Effects of Agricultural Soil Contamination

Effects of Agricultural Soil Contamination 1. Introduction Agricultural soils contaminated with heavy metals such as lead (Pb) is a threat to human health. Plants grown in contaminated soil can accumulate these metals in the shoots and roots. Metals accumulate in Living organism, especially the liver and kidneys, when these plants are used as fodder for livestock and domestic animals. Thereby enter the human food chain (Akan et al., 2010). Lead is one of the heavy metal with high extension and toxicity. Although it is not an essential element for plants or animals, but can easily be absorbed by plants and animal (Sengar et al., 2008). Pb released into the environment by mining and smelting of Pb ore, burning of coal, effluents from storage batteries, automobile exhausts, metal plating, applications of fertilizers and pesticides, and additives in paint and petrol ((Eick et al.1999; Sharma and Dubey, 2005). Inhibition of the metals uptake and transport by plants is one of the adverse effects of lead (Fodor et al, 1998). Sharma and Dubey (2005) reported that, High concentrations of Pb the in soil causes imbalance of mineralin plants. So that it is prevented from entering cations (potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper and iron) and anions (nitrate) into the root. Pourrut, et al (2011) stated that decreased nutrient absorption in the presence of Pb may be results of the changes in physiological plants activity or presence of competition between elements and lead (e.g., the same atomic size). More research is often carried out to investigate the behavior of a single metal in the plants. Therefore, examining the relationship between heavy metals and nutrients in plants that are grown in contaminated metals is an important factor in preventing the toxic effect of these metals (Siedlecka and Krupa, 1999). Interaction between iron and heavy metals such as Pb is important. Because, heavy metal influence on iron adsorption and accumulation in the root apoplasm, uptake by root and transfer from root to stem and leaves. Therefore, iron deficiency may affect the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals (Fodor, 2006). Iron is an essential element for plant growth and development (Curie Briat 2003). Under aerobic conditions, iron (III) oxy-hydroxide is the dominant form of Fe in the soil. This form is a very low solubility. Thus, available form of iron for plants is limited under these conditions. Accordingly, one of the limiting factors in agriculture production is iron deficiency in agriculture soil of different parts of the worlds (Hansen et al 2006). Generally, two major strategies used by plants under the iron deficient condition. The Strategy I used by dicotyledonous and non-graminaceous monocotyledonous plants. These plants increased acidification of the rhizosphere and reduction of ir on (III) to iron (II) in the rhizosphere through extrude H+ into the rhizosphere. Therefore, causing increased iron availability to plants (Kobayashi and Nishizawa, 2012). Strategy II is confined to graminaceous monocotyledonous plant species such as maize. Under iron deficiency condition, enhanced release phytosiderophores, which are non-proteinogenic amino acids with low-molecular-weight and high affinity for complex formation with Fe+3 (Meda et al 2007; Marschner, 1995). Generally, the optimum soil pH range for uptake Iron by plants is 5 and 5.5. Therefore, Fe deficiency is one of the widespread nutritional disorders in the plants grown on calcareous and alkaline soils (with pH>7) (Bojovic et al., 2012). So, Iron deficiency in these soils can be corrected by spraying the plants with solution of iron chelates or ferrous sulfate more efficient than any other applications of Fe to the soil (Fageria et al., 2009). Grusak and Pezeshgi, (1996) and Vert et al, (2003) reported, when, Iron used as a foliar spray, the signals of shoot to root played an important role in iron utilization by roots. One of the topics that can be discussed, is related to the role of iron on Pb uptake and translocation in plants (Bojovic et al., 2012). The Fe nutritional status of the plants with Strategists I and II may influence heavy metal uptake (Fodor, 2006). Among crop plant species, maize (Zea mays. L) is the most important cereal crop in world and it is widely grown through out the world (Mejia, 2005). Also, it is an important cereal crop of Iran and Is cultivated for fodder as well as for grain purpose in Iran (Nuraky et al., 2011). According to the material presented, further investigations are needed to examine the interaction between iron and lead. Thus, the present study aims to investigate; (i) Lead accumulation in roots and shoots of two cultivars of maize (260 and 704); (ii) Effect of foliar iron application on the uptake of lead by roots and its transport to the shoots and finally (iii) effects of lead accumulation and foliar iron application on Manganese, copper, zinc concentration and their transport. