Article
Agronomy
Liudmila Tripolskaja, Asta Kazlauskaite-Jadzevice, Eugenija Baksiene, Almantas Razukas
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effects of land use on the concentrations of organic carbon, humic acid, and fulvic acid in different soil horizons. The results suggest that converting cropland to fertilized managed grassland can increase soil organic carbon sequestration, while unfertilized managed grassland has a negative impact on humic substances formation. Furthermore, different land use types also influence the types and quantities of humic substances.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Erika Jez, Carlo Bravo, Domen Lestan, Simon Gluhar, Ladislau Martin-Neto, Maria De Nobili, Marco Contin
Summary: The study found that CaEDTA remediation significantly decreased the free fraction of humic acids in soils contaminated with potentially toxic metals, while the bound fraction of humic acids and fulvic acids remained unchanged. Disturbance of intermolecular bonds during remediation affected the composition of the free humic acid fraction, confirming a selective removal of non-radical molecules such as carbohydrates while increasing the concentration of free radicals in acidic soil. The restoration of free humic fractions is likely to be a long-term process, indicating that CaEDTA soil washing is moderately conservative in terms of soil organic matter remediation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Evgeny Lodygin, Roman Vasilevich, Evgeny Abakumov
Summary: This paper examines the molecular composition of peat and humic substances in permafrost hummock peatlands in the forest tundra zone of northeastern Russia. The study finds that the structure and function of humic and fulvic acids are influenced by cryogenic processes, species composition, and the degree of peat decomposition. The predominance of humic acids and their low acidity make humic substances-based preparations highly promising for use as organic fertilizers.
Article
Agronomy
Evgeny Lodygin, Roman Vasilevich, Evgeny Abakumov
Summary: The agricultural use of soils and factors such as moisture can influence the paramagnetic properties of organic matter, with higher moisture leading to an increase in free radical content in humic substances. Humic substances in tundra soils exhibit different paramagnetic activity when transitioning to hydromorphic soils.
Article
Agronomy
Evgeny Lodygin, Evgeny Abakumov
Summary: This study compared the molecular composition of humic acids and fulvic acids in different types of soils, revealing that soil reclamation significantly increases the proportion of aromatic components while decreasing carboxyl and ester groups in the humic substance structure. Additionally, greater hydromorphism in the soils enriches humic substances with aliphatic fragments.
Article
Agronomy
Vladimir Simansky, Elzbieta Wojcik-Gront, Jarmila Horvathova, Dorota Pikula, Tomas Losak, Agnieszka Parzych, Martin Lukac, Elena Aydin
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of NPK fertilizers on SOM, HS, and soil structure in a productive vineyard with grass sward cover, and identify the relationships among them. The results showed that NPK application had an impact on soil quality and structure, and this impact decreased with increasing levels of NPK.
Article
Agronomy
Joao Antonio Montibeller Furtado e Silva, Nelson Moura Brasil do Amaral Sobrinho, Erica Souto Abreu Lima, Andres Calderin Garcia
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term pig slurry amendment on soil organic matter structure. The results showed that pig slurry amendment increased total soil carbon and humic fraction, with a greater impact observed at higher application rates. The functional groups and structure of humic acids and fulvic acids were modified by pig slurry amendment. Carbohydrate and peptide structures, lignin, and lignocellulosic carbon were incorporated into the structure of humic acids and fulvic acids.
