Showing 28 results for Sewage Sludge
M Karami, M Afyuni, Y Rezaee Nejad, A Khosh Goftarmanesh,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Sewage sludge application on farmland as fertilizer is commonly practiced in many countries. Sewage sludge is rich in macro and micronutrients. However, high concentration of heavy metals in sludge may cause pollution of soil, groundwater and human food chain because of toxic metals uptake by crops. The objective of this study was to determine residual and cumulative effects of sewage sludge on concentration of Zn and Cu in soil and wheat. Different levels of 0, 25, 50 and 100 Mg ha-1 of sewage sludge were applied to the soil for four years. To study the cumulative and residual effects of the sewage sludge, applications were repeated on three fourth of each plot in the second year, on one half of plots in the third year and on one fourth of plots in the fourth year. Wheat was grown in the plots. After the fourth year, soil samples from the 0-20 cm depth of the different parts of the plots were taken and analyzed. After harvesting the wheat, roots, stems and grains were separately analyzed for the heavy metal concentrations. Cumulative sewage sludge application significantly (P≤0.05) increased the total and DTPA-extractable concentration of Zn and Cu in soil. Residual sewage sludge in the soil also increased the total and DTPA-extractable concentration of Zn and Cu. Single sludge applications at different rates increased the DTPA-extractable concentrations of heavy metals. In subsequent years with no further sludge application, DTPA–extractable metal concentrations in soil decreased continuously, approaching the levels in the control. However, even after four years, DTPA-extractable concentration of Zn in plots receiving more than 50 Mg ha-1 and Cu in plots receiving more than 25 Mg ha-1 sludge, were still significantly higher than control. DTPA-extractable concentrations of metals were closely correlated with total concentrations. Sewage sludge had a significant effect on concentration of Zn and Cu in stems and grains. Cumulative effects on Zn and Cu uptake by stems were more than residual effects. The results of this study show that cumulative and residual effects of sewage sludge application increased concentrations of micronutrients in soil and wheat.
S Zandsalimi, M Mosadeghi, A Mahbobi,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Organic fertilizers are the sources of many human-pathogenic microorganisms which potentially threaten the human health. This study was carried out to explore the possible effects of soil and manure types on filtration, transport and fate of manure-borne bacteria through undisturbed soil columns. The manure treatments consisted of cow manure, poultry manure and sewage sludge which were distributed at the rate of 10 Mg ha-1 on the surfaces of intact columns of two sandy clay loam and loamy sand soils. The manure-treated soil columns were leached by tap water with similar unsaturated flux of 4.8 cm h-1 up to four pore volumes (PV). The influent and leachate were sampled at different PVs. Gram-negative bacteria concentrations were determined for the influent and the columns’ leachate. Average influent concentration, average effluent concentration, relative filtration, and transported bacteria fraction during the leaching events were determined. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed between the poultry manure and the other two manures in terms of average influent (i.e. manure-released) bacteria concentration. Stable structure and preferential pathways facilitated the bacteria movement in the sandy clay loam soil columns. The loamy sand soil strained 1.45 times more bacteria than the sandy clay loam soil due to its weak structure and blocked-dead pores. Relative contamination of the effluent was higher for poultry manure when compared with the other fertilizers. The low ionic strength of sewage sludge suspension caused the lower filtration of bacteria through the soil columns. The high concentration of soluble organics in cow manure resulted in a relative transport of the bacteria 1.12 times greater than the poultry manure. In general, management of organic fertilizers especially household poultry manure, as a considerable source of pathogenic bacteria, is important to control the environmental risks of pathogenic pollutions. Moreover, the soil texture and structure significantly affected the fate of manure-borne bacteria.
