Effect of Manure and Compost on the Phytostabilization Potential of Heavy Metals by the Halophytic Plant Wavy-Leaved Saltbush

Abstract

This study aimed to use organic fertilizers, e.g., compost and manures, and a halophytic plant [wavy-leaved saltbush (Atriplex undulata)] to remediate an agricultural soil polluted with toxic elements. Compost or manure (1% w/w) was added to a polluted soil in a pot trial. The application of the organic fertilizer, whether compost or manure, led to a significant improvement in the growth of the tested plant. From the physiological point of view, the application of organic fertilizers to polluted soil significantly increased the content of chlorophyll, carotenoid, and proline and, furthermore, led to a clear decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) in the plant leaves. The highest significant values of organic carbon in the polluted soil (SOC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were found for the soil amended by compost and planted with wavy-leaved saltbush. Manure significantly reduced the soil pH to 7.52. Compost significantly decreased Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb availability by 19, 8, 12, and 13%, respectively, compared to the control. On the other hand, manure increased Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb availability by 8, 15, 18, and 14%, respectively. Compost and manure reduced the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of Cd and Pb. Compost was more effective in increasing the phytostabilization of toxic metals by wavy-leaved saltbush plants compared to manure. The results of the current study confirm that the application of non-decomposed organic fertilizers to polluted soils increases the risk of pollution of the ecosystem with toxic elements. The cultivation of contaminated soils with halophytic plants with the addition of aged organic materials, e. g., compost, is an effective strategy to reduce the spreading of toxic metals in the ecosystem, thus mitigating their introduction into the food chain.

Attenuating Effect of an Extract of Cd-Hyperaccumulator Solanum nigrum on the Growth and Physio-chemical Changes of Datura innoxia Under Cd Stress

“…Cd concentrations were detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (PerkinElmer A Analyst 200) which has a detection limit of 0.001 mg L -1 for cadmium. The translocation factor (TF) of Cd was estimated by applying the following equation: TF = Cd leaves content/Cd root content (Li et al 2021)…”

“…Accordingly, it is very imperative to explore the mechanisms of Cd tolerance to ascertain which plants have ability to elicit physiological and biochemical mechanisms in response to Cd exposure. Furthermore, the practice of sustainable agricultural approaches to recuperate plant growth and productivity even under environmental stress can maintain the gaining of plants' yield under predicted climatic fluctuations (Li et al 2021).…”

Induction of resilience strategies against biochemical deteriorations prompted by severe cadmium stress in sunflower plant when Trichoderma and bacterial inoculation were used as biofertilizers

“…The other mechanism that may be mediated by T. harzianum inoculation as a biofertilizer to confer metal stress tolerance herein is via an increase in nutrient uptake under Cd stress. On the other hand, Bashri and Prasad (2015) reported that IAA liberated by PGPB could prompt the downregulation of pigment degradation, causing substantial preservation of pigment content (Abeed et al, 2020;Li et al, 2021). Stomatal conductance and transpiration rate displayed adequate levels and comparable values of control due to T. harzianum that has high Cd-binding capacity, resulting in low available soil Cd.…”

“…The other mechanism that may be mediated by T. harzianum inoculation as a biofertilizer to confer metal stress tolerance herein is via an increase in nutrient uptake under Cd stress. On the other hand, Bashri and Prasad (2015) reported that IAA liberated by PGPB could prompt the downregulation of pigment degradation, causing substantial preservation of pigment content ( Abeed et al., 2020 ; Li et al., 2021 ).…”

Cd Phytoextraction Potential in Halophyte Salicornia fruticosa: Salinity Impact

“…The halophyte S. fruticosa phytoremediation potential was estimated according to [ 55 , 56 ], via calculation of the following indicators: Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and enrichment factor = Cd concentration in the plant/Cd concentration in external medium; Translocation factor (TF) = Cd concentration in the shoot/Cd concentration in the root; Cd absorption efficiency (AE) = Cd accumulation in the whole plant/root biomass. …”