ARCHIVES OF AGRONOMY AND SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Irmina Cwielag-Piasecka, Magdalena Debicka, Anna Fleszar
Summary: The study evaluated the retention of 2,4-D and MCPA in urban and peri-urban areas, and found that their sorption was weak due to their high water solubility and physical properties. 2,4-D showed a higher affinity for polar SOM fractions and clay minerals, while MCPA was mainly sorbed to soil fulvic and humic acid. The findings suggest that soil pH and the addition of organic matter can help reduce the potential risks of herbicide application. Rating: 7/10.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Patrycja Boguta, Marta Cybulak, Zofia Sokolowska, Robert Zarzycki, Andrzej Kacprzak, Rafal Kobylecki
Summary: The study analyzes the effect of pyrolysis temperature and feedstock on the quality and quantity of humic-like and fulvic-like acids in biochars. The results show that an increase in pyrolysis temperature leads to changes in the properties of the biochars. The feedstock also has an effect on the structure of the organic compounds. The study provides insights into the formation and transformation of organic matter during pyrolysis.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guangwei Wu, Luomei Zou, Fuyang Huang, Bin Wang, Sha Huang, Xia Shen, Shu Chen, Jingping Zhu
Summary: The study investigated the factors affecting the photodegradation of sulfonamide and quinolone antibiotics and found that high concentrations of antibiotics impede photodegradation. The pH of the environment also plays a role, with sulfamethoxazole primarily degrading in acidic environments and ciprofloxacin degrading in neutral and alkaline environments. Reactive oxygen species, especially (1)O(2), were identified as the main active species involved in the photodegradation process. The natural organic substances humic acids produced stable and persistent free radicals, which contributed to the photodegradation process.
PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiongxin Peng, Shuang Gai, Kui Cheng, Fan Yang
Summary: The study conducted hydrothermal humification kinetics experiments using corn straw as raw material and employed characterization techniques such as ultra-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry to determine the formation mechanism of artificial humic substances (A-HS). The results showed that in an alkaline environment, rapid dissociation of lignocellulose can occur, with cellulose and hemicellulose being hydrolyzed into glucose and xylose, further dehydrated to form 5-hydroxy furfural and furfural, and then rehydrated to synthesize levulinic acid and other small molecular acids. These small precursors then combine with lignin fragments to form fulvic acids, humic acids, and even humin. The proposed mechanism of hydrothermal humification is of great significance for the design, synthesis, and application of A-HS in sustainable agriculture.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Alexandra Howarth, Bradley Drummond, Sally Wasef, Carney D. Matheson
Summary: In forensic crime scene investigations, the analysis of blood-stained soil is challenging due to the presence of inhibitors that limit the extraction and amplification of DNA. This study explored extraction methods from ancient DNA and environmental DNA fields to determine the most effective technique. The addition of a pre-treatment step prior to DNA profiling procedures was found to be beneficial.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jakub Bekier, Elzbieta Jamroz, Karolina Walenczak-Bekier, Martyna Uscila
Summary: In urban areas, human activities can result in the total destruction of natural soil layout and properties. This study aimed to determine the quantity and quality of soil organic matter (SOM) in the topsoil of Wroclaw's central area. The analysis included the fractional composition of SOM and humic substances (HS), as well as the elemental composition and spectroscopy of humic acids (HA). The findings showed the dominance of residual carbon and low-maturity HA in urban soils. Efforts should be made to transform organic matter into more mature and stable forms.
Article
Forestry
Yu Tan, Kaijun Yang, Zhenfeng Xu, Li Zhang, Han Li, Chengming You, Bo Tan
Summary: Soil fauna play vital roles in litter humification in cold forests, with their contributions varying among species and seasons.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yiming Fang, Hiroshi Sakai
