Phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated vineyard soils in Brazil: A compendium of Brazilian pot studies.

Vineyard soils can be contaminated by copper (Cu) due to successive applications of fungicides and organic fertilizers. Soil remediation can be addressed by altering soil properties or selecting efficient Cu-extracting cover crops tolerant to Cu toxicity. Our objectives were to synthesize the Cu-extracting efficiency by plant species tested in Brazil, classify them according to Cu resistance to toxicity, and assess the effect of soil properties on attenuating Cu toxicity. We retrieved results from 41 species and cultivars, totaling 565 observations. Freshly added Cu varied between 50 and 600 mg Cu kg-1 of soil across studies. The partition of Cu removal between the above- and below-ground portions was scaled as a logistic variable to facilitate data synthesis. The data were analyzed using the Adaboost machine learning model. Model accuracy (predicted vs. actual values) reached R2  = 0.862 after relating species, cultivar, Cu addition, clay, SOM, pH, soil test P, and Cu as features to predict the logistic target variable. Tissue Cu concentration varied between 7 and 105 mg Cu kg-1 in the shoot and between 73 and 1340 mg Cu kg-1 in the roots. Among soil properties, organic matter and soil test Cu most influenced the accuracy of the model. Phaseolus vulgaris, Brassica juncea, Ricinus communis, Hordeum vulgare, Sorghum vulgare, Cajanus cajan, Solanum lycopersicum, and Crotolaria spectabilis were the most efficient Cu-extracting cover crops, as shown by positive values of the logistic variable (shoot removal > root removal). Those Cu-tolerant plants showed differential capacity to extract Cu in the long run.

Organic fertilization and mycorrhization increase copper phytoremediation by Canavalia ensiformis in a sandy soil.

Organic fertilization and mycorrhization can increase the phytoremediation of copper-contaminated soils. The time of vermicomposting alters the properties of vermicompost, which can affect copper's availability and uptake. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the effect of different organic fertilizers and mycorrhization on copper-contaminated soil phytoremediation. The soil was contaminated with 100 mg Cu kg-1 dry soil and received mineral fertilizer (MIN), bovine manure (CM), and vermicompost produced in 45 days (V45) or 120 days (V120), all in doses equivalent to 40 mg kg-1 dry soil of phosphorus. Half of the jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) plants were inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus clarus. At plant flowering, the dry mass and concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg, P, and K in the soil, solution, and plant tissue were determined, in addition to mycorrhizal colonization, nodulation, photosynthetic pigments, and oxidative stress enzyme activity. Organic fertilization increased plant growth and copper accumulation in aerial tissues. These effects were more evident with the V120, making it suitable for use in copper phytoextraction. Mycorrhization increased root and nodule dry mass, making it recommended for phytostabilization. C. ensiformis nodulation in Cu-contaminated soils depends on vermicompost fertilization and mycorrhization. Hence, the copper phytoremediation by C. ensiformis is increased by using organic fertilization and mycorrhization.

CO2 flux in a wheat-soybean succession in subtropical Brazil: A carbon sink.

The subtropical region of Brazil is home to 33% of the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growing area and 90% of the wheat (Tritucum aestivum L.) growing area of this country. A soybean-wheat succession with fallow between crops is used in about 11% of the cultivated area. No study has quantified CO2 fluxes in annual soybean-wheat succession in this region. Hence, this study analyzed the seasonality of CO2 exchange (net ecosystem exchange [NEE]) in a 2015/2016 wheat-soybean succession in a commercial farm located in Carazinho, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The eddy covariance method was used to estimate the annual C balance of this system. The NEE was partitioned between gross primary productivity and ecosystem respiration to understand the dynamics of these fluxes during a year of wheat-soybean succession. Considering the net ecosystem balance between photosynthesis and respiration during the growing season, both soybean and wheat absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere (NEE wheat: -347 ± 4 g C m-2 ; NEE soybean: -242 ± 3 g C m-2 ). The fallow periods between growing seasons, however, acted as a source of 156 ± 2 g C m-2 , reducing the C absorbed by the crops by 27%. For 1 yr, the net biome productivity was -50 g C m-2  yr-1 . The results obtained here demonstrate that the wheat-soybean succession was a net C sink under these specific climatic conditions and field management practices and that the long fallow period between crops limited the agroecosystem from becoming a more efficient CO2 sink.

Phytotoxicity Optimization of Fungal Metabolites Produced by Solid and Submerged Fermentation and its Ecotoxicological Effects.

