Contrasting effects of municipal compost on alfalfa growth in clay and in sandy soils: N, P, K, content and heavy metal toxicity

Nanosilica modulates C:N:P stoichiometry attenuating phosphorus toxicity more than deficiency in Megathyrsus maximus cultivated in an Oxisol and Entisol

Silicon (Si) nanoparticles can attenuate nutritional disorders caused by phosphorus in forages through nutritional homeostasis. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of P deficiency and toxicity in Megathyrsus maximus cultivated in two types of soils and to verify whether Si application via fertigation can mitigate these imbalances. The following two experiments were carried out: cultivation of forage plants in pots with Entisol and Oxisol, in a 3 × 2 factorial design, with three nutritional levels of phosphorus (deficient, adequate, and excessive) and two Si concentrations in the irrigation water (0 and 1.5 mmol L-1). Height, number of tillers, rate of leaf senescence, dry matter production, C:N, C:Si, C:P, and N:P ratios; and C, P, and N use efficiencies were evaluated in two growth cycles. P imbalances hampered carbon assimilation, C:N:P homeostasis, and dry matter production. Nanosilica fertigation promoted silicon uptake, improving C:N:P homeostasis and nutritional efficiency in plants under P deficiency and toxicity. Leaf senescence was reduced with addition of Si in plants grown in Oxisol in the three nutritional states of P. Silicon attenuated the stress caused by P toxicity in Entisol and Oxisol, improving production in plants without nutritional stress in Oxisol. The supply of Si nanoparticles in the cultivation of M. maximus can contribute to a more efficient and sustainable use of phosphorus in pastures.

The evolution and ecology of psilocybin in nature

Fungi produce diverse metabolites that can have antimicrobial, antifungal, antifeedant, or psychoactive properties. Among these metabolites are the tryptamine-derived compounds psilocybin, its precursors, and natural derivatives (collectively referred to as psiloids), which have played significant roles in human society and culture. The high allocation of nitrogen to psiloids in mushrooms, along with evidence of convergent evolution and horizontal transfer of psilocybin genes, suggest they provide a selective benefit to some fungi. However, no precise ecological roles of psilocybin have been experimentally determined. The structural and functional similarities of psiloids to serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter in animals, suggest that they may enhance the fitness of fungi through interference with serotonergic processes. However, other ecological mechanisms of psiloids have been proposed. Here, we review the literature pertinent to psilocybin ecology and propose potential adaptive advantages psiloids may confer to fungi.

Tangerine, banana and pomegranate peels valorisation for sustainable environment: A review

Over the last decade the world has been generating a high quantity of tangerine peel waste (TPW), pomegranate peel waste (PPW) and banana peel waste (BPW). These peels have several economic benefits but there is mismanagement or inappropriate valorisation that could present risks to environment and public health. In the current review, we discussed the use of TPW, PPW and BPW directly for animal feed, soil fertilization, specific compost production and bio-adsorbent. We also discussed the valorisation of these peels for manufacturing the value-added products including enzymes, essential oil and other products that can be used in human food, in medical and cosmetic industry. Additionally, recent studies concerning the valorisation of these peels by biorefinery for bioethanol, biogas and biohydrogen production have been discussed. In the same context some other recent studies about valorisation of microorganisms isolated from these peels for medical, agronomic and industrial interests have been also discussed.

Physiological and Biochemical Behaviors of Date Palm Vitroplants Treated with Microbial Consortia and Compost in Response to Salt Stress

