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OBJECTIVES: To examine the implementation of graduated driver licensing (GDL) in Kentucky and to use the data collected to recommend actions to enhance the effectiveness of the GDL program. METHODS: Data were acquired from surveys of 700 law enforcement officers and more than 40 judges and from interviews with 100 persons who implement or are affected by Kentucky's GDL program-for example, traffic court judges, licensing clerks, law enforcement officers, insurance agents, driving instructors, parents, and employers of teens. Transcripts from interviews were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis computer program. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Participants noted a widespread lack of awareness of the night-time driving restriction and a substantial number of young drivers receiving little driving time during the learner permit phase. It appeared that specific GDL provisions can be difficult for judges and law officers to enforce and the penalty of license suspension after several traffic violations may not be a sufficient deterrent. Efforts are needed to increase parental awareness of GDL provisions, GDL purpose, and their teen's traffic violations and to increase parental enforcement of restrictions that are difficult for law enforcement agencies to monitor, such as the night-time driving restriction and the adult supervision requirement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mine driven trace elements' pollution entails environmental risks and causes soil infertility. In the last decades, in situ techniques such as phytostabilization have become increasingly important as ways to tackle these negative impacts. The aim of this study was to test the individual and combined effects of different aided phytostabilization techniques using substrate from barren tailings of a Cu mine, characterized by extreme infertility (high acidity and deficiency of organic matter and nutrients). The experiment analyzed the growth of Populus nigra L. planted alone (P) or in co-cropping with Trifolium repens L. (PT), in pots containing mine soil amended with compost (1, 10, compost, soil, w/w) non inoculated (NI) or inoculated with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGP), mycorrhizae (MYC) or a combination of bacterial and fungal inocula (PGPMYC). Non-amended, non-planted and non-inoculated reference ports were also prepared. Plants were harvested after 110 days of plant development and several biometric and phytopathological parameters (stem height, aerial biomass, root biomass, wilting, chlorosis, pest and death) and macro and micronutrient composition were determined. The growth substrate was analyzed for several physicochemical (pH, CEC e , and exchangeable cations, total C and N, P Olsen and availability of trace elements) and microbiological (community level physiological profiles: activity, richness and diversity) parameters. The use of the amendment, P. nigra plantation, and inoculation with rhizobacteria were the best techniques to reduce toxicity and improve soil fertility, as well as to increase the plant survival and growth. Soil bacterial functional diversity was markedly influenced by the presence of plants and the inoculation with bacteria, which suggests that the presence of plant regulated the configuration of a microbial community in which the inoculated bacteria thrive comparatively better. The results of this study support the use of organic amendments, tolerant plants, and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria to reduce environmental risk and improve fertility of soils impacted by mining., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Romero-Estonllo, Ramos-Castro, San Miguel del Río, Rodríguez-Garrido, Prieto-Fernández, Kidd and Monterroso.)

The diversity of cultivable bacteria associated with plants from phytomanaged soils with mixed trace metal (TM) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in Pierrelaye (France) was evaluated. The emphasis was on the cultivable bacterial community since the overall objective is to obtain inoculants to improve the remediation of this type of contaminated site. Root endophytic and rhizosphere soil bacterial counts were determined, and isolates were pooled by amplified rDNA restriction analysis and identified by 16S rDNA sequencing. Isolates were further characterized for the production of plant growth-promoting (PGP) substances, and resistance to TM. The selected strains were evaluated for their ability to degrade PAHs. The potential of cell-free microbial supernatant to increase the mobilisation of PAHs from the polluted soil of Pierrelaye was also evaluated. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria dominated the collection of isolates, and differences in taxonomic diversity were observed between plant species (Populus or Zea mays) and depending on the remediation treatment (Populus inoculation with mycorrhizae or Populus intercropping with Alnus). The majority of isolates exhibited at least one of the tested PGP traits, as well as resistance to more than one TM. Several rhizosphere, endophyte and even one bulk soil isolate showed high rates of fluoranthene and pyrene reduction. The endophyte Rhizobium strain MR28 isolated from maize and degrading pyrene produced bioemulsifying molecules capable of improving the availability of PAHs from the soil of Pierrelaye. A selection of the most interesting strains was made for further re-inoculation experiments in order to assess their potential in rhizoremediation processes., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Plants and their associated microbiota can have a significant impact on the behaviour of soil contaminants. Particularly, root exudation is one of the most important plant-associated processes in this respect, as it may have a substantial effect on the bioavailability of soil contaminants, specially of hydrophobic contaminants strongly sorbed by soil. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of root exudates (natural and artificial) on the desorption of α-, β-, δ- and γ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) from contaminated soil, using batch experiments. Natural root exudates were obtained from Holcus lanatus plants growing in the same (contaminated) area. Fifteen compounds (mainly organic acids and phenolic compounds) usually found in root exudates were also tested, individually or as mixtures (1 and 10 mM). Both natural and artificial exudates favoured the mobilization of sorbed HCH in soil. The effect was highly significant for α-, β- and γ-HCH isomers, for which the desorption rates increased by 23.0, 26.8 and 15.5% in the presence of natural root exudates and by 40.1, 25.9 and 25.6% in the presence of the artificial mixture (at 10 mM). The δ-HCH desorption rates increased by less than 10%. The effect of individual exudate components was very variable, but increased with the carbon content, reflecting the significance of hydrophobic interactions between the exudates and HCH molecules in the desorption of these last from soil. These findings indicate that plants may significantly influence the bioavailability of persistent contaminants, with major implications for improving phyto- and bioremediation procedures., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Bioremediation is a soil clean-up technique which exploits the metabolic capacity of microorganisms to degrade soil contaminants. A model was developed to simulate the ex situ bioremediation of a diesel-contaminated soil in a bio-slurry reactor inoculated with a diesel-degrading bacterial strain. Mass transfer processes involving desorption of diesel from soil to water and volatilization of diesel from water, and biodegradation by the bacterial inoculant were included in the model by using Weibull sigmoid kinetics and logistic/Monod kinetics respectively. Model parameters were estimated in batch-based abiotic and biodegradation experiments. Sensitivity analysis revealed the importance of maintaining a high bacterial density in the system for maximum bioremediation efficiency. The model was validated using a pilot bioreactor monitored for 528 h, which removed almost 90% of the diesel present in the system. The results revealed the capacity of the model to predict the bioremediation efficiency under different scenarios by adapting the input parameters to each system., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Nickel (Ni) agromining of ultramafic soils has been proposed as an eco-friendly option for metal recovery, which can also improve the fertility and quality of these low productive soils. The selection of adequate plant species and the analysis of their performance under the different climatic conditions are of interest for optimising the process and evaluating its full viability. A one-year field experiment was carried out to evaluate the viability of the two Ni-hyperaccumulating Mediterranean species, Alyssum murale and Leptoplax emarginata, for agromining purposes in ultramafic soils under a humid-temperate climate. Field plots of 50 m 2 were established and the soil was fertilised with gypsum and inorganic NPK fertilisers prior to cropping. Alyssum murale produced a slightly higher Ni yield than L. emarginata, but Ni bioaccumulation was dependent on the plant phenological stage for both species, being maximal at mid-flowering (4.2 and 3.0 kg Ni ha -1 , respectively). In both species, Ni was mainly stored in the leaves, especially in leaves of vegetative stems, but also in flowers and fruits in the case of L. emarginata. The main contributors to Ni yield of A. murale were flowering stems and their leaves, while for L. emarginata they were flowering stems and fruits. Implementing the agromining system increased soil nutrient availability, and modified microbial community structure and metabolic activity (due to fertilisation and plant root activity). The soil bacterial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Chloroflexi, and the agromining crops modified the relative abundance of some phyla (increasing Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Nitrospirae and reducing Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes). Cultivating A. murale increased the densities of total culturable bacteria, while L. emarginata selected Ni-tolerant bacteria in its rhizosphere. In summary, both species showed great potential for their use in Ni agromining systems, although optimising soil and crop management practices could improve the phytoextraction efficiency., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Phytomining techniques based on metal-hyperaccumulating plants can be implemented in serpentine quarry wastes for Ni recovery. However, strategies must be developed to overcome the unfavourable plant growth conditions that these substrates present and to optimize Ni yields. In this study, the Ni hyperaccumulators Alyssum serpyllifolium, Alyssum inflatum, and Alyssum bracteatum were evaluated for their Ni phytoextraction efficiency from quarry tailings. Effects of two organic amendments, composted municipal sewage sludge and cow manure, on plant growth and physiological status and Ni removal were determined. Organic amendments were incorporated at two addition rates (5% and 20% w/w). The best-performing hyperaccumulators were A. inflatum and A. serpyllifolium. Organic amendments improved plant biomass production, photosynthetic efficiency and nutrition, but reduced shoot Ni concentrations. However, the stimulation in biomass resulted in significantly enhanced Ni yields. The most promising results were found using low addition rates and after manure incorporation.

