Experimental Study on the Effects of Natural Zeolite on Lead Toxicity, Growth, Nodulation, and Chemical Composition of Soybean

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is one of the most dangerous contaminants that has been released into the environment over many years by anthropogenic activities. In the present study, the effect of zeolite on the Pb toxicity, growth, nodulation, and chemical composition of soybean (Glycine max L. var. Williams) was evaluated. Treatments consisted of factorial combination of three levels of zeolite (0, 2, and 5 g kg−1) and three levels of Pb (0, 10, and 25 mg kg−1) with three replicates in a completely randomized design. Lead application decreased shoot and root dry weights. Without any use of Pb, addition of zeolite increased shoot dry weight, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations and the number and dry weight of root nodules. Moreover, the greatest value for these parameters was obtained by greatest level of zeolite application (5 g zeolite kg−1 soil). It is suggested that zeolite has positive effects on growth and chemical composition of soybean and reduces Pb toxicity in plant parts.