The main challenge of the agricultural sector is to develop new ecological technologies that increase the yields and the tolerance of crops to abiotic constraints, especially in arid areas. The objective of this study was to test the potential roles of biofertilizers, namely, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), a native AMF consortium (AMF1) and an exotic AMF strain (AMF2); plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR); and compost (comp), applied separately or in combination, in improving the tolerance of date palm vitroplants to salt stress. Plants were grown under non-stressed (0 mM NaCl) or stressed conditions (120 and 240 mM NaCl). Salt stress negatively affected growth and physiological parameters. However, biofertilizers used alone or in combination increased these traits in either the presence or absence of salinity. The two tripartite combinations PGPR+AMF1+Comp and PGPR+AMF2+Comp efficiently increased plant height compared to the controls, with respective enhancements of 47% and 48% under non-stressed conditions (0 mM), 44% and 43% under 120 mM NaCl and 42% and 41% under 240 mM NaCl. Moreover, under 240 mM NaCl level, the PGPR, AMF1+Comp and PGPR+AMF1+Comp treatments improved the shoot dry weight by 128%, 122% and 113% respectively compared to the stressed control plants submitted to 240 mM NaCl. The tripartite combinations PGPR+AMF1/AMF2+Comp improved salt stress tolerance of plants by increasing plant growth, accumulation of osmotic adjustment compounds and antioxidant enzyme activity compared to control plants and the other treatments.

Comparison of the effects of different maturity composts on soil nutrient, plant growth and heavy metal mobility in the contaminated soil

Numerous studies on the remediation of metal-contaminated soil by compost focus on the remediation efficiency of compost, however, they have not delved into the issue of nutrients and metal speciation. In this study, the application of municipal solid wastes primary compost (MSW-C), secondary compost (MSW-SC) and the aging compost (MSW-AC) has been conducted in heavy metal contaminated soil remediation. Eight different treatments were carried out to compare the effect of three different maturity composts and their addition ratio (i.e. 0, 25%, 50%) on the changes of physical properties, nutrient content and metal morphology distribution of soil. The enhancement of Sedum aizoon growth was also compared. The results showed that the treatments applied with composts increased the nutrient, organic carbon and the cation exchange capacity. In overall, the most effective treatment method was to use MSW-AC to improve soil physicochemical properties and reduce the heavy metals immobilization, and the addition of 25% MSW-AC showed significant promotion on plant biomass accumulation and root growth. The ability of compost to improve the conditions of the contaminated soil and increase the plant stress resistance was demonstrated by analyzing the root membrane lipid peroxidation, which was lower in the soil treatments with compost, especially with MSW-AC. Based on the compost maturity indexes, soil properties, and efficiency of metal activity reduction, the treatment of 25% MSW-AC is suggested for efficient soil remediation.

Assessing the performance of different irrigation systems on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in the greenhouse

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is a very important leafy vegetable in China and is commonly grown using furrow irrigation. In order to improve production efficiency, greenhouse experiments were conducted at Experimental Station, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China using furrow irrigation (FI), micro-sprinkler irrigation (MS), plastic film mulching irrigation (PF) and a combined plastic film mulching-micro-sprinkler irrigation system (PF+MS) to study their effects on soil physical characteristics, water distribution, root morpho-physiological traits, nutrition absorption, lettuce yield and water use efficiency for a spring crop and autumn crop in 2015 (Fig 1). Root length, root surface area, and root density were significantly higher under PF and PF+MS than under FI. Moreover, these traits were higher under MS than under FI but these differences were not significant. The soluble protein, soluble sugar, and Vitamin C content of lettuce decreased in the order PF+MS > PF > MS > FI in both crops. In the spring crop, the biological yield of MS, PF, and PF+MS was 7.22%、36.77%、43.20% higher than FI, respectively. In the spring crop, biological water use efficiency (BWUE) of FI, MS, PF and PF+MS was 20.93, 25.24, 36.81 and 38.54 kg m-3, respectively. The BWUE of MS, PF, and PF+MS was 20.59%, 75.87% and 84.14% higher than FI. Economic water use efficiency (EWUE) of FI, MS, PF and PF+MS was 17.06, 21.31, 31.11 and 32.31 kg m-3, respectively. The EWUE of MS, PF, and PF+MS was 24.91%, 82.36% and 89.39% higher than FI, respectively. The autumn crop achieved a higher WUE than the spring crop. The results suggested that the combined plastic film mulching-micro-sprinkler irrigation was the most suitable irrigation approach for increasing lettuce yield.