Research and commercial production of bioherbicides occur to a lesser extent compared to bioinsecticides and biofungicides. In order to contribute to developing new bioherbicides with low environmental impact, this study aimed to increase the phytotoxicity of metabolites of the fungus Mycoleptodiscus indicus UFSM 54 by optimizing solid and submerged fermentation and evaluate the ecotoxicological effects on earthworms (Eisenia andrei). The Plackett-Burman and central composite rotatable designs were used to optimize metabolite phytotoxicity. The variables optimized in the fermentation were temperature, agitation, pH, water volume in the culture medium, glucose concentration, and yeast extract. The fungus was grown on sugarcane bagasse substrate, and its metabolites were applied to detached Cucumis sativus, Conyza sp., and Sorghum bicolor leaves and used in an avoidance test and acute exposure to earthworms. Metabolite phytotoxicity in submerged fermentation was optimized at 35 °C, 50 rpm, and 1.5 g l-1 of glucose and in solid fermentation at 30-37 °C and in 14-32 ml of water. The metabolites severely damaged germination, initial growth, and leaves of the three plants, and at the doses tested (maximum of 113.92 ml kg-1), the metabolites of M. indicus UFSM 54 were not toxic to earthworms.

Comparison between cattle manure, organic compost, and vermicompost in the production of Eucalyptus urograndis seedlings / Comparação entre esterco bovino, composto orgânico e vermicomposto na produção de mudas de Eucalyptus urograndis

ABSTRACT: Composting and vermicomposting before addition to the soil is a viable alternative to the disposal of cattle manure. However, this residue has been used in the untreated form for seedling production. This study evaluated the use of cattle manure in natura, and the organic composted or vermicomposted variants of cattle manure on substrates used in the production of Eucalyptus urograndis seedlings. The treatments consisted of substrates formulated by mixing the organic fertilizers with washed sand in 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100 (v/v) percentages, compared to a commercial substrate. The E. urograndis seedlings were grown in tubes in a greenhouse and evaluated after 120 days for shoot and root dry weights, plant height, stem diameter, shoot/root ratio, and Dickson quality index. The substrate formulated from a mixture of 80% (v/v) of cattle manure in natura and washed sand allows for better development in Eucalyptus seedlings. Substrate containing 100% bovine manure vermicompost or organic compost produced seedlings with lower quality than in natura bovine manure but superior to the commercial substrate. Due to the health risks associated with use of untreated bovine manure, organic compost and vermicompost are good alternatives for the production of E. urograndis seedlings.

RESUMO: Uma alternativa para destinar corretamente o esterco bovino é realizar a compostagem e/ou vermicompostagem e depois adicioná-lo ao solo como fonte de nutrientes às plantas. Porém, este resíduo tem sido utilizado na produção de mudas sem tratamento. O estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o uso de esterco bovino in natura, de composto orgânico e de vermicomposto, produzidos a partir do esterco bovino, em substratos para a produção de mudas de Eucalyptus urograndis. Os tratamentos constituíram-se dos substratos formulados pela mistura dos fertilizantes orgânicos com areia lavada nas porcentagens de 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100 (v/v), em comparação com um substrato comercial (SC). As mudas de Eucalyptus urograndis foram cultivadas em tubetes, em casa de vegetação, e avaliadas aos 120 dias quanto a massa seca da parte aérea e raiz, altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, relação parte aérea/raiz e índice de qualidade de Dickson. O substrato formulado pela mistura de 80% (v/v) de esterco bovino in natura com areia lavada proporcionou o melhor desenvolvimento das mudas de eucalipto. O substrato contendo 100% de vermicomposto de esterco bovino ou composto orgânico produziu mudas com qualidade inferior ao esterco bovino in natura, mas superior ao substrato comercial. Devido aos riscos à saúde associados ao uso de esterco bovino não tratado, o composto orgânico e o vermicomposto são boas alternativas para a produção de mudas de E. urograndis.

Chitinase production by Trichoderma koningiopsis UFSMQ40 using solid state fermentation.

