Page 138 - Enzymes in Tropical Soils

126 Enzymes In Tropical Soils

Chapter IX:

EFFECTS OF HEAVY METALS ON SOIL

ENZYMES

9.1 Toxicities of Heavy Metals
9.2 Direct Effects of Heavy Metals on Enzymes
9.3 Indirect Effects of Heavy Metals on Enzymes
9.4 Regulating Heavy Metals Levels in Soils

T
he accumulation of heavy metals in the soil environment is currently
alarming. Their presence may negatively affect the living things in the soil
systems and also those related directly or indirectly to the soil system.
Among those negatively affected by the increasing presence of heavy
metals in the soil environment are the soil microorganisms and the soil enzymatic
activities. A great deal of research reports suggest that in general the populations
and activities of soil microorganisms are suppressed by the increasing amounts of
heavy metals. Accordingly, because the soil enzymes are produced mostly by soil
microorganisms, the activities of soils enzymes are also depressed.

Abdul Kadir Salam - 2014