The original version of this Article contained an error in the third sentence of the abstract and incorrectly read "Here, using long-term plot monitoring records of up to half a century, we find that intact forests in Borneo gained 0.43 Mg C ha -1 year -1 (95% CI 0.14-0.72, mean period 1988-2010) above-ground live biomass", rather than the correct "Here, using long-term plot monitoring records of up to half a century, we find that intact forests in Borneo gained 0.43 Mg C ha -1 year -1 (95% CI 0.14-0.72, mean period 1988-2010) in above-ground live biomass carbon". This has now been corrected in both the PDF and HTML versions of the Article.

Less than half of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions remain in the atmosphere. While carbon balance models imply large carbon uptake in tropical forests, direct on-the-ground observations are still lacking in Southeast Asia. Here, using long-term plot monitoring records of up to half a century, we find that intact forests in Borneo gained 0.43 Mg C ha -1 per year (95% CI 0.14-0.72, mean period 1988-2010) above-ground live biomass. These results closely match those from African and Amazonian plot networks, suggesting that the world's remaining intact tropical forests are now en masse out-of-equilibrium. Although both pan-tropical and long-term, the sink in remaining intact forests appears vulnerable to climate and land use changes. Across Borneo the 1997-1998 El Niño drought temporarily halted the carbon sink by increasing tree mortality, while fragmentation persistently offset the sink and turned many edge-affected forests into a carbon source to the atmosphere.