Summary: UV-activated persulfate showed more efficient treatment of humic substances compared to hydrogen peroxide and direct irradiation, with treatment effectiveness depending on persulfate concentrations and UV wavelengths. Lower molecular weight components were more susceptible to degradation, eventually leading to effective removal of humic substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Cezary Polakowski, Andras Mako, Agata Sochan, Magdalena Ryzak, Tomasz Zaleski, Michal Beczek, Rafal Mazur, Miroslaw Nowinski, Krzysztof Turczanski, Miroslaw Orzechowski, Slawomir Smolczynski, Piroska Kassai, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: Differences in soil particle size distribution (PSD) obtained by sieve-sedimentation methods (SSMs) such as the sieve-pipette method (SPM) and the laser diffraction method (LDM) have been observed, with lower clay fraction content in LDM measurements compared to SSM. These differences arise from both method features and soil sample preparation and pretreatment. The solution to address this difficulty may involve the use of pedotransfer functions and standardization of measurement procedures. This study aimed to validate a pedotransfer function proposed by Mak'o et al. (2017) for converting LDM results and comparing them with SPM results, while considering the influence of soil preparation and pretreatment on PSD and soil texture classification.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Ukalska-Jaruga, Romualda Bejger, Bozena Smreczak, Marek Podlasinski
Summary: Soil organic matter (SOM), particularly its molecular chemodiversity, plays a crucial role in the sorption potential of organic chemicals (OCs) such as pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study conducted a batch experiment to examine the sorption properties of a stable SOM fraction (S-SOM) isolated from different soils. Results showed that the binding capacity of S-SOM to OCs varied among different samples, with atrazine exhibiting the highest sorption affinity and chrysene showing the slowest binding time. Spectroscopic analyses revealed that S-SOM mainly consisted of biopolymers at different stages of transformation with hydrophilic substituents.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kaja Rola, Katarzyna Rozek, Karolina Chowaniec, Janusz Blaszkowski, Igor Gielas, Malgorzata Stanek, Paulina Wietrzyk-Pelka, Michal Wegrzyn, Patrycja Falowska, Patrycja Dziurowicz, Pawel Nicia, Romualda Bejger, Pawel Zadrozny, Artur Pliszko, Joanna Zalewska-Galosz, Szymon Zubek
Summary: Microbes in glacier forelands play a crucial role in soil development and vegetation structure. This study aimed to investigate the impact of vegetation and soil properties on soil microbial communities after glacier retreat. The results showed significant relationships between distance from the glacier terminus and various factors, such as plant cover, soil C content, AMF spore density, and microbial biomass. Furthermore, both glacier and distance from the terminus were found to influence microbial community structure. These findings highlight the interconnectedness of vegetation, soil, and microbial communities in glacier forelands.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Rafal Mazur, Magdalena Ryzak, Agata Sochan, Michal Beczek, Cezary Polakowski, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: Water erosion is a harmful process that causes soil degradation. Heavy or prolonged rainfall leads to soil surface deformation and the formation of microcraters. This paper provides an overview of research methods for studying microcraters and their formation process. The measurements of various quantities describing the craters are discussed, including static quantities, dynamic quantities, and dimensionless parameters. The main measurement methods used to study crater properties are presented, along with their possibilities and limitations, and the challenges and prospects of research on soil surface deformation are also discussed.
Review
Biology
Monika Kaczor, Piotr Bulak, Kinga Proc-Pietrycha, Marina Kirichenko-Babko, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: Human population growth has a negative impact on the environment, therefore finding solutions to recycle organic waste biomass and recover nutrients is important. The production of the insect Hermetia illucens fits well within the framework of green policy as it can convert various organic waste into insect proteins and fat, which can be used in animal feed production. In addition, the larvae can also feed on manure and other waste, providing waste remediation. The insect biomass and exoskeletons have potential uses in biodiesel production, biogas generation, and chitin and chitosan extraction.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ewa Papierowska, Michal Beczek, Rafal Mazur, Jan Szatylowicz, Joanna Szewinska, Cezary Polakowski, Magdalena Ryzak, Tomasz Stanczyk, Agata Sochan, Justyna Frankowska-Lukawska, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: This study investigates the impact of water droplets on Pistia stratiotes leaves, and describes the properties and complex structure of the leaves. The results show that the complex structure of the leaves and the kinetic energy of the droplets affect the splash behavior.