M Khorshid, As Hosseinpur, Sh Oustan,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Organic manures can affect phosphorus (P) sorption characteristics (PSC) and its availability in soils. Information about effect of sewage sludge (SL) on PSC in calcareous soils of Hamadan province is limited. The objective of this research was to study the effect of SL on PSC and available P in 10 calcareous soils. The soil samples were incubated with and without 1.5 % SL for 5 months at field capacity at 25 ±1 סC . After incubation, available P was determined by Olsen method. Furthermore, 2.5 g samples were shaken with 25 mL 0.01 M CaCl2 containing 0 to 30 mg P L-1 as KH2PO4. After equilibration, suspensions were centrifuged and P concentration was determined in clear extracts. The results showed that SL application increased available P. The mean available P value increased by 37.6 %. Available P in untreated and SL-treated soils ranged from 8.1 to 22.1 and 14.8 to 28.0 mg kg-1, respectively. Sorption data in the all samples were well described by Freundlich and linear isotherm, whereas sorption data in all SL-treated soils did not adequately fit to the Langmuir isotherm. The constants of sorption isotherms were lowered by SL application. The mean sorption maxima, binding energy and maximum buffering capacity values decreased by 38.85, 21.34 and 38.90 % respectively. The mean distribution coefficient, Freundlich n and the mean buffering capacity (slope of linear model) values decreased by 21.7, 16.0 and 6.1 %, respectively. The results of this study showed that application of SL decreases standard phosphorus requirement. Moreover PSC results indicated that use of sewage sludge might increase the risk of P transfer to surface water.
N Barahimi, M Afyuni, M Karami, Y Rezaee Nejad,
Volume 12, Issue 46 (1-2009)
Abstract
Compost and sewage sludge contain high concentration of plant nutrients and, thus, have been used extensively as an inexpensive fertilizer. The objective of this study was to evaluate cumulative and residual effects of compost, sewage sludge and cow manure on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in soil and wheat. The experiment included compost, sewage sludge and cow manure, each applied at 3 rates (25, 50 and 100 Mg ha-1), a chemical fertilizer (250 kg ha-1 amonium phosphate + urea) and a control plot with 3 replications. The experimental design consisted in completely randomized blocks with treatments arranged in split plots. To study the cumulative and residual effects of the organic amendments, application was repeated on four fifths of each plot in the second year. Wheat was grown in the plots. The results showed that one application (residual effect) of organic amendments had not significant effect on total N in soil and wheat leaves and stem, but it led to significant increase of available phosphorus and potassium in soil and wheat leaves and stem. Cumulative effects of organic amendments significantly (P≤ 0.05) increased the total N (in 50 and 100 Mg ha-1 Cow manure and 100 Mg ha-1 Compost treatments), available P in all organic treatments and K (in all Compost and Cow manure treatments) in soil. Also, cumulative effects of organic amendments significantly (P≤ 0.05) increased the N (in 100 Mg ha-1 sewage sludge), P (in 100 Mg ha-1 compost) and K (in all organic treatments with the exception of 25 Mg ha-1 Compost) concentrations in leaves and stem.
M Karimpour, M Afyuni, A Esmaili Sari,
Volume 14, Issue 52 (7-2010)
Abstract
Sewage sludge application on farmland as fertilizer is commonly practiced in many countries. However, high concentration of heavy metals like mercury (Hg) in sludge can cause pollution of soil, plant and the human food chain. In order to examine the risk of Hg transfer into plants a five year field experiment was conducted in which we investigated uptake of Hg from a sludge-amended soil by corn. Sludge application rates were 0, 25, 50 and 100 Mg ha-1. To study cumulative and residual effects of the sewage sludge, applications were repeated on 4/5 of each plot in second year, on 3/5 of plots in third year, on 2/5 of plots in fourth year and in 1/5 of plots in fifth year. After the fifth year, soil samples from the 0-20 and 20-40 cm depths were taken and analyzed for total Hg. Corn plants were harvested and roots, stems and grains were separately analyzed for Hg concentrations. Sludge application significantly increased total Hg concentration in soil. Total Hg concentration in soil ranged from 20 µg kg-1 (in control plots) to 1200 µg kg-1 (in plots with 500 Mg ha-1 sludge application). Sludge application significantly increased uptake of Hg in different plant parts. At the end of the fifth year the average Hg concentrations in root, stem, and grain were 91, 9, and 8 µg kg-1, respectively. Corn yield increased significantly with sludge application and this fertilizer effect was visible five years after a single sludge application.
