Assessing ecological risks and spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in soils from anthropized environments in a watershed at the caatinga-Atlantic forest ecotone in Brazil.

Understanding the processes of mobility and availability of potentially toxic elements in soil is crucial for informed decision-making in the development of public policies aimed at minimizing environmental impacts. Monitoring, in combination with the determination of natural concentrations, can provide effective tools for controlling pollution sources. In this study, enrichment, pollution, and ecological risk indices were used for some potentially toxic elements in an anthropogenically influenced watershed in southwestern Bahia, Brazil. The study involved 63 composite surface soil samples collected from areas with natural forest, crops, pastures, and urbanization. The samples were analyzed for fertility and particle size. Metal extraction followed the EPA 3051A method, and element determination was carried out via ICP-OES. The soils in the Verruga River watershed exhibit a high variability in fertility and granulometric attributes. The Kruskal-Wallis test at a 5% significance level was employed to assess the impact of land management on the availability of elements (As, Co and Pb), while Spearman's correlation, along with hierarchical clustering analysis, was used to comprehend element dynamics. Geostatistics were applied to identify pollution hotspots. Consequently, it became evident that potentially toxic elements can accumulate in the soil depending on land use and management practices (As, Co, and Pb), as well as the weathering process linked to the type of source material, such as diamictite deposits (Ni and Co). Soils in the Verruga River watershed qualify as having minimal enrichment, low pollution levels, and individual ecological risk concerning Cd. The percentage of samples enriched with Cu, As, Zn, and Cd exceeded 67%, with agricultural activities being the primary source of pollution. Meanwhile, in pasture and urban areas, Co and Pb were notably prominent, respectively.

Watershed-scale assessment of environmental background values of soil potential toxic elements from the Caatinga and Atlantic forest ecotone in Brazil.

The evaluation of the concentration of a potentially toxic element (PTE) in soils under native vegetation is the base study to obtain the quality reference values (QRVs), and the watershed is the strategic planning unit for decision making. The objective of this study was to determine the natural concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn and to establish QRVs for the Verruga river basin. Soils with no or minimal anthropic intervention from the surface layer (0.0-0.2 m) were collected and processed, and PTEs were extracted according to the USEPA 3051A method and determined by ICP‒OES. The quality of the analyses was checked by blank tests and soil samples certified SRM 2709 - San Joaquin Soil. The data set was subjected to exploratory analysis and multivariate statistics. The mean background concentrations of PTEs in soils showed high variability compared to other locations in Brazil and in the world and were (mg kg-1) Fe (24,300) > Mn (211.10) > Cr (40.98) > Zn (28.28) > Cu (10.68) > Ni (9.44) > Pb (4.95) > Co (4.08) > As (3.48) > Cd (0.09). The QRVs for the PTEs were established based on the 75th percentile, where (mg kg-1) Mn (124.59) > Cr (54.51) > Zn (31.66) > Cu (7.89) > Ni (7.20) > Pb (5.98) > As (4.05) > Co (3.40) > Cd (0.10). The chemical attributes and topography variation along the watershed are very heterogeneous and influence the dynamics of the PTEs. This survey will support future research on the impact of human activities on soil contamination in the watershed. This survey will support future research on environmental monitoring and the impacts caused by increased human activities on soil contamination in the Verruga river watershed, in the state of Bahia, Brazil.

Effect of Salinity and Silicon Doses on Onion Post-Harvest Quality and Shelf Life.

