Showing papers in "Journal of Elementology in 2012"

Effect of cadmium, copper and zinc on plants, soil microorganisms and soil enzymes.

Abstract: Heavy metals when present in amounts equal to the geochemical background do not interfere with the soil metabolism, which is associated with the growth and development of soil microorganisms as well as the processes of synthesis and re-synthesis, governed by intraand extracellular enzymes. In the said concentrations, heavy metals do not cause undesirable changes in the development of plants. On the contrary, such elements as copper and zinc are essential constituents of physiological processes in all living organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Some soils suffer from zinc and copper deficits, which is why they are enriched with fertilizers containing copper or zinc to satisfy the nutritional requirements of crops. Cadmium is different in that its essential role in the proper functioning of living organisms has not been proven yet. In Poland, soils contaminated with heavy metals, including cadmium, copper and zinc, occur only locally. The purpose of this study has been to discuss the characteristics of these elements in terms of the chemical properties and the role in the natural environment, the effect they produce on plants when present in excessive concentrations in soil and the response of soil microbes and enzymes to such contaminants. Crops cultivated on soil with an elevated content of heavy metals typically present inhibited growth, reduced transpiration, chlorosis of leaves, limited germination of seeds and deformations of the root system. The effect induced by heavy metals is more pronounced in the early development of plants. Mobility and plant availability of heavy metals depend on a series of factors, for example the soil pH, content of organic matter, grainsize composition of soil, content of iron and manganese oxides, soil sorption capacity and the type of metal. Higher bioavailability of heavy metals is observed in soils with a low content of humic acids. As the soil pH increases (within 6.5-7.5), metals, especially zinc and – to a lesser degree – copper become less toxic to plants.

Effects of selenium on animal health

Abstract: Selenium is an essential trace element in the diet of humans and domesticated animals. It is a component of more than 30 selenoproteins, which play a significant role in the body. Selenoproteins protect cells from damage inflicted by free radicals, the cause of many chronic diseases. They also participate in the metabolism of thyroid hormones, control reproductive functions and exert neuroprotective effects. In addition to its anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, selenium stimulates the immune system. The role of selenium is aided by vitamin E and sulfur-containing amino acids. Selenium deficiency contributes to pathological changes in farm animals, which incur large financial losses each year. Low selenium levels can lead to the development of nutritional muscular dystrophy, also known as white muscle disease, in lambs, kids, foals, calves and poultry from birth to 3 months of age. Selenium deficiency may also cause exudative diathesis in poultry as well as dietary necrotic liver degeneration and mulberry heart disease in pigs. Parturition problems resulting from reduced tension of the muscular layer of the uterus, postparturient paraplegia, placental retention and purulent inflammations of the uterine lining are also attributed to low selenium levels. Selenium deficiency contributes to the formation of ovarian cysts and increased embryonic mortality in the first 3-4 weeks after insemination. Selenium and vitamin E facilitate neutrophil migration to the mammary gland, and they enhance the bactericidal effects of neutrophils, thus shortening and alleviating the symptoms of clinical mastitis. Selenium poisoning is rarely encountered, and it most often results from an overdose of selenium supplements. The most common forms of selenosis are chronic selenosis, referred to as alkali disease, and acute selenosis, popularly known as blind staggers.

Biosorption of some toxic metals from aqueous solution using non-living algal cells of Chlorella vulgaris

Abstract: Dead cells of Chlorella vulgaris were used experimentally to remove cadmium (Cd2+), copper (Cu2+) and lead (Pb2+) ions from aqueous solution under various conditions of pH, biosorbent dosage and contact time. C. vulgaris was isolated from Lake Manzala (Egypt) and then cultivated outdoors, in growth media, maintaining pH of nearly 7.5. After cultivation, the cells were harvested by coagulation and prepared to make an experiment with different variants of pH, contact time and adsorbent dose. The adsorption specific characteristics of C. vulgaris were examined using Fourier Transformation Infrared Spectroscopy (FTR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The FTIR and SEM data showed vibration frequency changes for the peaks corresponding to the surface functional groups and morphological changes of C. vulgaris, respectively, after its exposure to metal ion solution. The maximum removal efficiency for copper and lead at ambient room temperature was recorded at pH 5 and 20-minute contact time, while the contact time of 120 minutes at pH 6 created the most suitable conditions for cadmium biosorption. On the other hand, 2 g dm-3 of C. vulgaris under optimum conditions was sufficient to remove 95.5%, 97.7% and 99.4% of Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2+, respectively, from a mixed solution of 50 mg dm-3 of each metal ion. The removal trend was in order of Pb2+ > Cu2+ > Cd2+. The results suggested that the biomass of C. vulgaris is an extremely efficient and environmentally friendly biosorbent for the removal of Cd2+, Cu2+ and Pb2 from aqueous solutions, which may be applied on a large, industrial scale.

