article · International Journal of Phytoremediation
A greenhouse pot experiment investigated the effects of varying sewage sludge application rates (0 to 50 g kg⁻¹) on spinach growth, biomass, and heavy metal accumulation. The study found that sewage sludge increased soil organic matter, chromium, and zinc concentrations, while decreasing soil pH. All heavy metal levels in the sludge were below European permissible limits for land application. Spinach growth and biomass improved significantly with sludge applications up to 40 g kg⁻¹. Although heavy metal concentrations in spinach increased, most remained within normal ranges and were not phytotoxic, with the plant effectively restricting heavy metal transport to edible parts. The research concluded that this sewage sludge is suitable for use as a fertiliser in spinach production systems in Saudi Arabia.
This research offers a sustainable approach to waste management by repurposing sewage sludge as a fertiliser. It demonstrates how such waste can enhance crop yield while ensuring food safety regarding heavy metal contamination, which is crucial for agricultural practices and environmental protection.
This research indicates that treated sewage sludge could be commercialised as an agricultural fertiliser, particularly for spinach production systems. Potential users include farmers and agricultural organisations seeking sustainable and cost-effective soil amendments. The findings suggest this is an applied solution, potentially near-market for implementation in regions like Saudi Arabia, offering a practical method for waste valorisation and improved crop yield.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
In this study, we present the response of spinach to different amendment rates of sewage sludge (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 g kg<sup>-1</sup>) in a greenhouse pot experiment, where plant growth, biomass and heavy metal uptake were measured. The results showed that sewage sludge application increased soil electric conductivity (EC), organic matter, chromium and zinc concentrations and decreased soil pH. All heavy metal concentrations of the sewage sludge were below the permissible limits for land application of sewage sludge recommended by the Council of the European Communities. Biomass and all growth parameters (except the shoot/root ratio) of spinach showed a positive response to sewage sludge applications up to 40 g kg<sup>-1</sup> compared to the control soil. Increasing the sewage sludge amendment rate caused an increase in all heavy metal concentrations (except lead) in spinach root and shoot. However, all heavy metal concentrations (except chromium and iron) were in the normal range and did not reach the phytotoxic levels. The spinach was characterized by a bioaccumulation factor <1.0 for all heavy metals. The translocation factor (TF) varied among the heavy metals as well as among the sewage sludge amendment rates. Spinach translocation mechanisms clearly restricted heavy metal transport to the edible parts (shoot) because the TFs for all heavy metals (except zinc) were <1.0. In conclusion, sewage sludge used in the present study can be considered for use as a fertilizer in spinach production systems in Saudi Arabia, and the results can serve as a management method for sewage sludge.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2016.1225286
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
