Impact of Zeolite on Protein, Mg and Zn Content of Triticum aestivum L. Wheat in Contaminated Soils of War Zones

Abstract

Background: Nowadays, the use of unconventional weapons has made a serious damage to the environment. The use of zeolite is one of the solutions in soil pollution management. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of natural zeolite on grain protein, Mg and Zn uptake in the wheat in contaminated soils by war weapons. Methods: The experiment was carried out in factorial arrangement in a randomized complete design with three replications in a pot. The studied treatments were four levels of zeolite as zero, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5% based on weight of soil and two types of soils including non-contaminated and contaminated soil by mines and war explosives. Contaminated and non-contaminated soil samples were taken from the southern region of Dehloran city. Results: The results showed that the amount of grain protein and Mg in contaminated soils were significantly higher than non-contaminated soils. The use of zeolite in both soils caused a significant increase in either of them. In this study, the Zn concentration of grain in contaminated soils was higher than non-contaminated. In addition, the concentration of Zn was significantly decreased when zeolite consumption was increased. Conclusion: The results showed that the use of zeolite in contaminated and non-contaminated soils had a positive effect in terms of grain protein and Mg. In addition, the use of zeolite can prevent the excessive increase in Zn due to war weapons and can be effective in plant and community health.