Gentle remediation options (GRO) are based on the combined use of plants, associated microorganisms and soil amendments, which can potentially restore soil functions and quality. We studied the effects of three GRO (aided-phytostabilisation, in situ stabilisation and phytoexclusion, and aided-phytoextraction) on the soil microbial biomass and respiration, the activities of hydrolase enzymes involved in the biogeochemical cycles of C, N, P, and S, and bacterial community structure of trace element contaminated soils (TECS) from six field trials across Europe. Community structure was studied using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprinting of Bacteria, α- and β-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Streptomycetaceae, and sequencing of DGGE bands characteristic of specific treatments. The number of copies of genes involved in ammonia oxidation and denitrification were determined by qPCR. Phytomanagement increased soil microbial biomass at three sites and respiration at the Biogeco site (France). Enzyme activities were consistently higher in treated soils compared to untreated soils at the Biogeco site. At this site, microbial biomass increased from 696 to 2352 mg ATP kg -1 soil, respiration increased from 7.4 to 40.1 mg C-CO 2 kg -1 soil d -1 , and enzyme activities were 2-11-fold higher in treated soils compared to untreated soil. Phytomanagement induced shifts in the bacterial community structure at both, the total community and functional group levels, and generally increased the number of copies of genes involved in the N cycle (nirK, nirS, nosZ, and amoA). The influence of the main soil physico-chemical properties and trace element availability were assessed and eventual site-specific effects elucidated. Overall, our results demonstrate that phytomanagement of TECS influences soil biological activity in the long term., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Gentle remediation options (GRO), i.e. in situ stabilisation, (aided) phytoextraction and (aided) phytostabilisation, were implemented at ten European sites contaminated with trace elements (TE) from various anthropogenic sources: mining, atmospheric fallout, landfill leachates, wood preservatives, dredged-sediments, and dumped wastes. To assess the performance of the GRO options, topsoil was collected from each field trial, potted, and cultivated with lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) for 48days. Shoot dry weight (DW) yield, photosynthesis efficiency and major element and TE concentrations in the soil pore water and lettuce shoots were measured. GRO implementation had a limited effect on TE concentrations in the soil pore water, although use of multivariate Co-inertia Analysis revealed a clear amelioration effect in phytomanaged soils. Phytomanagement increased shoot DW yield at all industrial and mine sites, whereas in agricultural soils improvements were produced in one out of five sites. Photosynthesis efficiency was less sensitive than changes in shoot biomass and did not discriminate changes in soil conditions. Based on lettuce shoot DW yield, compost amendment followed by phytoextraction yielded better results than phytostabilisation; moreover shoot ionome data proved that, depending on initial soil conditions, recurrent compost application may be required to maintain crop production with common shoot nutrient concentrations., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bioremediation of polluted soils is a promising technique with low environmental impact, which uses soil organisms to degrade soil contaminants. In this study, 19 bacterial strains isolated from a diesel-contaminated soil were screened for their diesel-degrading potential, biosurfactant (BS) production, and biofilm formation abilities, all desirable characteristics when selecting strains for re-inoculation into hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Diesel-degradation rates were determined in vitro in minimal medium with diesel as the sole carbon source. The capacity to degrade diesel range organics (DROs) of strains SPG23 (Arthobacter sp.) and PF1 (Acinetobacter oleivorans) reached 17-26% of total DROs after 10 days, and 90% for strain GK2 (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus). The amount and rate of alkane degradation decreased significantly with increasing carbon number for strains SPG23 and PF1. Strain GK2, which produced BSs and biofilms, exhibited a greater extent, and faster rate of alkane degradation compared to SPG23 and PF1. Based on the outcomes of degradation experiments, in addition to BS production, biofilm formation capacities, and previous genome characterizations, strain GK2 is a promising candidate for microbial-assisted phytoremediation of diesel-contaminated soils. These results are of particular interest to select suitable strains for bioremediation, not only presenting high diesel-degradation rates, but also other characteristics which could improve rhizosphere colonization.

Plant growth promoting (PGP) bacterial strains possess different mechanisms to improve plant development under common environmental stresses, and are therefore often used as inoculants in soil phytoremediation processes. The aims of the present work were to study the effects of a collection of plant growth promoting bacterial strains on plant development, antioxidant enzyme activities and nutritional status of Cytisus striatus and/or Lupinus luteus plants a) growing in perlite under non-stress conditions and b) growing in diesel-contaminated soil. For this, two greenhouse experiments were designed. Firstly, C. striatus and L. luteus plants were grown from seeds in perlite, and periodically inoculated with 6 PGP strains, either individually or in pairs. Secondly, L. luteus seedlings were grown in soil samples of the A and B horizons of a Cambisol contaminated with 1.25% (w/w) of diesel and inoculated with best PGP inoculant selected from the first experiment. The results indicated that the PGP strains tested in perlite significantly improved plant growth. Combination treatments provoked better growth of L. luteus than the respective individual strains, while individual inoculation treatments were more effective for C. striatus. L. luteus growth in diesel-contaminated soil was significantly improved in the presence of PGP strains, presenting a 2-fold or higher increase in plant biomass. Inoculants did not provoke significant changes in plant nutritional status, with the exception of a subset of siderophore-producing and P-solubilising bacterial strains that resulted in significantly modification of Fe or P concentrations in leaf tissues. Inoculants did not cause significant changes in enzyme activities in perlite experiments, however they significantly reduced oxidative stress in contaminated soils suggesting an improvement in plant tolerance to diesel. Some strains were applied to non-host plants, indicating a non-specific performance of their plant growth promotion. The use of PGP strains in phytoremediation may help plants to overcome contaminant and other soil stresses, increasing phytoremediation efficiency., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

(Aided) phytostabilisation has been proposed as a suitable technique to decrease the environmental risks associated with metal(loid)-enriched mine tailings. Field scale evaluations are needed for demonstrating their effectiveness in the medium- to long-term. A field trial was implemented in spring 2011 in Cu-rich mine tailings in the NW of Spain. The tailings were amended with composted municipal solid wastes and planted with Salix spp., Populus nigra L. or Agrostis capillaris L. cv. Highland. Plant growth, nutritive status and metal accumulation, and soil physico- and bio-chemical properties, were monitored over three years (four years for plant growth). The total bacterial community, α- and β-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Streptomycetaceae were studied by DGGE of 16s rDNA fragments. Compost amendment improved soil properties such as pH, CEC and fertility, and decreased soil Cu availability, leading to the establishment of a healthy vegetation cover. Both compost-amendment and plant root activity stimulated soil enzyme activities and induced important shifts in the bacterial community structure over time. The woody plant, S. viminalis, and the grassy species, A. capillaris, showed the best results in terms of plant growth and biomass production. The beneficial effects of the phytostabilisation process were maintained at least three years after treatment., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report the 4.39 Mb draft genome of Bacillus licheniformis GB2, a hydrocarbonoclastic Gram-positive bacterium of the family Bacillaceae, isolated from diesel-contaminated soil at the Ford Motor Company site in Genk, Belgium. Strain GB2 is an effective plant-growth promoter useful for diesel fuel remediation applications based on plant-bacterium associations., (Copyright © 2016 Gkorezis et al.)

The association of plants and rhizospheric bacteria provides a successful strategy to clean up contaminated soils. The purpose of this work was to enhance diesel degradation in rhizosphere by inoculation with selected bacterial strains: a diesel degrader (D), plant growth-promoting (PGP) strains, or a combination (D+PGP). Plants were set up in pots with the A or B horizon of an umbric Cambisol (A and B) spiked with diesel (1.25%, w/w). After 1 mo, the dissipation of diesel range organics (DRO) with respect to = 0 (i.e., 1 wk after preparing the pots with the seedlings) concentration was significantly higher in inoculated than in noninoculated (NI) pots: The highest DRO losses were found in A D+PGP pots (close to 15-20% higher than NI) and in B D pots (close to 10% higher). The water-extractable DRO fraction was significantly higher at = 30 d (15-25%) compared with = 0 (<5%), probably due to the effects of plant root exudates and biosurfactants produced by the degrader strain. The results of this experiment reflect the importance of the partnerships between plants and bacterial inoculants and demonstrate the relevance of the effect of bacterial biosurfactants and plant root exudates on contaminant bioavailability, a key factor for enhancing diesel rhizodegradation. The association of lupine with D and PGP strains resulted in a promising combination for application in the rhizoremediation of soils with moderate diesel contamination., (Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.)

