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The use of compost: its effects on heavy metal levels in soil and plants

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	The use of compost: its effects on heavy metal levels in soil and plants
Authors:	Zorzi, G., Pinamonti, F., Stringari, G., Gasperi, F.
Source:	Resources, Conservation & Recycling. Oct1997, Vol. 21 Issue 2, p129. 0p.
Subject Terms:	Soil science, Sewage, Municipal solid waste incinerator residues, Composting, Botany, Heavy metals
Abstract:	Three organic soil conditioners were tested in 14 different Malus domestica orchards: cattle manure, SB compost (from sewage sludge and poplar barks) and MSW compost (from municipal solid waste not source separated). These materials differed notably in their heavy metal content: the SB compost contained greater amounts of Zn, Cu and Pb than did the cattle manure, while the MSW compost had higher concentrationsof all the metals studied. For 6 years the Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Crcontent were monitored in the soil--both in `total' and EDTA extractable form--and in leaves and fruits. The resulting data demonstrate that the SB compost did not cause any significant increase in heavy metal levels in soil and plants; this compost can thus be used to fertilize the soil with no danger in the short/medium term either to the environment or to crops. In contrast, the experiment clearly demonstrates that the MSW compost, used over a 6 year period, increased concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in the soil--both in `total' and EDTA extractable form--and in the case of Pb and Cd also in the vegetation and the fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	GreenFILE

Description
Abstract:	Three organic soil conditioners were tested in 14 different Malus domestica orchards: cattle manure, SB compost (from sewage sludge and poplar barks) and MSW compost (from municipal solid waste not source separated). These materials differed notably in their heavy metal content: the SB compost contained greater amounts of Zn, Cu and Pb than did the cattle manure, while the MSW compost had higher concentrationsof all the metals studied. For 6 years the Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Crcontent were monitored in the soil--both in `total' and EDTA extractable form--and in leaves and fruits. The resulting data demonstrate that the SB compost did not cause any significant increase in heavy metal levels in soil and plants; this compost can thus be used to fertilize the soil with no danger in the short/medium term either to the environment or to crops. In contrast, the experiment clearly demonstrates that the MSW compost, used over a 6 year period, increased concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in the soil--both in `total' and EDTA extractable form--and in the case of Pb and Cd also in the vegetation and the fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	09213449