Deposition of glomalin-related soil protein and sequestered toxic metals into watersheds.

We hypothesized that glomalin-related soil proteins (GRSP) are eroded in sufficient quantities to influence metal loading into watersheds. We tested correlations among GRSP, Glomeromycota fungi, and metals (cadmium, iron, lead, and manganese) in proteins extracted from embankment soils at seven locations along an urban/coastal watershed. Immunoreactive (IRSP) and easily extractable (EE-IRSP) glomalin ranged from 0.007 to 2.9 mg g(-1) and from 0.006 to 0.63 mg g(-1) of soils, respectively. Glomalin-bound metals (microg mg(-1) protein) were Cd = 0.00-0.338; Fe = 0.5-227.7; Pb = 0.11-188.95; Mn = 2.23-784.42). Glomeromycota fungi were detected in 24% of all samples tested with PCR targeting the 18S and 28S ribosomal DNA extracted from soils. Specific assay for G. intraradices showed 3.08 x 10(7) copies g(-1) and 1.96 x 10(3) copies g(-1) of soil at two sites. Estimated annual glomalin loading into the watershed ranged from 5.48 x 10(2) to 7.22 x 10(4) kg of IRSP and from 2.57 x 102 to 2.86 x 10(4) kg of EE-IRSP; including 2.7 kg (Cd), 6.3 x 10(3) kg (Fe), 5.06 x 10(2) kg (Pb), and 1.80 x 10(3) kg (Mn). These data provide insights into the sources and ecological fate of a ubiquitous soil protein and its metals content.