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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Compost maturity; Heavy metal; Nutrients; Sedum aizoon; Soil remediation.