Biofortification - promising approach to increasing the content of iron and zinc in staple food crops.

Abstract: Micronutrient deficiencies have increased over recent decades due to the general depreciation of the quality of poor people’s diet, both in developed and developing countries. The deficiencies of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are a critical public health problem worldwide, with the negative impact on health, lifespan and productivity. Biofortification is an agricultural approach that can improve human nutrition on a global scale. Agronomic biofortification is considered a short-term and complementary strategy, but economic analyses suggest that genetic biofortification is the most effective strategy for increasing dietary Fe and Zn intakes of vulnerable populations. Enrichment of cereal grains by breeding is a high-priority area of research, and an effective strategy among other approaches, e.g, fortification, supplementation and food diversification. This review discusses the role of Fe and Zn in plant nutrition, the potential strategies for developing Fe and Zn biofortified crops and their importance in human nutrition.

Heavy metal pollution of forest soils affected by the copper industry

Abstract: The study was carried out on forest soils in the vicinity of a copper ore tailings facilityand a copper smelter in Lower Silesia, Poland. Soil and litter samples were collected in thesurroundings of the tailings facility under pine stands different in age (50, 18 and 11 yearsold) and under poplar stands (same age as the pine stands) located at an increasing distan-ce from the copper smelter (0.5 km, 1.5 km and 2.1 km). The purpose of the study was todescribe the effect of copper mining and smelting on forest soils. The following were de-termined in the collected soil and litter samples: pH in distilled water electrometrically witha pH meter and total concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb after digestion with perchloric acid(1:10) using the ICP-ES technique. Very high pH values were found in all organic hori-zons, which can evidence the alkalizing effect of dusts from the objects. In all the forestsoils, the highest total concentrations of all the analyzed elements were found in humuslayers, decreasing in deeper horizons of the soil profile. The total concentration of Cu, Pband Zn was much higher in forest soils under poplar stands in the vicinity of the coppersmelter. The concentration of all the elements decreased rapidly with the distance fromthe smelter. The concentration of Cu, Pb and Zn was higher than found in the vicinity ofthe objects on the arable soils. This can indicate a secondary rise in heavy metal concen-tration in the topsoil caused by the presence of a tree stand.Key words: forest soils, litter, copper smelter, heavy metals.

Changes in the content of organic carbon and available forms of macronutrients in soil under the influence of soil contamination with fuel oil and application of different substances

Abstract: The aim of the study has been to determine the effect of soil contamination with fuel oil (0-20 g kg –1 of soil) on the content of organic carbon and available forms of some macronutrients in soil under the influence of different neutralizing substances and crop cultivation. The content of organic carbon as well as available potassium and magnesium in soil was positively correlated with the increasing rates of fuel oil, whereas the fluctuations in available phosphorus did not show any regularity. Among the analyzed elements, the highest increase in the concentration was found for potassium. The content of available macronutrients in soil was correlated with the plants’ yield and uptake of elements. The substances introduced to soil in order to alleviate the effect of fuel oil on soil properties caused the weakest changes in the content of organic carbon but affected most profoundly the content of available potassium and magnesium. Compared to the series without soil amending substances, bentonite caused an increase in the average content of available forms of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, whereas calcium oxide modified the content of available potassium and magnesium. CaO decreased the content of organic carbon and available phosphorus in soil. The effect of the other tested soil amending substances on the analyzed soil properties was weaker than that produced by bentonite or calcium oxide, and the direction of changes in the levels of the elements depended on the type of a substance.