The chitinases have extensive biotechnological potential but have been little exploited commercially due to the low number of good chitinolytic microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to identify a chitinolytic fungal and optimize its production using solid state fermentation (SSF) and agroindustry substrate, to evaluate different chitin sources for chitinase production, to evaluate different solvents for the extraction of enzymes produced during fermentation process, and to determine the nematicide effect of enzymatic extract and biological control of Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne incognita nematodes. The fungus was previously isolated from bedbugs of Tibraca limbativentris Stal (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and selected among 51 isolated fungal as the largest producer of chitinolytic enzymes in SSF. The isolate UFSMQ40 has been identified as Trichoderma koningiopsis by the amplification of tef1 gene fragments. The greatest chitinase production (10.76 U gds-1) occurred with wheat bran substrate at 55% moisture, 15% colloidal chitin, 100% of corn steep liquor, and two discs of inoculum at 30 °C for 72 h. Considering the enzymatic inducers, the best chitinase production by the isolated fungus was achieved using chitin in colloidal, powder, and flakes. The usage of 1:15 g/mL of sodium citrate-phosphate buffer was the best ratio for chitinase extraction of SSF. The Trichoderma koningiopsis UFSMQ40 showed high mortality of M. javanica and M. incognita when applied to treatments with enzymatic filtrated and the suspension of conidia.

Physicochemical, aromatic and sensory properties of the 'Riesling Italico' wines fermented with Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts / Propriedades físico-químicas, aromáticas e sensoriais do vinho 'Riesling italico' fermentado com leveduras Saccharomyces e não-Saccharomyces

ABSTRACT: The sensory quality of wines is affected by the compounds produced by the action of the yeasts used in alcoholic fermentation. This work aimed at assessing the physicochemical, aromatic and sensory properties of the 'Riesling Italico' white wines produced by using the Saccharomyces and non-Saccharomyces yeasts. The yeasts S. cerevisiae, S. cerevisiae cerevisiae, S. bayanus, Torulaspora delbrueckii and Metschnikowia pulcherrima were inoculated individually into the must. For 10 days, the alcohol was left to ferment in 7 L carboys in triplicate, at 15º C temperature. The standard physicochemical analyses were done and the quality of the wines was determined. The volatile compounds were identified and quantitative descriptive sensory analyses were performed. All the yeasts produced wines with the characteristic alcohol, volatile acidity and residual sugar content as stipulated by the Brazilian legislation. The T. delbrueckii yeast produced high-content phenylethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate and ethyl decanoate wines, of superior olfactory quality and sensory rating.

RESUMO: Durante a fermentação alcoólica as leveduras produzem compostos que influenciam a qualidade sensorial dos vinhos. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as propriedades físico-químicas, aromáticas e sensoriais do vinho branco da variedade Riesling Italico elaborado a partir de leveduras Saccharomyces e "não-Saccharomyces". Foram inoculadas separadamente no mosto as leveduras S. cerevisiae, S. cerevisiae cerevisiae, S. bayanus, Torulaspora delbrueckii e Metschnikowia pulcherrima. A fermentação alcoólica ocorreu em garrafões com 7 L de mosto, em triplicata, por 10 dias a 15 ºC. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas padrão e de identificação da qualidade dos vinhos, além das análises de compostos voláteis e sensorial descritiva quantitativa. Todas as leveduras produziram vinhos com teores de álcool, acidez volátil e açúcar residual de acordo com a legislação. A levedura T. delbrueckii produz vinhos com concentrações elevadas de acetato de feniletila, acetato de isoamila e decanoato de etila, resultando em boa qualidade olfativa e avaliação sensorial.

Earthworms and mycorrhization increase copper phytoextraction by Canavalia ensiformis in sandy soil.

Phytoremediation is an alternative for remediating soil contamination by copper, and its efficiency has been shown to increase when arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and earthworms are separately inoculated into the soil. This study evaluated the isolated and combined effects of inoculating earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi into a sandy soil on copper phytoremediation by Canavalia ensiformis. The plants were grown in a greenhouse in soil contaminated with 100 mg Cu kg-1 with and without being inoculated with the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizoglomus clarum and the earthworm Eisenia andrei. The availabilities of solid-phase Cu and other nutrients in the soil solution and plant growth were evaluated along with Cu phytotoxicity based on photochemical efficiency and oxidative stress enzyme activity. Accumulation of Cu and other nutrients in the shoots and roots; mycorrhizal colonization, nodulation, and reproduction; and Cu accumulation in the earthworm tissues were also evaluated. The copper caused photosynthetic and biochemical damage that reduced the shoot dry weight by 44% and the root dry weight by 29%. However, the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus alleviated the Cu toxicity to the plant and increased the shoot dry weight by 81% in the contaminated soil. The earthworms increased the Cu uptake and translocation to the shoot by 31%. The combined presence of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and earthworms in the contaminated soil increased the growth and Cu content of the aerial plant tissues, yielding a 200% increase in Cu accumulation (metal content × biomass) in the C. ensiformis shoots. Combined inoculation with earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased copper phytoextraction by Canavalia ensiformis in a sandy soil.