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Soil sampling and preparation This study was conducted in the research greenhouse of the college of agriculture and natural resources, university of Tehran. The uncontaminated soil (Normally contains 1.5 mgPbkg-1) used in this study was collected from a depth of 0–25 cm of the research farm, university of Tehran. It was air-dried at room temperature and pass through a 2 mm mesh sieve. Then, the soil was artificially contaminated by adding PbCl2. Chemical and physical characteristics summarized in Table 1. 2.2. Analytical methods 2.2.1. Soil characterization Soil texture was determined by hydro-metric method (Bouyoucos1962), total nitrogen (N) by Kjeldal method (Bremner1996), extractable phosphorous by Olsen method (Kuo1996), exchangeable potassium through normal acetate ammonium method (Hemke and Spark1996), electrical conductivity on saturated extract by Rhoades method (Rhoades1996), organic carbon content by Walkley–Black method (Nelson1982), the elements concentration were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (Shimadzu-AA6400; Shimadzu Corp., Tokyo, Japan)) according to Waling et al (1989), cation exchange capacity (CEC) by Bower method (Sumner and Milker1996). Measurement of soil pH was done on saturated extract and equivalent calcium carbonate content was determined according to Carter and Gregorich (2008). 2.2.2. Plant analysis After a growing period (75 days), the harvested plants separated into shoots and roots. Thoroughly washed with deionized water. The roots and shoots were oven-dried at 70 Â ± 50 C for 48h. Dry ash method (muffle furnace at 550 ÃÅ'Ã…   C for 6 h) was used for determining metal concentration in plant samples. After extraction (Cottenie1980) mineral concentrations were measured in plant samples by atomic absorption spectroscopy (Shimadzu-AA6400; Shimadzu Corp., Tokyo,Japan) (Waling et al.1989). Root volume was determined by water displacement in a graduated cylinder (Messenger et al., 2000). Method of water displacement in a graduated cylinder used for determining the root volume (Messenger et al., 2000).. 2.3. Experimental treatments A Factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted in a calcareous soil under greenhouse conditions. Experimental treatments Included four levels of Pb (0 as a control, 100,200, and 400 mgPb kg-1 soil), two varieties of maize (260 and 704), four levels of iron sulfate spraying (0: without spraying, 2, 4 and 6 gr (FeSO4.7H2O) in thousand ml distilled water, respectively) at the stage of eight leaves. Lead chloride (PbCl2) was used to contaminate soils in pots. it was dissolved in distilled water and sprayed on soils. Before cultivation of plants, treated soils were incubated at 25Ã ¢-Â ¦C and field capacity moisture for 150 days to allow Pb to achieve a balanced condition in contaminated soil. The control treatment (non-spray iron) sprayed with distilled water for the same conditions. (Pb0: Uncontaminated soil and Pb1, Pb2, Pb3 are 100, 200 and 400 mg Pb kg-1 soil, respectively / Fe0: Without Spraying and Fe1, Fe2, Fe3 are Foliar Spr ay with dissolve 2, 4 and 6 gr Feso4.7H2O in thousand ml distilled water, respectively). 2.4. Plant culture and greenhouse condition Seeds of maize (Zea mays L) were obtained from the Seed and Sapling Research Institute of Karaj, Iran. The experimental plants (four per pot) were grown in plastic pots (18 cm height, 15.5 cm diameter, containing 3 kg of dry soil). The pots were watered based on 80% of the soil field capacity. Artificial light was used and daily light was adjusted to 12–14 h and 10000 luxe. Greenhouse temperature was 25Â ±2Â ° C. 2.5. Translocation Factor The translocation factor (TF) is used to investigate metal transfer from root-to-shoot. It was calculated by the following equation: (Han et al, 2013) TF = (1) 2.6. Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SAS software version 9.1 (SAS Institute, Cary, N.C.,USA). Duncan’s test was used to determine the significant differences between means (P

