Environmental carrying capacity and ecological risk assessment of pesticides under different soil use types in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA), China.

Soil environmental safety has received much attention during the past few decades due to its significance in agricultural production and human health. Special attention is required for soil pesticide residues and ecological risks. This study examined 197 soil samples from industrial, residential and agricultural areas for the presence of 12 organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and 8 synthetic pyrethroids (SYPs) in the 16 cities in Henan Province, and the center of CPUA, based on the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA) concept proposed by China. The total average concentrations of ∑12OPPs in industrial, residential and agricultural soils were 194, 217, 267 ng/g dry weight, and those of ∑8SYPs were 26.8, 35.7, 25.5 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The two pollutants with the greatest concentrations in the soils were malathion and fenpropathrin, respectively, the dominant components of OPPs and SYPs. The soil environmental carrying capacity (SECC) analysis, representing the maximum residual load that can be supported, shows that acephate and cyhalothrin were overloaded, with a predicted period of over 500 years. Among the 16 cities of CPUA, a higher frequency of high ecological risk could be observed only in Shangqiu. The OPPs in children had total non-carcinogenic risk values of more than 1.0. Similarly, the non-carcinogenic risks of SYPs in adults and children in the residential areas were more than 1.0. The study provides knowledge on how to effectively manage soil safety in Henan Province, which is the center of the CPUA, with a large population and grain province to protect ecosystems and reduce the risks of soil pesticide residues in humans.

A Case of Legionella Pneumonia in an Older Patient Without Typical Exposure to a Susceptive Environment.

Legionella pneumonia is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that causes various clinical symptoms and is often difficult to diagnose. For the diagnosis, it is important to inquire about the patient's history of exposure to sewage or soil, although there are rare cases of Legionella pneumonia with no history of exposure. In this study, we present a case of Legionella pneumonia in a 72-year-old man with no history of wastewater exposure from public baths or other sources. The patient presented to our emergency department with fever, chills, and shivering. The antigen test of the urine for Legionella was negative, and chest radiography showed patchy infiltrates in the right lower lung field that was suspicious for pneumonia. The patient was treated with intravenous ceftriaxone (2 g/day) for right-sided pneumonia and was intubated on day 1 due to poor oxygenation and a tendency towards exacerbation to acute respiratory distress syndrome. The fever resolved after day 3 (36.4-36.9°C), and the patient was extubated on day 6. A positive sputum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for Legionella deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (type 1) was performed on day 6, and levofloxacin and dexamethasone therapy was administered. After completing a 10-day course of levofloxacin, the patient's symptoms were cured. Although it is important to note the patient's background, symptoms, and information on the clinical course, including laboratory values, to include a diagnosis of Legionella pneumonia, it is impractical to suspect Legionella pneumonia in all patients admitted to the hospital with pneumonia and to administer new quinolone antimicrobials. However, it is important to re-evaluate the diagnosis and intervene in treatment when ß-lactam antimicrobials are ineffective or when extrapulmonary symptoms are present, as in this case.

Modelagem dinâmica e cenários urbanos de demanda de água: simulações em Campina Grande (PB) / Dynamic modeling and urban water demand scenarios: simulations in Campina Grande-PB

RESUMO Este trabalho propõe estimativas de demanda de água para cenários futuros de uso e ocupação do solo e de verticalização utilizando análises espaciais e modelagem dinâmica com base em autômatos celulares para uma fração urbana do município de Campina Grande (PB). Dados reais de uso e ocupação do solo e de verticalização dos anos de 2011 e 2018 são utilizados para identificar o processo de mudança nesses bairros. Um conjunto de variáveis estáticas e dinâmicas relacionadas é selecionado para subsidiar a parametrização do modelo e simular as mudanças no uso e ocupação do solo e na verticalização, ocorridas no período. Após a validação das simulações para o ano de 2018 com base nos dados observados, novos cenários futuros são propostos para os anos de 2040, 2070 e 2100, identificando, assim, uma tendência de ocupação com algumas características específicas, como a substituição de áreas residenciais de um ou dois pavimentos por novos empreendimentos verticais, seja residencial, empresarial ou de serviços. Dado o aumento de ocupação urbana, as demandas de água capazes de atender à população também aumentam, aumento este que se confirmou neste trabalho. Entre os anos 2018 e 2100, essa tendência de aumento foi estimada em 300%. Uma comparação de cenários futuros considerando usos convencionais e racionais de água (utilizando mecanismos poupadores) também é apresentada.