First report of the production of a potent biosurfactant with α,ß-trehalose by Fusarium fujikuroi under optimized conditions of submerged fermentation.

Biosurfactants have many advantages over synthetic surfactants but have higher production costs. Identifying microorganisms with high production capacities for these molecules and optimizing their growth conditions can reduce cost. The present work aimed to isolate and identify a fungus with high biosurfactant production capacity, optimize its growth conditions in a low cost culture medium, and characterize the chemical structure of the biosurfactant molecule. The fungal strain UFSM-BAS-01 was isolated from soil contaminated with hydrocarbons and identified as Fusarium fujikuroi. To optimize biosurfactant production, a Plackett-Burman design and a central composite rotational design were used. The variables evaluated were pH, incubation period, temperature, agitation and amount of inoculum in a liquid medium containing glucose. The partial structure of the biosurfactant molecule was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. F. fujikuroi reduced surface tension from 72 to 20mNm-1 under the optimized conditions of pH 5.0, 37°C and 7 days of incubation with 190rpm agitation. The partial identification of the structure of the biosurfactant demonstrated the presence of an α,ß-trehalose. The present study is the first report of the biosynthesis of this compound by F. fujikuroi, suggesting that the biosurfactant produced belongs to the class of trehalolipids.

Vermicompost dose and mycorrhization determine the efficiency of copper phytoremediation by Canavalia ensiformis.

The phytoremediation of copper (Cu)-contaminated sandy soils can be influenced by the addition of vermicompost to the soil and the mycorrhization of plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inoculation with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus clarus and the addition of different doses of bovine manure vermicompost on the phytoremediation of a sandy soil with a high Cu content using Canavalia ensiformis. Soil contaminated with 100 mg kg-1 Cu received five doses of vermicompost and was cultivated with C. ensiformis, with and without inoculation with mycorrhizal fungus, and the Cu and nutrients in the soil and soil solution were evaluated. The concentrations of Cu and other nutrients and the biomass and Cu phytotoxicity in the plants were quantified by gauging the photochemical efficiency, concentration of photosynthetic pigments and activity of oxidative stress enzymes. The vermicompost increased the soil pH and nutrient concentrations and reduced the Cu content of the solution. When the vermicompost was applied at a dose equivalent to 80 mg phosphorus (P) kg-1, the phytoextraction efficiency was higher, but the phytostabilization efficiency was higher for vermicompost doses of 10 and 20 mg P kg-1. The presence of mycorrhizal fungi increased Cu phytostabilization, especially at vermicompost doses of 10 and 20 mg P kg-1. The use of vermicompost at low doses and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi increase the phytostabilization potential of C. ensiformis in sandy soil contaminated by Cu.

First report of the production of a potent biosurfactant with ,-trehalose by Fusarium fujikuroi under optimized conditions of submerged fermentation

Abstract Biosurfactants have many advantages over synthetic surfactants but have higher production costs. Identifying microorganisms with high production capacities for these molecules and optimizing their growth conditions can reduce cost. The present work aimed to isolate and identify a fungus with high biosurfactant production capacity, optimize its growth conditions in a low cost culture medium, and characterize the chemical structure of the biosurfactant molecule. The fungal strain UFSM-BAS-01 was isolated from soil contaminated with hydrocarbons and identified as Fusarium fujikuroi. To optimize biosurfactant production, a PlackettBurman design and a central composite rotational design were used. The variables evaluated were pH, incubation period, temperature, agitation and amount of inoculum in a liquid medium containing glucose. The partial structure of the biosurfactant molecule was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. F. fujikuroi reduced surface tension from 72 to 20 mN m1 under the optimized conditions of pH 5.0, 37 °C and 7 days of incubation with 190 rpm agitation. The partial identification of the structure of the biosurfactant demonstrated the presence of an ,-trehalose. The present study is the first report of the biosynthesis of this compound by F. fujikuroi, suggesting that the biosurfactant produced belongs to the class of trehalolipids.

