The potential of biosolid application for the phytostabilisation of metals

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of a biosolid originated from food industry for land remediation as well as the influence of soil heavy metal bioavailability on the Pb, Zn and Cd stabilisation/removal potential of five grass species to assess their potential use as phytoremediation agents. A column device assessment was conducted using contaminated soil from a site surrounding the zinc smelter. The application of sewage sludge from food industry decreased the bioavailability of metals (particularly of Pb and Cd). The shoot biomass of the investigated plant species increased in the following order: Festuca rubra L. < Dactylis glomerata L. < Lolium perenne L. < Lolium westerwoldicum L. < Festuca arundinacea Schreb. An analysis of the biomass confirmed that used amendment promoted plant growth and significantly increased plant yield. A significant decrease in the metals’ uptake in plants was achieved, reflecting a decrease in bioavailability and stabilisation of heavy metals in the soil. Thus, the investigated grass species and biosolid from food industry can be used to induce the phytostabilisation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.