Applicability of biochemical indices to quality assessmnet of soil pulluted with heavy metals

Abstract: The objective of this study has been to test a series of soil quality biochemical indices so as to select the one(s) that would mainly rely on enzymes participating in the processes of carbon and nitrogen transformations and reflect objectively the quality of soil. Moreover, an ideal index should be comparable to yields of crops. A vegetative experiment with 5 replications was set up on two soils: loamy sand and sandy loam, which had been polluted with cadmium, copper and zinc. Once the soil moisture content was raised to the level of 60% capillary water retention capacity, the following plants were sown: oat, spring oilseed rape and yellow lupine. Twice during the growing season, the activity of soil enzymes such as dehydrogenases, catalase, urease, s-glucosidase, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and arylsulphatase was determined. Next, based on the soil enzymatic activity as well as the content of clay and organic carbon, 21 indices of the biochemical soil activity (BA1 to BA21) were proposed, which were divided into two groups: simple and complex ones. In addition, coefficients of correlation between yields of plants and biochemical soil quality indices were calculated. The experiment has demonstrated that the activity of enzymes should be expressed in units of the product of a catalyzed reaction in 1 h time calculated per 1 kg d.m. of soil, i.e. the activity of dehydrogenases in imol TFF, catalase – mol O2, alkaline phosphatase and arylsulphatase – mmol PNP, while that of urease in mmol N-NH4 +. Introduction of uniform units facilitates comparison of the results and quality assessment of different soils, irrespective of the author or research centre they originate from. It has also been shown that among the 21 tested biochemical indices of soil quality assessment, the best ones are BA20 = %C × (Deh + Pal + Pac + Ure), derived from the content of organic

Sensitivity of soil enzymes to excessive zinc concentrations.

Abstract: The sensitivity of soil enzymes to soil contamination with zinc was analyzed. A laboratory experiment was performed on sandy loam at pH 7.0, sampled from arable land at a depth of 0 to 20 cm. Soil samples were passed through a sieve with 2 mm mesh size and contaminated with the following zinc doses: 0, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 mg Zn 2+ kg -1 soil. Zinc was applied in the form of aqueous solution of ZnCl 2 . Soil was mixed thoroughly with zinc, and its moisture content was brought to 50% capillary water capacity. The samples were incubated at 25°C. Beakers with soil samples were weighed once a week to replenish evaporated water. The activity of soil enzymes: dehydrogenases, urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, catalase, arylsulfatase and b-glucosidase, was determined after 15, 30, 60 and 120 days of the experiment. The results were used to calculate soil resistance (RS), ED 20 and ED 50 values. The results of the study indicate that soil enzymes are characterized by varied sensitivity to excessive zinc concentrations, and that the RS index is a reliable measure of enzymatic responses to zinc pollution. The analyzed enzymes were classified in the following decreasing order in terms of their resistance to zinc: b-glu- cosidase> acid phosphatase > urease >arylsulfatase = alkaline phosphatase> catalase > dehydrogenases. Zinc continued to exert a negative effect on soil enzymes throughout the experiment (120 days). ED 20 values for the analyzed enzymes in mg Zn2+ kg-1 DM soil were determined at: 103 for dehydrogenases, 184 for alkaline phosphatase, 233 for urease, 247 for arylsulfatase, 416 for acid phosphatase, 419 for catalase and 1373 for

Content of selected nutrients in wheat, barley and oat grain from organic and conventional farming

Abstract: The success of organic farming results from the need to produce top-quality food and, additionally, to protect the natural environment by applying eco-friendly agricultural practices and abandoning synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of organic and conventional production systems on the content of minerals and fatty acids in grain of oat, wheat and hulled and naked barley. Wheat grain from organic farming was characterized by a higher content of Mn and by significantly higher content of Fe, Zn, Ca and Mg when compared to grain originating from conventional farming. The increased availability of potassium in soil, caused by the applied potassium salt fertilization, was reflected in a higher content of this macronutrient in grain of all cereals from conventional cultivation. The tillage system was found not to exert the same effect on the content of Ca and Mg in all the cereals examined. Lower content of iron and zinc was determined in organic grains of barley and oat. Grain from the conventional cropping system (except naked barley) proved to be richer in lipids. Crude oil of organic cereals was richer in the most valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids than that of the conventionally-grown crops The study demonstrated a stronger dependency between the level of the elements examined and cereal species than between the level of elements and cultivation system.