Differential behavior of the summer cover crops in the absorption and translocation of copper / Comportamento diferencial das plantas de cobertura de verão na absorção e translocação do cobre

ABSTRACT: Phytoremediation is an alternative technique used to treat copper-contaminated soils. The objective of this research was to explore the behavior of nine summer cover crops regarding the growth, absorption and translocation of copper in soils with contamination levels exceeding the Value of Prevention, with a view to selecting plants for phytoremediation programs. In the experiments the Cambisol was contaminated with copper, added in doses of 0, 100, 200, 400, 500 and 600mg kg-1, in which the following nine plants were cultivated under greenhouse conditions: Canavalia ensiformis, Cajanus cajan, Dolichos lablad, Mucuna cinereum, Mucuna aterrima, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria spectabilis, Pennisetum glaucum and Paspalum notatum. At 90 days after sowing the plants were evaluated for dry mass of shoot and root, Cu, N, P, K, Ca, Zn, and Fe levels in the shoot and Cu in the roots. High soil Cu levels induced a decline in the phosphorus absorption by the plants. Canavalia ensiformis displayed high potential for phytoextraction as these plants could translocate high copper concentrations to the aerial plant parts, while the Mucuna cinereum and M. aterrima are indicated for the copper phytostabilization programs, due to the high copper accumulation in their root systems.

RESUMO: A fitorremediação é uma alternativa para o tratamento de solos contaminados com cobre. O objetivo do trabalho foi conhecer o comportamento de nove plantas de cobertura de verão quanto ao crescimento, absorção e translocação do cobre em solos com contaminação acima dos Valores de Prevenção, com vistas a seleção de plantas para programas de fitorremediação. Um Cambissolo foi contaminado com doses de 0, 100, 200, 400, 500 e 600mg kg-1 de cobre e cultivado em casa de vegetação com nove plantas: Canavalia ensiformis, Cajanus cajan, Dolichos lablad, Mucuna cinereum, Mucuna aterrima, Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria spectabilis, Pennisetum glaucum e Paspalum notatum. Aos 90 dias após a semeadura as plantas foram avaliadas quanto à produção de massa seca de parte aérea e raízes, teores de Cu, N, P, K, Ca, Zn, e Fe na parte aérea e de Cu nas raízes. As altas concentrações de Cu no solo reduziram a absorção de fósforo pelas plantas. O feijão-de-porco apresenta potencial para a fitoextração, pois apresentou translocação de altas concentrações de cobre para os tecidos aéreos, enquanto que as mucunas preta e cinza são indicadas para programas de fitoestabilização de cobre, pois acumularam elevada concentração de cobre no sistema radicular.

First report of the production of a potent biosurfactant with α, ß-trehalose by Fusarium fujikuroi under optimized conditions of submerged fermentation

Abstract Biosurfactants have many advantages over synthetic surfactants but have higher production costs. Identifying microorganisms with high production capacities for these molecules and optimizing their growth conditions can reduce cost. The present work aimed to isolate and identify a fungus with high biosurfactant production capacity, optimize its growth conditions in a low cost culture medium, and characterize the chemical structure of the biosurfactant molecule. The fungal strain UFSM-BAS-01 was isolated from soil contaminated with hydrocarbons and identified as Fusarium fujikuroi. To optimize biosurfactant production, a Plackett-Burman design and a central composite rotational design were used. The variables evaluated were pH, incubation period, temperature, agitation and amount of inoculum in a liquid medium containing glucose. The partial structure of the biosurfactant molecule was identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. F. fujikuroi reduced surface tension from 72 to 20 mN m−1 under the optimized conditions of pH 5.0, 37 °C and 7 days of incubation with 190 rpm agitation. The partial identification of the structure of the biosurfactant demonstrated the presence of an α,β-trehalose. The present study is the first report of the biosynthesis of this compound by F. fujikuroi, suggesting that the biosurfactant produced belongs to the class of trehalolipids.

Effects of pig slurry application on the diversity and activity of soil biota in pasture areas / Diversidade e atividade da biota do solo na avaliação dos efeitos da aplicação de dejetos de suínos em áreas de pastagem

ABSTRACT: The successive application of pig slurry to pastures is a common practice in southern Brazil, serving as a method of waste disposal as well as an important alternative to chemical fertilization. Although there are economic benefits to the use of manure as fertilizer, it may be associated with environmental hazards and cause changes to composition and activity of soil fauna. This study aimed to study the effects of pig slurry on the soil biota of pastures. Composition and biological activity of pastures where manure was applied successively for 2 years (A2) and 14 years (A14) were evaluated, and native forest (NF) was analyzed as a reference area. Successive application of pig slurry to the soil changed its biological characteristics according to the time of implementation; influenced the composition and diversity of soil fauna, leading to an increase in the total number of individuals, especially springtails; and increased the activity of the soil biota, especially to a depth of 6cm.

