The use of microbial parameters in monitoring soil pollution by heavy metals
Microbial parameters appear very useful in monitoring soil pollution by heavy metals, but no single microbial parameter can be used universally. Microbial activities such as respiration, C and N mineralization, biological N2 fixation, and some soil enzymes can be measured, as can the total soil microbial biomass. [1]
Limitations of soil enzymes as indicators of soil pollution
Soil enzyme activities are considered to be sensitive to pollution and have been proposed as indicators for measuring the degree of soil degradation. In this work we found that in three galician soils exposed to various degrees of pollution by tanning effluent, hydrocarbons or landfill effluent, the changes in the activities of individual enzyme did not allow precise quantification of soil degradation. [2]
Comparison of soil pollution concentrations determined using AAS and portable XRF techniques
Past mining activities in the area of Silvermines, Ireland, have resulted in heavily polluted soils. The possibility of spreading pollution to the surrounding areas through dust blow-offs poses a potential threat for the local communities. [3]
Application of Pollution Indices for the Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Flood Impacted Soil
The flood in 2012, which was recorded as the most devastating in the past 40 years in Nigeria, that caused colossal loss in material wealth, could also be a source of heavy metal pollution, especially at the lower reaches of the flood where deposition of flood transported materials occurs. Heavy metals (Fe, Ni, Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb) concentrations were determined in soil samples from two locations, an area submerged by the flood water (flooded) and an area at a higher elevation than the flood water (unflooded), which served as the control. [4]
Pollution Indices of Trace Metals in Urban Dumpsite Soils within Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Surface soil samples were obtained from six (6) urban dumpsite soils namely: Uyo, Abak, Eket, Onna, Ikono and Ikot Ekpene within Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Control samples were also collected from a forest in Etinan local government area of the same State. [5]
Reference
[1] Brookes, P.C., 1995. The use of microbial parameters in monitoring soil pollution by heavy metals. Biology and Fertility of soils, 19(4), pp.269-279.
[2] Trasar-Cepeda, C., Leiros, M.C., Seoane, S. and Gil-Sotres, F., 2000. Limitations of soil enzymes as indicators of soil pollution. Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 32(13), pp.1867-1875.
[3] Radu, T. and Diamond, D., 2009. Comparison of soil pollution concentrations determined using AAS and portable XRF techniques. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 171(1-3), pp.1168-1171.
[4] K. Inengite, A., Y. Abasi, C. and Walter, C. (2015) “Application of Pollution Indices for the Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Flood Impacted Soil”, International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 8(3), pp. 175-189. doi: 10.9734/IRJPAC/2015/17859.
[5] A. Ebong, G., E. Offiong, O. and O. Ekpo, B. (2015) “Pollution Indices of Trace Metals in Urban Dumpsite Soils within Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria”, International Research Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 6(2), pp. 84-94. doi: 10.9734/IRJPAC/2015/15331.