Heavy-metal speciation redistribution in solid phase and potential environmental risk assessment during the conversion of MSW incineration fly ash into molten slag

The alkalinity (AK_ash), BCR sequential extraction method, and principle component analysis (PCA) were adopted to investigate the heavy-metal partitioning and their speciation redistribution in solid phase in ash-melting process. The results indicated that the conversion of Zn-OXI (oxidisable fraction) into Zn-RES (residual fraction) and the decomposition of Cu-OXI fraction were prevailing in solid-phase reaction. Moreover, the alkalinity reduction from AK_ash = 2.0 to AK_ash = 1.2 had positive implications for the concentration reduction of As-RED (reducible fraction), Zn-RED, and Pb-RES fractions in slags. The modified synthesis toxicity index (STI_M) calculation model was introduced to investigate the potential ecological risk (PEI) of heavy metals in the recycling and utilization of molten slag. Based on STI_M calculation model, PEI of heavy metal in hazardous materials was classified into five ranks, such as serious pollution (STI_M > 462), heavy pollution (330 < STI_M < 462), moderate pollution (132 < STI_M < 330), mild pollution (0 < STI_M < 132), and no pollution (STI_M = 0). The molten slags produced from fly ash can be directly reused as building materials like freestone and ceramics due to the mild PEI.

Conjunctive and mineralization impact of municipal solid waste compost and inorganic fertilizer on lysimeter and pot studies

Objectives of the present study were to investigate the physico-chemical properties of municipal solid waste (MSW)-enriched compost and its effect on nutrient mineralization and subsequent plant growth. The enrichment of MSW compost by inorganic salts enhanced the humification rate and reduced the carbon nitrogen (C/N) ratio in less time than control compost. The chemical properties of compost, C/N ratio, humic acid, fulvic acid, degree of polymerization and humification index revealed the significant correlation amid properties. A laboratory-scale experiment evaluated the conjunctive effect of MSW compost and inorganic fertilizer on tomato plants in a pot experiment. In the pot experiment five treatments, Inorganic fertilizer (T1), enriched compost (T2), enriched compost 80% + 20% inorganic fertilizer (T3), enriched compost 60% + 40% inorganic fertilizer (T4) were defined including control (Ts), applied at the rate of 110 kg-N/ha and results revealed that all treatments significantly enhanced horticultural production of tomato plant; however T4 was most effectual as compared with control, T1, T2 and T3. Augmentation in organic matter and available phosphorus (P) potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) were also observed in compost treatments. The leachability and phytoavailability of phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and nitrogen (N) from sandy soil, amended with enriched, control compost and inorganic fertilizer at rates of 200, 400 and 600 kg-N/ha were evaluated in a lysimeter study. Results illustrated that concentration of mineral nitrogen was elevated in the leachate of inorganic fertilizer than enriched and control composts; therefore compost fortifies soil with utmost nutrients for plants' growth.

An evaluation of aerobic and anaerobic composting of banana peels treated with different inoculums for soil nutrient replenishment

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of aerobic and anaerobic composting of inoculated banana peels, and assess the agronomic value of banana peel-based compost. Changes in the chemical composition under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were examined for four formulations of banana peel-based wastes over a period of 12 weeks. The formulations i.e. plain banana peel (B), and a mixture with either cow dung (BC), poultry litter (BP) or earthworm (BE) were separately composted under aerobic and anaerobic conditions under laboratory conditions. Inoculation with either cow dung or poultry litter significantly facilitated mineralization in the order: BP>BC>B. The rate of decomposition was significantly faster under aerobic than in anaerobic composting conditions. The final composts contained high K (>100 g kg(-1)) and TN (>2%), indicating high potential as a source of K and N fertilizer.

