Influence of municipal waste treated sludge on the quality attributes of African marigold (Tagetes erecta)

Abstract

Using treated sludge to amend soil in agriculture presents opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning the augmentation of heavy metals in cultivated plants. This research looks into how applying treated sludge affects the buildup of heavy metals in African marigold (Tagetes erecta), a popular ornamental plant that could potentially help with phytoremediation. Several treatment combinations were imposed, out of which treated sludge at 2.5 t/ha showed promising results. The effect of incorporating treated sludge was found to be better in terms of using conventional manures like Farm Yard Manure and Vermicompost in quantitative terms. The sludge processed at the treatment plant underwent strict treatment procedures, resulting in odourless material that can be used as an organic amendment with nutrients. Heavy metal concentrations in plant tissues were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) to assess the uptake and accumulation of heavy metals by African marigolds. Results indicated that treated sludge application did not significantly influence the accumulation and bioavailability of heavy metals in African marigolds. The treated sludge helped plants grow better and absorb nutrients; it did not cause higher levels of harmful heavy metals like cadmium and lead in the plants. The levels of heavy metals found were lower than what is considered unsafe for plants. In addition, treated sludge can serve as a soil conditioner to enhance the physicochemical properties of the soil.