environmental restoration (selection of the most appropriate species adapted to soil salinity). In this paper we propose a methodological framework based on geostatistics to model the spatial dynamics of soil salinity measurements to further analyze the case of a region in southeastern Spain.

Evaluation of Different Extraction Methods for the Assessment of Heavy Metal Bioavailability in Various Soils

Abstract: The main objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of different methods (heavy metals in pore water (PW), diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) extraction, and total heavy metals (THM) in soil) for the assessment of heavy metal bioavailability from soils having various properties and heavy metal contents. The effect of soil heavy metal pollution on shoot yield and sulfatase enzyme activity was also studied. Wheat (Triticum aestivum) was grown in different soils from Spain (n = 10) and New Zealand (n = 20) in a constant environment room for 25 days. The bioavailabilities of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were assessed by comparing the metal contents extracted by the different methods with those found in the roots. The most widely applicable method was DGT, as satisfactory Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn root concentrations were obtained, and it was able to distinguish between low and high Cr values. The analysis of the metal concentrations in PW was effective for the determination of Cr, Ni, and Zn content in root. Copper and Pb root concentrations were satisfactorily assessed by DTPA extraction, but the method was less successful with determining the Ni and Cr contents and suitable just to distinguish between high and low concentrations of Zn. The THM in soil method satisfactorily predicted Cu and Pb root concentrations but could only be used to distinguish between low and high Cr and Zn values. The Cd root concentration was not successfully predicted for any of the used methods. Neither shoot yield nor sulfatase enzyme activity was affected by the metal concentrations.

A history of research on the link between (micro)aggregates, soil biota, and soil organic matter dynamics

Abstract: Since the 1900s, the link between soil biotic activity, soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition and stabilization, and soil aggregate dynamics has been recognized and intensively been studied. By 1950, many studies had, mostly qualitatively, investigated the influence of the five major factors (i.e. soil fauna, microorganisms, roots, inorganics and physical processes) on this link. After 1950, four theoretical mile-stones related to this subject were realized. The first one was when Emerson [Nature 183 (1959) 538] proposed a model of a soil crumb consisting of domains of oriented clay and quartz particles. Next, Edwards and Bremner [J. Soil Sci. 18 (1967) 64] formulated a theory in which the solid-phase reaction between clay minerals, polyvalent cations and SOM is the main process leading to microaggregate formation. Based on this concept, Tisdall and Oades [J. Soil Sci. 62 (1982) 141] coined the aggregate hierarchy concept describing a spatial scale dependence of mechanisms involved in micro- and macroaggregate formation. Oades [Plant Soil 76 (1984) 319] suggested a small, but very important, modification to the aggregate hierarchy concept by theorizing the formation of microaggregates within macroaggregates. Recent research on aggregate formation and SOM stabilization extensively corroborate this modification and use it as the base for furthering the understanding of SOM dynamics. The major outcomes of adopting this modification are: (1) microaggregates, rather than macroaggregates protect SOM in the long term; and (2) macroaggregate turnover is a crucial process influencing the stabilization of SOM. Reviewing the progress made over the last 50 years in this area of research reveals that still very few studies are quantitative and/or consider interactive effects between the five factors. The quantification of these relationships is clearly needed to improve our ability to predict changes in soil ecosystems due to management and global change. This quantification can greatly benefit from viewing aggregates as dynamic rather than static entities and relating aggregate measurements with 2D and 3D quantitative spatial information.

