Effect of Cadmium- and Zinc-treated Sludge on Yield and Cadmium-Zinc Uptake of Corn
1986
Sikora, F. J. | Wolt, Jeff
Sludge obtained from a regional wastewater treatment plant in Tennessee was factorially treated with four levels each of Cd and Zn and applied to Statler sandy loam surface soil (Humic Hapludults) sown to corn (Zea mays L.) in a greenhouse experiment. The highest Cd and Zn additions (75.1 and 759 mg kg⁻¹) soil, respectively, resulted in dry weight decreases of 19 and 25%, respectively, for corn tops and 47 and 56%, respectively, for corn roots. The 19% dry weight reduction at a Cd addition of 75.1 mg kg⁻¹ soil was considerably less than values found in the literature. This comparatively modest dry weight reduction was attributed to a lower Cd availability due to Cd precipitation or binding in the sludge. Zinc effectively competed with Cd for uptake as evidenced by a decrease in Cd content of roots with increased Zn additions. On the contrary, Cd content of tops was not consistently decreased with increased Zn application. An increase in the Zn levels of sludge was also found to increase the solubility of Cd in the sludge and soil.
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