Heavy Metal of Pb and Zn Elements in Mine Wastes by Zeolite and Triple Super Phosphate and their Impacts on Wheat Growth

Abstract

Abstract Heavy metal pollution in soil and environment can be reduced by their immobilization. The effects of chemical amendments as zeolite with three levels, 0 (Z1), 5% (Z2) and 10% (Z3) and triple super phosphate with three levels, 0 (P1), 0.25% (P2) and 0.5% (P3) on mine wastes collected and uptake of Pb and Zn by plant and wheat growth were determined. The mine waste was from Bama mine around Esfahan with very high total concentration of Pb (2300 mg kg-1) and Zn (16500 mg kg-1). Dry weight and concentrations of Pb and Zn by wheat in amended soils were studied under greenhouse conditions. Result showed that the application of amendments zeolite and phosphorous decreased Pb concentration in above ground plant biomass and Pb concentration was increased in wheat root. The interaction effect of zeolite and phosphorous on Pb concentration in above ground plant biomass and root was not significant. But in case of Zn element, only phosphorous amendment resulted in concentration reduction in above ground plant biomass and increased concentration in wheat root. The interaction effect of zeolite and phosphorous on Zn concentration reduction of above ground plant biomass and increase in Zn concentration of root were not significant. Moreover, wheat growth in the treated mine waste was superior to its growth in untreated mine waste. Zeolite did not show any effect on wheat growth. However, the interaction effects of zeolite and phosphorous on increasing of wheat above ground and root dry weight were significant. Keywords: Soil pollution, Heavy metals, Chemical amendments, Immobilization