Trace metal analysis of sewage sludge and soils in Bahrain

Trace metals such as Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd and Fe were determined in sewage sludge produced at a sewage treatment plant in Bahrain (Tubli) and soils. The soils, both untreated and treated with the sludge, are used for agricultural purposes in Bahrain. The Trace-metals level showed the following range (μg g^?1 dry weight); Pb, 242 to 609; Zn, 704 to 836, Cu, 329 to 512; Ni, 23 to 41; Cd, 1.8 to 3.9 and Fe, 1867 to 4284. The data show the degree to which untreated soils have already been contaminated with trace elements. The level of trace-elements found in sludge showed the following range (μg g^?1 dry weight); Pb, 140 to 186; Zn, 597 to 836; Cu, 348 to 449; Ni, 47 to 53; Cd 5.7 to 9.2 and Fe, 5950 to 8520. Mean levels were generally close or lower than mean concentration reported in the United Kingdom and the United States for sludge. They were also lower than the suggested concentration limits for application of sludge on agricultural land, which is one of the most cost effective and attractive techniques for sludge disposal. Soils treated with this sludge (after 1 yr) were also analyzed and showed substantial enhancement of the available level of trace elements in the soil. This eventually will lead to an increase in the trace-element level in plants grown for human or animal consumption. This could have phytotoxic effects, and the possibility of toxic effects on live-stocks and human beings.     

Potential of Gamma Irradiated Sewage Sludge as Fertilizer in Radish: Evaluating Heavy-Metal Accumulation in Sandy Loam Soil

Soil application of sewage sludge as an amendment in crop plants has became a popular method of municipal sewage-sludge disposal in many countries. However, the presence of heavy metals in untreated sewage sludge has raised concerns of adverse effects on crop growth, quality of product, and environmental health. Gamma irradiation is one of the treatments for hygienization of sewage sludge before use as fertilizer. To evaluate the potential of gamma-irradiated sewage sludge as fertilizer in vegetable crops, the field investigation was conducted in a root crop, radish (Raphanus sativus L.), during the 2005–06 and 2006–07 growing seasons in a sandy loam soil. Treatments consisted of three source of fertilizers [farmyard manure (FYM), gamma-irradiated sewage sludge (GISS), and nonirradiated sewage sludge (NISS)]; each were compared at six application levels (1, 3, 6, 7, 9, and 11 t ha^?1). The physicochemical properties of all the three fertilizers used in this study were compared. Growth parameters and yields of radish were not significantly influenced by source of fertilizers or their application levels, except plant stand, which was influenced by type of fertilizers used. There was no significant difference observed between source of fertilizer treatments with respect to any of the measured soil properties, including major nutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)], metallic micronutrients [copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)], and heavy metals [nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co)]. Soil P and Zn were influenced by the various level of fertilizers. However, the interaction effect of source and level of fertilizer was absent for all the measured parameters. The maximum pollutant limits in sewage sludge and soil for agricultural use in different countries were compared. The concentration of metallic micronutrients and heavy metals in soil were less than the prescribed limit of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and no significant accumulation was noted after 2 years of application of GISS and NISS even at higher application rates.     

Comparative availability to wheat of metals from sewage sludge and inorganic salts

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the availability of metals from sewage sludge and inorganic salts, and the effect of pH and soil type on yield and metal (Zn, Cu, Cd and Ni) uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. ‘holly’). Soils used in this study were Hartsells sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous Thermic Typic Hapludult) and Decatur silty clay loam (Clayey, kaolinitic, Thermic Rhodic Paleudult). Two treatments of sewage sludge containing metals were applied at the rate of 20 and 100 mt ha^?1. Inorganic Salts of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni were applied (as sulfate salts) at concentrations equivalent to those found in the 20 and 100 mt ha^?1 sludge. One treatment consisted of inorganic metals plus sewage at the 20 Mg ha^?1 rate. Two soil pH levels, one at field pH (below 6.0) and another pH adjusted between 6.5 and 7.0 were used. Wheat plants were harvested four weeks after germination. Two more subsequent harvests were made at four week intervals. For each harvest, dry matter yield increased as the rate of sludge application increased for both soil types. The soil pH also influenced the dry matter yield. High yield was observed when the pH was adjusted between 6.5 to 7.0 for both soils. An increase in yield was also observed at each subsequent harvest for most of the treatments. Inorganic salt treatments produced lower dry matter yields when compared with the sludge. Both sludge application and metal salts increased plant tissue concentration of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Ni at field pH for both soils. However, increasing the pH of the soil for both sludge and inorganic salt treatments generally decreased the tissue concentration of the above metals.     