Contamination of soil with trace elements, such as Cu, is an important risk management issue. A pot experiment was conducted to determine the effects of three biochars and compost on plant growth and the immobilisation of Cu in a contaminated soil from a site formerly used for wood preservation. To assess Cu mobility, amended soils were analysed using leaching tests pre- and post-incubation, and post-growth. Amended and unamended soils were planted with sunflower, and the resulting plant material was assessed for yield and Cu concentration. All amendments significantly reduced leachable Cu compared to the unamended soil, however, the greatest reductions in leachable Cu were associated with the higher biochar application rate. The greatest improvements in plant yields were obtained with the higher application rate of biochar in combination with compost. The results suggest joint biochar and compost amendment reduces Cu mobility and can support biomass production on Cu-contaminated soils., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Ni phytomining is a promising technology for Ni recovery from low-grade ores such as ultramafic soils. Metal-hyperaccumulators are good candidates for phytomining due to their extraordinary capacity for Ni accumulation. However, many of these plants produce a low biomass, which makes the use of agronomic techniques for improving their growth necessary. In this study, the Ni hyperaccumulators Alyssum serpyllifolium ssp. lusitanicum, A. serpyllifolium ssp. malacitanum, Alyssum bertolonii and Noccaea goesingense were evaluated for their Ni phytoextraction efficiency from a Ni-rich serpentine soil. Effects of soil inorganic fertilisation (100:100:125kgNPKha(-1)) and soil organic amendment addition (2.5, 5 or 10% compost) on plant growth and Ni accumulation were determined. All soil treatments greatly improved plant growth, but the highest biomass production was generally found after addition of 2.5 or 5% compost (w/w). The most pronounced beneficial effects were observed for N. goesingense. Total Ni phytoextracted from soils was significantly improved using both soil treatments (inorganic and organic), despite the decrease observed in soil Ni availability and shoot Ni concentrations in compost-amended soils. The most promising results were found using intermediate amount of compost, indicating that these types of organic wastes can be incorporated into phytomining systems., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Volatile fuel compounds such as fuel oxygenates (FO) (MTBE and ETBE) and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) are some of the most soluble components of fuel. Characterizing the leaching potential of these compounds is essential for predicting their mobility through the soil profile and assessing the risk of groundwater contamination. Plant root exudates can play an important role in the modification of contaminant mobility in soil-plant systems, and such effects should also be considered in leaching studies. Artificially spiked samples of A and B horizons from an alumi-umbric Cambisol were leached in packed-columns and batch experiments using Milli-Q water and plant root exudates as leaching agents. The leaching potential and rate were strongly influenced by soil-contaminant interactions and by the presence of root exudates. Organic matter in A horizon preferably sorbed the most non-polar contaminants, lowering their leaching potential, and this effect was enhanced by the presence of root exudates. On the other hand, the inorganic components of the B horizon, showed a greater affinity for polar molecules, and the presence of root exudates enhanced the desorption of the contaminants. Column experiments resulted in a more realistic protocol than batch tests for predicting the leaching potential of volatile organic compounds in dissimilar soils., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

We report the 4.76-Mb draft genome of Pantoea ananatis GB1, a Gram-negative bacterium of the family Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from the roots of poplars planted for phytoremediation of a diesel-contaminated plume at the Ford Motor Company site in Genk, Belgium. Strain GB1 promotes plant growth in various hosts and metabolizes hydrocarbons., (Copyright © 2016 Gkorezis et al.)

In this study different bacterial inoculation methods were tested for tobacco plants growing in a mine-soil contaminated with Pb, Zn, and Cd. The inoculation methods evaluated were: seed inoculation, soil inoculation, dual soil inoculation event, and seed+soil inoculation. Each inoculum was added at two bacterial densities (10(6) CFUs mL(-1) and 10(8) CFUs mL(-1)). The objectives were to evaluate whether or not the mode of inoculation or the number of applied microorganisms influences plant response. The most pronounced bacterial-induced effect was found for biomass production, and the soil inoculation treatment (using 10(6) CFUs mL(-1)) led to the highest increase in shoot dry weight yield (up to 45%). Bacterial-induced effects on shoot metal concentrations were less pronounced; although a positive effect was found on shoot Pb concentration when using 10(8) CFUs mL(-1) in the soil inoculation (29% increase) and in the seed+soil inoculation (34% increase). Also shoot Zn concentration increased by 24% after seed inoculation with 10(6) CFUs mL(-1). The best effects on the total metal yield were not correlated with an increasing number of inoculated bacteria. In fact the best results were found after a single soil inoculation using the lower cellular density of 10(6) CFUs mL(-1).

