Biology and Fertility of Soils

, Volume 19, Issue 2–3, pp 103–108 | Cite as

Bioavailability and effects of heavy metals on soil microbial biomass survival during laboratory incubation

  • L. Leita
  • M. De Nobili
  • G. Muhlbachova
  • C. Mondini
  • L. Marchiol
  • G. Zerbi
Original Paper
Received:

Abstract

In this work we studied the influence of Pb, Zn, and Tl on microbial biomass survival and activity during a laboratory incubation of soil. In comparison to uncontaminated soil, the microbial biomass C decreased sharply in soil contaminated with Zn and Tl, whereas the addition of Pb did not have any significant inhibitory effect on the level of microbial biomass C. Zn displayed the greatest biocidal effect, confirmed by the measurement of the death rate quotient (q D). The microbial activity, measured as CO2 evolution, increased significantly in contaminated soils, emphasizing the need of living organisms to expend more energy to survive. The greater demand for energy by microorganisms in order to cope with the toxicity of pollutants was also confirmed by measurement of the metabolic quotient (q CO2). In order to determine whether soil microorganisms affect the bioavailability of these metals through their mobilization and release, we studied the relationships between available Pb, Zn, and Tl, and microbial biomass C. The water-soluble fraction of Tl, available Tl, and Zn, and microbial biomass C were related significantly, but not Pb.

Key words

Bioavailability CO2−C evolution Heavy metals Microbial biomass C Metabolic quotient Soil incubation 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1995

Authors and Affiliations

  • L. Leita
    • 1
  • M. De Nobili
    • 1
  • G. Muhlbachova
    • 2
  • C. Mondini
    • 3
  • L. Marchiol
    • 1
  • G. Zerbi
    • 1
  1. 1.Dipartimento di Produzione Vegetale e Tecnologie AgrarieUniversità di UdineUdine (UD)Italy
  2. 2.Research Institute of Crop ProductionPragueCzech Republic
  3. 3.Section of GoriziaIstito Sperimentale per la Nutrizione delle PianteRomeItaly

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