title: Use of a multi-layer column device for study on leachability of nitrate in sludge-amended soils.
abstract: This paper described a multi-layer column device constructed with six cylindrical polythene tubes with installation of Rhizon soil moisture samplers (Rhizon SMS). The feasibility of using the column device to collect soil solution and percolate and to monitor leachability of nitrate in two sludge-amended soils was evaluated under glasshouse conditions. The soil moisture sampler in the device was demonstrated to be a non-destructive, simultaneous, sequential, convenient and rapid sampling tool for multiple-site porewater extraction. The device provided an in situ monitoring technique for leachability of nitrate in a soil profile following application of the anaerobically digested sewage sludge. The monitored results showed that surface soil amendment of the sewage sludge increased markedly the concentration of nitrate in the soil solutions at depths of 10-30 cm in a neutral paddy soil and at 30-50 cm in an acid red paddy soil. This amendment also largely increased nitrate in the percolates of the acid red soil. The movement and distribution patterns of nitrate in the profile were related to soil types, profile depths and experimental periods. Land application of sewage sludge may pose a risk in groundwater contamination of nitrate.
authors.affiliation: Soil and Environment Bioremediation Research Centre, Institute of Soil Science, Academia Sinica, P.O. Box 821, Nanjing 210008, PR China. ymluo@issas.ac.cn
authors.forename: Yongming
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Xianliang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Qiao
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Christie
authors.forename: Minghung
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wong
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007700:Kinetics; D009566:Nitrates / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D009566:Nitrates; D012722:Sewage; D012987:Soil; D012989:Soil Pollutants