Composting of waste paint sludge containing melamine resin and the compost's effect on vegetable growth and soil water quality

Melamine resin (MR) is introduced to the environment from many industrial effluents, including waste paint sludge (WPS) from the automobile industry. Melamine resin contains a high nitrogen (N) content and is a potential N source during composting. In this study, two carbon sources, waste paper (WP) and plant residue (PR), were used to study their effects on composting of WPS. Additional work tested the WPS-composts effects on plant growth and soil water quality. After 84 days of composting, 85% and 54% of the initial MR was degraded in WP- and PR-composts, respectively. The limiting factor was that the MR created clumps during composting so that decomposition was slowed. Compared to the untreated control, both WP- and PR-composts increased growth of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), radish (Raphanus sativus) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Concentrations of trace elements in plants and soil water did not rise to a level that would preclude WPS-composts from being used as a soil amendment.

Composting of waste paint sludge containing melamine resin as affected by nutrients and gypsum addition and microbial inoculation

Melamine formaldehyde resins have hard and durable properties and are found in many products, including automobile paints. These resins contain high concentrations of nitrogen and, if properly composted, can yield valuable products. We evaluated the effects of starter compost, nutrients, gypsum and microbial inoculation on composting of paint sludge containing melamine resin. A bench-scale composting experiment was conducted at 55 °C for 91 days and then at 30 °C for an additional 56 days. After 91 days, the composts were inoculated with a mixed population of melamine-degrading microorganisms. Melamine resin degradation after the entire 147 days of composting varied between 73 and 95% for the treatments with inoculation of microorganisms compared to 55-74% for the treatments without inoculation. Degradation was also enhanced by nutrients and gypsum additions. Our results infer that large scale composting of melamine resins in paint sludge is possible.

Effect of organic wastes on the plant-microbe remediation for removal of aged PAHs in soils

The effectiveness of in-situ bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) may be inhibited by low nutrients and organic carbon. To evaluate the effect of organic wastes on the PAHs removal efficiency of a plant-microbe remediation system, contaminated agricultural soils were amended with different dosages of sewage sludge (SS) and cattle manure (CM) in the presence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and PAHs-degraders (Bacillus sp. and Flavobacterium sp.). The results indicated that the alfalfa mean biomasses varied from 0.56 to 2.23 g/pot in root dry weight and from 1.80 to 4.88 g/pot in shoot dry weight. Low dose amendments, with rates of SS at 0.1% and CM at 1%, had prominent effects on plant growth and soil PAHs degradation. After 60-day incubation, compared with about 5.6% in the control, 25.8% PAHs removal was observed for treatments in the presence of alfalfa and PAHs-degraders; furthermore, when amended with different dosages of SS and CM, the removed PAHs from soils increased by 35.5%-44.9% and 25.5%-42.3%, respectively. In particular, the degradation of high-molecular-weight PAHs was up to 42.4%. Dehydrogenase activities (DH) ranged between 0.41 and 1.83 microg triphenylformazan/(g dry soil x hr) and the numbers of PAHs-degrading microbes (PDM) ranged from 1.14 x 10(6) to 16.6 x 10(6) most-probable-number/g dry soil. Further investigation of the underlying microbial mechanism revealed that both DH and PDM were stimulated by the addition of organic wastes and significantly correlated with the removal ratio of PAHs. In conclusion, the effect of organic waste application on soil PAHs removal to a great extent is dependent on the interactional effect of nutrients and dissolved organic matter in organic waste and soil microorganisms.

Vanadium uptake by alfalfa grown in V-Cd-contaminated soil by pot experiment

In order to characterize uptake of vanadium in alfalfa grown in vanadium-cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil, 104 soil samples and 94 plant samples were collected from pot experiment. The results showed alfalfa had strong metal adaptability (up to 400 mg kg(-1)) and high accumulation (up to 3,440.14 mg kg(-1)) of vanadium. Root had higher contents and better absorption to vanadium than overground part. Moreover, both root and overground part had direct correlation with vanadium in soil, especially with the sum of first three fractions and reducible fraction. With the increasing of vanadium, higher concentration of Cd may inhibit the absorption of vanadium in alfalfa.

