Published in Scientific Papers. Series E. Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Vol. IX
Written by Violina ANGELOVA
There has been carried out a comparative research, which allow us to evaluate the efficacy of Miscanthus x giganteus for phytoremediation of contaminated soils. The effects of organic soil amendments (compost and vermicompost) on uptake of heavy metals in Miscanthus x giganteus were studied. Experiments have been implemented in controlled conditions. The soil used in this experiment was sampled from the vicinity of the area contaminated by the Non- Ferrous-Metal Works (MFMW) near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The soils were amended or not with 5, 10, 15 or 30% of compost and 5, 10, 15 or 30% of vermicompost. Heavy metal contents in roots, rhizomes, stems, and leaves of Miscanthus x giganteus were analysed. The quantitative measurements were carried out with inductively-coupled plasma (ICP). The application of soil amendments favoured plant growth and development. Compost and vermicompost application led to effective immobilization of Pb, Zn, and Cd mobile forms in soil. A correlation was found between the quantity of the mobile forms and the uptake of Pb, Zn, and Cd by the Miscanthus x giganteus. Compost and vermicompost treatments were effective organic amendments and reduced heavy metals in leaves of Miscanthus x giganteus, but the effect differed among them. Also, there was a dose effect for amendments. The 30% compost and 15% vermicompost treatments led to the maximal reduction of heavy metals in Miscanthus x giganteus biomass. The depots for accumulation followed the order: roots > rhizomes > leaves > stems. The high concentration of heavy metals in the roots and rhizomes and the low translocation factor indicated the possibility of Miscanthus x giganteus to be used in phytostabilization. Miscanthus x giganteus harvested from heavy metals contaminated soil may be used for energy production.
[Read full article] [Citation]
