The influence of diatomite on the growth and development of Hordeum sativum on ordinary chernozem polluted with benzo[a]pyrene

Abstract

The effect of various doses of diatomite introduced into soil artificially contaminated by benzo[a]pyrene was analyzed. The negative effect of benzo[a]pyrene on the growth of barley (Hordeum sativum distichum) seedlings and reduction of toxic effect of polyarene on plants after implementation of diatomite as a sorbent into contaminated soil are shown. A significant increase (by 2–3 times) of the plant growth in contaminated soil with the addition of diatomite has been revealed. The introduction of 2.5% diatomite into contaminated soil had the significant positive effect on barley seedlings.