J. Zamani Babgohari , M. Afyuni , A. H. Khoshgoftarmanesh , H. R. Eshghizadeh2 ,
Volume 14, Issue 54 (1-2011)
Abstract
The management and application of organic wastes in agricultural lands decreases environmental risks and increases utilization of these matters. The objective of this research was to investigate and compare the effect of polyacryl factory sewage sludge (PSS), municipal compost (MC) and cow manure (CM) on soil properties and on yield and growth of maize (single cross 704, Zea mays L.). The treatments were control (without any organic waste) and application of PSS, MC, and CM at two rates (15 and 45 t ha-1). This research was done in the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology (Lavark-Najafabad). The experimental design was a randomized, complete block with three replications. Treatments were incorporated into the soil before the maize planting (on 23 June 2008) and soil sampling was performed after 132 days (Simultaneously with maize harvesting). Application of the organic wastes resulted in significant increase soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and significantly decreased bulk density. However, saturated hydraulic conductivity was decreased by application of PSS. Application of 15 and 45 t ha-1 of PSS reduced Ks more than 14% and 42%, respectively, compared with control however, the reduction was significant only in the plots which received 45 t ha-1 of PSS compared with control. The results of plant yield and growth showed that leaf area index (LAI), plant length, biological yield, 1000 seed weight and seed yield increase due to the application of organic wastes.
A.r. Melali , M.a. Hajabbasi, M. Afyuni, A. H. Khoshgoftarmanesh,
Volume 15, Issue 56 (7-2011)
Abstract
The petroleum refinery sludge is an important source of environmental pollution. Burning and burying of the sludge may have adverse effects on environment and human health. Thus, other mechanisms for decreasing the toxic effects of hydrocarbon substances in the sludge must be used. In this study, Isfahan refinery sludge was dewatered, air dried and mixed by 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% w/w ratio with two calcareous soils, viz., Mahmoud Abad (Typic Haplocalcids with clay texture) and Bagh Parandegan (Anthropic Torrifluvents with silty loam texture). Different mixtures of soil and sludge were farmed for 21 days and irrigated on a daily basis to field capacity. Then, 100 seeds of Tallfescue (Festuca arundinacea) and Agropyron were planted in polluted soils with 3 replicates in 3 kg pots for 5 months. Result showed that Tallfescue and Agropyron yields decreased in sludge contaminated treatments. In the 40% sludge treatment, Tallfescue decreased the total petroleum hydrocarbons content by 65 percent. The highest degradation for agropyron was in the 30% sludge treatment which showed about 55% reduction in total petroleum hydrocarbons. The 40% sludge treatment resulted in the minimum yields of root and shoot plants. The highest degradation of TPHs occurred in the Tallfescue rhizospher of 40% sludge. Maximum degradation of TPHs on the Agropyron rhizospher was in 30% sludge mixed with Bage parandegan soil, but maximum yield of plant was in 20% sludge. Our study shows that Tallfescue rhizospher is most effective for decreasing TPHs, and that the phytoremediation in soils with more clay can adsorb and fix the toxic components and then at higher levels of pollutions can let the plants grow.
N. Najafi, S. Mardomi, Sh. Oustan,
Volume 15, Issue 58 (3-2012)
Abstract
The effects of waterlogging, sewage sludge and manure on the Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd uptake and concentrations in roots and shoots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) were investigated in greenhouse conditions. A factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications including duration of waterlogging at five levels (0, 2, 4, 8, 22 days) and source and amount of organic fertilizer at five levels (0, 15 and 30 grams of both manure and sewage sludge per kg of soil) was conducted. The results showed that by increasing the duration of waterlogging, the Mn uptake and concentration in shoots and Mn concentration in roots increased but Mn uptake in roots did not change significantly. The uptake and concentration of Fe in shoots and Cd concentration in shoots and roots initially increased and then decreased after soil waterlogging, while Zn and Cu concentration of roots increased after an initial decrease. The effect of soil waterlogging on the Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations in shoots was not significant. By application of sewage sludge and manure the uptake and concentration of Fe, Mn, and Zn in shoots and Cu uptake in shoots increased but the uptake and concentration of Pb in shoots increased only by application of sewage sludge. The effect of source and amount of organic fertilizer on the Cd uptake and concentration in shoots, Cd concentration in roots and Cu concentration in shoots was not significant. By application of sewage sludge the root concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn increased but root concentration of Cd and Pb did not change significantly. The maximum uptake of heavy metals in shoots was obtained by application of 30 g sewage sludge/kg of soil. The effect of soil waterlogging on the heavy metals uptake and concentrations in the roots and shoots was dependent on the source and amount of organic fertilizer. Sunflower plant accumulated Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb in roots while the Cd concentration in roots did not differ with shoots significantly.