RESUMO: O uso sucessivo de dejetos de suínos em áreas de pastagem tem sido uma prática comum na região sul do Brasil, tendo em vista a necessidade de deposição dos dejetos produzidos, além de ser uma importante alternativa à fertilização das pastagens. Embora existam benefícios econômicos do uso dos dejetos como fertilizante, estes podem estar associados a riscos ambientais e causar alterações na composição e atividade da fauna no solo. Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar os efeitos da aplicação de dejetos de suínos em áreas de pastagem sobre a biota do solo. Foi analisada a composição e a atividade biológica de áreas com uso de dejetos há 2 anos (A2), há 14 anos (A14) e mata nativa (MN), como área referência. O uso sucessivo de dejetos de suínos no solo alterou as características biológicas do solo, de acordo com o seu tempo de aplicação; influenciou a composição e a diversidade da fauna edáfica, aumentando o número total de indivíduos, principalmente de colêmbolos, e aumentou a atividade da biota do solo, especialmente até os 6 cm de profundidade.

Mineralization and efficiency index of nitrogen in cattle manure fertilizers on the soil / Mineralização e índice de eficiência do nitrogênio de fertilizantes de esterco bovino no solo

ABSTRACT: This research aimed to evaluate the mineralization of nitrogen (N) and to define the efficiency index (EI) of N after the addition of organic fertilizers based on cattle manure on the soil under laboratory conditions. A completely randomized statistical design with four replicates was used. The treatments were set as follows: T1) Soil (control); T2) Soil + vermicompost of cattle manure (CMV); T3) Soil + cattle manure and straw compost (CMS); and T4) Soil + cattle manure (CM). Experimental units were constituted by acrylic flasks with 5 x 5cm (height x diameter). Each flask was added with 135g of wet soil and 2.20, 2.45 and 2.27g of CMV, CMS and CM, respectively. Treatments were incubated at 25°C and the amount of mineral N from the soil (N-NH4+ and N-NO2- + N-NO3-) was determined at the beginning of the experiment and after 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 days of incubation. The highest concentration of N-NO2- + N-NO3- in the soil were observed within the CMS treatment. The EI of N was of 27, 23 and 22% for CMS, CMV and CM, respectively. The mineralization of N from organic fertilizers based on cattle manure occurs on its vast majority within the first 28 days after its addition to the soil. The EI of N from the organic fertilizers based of cattle manure was higher for CMS>CMV>CM and achieved only 80% of what expected for organic fertilizers derived from cattle manure.

RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar em condição de laboratório a mineralização do nitrogênio (N) e determinar o índice de eficiência (EI) do N após adição de fertilizantes orgânicos a base de esterco bovino no solo. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: T1) Solo (testemunha); T2) Solo + vermicomposto de esterco bovino (CMV); T3) Solo + composto de palha e esterco bovino (CMS); e T4) Solo + esterco bovino (CM). As unidades experimentais foram frascos de acrílico com 5cm de altura e 5cm de diâmetro. Em cada frasco, foram adicionados 135g de solo úmido e 2,20, 2,45 e 2,27g de CMV, CMS e CM, respectivamente. Os tratamentos foram acondicionados em incubadora a 25°C e os teores de N mineral do solo (N-NH4+ e N-NO2- + N-NO3-) foram determinados na data de instalação, aos 7, 14, 28, 56 e 112 dias de incubação. Os maiores teores de N-NO2- + N-NO3- no solo foram observados no tratamento CMS. O EI do N foi de 27, 23 e 22% para CMS, CM e CMV, respectivamente. A mineralização do N dos fertilizantes orgânicos a base do esterco bovino ocorre em sua grande maioria nos primeiros 28 dias após sua adição ao solo. O EI do N dos fertilizantes orgânicos a base de esterco bovino foi maior para CMS>CMV>CM e atingem apenas 80% do esperado para fertilizantes orgânicos oriundos de esterco bovino.

Soil-borne bacterial structure and diversity does not reflect community activity in Pampa biome.

