title: Trace element concentrations in soil, corn leaves, and grain after cessation of biosolids applications.
abstract: From 1974 to 1984, 543 Mg ha(-1) of biosolids were applied to portions of a land-reclamation site in Fulton County, IL. Soil organic C increased to 5.1% then decreased significantly (p < 0.01) to 3.8% following cessation of biosolids applications (1985-1997). Metal concentrations in amended soils (1995-1997) were not significantly different (p > 0.05) (Ni and Zn) or were significantly lower (p < 0.05) (6.4% for Cd and 8.4% for Cu) than concentrations from 1985-1987. For the same biosolids-amended fields, metal concentrations in corn (Zea mays L.) either remained the same (p > 0.05, grain Cu and Zn) or decreased (p < 0.05, grain Cd and Ni, leaf Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn) for plants grown in 1995-1997 compared with plants grown immediately following termination of biosolids applications (1985-1987). Biosolids application increased (p < 0.05) Cd and Zn concentrations in grain compared with unamended fields (0.01 to 0.10 mg kg(-1) for Cd and 23 to 28 mg kg(-1) for Zn) but had no effect (p > 0.05) on grain Ni concentrations. Biosolids reduced (p < 0.05) Cu concentration in grain compared with grain from unamended fields (1.9 to 1.5 mg kg(-1)). Biosolids increased (p < 0.05) Cd, Ni, and Zn concentrations in leaves compared with unamended fields (0.3 to 5.6 mg kg(-1) for Cd, 0.2 to 0.5 mg kg(-1) for Ni, and 32 to 87 mg kg(-1) for Zn), but had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on leaf Cu concentrations. Based on results from this field study, USEPA's Part 503 risk model overpredicted transfer of these metals from biosolids-amended soil to corn.
authors.affiliation: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Lue-Hing Research and Development Complex, 6001 West Pershing Road, Cicero, IL 60804, USA. thomas.granato@mwrdgc.dst.il.us
authors.forename: Thomas C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Granato
authors.forename: Richard I
authors.initials: RI
authors.lastname: Pietz
authors.forename: George J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Knafl
authors.forename: Carl R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: Prakasam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tata
authors.forename: Cecil
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lue-Hing
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005308:Fertilizers; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D012037:Refuse Disposal / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*; D003313:Zea mays
chemical_list: D005308:Fertilizers; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D012722:Sewage; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D014131:Trace Elements