Heavy metals in crops as affected by soil types and sewage sludge rates

Abstract

A municipal sewage sludge was applied at three application rates to three soils in field lysimeters to study the effects of soil and sludge application rate on cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) absorbed by ‘Larker’ barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and by Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. ‘Cicla'). Sludge applied at 20, 40, and 100 Mg/ha oven‐dry equivalent were mixed into the top 0.15 m of soil in each lysimeter. In addition, a nil sludge rate (control) received 125 kg N/ha. Metal contents were relatively low in barley grain, higher in barley straw, and highest in Swiss chard. Metal contents in plants increased with increasing sludge loading. Most plants grown on soil amended with the higher sludge rates were too high in Cd (greater than 0.5 mg/kg of dry feed material) to be suitable for animal consumption. No plant materials tested exceeded the suggested maximum Zn, Cu, or Ni levels.     

市政污泥直接施用对玉米生长和品质的影响

[目的]研究市政污泥施用后对土壤和作物生长与品质的影响,为市政污泥的直接土地利用提供科学依据。[方法]以玉米为试验材料,利用田间试验研究了污泥不同的施用方式(沟施、撒施、表土下20 cm施用)和施用量(30,90,200 t/hm~2)对玉米生长和品质以及土壤重金属含量的影响。[结果]适量的污泥对玉米个体的生长有促进作用,施用量为30 t/hm~2时株高、单株生物量、叶片叶绿素含量、籽粒蛋白质含量均显著高于对照。表土下20 cm施用污泥在整体上较其他两种施用方式有更高的出苗率和籽粒产量,在施用量为30 t/hm~2时籽粒产量最高,为656.70 kg/667m~2,高出对照29.64%。3种施用方式下,土壤中的Cu,Zn,Pb含量及玉米籽粒中的Cu,Zn含量均随污泥施用量的增加而增加,而玉米籽粒中Pb含量与对照相比差异不显著,土壤和籽粒中重金属含量均未超过国家相关标准。以重金属浓度满足土壤环境质量标准为限制条件,推算出当地的市政污泥施用量为30 t/hm~2可以连续施用5 a。[结论]施用30 t/hm~2的污泥具有良好的效果和环境效应;为了降低污泥在土壤中的局部累积而导致的胁迫效应,表土下20 cm施用和地表撒施是相对较好的方式。     

Effect of Salinity on Growth of Twelve Cultivars of the United Arab Emirates Date Palm

To successfully use salt water for crop production and start a breeding program, more information is needed about the response of salt‐tolerant plants to saline environments. The objective of this experiment was to test the growth of 12 cultivars of the United Arab Emirates date palm seeds at four sodium chloride (NaCl) levels. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Optimal growth was found at control and 3000 ppm of NaCl. Relative growth rate (RGR), biomass, and number of leaves (NL) decreased significantly by increasing salinity. Increased NaCl leads to significant decreases in potassium (K⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺), and calcium (Ca²⁺) contents of plants. The Na/K ratios were lower in shoots than in roots. ‘Lulu,’ ‘Fard,’ ‘Khnaizi,’ ‘Nabtat Safi,’ and ‘Razez’ cultivars showed greater RGR and biomasses, whereas ‘Khnaizi,’ ‘Mesally,’ and ‘Safri’ had greater Na/K ratios than others in the control indicating greater Na⁺ discriminations from plant parts.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Content in Shoots and Leaves of Willow (Salix viminalis) Cultivated on the Sewage Sludge-Amended Soil

