Extraction and Analysis of Available Boron Isotopes in Soil Using Multicollector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

As a result of the important roles of boron (B) in the growth of plants, the uptake of B by plants is dependent upon the existing form and content of available B in soil, which can bring about the local cycle of B isotope equilibrium. A method using water-heating extraction combined with three-step ion-exchange chromatography was developed for the extraction and isotopic analysis of available B in soil. The extraction efficiency and fractionation of B isotopic composition in the procedure were investigated. The results showed that, in the upper layers of soils, the change of δ11B values was opposite that of the mass concentration and a similar variation between δ11B and content occurred in the lower layers. The isotope of available B in soil can create a featured isotopic signature to further understand the geochemical details related to the soil properties and molecular mechanism of B uptake in plants.

Boron Toxicity and Deficiency in Agricultural Plants

“…Abreu et al [138] summarized their research with findings of other authors [139,140] and proposed the following scale: 0.0-0.2 ppm as low, 0.21-0.6 ppm medium, 0.61-1.1 ppm high, 1.2-3.0 ppm very high, and >3.0 ppm as toxic soil boron concentrations. It was suggested [141] that 0.5-2.0 ppm represents the optimal soil boron range, whereas lower and higher values indicate deficiency and toxicity. Disorders in boron nutrition are, therefore, quite common.…”

“…The quantity of the extracted boron is further determined using spectrophotometric and plasma-source spectrometric methods. The validation of newly developed promising soil tests [141,163] in a wide range of soils, environmental conditions, and crops should contribute to a better understanding of complicated plant-soil interactions concerning boron uptake, translocation, and utilization.…”

Soil and plant growth response and trace elements accumulation in sweet corn and snow pea grown under fresh and carbonated coal fly ash amendment

“…(1985), management of crop B nutrition is a demanding practice as the range between deficiency and excess is narrow for B. It was suggested that 0.5–2.0 mg kg –1 represents the optimal hot water extractable soil B range, whereas lower and higher values indicate deficiency and toxicity for sensitive plant species (Sun et al., 2019).…”

“…Scanlon and Duggan (1979) planted eight species of trees and shrubs in a dewatered fly ash landfill in Tennessee and found elevated levels of B, Ni, Se, and, in some cases, As, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the foliar tissues. In a study by Singh et al (2016), accumulation of Cr, As, Cd, Hg, and Pb was found beyond the safe limit in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown in fly ash-implicated soil. Kumar et al (2008 ) also observed phytoextraction of Ni, Zn, and Cr by metal accumulating plant Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern.…”

Chemistry of Boron in Soil and Management in Different Crops

“…B deficiency is commonly connected with coarse textured soils that are prone to leaching as a result of heavy rainfall in humid climates [7]. The kind and amount of bio-available B in the soil affects plant B absorption [8]. Water-soluble B concentrations is classified into five categories: very low (0.2 µg/g), low (0.25 -0.5 µg/g), medium (0.51 -1.0 µg/g), high (1.1 -2.0 µg/g), and very high (>2.0 µg/g) [9].…”