Using in situ pore water concentrations to estimate the phytotoxicity of nicosulfuron in soils to corn (Zea mays L.).

The phytotoxicity of an herbicide in soil is typically dependent on the soil characteristics. To obtain a comparable value of the concentration that inhibits growth by 50% (IC50), 0.01 M CaCl(2) , excess pore water (EPW) and in situ pore water (IPW) were used to extract the bioavailable fraction of nicosulfuron from five different soils to estimate the nicosulfuron phytotoxicity to corn (Zea mays L.

Accumulation of chlorothalonil successively applied to soil and its effect on microbial activity in soil.

The effect of successive chlorothalonil applications on the persistence of chlorothalonil, soil respiration activity, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA) in soil was investigated under laboratory conditions. The persistence of chlorothalonil in soil was prolonged significantly with the increase in the concentration applied. Repeated applications of chlorothalonil at 25 mg kg⁻¹ led to its accumulation in soil.

Plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation for the degradation of chlorpyrifos in soil.

To overcome the poor survival and low activity of the bacteria used for bioremediation, a plasmid-mediated bioaugmentation method was investigated, which could result in a persistent capacity for the degradation of chlorpyrifos in soil. The results indicate that the pDOC plasmid could transfer into soil bacteria, including members of the Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus genera. The soil bacteria acquired the ability to degrade chlorpyrifos within 5 days of the transfer of pDOC.

Combined remediation of DDT congeners and cadmium in soil by Sphingobacterium sp. D-6 and Sedum alfredii Hance.

Combined pollution of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and cadmium (Cd) in agricultural soils is of great concern because they present serious risk to food security and human health. In order to develop a cost-effective and safe method for the removal of DDTs and Cd in soil, combined remediation of DDTs and Cd in soil by Sphingobacterium sp. D-6 and the hyperaccumulator, Sedum alfredii Hance was investigated.