The application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) or phytohormones could be an interesting option for stimulating biomass production of hyperaccumulating plants and, consequently, their metal phytoextraction capacity. The effect of exogenous applications of phytohormones (PGR) on the Ni phytoextraction capacity of four Ni hyperaccumulating species (Alyssum corsicum, Alyssum malacitanum, Alyssum murale and Noccaea goesingense) was evaluated. Four different commercially available phytohormones (B, C, K and P) based on gibberellins, cytokinins and auxins were applied to the plant aerial tissues. Each product was applied at three different concentrations (B1-3, C1-3, K1-3 and P1-3). The effect on biomass production was dependent on the species, the PGR type and the concentration at which it was applied. Two of the four products (K and P) consistently increased biomass production compared to untreated control plants in all four plant species. On the other hand, all four products led to a significant increase in the number of branches (and leaves in the case of N. goesingense) of all four species compared to control plants. Application of phytohormones generally led to a reduction in shoot Ni concentration. Nonetheless, in some cases as a consequence of the increase observed in biomass after the application of phytohormones a significant increase in the Ni phytoextraction efficiency was also observed (but this was species- and PGR type-dependent). The results show that PGRs can be successfully used to improve the growth and biomass production of hyperaccumulating species such as Alyssum and Noccaea. However, an increase in biomass did not always lead to a higher Ni removal, and the most effective PGR for increasing Ni removal was the IAA-based product., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Vegetation and its associated microorganisms play an important role in the behaviour of soil contaminants. One of the most important elements is root exudation, since it can affect the mobility, and therefore, the bioavailability of soil contaminants. In this study, we evaluated the influence of root exudates on the mobility of fuel derived compounds in contaminated soils. Samples of humic acid, montmorillonite, and an A horizon from an alumi-umbric Cambisol were contaminated with volatile contaminants present in fuel: oxygenates (MTBE and ETBE) and monoaromatic compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene). Natural root exudates obtained from Holcus lanatus and Cytisus striatus and ten artificial exudates (components frequently found in natural exudates) were added to the samples, individually and as a mixture, to evaluate their effects on contaminant mobility. Fuel compounds were analyzed by headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In general, the addition of natural and artificial exudates increased the mobility of all contaminants in humic acid. In A horizon and montmorillonite, natural or artificial exudates (as a mixture) decreased the contaminant mobility. However, artificial exudates individually had different effects: carboxylic components increased and phenolic components decreased the contaminant mobility. These results established a base for developing and improving phytoremediation processes of fuel-contaminated soils.

The performance of Cytisus striatus in association with different microbial inoculant treatments on the dissipation of the insecticide hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) was studied. Two soils with different organic matter (A and B soil) content were spiked with 0 or 65 mg HCH kg(-1). Plants were either not inoculated (NI), or inoculated with the endophyte Rhodococcus erythropolis ET54b and the HCH-degrader Sphingomonas sp. D4 separately or in combination (ET, D4 and ETD4). Unplanted pots were also established. HCH phytotoxicity was more pronounced in the B soil. Soil HCH concentrations in unplanted pots were similar to initial concentrations, whereas concentrations were reduced after plant growth: by 20% and 8% in A and B soil, respectively. Microbial inoculants also modified HCH dissipation, although effects were soil-dependent. Inoculation with the combination of strains (ETD4) led to a significant enhancement in HCH dissipation: up to 53% in the A soil and 43% in the B soil., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Recent studies have shown that application of phytohormones to shoots of Alyssum murale increased biomass production but did not increase Ni shoot concentration. Increased biomass and Ni phytoextraction efficiency is useful to achieve economically viable phytomining. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two types of phytohormones on the Ni phytoextraction capacity of four Alyssum species. Two different commercially available phytohormones (Cytokin and Promalin) based on cytokinins and/or gibberellins were applied on shoot biomass of four Ni hyperaccumulating Alyssum species (A. corsicum, A. malacitanum, A. murale, and A. pintodasilvae). Cytokin was applied in two concentrations and promalin in one concentration. The application of phytohormones had no clear positive effect on biomass production, Ni accumulation and Ni phytoextraction efficiency in the studied Alyssum species. A. malacitanum was the only species in which a significantly negative effect of these treatments was observed (in Ni uptake). A slightly positive response to promalin treatment was observed in the biomass production and Ni phytoextraction efficiency of A. corsicum. Although this effect was not significant it does indicate a potential application of these approaches to improve phytoextraction ability. Further studies will be needed to identify the most adequate phytohormone treatment as well as the appropriate concentrations and application times.

The plant-microorganism-soil system of three pseudometallophytes (Betula celtiberica, Cytisus scoparius and Festuca rubra) growing in a Pb/Zn mine was characterised. Plant metal accumulation, soil metal fractions (rhizosphere and non-vegetated) and bacterial densities were determined. Total Cd, Pb and Zn in non-vegetated soils was up to 50, 3000 and 20,000 mg kg(-1) dry weight, respectively. The residual fraction dominated non-vegetated soils, whereas plant-available fractions became important in rhizosphere soils. All plant species effectively excluded metals from the shoot. F. rubra presented a shoot:root transport factor of ≤0.2 and this population could be useful in future phytostabilisation trials. Culturable bacterial densities and diversity were low (predominantly Actinobacteria). Rhizosphere soils hosted higher total and metal-tolerant bacterial densities. Seventy-four metal-tolerant rhizobacteria were isolated, and characterised genotypically (BOX-PCR, 16S rDNA) and phenotypically [Cd/Zn tolerance, biosurfactant production and plant growth promoting (PGP) traits]. Several isolates resisted high concentrations of Cd and Zn, and only a few presented PGP traits. Fourteen isolates were evaluated for promoting plant growth of two species (Salix viminalis and Festuca pratensis). Thirteen inoculants enhanced growth of F. pratensis, while only three enhanced growth of S. viminalis. Growth enhancement could not always be related to isolate PGP traits. In conclusion, some isolates show potential application in phytostabilisation or phytoextraction techniques., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of three populations of the Ni-hyperaccumulator Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum (A. pintodasilvae; M, S, and L), one population of Ni-hyperaccumulator A. serpyllifolium subsp. malacitanum (A. malacitanum; SB), and one population of the non-hyperaccumulator A. serpyllifolium subsp. serpyllifolium (A. serpyllifolium; SN). Isolates were characterized genotypically by BOX-PCR genomic DNA fingerprinting and comparative sequence analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene, and phenotypically by their Ni tolerance (0-10 mM), presence of plant growth promoting traits (indoleacetic acid (IAA)-, siderophore-, or organic acid-production, and phosphate solubilization) or capacity to produce biosurfactants. Among the collection of rhizobacteria, 84 strains were selected (according to their BOX-PCR profiles and phenotypic characteristics) to assess their ability to modify Ni extractability from Ni-rich (serpentine) soils. Metabolites produced by 13 of the isolates mobilized soil Ni (originating from the rhizosphere of both Ni-hyperaccumulators and non-hyperaccumulator). In contrast, Ni extraction using culture medium filtrates which had supported the growth of 29 strains was significantly reduced. The remaining strains had no effect on Ni mobility. Bacterial induced Ni mobilization was not related to Ni resistance or the phenotypic traits tested. Isolates with potential use in phytoremediation techniques will be further studied in a plant-microorganism-soil system.