Inventory of heavy metal content in organic waste applied as fertilizer in agriculture: evaluating the risk of transfer into the food chain

BACKGROUND, AIM, AND SCOPE

In this work, an environmental risk assessment of reusing organic waste of differing origins and raw materials as agricultural fertilizers was carried out. An inventory of the heavy metal content in different organic wastes (i.e., compost, sludge, or manure) from more than 80 studies at different locations worldwide is presented.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The risk analysis was developed by considering the heavy metal (primarily Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) concentrations in different organic residues to assess their potential environmental accumulation and biotransfer to the food chain and humans. A multi-compartment model was used to estimate the fate and distribution of metals in different environmental compartments, and a multi-pathway model was used to predict human exposure.

RESULTS

The obtained hazard index for each waste was concerning in many cases, especially in the sludge samples that yielded an average value of 0.64. Among the metals, Zn was the main contributor to total risk in all organic wastes due to its high concentration in the residues and high biotransfer potential. Other more toxic metals, like Cd or Pb, represented a negligible contribution.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the Zn content in organic waste should be reduced or more heavily regulated to guarantee the safe management and reuse of waste residues according to the current policies promoted by the European Union.

Combined mild soil washing and compost-assisted phytoremediation in treatment of silt loams contaminated with copper, nickel, and chromium

A new soil remediation option, combining the soil washing process using pure water followed by the compost-assisted phytoextraction, is evaluated using silt loams contaminated with plating wastewater containing Cu, Ni, and Cr. Plants utilized in this study are the rapeseeds, sunflowers, tomatoes, and soapworts. Phytoextraction operation was carried out in pot experiments over a period of 4 months. Metal concentrations in roots and shoots of plants were analyzed upon completion of each pot experiment. Hypothesis testing was employed in assessing the significance of difference in the experimental data. Results indicated that the rapeseed, a hyperaccumulator, is most effective in extracting metals from the compost-amended silt loams. The fast-growing sunflowers and tomatoes are comparable to rapeseeds in accumulating metals despite their relatively low metal concentrations in tissues. Bioaccumulation coefficients obtained for all plants are less than one, indicating that phytostabilization rather than phytoextraction is the dominant mechanism at this simulated final-phase condition.

Transfer of heavy metals from compost to red soil and groundwater under simulated rainfall conditions

It is well known that compost can be polluted with heavy metals. A self-designed soil column system was used to clarify the leaching or residue of heavy metals when compost was added to red soil. Less than 4% of Cu and more than 58.3% of Zn were transferred to groundwater. Maximum concentrations of Cu and Zn in leachate were 22 and 246 microg/L, respectively. pH in leachate decreased during 6.75-11.25 h, comparing with the control. Electrical conductivity was higher in the treatment of compost polluted by both Cu and Zn than that polluted only by Cu. Over 75.3% of Cu and 78.2% of Zn remained in the residual formation. Maximum bioavailability parameters in soil were 0.099 for Cu and 0.160 for Zn. Long-term field experiments with cycling application are needed to study the cycling effect on heavy metal residue in soil or leaching to the groundwater in the future.

Use of dewatered municipal sludge on Canna growth in pot experiments with a barren clay soil

The present study evaluated the possibility of using the dewatered municipal sludge for non-agricultural purposes. The sludge was amended with soil and was applied at 0, 165, 330, 495 and 660 t/ha to promote the growth of Canna. The results showed that the Canna growth pattern exhibited a pronounced positive growth response in the range of 165-495 t/ha, and the Canna could not survive at an amendment rate of 660 t/ha. The analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters showed that sludge did no harm to Canna, while under the conditions of barren soil alone, the plants were put into nutrients stress conditions. Due to the application of sludge, the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni) in soil increased. However, by planting of Canna, contents of Cd, Ni and Zn showed trends of decline; Cd and Ni have shown a significant decline in concentration, while Zn had only limit response. As a result, dewatered sludge might be used to amend the barren soil and Canna could be used for phytoremediation of sludge.