M. Esfahani Moghaddam, A. Fotovat, Gh. Haghnia,
Volume 16, Issue 59 (4-2012)
Abstract
Silver toxicity and its fate in the environment are currently being debated and are important as challenging research topics. Even though there are several studies on its total content in soils, fractionation of Ag especially in calcareous soils has not been investigated. Therefore, to provide fundamental information on the chemical behavior of Ag in calcareous and noncalcareous soils, we studied 8-step chemical fractions of Ag (i.e., EXCH, CARB, Me-Org, re-MeOx, H2O2-Org, am-MeOx, cr-FeOx, and RES) after 30 and 60 days of incubation in soils amended with Ag (0 and 15 mg kg-1), sewage sludge (0 and 20 t ha-1) and EDTA (0 and 0.5%). Experimental results showed that redistribution of Ag in spiked noncalcareous soils was EXCH (34%), H2O2-Org (33%) and RES (17%). In calcareous soils, after 30 days, EXCH- and RES-Ag increased but at the end of 60 days H2O2-Org-Ag increased. Based on our data, we could conclude that addition of Ag results in an increase of Ag mobility in soils but incubation and sewage sludge may have adverse effect on its mobility. In contrast to noncalcareous soil, EDTA in calcareous soil resulted in higher Ag mobility. This may have environmental implications in Ag polluted calcareous soils.
A. H. Baghaie, A. H. Khoshgoftarmanesh , M. Afyuni,
Volume 16, Issue 60 (7-2012)
Abstract
Cow manure and sewage sludge add heavy metals to soil. Organic and inorganic fractions in these compounds can immobilize heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and affect their bio-availability. This investigation was conducted to compare the effects of organic and inorganic fractions of sewage sludge and cow manure on distribution of lead chemical forms in soil as a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of application of 10% (w/w) enriched sewage sludge and cow manure (6 g Pb kg-1 organic amendments). Another treatment was also used in which soil Pb concentration was increased to 600 mg kg-1 soil using Pb(NO3)2 salt. To compare the effects of organic and inorganic fractions, organic carbon, iron oxide and easily reducible iron and manganese were removed from cow manure and sewage sludge, and were added to the soil by 10% (w/w). The samples were incubated at 23-25ºC for 111 days and their moisture was maintained at 80% water field capacity. More than 50% Pb in Pb(NO3)2 treatment was in exchangeable fraction, while for cow manure and sewage sludge treatments more than 40% Pb was found to be in oxide fraction. Application of cow manure and sewage sludge increased the Pb in oxide fraction by 14.8 and 17.5%, respectively. Removing organic carbon fraction of cow manure and sewage sludge increased the Pb bound to residual fraction by 12% and 14% respectively. Removing iron oxide fraction of sewage sludge and cow manure decreased the Pb bound to oxide fraction by 8% and 13%, respectively. Removing easily reducible iron and manganese decreased the oxide fraction of Pb by 16% and 14%, respectively. It is concluded that, despite relatively high amounts of organic carbon in the sludge and manure, inorganic fractions of these materials have more significant effects on availability of Pb in soil.