Salt stress during pre-harvest limits the shelf life and post-harvest quality of produce; however, silicon nutrition can mitigate salt stress in plants. Thus, we evaluated the effects of salinity and fertilization with Si, in pre-harvest, on the morpho-physiological characteristics of onion bulbs during shelf life. The experiment was set up in randomized complete blocks, with treatments arranged in split-split plots. The plots had four levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.65, 1.7, 2.8, and 4.1 dS m-1). The subplots had five fertilization levels with Si (0, 41.6, 83.2, 124.8, and 166.4 kg ha-1). The sub-sub plots had four shelf times (0, 20, 40, and 60 days after harvest). Irrigation water salinity and shelf time reduced firmness and increased the mass loss of onion bulbs during shelf life. Salt stress reduced the contents of sugars and total soluble solids of onion bulbs during storage; however, Si supply improved the contents of these variables. Salinity, Si supply, and shelf time increased the concentrations of pyruvic and ascorbic acids in onion bulbs during shelf life. Si doses between 121.8 and 127.0 kg ha-1 attenuated the impacts caused by moderate salinity, increasing the synthesis of metabolites and prolonging the onion bulbs' shelf life.

Soil degradation and Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination in dumpsites of humid and semiarid tropical regions in northeastern Brazil.

We investigated soil characteristics and heavy metal content changes in 12 inactive dumpsites in humid and semiarid tropical climates in Northeast Brazil. The metals Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in soil samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Other parameters measured include pH, electric conductivity, soil texture, soil organic carbon, total porosity and available P. The soil contents of sand, clay, soil organic carbon, available P and heavy metals, and soil bulk density, total porosity and pH were efficient indicators of soil degradation. We found no influence of current use, soil class or climate on the soil response. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in the dumpsite soils followed the order Zn (49.96 mg kg-1) > Cu (38.48 mg kg-1) > Pb (24.64 mg kg-1) > Cr (21.94 mg kg-1) > Ni (7.77 mg kg-1). They were 6- to 36-fold higher than the background values for the region and were above the Brazilian guideline values for metals. The four dumpsite soils that showed simultaneous contamination with two or more heavy metals were located in the semiarid region. This challenges the assumption that soil impacts in the semiarid region are minimal due to lower leaching and high evaporation. Soil changes increase with time under activity, size and decommission time of the dumpsite. These data are important for local authorities to establish more effective targeting policies for closure of dumps and control of the spread of contaminants in areas impacted by the disposal of municipal waste.

Cadmium, silicon and nutrient accumulation by maize plants grown on a contaminated soil amended with a diatomaceous Earth fertilizer / Acúmulo de cádmio, silício e nutrientes por plantas de milho cultivadas em solo contaminado e adubado com fertilizante terra diatomáceas

ABSTRACT: Given that cadmium (Cd) poses high persistence in the environment and toxicity to humans, strategies to either decrease or avoid Cd entry in the trophic chain are fundamental to secure food safety. Here we assessed the effects of applying rates of Si as a diatomaceous Earth-based fertilizer on the amelioration of Cd toxicity towards maize plants grown on soil with or without pH correction. Besides determining Si and Cd concentrations, we also evaluated plant accumulation of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) as a function of Si doses applied to the soil. Results showed that both the Si application and the liming had a positive effect on biomass and nutrient uptake, but the Si effect on plants' performance took place irrespectively to the soil pH. Silicon ameliorated Cd phytotoxicity in both limed and unlimed soils by decreasing Cd concentration in shoots and improving biomass yield and plant nutrition. Silicon alleviation of Cd-inhibitory effects on plants was more effective in the unlimed soil owing to the higher Cd availability in acidic soils. Also, taking into account the reduced transfer of Cd to shoots driven by Si, lower Cd accumulation in maize grains is likely, with implications to food safety. So, further studies on field conditions are warranted.