Organized Cybercrimes Essay

Verizon business researched and reported in 2009 a case study involving data breaches in secured network. Within their findings, they summarize the threats, which industry, and which records are the most popular. The report fist showed that a percentage of the hacking from outside sources came from the European Union, and the most popular info being stolen was financial and retail goods. Surprisingly there were a large amount of threats in house that took advantage of software issue’s and exploited them. More than likely sold the info to outside source to further continue hacking and establishing a backdoor it the database. Of the all the outside attacks according from the European Union, most of them were organized crime family’s that originated out of the Soviet bloc nations. It is by far cheaper the hack and sells credit card numbers abroad that sit on a corner and peddle illegal goods. Another cash crop for cybercrime and hacking is the diversion of goods, especially from ports of entry. Using financial records and accounts to pose as a company that is entitled to receive goods is one the tactics used. Once those item are in there possession, they disappear. A percentage of these hackers can by way of software be totally transparent, and for intent purposes be invisible until the crime has committed. This poses a very job to law enforcement to track capture and convict these criminals, not to mention some these countries don’t even have extradition rights to the USA. It would take a co-op effort of the Euro nations and US and Asia to make the act of hacking and breaching networks a more serious crime.

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms One charter of Right I feel passionate about is the one that talks about each and every person having freedom to live, to have liberty, and to have security. This charter states, â€Å"Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. â€Å" This charter protects all citizens of Canada from any cruel and unusual treatment or punishment from others.People who do not treat others to the standards will get punished by the judicial system. Another Charter of right I feel strongly about says, â€Å"freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication† Not all counties are lucky enough to have this freedom and so I cherish this one. Because we have this freedom, Canadians are able to be very social and more connected throughout communities. We have the freedo m to express our ideas, and I like this a lot because we can be a stronger, more collected country.My final charter I have chosen is the democratic right. This rights enables every individual the right to vote and the right to hold office. (become a politician or an elected representative) Everyone has an equal say in our communities, provinces, and our federal government. We get to choose a leader that will befit us where and when we need him or her. With these Charters I am free to live my life the way I want, and I'm free to think what I want. This article, When rights collide with freedoms talks about what happens when religion and human rights collide.

The Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Gilman - 1574 Words

The yellow wallpaper by charlotte Gilman is about a woman who slowly descends into madness trying to please herself and have a voice even though she is a woman in a time that is is expected for her to obey her husband and be the wife he wants her to be. This short story took many years to be published, one publisher even wrote in a rejection letter to Gillman that stated â€Å"I could not forgive myself if I made others as miserable as I have made myself by reading this† (Stephens, 1997). The comment of this publishing agent reflects a man not wanting to publish a women’s story. This is because the short story was written in the beginning of the women s-rights movement in the United States in the mid-nineteenth century that gave rise to a†¦show more content†¦According to Post’s feminist analysis, the narrator’s oppression parallels that of all women; she had to choose to live by the oppressive nature of patriarchy or let go of herself. The narrator in the story hides her writing from the husband to show she is trying to obey him but deep down still writes in her journal because that is the only way to release her thoughts since she is confined in a room without having any socialization. The control the husband has is very apparent and his oppressive. â€Å"John has cautioned me not to give way to fancy in the least. He says that with my imaginative power and habit of story making, a nervous weakness like mine is sure to lead to all manner of excited fancies† (Gillman). This passage of the story shows the extent of the husband reign over the wife’s life. She has no ability to express herself through her writing, in turn making her more depressed and exhausted with trying to hide her voice from the world. Not only was the husband demanding but so was society in this time frame. women where to obey their husbands and be women who stayed quiet and took care of the house and children. Gillman writes â⠂¬Å"he is very careful and loving and hardly lets me stir without special direction†¦ he takes care from me, and I feel basely ungrateful not to value it more† (Gilman). The author and her choice of words reflect that the husbands attempt to completely control the wife is not working, she is hintingShow MoreRelatedThe Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Gilman1116 Words   |  5 PagesThe Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Gilman â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† written by Charlotte Gilman is a chilling portrayal of a woman’s downward spiral towards madness after undergoing treatment for postpartum depression in the 1800’s. The narrator, whose name remains nameless, represents the hundreds of middle to upper- class women who were diagnosed with â€Å"hysteria† and prescribed a â€Å"rest† treatment. Although Gilman’s story was a heroic attempt to â€Å"save people from being driven crazy† (GilmanRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Gilman992 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The yellow wallpaper† The Yellow Wallpaper is a story about women’s repression in the 19th century. This story shows an immense difference between men and women inside society. While the men are the one making the decisions and taking responsibility, women must accept their obligations. The protagonist is repressed and appear for the effect of the oppression of women in society. This effect is develop by the use of complex symbols such as, the room, the wallpaper, the window which facilitates herRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper, By Charlotte Gilman958 Words   |  4 Pagesbabies. 100 years ago this wasn’t a diagnosis, it was very common and plenty of women went through it. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† by Charlotte Gilman, talks about how the main character in the story was suffering from postpartum depression, schizophrenia and obsession. These depressions led her to write this story to expose physician’s misdiagnoses and lack of understanding. Charlotte Perkins Gilman was born in 1860 in Hartford Connecticut, her childhood led to depression and her suicide. Her father abandonedRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper, By Charlotte Gilman1381 Words   |  6 PagesThe Yellow Wallpaper, written by the famous Charlotte Perkins, is a captivating short story published in 1892 that presents the story from the perspective of the narrator. 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Her parents, Mary Fitch Perkins and Fredrick Beecher Perkins, divorced in 1869. Her dad, a distinguished librarian and magazine editor