Effect of Phytoremediated Port Sediment as an Agricultural Medium for Pomegranate Cultivation: Mobility of Contaminants in the Plant

Abstract

Although the dredging of ports is a necessary management activity, it generates immense quantities of sediments, that are defined by the European Union as residues. On the other hand, the relevant peat demand for plant cultivation compromises its availability worldwide. In this context, the present work wanted to find an alternative substrate in order to replace and/or reduce the use of peat in agriculture, through the study of the suitability, concerning the exchange of substrate–plant–water pollutants, of the dredged remediated sediments as a fruit-growing media. Forty-five pomegranate trees (Punica granatum L. cv “Purple Queen”) were cultivated in three types of substrates (100% peat as a control, 100% dredged remediated sediments and 50% both mixed). The metal ion content and pesticide residues were analysed in the different plant parts (root, stem, leaves and fruits) and in drainage water. The results showed a limited transfer of pollutants. All the pollutants were below the legal limits, confirming that the dredged sediments could be used as a growing media, alone or mixed with other substrates. Thus, the results point out the need to open a European debate on the reuse and reconsideration of this residue from a circular economy point of view.

Treated sediment as substrate component of three containerized ornamental species: effects on marketable and qualitative traits

“…A positive effect of the TS was evidenced on calla lily, notoriously known as a water demanding species. In fact, due to its clayey silt composition, the sediment can increase water retention capacity when added to traditional soilless growing media, although the effect appears to depend primarily on the amount of sediment added to the medium (MartínezNicolás et al, 2021). In our study, both tested sedimentbased mixtures allowed a copious blooming, while a 30% water reduction determined a highly significant decrease in flower production.…”

Physico-Chemical Attributes of Lemon Fruits as Affected by Growing Substrate and Rootstock

“…The area presented high insolation, with approximately 3000 h of sunshine per year. The highest sunshine percentage was registered during the summer months (more than 352 h in July) and the lowest in December and January [ 29 ].…”

Recent Progress on Ex Situ Remediation Technology and Resource Utilization for Heavy Metal Contaminated Sediment

“…Tozzi et al [ 159 ] applied remediated marine sediment as a growing medium for lettuce production; results showed that the plants were rich in minerals, organic acids, and antioxidant, but no symptoms of phytotoxicity were found. Martínez-Nicolás et al [ 160 ] used port sediment as an agricultural medium for pomegranate cultivation, confirming that transfer of pollutants is limited and dredged sediments could be applied for agricultural activities. However, their applications were restricted due to the common pollutants (heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons).…”