RESUMO: Considerando que o cádmio (Cd) apresenta alta persistência no ambiente e toxicidade aos seres humanos, estratégias para diminuir ou evitar a entrada de Cd na cadeia trófica são fundamentais para garantir a segurança alimentar. Neste contexto, avaliamos os efeitos de silício (Si) aplicado como fertilizante a base de terra diatomácea na amenização da toxicidade do Cd em milho cultivado em solo contaminado, com e sem correção de pH. Além de determinar as concentrações de Si e Cd, o acúmulo de nutrientes nas plantas (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu e Zn) em função das doses de Si aplicadas ao solo foi avaliado. Os resultados mostraram que tanto a calagem quanto o Si tiveram efeitos positivos na biomassa e na absorção de nutrientes, mas o efeito do Si no desenvolvimento das plantas foi independente da reação do solo. O Si reduziu a fitotoxidade por Cd em ambos os solos, corrigidos e não corrigidos, diminuindo a concentração de Cd na parte aérea. A amenização da toxicidade de Cd foi mais efetiva em solos sem correção, devido à maior disponibilidade de Cd em solos ácidos. Os benefícios da aplicação de Si sobre a produção de biomassa, composição mineral e fitotoxidade do Cd foram observados em plantas cultivadas em solos com e sem correção. Considerando a transferência reduzida de Cd para a parte aérea promovida pelo Si, é provável que ocorra menor acúmulo de Cd nos grãos de milho, com implicações para a segurança alimentar.

Solos de minas de scheelita como fontes de contaminação por metais pesados / Scheelite mines soils as sources of heavy metal contamination

RESUMO O aporte de metais pesados é inerente à atividade de mineração, contudo a ausência de medidas de controle da poluição nas áreas mineradas concorre para a ampliação do potencial de contaminação do solo, da água e dos organismos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do tempo de exposição de pilhas de estéril e rejeito que não atendem às medidas de proteção ambiental sob o estágio de contaminação do solo por metais pesados em minas de scheelita. Amostras de solo foram coletadas na camada de 0-20 cm em uma mina ativa e em uma mina desativada há quatro décadas. As amostras de solo foram submetidas às análises de granulometria, de pH e de teores dos metais pesados Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu, Zn e Pb. Os incrementos nos teores de metais pesados em níveis similares nas minas ativa e desativada indicam que mesmo um menor tempo de exposição das pilhas de estéril e rejeito tem efeito prejudicial quando não são adotadas medidas de proteção e recuperação ambiental. Esses incrementos alertam para o risco de contaminação das áreas adjacentes às minas em decorrência de erosões tanto eólicas quanto hídricas durante os eventos chuvosos intermitentes característicos da região semiárida. Os teores de Cd, Cu e Pb superiores aos valores de investigação agrícola indicam que há risco à saúde humana e que é necessária a remediação das áreas mineradas.

ABSTRACT Heavy metals contribution is inherent to mining activity, however the absence of pollution control measures in mined areas contributes to the expansion of the contamination potential of soil, water, and organisms. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of exposure time of tailings and overburden deposition without environmental protection measures over soil heavy metal contamination stage in scheelite mines. Soil samples were obtained from 0-20 cm depth in active scheelite mine and in deactivated scheelite mine since four decades ago. Soil samples were submitted to analyses of particle-size, pH and contents of heavy metals Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb. The increases of heavy metals contents at similar levels in active and deactivated mines indicate that even a smaller exposure time of overburden and tailings has a harmful effect when environmental protection and recovery measures were not adopted. These increases alert to the contamination risk of adjacent areas due to wind erosion and hydric erosion during the intermittent rainy events of semi-arid region. Cd, Cu, and Pb contents higher than values of agricultural investigation indicate that there is a risk to human health and that there is need for remediation of mined areas.

Effects of exogenous citric acid on the concentration and spatial distribution of Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Mn and Fe in leaves of Noccaea caerulescens grown on a serpentine soil.

The aim of this study was to show the potential of citric acid in increasing the concentration of Ni, Zn, Co, Cr, Mn and Fe in leaves of the hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens. Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence (µ-XRF) images were collected to assess the distribution of metals in leaves. Applying citric acid (20 mmol kg-1) to soil increased in 14-, 10-, 7-, 2- and 1.4- fold the concentration of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, and Cr, respectively, compared to the control. The µ-XRF imaging revealed that Ni and Zn were not spatially correlated across the leaf. We observed a clear partitioning of Zn between veins and surrounding leaf cells while Ni was more evenly distributed between veins and leaf blade. The accumulation of metals in citric acid treated plants did not change the Ni and Zn distribution pattern in leaves but altered the Mn distribution. It seems that Mn reached toxic concentrations in leaves and we hypothesize that a mechanism driven by transpiration through the xylem was used to excrete the metal. Our results show that citric acid can enhance metal accumulation by N. caerulescens and have impact for soil remediation by either decreasing the time for clean up or increasing the access to non-labile pools of metals in soil.

