Journal of Ecology and Toxicology
Open Access

EFFECTS OF USING TANNERY SLUDGE ON SOIL PROPERTIES AND HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN SOME VEGETABLES GROWN IN AMENDED SOILS

Tannery sludge waste is currently being used by many
farmers for cultivation of vegetables on large scale for
human consumption. The study investigated the effect
of tannery sludge on some soil properties and levels of
the metals in AmaranthushybridusandCorchorusolitoriusgrown
on the tannery amended soil. Heavy metals were
analyzed in the harvested vegetable tissues using Atomic
Absorption Spectrophotometer. The result showed the
soil pH, organic matter content and conductivity of the
amended soils increased significantly (P < 0.05) compared
to the controls. It also revealed higher concentration ranges
(13.80 – 17.50mg/kg) of nickel in the leave, lead (50.10
– 83.80mg/kg) andCadmium (1.00 – 3.80mg/kg) in the
root ofCorchorusolitorius. While higher concentration
of chromium (1453.50mg/kg)was observed inAmaranthushybridus
root. The concentrations, exceptnickel in
the edible tissues (stem and leave) were above the FAO/
WHO recommended safe limits. The Transfer Factor for
all the metals except Ni, revealed theenormous potential
of the vegetables for phytoextraction.Hence, stringent
guidelines set for tannery sludge applications on agricultural
land should be totally enforced.

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