Majid Hejazi Mehrizi, Hossein Shariatmadari, Majid ََafyuni,
Volume 17, Issue 64 (9-2013)
Abstract
Application of sewage sludge has been considered as an organic fertilizer in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. This study was conducted to investigate cumulative and residual effects of sewage sludge on soil inorganic fractions and their relation to phosphorus (P) availability. Two levels of application (50 and 100 Mg ha-1) and three consecutive times of sewage sludge application (1, 3 and 5 years) with a control treatment were studied in a randomized complete block split plot design with three replications. Composite soil samples were collected from 0-30 depth at the end of 5th year of application. Increasing the rate and application year of sewage sludge enhanced dicalcium phosphate (Ca2-P), octacalcium phosphate (Ca8-P), apatite (Ca10-P), aluminum phosphate (Al-P), iron phosphate (Fe-P) and available P but decreased occluded P (OC-P). Residual effect of sewage sludge application resulted in increased inorganic fractions in blocks treated for 1 year compared to control. Positive correlations were observed between inorganic P fractions and Olsen P, wheat yield and P uptake (except OC-P). We concluded that inorganic P fractions and P availability increased in sewage sludge amended soil.
K. Hashemimajd, Sh. Jamaati-E-Somarin,
Volume 17, Issue 65 (12-2013)
Abstract
Improper properties of sewage sludge include odors, trace elements concentration, and presence of pathogens limit its use in agriculture. Composting and using of earthworms in this process is one of the most suitable methods for stabilization and removal of unsuitable properties of sewage sludge. To investigate the effects of kind and mixing proportion of bulking material and sewage sludge decomposition stage on vermicompost quality, an experiment was carried out in a split plot design with three replications. In this experiment, the stage of sewage decomposition (raw sewage, digested sludge in digester, dewatered sludge in lagoons, and final dried sludge in lagoons) was main factor and kind of bulking materials (woodchips, three leaves, and wheat straw) and mixing proportion of bulking materials to swage sludge (0, 15, 30, and 45 %, V/V) were as subordinate factors. Chemical properties of sewage in different decomposition stages and bulking materials were determined. After 5 months of incubation in the controlled moisture and temperature condition, and in the presence of earthworms, the pot's contents were harvested, and nutrients and heavy metal concentration of vermicomposts were measured. Vermicomposts had relatively low pH and EC. Their nutrients content especially N, P, Fe, and Zn were high. These properties showed vermicompost suitability for use as a soil amendment and organic fertilizer. Heavy metals concentrations of vermicomposts, except for Zn, were lower than recommended values by EPA. Despite no significant difference between the kinds of bulking materials, mixing of these materials with sewage sludge decreased pH, N, and Pb content of produced vermicompost. According to the results, 30% (v/v) mixing of bulking material and sewage sludge is recommended
H. Motaghian, A. Hosseinpur, F. Raiesi, J. Mohammadi,
Volume 17, Issue 65 (12-2013)
Abstract
Studying the distribution of Zn in the soils allows investigating their mobility and bioavailability. In this research, 10 calcareous soil samples were selected, and sewage sludge-amended (1% w/w) and -unamended (control) soils were incubated for 1 month. Before planting, fractions of Zn were determined, three seeds of wheat were planted in each pot and after 8 weeks, they were harvested. Results showed that all Zn fractions were increased by sewage sludge addition. Results of pot experiment indicated a significant correlation between Zn concentration in wheat with exchangeable (r=0.92**) and Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides (r=0.76*) in control soils. In addition, significant correlation coefficient was found between Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides and Zn uptake index (r=0.86**). Moreover, wheat responses were significantly correlated with Zn exchangeable (r=0.71*- 0.84**) in amended soils. Yield was correlated with Zn associated with carbonates and Zn associated with Fe and Mn 0.69 and 0.75, respectively. Zn uptake index was correlated with Zn associated carbonates (r=0.64*). Therefore, the exchangeable and Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides in control soils and the exchangeable and Zn associated carbonates and Zn associated with Fe and Mn oxides in amended soils could be used as available fractions of wheat.