Estado nutricional e teores de metais pesados em plantas de alface adubadas com compostos orgânicos / Nutritional status and levels of heavy metals in lettuce plants fertilized with organic compounds

A utilização de compostos orgânicos tem sido uma boa opção para reduzir os gastos com fertilizantes minerais e obter aumento de produtividade no cultivo de alface. Entretanto, dada à grande diversidade de matérias primas utilizada na preparação de compostos orgânicos, são necessários estudos para avaliar seus efeitos tanto sobre a liberação de nutrientes essenciais às plantas quanto sobre a liberação de substâncias contaminantes, como os metais pesados. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a nutrição mineral, bem como contaminação por metais pesados, da alface crespa em solos tratados com doses e tipos de composto orgânico. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5x4, sendo cinco tipos de compostos orgânicos e quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 35, 70 e 140 kg ha-1 de N), com quatro repetições. De maneira geral, as doses dos compostos estudados não foram suficientes para fornecer a quantidade necessária de nutrientes para a alface, com exceção das de nitrogênio. Não se observou elevação dos teores de metais pesados no solo, acima do permitido pela legislação brasileira. Além disso, compostos a base de esterco mais grama, e um composto comercial causaram aumentos nos teores de Zn nas plantas, a níveis acima do recomendado para o consumo.

The use of organic compounds has been a good option to reduce spending on fertilizers, and gain increased productivity in the cultivation of lettuce. However, given the wide variety of raw materials used in the preparation of organic compounds, studies are needed to evaluate its effects on the release of essential nutrients to plants and on the release of contaminants such as heavy metals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mineral nutrition and heavy metal contamination of lettuce in soils treated with doses and types of compost. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in randomized blocks in factorial scheme 5x4, with five types of organic compounds and four nitrogen levels (0, 35, 70 and 140 kg ha-1 of N), with four replications. In general, the doses of the compounds were not enough to provide the necessary quantity of nutrients to the lettuce, with the exception of nitrogen. There was no increase in levels of heavy metals in the soil above that allowed by Brazilian legislation. Furthermore, compounds based on manure plus grass, and commercial compound caused increases in Zn concentration in plants at levels above the recommended for consumed.

Disponibilidade de silício e biomassa de milho em solo contaminado por chumbo tratado com silicato / Availability of silicon and maize biomass in a lead contaminated soil treated with silicate

A absorção de Si pelas plantas tem resultado em efeitos benéficos e amenizantes da fitotoxicidade de metais pesados, o que pode melhorar a fitoextração de metais do solo em razão do aumento da tolerância das plantas ao metal. Os níveis críticos de Si no solo, em relação a algumas espécies de plantas, ainda estão sendo estabelecidos no Brasil. No entanto, ainda não está definido qual o melhor extrator a ser usado. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência dos métodos de extração de Si (cloreto de cálcio, ácido acético, ácido cítrico e água), além de determinar a produção de matéria seca, teor e conteúdo de silício em plantas de milho em solo contaminado por chumbo. As doses de 0, 100, 250, 350 e 500 mg kg-1 de Si, foram aplicadas em vasos de 5,5 dm-3, cultivados com plantas de milho por 65 dias. Com aplicação de doses de Si maiores que 100 mg kg-1 houve redução da produção de matéria seca de plantas de milho cultivadas no solo contaminado. A adição de doses crescentes de Si ao solo contaminado promoveu aumento dos teores de Si na parte aérea e raiz das plantas. O cloreto de cálcio e o ácido acético foram os extratores que mais se correlacionaram com os teores de Si extraídos pelas plantas.