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Agata Sochan, Michal Beczek, Rafal Mazur, Cezary Polakowski, Magdalena Ryzak, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: The splash phenomenon and surface deformation of post-fire soils were studied in different soil hydrophobicity and moisture content variants. Splash erosion caused by a single water drop impact was analyzed using high-speed cameras, while surface deformation was parameterized using a structured light scanner. The extremely water-repellent variant (dry_V) showed distinct differences in ejected particles compared to soils with lower levels of hydrophobicity, and the impact on an extremely hydrophobic soil surface created a liquid marble form inside the crater. Soil moisture content determined the manner, scale, and dynamics of splash erosion, with wet soils exhibiting faster phenomenon and larger ejected particles compared to dry soils.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Adrianna Rafalska, Anna Walkiewicz, Bruce Osborne, Katja Klumpp, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: Grassland soils play a significant role in mitigating greenhouse gases, particularly carbon (C), through storage, but they also have the capacity to absorb methane (CH4) which can be influenced by climate change factors. The impact of climate change components on CH4 uptake in grassland soils is complex and depends on factors such as precipitation, temperature, water availability, and elevated CO2 levels. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for predicting future CH4 uptake in grassland ecosystems and their role in climate change mitigation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Piotr Bulak, Kinga Proc-Pietrycha, Monika Kaczor, Katarzyna Zlotko, Cezary Polakowski, Dariusz Wiacek, Hanna Waniak-Nowicka, Emil Zieba, Adam Wasko, Patryk Oleszczuk, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: The breeding of insects generates waste in the form of insect excrement and feed residues, including chitinous waste in the form of insect larvae and pupae exuvia. Research is exploring the use of these wastes to produce valuable chitin and chitosan products. This study evaluates the potential of producing biochar from chitinous waste derived from Hermetia illucens puparia, which exhibits unique characteristics such as high nitrogen levels. The biochars were found to stimulate plant root growth and the reproduction of soil invertebrates without any toxic effect on their mortality, making them potentially useful in agronomy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Vaclav Pizl, Maria Sterzynska, Karel Tajovsky, Josef Stary, Pawel Nicia, Pawel Zadrozny, Romualda Bejger
Summary: Natural and human-induced disturbances can affect soil biota in wetland ecosystems. This study shows that hydrologic disturbances in mountain wetlands can impact the functional and taxonomic composition of soil biota, particularly earthworms. Environmental filtering plays a key role in earthworm species sorting and trait variation under disturbed hydrologic conditions.
Article
Forestry
Magdalena Ryzak, Michal Beczek, Rafal Mazur, Agata Sochan, Karolina Gibala, Cezary Polakowski, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: This study examines the impact of precipitation drops on three different coniferous shoots, finding that the number and size of droplets formed vary depending on the species and location of impact. The size and speed of the droplets after breaking affect throughfall quantity and water evaporation rate, playing a significant role in the water cycle.
FOREST ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Piotr Bulak, Kinga Proc-Pietrycha, Monika Kaczor, Malgorzata Pawlowska, Andrzej Bieganowski
Summary: Z. morio post-breeding waste has not been tested for its biogas and biomethane potential. However, separating the waste into feces and wheat bran revealed that isolated feces have higher biomethane potential. The anaerobic digestion process produced biogas with 52% methane concentration, and the waste could be used for energy recovery in the form of biogas.
Article
Agronomy
Anna Walkiewicz, Wenxu Dong, Chunsheng Hu
Summary: A reduction in snow cover exposes soil to freezing and thawing processes. Adding biochar to fertilized soil did not significantly alter greenhouse gas emissions during the freeze-thaw cycle, but increased peak emissions of CH4 and N2O.
INTERNATIONAL AGROPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Benjamin Guillaume, Hanane Aroui Boukbida, Gerben Bakker, Andrzej Bieganowski, Yves Brostaux, Wim Cornelis, Wolfgang Durner, Christian Hartmann, Bo V. Iversen, Mathieu Javaux, Joachim Ingwersen, Krzysztof Lamorski, Axel Lamparter, Andras Mako, Ana Maria Mingot Soriano, Ingmar Messing, Attila Nemes, Alexandre Pomes-Bordedebat, Martine van der Ploeg, Tobias Karl David Weber, Lutz Weihermueller, Joost Wellens, Aurore Degre
Summary: This study aimed to assess the inter- and intralaboratory variability in the measurement of the soil water retention curve (SWRC). It was found that the major differences in the measurement of SWRCs came from interlaboratory variability. The intralaboratory variability varied depending on the laboratory. These results highlight the need for harmonization and standardization of measurement procedures for SWRC.