In this study we determine culturable microbial densities (total heterotrophs, ammonifiers, amylolytics and cellulolytics) and bacterial resistance to Co, Cr, and Ni in bulk and rhizosphere soils of three populations of the Ni-hyperaccumulator Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum and the excluder Dactylis glomerata from ultramafic sites (two populations in Northeast (NE) Portugal (Samil (S), Morais (M)) and one population in Northwest (NW) Spain (Melide (L)). The relationship between bioavailable metal concentrations (H2O-soluble) and microbial densities were analysed. Significant differences in microbial densities and metal-resistance were observed between the two species and their three populations. The hyperaccumulator showed higher microbial densities (except cellulolytics) and a greater rhizosphere effect, but this was only observed in S and M populations. These populations of A. serpyllifolium also showed selective enrichment of Ni-tolerant bacteria at the rhizosphere where Ni solubility was enhanced (densities of Ni-resistant bacteria were positively correlated with H2O-soluble Ni). These rhizobacteria could solubilise Ni in the soil and potentially improve phytoextraction strategies.

Amendment of agricultural soils with municipal sewage sludges provides a valuable source of plant nutrients and organic matter. Nevertheless, addition of heavy metals and risks of eutrophication continue to be of concern. Metal behaviour in soils and plant uptake are dependent on the nature of the metal, sludge/soil physico-chemical properties and plant species. A pot experiment was carried out to evaluate plant production and heavy metal uptake, soil heavy metal pools and bioavailability, and soil P pools and possible leaching losses, in agricultural soils amended with sewage sludge for at least 10 years (F20) compared to non-amended soils (control). Sewage sludge application increased soil pH, N, Olsen-extractable-P, DOC and exchangeable Ca, Mg and K concentrations. Total and EDTA-extractable soil concentrations of Cu and Zn were also significantly greater in F20, and soil metal (Cu, Mn and Zn) and P fractionation altered. Compared to the control, in F20 relative amounts of acid-extractable (Mn, Zn), reducible (Mn, Zn) and oxidisable (Cu, Zn) metal fractions were greater, and a dominance of inorganic P forms was observed. Analyses of F20 soil solutions highlighted risks of PO4 and Cu leaching. However, despite the observed increases in metal bioavailability sewage sludge applications did not lead to an increase in plant shoot concentrations (in wild plants or crop species). On the contrary, depending on the plant species, Mn and Zn tissue concentrations were within the deficiency level for most plants.

Context: Children on farms perform work that places them at risk for acute and chronic negative health outcomes. Despite strategies for preventing and reducing the risk of disease and injury, children's use of personal protective equipment and safely equipped farm machinery has generally remained unreported., Purpose: This paper reports the use of personal protective equipment, self-protective work behaviors, and selected risk exposures of children aged 14-19, who perform farm work., Methods: Survey results of adolescent high school students (n = 593) enrolled in agriculture class in Kentucky, Iowa, and Mississippi. Students were part of the sample that participated in the Agricultural Disability Awareness and Risk Education Project., Findings: Boys were at a significantly higher risk of exposure compared to girls, and boys engaged more frequently in risky behavior. Hearing and respiratory protection was used minimally and sporadically. Physical symptoms influenced use of hearing and respirator use, as did physician recommendation to use such protection. Of students who operated farm tractors, only half most frequently operated tractors with safety bars and seat belts. Sixty percent of the students reported using equipment with damaged or missing safety shields., Conclusions: In addition to the usual risks of farm work, adolescents may be at even greater risk by not using personal protective equipment or not having access to machinery that is properly equipped for maximum protection. Health care providers should incorporate advice to adolescents and their parents on risk reduction, particularly on the use of personal protective equipment.

Phytoremediation techniques are now considered to be promising alternatives to conventional techniques for the remediation of diffused or moderately contaminated soils. Despite their growing acceptance relatively few plant species have been studied for phytoremediation purposes. Further geobotanical surveys and plant screenings are necessary since these could lead to the identification of additional species with potential value for such applications. Serpentine areas could prove valuable sources of such plants. In this study heavy metal accumulation was determined in the flora associated with ultramafic and non-ultramafic soils of the Trás-os-Montes region of NE Portugal. Study sites were selected to represent a wide range of soil-forming rocks (serpentinized (S), ultrabasic (UB), basic (B) and acid (migmatite, M and schists, SC) rocks) and plant metal accumulation was related to soil metal bioavailability. Nine plant species (representing 7 families) were sampled including the Ni hyperaccumulator Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum. The greatest metal accumulation, transport (leaf[metal]:root[metal]) and bioaccumulation (leaf[metal]/soil[metal]) was found in four of the non metal-hyperaccumulating species: Cistus ladanifer, Lavandula stoechas, Plantago subulata subsp. radicata and Thymus mastichina. Metal accumulation depended on both the plant species and the edaphic conditions at its provenance. While P. subulata is of less interest due to its low biomass the remaining three species could be of use in phytoremediation technologies such as phytoextraction, and particularly in soils contaminated with Cr, Mn and Zn. These three species are also of economic interest due to their oil and fragrance producing biomass.

The genetic diversity of Cistus ladanifer ssp. ladanifer (Cistaceae) growing on ultramafic and non-ultramafic (basic and schists) soils in the NE of Portugal was studied in order to identify molecular markers that could distinguish the metal-tolerant ecotypes of this species. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used in order to estimate genetic variation and differences between populations. The RAPD dataset was analysed by means of a cluster analysis and an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). Our results indicate a significant partitioning of molecular variance between ultramafic and non-ultramafic populations of Cistus ladanifer, although the highest percentage of this variance was found at the intra-population level. Mantel's test showed no relationship between inter-population genetic and geographic distances. A series of RAPD bands that could be related to heavy metal tolerance were observed. The identification of such markers will enable the use of Cistus ladanifer in phytoremediation procedures.

