Effect of organic fertiliser on plant growth and heavy metals Cd(II), Pb(II) translocation in plants

Abstract

Organic fertiliser produced by waste paper and its influence on plant growth and heavy metal uptake by plants were investigated in this study. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of the fertiliser showed that it contained many syringy units and carboxyl groups. The root tolerance index and transport factor of plants for Pb(II) and Cd(II) were analysed. Pb(II) and Cd(II) inhibited the growth of plant roots. The contents of the Pb(II) and Cd(II) in plant roots and shoots were measured. Results showed that the Pb(II) and Cd(II) contents in root were significantly higher than aerial part. The use of fertilisers promoted the uptake of Pb(II) and Cd(II) by plant root. The inhibition of plant growth by Pb(II) and Cd(II) did not change significantly with increasing fertiliser concentrations. However, the application of fertiliser promoted the growth of plant aerial part. Results indicated that fertiliser made of waste paper may be used as a soil modifier in heavy-metal contaminated soil. 60S. Chen et al.