ABSTRACT This work estimates urban water demands for future land-use scenarios using spatial analysis and dynamic modeling based on cellular automata for an urban area of the city of Campina Grande, Paraíba State, Brazil. Ground truth for two dates (2011 and 2018) is used to identify the process of land-use change in these neighborhoods. Some static and dynamic variables are defined in order to support the model parameterization and to simulate the changes occurred in the period. After the validation of those simulations for 2018, based on the observed data, new future scenarios are proposed for the years 2040, 2070, and 2100, thus identifying a tendency of occupation with some specific characteristics such as the replacement of residential areas new buildings with multiple floors, whether residential, business, or services. Due to the increase in urban occupation, the water demands for attending to the population also increase. Between 2018 and 2100, this upward trend is estimated at 300%. A comparison of future scenarios considering conventional and rational water uses (using saving mechanisms) is also simulated.

Fractal features of soil texture and physical attributes in indian dark earth under different uses in Western Amazon / Características fractais da textura e atributos físicos do solo em áreas com terra preta de índio sob diferentes usos na Amazônia Ocidental

Studying particle size distribution is important to understand soil structure and formation processes. This research aimed to assess the fractal dimension of soil texture in Indian Dark Earth (IDE) areas in southern Amazonas state under different land uses, as follows: two areas in the municipality of Apuí, one growing cocoa and the other coffee; a grassland area in the municipality of Manicoré; and a forest area in the municipality of Novo Aripuanã. A sampling grid containing 88 collection points (intersecting points on the grid) was established in each area, measuring 80 x 42 m for the cocoa and coffee-growing sites, and 80 x 56 m and 60 x 42 m for the grassland and forest areas, respectively. Soil samples were collected in soil core and as clumps at a depth of 0.0-0.20m to determine the structural physical properties and texture of the soil. The following physical attributes were assessed: texture (PSD), bulk density (BD), macroporosity (Macro), microporosity (Micro), total porosity (TP) and aggregate stability (GMD and WMD). The fractal dimension (D) of the soil texture was determined, followed by analysis of variance and comparison of the means using Tukey's test (p≤0.05). Pearson's correlation was applied to assess the correlation between variables. There was a significant difference between the IDEs studied, with a higher D value in the cocoa-growing area in relation to the other sites. Additionally, the larger the clay fraction, the higher the D value. Fractal dimension (D) showed a positive correlation with sand, clay, BD, Macro, GMD and WMD, and a negative correlation with silt, micro, TP. Based on the D values obtained, the ADE cultivated with cocoa showed superior quality in relation to the other areas studied.KEYWORDS: Fractal dimension. Soil physics. Soil use. INTRODUCTION Applications of fractal geometry in soil science have shown that soil exhibits fractal characteristics, being a porous medium having different particle compositions, with irregular shape and self-similar structure (TYLER; WHEATCRAFT, 1989; KRAVCHENKO; ZHANG, 1998). Fractal geometry, proposed and established by Mandelbrot (1982), is a method for describing systems with non-characteristic scales and self-similarity. In recent years, this theory has been used to quantitatively describe the particle size distribution of soil, attracting the interest of pedologists worldwide (DENG et al., 2017). Particle size distribution is one of the most important physical characteristics of soil because of its significant influence on water flow and soil erosion (XU; LI; LI, 2013). In this respect, broad and precise knowledge of particle size distribution is vital to understanding soil structures and formation, since it is closely related to soil erosion, organic matter content and moisture content (DU et al., 2017). Deng et al. (2017) studied the fractal features of soil particle size distribution and found an association between fractal dimensions and the physical and chemical properties of the soil analyzed, indicating that the lower the fractal dimension, the worse the soil physical and chemical properties. Recently, the fractal method was applied to estimate soil structure and proved to be an efficient tool in analyzing soil Received: 01/04/2019 Accepted: 30/01/2020

