Natural Zeolite Reduces Salinity and Heavy Metal Availability of Compost Produced from Sewage Sludge-rose Residue Mixture

作者：Koushafar Mohammad^*; Khoshgoftarmanesh Amir Hossein; Aghili Forough

来源：Journal of Residuals Science & Technology, 2011, 8(1): 9-14.

Despite positive effect from compost on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, its farm application may potentially increase salinity and heavy metals' content in soils. The aim of the study was to investigate effect of natural zeolite as an ingredient in reducing salinity and heavy metals' availability in compost. Four rates of natural zeolite were added to the sewage sludge-rose residue mixture and thoroughly mixed. Salinity level in the final compost produced was decreased while increasing the amount of natural zeolite used. Addition of 5, 10, and 15% zeolite resulted in 11.1, 25.9, and 42.6% reduction of salinity level. Addition of zeolite proportional to the applied rate significantly decreased zinc, iron, copper, and cadmium concentrations in the produced compost. Results suggest addition of zeolite to the sewage sludge-rose residue mixture could effectively improve applicability of the end product from the composting process on agricultural lands by reducing its salinity and heavy metals availability.

• 出版日期2011-1