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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Adriano DC (1986) Trace elements in the terrestrial environment. Springer, New York
Anderson JPE, Domsch KH (1978) A physiological method for the quantitative measurement of microbial biomass in soils. Soil Biol Biochem 10:215–221
Anderson T, Domsch KH (1986) Carbon assimilation and microbial activity in soil. Z Planzenernaehr Bodenkd 149:457–468
Anderson TH, Domsch KH (1990) Application of eco-physiological quotients (q CO2 and q D) on microbial biomasses from soils of different cropping histories. Soil Biol Biochem 22:251–255
Ausmus BS, Dodson GJ, Jackson DR (1978) Behaviour of heavy metals in forest microcosms. Water Air Soil Pollut 10:19–26
Baath E (1989) Effects of heavy metals in soil on microbial processes and population (a review). Water Air Soil Pollut 47:335–379
Brookes PC, McGrath SP (1984) Effects of metal toxicity on the size of the soil microbial biomass. J Soil Sci 35:341–346
Chander K, Brookes PC (1991) Effects of heavy metals from past applications of sewage sludge on microbial biomass and organic matter accumulation in a sandy loam and silty loam U.K. soil. Soil Biol Biochem 23:927–932
Chander K, Brookes PC (1993) Residual effects of zinc, copper and nickel in sewage sludge on microbial biomass in a sandy loam. Soil Biol Biochem 25:1231–1239
Chaney WR, Kelly JM, Strickland RC (1978) Influence of cadmium and zinc on carbon dioxide evolution from litter and soil from a black oak forest. J Environ Qual 7:115–119
Curry JP (1987) Soil invertebrates as monitors of the effects of slurry and pesticide application. In: Richardson DHS (ed) Biological indicators of pollution. Royal Irish Academy, Dublin, pp 123–136
Debosz K, Babich H, Stotzky G (1985) Toxicity of lead to soil respiration: Mediation by clay, minerals, humic acids and compost. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 35:517–524
De Haan FAM, Bourg ACM, Brookes PC, Verstraete W, van Riemsdijk WH, van der Zee SEATM, Giraldez JV, McGrath SP (1989) Soil quality assessment. State of the art report on soil quality. Final report to the C.E.E. Directorate-General XII, Science, Research and Development Directorate E, Environment and Non-Nuclear Energy Contract EV4A/0008/NL
Doelman P (1985) Resistance of soil microbial communities to heavy metals. In: Jensen V, Kjoller A, Sorensen LH (eds) Microbial communities in soil. Elsevier, London, pp 369–384
Hattori H (1989) Influence of cadmium on decomposition of sewage sludge and microbial activities in soils. Soil Sci Plant Nutr 35:289–299
Hattori H (1991) Influence of cadmium on decomposition of glucose and cellulose in soil. Soil Sci Plant Nutr 37:39–45
Hattori H (1992) Influence of heavy metals on soil microbial activities. Soil Sci Plant Nutr 38:93–100
Lindsay WL, Norwell WA (1978) Development of a DTPA soil test for zinc, iron, manganese, and copper. Soil Sci Soc Am J 42: 421–428
Mathur SP (1982) The role of soil enzymes in the degradation of organic matter in the tropics, subtropics and temperate zones. Proc 12th Int Soil Sci Congr New Delhi, 1:125–136
Mathur SP (1983) A lack of bactericidal effect of subsidence-mitigating copper in organic soils. Can J Soil Sci 63:645–649
Mathur SP, Farnham RS (1985) Geochemistry of humic substances in natural and cultivated peatlands. In: Aiken GR, McKnight DM, Wershaw RL, MacArthy P (eds) Humic substances in soil, sediment and water: Geochemistry, isolation and characterization. Wiley, New York, pp 52–86
Nannipieri P, Grego S, Ceccanti B (1990) Ecological significance of the biological activity in soil. Soil Biochem 6:293–355
Robert M, Chenu C (1992) Interactions between soil minerals and microorganism. In: Soil biochem 7:307–379
Stotzky G (1965) Microbial respiration. In: Black CA, Evans DD, White JL, Ensminger LE, Clark FE (eds) Methods of soil analysis. Am Soc Agron, Madison, Wis, pp 1550–1570
Tyler G (1981) Heavy metals in soil biology and biochemistry. Soil Biochem 5:371–414
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Leita, L., De Nobili, M., Muhlbachova, G. et al. Bioavailability and effects of heavy metals on soil microbial biomass survival during laboratory incubation. Biol Fertil Soils 19, 103–108 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00336144
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00336144