Estudar a distribuição do tamanho das partículas é importante para entender a estrutura do solo e os processos de formação. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar a dimensão fractal da textura do solo em áreas de Terra Preta de Índio (TPI) no sul do Estado do Amazonas sob diferentes usos da terra: duas áreas no município de Apuí, uma com cultivo de cacau e outra de café; uma área de pastagem no município de Manicoré; e uma área florestal no município de Novo Aripuanã. Uma malha de amostragem contendo 88 pontos de coleta (pontos de interseção na grade) foi estabelecida em cada área, medindo 80 x 42 m para as áreas de cacau e café, e 80 x 56 m e 60 x 42 m para as áreas de pastagem e floresta, respectivamente. Amostras de solo foram coletadas em torrões a uma profundidade de 0,0-0,20 m para determinar as propriedades físicas estruturais e a textura do solo. Os seguintes atributos físicos foram avaliados: textura, densidade do solo (DS), macroporosidade (Macro), microporosidade (Micro), porosidade total (PT) e estabilidade de agregados (DMG e DMP). Determinou-se a dimensão fractal da textura do solo (D), seguida da análise de variância e comparação das médias pelo teste de Tukey (p≤0,05). A correlação de Pearson foi aplicada para avaliar a correlação entre as variáveis. Houve uma diferença significativa entre as TPIs estudadas, com um maior valor D na área de cultivo de cacau em relação aos outros locais. Além disso, quanto maior a fração argila, maior o valor de D. A dimensão fractal (D) apresentou correlação positiva com areia, argila, DS, Macro, DMG e DMP, e correlação negativa com silte, micro, PT. Com base nos valores de D obtidos, as TPIs cultivadas com cacau apresentaram qualidade superior em relação às demais áreas estudadas.PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Dimensão Fractal. Física do solo. Uso do solo. REFERENCES ALVARENGA, R. C.; FERNANDES, B.; SILVA, T. C. A.; RESENDE, M. Estabilidade de agregados de um Latossolo Roxo sob diferentes métodos de preparo do solo e de manejo da palha do milho. Revista Brasileira de Ciência do Solo, Viçosa, v. 10, n. 2, p. 273-277, 1986.

The effects of humic substances on DNA isolation from soils.

BACKGROUND: Humic substances (HS) are compounds with a complicated structure, present in the humus soil layer, water, lake sediments, peat, brown coal and shales. Due to their similar physicochemical properties to DNA, they may have an adverse effect on the subsequent use of the isolated material. The main aim of this research was to examine the effect of HS on DNA isolation depending on the soil type and land use, taking into account the spectroscopic full characteristics of HS fractions. METHODS: The research was conducted on eight types of soil sample. Soils represented the most important Soil Reference Groups for temperate climates: Fluvisols, Regosols, Cambisols, Arenosols, Histosols and Luvisols. Soil samples were also collected from areas diversified in terms of use: arable land, grassland and forest. The extraction of HS fractions was performed using the procedure recommended by the International HS Society. The fractional composition of HS was characterized by UV-Vis and fluorescence methods. Soil DNA is extracted by direct cell lysis in the using a CTAB-based method with a commonly-used commercial soil DNA isolation kit. The basis for assessing the quantity and quality of extracted DNA was the Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) reaction since the analysis of soil DNA often relies on the use of PCR to study soil microorganisms. RESULTS: Based on the results, it can be concluded that in the presence of a high concentration of HS, the isolated DNA was low quality and the additional purification procedure was necessary. Despite the differentiation of the internal structure of HS fractions, the decisive factor in the efficiency of DNA isolation from soil samples was the total carbon content in HS. Reduced DNA yields can significantly constrain PCR detection limits to levels inadequate for metagenomic analysis, especially from humus-rich soils.

Farming by soil in Europe: status and outlook of cropping systems under different pedoclimatic conditions.

BACKGROUND: Despite of the importance of soils in agronomy, to date no comprehensive assessment of cropping in Europe has been performed from the viewpoint of the soil variability and its relationship to cropping patterns. In order to fill this knowledge gap, we studied the cropping patterns in different soils of European climate zones with regards to the shares of their crop types in a comparative manner. The study highlights the main features of farming by soil in Europe. Farming by soil in this context means the consideration of soil characteristics when selecting crop types and cropping patterns. METHODS: We first assessed the dissimilarity between the cropping compositions of different pedoclimatic zones in Europe. Next, we assessed the differences of crop distribution in the climate zones by soil types and main crop types by analyzing the degree of association of crops to soil types. A detailed country scale assessment was performed using crops-specific soil productivity maps and land use survey data from Hungary. RESULTS: Results suggest that, in general, farmers consciously take pedoclimatic condition of farming into account when selecting their cropping patterns. In other words, farming by soil is a common practice in the different climatic regions of Europe. However, we have strong reasons to believe that soil suitability-based cropping is not practiced to its full potential over the continent. For example, the findings of our European assessment suggest that production areas of legumes are not always optimized for the local pedoclimatic conditions in some zones. These findings also underline that economic drivers are decisive, when farmers adopt their cropping (eg. oil crops on Albeluvsiols in Europe). Win-win situations of economic considerations and soil suitability based management are observed in all pedoclimatic zones of Europe. The country analysis shows that cropping is progressively practiced on more suitable areas, depending also the crop tolerance to variable pedoclimatic conditions In conclusion, we can assume that pedoclimatic conditions of cropping are respected in most of Europe and farmers crops according to edaphic conditions whenever economic considerations do not override the ecological concerns of farming.

