Abstract
The aim of the present study was the estimation of changes in the phytotoxicity of soils amended with sewage sludge with relation to Lepidium sativum, Sinapis alba and Sorghum saccharatum. The study was realised in the system of a plot experiment for a period of 29 months. Samples for analyses were taken at the beginning of the experiment, and then after 5, 17 and 29 months. Two kinds of sewage sludge, with varying properties, were added to a sandy soil (soil S) or a loamy soil (soil L) at the dose of 90 t/ha. The addition of sewage sludge to the soils at the start of the experiment caused a significant reduction of both seed germination capacity and root length of the test plants, the toxic effect being distinctly related to the test plant species. With the passage of time the negative effect of sewage sludge weakened, the extent of its reduction depending both of the kind of sewage sludge applied and on the type of soil. Phytotoxicity of the soils amended with the sewage sludges was significantly lower at the end of the experiment than at the beginning. The species of the plants grown on the soils also had a significant effect on their phytotoxicity. The greatest reduction of toxicity was observed in the soil on which no plants were grown (sandy soil) and in the soil under a culture of willow (loamy soil). Solid phase of sewage sludge-amended soils was characterised by higher toxicity than their extracts.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11270-012-1248-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Application of sewage sludge in agriculture or for soil reclamation is an interesting solution
In the control soil S, the highest sensitivity was observed for S. saccharatum, for which seed germination was inhibited at the level of 20 %
Plant species used in the biotests, kind of sewage sludge, effect of plants grown on soil amended with sewage sludge or the kind of matrix tested are highly important issues whose role should be studied
Summary
Application of sewage sludge in agriculture or for soil reclamation is an interesting solution. The lack of accurate information in this respect increases the risk involved in the application of sewage sludge In this situation, biological tests may be helpful in the identification of potential threats. The use of biological tests permits estimation of threats related with the presence of so far unidentified contaminants with potentially toxic effect. In this aspect, the estimation of phytotoxicity of sewage sludge is of particular importance due to its frequent utilisation for natural purposes. The application of phytotoxicity tests, permits to evaluate the applicability of sewage sludge for agricultural or soil reclamation purposes, and to identify potential threats for the environment and for human health
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