The absorption of silicon by plants can result in the amelioration of heavy metal phytotoxicity, thereby improving phytoextraction due to increased plant tolerance. The critical levels of Si in the soil for plant species in Brazil are still being discussed, however the best extractant for Si has not yet been defined. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of methods for Si extraction from soil (calcium chloride, acetic acid, citric acid, and water). In addition, the biomass yield, concentration and content of Si in maize plants grown in a Pb-contaminated soil were also studied. Si was applied at the rates 0, 100, 250, 350, and 500 mg kg-1 in 5.5 dm-3 pots in which 65 day old plants were cultivated. The Si doses promoted biomass reduction but increased the Si concentration in roots and shoots. The application of Si doses greater than 100 mg kg-1 decreased the biomass yield of corn plants grown in contaminated soil. Calcium chloride and acetic acid were extractants that correlated significantly with the concentration of Si in plants.

Fator capacidade de fósforo em solos de pernambuco mineralogicamente diferentes e influência do pH na capacidade máxima de adsorção / Phosphate capacity factor in mineralogically different soils in Pernambuco and the influence of pH on the maximum capacity of adsorption

O Fator Capacidade de Fósforo (FCP) é definido pela razão de equilíbrio entre o fator quantidade de P (Q) e o fator intensidade (I) e representa uma medida da capacidade do solo em manter um determinado nível de P em solução. As características e o teor dos constituintes minerais da fração argila são responsáveis por uma maior ou menor FCP, interferindo nas relações solo-planta. Por outro lado, o pH do solo tem, em alguns casos, mostrado-se com efeito na adsorção e, em outros, com pequena e não consistente alteração na Capacidade Máxima de Adsorção de P (CMAP). Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, determinar o FCP de solos mineralogicamente diferentes em Pernambuco; correlacionar características físicas e químicas dos solos com o FCP; e avaliar o efeito do pH na CMAP. Amostras subsuperficiais de quatro solos, mineralogicamente diferentes, foram caracterizadas química e fisicamente e determinado o FCP. Essas amostras foram corrigidas com CaCO3 e MgCO3 na proporção 4:1 e incubadas por 30 dias, com exceção do Vertissolo. Determinou-se a CMAP antes e após a correção dos solos. O experimento consistiu de um fatorial 4 x 2 (quatro solos com e sem correção), distribuídos em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. As características dos solos que melhor refletiram o FCP foram o P remanescente (P-rem) e a CMAP. Independentemente dos constituintes mineralógicos da fração argila, solos com elevados teores de alumínio apresentaram aumento da CMAP com a correção. A energia de adsorção (EA) nos solos corrigidos foi, em média, significativamente menor, independentemente do solo.

Phosphate Maximum Capacity (FCP) is defined by the ratio of equilibrium between the amount of factor P (Q) and factor intensity (I) and represents a measure of the soil ability to maintain a certain level of P in solution. The characteristics and content of the constituents of clay minerals are responsible for a greater or lesser FCP, interfering in soil-plant relations. Moreover, the soil pH has affected adsorption, and in other cases, it has shown small and inconsistent change in the maximum adsorption capacity of P (CMAP). Thus, this study aimed to determine the different FCP soil mineralogy in Pernambuco; to correlate physical and chemical characteristics of soils with PBC and to evaluate the effect of pH on the CMAP. Subsurface soil samples from four different soils were characterized chemically and physically determined, and the PBC was determined. These samples were corrected with CaCO3 and MgCO3 in a 4:1 ratio and incubated for 30 days, except the Vertisol. The CMAP was determined before and after correction of the soil. The experiment consisted of a 4 x 2 factorial (four soils with and without correction), distributed in randomized blocks with three replicates. Soil characteristics that best reflected the PBC were the remaining P (P-rem) and MPAC. Regardless of the constituents of clay mineralogy, soil with high aluminum levels had increased CMAP after correction. The energy of adsorption (EA) in the limed soils was on average significantly lower, regardless of the soil.

