ABSTRACT Serra da Saudade Formation corresponds to the upper part of the stratigraphic column of the Bambuí Group. Few studies have addressed the soil properties and pedogenesis of the pelitic rocks rich in potassium minerals of this formation. This study analyzed siltstone-derived soils, some of which are glauconitic (green siltstone; “verdete”), to understand the role of the main pedogenetic factors and processes in the landscape of the Central-West region of the Minas Gerais State, covered by Cerrado vegetation. Nine soil […]

ABSTRACT: High growth rate is one of the criteria used for the selection of species to be used in metal phytoextraction programs. This study was carried out to characterize the growth characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), corn (Zea mays L), and vetiver [Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash] grown on a soil contaminated with lead (Pb), with and without pH correction, to improve agronomic practices regarding phytoremediation programs. The experiment was designed as a randomized block […]

Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) is a promising technique for analysis of trace elements (TEs), mainly because samples do not need to be digested, thereby reducing generation of waste and emission of toxic fumes. This study compared the levels of the TEs:Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, Se, Hg, and Pb in soil samples collected from intensive agricultural and native vegetation areas, as determined by TXRF and by flame or graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS/GFAAS). In addition, we compared […]

Despite the considerable environmental importance of mercury (Hg), given its high toxicity and ability to contaminate large areas via atmospheric deposition, little is known about its activity in soils, especially tropical soils, in comparison with other heavy metals. This lack of information about Hg arises because analytical methods for determination of Hg are more laborious and expensive compared to methods for other heavy metals. The situation is even more precarious regarding speciation of Hg in soils since sequential extraction methods […]

Correlation between physical and chemical characteristics of soils and their natural mercury content is important for identifying the parameters that most influence Hg retention in these soils and its distribution in different environmental compartments. The aim of this study was to quantify the Hg content of tropical soils without anthropogenic influence and correlate it with physical and chemical soil characteristics. The present study is relevant because most research focuses on contaminated soils and, in the case of tropical soils, research […]

Tannery wastes generation is increasing every year and a suitable method for tannery sludge management is necessary in order to decrease this environmental problem. The composting is recognized as a suitable method for sludge recycling.. The effect of tannery sludge compost (TSC) rates on growth, nodulation and N fixation of cowpea was investigated. Sandy and clayey soils were amended with TSC at rates of 0, 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 t ha-1. The shoot dry weight of cowpea plants 45 […]

Barium is an alkaline-earth metal that occurs naturally in soils. It is present in soil in carbonates, sulphates and silicates as well as in the isomorphic substitution of calcium and magnesium in clay minerals. When available at high soil concentrations, Ba is toxic to several living organisms. To rule out the possibility of metal contamination of a particular soil, the natural metal concentrations of this soil must be known. Therefore, the natural soil concentrations of metals must be determined for […]

Phosphate fertilizers contain heavy metals, including Cd, which is potentially toxic to humans, animals and plants. The objective of this study was to assess the bioavailability of Cd contained in phosphate fertilizers. Six phosphate fertilizers (two natural phosphates, two simple superphosphate, a triple superphosphate and a monoammonia phosphate) were selected for the study of bioavailability in a greenhouse experiment, using Avena strigosa as an indicator of the bioavailability of Cd. The Cd was bioavailable in phosphate fertilizers, since it was […]

Tannery residues and coal mine waste are heavily polluting sources in Brazil, mainly in the Southern States of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. In order to study the effects of residues of chrome leather tanning (sludge and leather shavings) and coal waste on soybean and maize crops, a field experiment is in progress since 1996, at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul Experimental Station, county of Eldorado do Sul, Brazil. The residues were applied twice (growing […]

The use of plants for phytoremediation of metal-contaminated areas is an emerging technology, and studies concerning heavy metal tolerance, absorption and distribution in plants are essential for the success of such programs. This study was carried out to evaluate the tolerance, absorption and distribution of lead (Pb) in vetiver grass [Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash], mimosa [Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd] and mesquite trees [Prosopis juliflora (SW) DC] subjected to increasing lead doses in solution. The experiment was conducted under a screenhouse, […]