Effect of traffic pollution on chemical composition of raw elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.).

Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of road traffic on the chemical composition of elderberry flowers and fruits. The raw material for the study was collected from sixteen different wild stands in south-east Poland. Each stand was located at a different distance from roads, carrying different loads of traffic. The raw material was collected from June (flower) to August (fruit) 2009 and dried at 30°C. Determination of the content of flavonoids (flavonols converted into quercetin) was performed by spectrophotometry according to the Polish Pharmacopoeia VIII (2008) procedure. Some minerals, including heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, Fe and Mn), were determined with the ICP-AES method after dry digestion of the plant material. A closer distance to transportation routes and heavier traffic had a significant impact on the chemical composition of raw elderberry, which had a lower total content of flavonoids than the material collected from sites further away from roads. Significant correlation was found between the content of Cr, Fe, Cd and Cu in elderberry fruit or the content of Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Mg in elderberry flowers and the influence of traffic, where closer proximity and heavier road traffic contributed significantly to an increase in the concentration of these elements in the analyzed raw material. The chemical composition of elderberry flowers and fruits was significantly affected by the traffic and depended on a harvest site.

Effect of differentiated phosphorus and potassium fertilization on winter wheat yield and quality

Abstract: This study was conducted in 2007-2010, on a farm near Œrem (south of Poznan, Poland). A field experiment was set up in a randomized block design with four replications for each combination tested. The effects of differentiated rates of phosphorous and potassium applied together with a fixed level of nitrogen and magnesium fertilization were investigated. During the experiment, the winter wheat grain yields were high and significantly different between both between fertilizer treatments and when compared with the control. Correlation analysis on relationships between grain yield and nutrient content in wheat leaves at the beginning of stem elongation stage (BBCH31) showed significant relationships for phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Regression analysis proved that the content of zinc in leaves at the BBCH31 stage was the main factor which determined winter wheat grain yield. Furthermore, mineral fertilization significantly increased the content of protein and gluten when compared with the control objects, whereas no significant differences were observed among the fertilized objects. Statistically significant relationships were found between leaf content of N, P, Mg, Zn and Mn at BBCH31 and the accumulation of protein and gluten in wheat grain. Protein and gluten in grain depended on the content of magnesium in leaves at the beginning of stem elongation stage. Weather conditions as a factor significantly influenced grain size uniformity while mineral fertilization had no influence on this trait.

Selenium in medicine and treatment.

Abstract: Selenium, one of non-metals, has attracted great interest among many researchers over the last years. Properties of selenium were first mentioned back in the 12th century. Selenium exists in two forms, organic and inorganic one. But whatever the form of supplementation, it is an essential micronutrient conditioning many vital functions. Large-scale research has shown that it has many important properties, including antioxidant ones, for living organisms. It is incorporated in many enzymes and proteins. Numerous studies on this element have demonstrated its beneficial effects, mainly on the cardiovascular and nervous systems. It also contributes to reduction in the incidence of many neoplastic diseases. However, despite numerous desirable effects of this element in the human body, it should be remembered that selenium is also a toxic substance with a narrow therapeutic index. Its excessive consumption contributes to the development of a condition called selenosis. The recommended dose of selenium, depending on the patient’s age, ranges from 25 to 70 µg 24 h –1 . However, selenium in excess of 700 µg 24 h –1 shows strong toxicity. Therefore, adequate selenium supplementation is crucial. Nonetheless, despite numerous studies on selenium and its biological role, this trace element still raises many unresolved questions.

Phytoplankton metrics response to the increasing phosphorus and Nitrogen gradient in shallow lakes.