Pesticide bioaccumulation in epilithic biofilms as a biomarker of agricultural activities in a representative watershed.

Brazil is one of the largest consumers of pesticides in the world. The high rainfall rate and inadequate soil use and management promote the transfer of these compounds to the aquatic system. The aim of this study was to identify and quantify pesticides present in epilithic biofilms in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this matrix as a bioindicator able to discriminate areas and periods with different inputs of pesticides. Among the 25 pesticides analyzed in the biofilms, 20 compounds were detected. The epilithic biofilms picked up pesticides independent of their polarities, even in the period of lower use. The frequency and median concentration of five herbicides (2,4-D, atrazine, desethyl-atrazine, simazine, nicosulfuron), three fungicides (carbendazim, epoxiconazole, tebuconazole), and one insecticide (imidacloprid) were highest in biofilms sampled in summer crops during the growing period. Biofilms collected in the upper region of the catchment, where genetically modified soybean and corn cultivated in a no-tillage system prevail, the highest frequency and median concentration of three herbicides (2,4-D, thifensulfuron, isoproturon), four fungicides (carbendazim, epoxiconazole, tebuconazole, metconazole), and one insecticide (imidacloprid) were observed. Despite the excessive amounts of pesticides used in the catchment, the median values of all pesticides in the epilithic biofilm were considered low. The lower diversity and concentration of pesticides observed in the autumn/winter season is representative of lower use of pesticides, barriers to pesticide transfer from soil to water, and the biofilm's resilience capacity to decompose pesticides.

Integrating management information with soil quality dynamics to monitor agricultural productivity.

Sustainably utilizing global resources is critical for ensuring soil security which is pertinent for biomass production, climate change mitigation, environmental quality, biodiversity conservation and thus human wellbeing. A plethora of soil quality assessment metrics encapsulated in different concepts exist, with each typically biased towards identifying the interrelationship between agricultural production and specific physical, chemical or biological soil attributes. Because of diversity in soil classifications and crop requirements, considerable variation exist between these metrics making it difficult for end-users to select a suitable method. Here, Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) method is used to integrate the physical and chemical soil properties into a Soil Quality Index (SQI) which is then used to evaluate soil quality dynamics vis-à-vis crop yields over two growing seasons. Field data was acquired from 5 sites under No-Till (NT), Conventional Till (CT) management and Natural Vegetation (NV) land use. This SQI was computed under the hypothesis that site specific soil physico-chemical attributes depended on soil type, management, and depth. Under CT management Pw (Pewamo silty clay loam) had the highest soil quality; KbA (Kibbie fine sandy loam) soils had higher quality under NT management; whereas CtA (Crosby Celina silt loams) had relatively higher quality under NV land use. Soil bulk density (ρb), Soil Organic Carbon (SOC), Available Water Content (AWC) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) were the significant soil parameters influencing soil quality. The correlation between SQI and corn (Zea mays) yields was 0.6, whereas SQI and Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) yield was 0.9. Future research will evaluate SQI dynamics vis-à-vis socio-economic indicators and key climate variables.

Earthworm assemblages in different intensity of agricultural uses and their relation to edaphic variables.

The objective of this study was to relate earthworm assemblage structure with three different soil use intensities, and to indentify the physical, chemical, and microbiological soil variables that are associated to the observed differences. Three soil uses were evaluated: 1-Fifty year old naturalized grasslands, low use intensity; 2-Recent agricultural fields, intermediate use intensity, and 3-Fifty year old intensive agricultural fields, high use intensity. Three different sites for each soil use were evaluated from winter 2008 through summer 2011. Nine earthworm species were identified across all sampling sites. The sites shared five species: the native Microscolex dubius, and the introduced Aporrectodea caliginosa, A. rosea, Octalasion cyaneum, and O. lacteum, but they differed in relative abundance by soil use. The results show that the earthworm community structure is linked to and modulated by soil properties. Both species abundance and diversity showed significant differences depending on soil use intensity. A principal component analysis showed that species composition is closely related to the environmental variability. The ratio of native to exotic species was significantly lower in the intensive agricultural system when compared to the other two, lower disturbance systems. Microscolex dubius abundance was related to naturalized grasslands along with soil Ca, pH, mechanical resistance, and microbial respiration. Aporrectodea caliginosa abundance was related to high K levels, low enzymatic activity, slightly low pH, low Ca, and appeared related to the highly disturbed environment. Eukerria stagnalis and Aporrectodea rosea, commonly found in the recent agricultural system, were related to high soil moisture condition, low pH, low Ca and low enzymatic activity. These results show that earthworm assemblages can be good indicators of soil use intensities. In particular, Microscolex dubius, Aporrectodea caliginosa, and Aporrectodea rosea, showed different temporal patterns and species associations, due to the changes in soil properties attributable to soil use intensity, defined as the amount and type of agricultural operations.