The Pampa biome is considered one of the main hotspots of the world's biodiversity and it is estimated that half of its original vegetation was removed and converted to agricultural land and tree plantations. Although an increasing amount of knowledge is being assembled regarding the response of soil bacterial communities to land use change, to the associated plant community and to soil properties, our understanding about how these interactions affect the microbial community from the Brazilian Pampa is still poor and incomplete. In this study, we hypothesized that the same soil type from the same geographic region but under distinct land use present dissimilar soil bacterial communities. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the soil bacterial communities from four land-uses within the same soil type by 454-pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene and by soil microbial activity analyzes. We found that the same soil type under different land uses harbor similar (but not equal) bacterial communities and the differences were controlled by many microbial taxa. No differences regarding diversity and richness between natural areas and areas under anthropogenic disturbance were detected. However, the measures of microbial activity did not converge with the 16S rRNA data supporting the idea that the coupling between functioning and composition of bacterial communities is not necessarily correlated.

Biodegradação dos herbicidas imazetapir e imazapique em solo rizosférico de seis espécies vegetais / Biodegradation of the herbicides imazethapyr and imazapic in rhizosphere soil of six plant species

A fitoestimulação é uma das técnicas de fitorremediação que pode ser utilizada para a redução da concentração dos herbicidas no solo. Para tanto é necessário a seleção de plantas que estimulem a atividade dos microrganismos degradadores da rizosfera. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a biodegradação de cinco doses do herbicida composto pela mistura formulada de imazetapir+imazapique (75 + 25 g e.a. L-1) em solo rizosférico proveniente de seis espécies vegetais com potencial para a fitoestimulação. A biodegradação do herbicida nas doses de 0, 250, 500, 1.000 e 4.000mL ha-1 no solo rizosférico de Canavalia ensiformis, Glycine max, Lolium multiflorum, Lotus corniculatus, Stizolobium aterrimum, Vicia sativa e no solo sem cultivo foi avaliada através da quantificação da produção de C-CO2 do solo e da degradação do herbicida no solo por cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massa. A produção de C-CO2 do solo após a contaminação com a mistura de imazetapir+imazapique foi maior nos solos rizosféricos das seis espécies vegetais se comparado ao solo não cultivado. O solo rizosférico de Stizolobium aterrimum apresentou a maior degradação do herbicida imazetapir nas maiores doses avaliadas, sendo uma espécie promissora para a fitoestimulação.

Phytostimulation is a technique of phytoremediation that can be used to reduce the concentration of herbicides in the soil. It is necessary to select plants that stimulate the activity of the rizosphere degrading microorganism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of the biodegradation of the herbicide compound formulated mixture of imazethapyr + imazapic (75 + and 25 g L-1) in rhizosphere soil from six plant species with potential for phytostimulation. Biodegradation of the herbicide in the rhizosphere soil of Canavalia ensiformis, Glycine max, Lolium multiflorum, Lotus corniculatus, Stizolobium aterrimum and Vicia sativa, and a control (soil without plant) was evaluated at doses of 0, 250, 500, 1.000 and 4.000mL 1 ha, by quantifying the production of C-CO2 of the soil and the degradation of the herbicide from the soil by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The production of C-CO2 of the soil after the contamination with the mixture imazethapyr + imazapic was higher in the rhizosphere soil of the six plant species when compared to soil not cultivated. The rhizospheric soil from Stizolobium aterrimum shouwed the highest degradation of the herbicide imazetapyr on the highest doses evaluated, being a promising specie for phytostimulation.

Land-use change and soil type are drivers of fungal and archaeal communities in the Pampa biome.

The current study aimed to test the hypothesis that both land-use change and soil type are responsible for the major changes in the fungal and archaeal community structure and functioning of the soil microbial community in Brazilian Pampa biome. Soil samples were collected at sites with different land-uses (native grassland, native forest, Eucalyptus and Acacia plantation, soybean and watermelon field) and in a typical toposequence in Pampa biome formed by Paleudult, Albaqualf and alluvial soils. The structure of soil microbial community (archaeal and fungal) was evaluated by ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis and soil functional capabilities were measured by microbial biomass carbon and metabolic quotient. We detected different patterns in microbial community driven by land-use change and soil type, showing that both factors are significant drivers of fungal and archaeal community structure and biomass and microbial activity. Fungal community structure was more affected by land-use and archaeal community was more affected by soil type. Irrespective of the land-use or soil type, a large percentage of operational taxonomic unit were shared among the soils. We accepted the hypothesis that both land-use change and soil type are drivers of archaeal and fungal community structure and soil functional capabilities. Moreover, we also suggest the existence of a soil microbial core.

