Journal article
Phytoextraction of heavy metals by willows growing in biosolids under field conditions
WS Laidlaw, SK Arndt, TT Huynh, D Gregory, AJM Baker
Journal of Environmental Quality | Published : 2012
DOI: 10.2134/jeq2011.0241
Abstract
Biosolids produced by sewage treatment facilities can exceed guideline thresholds for contaminant elements. Phytoextraction is one technique with the potential to reduce these elements allowing reuse of the biosolids as a soil amendment. In this field trial, cuttings of seven species/cultivars of Salix (willows) were planted directly into soil and into biosolids to identify their suitability for decontaminating biosolids. Trees were irrigated and harvested each year for three consecutive years. Harvested biomass was weighed and analyzed for the contaminant elements: As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Ni, and Zn. All Salix cultivars, except S. chilensis, growing in soils produced 10 to 20 t ha -1 of bio..
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Awarded by University of Melbourne
Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
This project was funded by the Australian Research Council Linkage Program in partnership with the Melbourne Water Corporation and the University of Melbourne (LP0560294 and LP0883573). We would like to thank Environmental Earth Sciences International, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, and the late Kurt Cremer for generously providing the initial cuttings of the Salix species used. Big thanks to Kevin Gillett, our "go-to" person at WTP, for organizing the preparation, infrastructure, and maintenance at the field site. Thanks also to Kerryn Popa, Cristina Lomonte, Rob Piccinin, Victor Kabay, Yaodong Wang, Steve Elefteriadis, Corina Urquhart, Patsy Martin, Chang Lee, Xen Antoniou, Linda Odgers, and Dan Banfai who helped with planting, weeding, watering, or harvesting the willows.