Calorific Value of Festuca rubra Biomass in the Phytostabilization of Soil Contaminated with Nickel, Cobalt and Cadmium Which Disrupt the Microbiological and Biochemical Properties of Soil

Abstract

The choice of optimal plant species for phytoremediation and organic fertilization plays an important role in stabilizing the functions of soils contaminated with heavy metals. The influence of nickel, cobalt and cadmium on the biomass yield and calorific value of Festuca rubra, heavy metal concentrations in soil and plants and the microbiological, biochemical and physicochemical proprieties of soil were analyzed in a pot experiment. The tolerance index (TI) describing Festuca rubra’s ability to tolerate heavy metals, as well as the translocation (TF), accumulation (AF) and bioaccumulation (BF) factors of heavy metals in Festuca rubra were calculated. The experiment was conducted in two series: In soil fertilized and not fertilized with compost. Nickel and cobalt significantly inhibited the growth and development of Festuca rubra. The experiment demonstrated that this plant species can be grown on soil contaminated with heavy metals. Festuca rubra contained on average 46.05% C, 34.59% O, 5.91% H, 3.49% N, 0.19% S and 9.76% ash. Festuca rubra has a stable calorific value which is not affected by heavy metals; therefore, biomass harvested from heavy metal-polluted soil can be used for energy generation. The calorific value of Festuca rubra ranged from 15.924 to 16.790 MJ kg−1 plant d.m., and the heat of combustion from 17.696 to 18.576 MJ kg−1. It has a stable calorific value which is not affected by heavy metals, therefore biomass harvested from heavy metal-polluted soil can be used for energy generation. Festuca rubra is particularly useful for the phytostabilization of soil contaminated with cadmium and cobalt. Compost minimizes the adverse effects of heavy metal pollution on the microbiological, biochemical and physicochemical properties of soil.

Effect of Ash from Salix viminalis on the Biomass and Heating Value of Zea mays and on the Biochemical and Physicochemical Properties of Soils

“…soil on Zea mays L. biomass. Both published data [60] and our previous research [56] indicate that soil fertilization with compost mitigates the negative impact of inorganic compounds on plant yield. Soil amendment with compost and HumiAgra preparation increased the pool of readily available organic compounds.…”

“…This finding indicates the possibility of using biomass from the aboveground parts of this plant for energetic purposes when there is a need for ash management. Also, our previous investigations [55,56] addressing the reclamation of soil contaminated with Cd 2+ , Co 2+ and Ni 2+ demonstrated the usability of Zea mays L., Elymus, and Festuca rubra biomass for energetic purposes. Table 8 below presents the most important results regarding the calorific value compared with the results of other authors and presented in the table.…”

Mitigation of the Adverse Impact of Copper, Nickel, and Zinc on Soil Microorganisms and Enzymes by Mineral Sorbents

“…Ure and Glu proved to be sensitive only to Cu 2+ and Ni 2+ , while Deh, Cat, Pac, Pal, and Aryl responded negatively to all the xenobiotics. The hypothesis that the dehydrogenase enzymes are the most sensitive indicators of early soil degradation changes [ 106 , 107 ] has been supported by results of many studies [ 48 , 108 , 109 , 110 ]. Furthermore, the response of urease to Cu 2+ can be attributed to the blocking of thiol groups by this metal, and binding with histidine residues in protein [ 111 ].…”

“…The selective pressure of these xenobiotics exerted on the soil microbiome is also related to the adsorption of heavy metals by sulphate, amine, and carboxyl functional groups on the surface of microorganisms, and their absorption capacity for metal ions ranges from 1 mg·g −1 to 500 mg·g −1 bacteria [ 46 ]. Knowledge of the effect of heavy metals on both soil microorganisms and the activity of soil enzymes, which are considered to be early indicators of changes in the intensity of biological processes, is fundamental to an integrated evaluation of the soil condition [ 47 , 48 , 49 ].…”

Effects of Tebuconazole Application on Soil Microbiota and Enzymes

“…In addition, they secrete enzymes which either occur freely or are stabilized by organic matter in the soil environment. The soil enzymes are actively involved in biochemical processes in the soil; they are essential for the proper functioning of microorganisms by increasing the rate of reactions leading to organic matter degradation and release of nutrients to the soil [8,10,11]. A reliable marker of the functioning of soil Molecules 2022, 27, 7501 2 of 15 exposed to pesticide effects is also the structure of communities of microorganisms involved in the interactions with other organisms and biological processes [12][13][14][15].…”