S. Rahimi, M. Afyuni, A. H. Khoshgoftarmanesh, M. Noruzi,
Volume 19, Issue 71 (6-2015)
Abstract
Management of organic and inorganic treatments may have positive or negative effects on soil quality, plant growth and human nutrition. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of organic and inorganic zinc fertilizer application on soil quality indicators and wheat yield. This research was conducted at Agricultural Research Station Roudasht, Isfahan, Iran. Sewage sludge and cow manure (5 and 10 t/ha), ash rubber (1 t/ha), powder rubber (200 kg/ha), ZnSO4 (40 kg/ha) were applied and wheat was cultivated. Soil samples were collected at tilling and harvest stages. After taking samples and measurements of the soil parameters, we determined the critical limits for each category and class rating for the each soil parameters, and the soil quality index was calculated. The results showed sewage sludge and rubber ash were significantly effective in increasing soil bioavailable Zn compared to other treatments. Application of sewage sludge and cow manure at 10 ton/ha improved soil quality. The expanded soil quality index can help better understand the effect of fertilizers on soil. A positive and significant relationship between soil quality indicators and Zn uptake and wheat yields was also observed. Our results indicate that addition of 10 t/ha sewage sludge as fertilizer can significantly improve soil quality, supplying the necessary amount of Zn for wheat growth.
A. Abdolahi Arjenaki, A. A. Fadaei Tehrani,
Volume 19, Issue 71 (6-2015)
Abstract
Plant parasitic nematodes, especially root knot nematodes, cause damage to most of agricultural products, and many efforts have been done to control them. In recent years, application of industrial waste and wastewater sludge as organic fertilizers in agriculture has been increased. To investigate the effects of sewage sludge on root knot nematode pathogenicity in tomato, different weights of sewage sludge (0, 4, 8, 15 and 25% of sludge in the soil) in soil were added as a completely randomized design with six replications. Analysis variance and mean comparison of growth indices of plants showed significant effects of treatments. For example, means of stem length of plants increased in soil with more amount of sewage sludge. This relationship was also observed in other indices and nutrients elements. So using sewage increased nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium in tomato shoots inoculated with nematodes while the change of potassium was very small. Application of sewage sludge decreased the number of galls, egg-masses and eggs in egg-mass of root knot nematode.
T. Raiesi, A. Hosseinpur,
Volume 19, Issue 71 (6-2015)
Abstract
The ability of different soil tests in predicting soil phosphorus (P) is important in soils amended with municipal sewage sludge. The objective of the present study was to evaluate several chemical extractants to estimate available P for bean growing in 10 calcareous soils amended with municipal sewage sludge from Chaharmahal-Va-Bakhtiari province under the greenhouse conditions. For this purpose, the soil samples were incubated with sludge at a rate of 39-ton sludge ha–1. The amount of available P of the soil samples was determined by Olsen, Colwell, ammonium bicarbonate-DTPA, 0.01 M calcium chloride, BrayІ, ІІ, Mehlich І and ІІ methods. A pot experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted to evaluate the bean plant indices. The results showed that the amount of extractable P with the above methods decreased in the following order: Colwell> Bray ІІ> Mehlich ІІ> Olsen> Ammonium bicarbonate DTPA> Mehlich І> Bray І> 0.01M chloride calcium. The extractable P with 0.01M chloride calcium, Mehlich І, ІІ Colwell and Olsen methods correlated significantly with plant indices (P concentration and P uptake). Thus, mentioned methods could be used to estimate plant-available P in the soils amended with sewage sludge.
H. R. Motaghian, A. R. Hosseinpur, J. Mohammadi, F. Raiesi,
Volume 20, Issue 75 (5-2016)
Abstract
Zinc (Zn) is one of the essential micronutrients for plant growth and its deficiency frequently occurs in calcareous soils. But, a suitable extractant for estimation of plant-available Zn in calcareous soils, amended with sewage sludge, has not been presented yet. The aim of this research was to assess several chemical extractants (7 extractants) for estimation of available Zn in calcareous soils amended (1% w/w) and unamended with sewage sludge. Results showed that Mehlich 3 and Mehlich 1 extractants extracted the highest and the lowest concentrations of Zn in both amended and unamended soils, respectively. All wheat indices (wheat yield, Zn concentration and Zn uptake) increased by sewage sludge addition. Besides, the results indicated that in unamended soils, significant correlations were found (r=0.65*- 0.91**) between extracted Zn using AB-DTPA, DTPA-TEA and Mehlich 3 extractants and different wheat indices. On the contrary, in sewage sludge-amended soils, only the correlation between extracted Zn using Mehlich 2 and Zn concentration was significant (r=0.83**). According to this study findings, the suitable extractant for extracting wheat-available Zn is thoroughly different in calcareous soils amended and unamended with sewage sludge.