Disponibilidade e fracionamento de Cd, Pb, Cu e Zn em função do pH e tempo de incubação com o solo / Availability and fractionation of Cd, Pb, Cu, AND Zn in soil as a function of incubation time and pH

O pH e o tempo de contato influenciam a distribuição dos metais entre frações do solo e a eficiência da fitoextração. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho estudar a disponibilidade dos metais Cd, Pb, Cu e Zn para a fitoextração, bem como suas redistribuições no solo, em função do tempo de incubação em solo com e sem calagem. O solo recebeu Cd, Pb, Cu e Zn nas doses 20, 150, 100 e 150 mg kg-1, respectivamente, na forma de sal solúvel. As amostras foram incubadas por 210, 180, 150, 120, 90, 60, 30 e 0,5 dia. Terminada a incubação, mucuna preta (Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy) foi cultivada por 30 dias. EDTA (10 mmol kg-1) foi aplicado sete dias, antes da coleta das plantas. As amostras de solo foram submetidas à extração química e fracionada. A concentração de metais pesados e a calagem afetaram a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e da raiz. Em solos sem calagem, o aumento da solubilidade dos metais aumentou a fitoextração de Cd e Zn, mesmo sem aplicação do EDTA. A aplicação do EDTA ao solo com calagem mostrou-se eficiente para a fitoextração de Pb e Cu. A calagem reduziu os teores disponíveis de Cd, Pb, Cu e Zn. A calagem provocou redução nos teores de Cd, Pb, Cu e Zn trocáveis e aumento nas frações matéria orgânica, óxidos de ferro amorfo e cristalino.

It is known that pH and incubation time influence the distribution of metals into soil fractions and therefore affect phytoextraction. Taking this in account, the aim of this work was to study the fractionation and availability of heavy metals for phytoextraction, as a function of incubation period in soils with or without liming. The soil samples were applied to Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn at concentrations of 20, 150, 100, and 150 mg kg-1, respectively, in the form of soluble salt. The samples were kept incubated for high incubation periods: 210, 180, 150, 120, 90, 60, 30, and 0,5 day. After that, velvetbean (Stizolobium aterrimum Piper & Tracy) was cultivated for 30 days. EDTA at 10 mmol kg-1 rate was applied 7 days before plant harvest. Soils samples were fractionated and extracted for the metals with CaCl2 solution. The concentration of heavy metals in soil and liming affected the dry matter production of roots and shoots. For non limed samples, the metals solubility increasing hastened the phytoextraction of Cd and Zn, even without EDTA addition. EDTA application to limed samples was effective for Pb and Cd phytoextraction. The liming reduced the available concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn as well as decreased the exchangeable contents of such metals. Liming also increased the Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the organic matter and oxides fractions.

Distribuição de metais pesados em plantas de milho cultivadas em Argissolo tratado com lodo de esgoto / Distribution of heavy metals in corn plants grown on a sludge-treated Utisol

Apesar da reciclagem agrícola de lodo de esgoto ser uma das formas mais viáveis de disposição final deste resíduo, plantas cultivadas em áreas que receberam aplicações de lodo podem apresentar risco de contaminação por metais pesados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a distribuição dos metais Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn e Fe em plantas de milho cultivadas em solo adubado com lodo de esgoto da Companhia Pernambucana de Saneamento - COMPESA. Com esta finalidade, seis doses do resíduo (0; 7,7; 15,4; 29,7; 45,1 e 60,5t ha-1) foram aplicadas a um Argissolo Amarelo em condições de campo. Os teores dos metais foram determinados em cinco partes das plantas de milho: colmo, folha, pendão, palha que envolve a espiga e grãos. Os resultados demonstraram que a absorção de Zn pelas plantas de milho aumentou com a adição de lodo de esgoto, sendo o elemento acumulado principalmente na palha que envolve a espiga e na folha. Este aumento de absorção de Zn provocou diminuição dos teores de Cu nas plantas tratadas com lodo. A adição de lodo proporcionou aumentos na concentração de Fe em todas as partes da planta, com exceção dos grãos. O Mn foi acumulado, principalmente, no pendão e no colmo das plantas de milho. A aplicação de lodo de esgoto em solo cultivado com milho não proporcionou fitotoxicidade ou contaminação dos grãos produzidos por nenhum dos metais estudados.