Abstract: A new phytoplankton-based method (the Phytoplankton Metric for Polish Lakes – PMPL) for the ecological status assessment of lakes has been developed in Poland. This method has not been validated and tested on independent data, hence the aim of the study was to check the applicability of this method and the sensitivity of different phytoplankton metrics along pressure gradient. Phytoplankton data were collected from 33 Polish lowland lakes (20 stratified, 13 non-stratified), during the growth season in the period from 2005 to 2009. The biomass of phytoplankton was calculated from cell volume measurements and chlorophyll a concentration was determined spectrophotometrically by the alcohol method. Total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations were determined by standard methods (PN-EN ISO 6878:2006p.7 and PN-EN 25663:2001, respectively) and water transparency was measured using a Secchi disk. For comparability, an ecological status was determined according to three phytoplankton-based methods: Polish, German and Hungarian. Polish metrics showed a strong correlation with the other metrics (German, Hungarian), which are broadly and successfully used for assessment in Europe. However, a statistically significant correlation was found between all the metric values and the main parameters: total phosphorus, total nitrogen and Secchi disk visibility. The metrics based on quantitative phytoplankton features were more sensitive to the growth of eutrophication than others, based on indicator taxa. Total phosphorus demonstrated a stronger relationship with the tested metrics than total nitro

Calcium bioavailability from dairy products and its release from food by in vitro digestion.

Abstract: Food products are an exclusive source of nutrients necessary for the development and proper functioning of human organism. The key issue in nutrition is the bioavailability of nutrients rather than the supply of their adequate amounts in a diet. Calcium is the basic structural element of bones and teeth. It is also an element with a wide range of physiological functions, e.g. it is responsible for the right excitability of muscular and nervous system, normal heart function, hormonal secretion, blood clotting, cell membrane permeability and activation of various enzymes. It is universally acknowledged that the main source of calcium for a human organism is milk and dairy products, owing to their rich content and high availability of calcium. However, certain stages in food processing technologies may depress the high bioavailability of dietary nutrients. In this paper, long-term research findings about the bioavailability of calcium in milk products have been summarized, in addition to the information about calcium uptake from bread or other popular breakfast meals composed of milk products in combination with cereal component. The popular opinion that milk and other dairy products are the best and most valuable source of highly available calcium has indeed been supported. However, an in vitro study demonstrates that an addition of cereal to milk or yoghurt significantly diminishes the quantity of calcium released during digestion, which could contribute to the development of calcium insufficiency or augmentation of its symptoms.

Water as a source of macronutrients and micronutrients for fish, with special emphasis on the nutritional requirements of two fish species: the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Abstract: In contrast to terrestrial animals, fish can ingest minerals from food or directly from water. Although microand macro-elements are needed in small quantities, they play a key role in many metabolic processes. Trace mineral and macromineral deficiencies may go unnoticed due to an absence of clear clinical symptoms in fish. Absorption processes are determined by various factors, mostly mineral concentrations in water but also other water parameters. The required dietary supplementation of macronutrients and micronutrients is very difficult to determine, and the amount of nutrients absorbed by fish from water is equally difficult to measure. Interactions between elements should also be taken into consideration. Many authors emphasize that phosphates may reduce the absorption of most micronutrients. Also, the current parameters of the water can affect the bioavailability. Some elements such as calcium, chlorine and sodium can be absorbed from ambient water in a quantity sufficient to meet the demand for this element. Other elements, however, require supplementation in a diet. For example, studies indicate the need for supplementation of phosphorus, zinc, copper and manganese. Most research concentrates on feedstuff as a source of microand macronutrients. Meanwhile, information dr Elżbieta Terech-Majewska, Chair of Epizootiology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego 13, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland, e-mail: etam@uwm.edu.pl 948 concerning bioavailability of minerals directly from water is scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse literature from a different perspective, and concentrate on water as a source of minerals in fish nutrition. Measurements of water parameters such as temperature, pH, nitrate and nitrite levels and the amount of dissolved oxygen are a regular component of environmental control in fish farming. Determination of microand macro-element levels, however, remains uncommon in aquaculture. Measurements of these parameters could suggest which elements need to be supplemented and which are found in water in amounts that satisfy the needs of the fish.

Effect of the biostimulator Asahi SL on the mineral content of eggplants (Solanum melongenum L.) grown in an unheated plastic tunnel.

