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School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH 4321-1085
(basta.4{at}osu.edu)
Iqbal Ahmad, S. Hayat, and J. Pichtel (ed.). Science Publishers, Inc., Box 699, Enfield, NH 03748. 2005. 262 p. $85.00. Hardcover. ISBN 1–57808–385–0.
The stated purpose of the book is "to provide a comprehensive source of current literature about the impact of heavy metal pollution of agricultural soils primarily from long-term application of wastewater, industrial effluents and sewage sludge, and atmosphere deposition." Some of the 10 chapters meet the stated purpose and goals.
Chapter 1 is entitled "Practical issues of land application of biosolids." Much of the chapter is a critique of USEPA Part 503 regulations. Sewage sludge is perhaps one of the most extensive researched land applied waste material. In the opinion of this reviewer, it would have been useful to analyze this large volume of literature on field research and general concepts central to "practical issues of land application of biosolids." Also, statements such as "However, the effect of any change of physiochemical properties on biosolids-applied land could result in the release of bound metals into soil and water" should have been backed by evidence. Recommendations that include "regular monitoring of metal levels in environments close to biosolids application sites is highly recommended" would have been more realistic in addressing this very practical issue regarding land application.
Chapter 2, "Bioavailability of Metals and Metalloids in Terrestrial Environments" focuses on sewage sludge because "it is the primary source of heavy metals that are introduced to agricultural land." However, the impact of metal production and other polluting activities can be much greater than sewage sludge on public and environmental health. The chapter presents general principles on metal solubility and bioavailability but deals less with bioavailability of metals in biosolids-treated soil systems. Chapter 3, "Microbially Mediated Changes in the Mobility of Contaminant Metals in Soils and Sediments" provides an excellent state-of-the-art review of microbial processes that immobilize or mobilize metals in soil systems. Chapter 4, "Influence of Long-Term Application of Treated Oil Refinery Effluent on Soil Health" is an excellent analysis of the effects of 15 yr of effluent application on soil properties, crop production, soil metal burden, and microbiological characteristics. Chapter 5, "Heavy Metals in Temperate Forest Soils: Speciation, Mobility, and Risk Assessment" provides an overview of factors affecting cationic metal solubility in forest litter/soil and a detailed case study of Ni and Cu contaminated forest soil on microbial endpoints on the Kola Pennisula, Russia. Chapter 6, "Bioremediation" is an overview of the various definitions and fields of bioremediation. A page is dedicated to bioremediation of chlorinated hydrocarbons but metals are not mentioned in the Chapter, as one would have expected in a book focused on "Heavy metal contamination."
Chapter 7, "Effects of Fly Ash on Soil Characteristics, Plant Growth, and Soil Microbial Populations" is a very well-written, concise overview of important benefits and concerns from land application of fly ash. Chapter 8, "Effects of Metal-Contaminated Organic Wastes on Microbial Biomass and Activities: A Review" is a six page review of the subject. I agree with the authors that more research in tropical regions is needed but it would have been more useful if this chapter also provided a detailed overview of existing research on this topic. Chapter 9, "Characterization and Evaluation of Municipal Solid Waste Compost by Microbiological and Biochemical Parameters in Soil under Laboratory and Field Conditions" reports a comprehensive study of municipal solid waste on chemical and biochemical properties, including enzymatic activities and microbial biomass. Chapter 10, "Phytoextraction of Lead-Contaminated Soils: Current Experience" is a concise well-written overview of considerations affecting application of phytoremediation to Pb contaminated soil. The chapter includes several case studies of phytoextraction of Pb from contaminated sites in the USA.
In summary, the book has several well-written chapters that may benefit scientists. The case studies are a resource for teachers. However, some chapters are not comprehensive enough in their coverage for the beginning reader or student.
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