The aim of the present study was to investigate the uptake of 16 PAHs by willow (Salix viminalis) from soil amended with contaminated sewage sludge. Uptake experiments were conducted on field plots using sludge applications of 0, 30, 75, 150, 300, and 600 Mg ha^?1. The total PAH content of control soil and sludge were 49.6 μg kg^?1 and 5713 μ g kg^?1, respectively. The concentrations for the 16 PAHs listed as priority pollutants were measured for soil and plant tissue samples obtained at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 years. Soil total PAH content decreased significantly within the first half year, followed by minimal changes over the subsequent three years of treatment. PAH analysis was carried out on a HPLC-UV. Total PAH content in control plants was 3.6–7.3 μ g kg^?1 for shoots and 13–27 μ g kg^?1 for leaves. Treated plant tissue content was higher with shoots and leaves containing ～5.5–17.6 and 13.5–33.8 μg kg^?1, respectively. Plant total PAH content did not show a significant trend relative to controls with respect to time. However, uptake did increase in relation to an increased sludge application. Bioconcentration factors (BCF), adjusted by control values, were calculated for total PAH content. BCF values were highest for the initial sampling (6 months) and did not show a significant temporal relationship. BCF values did decrease with increasing sludge application. With respect to individual PAHs, elevated plant tissue concentrations were measured for “light” PAH (e.g. naphthalene, phenanthrene, acenaphthalene) with leaf BCF values correlated with solubility and organic partitioning coefficients.     

Yield response of crops amended with sewage sludge in the field is more affected by sludge properties than by final soil metal concentration

Adverse effects on crop yield or quality have been reported in sewage‐sludge treated soils at soil total metal concentrations below those of the current EU directives. A field trial was set up in Belgium (2002–2004) to assess crop response to the application of sewage sludge below these soil thresholds but with sludge metal concentrations either above (high‐metal) or below (low‐metal) sludge metal limits. Two lime‐stabilized and two raw, dewatered sludges were applied annually at rates of 10, 25 and 50 t dry matter (dm) ha^?1 for 3 years with four rates of N‐fertilizer as a reference. Final soil metal concentrations increased to maximums of 1.6 mg Cd kg^?1 and 225 mg Zn kg^?1 through sludge applications. Maize yield was marginally affected by treatments in year 1, whereas wheat and barley grain yields in subsequent years increased up to threefold with increasing sludge or fertilizer rates and were mainly explained by grain‐N. However, the grain yield of winter wheat in year 2 was reduced by about 14% in lime‐stabilized high‐metal sludge treatments compared with wheat receiving N‐fertilizer at equivalent grain‐N. Wheat grain and straw analysis showed no nutrient deficiencies but Zn concentrations in grain and straw were greater than in N‐fertilizer and lime‐stabilized, low‐metal sludge treatments, suggesting Zn toxicity. Sludge properties other than Cd concentration (e.g. electrical conductivity) affected crop Cd in the first year (maize), whereas significant correlations between Cd application and wheat grain Cd were found in the second year. Wheat grain Cd concentrations reached the international trade guideline of 0.1 mg Cd kg^?1 fresh weight in the plots amended with lime‐treated, high‐metal sludge even though soil Cd remained below EU limits. In the third year, barley grain Cd remained largely below EU limits. We discuss the possibility that sludge properties rather than soil total metal concentrations are related to effects on crops in the initial years after sludge applications. In none of the 3 years were any adverse effects on crops found for sludge meeting current EU regulations.     

Influence of Sludge Incineration Ash on Ryegrass Growth and Soil Phosphorus Status

Phosphorus(P) is a limited resource that could be depleted. Consequently, recycling the P contained in sewage sludge, including sewage sludge incineration ash(SIA), from wastewater treatment plants is a possibility to be explored. A greenhouse experiment using annual ryegrass(Lolium multiflorum L.) was performed with an experimental design of three completely randomized blocks of two soils and 29 treatments: one control without P and two levels of 9 and 26 kg total P ha~(-1) from 14 different sources: twelve SIAs(not contaminated by trace metals) from the US and Canada, one commercial synthetic fertilizer(triple superphosphate(TSP)), and one commercial rock phosphate(RP). Higher ryegrass biomass levels were achieved at the higher fertilization rate(26 kg total P ha~(-1))and when using the SIAs with the highest P solubility percentage(PSP)(≥ 54% of total P). The biomass increases following SIA application were as high as 29% and 59% more than the control for the sandy loam and clayey soil, respectively, but 40% less than in TSP for both soils. A similar behavior was observed for P uptake, with a maximum increase of 26% for the clayey soil, and 165% for the sandy loam soil. The ryegrass biomass and P uptake increases due to SIA application were larger than those due to RP application in the clayey soil, but similar to those in the sandy loam soil. The SIAs with a PSP of ≥ 54% significantly increased soil available P stocks and saturation. According to our findings, we conclude that the SIAs from municipal and agrifood industries have a potential for P agricultural recycling, but their efficiencies vary.     