Abstract: Eggplants, known for their exceptional taste, are low in calories and constitute a rich source of potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, manganese, copper and aluminum. They require a long and warm growing season, since adverse environmental conditions lead to growth inhibition, blossom fall and fruit drop. The application of eco-friendly biostimulators, such as Asahi SL, contributes to improving the growth and development of eggplants through increasing their stress tolerance and environmental adaptability, thus resulting in a higher yield. A two-factorial experiment in a split-plot design with three replications was conducted in 2010-2011. The leaves of two eggplant cultivars, Black Beauty and Violetta Lunga, were sprayed with a 0.1% solution of Asahi SL. Seedlings were grown in a heated greenhouse, in line with the generally observed standards for eggplant cultivation. Eight-week-old seedlings were planted in the ground, at 50x60 cm spacing, in an unheated plastic tunnel. Starting from 30 May, at 10-day-intervals, eggplants were sprayed three times with the biostimulator Asahi SL at a concentration of 0.1%. Plants sprayed with water served as control. The fruits were harvested at the stage of commercial maturity, when normal sized and colored but still unripe. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of macronutrients and micronutrients in fruits of two eggplant cultivars, grown in an unheated plastic tunnel and sprayed with the biostimulator Asahi SL.

Factors influencing mineral composition of plum fruits

Abstract: The study has been based on a three-factor field experiment (two rootstocks – Myrobalan and Stanley seedlings, two cultivars – Èacanska lepotica and Èacanska najbolja, three years – 2006, 2007 and 2008) set up according to the method of randomized blocks with four replications. The aim of this work was to evaluate the mineral composition of plums in Serbia. The results indicated that levels of fruit ash and minerals, except nitrogen, significantly differed between the treatments. The average content of ash in plum fruits reached 4.54%, nitrogen – 0.78%, phosphorus – 0.06%, potassium – 1.45%, calcium – 0.07%, magnesium – 0.16%, iron – 19.37 μg g–1, manganese – 10.21 μg g–1, copper – 3.21 μg g–1, zinc – 19.29 μg g–1 and boron – 22.83 μg g–1 of dry matter. A strong rootstock/cultivar/year interaction was found for most of the minerals. Between ash and manganese or zinc, and between manganese and zinc in plums, significant correlations were observed. On the basis of the analysis of major components, we concluded that Stanley rootstock had better ability to accumulate ash and most of the minerals in fruits of both cultivars than Myrobalan rootstock.

Accumulation of potassium, calcium and magnesium by selected species of grassland legumes and herbs

Abstract: The study was conducted in 1998-2000, in the Olsztyn Lakeland, on permanent grassland communities with at least 5% share of the following leguminous and herbaceous species. Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, Lotus corniculatus, Lathyrus pratensis, Lotus uliginosus, Vicia cracca, Taraxacum officnale, Achillea millefolium, Plantago lanceolata, Alchemilla vulgaris, Heracleum sibiricum and Cirsium oleraceum. In total, 444 plant samples were analyzed, including 123 collected on organic soils. The objective of this study was to determine the accumulation of potassium, calcium and magnesium by selected species of grassland legumes and herbs, in view of the abundance of the above elements in soil. The analyzed organic soils were characterized by low abundance of potassium and moderate abundance of magnesium, whereas the mineral soils had a very low or low potassium content and a very high or high magnesium content. The habitats varied widely with respect to the calcium abundance. The biomass of the analyzed plant species contained high concentrations of potassium, magnesium and calcium. Plants collected from mineral soils contained more potassium and less magnesium than those growing on organic soils. Taraxacum officinale and Achillea millefolium were rich in potassium, Achillea millefolium, Lotus uliginosus, Heracleum sibiricum, Vicia cracca, Taraxacum officinale and Cirsium oleraceum had a high magnesium content, whereas Cirsium oleraceum, Heracleum sibiricum and Alchemilla vulgaris accumulated the largest amounts of calcium. The ability of dicotyledonous plants to accumulate high concentrations of calcium and magnesium resulted in a low K:(Ca+Mg) ratio.

