Investigating the Quality and Efficiency of Biosolid Produced in Qatar as a Fertilizer in Tomato Production

Abstract

This study evaluated biosolid quality over time and the efficiency of using amounts (5 and 7 kg/m2) of municipal class A biosolids in Qatar to fertilize tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). Random samples were subjected to physical and chemical analysis, which revealed excellent particle uniformity and stability with minor odor defects. The analysis confirmed the product was nutrient-rich while pollutant levels were below the international standards. The nominated rates were used to fertilize tomato plants in pots grown in a greenhouse for four months with a control treatment of manure and Peat-Moss, before measuring the plant biological characteristics. Plants were examined via chemical analysis of nutrients and pollutants both for the whole plant and for stems, fruits, and leaves. Results indicated that both experimental treatments enhanced plant growth and development as compared to the control treatment. However, the chemical analyses also revealed levels of zinc, copper, and manganese in the plant fruits that were well in excess of the maximum acceptable levels, as defined by international health organizations. This study found that while the application of class A biosolids as organic fertilizer for tomato plants greatly enhanced the overall plant growth, the plant fruits contained toxic levels of trace heavy metals.

EFECTO DEL ABONADO CON BIOSÓLIDO EN EL COMPORTAMIENTO FISIOLÓGICO E INCIDENCIA DE PLAGAS EN CULTIVO DE CHILE X´CATIK (Capsicum annuum L.)

“…La adición de abonos orgánicos mejora el aporte de materia orgánica y nutrientes (nitrógeno y fósforo) a las plantas, lo que se puede traducir en el incremento del rendimiento, como se ha documento en el cultivo de tomate (Stavridou et al, 2021;Tzortzakis et al, 2020;Hasnain et al, 2020). Sin embargo, cantidades altas de abonos orgánicos o biosólidos pueden tener efectos negativos en la producción de frutos (Ali et al, 2021), debido al exceso de algunos elementos que pueden llegar a niveles tóxicos para las plantas o que evitan la absorción de elementos esenciales (Ramírez-Builes, 2007;López et al, 2008).…”

Waste Management in Qatar: A Systematic Literature Review and Recommendations for System Strengthening

“…Wastewater sludge or biosolids-a byproduct from wastewater-treatment processes-is a considerable component of the waste produced and is used in many countries (for example, Sweden, Netherlands, and Denmark) for applications ranging from recovered energy to organic fertilizers. A study in Qatar investigated biosolids as fertilizers for tomato production [32]. However, the main challenge for using biosolids for edible food products is the high amount of trace heavy metals, which requires significant advancements in removal processes before agricultural application.…”