Heavy metal accumulation and mobility in a soil profile depend on the organic waste type applied

Purpose

While organic waste amendments can initially improve soil physicochemical properties, including nutritional benefits to plants and increased microorganism activity, long-term application of excessive amounts of organic wastes can cause accumulation of heavy metals (HMs). Thus, the current study examined the accumulation of HMs in agricultural soil profiles following organic waste application.

Materials and methods

Three common organic sludge, including municipal sewage sludge (MSS), industrial sewage sludge (ISS), and leather sludge (LS), were applied annually to an agricultural soil under field conditions over 7 years (1994–2000) at a rate of 25 and 50 t ha^?1 year^?1. Subsequently, when organic sludge amendments were ceased, the experimental plots were cultivated without any treatments for another 12 years (2001–2012) and the changes in HM concentrations along the soil depth profile were monitored together with soil pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and dehydrogenase activity (DHA).

Results and discussion

Significant increases in Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations were observed down to a depth of 80 cm in soils treated with ISS and LS, where sludge application also increased the levels of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn and their movement down the soil profile. However, with the exception of Cu, no significant changes in HM concentrations were observed following treatment with MSS. At a depth of 80 cm, soils which had received 25 and 50 t ha^?1 LS showed, respectively, 4 and 14 times higher Cr levels than the control soil.

Conclusions

Organic sludge induced changes in soil pH and soil DOC concentration which were the key factors influencing HM movement and accumulation following organic sludge treatment.

     

Runoff and losses by erosion in soils amended with sewage sludge

In order to promote the transformation of a burnt Mediterranean forest area into a dehesa system, 10 t ha⁻¹ of dry matter of the same sewage sludge in three different forms: fresh, composted and thermally‐dried, were added superficially to field plots of loam and sandy soils located on a 16 per cent slope. This application is equivalent to 13ċ8 t ha⁻¹ of composted sludge, 50 t ha⁻¹ of fresh sludge and 11ċ3 t ha⁻¹ of thermally‐dried sludge. The surface addition of a single application of thermally‐dried sludge resulted in a decrease in runoff and erosion in both kinds of soil. Runoff in thermally‐dried sludge plots was lower than in the control treatment (32 per cent for the loam soil and 26 per cent for the sandy soil). The addition of any type of sludge to both soil types also reduces sediment production. Significant differences between the control and sludge treatments indicate that the rapid development of plant cover and the direct protective effect of sludge on the soil are the main agents that influence soil erosion rates. Results suggest that the surface application of thermally‐dried sludge is the most efficient way to enhance soil infiltration. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sulfur Alleviates Growth Inhibition and Oxidative Stress Caused by Cadmium Toxicity in Rice

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of sulfur (S) on growth inhibition and oxidative stress caused by Cd²⁺ toxicity, using two rice cultivars with different grain Cd²⁺ content. Treatments consisted of factorial arrangement of three S levels (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mmol), two cadmium (Cd) levels (0 and 1 μ mol), and two rice cultivars (‘Bing 97252,’ a cultivar with low grain Cd²⁺ content, and ‘Xiushui 63,’ a cultivar with high grain Cd²⁺ content). The results showed that Cd²⁺ addition in the medium generally increased Cd²⁺ and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both roots and shoots; the increases were more pronounced in ‘Xuishui 63’ than in ‘Bing 97252.’ Dramatic reductions in growth parameters, including plant height, root and shoot weight, tillers per plant, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate were found in the plants exposed to Cd stress relative to the plants without Cd²⁺ treatment. ‘Xiushui 63’ showed more sensitivity than ‘Bing 97252’ under Cd²⁺ exposure. In comparison with the lower S level (0.2 mmol), the higher S levels (0.4 and 0.6 mmol) helped alleviate Cd toxicity, characterized by a significant increase in growth parameters, and a decrease in Cd²⁺ and MDA content in both roots and shoots. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the plants varied among tissues, cultivars, and Cd treatments. High Cd²⁺ and MDA content was consistently accompanied by higher SOD activity, and higher S levels caused a marked increase in glutathione content and a reduction in SOD activity, indicating a positive effect of S in alleviating oxidative stress.     

Effect of fertilizer,N rate and nitrapyrin on Ca and Mg nutrition of corn (zea hays,L.)