The efficiency of Alyssum serpyllifolium ssp. lusitanicum (Brassicaceae) for use in phytoextraction of polymetallic contaminated soils was evaluated. A. serpyllifolium was grown on two mine-spoil soils (MS1 and MS2): MS1 is contaminated with Cr (283 mg kg(-1)) and MS2 is moderately contaminated with Cr (263 mg kg(-1)), Cu (264 mg kg(-1)), Pb (1433 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (377 mg kg(-1)). Soils were limed to about pH 6.0 (MS1/Ca and MS2/Ca) or limed and amended with NPK fertilisers (MS1/NPK and MS2/NPK). Biomass was reduced on MS2/Ca due to Cu phytotoxicity. Fertilisation increased biomass by 10-fold on MS1/NPK, but root growth was reduced by 7-fold compared with MS1/Ca. Plants accumulated Mn, Ni and Zn in shoots, and both metal content and transportation were generally greater in MS2 than in MS1. Zinc bioaccumulation factors (BF, shoot([metal])/soil([metal])) were significantly greater in MS2 than in MS1. However, metal yields were greatest in plants grown on MS1/NPK. Concentrations of EDTA-, NH(4)Cl- and Mehlich 3 (M3)-extractable Mn and Zn were greater after plant growth. Concentrations of M3-extractable Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn were increased at the rhizosphere. Sequential extractions showed changes in the metal distribution among different soil fractions after growth. This could reflect the buffering capacity of these soils or the plants' ability to mobilise metals from less plant-available soil pools. Results suggest that A. serpyllifolium could be suitable for phytoextraction uses in polymetallic-contaminated soils, provided Cu concentrations were not phytotoxic. However, further optimisation of growth and metal extraction are required.

Nearly 2 million children live or work on America's farms and ranches. Despite the increasing mechanization of production agriculture in the United States, children still constitute a considerable portion of the work force on farms and ranches. When adjusted for actual work exposure time, adolescent injury rates on agricultural establishments surpass those of adults (Castillo, D. N., Landen, D. D., & Layne, L. A. (1994). American Journal of Public Health, 84, 646-649). This project, headed by two public health nurses, developed and tested an agricultural safety curriculum [Agricultural Disability Awareness and Risk Education (AgDARE)] for use in high school agriculture classes. Students who participated in AgDARE scored significantly higher in farm safety attitude and intent to change work behavior than the control group. School and public health nurses, working together with agriculture teachers, may make an effective team in reducing injuries among teen agricultural workers.

Background: Back- and fall-related injuries occur frequently in construction and are costly in terms of workers' compensation claims and lost productivity. Interventions are needed that address the susceptibility to these injuries., Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop and test a safety training intervention for small construction companies (

Objective: Develop and test a farm health and injury prevention educational intervention for high school agriculture students., Setting: Twenty one high schools in Kentucky, Iowa, and Mississippi., Methods: A quasiexperimental crossover design was used to test the effectiveness of two sets of instructional materials designed through participatory action research with agriculture teachers and students. Narrative simulations based on farm work stories and simulations of farm work while students pretended to have a disability were completed in 14 schools (n = 373) over the academic year. Students in seven control schools (n = 417) received no intervention but completed, in the same time frame as students in the treatment schools, demographic surveys and premeasures and post-measures of farm safety attitudes and intent to change safety behaviors. One year after the intervention, 29 students from the treatment group received farm visits to measure their farm safety behaviors., Results: Students engaged in hazardous work on farms. Thirty two were involved in tractor overturns and 11 had received injuries from rotating power take-off mechanisms. One fourth reported hearing problems, and 21% had respiratory symptoms after working in dusty farm surroundings. Students who completed at least two physical and two narrative simulations of the Agricultural Disability Awareness and Risk Education (AgDARE) curriculum showed statistically significant positive changes in farm safety attitude and intent to change behaviors., Conclusions: Adolescents engage in farm work that places them at risk for injury and illness. The AgDARE curriculum may be an effective and efficient method of teaching farm safety in high school agriculture classes.

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is widely considered to be the most important growth-limiting factor for plants in strongly acid soils (pH<5.0). The inhibition of root elongation in three varieties of maize (Zea mays L. vars Clavito, HS701b and Sikuani) was followed over the first 48 h of Al treatment, and during the initial 10 h elongation was determined on an hourly basis. The silicon (Si)-induced amelioration of Al toxicity was investigated by pre-treating seedlings for 72 h in nutrient solutions with 1000 microM Si before transfer into solutions with 0, 20 or 50 microM Al (without Si). Plants were either grown in complete low ionic strength nutrient solutions (CNS) or in low salt solutions of 0.4 mM CaCl2 (LSS). In addition, the role of root exudation of organic compounds as a mechanism of Si-induced alleviation of Al toxicity was investigated. Aluminium-induced inhibition of root elongation in the maize var. HS701b was observed within 1 h of Al exposure. After a lag time of at least 8 h, Si-induced alleviation of Al toxicity was observed in this variety when grown in LSS. In the Al-resistant var. Sikuani, Al-resistance was only observed after exposure to 50 microM Al, and not after exposure to 20 microM Al, suggesting that there exists a threshold Al concentration before the mechanisms of Al resistance are activated. Aluminium stimulated root exudation of oxalic acid in all three varieties, but exudate concentrations did not increase with either Al resistance or with Si pretreatment. Aluminium and Si triggered release of catechol and of the flavonoid-type phenolics: catechin, and quercetin. In the Al-resistant variety, Sikuani, Al-exposed plants pretreated with Si exuded up to 15 times more phenolics than those plants not pretreated with Si. The flavonoid-type phenolics, to date unconsidered, appear to play a role in the mechanism(s) of Si-induced amelioration of Al toxicity.

