Abstract

The objectives of this thesis was to investigate if the plant Brassica juncea (Indian mustard) was able to extract more bioavailable toxic metals (principally nickel) from the metal and oil contaminated soil compared to Trifolium repens (Clover) and Lolium perenne (Ryegrass) and to evaluate the effects of agronomic practices (e.g. fertilizer and soil pH) on the metal uptake by the plants. The study was carried out in a pot experiment at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. The soil used was from Elf Oil Refinery in Milford Haven. There was no significant difference in metal (Zn and Ni) uptake between the three plants species. The average Zn concentration was between 35-67 mg/kg (dry weight) and 10-18 mg/kg (dry weight) of Ni according to Figure 4. The average reduction with nutrients was over 30% in both Zn and Ni concentrations in the plants. Ryegrass indicated a higher response to nutrient treatment and a more uniform uptake of Zn and Ni compared to Indian mustard and Clover. Results show that the concentrations of both Zn and Ni, with high significance (PKeywords soil remediation; bioavailable metals; Brassica juncea; Trifolium repens; Lolium perenne

Published in

Avdelningsmeddelande / Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Institutionen för markvetenskap, Avdelningen för lantbrukets hydroteknik
2001, number: 01:1
Publisher: Institutionen för markvetenskap, Avdelningen för lantbrukets hydroteknik, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet

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