Despite of sewage sludge agricultural recycling is one of the most adequate forms for sludge final disposal, plants grown in sludge-amended areas are under the risk of heavy metal contamination. This study was aimed at studying the distribution of Cd, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Fe in corn plants grown on soil treated with the sewage sludge from Companhia Pernambucana de Saneamento (COMPESA), Pernambuco state, Brazil. The sludge was applied to an Ultisol at six doses (0, 7.7, 15.4, 29.7, 45.1, and 60.5t ha-1). Heavy metal concentrations were determined in various plant parts (stem, leaves, stalk, straw involving the cob, and grains). The results showed that addition of sludge increased the Zn uptake by plants, with Zn accumulating mainly in the straw involving the cob and leaves. This increase in Zn absorption decreased Cu concentration in plants grown in sludge-treated soils. Except for grains, Fe concentrations were increased in all the plant parts due to sludge addition. On the other hand, most Mn was mainly accumulated in stalk and stem of the corn plants. Sewage sludge application on soil cultivated with corn did provoke neither phytotoxicity nor grains contamination with the heavy metals studied.

Erosividade e características da chuva correlacionadas com perdas de solo em Alagoinha - PB / Erosivity, rain characteristics and soil losses at Alagoinha, state of Paraíba, Brazil

Visando estabelecer o parâmetro da chuva quemelhor expresse a sua capacidade potencial de causar erosão, foram estudadas, para o período de 1981 a 1989, correlações lineares simples entre 13 características da chuva e as perdas de solo provocadas por erosão hídrica em solo classificado como Terra Roxa Estruturada localizada na Estação Experimental de Alagoinha, Paraíba, pertencente a Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária da Paraíba. As características da chuva testadas como estimadores da erosividade foram: quantidade de chuva;energia cinética total; segmentos de chuva com energia cinética igual ou superior a 25 mm/h; intensidades máximas de chuva em 5, 10, 15, 30 e 60 minutos; produto da energia cinética total pelas intensidades máximas em 5, 10, 15, 30 e 60 minutos. As correlações obtidas indicam que a característica da chuva produto da energia cinética total pela intensidade máxima em 15 minutos é a que melhor se correlaciona com as perdas de solo na região em estudo; entretanto, não houve diferença significativa entre as características produto da energia cinética total pela intensidade máxima em 15 minutos e produto da energia cinética total pela intensidade máxima em 30 minutos. O valor médio anual para a precipitação em Alagoinha - PB no período de 1981 a 1989 foi de 3423 MJ.mm/ha.h.

The objective of this study was to establish a rain parameter that can be used to express the potential capability of the rain to cause soil erosion. Datafrom 1981 to 1989 were used in simple linear corre letions among 13 rain characteristics and soil tosses using individual erosive rains in an Alfisol soil of Alagoinha Experimental Station of "Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária", State of Paraíba, Brazil. The rain characteristics tested were: total precipitation; total kinetic energy; kinetic energy higher than 25 milimeters ; rain intensity at 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes; product between kinetic energy and rain intensity at 5, 10, 15, 30 and 60 minutes. The corre lations obtained among rain characteristics and soil tosses, indicated that the rain characteristic energy-intensity in 15 minutes is better correlated to soil losses. However, there was no difference between energy-intensity in 15 minutes and energy-intensity in 30 minutes characteristics. The médium year value of the erosivity (EI30) obtained for Alagoinha during the studied period was 3.423 MJ.mm/ha, h.