The application effect of L-threonine in soil remediation is affected by various factors, which are as follows:
I. Soil Properties
pH Value: The pH values of different soils vary greatly, which will affect the existing form and stability of L-threonine. In acidic soils, it may undergo protonation, while in alkaline soils, it may undergo deprotonation. Both situations may change its chemical properties and biological availability. For example, in neutral soils with a pH value of 6 - 8, L-threonine has relatively good stability, which is more conducive to its function.
Texture: Different soil textures result in different porosities, air permeabilities, and water retention capacities. Sandy soils have good air permeability but poor water retention capacity, and L-threonine may easily be lost with water. Clay soils have good water retention capacity but poor air permeability, which may affect the activities of microorganisms and, in turn, influence its application effect. Loam soils, due to their good air permeability and water retention capacity, are usually more conducive to the role of L-threonine in soil remediation.
Nutrient Content: The contents of original nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil will affect the application effect of L-threonine. If the nutrient content in the soil is too high, it may inhibit the utilization of L-threonine by microorganisms. Conversely, if the nutrient content is too low, microorganisms may not be able to fully utilize L-threonine to promote growth and degrade pollutants due to the lack of other necessary nutrients.
II. Pollutant Characteristics
Type: Different types of pollutants respond differently to L-threonine. For some organic pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, it can enhance their degradation by promoting the growth of microorganisms. However, for heavy metal pollutants, L-threonine mainly affects the form and mobility of heavy metals by changing the physical and chemical properties of the soil, and its mechanism of action is different from that for organic pollutants. For example, it may form complexes with certain heavy metal ions, thereby reducing the biological effectiveness and mobility of heavy metals.
Concentration: Excessively high pollutant concentrations may have a toxic effect on microorganisms, inhibiting their growth and metabolism. Even if L-threonine is added, it is difficult to achieve an ideal remediation effect. When the pollutant concentration is too low, microorganisms may lack sufficient carbon sources or energy, and the addition of L-threonine may not significantly improve the remediation efficiency.
III. Microbial Community
Species and Quantity: Different species of microorganisms in the soil have different utilization abilities of L-threonine. Some specific microbial populations, such as certain bacteria and fungi, may have a high affinity for it and can use it as a nutrient to promote their own growth and metabolism, thus better playing the role of degrading pollutants. If the number of these beneficial microorganisms in the soil is small, even if a large amount of L-threonine is added, it may not achieve an ideal remediation effect.
Activity: The activity of microorganisms is affected by environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and oxygen content. Under suitable environmental conditions, the activity of microorganisms is high, and they can more effectively utilize L-threonine to accelerate the degradation of pollutants. For example, under the conditions of a temperature of 25-35°C and a humidity of 40%-60%, the activity of microorganisms is usually high, and the effect of L-threonine in soil remediation will also be better.
IV. Addition Method and Dosage
Addition Method: The addition method of L-threonine will affect its distribution and effectiveness in the soil. If it is added by uniform mixing, it can have a wider contact with soil particles and microorganisms, which is conducive to playing its role. However, if it is added locally, it may lead to an excessively high concentration of L-threonine in the local area, while other areas cannot be fully utilized.
Dosage: If the added dosage is too small, it may not meet the growth and metabolic needs of microorganisms, and the soil remediation effect cannot be significantly improved. If the added dosage is too large, it will not only cause a waste of resources but also have a negative impact on the soil ecosystem, such as changing the soil osmotic pressure and inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the addition dosage of L-threonine according to the specific situation of the soil and the remediation objectives.