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Chemical and microbial properties in contaminated soils around a magnesite mine in northeast China
Author(s) -
Yang D.,
Zeng D.H.,
Zhang J.,
Li L.J.,
Mao R.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
land degradation and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1099-145X
pISSN - 1085-3278
DOI - 10.1002/ldr.1077
Subject(s) - magnesite , soil water , tailings , environmental chemistry , contamination , chemistry , mineralization (soil science) , environmental science , nutrient , calcareous , geology , soil science , magnesium , ecology , biology , paleontology , organic chemistry
ABSTRACT We measured soil chemical and microbial properties at a depth of 0–20 cm among mine tailings, abandoned mined land, contaminated cropland, and uncontaminated cropland around a magnesite mine near Haicheng City, Liaoning Province, China. The objective was to clarify the impact of Mg on the soils. We found that soluble Mg 2+ concentration and pH were significantly higher in contaminated soils (266–345 mg kg −1 and 9·9–10·3, respectively) than in uncontaminated soils (140 mg kg −1 and 7·1, respectively). Soil nutrients (total N, total P, mineral N, available P and soluble Ca) and microbial biomass C and N decreased as pH and soluble Mg 2+ concentration increased. In addition, an increase of microbial metabolic quotient and a decrease of N mineralization rate were found in contaminated soils. Soluble Mg 2+ /Ca 2+ ratios in contaminated soils were 3·5–8·9‐times higher than in uncontaminated soils. Our results indicate that soil contamination in such magnesite mine regions is characterized by high pH, Mg 2+ concentration and soluble Mg 2+ /Ca 2+ ratio, and low microbial activity and N and P availability. Future soil amelioration in the magnesite regions should consider applying acid ameliorants to neutralize high pH and applying calcareous ameliorants to increase Ca 2+ concentration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.