Sh. Ghorbani Dashtaki, N. Karimian, F. Raeisi,
Volume 21, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
The use of organic matter such as urban sewage sludge may help sustainable soil fertility via improving the physical, chemical and biological soil characteristics. The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of urban sewage sludge on chemical properties, soil basal respiration and microbial biomass carbon in a calcareous soil with silty clay loam texture. Therefore, three levels of water repellency (zero, weak and strong) were artificially created in a silty clay loam soil by adding urban sewage sludge (S0=0:100; S50=50:50 and S80=80:20 sludge weight: soil ratio). Water repellency was determined by water drop penetration time (WDPT) method. Also some chemical properties such as soil acidity (pH) and Electrical Conductivity (EC), Soil Organic Carbon (OC), soluble sodium (Na+) and soluble potassium (K+) were measured. The samples were incubated at 23-25 ºC for 30 days and their moisture was maintained at 70-80 % under field capacity and soil basal respiration and microbial biomass carbon of incubation period were evaluated. The results showed that the effect of urban sewage sludge on chemical properties was significant (P ≤0.0001). The application of urban sewage sludge led to significant increase in basal respiration (16 and 27 times) and microbial biomass carbon (15.2 and 26.5 times) in the water repellency soils (S50 and S80) compared to control soil. The observed positive effect of sewage sludge might be due to a high content of organic carbon and nutrients in urban sewage sludge and decrease in the labile organic matter and nutrients during incubation period.
F. Afzalinejad, S. Ghasemi, S. E. Seyfati, Sh. Shahbazi,
Volume 24, Issue 4 (2-2021)
Abstract
Today, the use of organic wastes as fertilizers to improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil is common. In this study, to investigate the effect of the sewage sludge on the growth and concentration of chlorophyll, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in quinoa plant, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications in a calcareous soil with electrical conductivity of 13.1 dS m-1. Treatments included three genotypes of quinoa (Red carina, Titicaca, Q29) and three levels of sewage sludge (0, 20 and 40 t ha-1). The results showed that the effects of the quinoa genotype, different levels of sewage sludge and the interaction of treatments on the root dry weight, shoot P concentration and chlorophyll concentration were significant. Also, the sewage sludge had a significant effect on the shoot length, shoot dry weight and shoot nitrogen concentration. By increasing the level of the sewage sludge, root length, shoot length, shoot dry weight and shoot N concentration were increased, on average, by 44.7 %, 48.8%, 42.0% and 46.6%, respectively. Also, application of 40 t ha-1 sewage sludge significantly increased the chlorophyll concentration and shoot P concentration in Q29 and Titicaca genotypes. According to the results of this study, application of sewage sludge can increase the growth of quinoa by improving its nutrition.
F. Khafi, A.r. Hossienpour, H. Motaghian,
Volume 26, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
One of the significant factors affecting biochar properties is the pyrolysis temperature. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the properties and fractionation of Zn and Pb in biochars produced by sewage sludge. Biochars were prepared at temperatures of 300 to 700 °C and the physicochemical properties, availability, and fractionation of Zn and Pb were investigated. The results showed that pH, pHzpc, percentage of calcium carbonate, cation exchange capacity, specific surface area, and porosity in biochars were higher than in the feedstock. By increasing biochar production temperature, the mentioned properties increased. FT-IR revealed that the OH functional group is present in free form, either in the structure of C-OH and -COOH and aliphatic-CH2 groups in the sewage sludge. By converting sewage sludge to biochar, the intensity of these peaks decreased. In contrast, peaks representing complex aromatic structures appeared. The availability of Zn and Pb in biochar was reduced as compared to sewage sludge. The results of fractionation indicated that sewage sludge has bio-availability and toxicity of Pb and Zn. the amount of oxide and residual fractions of these two metals increased by converting sewage sludge to biochar at different temperatures. Therefore, it seems that biochar production from sewage sludge reduces the toxicity and bio-availability of Zn and Pb. Also, by incrementing the temperature of production, the bio-availability potential (bonding with organic matter), and non-toxicity (residual) of these metals increased.