Abstract

Corn was grown with three rates (200, 400, 800 rng N/pot) of sewage sludge (Milorganite), KNO₃, or (NH₄)₂SO. application in the presence (10 ppm) or absence of nitrapyrin, a nitrification inhibitor. Bleached areas appeared on the lower leaves of plants at the lowest application of sludge when nitrapyrin was added. No other visible symptoms were noted.

Five‐week‐old seedlings were harvested, weighed and analyzed for Ca and Mg. Nitrapyrin restricted dry weight production of plants receiving sludge and increased growth in those receiving KNO₃. Concentrations of Ca and Mg were reduced in all plants receiving nitrapyrin except in those grown at the lowest rates of sludge application.     

Colza (Brassica napus, v. Jaguar) Responses to Low Level of Metal Inputs Through Sewage Sludge Application: Induction of phytochelatin synthesis (10 pp)

Background, Aim and Scope   Most studies of sewage sludge disposal effects on plants have focused on high metal loadings. Less attention has been paid to plant responses to trace metal loadings below the recommended limit values. Materials and Methods: Here, a lysimetric experiment was conducted to assess the uptake, distribution and binding of trace metals by metal-induced, sulfhydryl-rich peptides (phytochelatins) in colza (Brassica napus, v. Jaguar) grown on a clayey, silty soil amended with a sewage sludge compost containing trace metal contents far below the recommended limit values established by French legislation. Chemical fractionation of unamended and sludge-amended soils was performed using a sequential extraction technique. Results: Copper concentrations in plant tissues were not affected by compost disposal. Its application at a single rate equivalent to 30 t/ha stimulated the growth of plants. Lead was not detectable in the plant material (< 1 mg g-1 dry wt.). Plants grown on the amended soil accumulated significantly more zinc than control plants. These phytochelatin complexes detected in leaves had a lower molecular weight than those extracted from roots. Those extracted from roots were composed of one type of phytochelatins (PCs) such as in leaves or a mixture of glutathione, PC2 and PC4. In comparison with control plants, sewage sludge compost application caused the synthesis of longer chain PCs in roots and in leaves. Furthermore, in comparison with control roots, glutathione and phytochelatin mixtures of higher molecular weight were detected in roots produced on the amended soil, whereas no significant increase in \total\ Cu and Zn content was observed in these organs after sludge application. Discussion: Compost application induces a significant increase in the proportion of the most labile forms of zinc and especially its pH 4.7 acid-soluble forms and, as a consequence, a higher accumulation of zinc in plants. Effects of copper are limited due to its strong affinity for humic substances and lead does not seem to be transported in any organ of plants. The presence of phytochelatins, even in plants grown on the unamended soil, proved the ability of colza to synthesize them in the presence of zinc and copper. Conclusions: These primary results seem to prove, on one hand, ability of colza (Brassica napus, v. Jaguar) to synthesize phytochelatins as well as in roots, in leaves and, on the other hand, the sensitivity of the PC induction as suggested by their identification in plants grown on the control soil. Synthesis of longer chain PCs in roots and in leaves, and formation of glutathione and phytochelatin mixtures in roots, are plant responses to sewage sludge compost application. Recommendations and Perspectives: Phytochelatin analysis is thus supposedly able to be one of the bioindicators that may be used as an ecotoxicological risk assessment of wastes. Due to its ability to synthesize phytochelatins, colza could be chosen as a plant test. Phytochelatin analysis could also be limited to roots (more sensitive than leaves). However, further experiments are needed. Quantitative analysis of phytochelatins had not been carried out due to insufficient amounts of pure phytochelatin standards, that had allow us to better study relationships between trace metal amounts to vegetal response.     

Influence on Polychlorinated Biphenyls Content Using Three Types of Biowastes As Fertilizers In Agricultural Soils

A 4-year field study was carried out to investigate the effects of three types of biowastes application on PCB accumulation in agricultural soils. This study was based on the experiments designed for four soils in two areas of Palencia province (Spain) (Cerrato and Tierra de Campos) for non irrigated and irrigated land after applying biowaste. The amounts of the three different types of biowastes added were determined according to the fertilization needs of nitrogen for the crop. The concentrations of PCBs in soils were determined before and after biowaste application. The three biowaste treatments raise the concentration of PCBs in the soil, sewage sludge compost (SC) treatment produced the main increase in PCBs concentration, followed by municipal solid waste compost (MC) treatment and the dehydrated sewage sludge (SD) treatment. The values of biowaste treated areas were 3.7-11.5 times higher than the respective values of the non treated areas. Changes observed in the congener distribution also suggest the influence of the biowaste on the soil. The biowaste used had an average PCBs concentration of 63.16 ng g^?1 with a range from 34.08 ng g^?1 to 118.93 ng g^?1, which are values below the EEC recommended limit (800 ng g^?1). In the soils without treatment was found an average concentration 0.206 ng g^?1 of PCBs, typical of areas with low levels of environmental pollution.     

