Influence of metal contamination on soil parameters in a lysimeter experiment designed to evaluate phytostabilization by afforestation

Bern

2006

5 Abb., 3 Tab., 23 Lit.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200136654

Phytostabilization is a possible remediation strategy for metal polluted soils. In this paper, we present an overview of soil-related results from a large lysimeter study designed to evaluate phytostabilization of a metal contaminated agricultural topsoil by afforestation. We report on changes in solid phase metal speciation and availability, water household measurements (e.g. evapotranspiration), root distribution, microbial biomass and activity, and soil solution composition (metals, DOC and nutrients). Elevated metal concentrations in the solution mainly affected the community structure of microorganisms and lead to a reduction in root growth. This not only influenced the degradation of soil organic matter and the formation of DOC, but, as a consequence, also the speciation and solubility of metals.