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, […]

The application of sludges, especially sewage-sludge (SS) to agricultural soils is one of the most rational ways of using this residue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SS on some chemical properties of an SS-amended Ultisol under sugarcane (variety RB 855536) for two years; from October 2002 to August 2003 – growing season 2003/04 and from October 2003 to October 04, designated 2004/05 crop season. Eight treatments were evaluated: (a) control; (b) Mineral fertilization (120 kg ha-1 […]

The adsorption is the main process responsible for the accumulation of heavy metals in the surface of soil colloids. Detailed knowledge of this phenomenon can contribute to improve the remediation practices for contaminated soil. The free energy (DG0) of Ni adsorption was evaluated in surface (0.0-0.2 m) and subsurface (in the maximum expression of B horizon) samples of a clayey Rhodic Acrudox (RA) and a very clayey Eutric Kandiudalf (EK). Ni was added (2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, […]

This study carried out in order to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge (from Barueri: industrial and residential sewage, and Franca (SP) State: residential sewage) doses on soil heavy metal contents and their availability to corn. Three successive experiments were installed in a Latosol at the Experimental Field of Embrapa Environment, in Jaguariúna (SP), from 1999 to 2001. The treatments investigated consisted of: control (without sewage sludge); mineral fertilization (NPK) recommended for corn; and application of both sewage sludge sources […]

First regulations concerning contaminant contents in fertilizers were implemented in the State of Washington, USA. The objective of our study was to consider the events as a possible reference for a similar ongoing situation in Brazil. The significant role of the press, which kept people informed and aware about the problem of waste-derived fertilizers, is discussed. Several groups, some with divergent points of view, were called upon to contribute to the final legislation, which was backed up by relevant technical […]

The effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on heavy metal absorption by plants are controversial. This is due to the differences in soil metal availability, AMF and plant species, and also to possible interactions among these and other environmental/abiotic factors. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of AMF inoculation (Glomus macrocarpum), and soil base saturation (SBS) on growth, nutrition and Pb uptake of soybean grown on a Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, an Oxisol. Plots were treated with or […]

Under certain circumstances, Mn toxicity may be alleviated in mycorrhizal plants. Direct and indirect mechanisms can be involved in this process. Our objective was to evaluate the intrinsic effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on the uptake and translocation of Mn by soybean plants. Initially, three AMF were tested to determine their capacity in enhancing plant growth under Mn excess. Glomus macrocarpum was most efficient at protecting plants against Mn excess, as a result of a higher Mn retention in […]

The high availability of metallic ions in the soil, including Mn2+, may inhibit arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), slowing down spore germination and, consequently, the mycorrhiza formation, therefore decreasing the symbiotic effectiveness. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Mn2+ ions on spore germination in six AMF species of the genera Glomus, Acaulospora, Gigaspora and Scutellospora under in vitro conditions. Different Mn2+ doses (15, 30 and 75 mg kg-1) as MnCl2.4H2O were added to a washed sand […]

Ectomycorrhizal fungi are able to tolerate toxic heavy-metal concentrations in host plants, although being also negatively affected by excessive metal. Isolates of Pisolithus tinctorius and Scleroderma bovinus were grown for 20 days at 28°C in a liquid medium with increasing levels of Zn, Cu and Cd sulfates in 125 mL conical flasks containing 50 mL of MMN medium, adjusted to pH 4.8. Fungi growth was inhibited by heavy metal increasing concentration, which was different for fungi and metals. The 50% […]

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis can play a crucial role in protecting plant roots from heavy metals. However, a high heavy metal contamination can inhibit ectomycorrhizal fungi growth and activity, negatively influencing mycorhizal symbiosis. The growth of nine isolates of Pisolithus tinctorius, two of Suillus bovinus and one of Scleroderma sp. was assessed to evaluate the effect of Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb contaminated soil-sand mixes added to the liquid culture media, at different proportions. Addition of contaminated soil to the media reduced […]