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Trace Element Concentrations in Soil, Corn Leaves, and Grain after Cessation of Biosolids Applications
Author(s) -
Granato Thomas C.,
Pietz Richard I.,
Knafl George J.,
Carlson Carl R.,
Tata Prakasam,
LueHing Cecil
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of environmental quality
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1537-2537
pISSN - 0047-2425
DOI - 10.2134/jeq2004.2078
Subject(s) - biosolids , zoology , chemistry , wheat grain , soil water , metal , cadmium , environmental chemistry , agronomy , amendment , environmental engineering , biology , environmental science , ecology , organic chemistry , political science , law
From 1974 to 1984, 543 Mg ha −1 of biosolids were applied to portions of a land‐reclamation site in Fulton County, IL. Soil organic C increased to 5.1% then decreased significantly ( p < 0.01) to 3.8% following cessation of biosolids applications (1985–1997). Metal concentrations in amended soils (1995–1997) were not significantly different ( p > 0.05) (Ni and Zn) or were significantly lower ( p < 0.05) (6.4% for Cd and 8.4% for Cu) than concentrations from 1985–1987. For the same biosolids‐amended fields, metal concentrations in corn ( Zea mays L.) either remained the same ( p > 0.05, grain Cu and Zn) or decreased ( p < 0.05, grain Cd and Ni, leaf Cd, Cu, Ni, Zn) for plants grown in 1995–1997 compared with plants grown immediately following termination of biosolids applications (1985–1987). Biosolids application increased ( p < 0.05) Cd and Zn concentrations in grain compared with unamended fields (0.01 to 0.10 mg kg −1 for Cd and 23 to 28 mg kg −1 for Zn) but had no effect ( p > 0.05) on grain Ni concentrations. Biosolids reduced ( p < 0.05) Cu concentration in grain compared with grain from unamended fields (1.9 to 1.5 mg kg −1 ). Biosolids increased ( p < 0.05) Cd, Ni, and Zn concentrations in leaves compared with unamended fields (0.3 to 5.6 mg kg −1 for Cd, 0.2 to 0.5 mg kg −1 for Ni, and 32 to 87 mg kg −1 for Zn), but had no significant effect ( p > 0.05) on leaf Cu concentrations. Based on results from this field study, USEPA's Part 503 risk model overpredicted transfer of these metals from biosolids‐amended soil to corn.