Abstract

ROBLEDO- SANTOYO et al. Soluble salts and heavy metals in biosolids-treated soile. Rev. Chapingo ser. cienc. for. ambient [online]. 2010, vol.16, n.2, pp.241-251. ISSN 2007-4018.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchscfa.2010.04.021.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) generate tons of sewage sludge or biosolids daily, which can have an agricultural use as a nutrient source and soil conditioner, although they can also be a source of pollution by heavy metals and soluble salts. This study evaluated, in soil representative of the WWTP area of influence in the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico, the application of biosolids and the effect of their heavy metals and soluble salts content on soil and ryegrass plants, in order to establish their agricultural use without potential degradation and soil-plant pollution risks. The biosolids and soils studied were chemically characterized. Biosolids had slightly acidic pH, high soluble salts content and heavy metals concentration within permissible maximum limits set by NOM-004-SEMARNAT-2002, meaning they can heavy metals concentrations, but soluble salts content did increase, and at doses higher than 80 t·ha^-1 levels were reached that can reduce most crop yields.

Keywords : pollution; degradation; wastewater treatment plants.

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