Incorporation of Mg-modified zeolite in municipal solid waste compost reduces heavy metal concentration in soil and corn plant
The research paper investigates the impact of incorporating magnesium-modified zeolite (CMZ) into municipal solid waste (MSW) compost to mitigate heavy metal contamination in soil and corn plants. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd) can accumulate in compost and subsequently contaminate soil and crops if not managed properly. The study involved a greenhouse experiment where different rates (5%, 10%, and 15%) of natural zeolite (CNZ) and Mg-modified zeolite (CMZ) were added to MSW compost.
Results indicated that both CNZ and CMZ significantly reduced the concentration of heavy metals in the compost and soil compared to zeolite-free compost. Specifically, the application of CMZ led to greater reductions in heavy metal concentrations in the roots, stalks, and leaves of corn plants, with decreases of up to 62% in the leaves. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) for Pb, Cu, Mn, and Ni were also reduced by 30% to 60% in corn plants treated with zeolite-amended compost. Furthermore, the dry shoot weight of corn was significantly higher in soils amended with zeolite compared to those without.
The study concludes that the use of Mg-modified zeolite in MSW compost not only decreases heavy metal concentrations in soil and plants but also enhances biomass production, making it a viable strategy for improving soil quality and crop safety in agricultural practices.
This research paper is significant in the field of environmental science and agricultural sustainability as it addresses the critical issue of heavy metal contamination in soils due to improper waste management. By demonstrating the effectiveness of Mg-modified zeolite in reducing heavy metal uptake in crops, the study contributes to ongoing discussions about sustainable waste management practices and soil remediation techniques. The findings offer practical benefits for farmers and policymakers by providing a method to enhance soil health and crop safety, thereby promoting food security and environmental protection.
