Growth and Nutrient Absorption of Plants on Industrial Waste

Jenn Hoskins
7th August, 2024

Growth and Nutrient Absorption of Plants on Industrial Waste

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study was conducted at Government College University to assess plant growth in soil mixed with industrial solid waste
  • Conocarpus erectus showed better growth and ion uptake compared to Dodonaea viscosa in industrial waste soil
  • Dodonaea viscosa struggled and died in higher waste concentrations, while Conocarpus erectus thrived, indicating its higher tolerance
Industrial solid waste (ISW) management is a critical environmental issue, especially in areas where waste disposal impacts soil quality and plant growth. A recent study conducted by researchers at Government College University aimed to assess the growth of two plant species, Conocarpus erectus (alien plant) and Dodonaea viscosa (indigenous), in different proportions of industrial solid waste mixed with garden soil[1]. This study is significant as it explores the potential use of these plants for restoring barren lands affected by industrial waste disposal. The researchers prepared soil mixtures with varying proportions of industrial waste and garden soil: 0% (T0), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 15% (T3), and 20% (T4). They then monitored growth parameters, physiological and anatomical changes, and ion uptake (Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+) in the shoot and root of the plants over four months. The results indicated that Conocarpus erectus exhibited better growth and ion uptake compared to Dodonaea viscosa. Specifically, by the fourth month, plant height in T1 increased by 24.5% for C. erectus and 46% for D. viscosa. However, D. viscosa showed a significant decrease in fresh and dry weights of the root and shoot in T1, T2, and T3, leading to plant death in T3 and T4 treatments. In contrast, C. erectus maintained consistent fresh and dry weights across treatments, suggesting its higher tolerance to ISW. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown the impact of industrial waste and salinity on plant growth and heavy metal uptake. For instance, a study on cucumber plants found that while ISWs increased heavy metal content in the soil, the addition of certain wastes like sugar factory waste (SFW) improved plant growth under saline conditions[2]. Similarly, the present study found that the optimum ratio for establishing D. viscosa plantations was 10:90 (waste to garden soil), while C. erectus thrived better in a 20:80 ratio, highlighting the potential of these plants in phytoremediation. The study also aligns with research on the effects of salinity and nutrient supply on plant physiology. For example, Eucalyptus grandis trees showed improved photosynthesis and growth with adequate potassium (K) and sodium (Na) supply in K-deficient soils[3]. This parallels the current findings where the ion uptake by C. erectus was more efficient, suggesting its ability to adapt to nutrient imbalances caused by ISWs. Furthermore, the research on barley plants demonstrated that supplemental calcium (Ca2+) could ameliorate the detrimental effects of salinity on root growth and ion acquisition[4]. This supports the current study's observation that appropriate soil mixtures can mitigate the adverse effects of ISWs on plant growth. In conclusion, the study by Government College University provides valuable insights into using Conocarpus erectus and Dodonaea viscosa for restoring industrially contaminated lands. The findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate plant species and soil mixtures to enhance growth and ion uptake, thereby contributing to sustainable industrial waste management and ecosystem restoration.

EnvironmentSustainabilityPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Assessment of growth, and ion uptake of plant species, Conocarpus erectus and Dodonaea viscosa, on industrial solid waste

Published 6th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05459-w

Related Studies

2) Impact of some industrial solid wastes on the growth and heavy metal uptake of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) under salinity stress.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.06.030

3) Photosynthetic and anatomical responses of Eucalyptus grandis leaves to potassium and sodium supply in a field experiment.

https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12131

4) Effect of calcium on root development and root ion fluxes in salinised barley seedlings.

https://doi.org/10.1071/FP03016


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