Biorremediação de um solo contaminado com antraceno sob diferentes condições físicas e químicas / Bioremediation of a soil contaminated with anthracene under different chemical and physical conditions

O antraceno e os demais hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) podem ser removidos do solo pela biorremediação, cuja eficiência é limitada se as condições físicas e químicas não forem favoráveis à sobrevivência e à atividade dos microrganismos degradadores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a influência do pH, da umidade e da disponibilidade de nitrogênio, de fósforo, de ferro e de enxofre na biorremediação de um solo contaminado com antraceno. Para tanto, amostras de um solo arenoso foram contaminadas em laboratório com 500mg kg-1 de antraceno e a mineralização desse poluente foi quantificada por respirometria. As maiores mineralizações ocorreram nos tratamentos com as maiores umidades e os pH avaliados. A adição de 100kg ha-1 ou mais de nitrogênio no solo e a redução da relação C HAP-N para valores inferiores a 120:17 diminuíram a mineralização do antraceno. O aumento da disponibilidade do fósforo, do ferro e do enxofre e a presença de amplas relações C HAP:P no solo não influenciaram a mineralização do antraceno. A correção do pH e o adequado fornecimento de água possibilitaram a biorremediação desse solo em curto período de tempo.

The anthracene, as well as the others polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), can be removed from the soil by bioremediation, whose efficiency is limited under unfavorable physical and chemical conditions to the survival and activity of the microbial degraders. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pH, water content, and nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and sulfur concentrations in the bioremediation of a soil contaminated with anthracene. Samples of a sandy soil were contaminated in laboratory with anthracene (500mg kg-1) and the mineralization was evaluated by respirometry. The highest anthracene mineralization was verified in the soil with the highest water content and pH value studied. The addition of 100kg ha-1 nitrogen in the soil and the consequent reduction of CPAH-N ratio to values lesser than 120:17 reduced anthracene mineralization. The increase of phosphorus iron and sulfur availability and wide CPAH-P (120:1 to 120:22) ratios in the soil did not influence anthracene mineralization. The pH correction and appropriate water supply made possible the bioremediation of the soil polluted with anthracene in a short period of time.

Biorremediação de solos contaminados com hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos / Bioremediation of soils contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Os hidrocarbonetos aromáticos policíclicos (HAPs) são compostos mutagênicos e carcinogênicos aos humanos e aos animais que são introduzidos no ambiente em grandes quantidades, devido às atividades relacionadas à extração, ao transporte, ao refino, à transformação e à utilização do petróleo e de seus derivados. Apesar disso, a grande maioria dos microrganismos do solo não possui a capacidade de degradá-los, o que resulta na sua acumulação no ambiente e na conseqüente contaminação dos ecossistemas. Uma estratégia para a eliminação dos HAPs do solo é através da biorremediação, na qual os microrganismos que apresentam capacidade de metabolizar estes compostos irão transformá-los em substâncias inertes, CO2 e água. No entanto, esta biotecnologia pode ser limitada pela falta de microrganismos degradadores dos HAPs no solo, pela presença de condições ambientais desfavoráveis a estes microrganismos ou pela baixa biodisponibilidade dos contaminantes à microbiota degradadora. Para superar estas limitações e promover uma eficiente remoção dos contaminantes do ambiente, várias técnicas de biorremediação foram desenvolvidas, como biorremediação passiva, bioaumentação, bioestimulação, fitorremediação, landfarming, compostagem e biorreatores. Esta revisão visa a discutir os metabolismos bacteriano e fúngico destes compostos, os principais fatores químicos e físicos que influenciam a sobrevivência e a atividade destes microrganismos degradadores no ambiente e apresentar as técnicas de biorremediação que estão sendo atualmente utilizadas para a remoção dos HAPs no solo.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds to the humans and animals, released through the environment by anthropogenic activities related to the extraction, transport, refine, transformation and use of the petroleum and its derivatives. Most of the soils microorganisms do not possess the capacity to degrade them, which results in its accumulation in the atmosphere and contamination of the ecosystems. A strategy for PAHs elimination from the soil is through the bioremediation, where microorganisms having capacity to metabolize these compounds will transform them in inert substances, CO2 and water. However, this biotechnology can be limited by the lack of specific HAP microbial-degraders in soil, by unfavorable environmental conditions to these microorganisms or by the low bioavailability of those contaminants to the microorganisms. To overcome these limitations and to promote an efficient removal of the pollutants to the atmosphere, several bioremediation techniques were developed as passive bioremediation, bioaugmentation, biostimulation, phytoremediation, landfarming, composting and bioreactors. This revision aims at discussing microbial metabolism of PAHs, present the main chemical and physical factors that influence the survival and the activity of these microorganisms and to show the bioremediation techniques that are being used now for the PAHs removal in soil.