Phytoremediation : 植物による環境/土壌浄化

Abstract: In addition to the often-cited advantages of using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system in plant biological research (1), Arabidopsis has many additional characteristics that make it an attractive experimental organism for studying lea d (Pb) accumulation and tolerance in plants. These include its fortuitous familial relationship to many known metal hyperaccumulators (Brassicaceae), as well as similar Pbaccumulation patterns to most other plants. Using nutrient-agar plates, hydroponic culture, and Pb-contaminated soils as growth media, we found significant variation in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes in accumulation and tolerance of Pb. In addition, we have found that Pb accumulation is not obligatorily linked with Pb tolerance, suggesti ng that different genetic factors control these two processes. We also screened ethyl methanesulfonate-mutagenized M2 populations and identified several Pb-accumulating mutants. Current characterization of these mutants indicates that their phenotypes are likely due to alteration of general metal ion uptake or translocation processes since these mutants also accumulate many other metals in shoots. We expect that further characterization of the ecotypes and mutants will shed light on the basic genetic and physiological underpinnings of plant-based Pb remediation. 7. Aromatic nitroreduction of acifluorfen in soils, rhizospheres, and pure cultures of rhizobacteria. Zablotowicz, R. M., Locke, M. A., and Hoagland, R. E. Phytoremediation of soil and water contaminants. Washington, DC : American Chemical Society, 1997. p. 38-53. NAL Call #: QD1.A45-no.664 Abstract: Reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to their corresponding amino derivatives is one of several pathways in the degradation of nitroxenobiotics. Our studies with the nitrodiphenyl ether herbicide acifluorfen showed rapid metabolism to am inoacifluorfen followed by incorporation into unextractable soil components in both soil and rhizosphere suspensions. Aminoacifluorfen was formed more rapidly in rhizospheres compared to soil, which can be attributed to higher microbial populations, espec ially of Gram-negative bacteria. We identified several strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens that possess nitroreductase activity capable of converting acifluorfen to aminoacifluorfen. Factors affecting acifluorfen nitroreductase activity in pure cultures an d cell-free extracts, and other catabolic transformations of acifluorfen, ether bond cleavage, are discussed. Plant rhizospheres should be conducive for aromatic nitroreduction. Nitroreduction by rhizobacteria is an important catabolic pathway for the ini tial degradation of various nitroherbicides and other nitroaromatic compounds in soils under Reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to their corresponding amino derivatives is one of several pathways in the degradation of nitroxenobiotics. Our studies with the nitrodiphenyl ether herbicide acifluorfen showed rapid metabolism to am inoacifluorfen followed by incorporation into unextractable soil components in both soil and rhizosphere suspensions. Aminoacifluorfen was formed more rapidly in rhizospheres compared to soil, which can be attributed to higher microbial populations, espec ially of Gram-negative bacteria. We identified several strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens that possess nitroreductase activity capable of converting acifluorfen to aminoacifluorfen. Factors affecting acifluorfen nitroreductase activity in pure cultures an d cell-free extracts, and other catabolic transformations of acifluorfen, ether bond cleavage, are discussed. Plant rhizospheres should be conducive for aromatic nitroreduction. Nitroreduction by rhizobacteria is an important catabolic pathway for the ini tial degradation of various nitroherbicides and other nitroaromatic compounds in soils under phytoremediation management. 8. Ascorbate: a biomarker of herbicide stress in wetland plants. Lytle, T. F. and Lytle, J. S. Phytoremediation of soil and water contaminants. Washington, DC : American Chemical Society, 1997. p. 106-113. NAL Call #: QD1.A45-no.664 Abstract: In laboratory exposures of wetland plants to low herbicide levels (<0.1 micrograms/mL), some plants showed increased total ascorbic acid suggesting a stimulatory effect on ascorbic acid synthesis occurred; at higher herbicide conce ntrations (greater than or equal to 0.1 micrograms/mL) a notable decline in total ascorbic acid and increase in the oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid occurred. Vigna luteola and Sesbania vesicaria were exposed for 7 and 21 days respectively to atrazine (0.05 to 1 microgram/mL); Spartina alterniflora 28 days at 0.1 micrograms/mL trifluralin; Hibiscus moscheutos 14 days at 0.1 and 1 microgram/mL metolachlor in fresh and brackish water. The greatest increase following low dosage occurred with S. alterniflo ra, increasing from <600 micrograms/g wet wt. total ascorbic acid to >1000 micrograms/g. Ascorbic acid may be a promising biomarker of estuarine plants exposed to herbicide runoff; stimulation of ascorbic acid synthesis may enable some wetland plant s used in phytoremediation to cope with low levels of these compounds. In laboratory exposures of wetland plants to low herbicide levels (<0.1 micrograms/mL), some plants showed increased total ascorbic acid suggesting a stimulatory effect on ascorbic acid synthesis occurred; at higher herbicide conce ntrations (greater than or equal to 0.1 micrograms/mL) a notable decline in total ascorbic acid and increase in the oxidized form, dehydroascorbic acid occurred. Vigna luteola and Sesbania vesicaria were exposed for 7 and 21 days respectively to atrazine (0.05 to 1 microgram/mL); Spartina alterniflora 28 days at 0.1 micrograms/mL trifluralin; Hibiscus moscheutos 14 days at 0.1 and 1 microgram/mL metolachlor in fresh and brackish water. The greatest increase following low dosage occurred with S. alterniflo ra, increasing from <600 micrograms/g wet wt. total ascorbic acid to >1000 micrograms/g. Ascorbic acid may be a promising biomarker of estuarine plants exposed to herbicide runoff; stimulation of ascorbic acid synthesis may enable some wetland plant s used in phytoremediation to cope with low levels of these compounds. 9. Atmospheric nitrogenous compounds and ozone--is NO(x) fixation by plants a possible solution. Wellburn, A. R. New phytol. 139: 1 pp. 5-9. (May 1998). NAL Call #: 450-N42 Descriptors: ozoneair-pollution nitrogen-dioxide nitric-oxide air-quality tolerancebioremediationacclimatizationnutrient-sources nutrient-uptake plantscultivarsgenetic-variation literature-reviews 10. Atrazine degradation in pesticide-contaminated soils: phytoremediation potential. Kruger, E. L., Anhalt, J. C., Sorenson, D., Nelson, B., Chouhy, A. L., Anderson, T. A., and Coats, J. R. Phytoremediation of soil and water contaminants. Washington, DC : American Chemical Society, 1997. p. 54-64. NAL Call #: QD1.A45-no. 664 Abstract: Studies were conducted in the laboratory to determine the fate of atrazine in pesticide-contaminated soils from agrochemical dealer sites. No significant differences in atrazine concentrations occurred in soils treated with atrazine i ndividually or combinations with metolachlor and trifluralin. In a screening study carried out in soils from four agrochemical dealer sites, rapid mineralization of atrazine occurred in three out of eight soils tested, with the greatest amount occurring i n Bravo rhizosphere soil (35% of the applied atrazine after 9 weeks). Suppression of atrazine mineralization in the Bravo rhizosphere soil did not occur with the addition of high concentrations of herbicide mixtures, but instead was increased. Plants had a positive impact on dissipation of aged Studies were conducted in the laboratory to determine the fate of atrazine in pesticide-contaminated soils from agrochemical dealer sites. No significant differences in atrazine concentrations occurred in soils treated with atrazine i ndividually or combinations with metolachlor and trifluralin. In a screening study carried out in soils from four agrochemical dealer sites, rapid mineralization of atrazine occurred in three out of eight soils tested, with the greatest amount occurring i n Bravo rhizosphere soil (35% of the applied atrazine after 9 weeks). Suppression of atrazine mineralization in the Bravo rhizosphere soil did not occur with the addition of high concentrations of herbicide mixtures, but instead was increased. Plants had a positive impact on dissipation of aged atrazine in soil, with significantly less atrazine extractable from Kochia-vegetated soils than from nonvegetated soils. 11. Bacterial inoculants of forage grasses that enhance degradation of 2-chlorobenzoic acid in soil. Siciliano, S. D. and Germida, J. J. Environ toxicol chem. 16: 6 pp. 1098-1104. (June 1997). NAL Call #: QH545.A1E58 Descriptors: polluted-soils bioremediationAbstract: Biological remediation of contaminated soil is an effective method of reducing risk to human and ecosystem health. Bacteria and plants might be used to enhance remediation of soil pollutants in situ. This study assessed the potential of bacteria (12 isolates), plants (16 forage grasses), and plant-bacteria associations (selected pairings) to remediate 2-chlorobenzoic acid (2CBA)-contaminated soil. Initially, grass viability was assessed in 2CBA-contaminated soil. Soil was contaminated wi th 2CBA, forage grasses were grown under growth chamber conditions for 42 or 60 d, and the 2CBA concentration in soil was determined by gas chromatography. Only five of 16 forage grasses grew in 2CBA-treated (816 mg/kg) soil. Growth of Bromus inermis had no effect on 2CBA concentration, whereas Agropyron intermedium, B. biebersteinii, A. riparum, and Elymus dauricus decreased 2CBA relative to nonplanted control soil by 32 to 42%. The 12 bacteria isolates were screened for their ability to promote the germ ination of the five grasses in 2CBA-contaminated soil. Inoculation of A. riparum with Pseudomonas aeruginos