Decontamination of sludge by the METIX-AC process. Part II: effects on maize growth and bioaccumulation of metals.
Given the fact that, according to our knowledge, no study has compared the agro-environmental use of decontaminated with non-decontaminated sludge, a greenhouse experiment was carried out to test the growth of maize (Zea mays L., G-4011 Hybrid) and bioaccumulation of metals in the presence of four different sludges (MUC, QUC, BEC and DAI), before and after their decontamination by a novel process (METIX-AC). Data showed that decontaminated sludge ameliorated plant growth and biomass production, and decreased bioaccumulation of metals, more than control soil, inorganic chemical fertilization, or conventional non-decontaminated sludge. Since chemicals used by the METIX-AC process contained S and Fe, decontaminated sludge introduced large amounts of these elements, while the overall presence of metals was reduced. Often, sludge dose also affected maize growth and bioaccumulation of metals. Overall, no toxicity to plants was noticed and bioaccumulation and transfer of many metals remained below the limits reported in the literature.
Barraoui
Driss
D
Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS-ETE), Université du Québec, 490, rue de la Couronne, QC, Québec, Canada G1K 9A9.
Labrecque
Michel
M
Blais
Jean-François
JF
D001692:Biological Transport; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D012722:Sewage / Q000737:chemistry*; D012987:Soil / Q000032:analysis; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*
D008670:Metals; D012722:Sewage; D012987:Soil