Nitrogen fractions and amino acid content in alfalfa and red clover immediately after cutting and after wilting in the field

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the composition of nitrogen fractions in alfalfa and red clover, which differ in proteolytic activity, and to evaluate the effect of wilting on changes in nitrogen fractions in alfalfa and red clover herbage. Total nitrogen was divided into protein and non-protein nitrogen, and the amino acid profile of protein was analyzed. Buffer-soluble nitrogen (BSN), including buffer-soluble protein nitrogen (BSPN) and non-protein buffer-soluble nitrogen (NPBSN), was determined. The NPBSN fraction was further subdivided into peptide nitrogen, amino acid nitrogen, neutral detergent-insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and acid detergent-insoluble nitrogen (ADIN). Wilting in the field to 40% dry matter content (the swath was tedded once) did not reduce the total nitrogen content of alfalfa and red clover herbage, although it affected the concentration of the BSNfraction, in particular NPBSN, and free amino acid nitrogen. During alfalfa wilting, the soluble protein content decreased and the concentrations of non-protein nitrogen compounds increased, mostly due to an increase in free amino acid nitrogen. A reverse trend was observed during red clover wilting – the concentrations of non-protein nitrogen compounds decreased and soluble protein content increased. A decrease was also noted in peptide nitrogen, NDIN and ADIN. Wilting of alfalfa and red clover had no adverse effect on the amino acid profile of protein. The concentrations of essential amino acids that limit milk protein synthesis, i.e. Lys, Met, His and Arg, did not decrease. Legume wilting in the field contributes to an increase in the concentrations of soluble nitrogen in the plant material intended for ensiling.

Concentration and pools of trace elements in organic soils in the izera mountains

Abstract: Concentrations of trace elements in organic soils are a result of natural accumulation or due to anthropogenic factors. A field study was carried out in May 2008 on selected sites in the Izera Mountains. Soil samples were collected from 8 profiles of organic soils. Four soil profiles were located on the plateau meadow called Hala Izerska, at the altitude of 835-850 m a.s.l. The other 4 profiles were located in the mountain range known as the Grzbiet Wysoki, at 909-990 m a.s.l. The concentration and pools of heavy metals were determined according to the elevation, depth in soil profile, content of organic matter and soil pH. The content of trace elements (Pb, Cu, Zn) was determined after wet mineralization of samples in nitric acid, using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Pools of trace elements were recalculated into g m –2 in the 0-30 cm layer of soil. The aim was to determine the influence of altitude on concentrations of trace elements in organic soils profiles. Organic soils from the Grzbiet Wysoki and Hala Izerska showed significant contamination, mainly with lead and zinc. The elements were most abundant in surface horizons. With an increasing depth into the soil profile, the content of trace elements decreased. The arithmetic means showed strong dominance of lead on zinc and copper in the examined profiles. The Grzbiet Wysoki, due to its higher location above the sea level, is more exposed to atmospheric deposition of contaminants than Hala Izerska. However, the concentration of Cu is higher in organic soils from Hala Izerska. Statistical analysis showed significant positive correlation between the Pb concentration and altitude. With an increasing altitude, the content of Pb in soil also increased. Zinc and lead correlate highly

Chemical and biological properties of composts produced from organic waste.

Abstract: The aim of the investigations was to determine the effect of composting municipal waste with various added substances (starch, edible oil or urea) on the content of selected forms of zinc, cadmium, copper and lead, the quality of organic matter and counts of some groups of physiological microorganisms. The above properties of compost may provide the basis for assessment of the composting process efficiency. The research object was biomass prepared from plant and other biodegradable waste generated in the area of Krakow. The biomass for composting was prepared from the following organic waste: deciduous tree chips, chicory coffee production waste, grass and tobacco waste. There were two stages of the composting process: I – lasting for 14 days, to obtain “heated” compost, and II – lasting for 210 days, when starch, edible oil or urea was added to the composted biomass. The total content of Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb determined in the analyzed composts does not pose a threat to the purity of the soil environment. The content of water-soluble forms of trace elements and forms bound to organic matter was affected by the loss of organic matter, chemical properties of a given element and the addition of supplement, mainly urea, to the composted biomass. Analysis of the fractional composition of humic compounds revealed higher values of the Cha:Cfa ratio in the composts with added edible oil or urea than in the other composts, which may indicate a much more advanced decomposition process of the material subjected to composting. Among the analyzed microorganisms, bacteria were most numerous in the composts. The introduction of urea to the composted biomass reduced microbial activity. Adding starch or oil stimulated microbial development and may have stimulated the composting process.