Soil trace element changes during a phytoremediation trial with willows in southern Québec, Canada.

This study determined the changes in trace elements (TE) (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) chemistry in the soils of a willow ("Fish Creek" - Salix purpurea, SV1 - Salix x dasyclados and SX67 - Salix miyabeana) plantation growing under a cold climate during a three-year trial. The soil HNO-extractable and HO-soluble TE concentrations and pools significantly decreased under most cultivars (Fish, SX67). Yet, TE changes showed inconsistent patterns and localized soil TE increases (Ni, Pb) were measured.

Phytoextraction of soil trace elements by willow during a phytoremediation trial in Southern Québec, Canada.

The phytoextraction of the trace elements (TEs) As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by willow cultivars (Fish Creek, SV1 and SX67) was measured during a 3-year field trial in a mildly contaminated soil. Biomass ranged from 2.8 to 4.

Early rhizosphere microbiome composition is related to the growth and Zn uptake of willows introduced to a former landfill.

Although plants introduced for site restoration are pre-selected for specific traits (e.g. trace element bioaccumulation, rapid growth in poor soils), the in situ success of these plants likely depends on the recruitment of appropriate rhizosphere microorganisms from their new environment.

The sequestration of trace elements by willow (Salix purpurea)--which soil properties favor uptake and accumulation?

The effect of soil properties on trace element (TE) extraction by the Fish Creek willow cultivar was assessed in a 4-month greenhouse experiment with two contrasted soils and two mycorrhizal treatments (Rhizophagus irregularis and natives). Aboveground tissues represented more than 82 % of the willow biomass and were the major sink for TE. Cadmium and Zn were concentrated in leaves, while As, Cu, Ni, and Pb were mostly found in roots.

Trace elements in the pollen of Ambrosia artemisiifolia: what is the effect of soil concentrations?

Concentrations of nine trace elements (Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Tl and Zn) were measured in a plant bearing allergenic pollens (ragweed) and their transfers from soils to the roots and then to the pollens were investigated. The soil, roots and pollens collected from flowers were sampled at 26 urban sites. Soil pH, soil organic carbon and total-recoverable trace elements (TE) in soil, roots and pollens were measured.

Microbial activity and water-soluble trace element species in the rhizosphere of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. USU-Perigee).

The influence of microbial activity on the concentration and speciation of trace elements (TEs) was assessed in a study on the bioavailability of TEs for edible plants. A growth chamber experiment with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. USU-Perigee) was conducted and the bulk (Bk) and the rhizosphere (Rz) soil components were collected at maturity.

Optimized assay and storage conditions for enzyme activity profiling of ectomycorrhizae.

The aim of a joint effort by different research teams was to provide an improved procedure for enzyme activity profiling of field-sampled ectomycorrhizae, including recommendations on the best conditions and maximum duration for storage of ectomycorrhizal samples. A more simplified and efficient protocol compared to formerly published procedures was achieved by using manufactured 96-filter plates in combination with a vacuum manifold and by optimizing incubation times. Major improvements were achieved by performing the series of eight enzyme assays with a single series of root samples instead of two series, reducing the time needed for sample preparation, minimizing error-prone steps such as pipetting and morphotyping, and facilitating subsequent DNA analyses due to the reduced sequencing effort.

Efficiency of acid phosphatases secreted from the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum to hydrolyse organic phosphorus in podzols.

Ectomycorrhizal fungi may improve the phosphate nutrition of their host plants by secreting, into the soil solution, acid phosphatases (AcPases) able to release orthophosphate (Pi) from soil organic phosphorus (Po). Using cation-exchange chromatography, we separated four fractions with AcPase activity secreted by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma cylindrosporum grown in a pure culture under P-starved conditions. Each AcPase active fraction displayed strong ability in vitro to hydrolyse a wide range of phosphate monoesters, but none of them efficiently hydrolysed phytate.

The speciation of water-soluble Al and Zn in the rhizosphere of forest soils.

This study focuses on the relationships of dissolved Al and Zn speciation with microbial and chemical soil properties in the bulk and rhizosphere of forest soils. The soil components were sampled under Populus tremuloides Michx. at six sites located close to industrial facilities.

Comparing WHAM 6 and MINEQL+ 4.5 for the chemical speciation of Cu2+ in the rhizosphere of forest soils.

Metal speciation data calculated by modeling could give useful information regarding the fate of metals in the rhizospheric environment. However, no comparative study has evaluated the relative accuracy of speciation models in this microenvironment. Consequently, the present study evaluates the reliability of free Cu ion (Cu2+) activity modeled by WHAM 6 and MINEQL+ 4.