Sewage sludges in Hawaii: Chemical composition and reactions with soils and plants

Sewage sludges from six wastewater treatment plants in Hawaii were periodically sampled to determine the seasonal variation of their elemental composition. The Sand Island and Honouliuli treatment plants produced primary sludges averaging 1.6% and 2.0% total N, respectively. The Kailua, Kaneohe, Waimanalo, and Waianae treatment plants produced secondary sludges averaging 5.4, 5.1, 6.1, and 3.5% N, respectively. All the sludges tested were virtually devoid of K with concentration ranging from 0.01 to 0.15%, which was less than half of the 0.30% K considered typical for a US sewage sludge. Mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn in the Hawaii sludges were 5.9, 373, 12343, 218, 36.7, and 817 mg kg^?1, respectively, which were within the norms for sludge heavy metals as reported by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Seasonal variations in elemental concentration were small and only statistically significant for Ca and Zn. Sludges from the three treatment plants with highest annual production (Sand Island, Honouliuli, and Kailua) were then mixed at 5, 50, and 250 g kg^?1 with three representative tropical soils (a Mollisol, and Oxisol, and an Ultisol) to study sludge-soil reactions and plant responses. Soil-solution data indicated that chemical properties of a sludge-soil mixture depended not only on the soil, sludge, and its application rate, but also on sludge-soil interactions. At an agricultural rate of 5 g kg^?1 (10 Mg ha^?1), the anaerobically digested Kailua sludge increased corn (Zea mays L.) biomass, whereas the two undigested sludges reduced it. At higher rates, Mn phytotoxicity resulted from sludge applications to the Mollisol and Oxisol, both of which contained reducible Mn nodules. Significant growth reductions would be expected when corn seedlings contained ≥200 mg Mn kg^?1 or ≤0.30 % Ca; and, adequate supplies of Ca and Zn seemed to lessen Mn phytotoxicity.     

Paper Mill Sludge Composting and Compost Utilization

Economically viable and environmentally acceptable methods to recycle organic wastes are needed by the pulp and paper industry. We assessed the potential for composting the Virginia Fibre Corporation's (VFC) combined primary and secondary dewatered paper mill sludge (PMS) and evaluated the suitability of the finished product as a potting soil substitute. Composting treatments were: 1) PMS with no supplemental N (control), 2) PMS + 15 kg N/Mg PMS (dry weight), and 3) PMS + 30 kg N/Mg PMS (dry weight). Composting was conducted for 129 days and treatment effects were evaluated by windrow temperature trends. A container plant growth study employing various particle size fractions and proportions of the control PMS compost and a commercial potting medium (Promix^tm) was conducted in a greenhouse to assess the capability of the compost to support growth of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), marigold (Tagetes erecta L.), and green pepper (Capsicum sp.). Windrow temperatures were lower with no supplemental N than with the N additions during the initial three weeks and were higher with increasing N rate during the last month of composting, which indicated that the unamended sludge may have been N-limited for maximum biological activity. Reduced temperatures in the high N treatments during the midpoint of the composting process may have been induced by ammonia toxicity. However, cured compost chemical properties and stability were not influenced by treatment and were indicative of good quality compost. The lower amount of plant-available water and greater amounts of plant-available nutrients supplied by the compost than the commercial potting medium resulted in less dry matter produced by all plants except green pepper, whose higher nutrient needs were supplied better by the compost than the commercial potting medium alone. Therefore, the paper mill sludge compost may best be used as an organic fertilizer, soil amendment, or supplemental nutrient source for potting media, rather than as a potting medium alone.     

