Exploring the effects of B10 biodiesel contamination on Canavalia ensiformis growth and nutrition in artificially contaminated soil

Abstract

Soil contamination caused by fossil fuels and biofuels can alter the chemical and physical properties of soil, limiting its use for agricultural, residential, and recreational purposes. Phytoremediation offers a cost‐effective and manageable solution to mitigate these environmental impacts that can be applied to large areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) growth and nutrition during the remediation of B10 biodiesel in artificially contaminated soil. The experimental design was fully randomized, with four replications and three contamination levels with B10, 0%, 1%, and 2% vol/wt, evaluated over 20, 40, and 60 days after sowing. Plant growth was assessed: shoot and root dry biomass, height, number of leaves, leaf area, and plant nutrition: macro‐ and micronutrient vegetable tissue. Dry biomass of shoots and roots, plant height, the number of leaves, and the leaf area decreased significantly in inverse proportion to the level of contamination. Twenty days after sowing, C. ensiformis growing in B10‐contaminated soil reduced the nitrogen and potassium concentrations, while phosphorus and sulfur increased, and calcium and magnesium remained unaffected. However, all except potassium tended to equilibrium after 60 days of sowing. Regarding micronutrients, manganese increased after 20 days of sowing, while iron decreased, and copper and zinc remained unchanged. Despite its growth and nutrition limitations, C. ensiformis is a viable option for phytoremediation in areas contaminated with hydrocarbons. Its nitrogen absorption capacity makes it an ideal natural fertilizer for the remediation of fuel‐contaminated soils.