Differential contribution of soil biota groups to plant litter decomposition as mediated by soil use.

Plant decomposition is dependant on the activity of the soil biota and its interactions with climate, soil properties, and plant residue inputs. This work assessed the roles of different groups of the soil biota on litter decomposition, and the way they are modulated by soil use. Litterbags of different mesh sizes for the selective exclusion of soil fauna by size (macro, meso, and microfauna) were filled with standardized dried leaves and placed on the same soil under different use intensities: naturalized grasslands, recent agriculture, and intensive agriculture fields. During five months, litterbags of each mesh size were collected once a month per system with five replicates. The remaining mass was measured and decomposition rates calculated. Differences were found for the different biota groups, and they were dependant on soil use. Within systems, the results show that in the naturalized grasslands, the macrofauna had the highest contribution to decomposition. In the recent agricultural system it was the combined activity of the macro- and mesofauna, and in the intensive agricultural use it was the mesofauna activity. These results underscore the relative importance and activity of the different groups of the edaphic biota and the effects of different soil uses on soil biota activity.

Atributos químicos do solo sob conversão de floresta amazônica para diferentes sistemas na região norte do Pará, Brasil / Chemical attributes of soil under conversion of rainforest for different systems in the northern region of the state of Pará, Brazil

Considerando que o solo é a base para uma agricultura e uma produção florestal sustentável, é necessário adotar práticas de manejo que conservem e, ou, restaurem sua fertilidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os efeitos de diferentes sistemas de manejo de culturas e uso da terra nas propriedades químicas do solo tendo como referência a mata nativa adjacente. A pesquisa foi conduzida no município de Concórdia do Pará, na região Norte do Estado do Pará, em área de Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, sendo cinco tratamentos (AP - área de pasto, SAF - área com sistema agroflorestal, MN - área de mata nativa, CP - área de capoeira e CM - área cultivada com mandioca) e duas profundidades (0-0,10 m e 0,10-0,20 m), com cinco repetições. Os parâmetros analisados para cada área foram: pH, P, K+ , Na+ , Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, H+Al, SB, CTC, V% e MO. Os resultados foram avaliados pela análise de variância (ANOVA), seguido do teste de Tukey (p<0,05) para a comparação das médias, quando significativo. As características químicas originais do solo, considerando a mata como referência, foram alteradas de acordo com o sistema vegetal e manejos utilizados, sendo a matéria orgânica, o principal atributo relacionado à fertilidade do solo, diretamente afetado com a alteração da vegetação original. O sistema SAF estudado, não apresentou melhorias na fertilidade do solo ou sequer manteve a qualidade próxima do solo sob a mata nativa, exceto para o fósforo. Os resultados indicaram que a conversão da vegetal original (floresta amazônica) para os demais sistemas estudados, causou declínio principalmente nos teores de carbono orgânico do solo.

Whereas soil is the basis for farming and forestry sustainable, it is necessary to adopt management practices that maintain and or restore fertility of the soil. The study was conducted in Concórdia do Pará city, in northern of Pará state, in an area of Oxisol (or LATOSSOLO VERMELHO distroférrico according to Brazil soil classification). The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a factorial 5 x 2, with five treatments (AP - pasture area, SAF - area under agroforestry, MN - area under native forest, CP - area under scrub and CM - Area cultivated with cassava) and two depths (0 to 0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m), with five replications. The parameters analyzed for each area were: pH, P, K+ , Na+ , Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, H+Al, SB, CTC, V% and MO. The results were evaluated by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey test (p<0.05) for comparison of means, when significant. The unique chemical characteristics of the soil, considering the forest as a reference have been changed according to the plant and system management strategies used. The organic matter, the main attribute related to soil fertility was directly affected with changes of the original vegetation. The SAF system studied, showed no improvements in soil fertility or even maintained the quality near the ground under the native forest, except for the content of the element phosphorus. Results indicated that the conversion of original vegetation (rainforest) to other systems, cause mainly a decline in soil organic carbon.