Effects of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LASs) in Sewage Sludge–Amended Soils on Nutrient Contents of Broccoli Plants

Abstract

Sewage sludge is used in agriculture as a fertilizer and an organic amendment to improve physical and chemical soil properties. However, sludge contains organic compounds, such as surfactants, which may be toxic in the soil–plant system. The effects on plants of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS), a group of anionic surfactants that are widely used in detergent products, have not been well defined. In this experiment, the effect of differently treated sewage sludge containing LAS on the macronutrient and sodium contents of different parts of broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis subvar. cymosa Lam.) was studied in a field experiment. Fertilizer treatments were un‐composted sewage sludge (UCSS), composted sewage sludge (CSS), and a control without fertilization (NF). The LAS levels were established across all fertilizer treatments by addition of 0, 15, or 30 g LAS m^?2 (LAS0, LAS15, and LAS30, respectively). In general, the macronutrient contents in shoots, leaves, and edible parts of broccoli were higher in plants cultivated without fertilization but with LAS. In most cases, the LAS application increased the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sodium contents of the different plant parts, whereas calcium and magnesium concentrations were reduced.     

Mudflat soil amendment by sewage sludge: Soil physicochemical properties,perennial ryegrass growth,and metal uptake

Abstract

The fast pace of cropland loss in China is causing alarm over food security and China’s ability to remain self-reliant in crop production. Mudflats after organic amendment can be an important alternative cropland in China. Land application of sewage sludge has become a popular organic amendment to croplands in many countries. Nevertheless, the land application of sludge to mudflats has received little attention. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to investigate the impact of sewage sludge amendment (SSA) at 0, 30, 75, 150 and 300 t ha^?1 rates on soil physicochemical properties, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) growth and heavy metal accumulation in mudflat soil. The results showed that the application of sewage sludge increased organic matter (OM) content by 3.5-fold while reducing salinity by 76.3% at the 300 t ha^?1 rate as compared to unamended soil. The SSA reduced pH, electric conductivity (EC) and bulk density in mudflat soil, increased porosity, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), exchangeable potassium ions (K⁺), sodium ions (Na⁺), calcium ions (Ca²⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) in comparison to unamended soil. There were 98.0, 146.6, 291.4 and 429.2% increases in fresh weight and 92.5, 132.4, 258.6 and 418.9% increases in dry weight of perennial ryegrass at 30, 75, 150, and 300 t ha^?1, respectively, relative to unamended soil. The SSA increased metal concentrations of aboveground and root parts of perennial ryegrass (p < 0.05). The metal concentrations in perennial ryegrass were Zn > Cr > Mn > Cu > Cd > Ni, and the metal concentrations in roots were significantly higher than aboveground parts. The metal accumulation in perennial ryegrass correlated positively with sludge application rates and available metal concentrations in mudflat soil. Land application of sewage sludge was proved to be an effective soil amendment that improved soil fertility and promoted perennial ryegrass growth in mudflat soil. However, heavy metal accumulation in plants may cause food safety concern.     

Influence of Polyethylene Mulch,Irrigation Regime,and Potassium Rates on Field Cucumber Yield and Related Traits

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) was field grown from April 2001–July 2001 to determine the effects of mulch, irrigation regime, and potassium (K) rates on yield and related traits (i.e., leaf relative water content, water-use efficiency, and macronutrition). This was a factorial experiment with two irrigation levels (125% A pan daily versus 75% A pan every three days), two mulch levels (mulched versus unmulched), and three K₂O levels (20, 40, or 60 g/m²). Plants receiving reduced water application (75% A pan every 3 days) showed significant reductions in all parameters when compared with well-watered plants (125% A pan daily). The use of black polyethylene mulch (BPM) covers improved the plant dry matter, chlorophyll concentrations, fruit yield, and relative water content in leaves of well-watered plants and also improved K availability to the plants by keeping soil moisture higher than that of stressed plants without mulch. Using BPM increased plant water-use efficiency compared with that under the reduced water (RW) treatment. Reduced water application enhanced electrolyte leakage compared with that recorded under the well-watered (WW) treatment. Mulching decreased electrolyte leakage under the RW treatment. Increased K rates significantly enhanced leaf K in the mulched and WW plants. However, increased K rates did not increase leaf K in the RW plants. Reduced water application reduced leaf concentrations of all nutrients tested, i.e., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). However, mulching enhanced the concentrations of these elements, although their concentrations were still lower than those under the WW treatment. These results clearly indicate that field-grown number plants under mulched treatments were less stressed under semi-arid conditions and also that mulched treatments increased K availability to the plants.