Factors associated with soil acidity are considered to be limiting for plants in many parts of the world. This work was undertaken to investigate the role of the toxicity of hydrogen (H(+)) which seems to have been underconsidered by ecologists as an explanation of the reduced plant growth observed in very acid soils. Racial differences are reported in plant growth response to increasing acidity in the grass Holcus lanatus L. (Yorkshire-fog) and the tree Betula pendula Roth (Silver Birch). Soils and seeds were collected from four Scottish sites which covered a range of soils from acid (organic and mineral) to more base-rich. The sites and their pH (1:2.5 fresh soil:0.01 M CaCl(2)) were: Flanders Moss (FM), pH 3.2+/-0.03; Kippenrait Glen (KP), pH 4.8+/- 0.05; Kinloch Rannoch (KR), pH 6.1+/-0.16; and Sheriffmuir (SMM), pH 4.3+/-0.11. The growth rates of two races of H. lanatus, FM and KP, and three races of B. pendula (SMM, KP and KR) were measured in nutrient solution cultures at pH 2.0 (H. lanatus only), 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, and 5.6. Results showed races from acid organic soils (FM) were H(+)-tolerant while those from acid mineral soils (SMM) were Al(3+)-tolerant but not necessarily H(+)-tolerant. These results confirmed that populations were separately adapted to H(+) or Al(3+) toxicity and this was dependent upon the soil characteristics at their site of collection. The fact of plant adaptation to H(+) toxicity supports the view that this is an important factor in very acid soils.

Purpose: To review the anatomic and physiologic considerations in repetitive strain injuries (RSI) in youth in relation to normal growth and development., Data Sources: Extensive review of scientific literature, laws relating to youth labor, and the authors' experience., Conclusions: Early detection of youth at risk for RSIs is crucial for prevention and treatment. Physical maturity and size are more important than chronological age in the safe performance of work tasks or sports., Implications for Practice: Interventions that reduce injury in youth include gradually increasing training load, improving flexibility, and strength, improving biomechanics, and correcting malalignment. Assessments should include tests of flexibility, laxity, and muscle symmetry.

Aluminium (Al) is rhizotoxic and is often present in acidic soils at activities high enough to inhibit root elongation. The objectives of the present study were to assess the level of Al tolerance in different races of Betula pendula Roth (Silver Birch) and to investigate how growth and nutrient acquisition were affected by Al. A solution culture technique was employed which simulated natural soil solutions. Aluminium at low concentrations (2 and 5 mg l(-1)), enhanced the growth of two races of B. pendula originating from soils poor in Al (FM and KP). In contrast, Al, at all concentrations tested, inhibited growth in an Al-sensitive race (KR) whose provenance was a calcareous soil. At concentrations >/=10 mg l(-1), Al reduced growth in FM and KP races, while growth increased with increasing Al (up to 25 mg l(-1)) in the Al-tolerant, SMM, race. Aluminium altered both root and leaf architecture. Low Al concentrations (<5 mg l(-1)) significantly increased leaf expansion, and high concentrations (>25 mg l(-1)) reduced leaf expansion. In the Al-sensitive race, KR, there was a loss of apical dominance, and both lateral and primary roots were stunted and swollen, with increasing Al concentrations. These results demonstrated pronounced racial differences in tolerance to Al by B. pendula that could be predicted from the soil environment of each race.

In the literature on focus groups, far more attention has been devoted to how groups are organized and conducted than to issues of analysis. Although exploitation of group dynamics is touted as a virtue of focus groups, there is very little guidance in the literature with respect to how differences between group and individual discourse impact the analysis and interpretation of focus group data. In this article, the authors describe analytical challenges inherent in the interpretation of focus group data and suggest approaches for enhancing the rigor of analysis and the reliability and validity of focus group findings.

Objectives: To analyze data from motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) involving teenaged drivers in Kentucky for 1994, and derive cost estimates of these crashes., Methods: Crash data were obtained from the Kentucky Traffic Accident Facts 1994 Report and the Kentucky Accident Reporting System. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Crash-Cost program was used to generate cost estimates for Kentucky data., Results: Teenaged drivers had significantly higher MVC fatal and non-fatal injury rates than did adult drivers. The deaths rates were 43.6 and 19.0 per 100,000 for teens and adult drivers, respectively. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to estimate the relative risk for (1) involvement in an MVC, (2) fatal or incapacitating injury, and (3) fatal injury for teenaged compared with adult drivers. The crude ORs were statistically significant at each age. Cost estimates were calculated on a per person/vehicle basis. A single fatal injury was $642,700. A critical injury was $563,000. In general, unit costs rose with increasing levels of injury severity. For the total number of fatal injuries, costs exceeded $91 million. For non-fatal injuries and property damage only crashes, total costs were $318 million. Overall, the total cost estimate for MVCs involving teenaged drivers was nearly $410 million., Conclusions: Strategies aimed to reduce the number of MVCs attributed to teenaged drivers should reduce both the number and costs of crash related deaths and injuries. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems are one plausible approach toward achieving this goal. By recently enacting a GDL system in Kentucky, it is anticipated that many lives and dollars will be saved.

Introduction: The needs of family members of intensive care unit patients are well-documented, but there is little published about the specific needs of family members of air medical patients., Purpose: This study was devised to identify family member's information needs regarding air medical transport., Methods: Using a descriptive correlational design, 100 family members of air medical patients completed a 14-item Likert-format questionnaire. Each item addressed an information need and asked how important the information was to the family member and how much of this information they received., Results: The information needs most frequently ranked as very important related to the patient's condition, the patient's admitting unit at the receiving hospital, and being able to see the patient prior to flight. Information most frequently received by the family related to the patient's condition., Conclusion: Flight crews need to be cognizant of families' needs and develop ways to improve communication with the family to meet those needs.

Objective: To explore risk-taking motivations, driving practices, and alcohol use in rural adolescent drivers., Design: Descriptive correlational study, that used three self-administered questionnaires: Risk Taking Questionnaire, Driving Practices Questionnaire, and Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test., Methods: Test instruments were administered to 23 adolescent drivers, aged 16 to 18 years, recruited by school guidance counselors., Results: Risky driving practices were associated with alcohol use (r = 0.73) and greater risk-taking motivations (r = 0.75). The mean score on the Short Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (4.23) reflected alcoholic tendencies. Male gender was moderately associated with risky driving practice (r = 0.54)., Conclusion: Drinking alcohol and risky driving may represent a broader risk-taking syndrome. In identifying injury-susceptible individuals, gender may be less useful than identification of driving practices. Injury alone may an indicator of risk-taking behavior, but when injury is combined with alcohol use the index of suspicion increases. Emergency nurses can screen injured adolescents for risk-taking motivations and discuss injury history and perceived injury susceptibility. Awareness is the first step in initiating self-protective measures.