Study of Lead Toxicity Mitigation in Soil in the Presence of Organic Matter

Soil contamination with lead (Pb) has become a common problem in many farmlands and natural ecosystems as well. Thus, the contamination of food produced in those farms has become a serious concern. For the study, twenty-four permanent plots were chose in the forested area. Three treatments, addition of compost, mycorrhizae, compost with mycorrhizae, and a control used. The indicator plant that used to identify the response to soil Pb, was Anthemis Anthemis. Treatments applied to 5 randomly selected Anthemis Anthemis of approximately 0.5m height residing in each plot. Soluble soil Pb and soil organic matter (SOM) compared using soil samples collected at 0.20m depth level. Soil samples collected three times. Foliar samples from “treated” plants analyzed for Pb. During the experimental period, the selected samples closely monitored and changes in health were duly recorded. Effect of standard compost and mycorrhizae on protecting samples from stressful conditions was significant (p<0.001). The results from soil and foliar analysis revealed the status of Pb contamination during rain, which appears to have links with the death of Anthemis Anthemis plants. Positive correlations between soil Pb and leaf Pb were significant (p=0.001). Soil amendment with compost and mycorrhizae reduced the Pb content below the threshold levels (p=<0.001). Application of compost and mycorrhizae appeared to be effective in reducing Pb toxicity in the soil. Soil improvement with standard compost and mycorrhizae appears to be effective in treating contaminated soils with Pb.

Golestan, soil contamination, lead, compost,