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Heavy Metal Content in Tomatoes Grown in Soils with Biosolids

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HEAVY METAL NUTRIENTS IN TOMATO PLANTS CULTIVATED IN SOIL AMENDED WITH BIOSOLID COMPOSTS1
Authors:   W.J. Melo, A.A.D. Cintra, M.D. Revoredo, L.T. Braz
Keywords:   Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Cu, Mn, Zn, composting process, waste
DOI:   10.17660/ActaHortic.2003.627.26

Abstract:
The use of biosolids in horticulture could contribute to recycle residues produced by men. This study analyzed concentrations of Cu, Mn and Zn in the compost during fermentation, in the soil amended with the composts and in the tomato plant materials. Five composts were produced using sugar-cane bagasse, biosolid and cattle manure in the proportions: 75-0-25; 75-12.5-12.5; 75-25-0; 50-50-0 and 0-100-0 (composts with 0; 12.5; 25; 50 and 100% biosolid), respectively. These composts were used in an experiment with 6 treatments (the 5 composts and a control with mineral fertilization) in a design of randomized blocks with a split plot design. The control and the treatment of 0% biosolid received inorganic nitrogen. All the treatments received the same amount of N, P and K. Two tomato plants were cultivated in each 24 L pot, in a greenhouse at the Technology Department of the Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias of the Universidade Estadual Paulista in Jaboticabal County, São Paulo State, Brazil. The concentrations of Cu, Mn and Zn were evaluated in the compost 7, 27, 57, 97 and 127 days after composting began, in the soil 0 and 164 days after the compost applied, and in the plants. Compost, soil and plant samples were subjected to digestion with HNO3, H2O2 and HCl and the metals were determined by AAS. There were positive and significant correlations between Mn in the compost and Mn uptake by the plant (0.46 p>0.05), and between Zn in the compost and Zn concentration in the plant (0.78 p>0.05). Cu, Mn and Zn concentrations increased during composting. The biosolid in the compost supplied Cu and Zn to tomato plants, and the cattle manure supplied Mn to the plants.

Note: 

There is much discussion in horticulture regarding heavy metals in soils and in plants. What are heavy metals? In the periodic table of elements, heavy metals are those elements identified as metals that have a high atomic weight. 

Heavy metals include those that are considered toxic to us and other animals, as well as metals which are nutrients. In the research below, only heavy metals which are considered plant nutrients (at low concentrations) are taken into consideration. Copper = Cu, manganese = Mn, zinc = Zn are plant and animal nutrients at lower concentrations such as reported here. In this report, the heavy metals that were plant nutrients and use of biosolids was considered a “good” thing.

2 thoughts on “Heavy Metal Content in Tomatoes Grown in Soils with Biosolids”

  1. Roger Smith

    If I remember correctly, a controversy arose years ago over findings that a popular bagged material had lead, cadmium and other industrial materials in it. The product was then deemed fine for your non edible garden but not one with vegetables.
    Milorganite? Is this the name? Darn. I can't recall the product. It is popular still but with a caveat.

    Reply
  2. Xtremehort

    Was that Ironite? That was made from mine tailings. All the biosolids compost…Milorganite is one…is regulated for heavy metal content by the EPA. By federal regulation compost made from biosolids must be under certain levels for most of the major heavy metals.

    Reply

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